The polar vortex is wreaking havoc across Louisiana, and is suspected as the reason behind a Baton Rouge house fire that resulted in the death of an elderly couple Tuesday morning. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says his office has seen a substantial uptick in the number of fires…
Cut 6 (10) “related to weather.”
So far, investigators are attributing many of the fires to people taking big risks to keep their homes warm, so be cautious with portable space heaters.

It will feel a little warmer outside this afternon. Alek Krautman with the National Weather Service in Slidell says high temperatures will get into the low 40s…
cut 4 (07) “…night tonight”
Krautman says another hard freeze warning is in effect for tonight into tomorrow morning.

Louisiana Republican Party Chairman Roger Villere is blasting Governor John Bel Edwards for the options he’s presented towards solving a looming one-billion dollar budget deficit….
cut 11 (05) “…shortfall”
But Edwards says he’s asking the legislature to approve a revenue neutral plan that would reduce the state sales tax to four-cents, but remove sales tax exemptions for businesses. He plans to call a special session in February to pass a tax reform package, but he wants to have a deal in place with House Republican leadership by January 19th to make sure the special session will not be a waste of time…
cut 13 (12) “…from leadership”
The governor and House Republican leaders have butted heads over budget issues.