With snow approaching Central and South Louisiana and brutal cold gripping the whole state, Governor Landry has issued a state of emergency. With temperatures expected to drop into the teens overnight, Landry is encouraging local governments to open warming shelters…

Cut 5 (14) “…safe as well.”

Central and South Louisiana could see snowfall not seen since the 1960s. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says these are not flurries that those areas could expect.

Cut 10 (16) “…in this particular case.”

Keim says the snow will stick around after the snowfall ends tomorrow night

Needless to say, while not unprecedented, snow and ice are not things that Louisiana is accustomed to. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says crews spent the weekend preparing for the storm, and those preparations continued throughout much of the day today.

Cut 7 (14) “…to ice over.”

Louisiana State Police Trooper Shelby Mayfield says when the snow starts falling, if you do not have to be out on the roadways, stay off them.

Cut 13 (14)  “…have to be.”

Mayfield says if you absolutely have to be on the roadways, use extreme caution.

South Louisiana braces for a winter storm that is expected to start tonight and end tomorrow night.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Governor Jeff Landry has issued a state of emergency ahead of the snow. Landry says once the winter precipitation starts falling, stay off the roads.

Cut 3 (12) “…to travel.”

Louisiana State Police are getting ready for the winter storm. Trooper Shelby Mayfield:

Cut 12 (12) “…or any emergencies”

DOTD is also getting ready, brining major roadways and bridges. Spokesman Rodney Mallett says prep work started over the weekend and will continue throughout the day today.

Cut 7 (14) “…to ice over.”

And since Louisiana doesn’t have a single snowplow in the state, mainly due to a lack of need, the state is bringing some in from Arkansas, where snow is not nearly as uncommon as it is here. Conditions may force some of the Interstates to have to close, but Mallett says he hopes it doesn’t come to that.

South Louisiana is under a winter storm warning. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s expected to snow most of the day tomorrow, and it will be more than just flurries.

Cut 10 (16) “…in this particular case.”

DOTD has spent the last few days getting ready for the storm. Since there are no snowplows anywhere in the State of Louisiana, DOTD is bringing in help from Arkansas to perform those tasks as needed. Conditions may force some of the Interstates to have to close, but Mallett says he hopes it doesn’t come to that.

Cut 8 (09) “…during this storm.”

Mallett says crews have spent the last few days prepping the roads for whatever Mother Nature has in store.

The Humane Society of Louisiana urges pet owners to provide extra protection from the cold as temperatures will drop into the 20’s and 30’s overnight across the state. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 27 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson”

Governor Landry declared a state of emergency and is urging outdoorsmen not to hunt during the snowstorm…

Cut 4 (13) “…proper shelter.”

Governor Landry has issued a state of emergency for the entire state. This, as it will be experiencing some of the coldest temperatures of the season, with overnight lows dipping into the teens in some areas tomorrow night. Landry is encouraging local governments to open warming shelters.

Cut 5 (14) “…safe as well.”

A homeless man died from hypothermia earlier this month when Louisiana experienced cold temperatures.

With heavy snow expected to begin tonight, South Louisiana is under a winter storm warning. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says this is a generational storm for South Louisiana.

Cut 9 (18)  “…major snow here.”

Keim says the snowfall will end tomorrow night.

Needless to say, while not unprecedented, snow and ice are not things that Louisiana is accustomed to. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says crews have been busy prepping the roads for severe driving conditions.

Cut 6 (14) “…across the state.”

Mallett says that will continue throughout the day today, and crews from Arkansas will be coming to Louisiana to help with things like plowing roadways.

Jayden Daniels’ magical season for the Washington Commanders continues for at least another week. The Commanders ousted the NFC’s top seed, the Detroit Lions, 45-31, in the Divisional Playoffs. The Heisman Trophy-winning former LSU quarterback said the Lions didn’t go 15-and-2 in the regular season for nothing.

Cut 17 (06)  “…challenge for us.”

Daniels came up a yard short of 300 yards and threw two touchdown passes.

Governor Landry has issued a state of emergency as two to six inches of snow is expected to fall across much of central and south Louisiana. Landry says once the winter precipitation starts falling, stay off the roads…

Cut 3 (12) “…to travel.”

National Weather Service Meteorologist Donald Jones says while temperatures tomorrow night into Wednesday will be in the teens for most of the state, it’s the snow that everyone is talking about. Jones says because temperatures will be below freezing for most of the day on Tuesday, freezing rain is less likely…

Cut 16 (16) “…freezing rain.”

What’s old will soon be new in the White House; as for just the second time in U.S. history, a former President will be inaugurated as President. Donald Trump takes the oath of office in the Capitol Rotunda at 11 Central time this morning. Historically, the party in power almost always loses seats in the House in midterm elections, so Republicans may only have two years to pass some of Trump’s most ambitious goals. Congresswoman Julia Letlow says she’s not worried about that.

Cut 5 (08) “…I possibly can.”

With temperatures dropping into the 20s and 30s overnight across Louisiana, the Humane Society of Louisiana urges pet owners to provide extra protection from the cold. Executive Director Jeff Dorson says if you’re cold, your pets likely are too.

Cut 10 (10) “…the best policy.”

Many schools and all state offices will be closed on Tuesday as an arctic blast gets set to grip the state. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says Monday and Tuesday will be very cold days…

Cut 4 (11) “…above freezing.”

There’s a chance we’ll see snow on Tuesday. 

The state has moved almost 160 homeless people in New Orleans into a transitional shelter. The plan has drawn concern from a pair of state legislators and from nearby residents, even though there’s a concrete wall separating the neighborhoods from the street where the shelter is located off of. Scott Adams, the chief of staff at GOHSEP, says there is tight security in the area. 

Cut 14 (10) “…areas are impacted.”

The shelter will be open through Mardi Gras and later if need be.

To get around the state, Governor Landry has been flying in a five-point-five-million-dollar airplane. WRKF Capitol Access Reporter Brooke Thorington broke the story along with Julie O’ Donoghue from the Louisiana Illuminator. Thorington says they do know the plane is not just for the governor’s travels.

Cut 11 (12) “…in a hurry.”

Previous governors used helicopters; but according to State Police, the helicopters were 20 years old and difficult to maintain. The governor’s office says using the plane instead of the helicopters should save the state money.

Landry, meanwhile, issued a proclamation requesting Louisianans join him in flying their U.S. Flag and their Make America Great Again flag on January 20th in honor of the inauguration of Donald Trump. The Louisiana Democratic Party quickly responded by saying flying the MAGA flag at the Governor’s mansion is completely inappropriate and reckless.

Researchers from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center are working with the Lancet Commission in developing new criteria to determine whether a person is obese. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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With temperatures getting ready to dive to new depths early next week, the Louisiana Department of Health is urging you to start preparing now. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

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The Sugar Bowl makes a sizeable donation following the New Year’s Day Bourbon Street tragedy. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center are working with the Lancet Commission on Clinical Obesity, to come up with new guidelines to determine if a person is obese. Dr. Philip Schauer, the director of the Metamor Institute, says a person’s body mass index is the main tool used to determine if a person is obese, but the updated definition should also look at excess body fat and other health impairments.

Cut 4 (12) “…below the skin.”

The commission, comprising 56 global experts, aims to reframe obesity as a chronic disease requiring serious management. Schauer says as a physician, it’s crucial to understand exactly what the disease is.

Cut 5 (05) “…and overtreat obesity.”

The commission defines clinical obesity as excess fat causing reduced organ function or impaired daily activities, while pre-clinical obesity involves excess fat without current organ dysfunction but increased risk for future diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues. Schauer says this model differentiates care strategies, promoting evidence-based treatments for those affected.

Cut 6 (13) “…extend their lives.”

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As Old Man Winter gets set to pay Louisiana an unwelcome visit, the Louisiana Department of Health has a few tips for you to stay safe. Deputy Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says even with temperatures getting into the 70s in some areas this weekend, now is the time to prepare for the brutal cold.

Cut 7 (16) “…compromise our infrastructure.”

Croughan says if you need to run any important errands, do them soon before temperatures start to plummet.

Cut 8 (08) “…tomorrow or Monday.”

Croughan says whatever you do, do not use your stove or oven to heat your home.

Cut 9 (07)  “…carbon monoxide poisoning.”

And Croughan says if you must use a space heater, plug it directly into the wall and not into a power strip or extension cord. They will not be able to handle the electricity needed to run it. Also, make sure you don’t have anything flammable within three to five feet of the space heater.

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An Arctic cold front will hit Louisiana next week, bringing temperatures in the 20’s all the way to the coastal parishes.  State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the cold weather will roll into North Louisiana tomorrow.

Cut 10 (14) “…for the afternoon.”

Grymes says the first half of next week north Louisiana will be flirting with single digit wind chills and some possible snowfall of one to two inches.

Cut 11 (14) “…over to Slidell.”

Grymes says if the state gets snowfall, it should be coming to an end Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning; but compared to last week there’s a good chance of some snow next week.

Cut 12 (13) “…first go around.”

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The Sugar Bowl is donating a half-million dollars to the Greater New Orleans Foundation in the wake of the tragedy on Bourbon Street the morning of the day when the game was originally scheduled to be played. Sugar Bowl President Walter Becker says the money will be evenly split two ways.

Cut 13 (09) “…the French Quarter.”

Becker says a steering committee at the foundation will determine exactly how the money earmarked for safety initiatives will be spent.

Cut 14 (08) “…EMS and fire.”

Becker says this donation shows exactly what the people of New Orleans are all about.

Cut 15 (11) “…and move on.”

This year’s Sugar Bowl was delayed until January 2nd, in which Notre Dame beat Georgia to advance to the semifinals. The postponement led to more than 11-thousand no-shows inside the Superdome.

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Former LSU Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels will be playing in the biggest game of his life tomorrow night as the Washington Commanders take on the Lions in Detroit. The Lions are the top seed in the NFC and tied for the best record in the NFL. Daniels says he and his office have their work cut out for them.

Cut 16 (11) “…challenge for us.”

The Commanders have won a lot of close games this season, including a memorable game in late October when they beat the Bears, 18-15, when Daniels connected with Noah Brown on a 52-yard Hail Mary with no time left. Daniels says that resiliency is what makes this Commanders team so special.

Cut 17 (15)  “…for those moments.”

Last week’s win over the Buccaneers was the Washington franchise’s first playoff win in 20 years, and it has fans in the nation’s capital buzzing with excitement. Daniels says he tunes out all the hype and focuses on the task at hand.

Cut 18 (10)   “…stay at home.”

Kickoff tomorrow night from Ford Field is seven p-m Central time.

Louisiana is preparing for an unusual winter weather event next week, bringing conditions the state rarely faces. Residents of Lafayette and Acadiana could experience freezing rain, sleet, icy roads, and possibly even snow.  National Weather Service Meteorologist Nick Slaughter says temperatures are expected to drop sharply, with highs in the 30s and lows in the 20s.

Cut 6 (05) “…Tuesday and Wednesday.”

Congressman Clay Higgins and other Republicans used a Congressional hearing to blast the former head of Social Security for agreeing to a telework agreement with SSA union employees. Higgins says it’s resulted in extremely long wait times when calling the Social Security helpline

Cut 12 (12) “…Social Security.”

Higgins called the helpline during the hearing and was on hold for an hour and a half without speaking with an employee.

The state is one step closer to building a statewide broadband network after securing final approval for federal funding. Veneeth Iyengar, the executive director of Connect L-A, says the state awarded contracts to many companies, several of which based in Louisiana, to build the broadband infrastructure in a robust way.

Cut 4 (13) “…and north Louisiana.”

Iyengar says the state should be connected by the end of summer.

A backup quarterback at LSU is hospitalized following a car crash near the campus. LSU Police say 17-year-old Colin Hurley crashed into a tree near the south gates shortly before three this morning. While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, investigators do not believe Hurley was impaired. Hurley was found unresponsive, and emergency personnel removed him from the car and took him to a hospital. Hurley is third on LSU’s depth chart, behind starter Garrett Nussmeier and Mississippi State transfer Michael Van Buren.

As the old saying goes – what goes up must come down. That will certainly be the case here in Louisiana in terms of the weather. This weekend, temperatures will be very pleasant, but that will quickly give way to brutal cold that would make Minnesota jealous. National Weather Service meteorologist Nick Slaughter says it’s still too early to determine whether any area will have wintry precipitation.

Cut 8 (10) “…still up in the air”

Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins and other Republicans used a Congressional hearing to blast the former head of Social Security for agreeing to a telework agreement with SSA union employees. Higgins says it’s resulted in extremely long wait times when calling the Social Security helpline

Cut 12 (12) “…Social Security.”

The federal government gives the final okay for the state to receive funding for the deployment of broadband statewide. Veneeth Iyengar, the executive director of Connect L-A, says construction will begin very soon, and that people across the state should be connected by the end of summer.

Cut 5 (10) “…of this year.”

A pair of government advocacy groups are joining forces. The Committee of 100 for Economic Development and the Council for A Better Louisiana, or CABL, have announced that they’re merging to form Leaders for a Better Louisiana. Barry Erwin, who was the president of CABL, says this merger was a long time in the making.

Cut 9 (09)  “…way, we hope.”

Erwin says CABL and the Committee of 100 have unique things to bring to a merged organization.

Louisiana is bracing for brutally cold temperatures next week – at least brutally cold in Louisiana standards.   National Weather Service in Lake Charles Meteorologist Nick Slaughter says freezing temperatures are expected to impact the region from Sunday night through at least Wednesday night, bringing extended subfreezing temperatures and dangerous wind chills.

Cut 7 (07) “…till at least Wednesday.”

The state is one step closer to building a statewide broadband network after securing final approval for federal funding. Veneeth Iyengar, the executive director of Connect L-A, says the state awarded contracts to many companies, several of which based in Louisiana, to build the broadband infrastructure in a robust way.

Cut 4 (13) “…and north Louisiana.”

Iyengar says the state should be connected by the end of summer.

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins expresses his frustration with the customer service Americans are receiving when they call the Social Security Administration’s helpline. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”