Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories are in effect for much of north Louisiana. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin reports Texas and Arkansas will get the brunt of this storm, not Louisiana…

Cut 2 (30) “…dark paved surfaces.”

Utilities are getting ready to respond to issues caused by the winter storm. SWEPCO has spent the last several days getting their trucks stocked and ready and making sure crews have proper winter attire so that they can go out and restore power. SWEPCO has more than a thousand additional personnel ready to respond should they be needed.

It’s the national day of mourning for President Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29th at the age of 100. One organization near and dear to President Carter’s heart was Habitat for Humanity. After leaving office, Carter helped the organization build a countless number of homes. Kathy Gardner, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana, says Carter set the example for everyone else to follow.

Cut 4 (13) “…in North Louisiana.”

You can help those affected by the tragedy in New Orleans by buying special Saints and Pelicans “love for New Orleans” warm-up shirts. Brittany Whitsell, the director of charitable giving and development for the Saints and the Pelicans, says they’re designed to show solidarity with the city.

Cut 3 (08) “…really helping everybody.”

With the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras coming up, the big talk is how to make the French Quarter safe, especially in light of what happened early New Year’s Day. New Orleans Representative Alonzo Knox says he is open to any and all suggestions.

Cut 10 (10) “…least mitigate it.”

Some have suggested turning the entire French Quarter into a pedestrian mall. Knox says the problem there is that part of the French Quarter is residential, with people living there 365 days a year.

The legislature is expected to take up soaring homeowners and auto insurance premiums in its next regular session this year. Governor Landry has expressed frustration that a package of insurance industry-backed bills has not lowered premiums. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says he understands the frustration.

Cut 13 (08) “…understand the frustration.”

Temple says this crisis has been years in the making, and a fix will not happen overnight.

On this, the national day of mourning, Habitat for Humanity chapters across the country, including here in Louisiana, are mourning the passing of one of its biggest champions, President Jimmy Carter. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

We’re now learning of stories of heroism in the deadly terror attack on Bourbon Street New Year’s Day. Jack Bech, the brother of Tiger Bech, posted on social media that Tiger pushed a girl out of harm’s way as Shamsud-Din Jabbar plowed a pickup truck into a crowd at the entrance from Canal Street. Tiger Bech was one of 14 innocent people killed in the attack.

Today, a nation comes together to mourn the passing of Jimmy Carter. The 39th President died December 29th at the age of 100. One organization near and dear to his heart was Habitat for Humanity, having helped build several homes for the organization. Kathy Gardner, the president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana, says Carter left a lasting legacy.

Cut 6 (13) “…loving human mankind.”

With the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras coming up, the big talk is how to make the French Quarter safe, especially in light of what happened early New Year’s Day. Some have suggested turning the entire French Quarter into a pedestrian mall. New Orleans representative Alonzo Knox says there’s one problem with that.

Cut 11 (08) “…of the year.”

Knox says a more viable solution is to turn just Bourbon Street into a permanent pedestrian mall – something that has previously been floated, only to have businesses on that street push back.

North Louisiana braces for a winter storm. The question now is, what kind of winter precipitation will fall? Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

So far this year, 11 people have died in eight separate fires across the state. The two latest deadly fires were in Shreveport and in Rapides Parish, with one person dying in each. These deadly fires come amid plummeting temperatures throughout Louisiana, as people come up with creative – and dangerous – ways to stay warm.

On this, the national day of mourning, Habitat for Humanity chapters across the country, including here in Louisiana, are mourning the passing of one of its biggest champions, President Jimmy Carter. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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North Louisiana is bracing for a winter storm, the question is what type of precipitation will fall?  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple understands the frustration about rising homeowners insurance premiums. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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It’s the national day of mourning for President Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29th at the age of 100. One organization near and dear to President Carter’s heart was Habitat for Humanity. After leaving office, Carter helped the organization build a countless number of homes. Kathy Gardner, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity of North Louisiana, says Carter set the example for everyone else to follow.

Cut 4 (13) “…in North Louisiana.”

Gardner says Carter embodied everything that Habitat for Humanity stands for.

Cut 5 (13) “…a greater level.”

Gardner says Carter left a lasting legacy at the organization.

Cut 6 (13) “…loving human mankind.”

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A winter storm rolls into north Louisiana today, the question is what type of precipitation will fall? National Weather Service Meteorologist Matthew Hemingway says the high temperatures will reach the mid-30s, so we could see mixed precipitation at first….

Cut 7 (13) “…area Friday morning.”

A winter storm warning is in effect for Caddo, Bossier, Webster and Claiborne Parishes. Hemingway says the higher accumulation of the winter precipitation will take place near the Louisiana-Arkansas border…

Cut 8 (12) “…southern parts.”

Hemingway says a major concern of freezing rain is the impact it will have on roadways and bridges.

Cut 9 (12)  “…Friday morning.”

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With the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras coming up, the big talk is how to make the French Quarter safe, especially in light of what happened early New Year’s Day. New Orleans Representative Alonzo Knox says he is open to any and all suggestions.

Cut 10 (10) “…least mitigate it.”

Some have suggested turning the entire French Quarter into a pedestrian mall. Knox says there’s one problem with that.

Cut 11 (08) “…of the year.”

Knox says a more viable solution is to turn just Bourbon Street into a permanent pedestrian mall – something that has previously been floated, only to have businesses on that street push back.

Cut 12 (08) “…a pedestrian mall.”

As it is, Bourbon Street is blocked off to vehicular traffic from six p-m to six a-m every day. However, that did not prevent a terrorist from driving around a police cruiser and into a group of people, killing 14 of them. The City of New Orleans has just hired former New York City Police Commissioner Bill Bratton to review the city’s security measures. The consultation is scheduled for late this afternoon.

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The legislature is expected to take up soaring homeowners and auto insurance premiums in its next regular session this year. Governor Landry has expressed frustration that a package of insurance industry-backed bills has not lowered home insurance premiums. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says he understands the frustration.

Cut 13 (08) “…understand the frustration.”

Temple says this crisis has been years in the making, and a fix will not happen overnight.

Cut 14 (08) “…of this crisis.”

Temple says one state that had a similar plight is Florida, where homeowners saw their insurance premiums skyrocket after Hurricane Ian in 2022. He says just as Louisiana homeowners are experiencing, it took time for them to start seeing results.

Cut 15 (11) “…benefit of that.”

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The sixth ranked LSU women’s basketball team will put its undefeated record on the line tonight when they visit 16^th ranked Tennessee. ESPN.com bracketologist Charlie Crème called the Lady Tigers an enigma because their soft non-conference schedule makes difficult to evaluate them. Coach Kim Mulkey is fine with the enigma label…

Cut 16 (07) “…won the championship.”

LSU is 17-and-0, while Tennessee enters tonight’s game with a 13-and-1 record. That one loss happened last Sunday against Oklahoma. Mulkey says Tennessee is very good…

Cut 17 (20)  “…magic number.” 

Tennessee is averaging 97 points a game, while LSU is averaging 92 points a contest, despite struggling to find consistency at the point guard position. Mulkey on Last Tear Poa, Shayeann Day-Wilson and Kailyn Gilbert sharing the point guard duties…

Cut 18 (17)   “…separated.”

Tip off is at 5 PM.

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After dropping its first two Conference USA games on the road, Louisiana Tech returns to the Thomas Assembly Center tonight to host FIU. Bulldogs Coach Talvin Hester hopes last week’s losses serve as a wake up call..

Cut 19 (10) “…really is.”

FIU is seven and eight but the Panthers have won five of their last seven. Tip off is at 6:30.

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The Ragin Cajuns are home tonight to take on Old Dominion. Both teams are 2-and-1 in Sun Belt play and U-L Lafayette interim head coach Derrick Zimmerman gives a scouting report on the Monarchs…

Cut 20 (20) “…the year.”

Tip off is at 7 PM in the Cajundome.

A winter storm warning will be going into effect tomorrow morning for Caddo, Bossier, Webster and Claiborne parishes in northwest Louisiana. Precipitation is expected to start falling after the morning commute tomorrow. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says depending on what happens, driving in areas of northwest Louisiana could get dangerous.

Cut 10 (12) “…ice on contact.”

Erin Buchanan with the state Department of Transportation says crews are ready to respond if and when wintry precipitation begins to fall…

Cut 12 (12) “…watching the forecast.”

In addition, a winter weather advisory is coming for DeSoto, Red River, Bienville, Lincoln, Jackson, Ouachita, Union, Morehouse and West Carroll parishes. All watches and advisories expire at noon Friday.

The Advocate reports that a multi-billion-dollar steel mill for Hyundai will be built in Ascension Parish for its Hyundai and Kia vehicle assembly plants in the U.S. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The man who killed 14 people by plowing a pickup truck through a crowd on Bourbon Street posted videos ahead of time. Senator Bill Cassidy says there’s a way that social media companies can cooperate with law enforcement in those instances.

Cut 4 (09) “…to law enforcement.”

A winter storm warning will be going into effect tomorrow for Caddo, Bossier, Webster and Claiborne parishes in northwest Louisiana. State climatologist Jay Grymes says all those parishes should be weather aware for the rest of the week.

Cut 9 (12)  “…Thursday into Friday.”

In addition, a winter weather advisory is coming for DeSoto, Red River, Bienville, Lincoln, Jackson, Ouachita, Union, Morehouse and West Carroll parishes.

The Department of Transportation says crews are ready to respond if wintry precipitation begins to fall. Erin Buchanan with the DOT says they are closely monitoring the forecast.

Cut 13 (13)  “…bit wet”

All warnings and advisories expire at noon Friday.

Hyundai Motor Group is reportedly planning a multibillion-dollar steel mill in Ascension Parish to supply steel for its Hyundai and Kia vehicle assembly plants in the U.S. Economist Loren Scott says Ascension Parish has the possibility to land it because of the low-cost of natural gas in Louisiana and its proximity to the Mississippi River…

Cut 7 (12) “…to achieve that.”

The Advocate reports this project could create 13-hundred permanent jobs, with construction possibly starting next year. Environmental concerns from local activists may arise, although no major opposition has surfaced in the area so far.

Alexandria is getting a shot in the arm in its quest to improve transportation. Senator Bill Cassidy announces a 320-thousand-dollar transportation grant for Rapides Parish. The money will be used for enhanced pedestrian, bicycle and transit connections.

The Advocate reports that a multi-billion-dollar steel mill for Hyundai will be built in Ascension Parish for its Hyundai and Kia vehicle assembly plants in the U.S. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A winter storm warning is forthcoming for the four northwestern-most parishes. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The man who killed 14 people by plowing a pickup truck through a crowd on Bourbon Street New Year’s Day posted videos ahead of time detailing what he was planning to do. Senator Bill Cassidy says this is the preferred method of terrorists, foreign and domestic.

Cut 3 (11) “…Theodore Kaczynski did.”

Cassidy says there’s a way that social media companies, like Meta, can cooperate with law enforcement when videos like that are posted onto their platforms.

Cut 4 (09) “…to law enforcement.”

Cassidy says one company is already doing this.

Cut 5 (13) “…copyright, et cetera.”

Cassidy says social media companies should not have to be given the green light from Congress to share the information with law enforcement. He says when people post videos like that, they forfeit their right to privacy.

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The Advocate reports that Hyundai Motor Group is planning a multibillion-dollar steel mill in Ascension Parish, to supply steel for its Hyundai and Kia vehicle assembly plants in the U.S. The report says this project could create 13-hundred permanent jobs, with construction possibly starting next year. Economist Loren Scott says this would be a big win for Louisiana.

Cut 6 (13) “…picking up jobs.”

The six-billion-dollar facility will be built on sugarcane fields near Donaldsonville within the Riverplex MegaPark industrial site.  Scott says Ascension Parish has the possibility to land this proposed steel mill because  of the low-cost of natural gas in Louisiana and it’s proximity to the Mississippi River…

Cut 7 (12) “…to achieve that.”

Hyundai aims to mitigate potential tariffs and reduce logistics costs by manufacturing its steel. Scott says the project reflects Governor Jeff Landry’s push for industrial growth.

Cut 8 (10) “…very very impressive.”

Environmental concerns from local activists may arise, although no major opposition has surfaced in the area so far. Also Governor Landry and Ascension Parish officials are not commenting on the proposed project.

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A winter storm warning will be going into effect tomorrow for Caddo, Bossier, Webster and Claiborne parishes in northwest Louisiana. In addition, a winter weather advisory is coming for DeSoto, Red River, Bienville, Lincoln, Jackson, Ouachita, Union, Morehouse and West Carroll parishes. State climatologist Jay Grymes says all those parishes should be weather aware for the rest of the week.

Cut 9 (12)  “…Thursday into Friday.”

Precipitation is expected to start falling after the morning commute tomorrow. Grymes says depending on what happens, driving in areas of northwest Louisiana could get dangerous…

Cut 10 (12) “…ice on contact.”

Grymes says central and south Louisiana will not see snow. However there’s the threat for heavy rainfall tomorrow night through Friday for south Louisiana…

Cut 11 (06) “…rain in spots.”

All warnings and advisories take effect at six tomorrow morning and expire at noon Friday.

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Will we see snow, ice or rain tomorrow in north Louisiana? That’s the big question with a winter storm that will move into Louisiana tomorrow from Texas. Department of Transportation spokesperson Erin Buchanan says they are ready to respond if wintry precipitation begins to fall…

Cut 12 (12) “…watching the forecast.”

A winter storm warning is in effect northwest Louisiana and a winter weather advisory is in effect for areas like Monroe, Ruston, Coushatta and Mansfield. Arkansas is expected to see snowfall, but depending on the temperature, Louisiana could see either rain, ice or snow. Buchanan says they are closely monitoring the forecast…

Cut 13 (13)  “…bit wet”

Buchanan says DOTD will have crews watching for icing on bridges and overpasses and with construction ongoing on I-20 in Bossier and Caddo Parishes, keeping I-220 is a priority…

Cut 14 (12) “…elsewhere.”

We’re more than a week into the new year; and as such, you’re paying a little more for most goods and services. The sales tax went up slightly – a 100-dollar purchase will cost you an additional 55 cents in sales tax. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says certain items, however, still have no sales tax.

Cut 6 (11) “…on those things.”

The sales tax increase is meant to make up for the loss of revenue due to an income tax cut which Nelson says will add about 500 dollars in net pay per year for a typical worker.

With cold temperatures gripping the state, people may be going to dangerous lengths to keep warm. Ashley Rodrigue with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says if you must use a space heater, do not plug it into a power strip or an extension cord.

Cut 14 (13) “…a high wattage.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill announced the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation is conducting a full review of New Orleans’ security plan for New Year’s Eve and the Sugar Bowl, in the wake of a terror attack on New Year’s Day. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Alexandria is getting a shot in the arm in its quest to improve transportation. Senator Bill Cassidy announces a 320-thousand-dollar transportation grant for Rapides Parish. The money will be used for enhanced pedestrian, bicycle and transit connections.

The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation is launching a full review of New Orleans’ security plan for New Year’s Eve and the Sugar Bowl in the wake of the terror attack on New Year’s Day. Attorney General Liz Murrill emphasized the need for answers to ensure future safety, with support from New Orleans’ leadership.

Cut 8 (15) “…how we got here.”

The mayor of Bogalusa has been released from jail. Tyron Truong is free on 150-thousand dollars bond. The 25-year-old Truong was arrested yesterday morning following a months-long investigation into a drug trafficking ring. Truong is charged with selling drugs on social media and soliciting prostitutes, among other things. Six others were arrested, and District Attorney Collin Sims says more arrests could be forthcoming. Some in Bogalusa are speaking out against Truong’s arrest to WWL-TV, with some saying it’s politically motivated. 

The bitter cold temperatures led to three deadly house fires across the state yesterday morning. Ashley Rodrigue (rod-REEG) with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says people are going to great – and dangerous – lengths to heat their homes.

Cut 15 (11) “…put them out.”

Rodrigue says if you must use a space heater, make sure there’s nothing within five feet of it, especially something that’s flammable.

President-elect Donald Trump says he wants to rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America.” Chalmette Representative Mike Bayham says even if Trump gets the gulf renamed, it’s not stopping anyone from continuing to call it the Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 12 (10) “…National Geographic Society”

Bayham says Trump’s focus should be on foreign policy issues left over from the Biden administration.

As you know by now, sweeping changes to the tax code took effect at the outset of the year. What does it all mean for your personal wallets? Andrew Greenstein gives us some real-world numbers.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill announced the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation is conducting a full review of the New Orleans’ security plan for New Year’s Eve and the Sugar Bowl, following a terror attack on New Year’s Day. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The State Fire Marshal’s office believes frigid temperatures contributed to a trio of deadly house fires. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Sweeping changes to the tax code took effect when the calendar flipped to 2025. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says with the across-the-board reduction in the income tax rate to three-percent following a 12,500-dollar standard deduction, people will see more money in their net pay.

Cut 4 (07) “…across the board.” (Average family will get additional 500 dollars in net pay per year)

On the flip side, the amount of money you’ll be paying for most goods and services will go up very slightly to make up for the loss of income tax revenue.

Cut 5 (09) “…that you spend.” (Increase of 55 cents per 100 dollars spent)

Nelson says certain items, however, will still not have any state sales tax imposed.

Cut 6 (11) “…on those things.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill announced a full review by the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation into New Orleans’ security plan for New Year’s Eve and the Sugar Bowl, following a terror attack on New Year’s Day. The review aims to understand the planning and execution of the city’s security measures.

Cut 7 (11) “…months after that.”

Murrill emphasized the need for answers to ensure future safety, with support from New Orleans’ leadership, including Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, City Council President Helena Moreno, and others.

Cut 8 (15) “…how we got here.”

The review will identify operational failures and provide recommendations for improvements. Murrill commended the bravery of the New Orleans Police Department, noting their role in preventing further casualties during the attack. The findings are expected to guide law enforcement in securing the city’s safety for both residents and visitors.

Cut 9 (07)  “…end up here again.”

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President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” calling it, in his words, “a fitting and beautiful change.” Speaking at Mar-a-Lago in his first press conference since Congress confirmed his election victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. Chalmette Representative Mike Bayham says he’s generally against renaming things like this.

Cut 10 (07) “…their names preserved.”

Trump did not elaborate on the process for renaming the body of water. Bayham says he thinks there are more pressing issues to deal with than a name change to the gulf.

Cut 11 (05) “…body of water.”

Bayham says the focus should be on foreign policy issues left over from the Biden Administration and that will take years.  Especially since even if Trump gets the gulf renamed, it’s not stopping anyone from continuing to call it the Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 12 (10) “…National Geographic Society”

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The bitter cold temperatures led to three deadly house fires across the state yesterday morning. Four people including children were discovered when Winnsboro firefighters responded to a house fire just after 4:00 a.m. Less than an hour later, firefighters in Abbeville discovered a victim in a house fire there. And around 7:00 a.m. a victim was found by Shreveport firefighters. Ashley Rodrigue (rod-REEG) with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says while the causes of those three fires are under investigation, prior history has shown that space heaters are a major culprit.

Cut 13 (13) “…heaters still on.”

Rodrigue says if you must use a space heater, plug them directly into the wall and not into a power strip or an extension cord.

Cut 14 (13) “…a high wattage.”

Rodrigue says her office also sees people using their stoves to heat their homes, which is another very bad idea.

Cut 15 (11) “…put them out.”

Furthermore, Rodrigue says if the oven is a gas oven, those who use them to heat their homes also run into the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. And, of course, she says always to make sure you have working smoke detectors throughout your home.

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A name familiar to Louisiana sports fans has emerged as a candidate to be the next head coach of the New Orleans Saints. The Saints have reportedly requested to interview Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Brady was the passing game coordinator on the LSU Tigers’ 2019 national championship team. Host of the Locked on Saints podcast Ross Jackson says it didn’t go well for Brady as the offensive coordinator for the Panthers in 2021, but he’s been an outstanding play caller for the Bills…

Cut 16 (11) “…night and day.”

There are six head coaching vacancies in the NFL, but the Saints vacancy is considered one of the least desirable because of an aging starting quarterback and not a lot of salary cap flexibility. But Jackson says a coaching candidate may look at the Saints situation as one where they’ll be given time to turn the franchise around…

Cut 17 (17)  “…first year.” 

The New York Jets have requested permission from the Saints to interim New Orleans interim head coach Darren Rizzi for the Jets opening. Jackson says if some of the top coaching candidates go elsewhere, Rizzi will become a viable option for the Saints…

Cut 18 (18)   “…few years.”