South Louisiana is experiencing weather conditions normally reserved for the northern half of the United States. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana’s highway system is no match for this historic winter storm. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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South Louisiana is experiencing weather conditions normally reserved to regions of the country much farther north. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says areas of South Louisiana are being blanketed by snow not seen in decades.

Cut 3 (11) “…seven in Slidell.” 

On the rare occasion that it snows in South Louisiana, the snow will stick to the ground for maybe a few hours. This time, it will linger for a few days. Keim says that’s because overnight lows will be bone-chillingly cold.

Cut 4 (10) “…but still frigid.”

While those temperatures are certainly cold, they’re not record-breakers. Keim points to the December 1989 storm in which it got down into the single digits in some places. If these brutal temperatures are too much for you to handle, Keim says take solace in the fact that they will return to normal by this weekend.

Cut 5 (09) “…in certain locations.”

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State officials are urging people to stay off the roads as this rare snow event is making travel very difficult. Governor Jeff Landry suggests that you cook yourself a big pot of gumbo instead…

Cut 6 (13) “…eat again.”

Not only is there multiple inches of snow in south Louisiana and into the Alexandria area, but we are looking at cold temperatures. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is urging the public to practice space heater safety. GOHSEP chief of staff Scott Adams…

Cut 7 (09) “…to bed.”

Adams says it’s best to hunker down and stay at home today and make sure your house can handle these cold temperatures…

Cut 8 (09) “…covered.”

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State Department of Transportation officials are on the highways in south Louisiana and the driving experience is very difficult. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says on some roadways, you can’t see the curb or the edge of the street or the highway…

Cut 9 (12)  “…not easy.”

Mallett says visibility is also difficult when the snow is falling, it’s certainly very unique to Louisiana…

Cut 10 (10) “…the moment.”

Mallett says several major roads and bridges are closed…

Cut 11 (08) “…ice over.”

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It’s completely understandable that drivers in Louisiana are not used to these road conditions. State Police Trooper Marc Gremillion (GREM-ee-ahn) says they’ve had to respond to a lot of vehicles that had slid off the roadway.

Cut 12 (11) “…struck from behind.”

Gremillion says not only do you need to greatly reduce your speed, you’ll also need to adjust the way you come to a stop.

Cut 13 (07)  “…a lot farther.”

And if you start skidding, stay calm and by all means, do not steer away from the skid initially.

Cut 14 (11) “…out of it.”

DOTD is prepping roadways for tomorrow’s snowstorm. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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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.”

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Governor Jeff 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 of the winter precipitation starts falling, stay off the roads…

Cut 3 (12) “…to travel.” 

Landry is also urging outdoorsmen not to hunt during the snowstorm…

Cut 4 (13) “…proper shelter.”

Louisiana is also expecting the coldest temperatures of the winter with temperatures dropping into the teens Tuesday night into Wednesday. A homeless man died from hypothermia earlier this month when Louisiana experienced cold temperatures. Landry is encouraging local governments to open warming shelters…

Cut 5 (14) “…safe as well.”

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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 while prep work started yesterday, it will continue throughout the day today.

Cut 7 (14) “…to ice over.”

Since there are no snowplows anywhere in the State of Louisiana, DOTD is bringing in help from Arkansas to perform those tasks as needed. A 14-mile stretch of I-49 in Rapides Parish is closed due to the incoming storm, and conditions may force additional Interstates closures, but Mallett says he hopes it doesn’t come to that.

Cut 8 (09) “…during this storm.”

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South Louisiana is under a winter storm warning as residents prepare for a rare heavy snow event expected to begin tonight. According to LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim, this is a   generational storm for South Louisiana.

Cut 9 (18)  “…major snow here.”

Keim says it’s expected to snow most of the day on Tuesday and prepare for more than just flurries.

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

Keim says the snowfall will end tomorrow night, but Wednesday will be brutally cold, and the snow will stick around. He advises residents to stay off the roads if possible and take necessary precautions to stay warm and safe.

Cut 11 (12) “…hang around in your neighborhood.”

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Louisiana State Police are getting ready for the winter storm. Trooper Shelby Mayfield says they’ve been getting ready for the last several days.

Cut 12 (12) “…or any emergencies”

Trooper 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 common sense.

Cut 14 (06) “…cruise control on.”

President-elect Donald Trump gets inaugurated today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Humane Society of Louisiana urges pet owners to provide extra protection from the cold.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson”

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TikTok’s days in the U.S. could be numbered. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Today is the day when the 45th President officially becomes the 47th President. Donald Trump takes the oath of office at 11 this morning. When Trump begins his second non-consecutive term, he will do so with a Republican-controlled House and a Republican-controlled Senate. Speaker Mike Johnson says he hopes that will lead to the passage of some of his key agenda items, like renewing his tax cuts from his first term.

Cut 4 (13) “…Trump tax cuts.”

Once a pair of Trump’s cabinet nominees are confirmed, Republicans will only have a 217-to-215 majority in the House, meaning the G-O-P cannot lose a single vote in the House to pass legislation without Democratic support until those vacancies are filled by way of special elections. 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.”

Democrat Cleo Fields, who like Trump is making his return to Congress after being out of office, says both parties need to work together to pass common-sense legislation that will improve the lives of all Americans.

Cut 6 (07) “…care about education.”

Fields says with a House that’s split almost right down the middle, it’s more important than ever for the two parties to cooperate.

Cut 7 (04) “…to work together.”

Due to dangerously cold weather in Washington, DC, the swearing-in ceremony will take place in the Capitol Rotunda.

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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. Pet owners should bring dogs and cats indoors.  Outdoor dogs should have fresh, dry straw in their shelters, and insulated plastic bins can serve as makeshift shelters for outdoor cats.

Cut 8 (12) “…your animals inside.”

Dorson says if bringing your pets indoors another option is moving them into a garage or storage area, but do so responsibly.

Cut 9 (12)  “…come to our state.”

To treat hypothermia, bring pets indoors, wrap them in warm blankets, and dry wet fur. Advanced care may include warm IV fluids, heated pads, or warm oxygen therapy. Dorson emphasizes that if you’re cold, your pets likely are too, urging owners to protect their animals from harsh weather conditions.

Cut 10 (10) “…the best policy.”

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TikTok could be on its last legs after the Supreme Court upholds a law that bans the popular app in the U.S. TikTok is owned by ByteDance, which the Chinese government controls. As such, the U.S. is concerned that the Chinese government has access to Americans’ data. LSU law professor Del Wright says ByteDance argued that the ban was about stifling free speech, and the Supreme Court rejected that.

Cut 11 (10) “…and national security.”

Last week, President Biden said he would not enforce the ban, essentially punting that task to his successor, Donald Trump. Wright says the law is still on the books regardless of what Trump does or does not do.

Cut 12 (15) “…by lawsuits.”

Wright says the Supreme Court’s ruling, however, isn’t necessarily the final nail in the coffin for TikTok. He says the law contains some out provisions.

Cut 13 (09) “…close the deal.”

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The biggest snowstorm in decades could take place in Louisiana tomorrow. The National Weather Service says four to six inches of snow could fall north of I-10 to south of Alexandria. Two to four inches could fall south of the I-10-12 corridor and one to two inches could fall between Alexandria and I-20. And NWS Meteorologist Donald Jones says temperatures Tuesday night into Wednesday will be in the teens for most of the state…

Cut 14 (13) “…like temperatures.”

But it’s the snow that everyone is talking about. Jones says predicted snowfall accumulation could fluctuate, but the current projection is four to six inches of snow along the I-10 corridor, but Alexandria, Bunkie, Houma, Morgan City, New Orleans, Hammond, and Slidell could see three inches and possibly more…

Cut 15 (13) “…verify.”

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.”

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Jayden Daniels’ magical season for the Washington Commanders continues for at least another week. To the surprise of nearly everyone in the NFL world, perhaps except for Daniels himself, 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. Daniels says the game – just like the season – was a grind.

Cut 18 (13)   “…position like this.”

The Washington franchise will appear in the NFC Championship Game for the first time in 33 years. If the Commanders win next week, Daniels would be the first rookie ever to start at quarterback in the Super Bowl.

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The fifth-ranked LSU women’s basketball team improved to 20-0 with an 80-63 victory over Flroida. It’s the second time in program history the Lady Tigers won their first 20 games. Mikayla Williams had 22 points and Aneesah Morrow added 20 points and 10 boards. After allowing Florida to score 21 points in the first quarter, Coach Kim Mulkey’s team played much better defense…

Cut 19 (18) “…only six.”

The win sets up a huge matchup on Thursday night in Columbia, South Carolina as LSU will face the defending national champion Gamecocks. After Sunday’s game, Mulkey was not ready to talk about Thursday’s tilt…

Cut 20 (20) “…their place.”

You’ll need a warm coat, gloves, hats and boots next week as Louisiana could see a significant winter storm. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The governor and attorney general react angrily to a Justice Department report saying Louisiana State Police troopers routinely use excessive force during drug arrests and vehicle pursuits. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Many schools and all state offices will be closed on Tuesday as artic cold weather is expected to grip the state and there’s a chance we’ll see snow on Tuesday. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says we’re looking at the possibility of a widespread snow event in the Bayou State…

Cut 3 (11) “…very, very closely.” 

The cold air mass will begin moving into the state on Sunday. Long periods of subfreezing temperatures and dangerous wind chills are expected Sunday night through Thursday. Keim says Monday and Tuesday will be very cold days…

Cut 4 (11) “…above freezing.”

But Keim says the potential for snow is what can make this particular winter storm memorable. He says models are indicating that moisture from the Gulf, combined with cold temperatures will help produce snow, possibly multiple inches…

Cut 5 (10) “…very often.”

The last measurable snowfall in New Orleans was 2009.

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The University of New Orleans (UNO) will furlough approximately 290 staff and faculty members as part of ongoing efforts to close a 10-million-dollar budget deficit driven by low enrollment. This follows previous cost-cutting steps, including layoffs, administrative reductions, consolidating five colleges into two, and closing facilities. President Kathy Johnson says the decision was hard but necessary to secure UNO’s future.

Cut 6 (09) “…gut-wrenching.”

UNO CFO Edwin Litoff says the furloughs aim to save 1.7-million-dollars, with a hiring freeze projected to reduce the deficit by an additional 2.5-million-dollars. However, Litoff acknowledges that further cuts, layoffs, and retirement incentives will be needed.

Cut 7 (09) “…end of the year.”

Efforts to restructure UNO last year yielded limited savings, contributing to the current crisis, as the university faces additional debt obligations and potential revenue shortfalls. Litoff says UNO also plans stricter tuition collection.

Cut 8 (09) “…classes for next semister.”

Employees earning over $100,000 face the longest unpaid leave periods.

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To get around the state, Governor Jeff Landry has been flying in a five-point-five-million-dollar airplane. Previous governors used helicopters but according to State Police the helicopters were 20 years old and difficult to maintain. WRKF Capitol Access Reporter Brooke Thorington broke the story along with Julie O’ Donoghue from the Louisiana Illuminator…

Cut 9 (09)  “…traveling on it.”

Public flight records show the single-engine plane traveling between Baton Rouge and Lafayette, near where the governor lives. The plane also made several back-and-forth trips between Baton Rouge and New Orleans after the Bourbon Street terrorist attack. Thorington says the plane was purchased last September….

Cut 10 (07) “…turbo prop plane.”

Thorington says they do know the plane is not just for the governor’s travels

Cut 11 (12) “…in a hurry.”

The governor’s office says using the plane instead of the helicopters should save the state money.

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The state has moved almost 160 homeless people in New Orleans, who were living in encampments around the Superdome, into a transitional shelter in Gentilly. Scott Adams, the chief of staff at GOHSEP, says they wanted to make the area around the Dome more secure…

Cut 12 (12) “…for Mardi Gras.”

Adams says they’re doing a lot more for the homeless people besides simply giving them shelter, food, showers and laundry.

Cut 13 (07)  “…get to work.”

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 on France Road. Adams 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 and it could cost the state up to 16-million dollars, depending on how long it stays open. 

Louisiana takes a huge step towards launching broadband internet statewide. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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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 Louisiana is the first country to secure federal approval of broadband funds.

Cut 3 (08) “…our federal funds.” 

Iyengar says the state awarded contracts to several companies, including several based in Louisiana, to build the broadband infrastructure in a robust way.

Cut 4 (13) “…and north Louisiana.”

Iyengar 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.”

This funding is through the state’s GUMBO 2.0 program, which will connect about 140-thousand locations across the state by way of 20 internet service providers, most of which are based in Louisiana.

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Much of Louisiana could experience freezing rain, sleet, icy roads, and possibly even snow, starting Monday night and into Tuesday. National Weather Service in Lake Charles Meteorologist Nick Slaughter says artic air will move in on Sunday and it will get very cold a couple of days later.

Cut 6 (05) “…Tuesday and Wednesday.”

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 (11) “…bundled up.”

Slaughter says uncertainty remains regarding winter precipitation. It is still too early to determine the exact snow or ice accumulations and potential impacts.

Cut 8 (10) “…still up in the air”

Winter precipitation depends on surface low in the Gulf of Mexico. If it stays south of the state, Louisiana will remain dry, but the further north it moves, the great the chance we could see snow or a wintery mix.

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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.

Cut 10 (12) “…state as well.”

Erwin says by joining forces, CABL and the Committee of 100 can do great things for the state under the new moniker of Leaders for a Better Louisiana.

Cut 11 (07) “…so to speak.”

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Louisiana U-S Representative Clay Higgins along with several 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 SSA helpline during the hearing was on hold for an hour and a half without speaking to an employee.

Cut 13 (12)  “…nobody  (phone thrown down).”

Higgins anger was directed at Martin O’ Malley. The former Maryland governor resigned in November as Social Security Commissioner. He’s now seeking to be the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee. In testimony to the committee, O’Malley blamed Congress for reducing staffing levels to 50-year lows.

But Higgins says the Republican led Congress with help from the incoming Trump administration will attempt to reverse the current telework union agreement that runs through October 2029…

Cut 14 (10) “…watch us do it.”

President Biden delivers his farewell address at seven tonight. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana Department of Education launches its new website. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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President Biden delivers his farewell address tonight. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Biden will tout his accomplishments in his four years in office.

Cut 3 (09) “…massive infrastructure investment.” 

Cross says he also expects Biden to make at least a passing reference to his predecessor and successor.

Cut 4 (10) “…a personal rule.”

All in all, Cross expects this farewell address to be a traditional one.

Cut 5 (13) “…some looking ahead.”

Biden’s address is at seven Central time.

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The Louisiana Department of Education launches its new website today. Department spokesman Ted Beasley says the old website was ten years old and was getting to be a tad cumbersome to use. Beasley says the new website is easier to navigate.

Cut 6 (10) “…they’re looking for.”

Beasley says part of that is what he calls community homepages contained within the website, including those for students, family, educators and system leaders.

Cut 7 (11) “…they’re looking for.”

Beasley says they also spent time making the site as aesthetically pleasing as possible.

Cut 8 (10) “…they’re looking for”

The website also has a new web address – doe.louisiana.gov. Those who still go to louisianabelieves.com will be redirected to the new URL.

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Buzz is building for the probability of winter precipitation next week. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says there’s a chance a large portion of the state could see snow and ice on Tuesday, but what we know for sure is that it will be cold, with dangerous wind chills…

Cut 9 (11)  “…freezing mark.”

Jacquemin says for snow, there needs to be precipitation, and it remains to be seen if the conditions will be right for precipitation to fall…

Cut 10 (10) “…winter precipitation.”

Jacquemin says we’ll have to wait a few more days before forecasters can accurately predict the possibility for snow. But he says there’s an excellent chance for pipe busting cold…

Cut 11 (08) “…season.”

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Small businesses are more optimistic now than they have been in the last six years. That’s according to the latest Small Business Optimism Index by the National Federation of Independent Business. State Director Leah Long says small business owners are looking forward to the upcoming change at 16-hundred Pennsylvania Avenue.

Cut 12 (08) “…the labor shortage.”

Here locally, Long says the reduction in the income tax will be a big boost to small business owners.

Cut 13 (06)  “…hire more employees.”

Long says one thing that small business owners want out of the new administration is the reauthorization of the Main Street Tax Act.

Cut 14 (12) “…small business owners.”

St. Tammany Parish is one step closer to securing almost six-billion dollars for flood control. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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If you want to live your healthiest life in 2025, you can make just a few simple changes. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The 1.36 percent Citizens assessment you pay on top of your premiums for property insurance is going away. Don Molino has more…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Don Molino.”

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Flu activity remains high in Louisiana. Dr. Eric Griggs with the St. Tammany Health System says so are hospitalizations.

Cut 4 (13) “…RSV and COVID.”

Dr. Griggs says only about 42-percent of Louisianians are vaccinated against the three viruses. He says even though we’re now in the peak season, it is by no means too late to get your shots.

Cut 5 (08) “…and flu season.”

Griggs says there are things that you can do to protect yourself and everyone else.

Cut 6 (09) “…to get vaccinated.”

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If you want to live your healthiest life in 2025, you can make just a few simple changes. Jennifer Duhon with the LSU Ag Center says one thing you can do is add fiber to your diet – fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans.

Cut 7 (10) “…increasing your fiber.”

Duhon says don’t focus on cutting out certain foods from your diet – instead, maintain a proper balance of the types of foods you eat.

Cut 8 (10) “…other nutrients in.”

And Duhon says after enjoying that balanced meal, instead of making a beeline to the couch, get up and take a short walk.

Cut 9 (10)  “…or 15 minutes.”

Also, Duhon says by preparing meals at home instead of eating out, you can not only eat healthier, but you can also save a lot of money.

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St. Tammany Parish is one step closer to securing almost six-billion dollars for its flood risk management project. The project was authorized under the 2024 Water Resources Development Act. Parish President Mike Cooper says this is the largest single investment in flood risk reduction in Louisiana history. 

Cut 10 (11) “…long flood wall.”

President Cooper says that’s the structural solution. As for the non-structural solution…

Cut 11 (10) “…along Lake Pontchartrain.”

Cooper says it’s a large investment, but it is greatly needed.

Cut 12 (08) “…relief to us.”

The St. Tammany Levee, Drainage and Conservation District will discuss the projects in a meeting this Wednesday evening.

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Residents with property insurance are getting a small break. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the 1.36-percent assessment on all residential and commercial property insurance policies will disappear in April. The assessment has been paying off bonds Louisiana Citizens Insurance incurred from claims after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Temple says the Citizens Board determined they have enough money to pay off the loans…

Cut 13 (09) “…June 26.”

Temple says this will result in a 100-dollar savings for residential property insurance policies and 200-dollars for commercial policyholders.

Cut 14 (10) “…on insurance.”

Citizens’ Policyholders are also getting a break. A new law that went into effect January first waves the 10-percent surcharge on all new policies and renewals for the next three years, which means lower premiums for Citizen policyholders…

Cut 15 (09) “…decrease.”

There are 115-thousand Citizens policyholders, down from 140-thousand after the hurricanes of 2020 and 2021.

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The Ragin Cajuns grinded out a victory over in-state rival ULM 71 to 68. U-L Lafayette trailed most of the game and only shot 36 percent from the field, but figured out a way to win. Interim head coach Derrick Zimmerman…

Cut 16 (11) “…mentally tough attitude.”

The loss keeps ULM winless in the Sun Belt, while the Cajuns are 3-and-2, one of seven teams tied for third place in the conference. U-L Lafayette is at Sun Belt preseason favorite Arkansas State on Thursday and play ULM again on Saturday in Monroe. Zimmerman on winning on the road…

Cut 17 (15)  “…proud of the team” 

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Louisiana Tech scored 52 points in the second half to defeat Liberty 79 to 74. Bulldogs coach Talvin Hester says Amaree Abram’s defense was the key to the game, as his defense on the Flames top scorer was outstanding…

Cut 18 (18)   “…us and them.”

Abram had 13 points. Sean Newman led the way with 27 points and he had eight assists. Hester says Newman was sensational…

Cut 19 (13) “…the end.”

Tech is now 2-and-2 in Conference USA and will be at Jacksonville State on Thursday.

If you’ve made losing weight your new year’s resolution, you’re not alone. Andrew Greenstein has some tips to make that resolution successful.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The New Orleans icon, Hubig’s Pies, debuts nostalgic King Cakes for this Carnival Season. Jeanne (ZHAHN) Burns has more.

Cut 2 (26) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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A popular New Year’s Resolution is to eat better. Candida Rebello, the director of the nutrition and chronic disease program at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, says when choosing foods, look for foods that are low in energy density – those are foods that have high dietary fiber content and high-water content…

Cut 3 (15) “…without adding calories.” 

To increase your fiber intake, try to cover at least half of your plate with fruits and vegetables.

Rebello says people tend to eat based on the size of the portion and not by the calorie content. So for the same 100 calories, you can eat a large portion of some foods or a tiny portion of others.

Cut 4 (13) “…lot more food.”

Rebello says when choosing grains, whole grain bread is high in dietary fiber.

Cut 5 (10) “…want to choose.”

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It’s king cake season; and for the first time in its 104-year history, Hubig’s Pies is selling king cakes. The owner of the New Orleans staple, Andrew Ramsey, says they have four flavors: traditional cinnamon, Hubig’s custard, Dutch apple, and cream cheese.

Cut 6 (07) “…King Cake.”

Ramsey says the store-sold cakes measure 10 by 10 inches, while online orders will be slightly larger.

Cut 7 (04) “…continental United States.”

Ramsey says Hubig’s Custard and Dutch Apple king cakes are nods to Hubig’s baked round pies and slices which were made until Hurricane Katrina in 2005

Cut 8 (13) “…Dutch apple filling.”

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The New Orleans Police Department has identified the officers who fatally shot the Houston man who carried out the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street. NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says body camera footage shows officers approaching Shamsud-Din Jabbar’s pickup truck after it crashed into construction equipment in the 300-block of Bourbon Street

Cut 9 (15)  “…the terrorist”

Kirkpatrick says officers Nigel Daggs, Christian Byer and Jacobie Jordan are heroes. Daggs is a 21-year veteran and Byer and Jordan have been on the force for nearly two years. She says they are being recognized for their bravery….

Cut 10 (11) “…national heroes.”

Kirkpatrick says two officers that were shot by Jabbar in the gun fight have been treated and released .

NOPD released the name of the officers involved in the shooting of Jabbar in conjunction with the release of the body camera video. She says the three officers who returned fire were placed on administrative reassignment as part of department policy, but they have been cleared to return to regular duty…

Cut 11 (07) “…the law.”

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Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge is the sixth entity in Louisiana to distribute the Newborn Essential Support Toolkit. Through a partnership between the Department of Health and Human Services and the non-profit organization Baby2Baby, the kits include things like diapers, wipes, skin cream, clothes and other essentials. Congresswoman Julia Letlow, who helped Woman’s unveil the kits, says it gives new parents peace of mind.

Cut 12 (09) “…that they need.”

Letlow says these kits allow new parents to get off to a good start with their newborn.

Cut 13 (06)  “…this new transition.”

Letlow says having these kits gives new parents one less thing to worry about, especially at a time when they have lots of things to worry about.

Cut 14 (10) “…access to that.”

Letlow and Washington Democratic Congresswoman Kim Schrier have introduced the NEST Act, which would allow Health and Human Services to expand the program nationwide.

You can help support those affected by the Bourbon Street tragedy by buying special Saints and Pelicans warmup shirts. Andrew Greenstein reports..

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Winter storm warnings and winter storm 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.”

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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.” (The shirts have NOLA above the Saints or Pelicans logo with a heart in place of the “O”)

The shirts sell for $34.99. Whitsell says all the sales from these special shirts will support the victims of the terror attack on Bourbon Street.

Cut 4 (09) “…for the Saints.”

Whitsell says the Saints and the Pelicans both worked with the NFL and the NBA, respectively, to crank out as many shirts as possible.

Cut 5 (08) “…soon as possible.”

Whitsell says the shirts are in abundant supply at the official online stores for both the Saints and the Pelicans. She urges you only to buy those shirts from those official sites. Money from purchases elsewhere will not go to those who the shirts are intended to benefit.

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) warns of potential fish kills along the coast as freezing temperatures and an arctic blast sweep across the state. Fisheries biologist Jason Adriance says water temperatures haven’t dropped enough yet.

Cut 6 (08) “…that can happen.”

One coastal species most at risk is the Spotted Seatrout which struggles when water temperatures drop below 40-degrees for over a day, while Red Drum begins to experience issues in the mid-30s. Adriance notes that slower temperature drops give fish a better chance to acclimate and survive

Cut 7 (07) “…more severe impact.”

Adriance urges the public to report large fish kills by providing location details, fish condition, and contact information.

Cut 8 (04) “…dead or dying fish.”

Creel, size limits, and legal fishing methods remain in effect

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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 elderly victims in each. State Fire Marshal Bryan Adams says at this time last year, they did not have a single house fire fatality…

Cut 9 (08)  “…my team.”

These deadly fires have come as temperatures have dropped below freezing across most of Louisiana this week. Adams says none of the homes involved in these deadly fires had a working smoke detector…

Cut 10 (10) “…free of charge.”

Adams says if you need a smoke alarm, call you local fire department and they will come out and install them for you…

Cut 11 (10) “…so, so important.”

Adams is urging the public to place space heaters three to five feet from combustible objects like blankets and  do not use stoves or ovens to heat homes. House fires claimed 73 lives last year in Louisiana.

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Precipitation is falling and we’ll wait to see if it becomes freezing rain, sleet or snow in north Louisiana. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says it could snow tomorrow morning near the Arkansas state line…

Cut 12 (09) “…slip and slide.”

Four parishes in northwest Louisiana, Caddo, Bossier, Webster and Claiborne, are under a winter storm warning, and a winter weather advisory is in place for several other north Louisiana parishes.

Keim says south Louisiana can expect heavy rainfall today and tomorrow…

Cut 13 (10)  “…eastward”

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SWEPCO is prepared to respond to power outages when they occur from the winter storm. Michelle Marcotte with SWEPCO says they’ve been getting the trucks and crews ready.

Cut 14 (13) “…to restore power.”

Marcotte says more than 500 on-site contract crews are positioned in areas predicted to be affected by the storm…

Cut 15 (10) “…we need them.”

Marcotte says forecasters have told them the Texarkana and Longview areas in Texas are expected to see significant ice accumulation.

We’re now one full year into the Landry administration. Andrew Greenstein takes a look back and a look ahead.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Preparations are getting underway for winter precipitation in north Louisiana later this week. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin…

Cut 2 (29) “…possible.”

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A southwest Louisiana resident is the first person in the United States to die from the bird flu. State health officials say the patient was over 65 years old and had underlying health conditions and contracted the virus through exposure to a backyard flock of wild birds. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Associate Professor Rebecca Christofferson…

Cut 3 (07) “…with known animals.” 

Christofferson says the overall public health risk is low, individuals working with birds, poultry, or livestock face higher exposure risks. To prevent H5N1 infection, people should avoid contact with sick or dead birds and their droppings and keep pets away from contaminated animals.

Cut 4 (08) “…who you’re around.”

Christofferson says workers in poultry or dairy farming are advised to get a seasonal flu vaccine to reduce the risk of co-infection with influenza viruses, though it does not protect against avian flu.

Cut 5 (15) “…or more dangerous.”

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Five parishes in North Louisiana are under a winter storm watch for later this week.  The five parishes are Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne and Union Parishes. National Weather Service Meteorologist Brandon Thorne says the winter storm watch goes into effect Thursday morning and goes into Friday afternoon.

Cut 6 (13) “…when it starts.”

This will likely bring widespread rain south of I-20, freezing rain north of I-20, and Thorne says significant snowfall near and north of I-30, where heavy snow accumulation is possible.

Cut 7 (07) “…to support that.”

Temperatures will stay frigid throughout the event, with highs only in the 30s and lows in the 20s.  Thorne says travel could become hazardous, and monitoring updates closely is crucial as this storm could significantly disrupt the region.

Cut 8 (12) “…and be careful.”

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We’re now one full year into the Landry administration here in Louisiana. Jeremy Alford, the publisher of LaPolitics-dot-com, says Landry set a new standard in moving quickly on his agenda, which not only included the biggest tax overhaul in decades, but it also included consolidating his power as governor.

Cut 9 (12)  “…of state government.”

Alford says Landry greatly boosted his national profile in his first year as governor.

Cut 10 (15) “…politicians usually speak.”

As for Landry’s agenda for year number two, Alford says one of his biggest focuses will be on public safety, particularly in New Orleans.

Cut 11 (11) “…push this year.”

Alford says economic development will be another of Landry’s priorities.

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One of college athletics most popular athletes is glad she’s back for her fifth and final year of eligibility. LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne had strong performances on the balance beam and floor on Friday as the Tigers began defense of their first national championship with a win over Iowa State. Dunne says it was a blast performing again at the PMAC…

Cut 12 (10) “…I’ve ever made.”

Dunne is one of the most followed college athlete on social media. On3.com says Dunne’s NIL valuation is 4.2 million dollars, the most of any female athlete. The New Jersey native could have pursued a career as a model and influencer full-time. But Dunne says her decision to return and try to win another national championship is the best decision she’s ever made…

Cut 13 (17)  “…my best friends”

Dunne and the Tigers have a big meet this Saturday in Oklahoma City as they will compete against some of the best teams in the country, Oklahoma, Utah and California.  Head Coach Jay Clark embraces the challenge…

Cut 14 (12) “…compete.”

The meet will be televised by ABC at 3 PM on Saturday. LSU will start on vault.