The cold front has arrived in Louisiana and expect temps to drop today if they haven’t already in your neck of the woods. State climatologist Barry Keim says residents should be prepared for a long, cold weekend, and take extra precautions to protect themselves from the frigid weather.

Cut 9 (10)  “…northern locations.”

Among the misinformation about COVID vaccines is their effect on fertility. Shreveport OB/GYN Dr. Leonard Weather, Jr. says it’s actually COVID that can drop a man’s sperm count for several months and if a pregnant woman contracts COVID her chances of miscarriage and or premature labor increase substantially. Weather says the vaccine has an additional benefit for pregnant women.

Cut 15 (05)  “…protected.”

Weather says everyone, should be vaccinated and boosted. Call 2-1-1 for the nearest vaccination site.

2021 was a record-setting year for Louisiana in a bad way. Kevin Gallagher reports on the record number of traffic deaths last year…:

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

USA Today Network reporter Greg Hilburn has a text from State Treasurer John Schroeder to one of his supporters saying that he will run for governor in 2023. But Schroeder tells Louisiana Radio Network he has yet to make a final decision, but he is considering a run for the governor’s mansion.

Louisianans woke up to cooler temperatures this morning. David Grubb reports on how long the winter weather is going to last.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards’s office announces two-point-six billion dollars in Army Corps of Engineers Funding for Louisiana projects. Edwards says the supplemental disaster relief bill includes over two billion dollars in funding for coastal and other flood protection projects. Millions will also be spent on reinforcing levees.

2021 set a new record-high for highway fatalities in Louisiana at 997. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says lawmakers are doing everything they can.

Cut 6 (11) “…here in Louisiana.”

On his monthly radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards was asked about the U.S. Senate race in which Democrats Luke Mixon and Gary Chambers are running against incumbent Republican John Kennedy. Edwards says he’s impressed with Mixon’s credentials as a Naval Academy graduate and his fighter pilot military service.

Cut 10 (12) “…his candidacy.”

Edwards fell short of a full endorsement of Mixon and also spoke unfavorably of Chambers recent internet ad where he’s smoking marijuana.

2021 was a record-setting year for Louisiana in a bad way. Kevin Gallagher reports on the record number of traffic deaths last year…:

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Louisianans woke up to chilly temperatures this morning. David Grubb reports on how long the winter weather is going to last.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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Two Democrats have begun their campaign against republican US Senator John Kennedy and Governor Edwards discusses his impressions of the candidates.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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State transportation officials report 2021 set a new record-high for highway fatalities. Nearly a thousand people died on state roadways last year; topping the previous record of 993, set in 2007. State Secretary of Transportation Shawn Wilson says the 2021 total of 997 fatalities is an alarming number…:

Cut 4 (09) “…is just unacceptable.” 

Preliminary data shows there were 914 crashes on Louisiana roads, resulting in 997 deaths. By comparison, there were 762 crashes and 828 the previous year. Dr. Wilson says it’s a sign that we need to be more cautious while driving…:

Cut 5 (07) “…much more seriously.”

Wilson says traffic accidents are both tragic and too often preventable. He says no amount of state laws can make people slow down, allow more travel time and pay stricter attention the road. However, he says lawmakers are doing everything they can…:

Cut 6 (11) “…here in Louisiana.”

Wilson says three things can greatly reduce highway deaths: buckling your safety belt, refraining from driving while impaired, and remaining undistracted while behind the wheel. He says safety in construction zones is also very important. A great number of deaths occur where men are working. _______________________________________

Temperatures took a dive last night as a powerful cold front moved into Louisiana. State climatologist Barry Keim says the winter weather could be here for a while.

Cut 7 (09) “…wintery precipitation.”

A number of areas along the I-10/I-12 corridor can expect freezing rain beginning today and continuing into Friday. The wet weather could make for dangerous road conditions, meaning drivers should be on alert.

Cut 8 (10) “…careful out there.”

Residents should be prepared for a long, cold weekend, and take extra precautions to protect themselves from the frigid weather.

Cut 9 (10)  “…northern locations.”

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On his monthly radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards was asked about the U.S. Senate race in which Democrats Luke Mixon and Gary Chambers are running against incumbent Republican John Kennedy. Edwards says he’s impressed with Mixon’s credentials as a Naval Academy graduate and his fighter pilot military service.

Cut 10 (12) “…his candidacy.”

Chambers made national headlines earlier this week when he launched a campaign ad on the internet where he was smoking marijuana. Edwards was asked his thoughts on the ad, and he says he hopes it’s one that doesn’t work to his benefit.

Cut  11 (09)  “…reward him for.”  

Edwards says while he signed legislation to decriminalize marijuana if you are found in possession of 14 grams or less and supported medicinal marijuana, however, says he does not endorse the legalization of recreational marijuana. When asked if his comments on Mixon is an endorsement for the Bunkie native is…

Cut 12 (11) “…a little later.”

The primary will be held on November 8^th and the general election on December 10^th.

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Among the misinformation about COVID vaccines is their effect on fertility. Shreveport OB/GYN Dr. Leonard Weather, Jr. says it’s actually just the opposite of the vaccine. Weather says for men it’s COVID that’s been shown to reduce sperm count, not the vaccine.

Cut 13 (11) “…get vaccinated.”

Weather says it’s extremely important for pregnant women to be vaccinated and boosted and even women who are trying to get pregnant.

Cut 14 (12)  “…premature deliveries.”

And there’s an added bonus for pregnant women who are vaccinated, which Weather says just drives the point home for mothers to be to get vaccinated.

Cut 15 (05)  “…protected.”

Weather recommends that everyone who is medically eligible be vaccinated and boosted to avoid serious complications for the COVID.

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UL-Monroe hosts first-place Troy in a Sunbelt Conference showdown Thursday night. The Warhawks snapped a two-game losing streak with a big win at UT-Arlington last Saturday, with only seven players on the roster due to COVID-19. Coach Keith Richard said the victory couldn’t have come at a better time…

Cut  16 (07)  “…homestand.”

Considering that ULM has had at least one player out for every conference game, Richard hopes that he finally has his full roster ready to go.

Cut 17 (11) “ …at full strength.” 

Troy has both depth and talent; assets Richard says the Trojans know how to utilize.

Cut 18 (08) “ …really play together.” 

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LSU sits eighth in the DI Baseball Preseason Top 25. One of the major reasons for their lofty early ranking is the expectation that the Tigers will be one of the best offensive teams in the nation. Aaron Fitt, co-editor of the website believes that The Box will be rocking this season.

Cut 19 (06)_“…be explosive.” 

While sluggers Dylan Crews and Jacob Berry have gotten a lot of buzz, Fitt says the LSU lineup is stacked from top to bottom, making it a nightmare for opposing pitchers.

Cut 20 (16) “…just insane.”  

Media reports say State Treasurer John Schroder has told supporters he will enter the 2023 governor’s race, but Schroder tells our Jeff Palermo he’s not ready to make any public announcement…

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Louisiana Congressman Troy Carter announces he’s tested positive for COVID. The New Orleans Democrat says he’s experiencing cold-like symptoms and is isolating. Carter who is fully vaccinated urges more people to get vaccinated and wear face masks.

Four people including two children were killed in an overnight house fire in Slidell. Slidell Fire Chief Chris Kaufmann says they found an inoperable smoke detector in the home.

Cut 4 (11) “…save lives.”

The victims have been identified as 33-year old Phoenix Lousteau, her husband 40-year-old Stephen Lousteau, and their daughters, Mackenzie age 10, and Payton age five.

US Congressman Garrett Graves says the federal government has committed more than $2.5 billion to help reinforce Louisiana’s hurricane and flood protection systems. But Graves believes oil-producing regions like Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes received less than their fair share due to presidential politics. He says failure to support Louisiana is a failure to help the nation’s struggling economy.

Cut  11 (12)  “…from Louisiana.”

An early morning house fire claims four lives in Slidell. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Media reports say State Treasurer John Schroder has told supporters he will enter the 2023 governor’s race, but Schroder tells our Jeff Palermo he’s not ready to make any public announcement…

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Firefighters say four people were killed in an overnight house fire in Slidell’s Eden Isles subdivision. The fire was first reported around 1:30 in the morning and extinguished around 6 AM.  Slidell Fire Chief Chris Kaufmann.

Cut 3 (07) “…were children.”

Three victims were found on the second floor of the home and the fourth on the first floor. One was pronounced dead on the scene and the other three at a local hospital.

Neighbors reportedly heard two loud explosions which woke them to see the house engulfed in flames. It was neighbors that call 9-1-1 and Kauffmann says the explosion was from two propane tanks on the back porch.

Kaufmann says they found a smoke detector that was not functioning in the home and reinforced the message that smoke detectors are critical in warning people to get out of a building in time.

Cut 4 (11) “…save lives.”

Several agencies are investigating the blaze and Kauffmann says it’s been a difficult and emotional morning for everyone involved.

Cut 5 (13) “…accidental fire.”

The victims have been identified as 33-year old Phoenix Lousteau, her husband 40-year-old Stephen Lousteau, and their daughters, Mackenzie age 10, and Payton age five. The blaze remains under investigation.

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Louisiana is preparing for a big change in temperatures as a major cold front will begin moving through this afternoon. National Weather Service Meteorologist Michael Berry out of Shreveport, says residents in the northern part of the state can expect freezing conditions beginning tonight.

 Cut 6 (14) “…lower 30s.” 

Berry does believe that the I-20/I-49 corridor should miss out on winter precipitation, but Central Louisiana and areas to the south and southwest of Alexandria could experience a wintery mix.

Cut 7 (12) “…Friday morning.” 

After a warm afternoon today, temps will take a big dive tomorrow, and will stay there for a while. Berry adds that the winds coming with the front will make conditions even colder.

Cut 8 (12) “…tomorrow night.”  

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US Congressman Garrett Graves announced that the federal government has committed more than $2.5 billion to help reinforce Louisiana’s hurricane and flood protection systems. Graves highlighted $128 million designated for the Comite Diversion project as a major, but long-delayed victory.

Cut 9 (5) “…get it finished.”

Even with the new funds, Graves believes oil-producing regions like Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes received less than their fair share due to presidential politics, citing the Morganza to the Gulf project as the main example.

Cut 10 (10)  “….seeing right here.” 

Graves says failure to support Louisiana is a failure to help the nation’s struggling economy.

Cut  11 (12)  “…from Louisiana.”

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Is State Treasurer John Schroder planning to run for Governor in 2023? At a recent Rotary Club event in Baton Rouge, the Treasurer addressed a report from Lafayette Advertiser reporter Greg Hilburn that he was (quote) “telling supporters he is running for governor”. Mr. Schroder is keeping his cards close to his vest…:

Cut 12 (06) “…later this year.”  

In a text to supporters, obtained USA Today Network & quoted by Hilburn, Schroder wrote he (quote) “Just wanted to let you know that the Schroder family has met, and we will be entering the governor’s race. Timeline for the announcement is not set yet, but I wanted to let you know.” Schroder tells LRN he’s not prepared to make it official just yet, but swerving the public comes naturally to him…:

Cut 13 (11) “…no matter what I do.”

In his ten years in the state Legislature, the Covington resident gained a reputation for being a “Fiscal Hawk”. He ran for – and won – State Treasurer in a 2017 special election to replace John Kennedy and was easily re-elected in 2019. Talking with LRN, Schroder certainly sounds like he’s running for governor…:

Cut 14 (13)  “…isn’t trusted by many.” 

Schroder says an official announcement will be coming in the weeks ahead.

An early morning house fire in Slidell kills four, including two children. Slidell fire Chief Chris Kaufmann says it’s been a difficult and emotional morning for everyone involved.

Cut 5 (13) “…accidental fire.”

The victims have been identified as 33-year old Phoenix Lousteau, her husband 40-year-old Stephen Lousteau, and their daughters, Mackenzie age 10, and Payton age five.

The state reports 2,304 COVID patients in Louisiana hospitals and 144 of those patients are on ventilators. 13-thousand new cases were also added to the statewide total that eclipsed a million this week.  The department of health also reports that 52 new fatalities, 44 of the confirmed deaths are the most reported in one day since September.

Big changes weather-wise are coming to Louisiana. Shreveport National Weather Service Meteorologist Michael Berry says residents in the northern part of the state can expect freezing conditions tonight and areas near the I-20/I-49 corridor should miss out on winter precipitation, but areas to the south and southwest of Alexandria could see a dicey mix.

Cut 7 (12) “…Friday morning.” 

Congressman Garrett Graves announced that the federal government has committed more than $2.5 billion to help reinforce Louisiana’s hurricane and flood protection systems. Graves highlighted $128 million designated for the Comite Diversion project, which has been underway since the 1980s, he says this is a major, but long-delayed victory.

Cut 9 (5) “…get it finished.”

An early morning house fire in Slidell claims four lives, two were children. Fire Chief Chris Kauffmann says it’s been a difficult and emotional morning for everyone involved.

Cut 5 (13) “…accidental fire.”

The victims have been identified as 33-year old Phoenix Lousteau, her husband 40-year-old Stephen Lousteau, and their daughters, Mackenzie age 10, and Payton age five.

Americans can request four free at-home COVID-19 tests through the website COVIDtests-dot-gov. LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Genetics Doctor Lucio Miele says you should not test for the sake of testing…
cut 15 (08) “….is critical”

Louisiana is preparing for a big change in temperatures as a major cold front will begin moving through the state this afternoon. National Weather Service Meteorologist Michael Berry says residents can expect freezing conditions beginning tonight.

 Cut 6 (22) “…lower 30s.” 

Berry does believe that the I-20/I-49 corridor should miss out on winter precipitation, but Central Louisiana and areas to the south and southwest of Alexandria could be impacted.

Four people including two children were killed in an overnight house fire in Slidell’s Eden Isles subdivision. Slidell Fire Chief Chris Kaufmann says they found an inoperable smoke detector and reinforced the message that smoke detectors are critical in warning people to get out in time.

Cut 4 (11) “…save lives.”

Kauffmann says they believe the blaze was accidental and it remains under investigation.

The Biden Administration’s Website to order free at-home COVID tests is officially open at COVIDtests.gov. There’s been a huge demand for home tests with Omicron and they are extremely difficult to locate. LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Genetics Dr. Lucio Miele says better access to home tests is vital.

Cut 13 (08) “…limited worldwide.”

The website is COVIDtests.gov

Get ready for another blast of cold, wintery weather across Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Wednesday starts fairly mild, with sunshine and temperatures reaching into the 60’s and lower 70’s, but then…:

Cut 10 (12) “…at least a possibility.”

The cold front will linger and possibly bring dicey weather for south Louisiana Thursday night, Friday morning.

We’ve all heard of or might have even experienced a situation in which a homeowners association enforces its rules with one resident and not another leaving the homeowner with few options. Mandeville Representative Paul Hollis is filing legislation setting limits on an HOA’s authority.

Cut 7 (11) “…very important.”

Firefighters say four people were killed in an overnight house fire in Slidell’s Eden Isles subdivision. The fire was first reported around 1:30 in the morning and extinguished around 6 AM.  Slidell Fire Chief Chris Kaufmann.

Cut 24 were children :08

Three victims were found on the second floor of the home and the fourth on the first floor. One was pronounced dead on the scene and the other three at a local hospital.  An investigation is underway.

Get ready for another blast of cold, wintery weather. State Climatologist Barry Keim says today starts off mild, with sunshine and temperatures reaching into the 60’s and lower 70’s, but then…:
Cut 10 (12) “…at least a possibility.”
And the National Weather Service says a wintry mix is possible Thursday night to Friday morning for south Louisiana.

Tuesday was the first-day state lawmakers could file bills for a three-month-long legislative session that begins in March. One of the first bills filed was by Mandeville Representative Paul Hollis that would set limits on homeowners’ associations’ authority. Hollis says his bill would restrict an HOA from the overreach of taking away your right to protect your property and family.

Cut 9 (11)  “…particular family.”

Governor Edwards is asking all Louisianans to help beautify the state with the creation of his Task Force on Statewide Litter Abatement and Beautification. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, whose office will oversee the Task Force, says litter is also an economic development issue…

Cut 6 (14) “…our economy.”

The family of a Slidell mother believed to have been decapitated in New Orleans is demanding that the man suspected of killing her be held without bail. Julia Dardar’s dismembered body was found in a freezer and local artist Benjamin Beale has been charged. Julia’s estranged husband Micah Dardar spoke on the steps of New Orleans City Hall…

Cut 9 (06) “…demonic”

Beale’s bond is currently at one point four million dollars.

Chair of Genetics at LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Lucio Miele says if you’ve been exposed to COVID you should wait five days to be tested. If you test negative with a rapid or home test, he says you need to test again days later.

Cut 5 (11) “…two-thirds of the time.”

The website COVIDtests.gov for individuals to order free home tests is now live

Louisiana now has tallied more than 1-million total COVID cases since the beginning of the pandemic with one million 25-thousand 748. Today more than 29-thousand new COVID are reported, which includes weekend cases and those from the holiday. 2,183 COVID patients are in Louisiana hospitals and 58 fatalities have been reported also.

U-S Senate Democratic candidate Gary Chambers, who is one of two announced challengers to Republican John Kennedy released a campaign ad today that shows him smoking marijuana. Advocate Reporter Tyler Bridges says it’s a bold move by Chambers to show him smoking marijuana in a campaign ad…

Cut 7 (07) “…the race.” 

Chambers says the goal of the ad is to destigmatize the drug and support legalization and decriminalization. Democrat Luke Mixon has also announced his candidacy.