A strong cold front has moved through north Louisiana into central Louisiana this morning, and hitting the bottom half of the state this afternoon. Kent Kuyper with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says the winter weather has been crazy this season…:
Cut 15 (10) “at us”

Shreveport has already seen about three inches of snow in some areas. The cold sleet, freezing rain and wintry mix is expected to move south throughout the day.

The Department of Transportation says there is ice over many roads in North Louisiana, and I-49 is closed, so is I-220, and many bridges in the Shreveport area. There are several overpasses closed on I-20 in northeast Louisiana. Officials encourage those who have to travel the state today to check 511la.org for a complete and updated list of road closures or blockages. Winter Weather Advisories are posted for the entire state.

Governor John Bel Edwards is making a final push to negotiate a fiscal cliff deal before a self-imposed January 19th deadline…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

163 employees at CB and I in Livingston Parish are losing their jobs. The pipe fabrication facility in Walker says they are cutting costs due to a lack of available work. The Business Report says the decision was made after the company announced a six billion dollar merger with McDermott International. The layoffs go into effect February 19th.

A strong winter cold front is making it’s way down Louisiana…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

The State Department of Revenue says online retailers which delivered goods or services to Louisiana addresses will soon notify shoppers about purchases that are subject to state use tax. This is now a requirement under a law passed by the legislature in 2016. The annual notices must be mailed by January 31 each year.

LAPolitics Publisher Jeremy Alford is reporting that the governor will present a budget to lawmakers Friday that will include a 100-percent cut to TOPS to illustrate what would happen if the one billion dollar shortfall remains in place July 1. But he says the governor’s office is also preparing
something else to show the legislature…:
Cut 5 (11) “he wanted”
Edwards set a January 19th deadline for negotiations for a deal in principle on repairing the fiscal cliff.

Don Briggs’ 26 year run as the President of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association is coming to an end. In reflecting on his tenure, he recalls that after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, LOGA raised over a million dollars to provide housing, fuel and transportation for storm victims…:
Cut 8 (10) “other hurricanes”
Briggs will be succeeded by Vice President Gifford Briggs.

Snow is falling in Shreveport as an extreme winter weather event enters the state and is expected to head south throughout the day and into tonight. Kent Kuyper with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says once the event passes today, it will leave us with a bitter cold Wednesday…:
Cut 14 (09) “the coast”
Already, snows and a wintry mix are occurring over northern and central Louisiana with generally light rain over the Acadiana region. South Louisiana is expected to see similar impacts by this afternoon and through the evening hours. Road closures over northern Louisiana include I-49 and I-220. DOTD encourages those who have to travel the state today to check 511la.org for a complete and updated list of road closures or blockages.

Governor Edwards will reportedly present a budget to lawmakers on Friday that includes a 100-percent cut to TOPS. The budget is a representation of what would happen if the GOP led House and Edwards do not find a solution to the loss of one billion dollars in revenue on July 1st. LAPolitics Publisher Jeremy Alford…:
Cut 4 (08) “and policy”
Alford says negotiations have stalled, and he doesn’t expect a February special session to address the cliff at this point.

The GOP is requesting a budget with less spending, while the governor wants to replace the sales tax by eliminating certain business tax breaks. Edwards says a key piece of these negotiations is getting his tax reform plan passed…:
Cut 12 (08) “tax type”
Edwards set a Friday deadline for coming to a fiscal cliff agreement.

The entire state is under some sort of winter weather advisory, and it’s already started snowing in north Louisiana. An arctic blast has hit the state, and National Weather Service meteorologist Kent Kuyper says as the front heads south, the chances of freezing precipitation continue…:
Cut 13 (09) “and sleet”
A more than 25 mile stretch of I-49 is closed. This includes the section in the Shreveport city limits; and the new stretch just north of town between MLK up to north Caddo Parish.

In South Louisiana, a light wintry mix of sleet and snow is expected this afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service says total accumulations of a trace to less than an inch are expected. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from noon today, to midnight tonight.

There are many offices and schools also closed today throughout the state, as officials believe it’s best if folks just stay off deteriorating road conditions while this system moves through.

It appears unlikely House legislators and Governor John Bel Edwards will come to a fiscal cliff agreement before a Friday deadline. The deadline was set by the Governor, who was hoping to enter a February special session with a deal in principle to fill a one-billion dollar budget shortfall. Edwards says delaying the fiscal cliff decision could be damaging…:
Cut 10 (11) “already have”
The GOP is requesting a budget with less spending, while the governor wants to replace the sales tax by eliminating certain business tax breaks.

After 26 years, Don Briggs has announced that he is stepping down as president of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association. He says he’ll be pursuing other ventures aimed at helping to promote Louisiana’s oil and gas industry. He hopes it can soon operate without so many regulations..:
Cut 9 (10) “not happening”
Briggs will be succeeded by Vice President Gifford Briggs.

If GOP House leaders and the governor can’t come together to address the fiscal cliff, TOPS could be on the chopping block. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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It’s a very wet and cold morning across north Louisiana.  Kelley Ray says it’s just the start.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is making a final push to negotiate a fiscal cliff deal before a self-imposed January 19^th deadline. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Governor Edwards will reportedly present a budget to lawmakers on Friday that includes a 100-percent cut to TOPS. The budget is a representation of what would happen if the GOP led House and Edwards do not find a solution to the loss of one billion dollars in revenue on July 1^st.  LAPolitics Publisher Jeremy Alford…

Cut 4  (08) “and policy” 

The governor is constitutionally required to propose a balanced budget, and the spending plan presented on Friday would reflect what would happen if the state does not replace the money generated by an expiring one-cent sales tax. Alford says the governor’s office is also preparing a budget that would show how the state would spend its money, if the billion dollar shortfall is resolved.

Cut 5  (11)  “he wanted.”

Edwards set a January 19^th deadline for negotiations for a deal in principle on fixing the fiscal cliff. The legislature has a regular session scheduled for March, but Alford says the fiscal cliff can only be addressed in a special session that the governor would like to call in February.

Cut 6 (09)  “one after”

Alford says negotiations have stalled, and he doesn’t expect a February special session to address the cliff at this point.

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Don Briggs’ 26 year run as the President of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association is coming to an end.  Briggs says he’ll remain active, because he is concerned about the lost jobs in the industry. He blames Governor Edwards for support lawsuits the oil companies for their role in damaging the state’s wetlands.  Briggs said several investors from New York were ready to invest…

Cut 7 (11)  “south Louisiana.”

Briggs reflects on his time as LOGA President with fondness.  He says the industry has made contributions to Louisiana.  Briggs says after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, they raised over a million dollars to provide housing, fuel and transportation for hurricane victims…

Cut 8 (10) “other hurricanes.”

Briggs hopes there will be changes so the oil industry can operate without so many regulations that will encourage jobs growth in Louisiana…

Cut 9 (10)  “not happening.”

Briggs’ son Gifford Briggs will officially become president during LOGA’s annual meeting in March.

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It appears unlikely House legislators and Governor John Bel Edwards will come to a fiscal cliff agreement before a Friday deadline. The deadline was set by the Governor, who was hoping to enter into a February special session with an agreement in principle to fill a one-billion dollar budget shortfall.  Edwards says delaying the fiscal cliff decision could be damaging…

Cut 10 (11) “already have.”

The shortfall is due to the expiration of a one-cent sales tax passed two years ago to salvage the budget. Edwards says the sales tax increase was not a long term fix…

Several weather warnings are in effect for all of Louisiana with the impending winter weather.  Five northern Parishes are under Winter Storm Warnings, many parishes in Central and Southwest Louisiana are under Winter Weather advisories and wind chill advisories and all of southeast Louisiana is under a hard freeze warning.  Where it’s cold enough to snow, the National Weather Service’s Matthew Duplantis measurable snow will start falling around midnight…

Cut 4 (07) “further south.”

You may remember some bridges and overpasses were closed during the December winter storm.  They included the Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish and a portion of I-110 in Baton Rouge.  DOTD’s Rodney Mallet says they are watching the weather system very closely and will be making sure motorists remain safe…

Cut 7 (11)  “close it.”

The Saints season is over and now tough decisions need to be made.  Drew Brees and Kenny Vacarro are both free agents.  Vacarro has had an inconsistent career with big plays and big errors.  Football analyst Mike Detillier says after Vacarro was placed on injured reserve, the team needs to consider their future with him…

Cut 10 (09) “choice here.”

Free agency starts March 14^th.

The Who Dat Nation has called the moment when Vikings wideout Stefon Driggs caught the 61-yard touchdown as time expired surreal. These fans say they never thought the season would end like this, but the game was certainly a wild ride…:

Cut 12 (13) “being behind”

The Saints have some big decisions to make this offseason. Matt Doyle talked to NFL Analyst Mike Detillier about what the Black and Gold will need to do…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

163 employees at CB and I in Livingston Parish are losing their jobs.  The pipe fabrication facility in Walker says they are cutting costs due to a lack of available work.  The Business Report says the decision was made after the company announced a six billion dollar merger with McDermott International.  The layoffs go into effect February 19^th.

Several weather warnings are in effect for all of Louisiana with the impending winter weather.  Five northern Parishes are under Winter Storm Warnings, many parishes in Central and Southwest Louisiana are under Winter Weather advisories and wind chill advisories and all of southeast Louisiana is under a hard freeze warning.   Shreveport National Weather Service meteorologist Matthew Duplantis says snow could fall late tonight in northern most parishes…

Cut 3 (07) “some areas.”

Road conditions could get bad very quickly tonight and tomorrow. DOTD spokesman Rodney  Mallett says even though they are prepared to work on clearing roads, check L-A-5-1-1 before heading out to see if the route you are taking is open and clear…

Cut 8 (13) “it’s closed.”

Very cold arctic air will once again plunge Louisiana in the deep freeze. Kelley Ray has a look at preparations already underway…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

Thanks Kelley, temperatures will get back into the teens on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning for much of Louisiana. Below freezing temperatures will also be felt along the coast. And we now have a winter weather advisory for a good portion of south Louisiana for Tuesday.

The Saints season came to a tragic end Sunday, but many are starting to look forward to next season. Drew Brees and Kenny Vaccaro headline the Saints 2018 free agent class. NFL Analyst Mike Detillier says the team has a strong young core, that can’t lose its most important piece…
Cut 9 (12) “right back again.”
Detillier expects it will take about 25-million dollars a year to keep Brees on the Saints.

Sportsmen will be unable to renew their hunting and fishing licenses at retail stores for two months starting January 30th while LDWF transitions to a new system. Spokesperson Rene LeBreton says the changes will make things easier…:
Cut 30 (09) “down the road”
Hunting and fishing licenses will be available at retail stores again by April. You can renew, change or purchase your licenses on line during that period, except on January 30th and 31st.

An arctic blast will pass through the state again bringing temperatures that are quite a bit colder than usual. The northern parishes could be facing several inches of snow. Shreveport National Weather Service Meteorologist Matthew Duplantis says the extreme weather will start tonight…

Cut 4, 07, further south

Theres some chance of wintery precipitation in south Louisiana, Duplantis says the storm system should weaken a good deal before it gets to the coast.

The combination of ice earlier in the evening coupled with snow later at night has officials concerned about a rapid deterioration of road conditions. Shreveport, Monroe, and Chase Department of Transportation districts will have crews out on the roads starting this evening DOTD’s Rodney Mallet says they’ll have an eye on bridges and overpasses in particular…

Cut 7, 11, close it

The Saints were on the wrong side of history in what’s being called one of the greatest playoff games ever. It had three lead changes in the last few minutes of a game that ended on a Stephon Diggs touchdown that Vikings, and Saints fans, will never forget. The Saints are a young team with one of the most highly touted draft classes in a decade, so Saints fans are looking forward to a bright future…

Cut 13, 12, I believe

First up on the Saints to do list is dealing with the impending free agency of a few key players. Drew Brees’s and Kenny Vaccaro’s contracts are up in March, and the team has to figure out what to do with a slew of other role. Figuring out who to keep around will be a tough decision with a free agent class stacked with defensive talent. Saints Analyst Mike Detillier says there’s a key position that needs to be filled.

Cut 11, 12, make plays

Free Agency kicks off March 14^th.

LRN News.

North Louisiana is bracing for winter weather as winter storm warnings and watches will go into effect tonight and last through Tuesday evening. Snow accumulations as much as four inches are possible in northwest Louisiana, while central Louisiana could see about an inch. Matthew Duplantis with the National Weather Service says as of now there’s not much of a threat of winter weather for south Louisiana…
cut 5 (05) “…the Gulf”

Saints fans are trying to recover today from one of the most heartbreaking losses in franchise history. Up by one point with 10 seconds to go, the Saints end up losing 29-24 in the NFC playoffs. But there’s always next year right Who Dats….
cut 13 (12) “…I believe”
The Saints will return to Minnesota again next year, but a date has not been decided.

It was Saints safety Marcus Williams who missed a tackle that let Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs run free into the end zone in Minnesota’s 29-24 victory. The rookie was extremely hard on himself in the locker room, but held his head high to reporters and told ESPN it was his play to make:
Cut 14 (14) “that was my job”

Coach Sean Payton and the Saints front office will soon put the 2017 season behind them and look ahead to 2018. Quarterback Drew Brees will become an unrestricted free agent in March and NFL analyst Mike Detillier says a decision also must be made regarding safety Kenny Vaccaro…
cut 10 (09) “…choice here”
Free agency begins March 14.