11:30 LRN Newscast

Many schools and state offices will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday 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”

State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the cold air will begin to arrive on Sunday…

Cut 21  (14) “…for the afternoon”

Temperatures will be below freezing for most of the day Tuesday. State officials are urging residents to prepare for the winter storm as traveling could be a problem starting Monday night into Wednesday.

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.

And the Sugar Bowl has made a 500-thousand-dollar donation towards the New Yar’s Day tragedy fund. The money will help support the families who lost loved ones and those seriously injured. The dollars will also go towards safety initiatives. Sugar Bowl president Walter Becker…

Cut 15 (11) “…and move on”

10:30 LRN Newscast

The U-S Justice Department has released a report that has found State Police Troopers routinely use excessive force, including the unjustified use of Tasers and escalating minor incident involving individuals who do not pose a threat. The Justice Department says L-S-P has made changes to its use of force policy, but more work must be done.

We’re watching for the possibility of a winter storm blanketing the state with snow early next week. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin has the latest….

Cut 27 (31) “…upcoming storm”

 

What should go into determining if a person is obese? Currently your Body Mass Index is the major tool, but health experts worldwide say B-M-I is really just a measure of a person’s height and weight, but it doesn’t say how much fat you have. Doctor Phillip Schauer at Pennington says it’s important to know if a person has pre-clinical obesity or clinical obesity…

Cut 6 (13) “….extend their lives”

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.”

Fourteen people were killed and dozens injured in the New Year’s Day attack.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Based on computer models, confidence is growing that snow could fall in Louisiana on Tuesday. State Climatologist Jay Grymes…

Cut 11 (11) “…early Wednesday”

The European model is showing the likelihood for snowfall is greater for central and south Louisiana, and it’s possible south Louisiana could see two to four inches.

There is a high risk for hard freezes with low temperatures ranging from the upper teens in north Louisiana to the mid-20s in south Louisiana. Louisiana Department of Health Deputy Secretary Doctor Pete Croughan says whatever you do, do not use your stove or oven to heat your home…

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

And space heaters need to be three to five feet away from bedding or other flammable materials.

Health experts around the world are trying to get a better handle on what should lead to a person being diagnosed as obese. B-M-I is the main tool right now, but a muscular individual could be determined as obese, even though they are in great shape. LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is participating in this effort to come up with new guidelines to determine if a person is obese. Doctor Phillip Schauer says it’s critical to understand exactly what the disease is…

Cut 5 (05) “….and overtreat obesity”

The Sugar Bowl is donating 500-thousand dollars to the New Year’s Day tragedy fund in response to the terrorist attack on Bourbon Street that led to a one-day postponement of the game. Half of the donation will go to the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s New Year’s Day Tragedy Fund; the other half will fund public safety initiatives. Sugar Bowl President Walter Becker…

Cut 14 (08) “…EMS or fire”

14 people were killed and many more injured in the New Year’s Day attack.

8:30 LRN Newscast

A lengthy investigation by the U-S Justice Department has found a pattern of misconduct by State Police when it comes to using excessive force during arrests and vehicle pursuits. The D-O-J report said the use of stun guns is particularly concerning.  Governor Jeff Landry is not happy with the report and says it’s an attempt to diminish the service and exceptionality of LSP.

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

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

 

We are looking at a mild day tomorrow, but then a blast of artic air will descend on the state, bringing the possibility of a measurable snowfall on Tuesday. There was the potential for winter precipitation last week in north Louisiana that never materialized, but State Climatologist Jay Grymes says there’s a better chance that next week’s winter storm will deliver…

Cut 12 (06) “…first go around”

Travel could be difficult on Tuesday, if it snows. Louisiana Department of Health Deputy Secretary Doctor Pete Croughan says if you need to run important errands, get them done before the winter precipitation arrives…

Cut 8 (08) “….tomorrow or Monday”

LSU backup quarterback Colin Hurley is recovering after he was involved in a single vehicle wreck early Thursday morning on the LSU campus. His family says Hurley is in stable condition but expected to make a full recovery.

7:30 LRN Newscast

The National Weather Service says It’s about a 50-50 chance we’ll see a measurable snowfall on Tuesday in Louisiana. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says a good portion of the state could see one to two inches of snow…

Cut 11 (14) “…over to Slidell”

Grymes says travel hazards will begin Monday night and spread across the state on Tuesday.

For snow to stick to the ground that means it will be cold on Tuesday. High Temperatures on Tuesday will be in the 30s and morning lows especially in central and north Louisiana will be in the teens. Louisiana Department of Health Deputy Secretary Pete Croughan says use this weekend to prepare for the brutal cold…

Cut 7 (16) “…compromise on infrastructure”

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.”

A ten-million-dollar budget deficit is forcing the University of New Orleans to furlough nearly 300 staff and faculty members. Low enrollment has forced U-N-O to do some belt tightening. Last year the public university laid off employees and high-earning administrators, closed buildings and consolidated five colleges to two.

6:30 LRN Newscast

The U-S Justice Department is calling for State Police to revise its policies after releasing a lengthy report that finds L-S-P’s use of force tactics violate the Fourth Amendment of the U-S Constitution. The investigation that started in 2022 found Troopers unjustifiably use tasers and escalate minor incidents. Governor Landry says the report seeks to diminish the service and exceptionality of State Police and they will always have their back. Landry noted a top to bottom state review of L-S-P is ongoing.

Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center are working with the Lancet Commission on Clinical Obesity, in developing new guidelines to determine obesity. 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 look at excess body fat

Cut 4 (12) “…below the skin.”

The reframing of obesity is designed to ensure all people living with obesity receive appropriate health advice.

An Arctic cold front will hit Louisiana next week. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the cold weather will roll into Louisiana this weekend…

Cut 10 (14) “…for the afternoon.”

Temperatures will be below freezing for most of the day Tuesday, with the possibility of snowfall.

The Louisiana Department of Health is urging residents o start preparing now. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

LRN AM Newscall January 17

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.

5:30 LRN Newscast

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.

4:30 PM Newscast Jan 16

Lockport basted Bollinger Shipyard has agreed to pay over a million dollars to resolve allegations that they knowingly billed the U.S. Coast Guard for vessels built using illegal workers. The Coast Guard paid Bollinger for their Fast Response Cutters built from 2015 to 2020 without confirming employee’s legal status to work in the U.S. resulting in several ineligible employees working on the contract that provided the vessels say authorities. Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari with the Department of Homeland Security says, “Today’s settlement sends a clear message that contractors providing services to DHS programs will be held accountable for breaking the law.”

Louisiana is expected to have nice warm temperatures before brutal cold moves in. 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”

The Committee of 100 for Economic Development and the Council for A Better Louisiana are merging. CABL president Barry Erwin says 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.”

Louisiana U-S Representative Clay Higgins blasted the former head of Social Security Administration, Martin O’ Malley for agreeing to a telework agreement with SSA union employees saying it caused extremely long wait times when calling the Social Security helpline. O’Malley blamed Congress for reducing staffing levels to 50-year lows. Higgins wants to reverse the current telework union agreement that runs through October 2029…

Cut 14 (10) “…watch us do it.”

3:30 PM Newscast Jan 16

17-year-old LSU backup quarterback Colin Hurley was found in his Dodge Charger unresponsive but breathing around 2:45 this morning after LSU Police say he crashed into a tree near the south gates of LSU. The cause of the crash has not been released and may be unknown, but investigators say they do not believe Hurley was impaired. Emergency personnel removed Hurley from the vehicle and transported him to an area hospital. Hurley is the third string QB behind Garrett Nussmeier and Mississippi State transfer Michael Van Buren.

Louisiana is bracing for brutally cold temperatures next week.   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 (08) “…single digits.”

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.”

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 state in the country to secure federal approval of broadband funds.

Cut 3 (08) “…our federal funds.”