The special session gets underway this afternoon for lawmakers to redraw the state’s congressional district map after the current one was ruled unconstitutional. LA-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s anybody’s guess what will happen this time around…

Cut 10 (07) “…or not.”
A government watchdog group is concerned the call for this special session is too broad. Collen Crain reports legislators will attempt to approve new Congressional and Supreme Court district maps, make changes to campaign finance laws and switch to a party primary system for all elections.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”
—————-

Grammy award winning Cajun recording artis- Jo-El Sonner has died at the age of 77 while on tour in Texas. The Louisiana legend had competed a show at the Llano county Opry on Saturday night before suffering a major heart attack. Sonnier began playing his brother’s accorion by the age of three, by six he had been on the radio, and by 11, he had recorded his first songs. J0-El Sonnier was known for his many hits like “No Moew One More Time” & “Come on Joe”.

It will be cold for the next few days. Highs for north Louisiana will be in the mid to upper 20s today. Central Louisiana will see highs near the freezing mark. Mid-40s for south Louisiana today. Cameron Kowalski with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says tomorrow will be the coldest day for south Louisiana…

Cut 15 (11) “…the coast”

The special session to redraw the state’s congressional districts gets underway this afternoon, and the governor wants lawmakers to address a dozen other issues too. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Lawmakers have until January 23rd to complete their redistricting work. Governor Jeff Landry says after that they’ll turn their attention to a special session that will attempt to lower the crime rate…

Cut 6 (06) “…to work on.”

——-
The entire I-20 corridor is under a winter storm warning as snow, sleet and freezing rain is expected to fall through the afternoon hours. Experts say there’s a chance for freezing rain for entire the state. It will be very light for south Louisiana. Ryan Knapp, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, says central Louisiana could see one to two-tenths of an inch of freezing rain…

Cut 14 (11) “..heavier impacts.” 
Tragic news out of Ascension Parish this morning as a mother and one year old child were found shot to death in Gonzales yesterday. According to the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, the bodies were found inside a trailer home at the Oak Village Mobile Home Park off Airline Highway yesterday evening around 5:30. A person of interest was taken into custody. Authorities suspect the shootings were an act of domestic violence.

This afternoon, Louisiana lawmakers convene a special Legislative session to address the court-ordered redistricting of Louisiana’s congressional map and there are several other complicated issues on the agenda. The special session must conclude on January 23rd. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says legislators do not have a lot of time…

Cut 7 (12) “…campaign finance.”
Calling a special session so soon wasn’t something Governor Jeff Landry would have done if he’d had his way. But during an appearance on the Moon Griffon show, Landry said a mid-January special session is a must because a federal judge set a January 30th deadline to  redraw a Congressional district map with two majority-minority districts, instead of one..

Cut 4 (12) “..do it”
————-

The entire I-20 corridor is under a winter storm warning as snow, sleet and freezing rain is expected to fall through the afternoon hours. Ryan Knapp is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Shreveport….

Cut 13 (14) “..sleet accumulations”
DOTD has already announced several road closures due to winter weather conditions. Urban I-49 in Caddo Parish is closed. The closure includes the northbound lanes of I-49 between LA 526 and I-20, as well as the southbound lanes from I-20 to LA 3132. And that’s not all, the southbound lanes of I-49 are also closed between the I-22 interchange in Shreveport and Mira Myrtis Road in Caddo as are the Benton Road Overpass in Bossier And the LA 154 Bridge over Lake Bistineau in Bosier/Bienville Parishes. For the latest information on road closures, you can always visit www.5-11-L-A-dot-org.

One suspect is in custody and another is being sought in the Thursday shooting outside a Bogalusa High Basketball game that left a 14-year-old dead and left a 13 year old hospitalized. According to Nola.com Bogalusa police arresedf 21 year old Jamichael Spikes on counts of obstruction of justice related to the shooting. As for a motive, investigators do not believe the shooting was random.

Cut 7 (05) “…this point.” 

Police are also searching for a 17-year-old in connection with the crime, though they do not believe he was the shooter.

The New Orleans teenager convicted of killing Linda Frickey in March of 2022 was sentenced to life in prison yesterday. John Honore, who was 17 when he committed the crime, could be eligible for parole after 25 years. You’ll recall the murder involved the murder involved Honore carjacking, beating, and dragging Frickey 700 feet with her own car.

It nay be  cold outside now, but Louisiana is just beginning to brace for arctic air and the possibility of winter precipitation. Morehouse, East and West Carroll are under a winter storm watch, starting Sunday night and lasting until Monday afternoon, LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin…

Cut 3 (11) “…Monday night.”
Jaqueman says snow will be a possibility along the Louisiana-Arkansas border.

While we’re all considering our pets, pipes, and plants ahead the hard freeze, don’t forget about your car. Experts say you should have your battery checked and make sure your tires are properly inflated. Tripple A spokesman Don Redman says anti-freeze is especially important. And if you find it low, it’s important to remember….

Cut 11 (06) “…fits all.”

Louisiana continues to brace for the arrival of some arctic air and the possibility of winter precipitation on Sunday. Experts say snow will be a possibility along the Louisiana-Arkansas border. The I-20 corridor could see a combination of sleet and freezing rain. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says the cold will stick around through Tuesday and into Wednesday morning…

Cut 5 (07) “…at all” 

While we’re all considering our pets and pipes as the temperatures begin to plummet, don’t forget about those plants. LSU Ag Center Horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard recommends using mulch as an insulator to protect your perennials.

Cut  14 (08) “..those roots.”
Kirk-Ballard says your shrubs and other trees should be able to weather the deep freeze.

———-

As Louisiana prepares for the coldest temperatures we’ve seen in years. Colleen Crain has some reminders for preparing your automobile…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

And if your worried about your electric bill, be aware Entergy Louisiana says they are temporarily suspending disconnections for non-payment through next Friday. Beyond January 19^th, Entergy says they will take a day-by-day approach on disconnections.

Governor Jeff Landry has already issued a state of emergency ahead of the anticipated cold weather Sunday through Wednesday. He’s encouraging residents to prepare and to visit GetAGamePlan-dot-org for a guide.

Snow is a possibility along the Louisiana-Arkansas border. The I-20 corridor could see a combination of sleet and freezing rain, while Natchitoches, Jena and Winnsboro and the Natchez area could see freezing rain. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says it will be cold enough for winter precipitation

Cut 4 (12) “..Tuesday afternoon”

Entergy Louisiana says they are temporarily suspending disconnections for non-payment from Monday through Friday next week due to the anticipated severely cold weather. Beyond January 19^th, Entergy says they will take a day-by-day approach on disconnections.

———

With a deep freeze in the forecast, you’ll want to be sure to protect your tropical plants. LSU Ag Center Horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard says if they are in containers move them indoors like a garage or your porch. But if those tropical plants are in the ground…

Cut 12 (11)  “…insulator.”  

If you’ll be traveling in the next few days, consider the much colder temperatures and be sure to visit 511-LA-dot-org for the latest road conditions.

And you’ll also want to consider your automobile ahead of the frigid temperatures.  Tripple A Spokesman Don Redman says have your battery checked because the freezing temperatures can kill an a battery that’s already weak. But he says that’s not the only thing that could leave you stranded.

Cut 10 (09) “…spare tire.” 

Louisiana is bracing for the arrival of some arctic air and the possibility of winter precipitation. Morehouse, East and West Carroll are under a winter storm watch, starting Sunday night and lasting until Monday afternoon, LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin…

Cut 3 (11) “…Monday night.”
Pipes and pets are on our minds as frigid weather heads toward the Bayou State but we should also be preparing our autos for the freezing temperatures. Triple A Spokesperson Don Redman says to make sure you’re not stranded with a dead car battery…

Cut 9 (12) “…weak battery.” 
————-

The New Orleans teenager convicted of killing Linda Frickey in March of 2022 was sentenced to life in prison yesterday. John Honore, who was 17 when he committed the crime, could be eligible for parole after 25 years. You’ll recall the murder involved the murder involved Honore carjacking, beating, and dragging Frickey with her own car 700 feet. Honore’s co-defendants have already pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of attempted manslaughter.

A basketball game turned deadly Thursday night after a shooting in the parking lot at Bogalusa High School. Acting Bogalusa Police Chief Percy Knight says it happened but before 9 pm during the game against Covington.

Cut 6 (11) “…full recovery.” 

Knight says after multiple gunshots the suspects fled the scene. As for a motive, investigators do not believe the shooting was random.

A basketball game turned deadly Thursday night after a shooting in the parking lot at Bogalusa High School. Acting Bogalusa Police Chief Percy Knight says after multiple gunshots the suspects fled the scene. As for a motive, investigators do not believe the shooting was random.

Cut 7 (05) “…this point.” 

The 14-year-old male victim died at the hospital and the 13-year-old who was shot in the leg is expected to make a full recovery. The school says they will have grief counselors when school resumes on Tuesday after the holiday along with extra security.

Entergy Louisiana says they are temporarily suspending disconnections for non-payment from Monday through Friday next week due to the anticipated severely cold weather. Beyond January 19^th, Entergy says they will take a day-by-day approach on disconnections.

Governor Landry has issued a state of emergency ahead of the anticipated cold weather Sunday through Wednesday. He’s encouraging residents to prepare and to visit GetAGamePlan-dot-org for a guide. And before you travel visit 511-LA-dot-org for the latest road conditions.  Over the weekend you might want to check your car battery before the temperatures plumet.

You’ll definitely want to protect your tropical plants before the anticipated deep freeze. LSU Ag Center Horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard says if you have tropical or citrus trees planted in the ground to cover them during the day to trap in the heat, and put out mulch to insulate them…

Cut  14 (08) “..those roots.”

Windchills could be in the single digits Tuesday and Wednesday in Louisiana. And don’t forget to protect your pets and pipes as well.

Forecasters say an artic blast will invade the Bayou State around Sunday into Tuesday. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

Governor Jeff Landry issues his first state of emergency. Landry signed an executive order Friday ahead of the severe cold weather expected to impact Louisiana between Sunday January 14^th and Wednesday the 17^th. He and his administration are encouraging Louisianans to prepare and offering preparedness guides at GetAGamePlan Dot Org The Governor’s office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is on standby to assist local areas. Road Crews are also on stand by. For the latest on road conditions check 511LA Dot org

Pipes and pets are on our minds as frigid weather heads toward the Bayou State but we should also be preparing our autos for the freezing temperatures. Triple A Spokesperson Don Redman says to make sure you’re not stranded with a dead car battery…

Cut 9 (12) “…weak battery.” 

Redman says your mechanic and some auto parts stores can check your battery’s health for you.

Entergy Louisiana is temporarily suspending their disconnections for non-payment from Monday January 15^th through Friday January 19^th. Entergy says they are taking the action out of an abundance of caution for customer safety in the expected prolonged freezing temperatures in Louisiana. Beyond January 19^th, Entergy says they will take a day by day approach. For cold weather safety and energy tips, visit EntergyNewsRoom dot com slash storm dash center slash extreme dash cold.

A former Baton Rouge police officer was charged Friday with third-degree rape and has been fired. 30-year-old Demichael Robertson was fired last month. He had been arrested by Zachary Police twice last August, First accused of inappropriately touching a young girl. The second arrest was on a count of third-degree rape stemming from a December 2022 incident. According to an affidavit, The victim said she had been afraid to report it sooner, “due to Demichael being a well-known Baton Rouge Police Officer,”

A basketball game turned deadly Thursday night after a shooting in the parking lot at Bogalusa High School. Acting Bogalusa Police Chief Percy Knight says it happened but before 9 pm during the game against Covington.

Cut 6 (11) “…full recovery.” 

As Louisiana prepares for the coldest temperatures we’ve seen in years. Don’t forget to prepare your automobile.

Cut 2 (30) 

LSU Ag Center Horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard says to protect your immovable plants, cover them with plastic, a sheet, or a frost cloth so they can trap in the heat from the day.

Cut 13 (12) “…it warm.”