The Winter precipitation has moved out of state but the frigid temperatures are here leaving many without power and amid these very cold temperatures, the state fire marshal’s office is concerned we’ll see a rash of house fires as people try to stay warm. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (25) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Throughout the weekend, utility crews statewide have been busy restoring power that got knocked out by the ice storm. As of late last night, more than 85 thousand Entergy customers were without power, and almost 30 thousand SWEPCO customers remained in the dark. Michael Corbin with SWEPCO says crews are working around the clock to get power restored.

Cut 12 (06) “…if not sooner.”

Does President Trump’s endorsement of Julia Letlow make her the favorite to win the U.S. Senate Republican Primary over incumbent Bill Cassidy? Advocate newspaper columnist Tyler Bridges says this will be Letlow’s first tough political race.

Cut 4 (07) “…the money yet.”

Letlow was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in a 2021 special election to replace her husband Luke, who died of complications of COVID-19.

Meanwhile Cassidy has called for a “full joint federal and state investigation” into ICE activity after the fatal shooting of U.S. citizen, Alex Pretti. He called it “incredibly disturbing” saying, “The credibility of ICE and D.H.S. are at stake,” And saying the American people can be trusted with the truth.”

Louisianans are paying higher sales tax than most. The Tax Foundation says Louisiana has the highest average combined state and local sales tax rate in the country at just over ten percent. Policy Analyst Janelle Fritts says it’s a reputation that Louisiana has had to deal with for many years.

Cut 7 (11) “…close with Tennessee.”

According to a conservative columnist, it’s not a slam dunk that Julia Letlow will win the Republican U.S. Senate primary just because she has the backing of President Trump. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

If it seems like you’re paying up the nose in sales taxes, the Tax Foundation says you’re right. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Amid very cold temperatures, the state fire marshal’s office is concerned we’ll see a rash of house fires because of people trying to stay warm. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (25) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________________

Does President Trump’s endorsement of Julia Letlow make her the favorite to win the U.S. Senate Republican Primary over incumbent Bill Cassidy? Advocate newspaper columnist Tyler Bridges says this will be Letlow’s first tough political race.

Cut 4 (07) “…the money yet.”

Letlow was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in a 2021 special election to replace her husband Luke, who died of COVID-19 complications before he took office. She easily won re-election in 2022 and 2024.

Quin Hillyer, a conservative columnist for the Advocate, says Letlow will not only face attacks from Cassidy, but also from two of the other major candidates in the race — John Fleming and Blake Miguez.

Cut 5 (12) “…against Julia Letlow.”

The closed party primary is May 16th, with the runoff scheduled for June 27th. Following Trump’s endorsement of Letlow, Cassidy said endorsements will not decide the race; instead, the voters will select the candidate with the best record. Bridges says it will be interesting to see if Cassidy’s strategy will work.

Cut 6 (13) “…in the Senate.”

Bridges and Hillyer were guests on Talk Louisiana, hosted by Jim Engster on WRKF.

______________________________________________________

If it seems like you’re forking over a lot of money in sales taxes, you’re right. In fact, the Tax Foundation says Louisiana has the highest average combined state and local sales tax rate in the country at just over ten-percent. Policy Analyst Janelle Fritts says it’s a reputation that Louisiana has had to deal with for many years.

Cut 7 (11) “…close with Tennessee.”

Fritts says while Tennessee’s combined state and local taxes are the second highest at just over nine and a half percent, Tennessee has a huge difference compared to Louisiana.

Cut 8 (12) “…the major taxes.”

While Louisiana did raise its state sales tax rate to five-percent a little more than a year ago, it did reduce income taxes across the board to a flat three-percent and cut other taxes as well. Fritts says that has allowed Louisiana to improve its ranking in overall tax burden.

Cut 9 (11)  “…used to be.”

______________________________________________________________

At least 12 people have died this year in house fires, and officials are concerned that number will increase over the next couple of days as people try to stay warm. State Fire Marshal Bryan Adams says when using a space heater, keep it away from anything that can easily catch fire.

Cut 10 (10) “…you stay warm.”

Adams says do not try to use your oven to warm up your home. He says if you have a fire going in your fireplace, make sure it’s out before your head hits the pillow.

Cut 11 (07) “…fire as well.”

____________________________________________________________

***Double check the latest numbers***

Throughout the weekend, utility crews statewide have been busy restoring power that got knocked out by the ice storm. As of late last night, more than 80-thousand Entergy customers were without power, and almost 30-thousand SWEPCO customers remained in the dark. Michael Corbin with SWEPCO says crews are working around the clock to get power restored.

Cut 12 (06) “…if not sooner.”

Corbin says at the height of the storm, SWEPCO had about 70-thousand customers without power in its three-state service area, with the majority being from Louisiana. He says especially given the dangerous road conditions, crews worked quickly and efficiently in getting power restored as quickly as possible.

Cut 13 (11)  “…people so quickly.”

SWEPCO is establishing a base camp in Natchitoches today, which is its hardest-hit area. The base camp will provide fuel service for trucks and will provide meals, laundry and sleeping quarters for about 600 workers.

______________________________________________________________

The winter precipitation has moved out of north Louisiana, the heavy rainfall in south Louisiana has moved on, and the bitterly cold air has arrived. Wind chill readings are below zero in north Louisiana and in the single digits for south Louisiana. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says it will be frigid all day today.

Cut 14 (15) “…degree or two.”

Keim says high temperatures will not get above freezing until Tuesday for north Louisiana, and we’ll see a slight warm-up as the week goes on.

Cut 15 (08) “…I-10, I-12.”

______________________________________________________

The 2026 LSU baseball team returns four starting position players from last season. Among them is sophomore outfielder Derek Curiel. This offseason, Curiel added over 20 pounds of muscle and is now at 192 pounds. Head Coach Jay Johnson says the transformation will allow Curiel to elevate his game.

Cut 16 (17) “…really excited.”

Another key returner is sophomore catcher Cade Arrambide. Last year, Arrambide hit four home runs with 14 RBI in 62 at-bats. Johnson believes Arrambide is going to be an essential piece to this year’s team.

Cut 17 (20)  “…offense and defense.”

LSU has had great success when bringing in transfer pitchers over Johnson’s tenure, including Paul Skenes, Anthony Eyanson, Gage Jump and Luke Holman. This year, the Tigers brought in junior right-handed pitcher Cooper Moore from Kansas.

Cut 18 (14)  “…really successful here.”

The ice storm of 2026 has arrived in Louisiana and will continue working its way south throughout the day. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin tells us what we can expect from this storm as the day goes on.

Cut 19 (24) “…to fall”

And the road closures are starting to build up. Those of you near Shreveport and Bossier City, I-49 is closed in both directions between I-20 and 3132; northbound traffic is being diverted at 526. Several ramps onto and off of I-20 are also closed. Download the 511 mobile app to stay up to date on road conditions in your area.

With road conditions deteriorating throughout the day today, Governor Landry is urging you to stay home this weekend.

Cut 20 (28) “…the roads”

If you need to stay warm at home, don’t resort to creative techniques to do so. State Fire Marshal Bryan Adams says do not try to use your oven to heat your home. He says if you have a fire going in your fireplace, make sure it is out before your head hits the pillow.

Cut 11 (07) “…as well.”

We’re keeping a close eye on this major winter storm that’s coming through Louisiana this weekend. At this hour, far north Louisiana is being hit with freezing rain – all along the I-20 corridor from Shreveport to Monroe. Jason Hansford with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says those of you a little further south aren’t feeling the effects of this – yet.

Cut (17) “…early afternoon hours.”

Speaking of the I-20 corridor, we’re starting to see several closures – mainly certain on-ramps, off-ramps and overpasses. Remember, bridges freeze much faster than surface streets. You can get the latest information on the 511 mobile app. If you don’t have to be out on the roadways, please stay off them.

If power is knocked out where you live, it could be several days before it can be restored. Do know, however, that crews are working feverishly and around the clock to get it restored as quickly as possible. Nyka (NIGH-kah) Scott, the vice president of customer service for Entergy, says like all other utility companies throughout the state, Entergy is bringing in extra personnel to restore power.

Cut 6 (10) “…safely as possible.”

Brandon Frey, the executive secretary of the Public Service Commission, says if you encounter a downed powerline, do not touch it or approach it under any circumstances.

Cut 4 (09) “…to do anything.”

And again, you can help utility crews get to wherever they need to go safely and as quickly as they can by staying off the roads.

The freezing rain is coming down in northwest Louisiana and the mixed precipitation has started to move into the Monroe area. Jason Hansford with the National Weather Service says an inch of ice could accumulate…

Cut 15 (16) “..those areas”

The state department of transportation has closed some roads, bridges and interstate ramps in Bossier, Caddo and Ouachita Parish. I-49 between south junction of MacArthur Drive and Rapides Station Road in Rapides Parish is also closed. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett…

Cut 9 (12) “…going to be”

At least 12 people have died this year in house fires and officials are concerned that number will increase over the next couple of days as people try to stay warm. State Fire Marshal Bryan Adams says when using a space heater, keep it away from anything that can easily catch fire…

Cut 10 (10) “…stay warm.”

Adams says do not try to use your oven to warm up your home. He says if you have a fire going in your fireplace, make sure it is out before you go to sleep.

the start of next week will be brutally cold by anyone’s standards, not just Louisiana’s – in the teens and possibly single digits in north Louisiana and in the upper teens or low 20s in south Louisiana. Mark Wilson with the LSU Ag Center says if you have shrubs and plants that were planted in the last two years, cover them now before the cold arrives.

Cut 13 (10)  “…insulation.”

Freezing rain is falling across the northern portions of Louisiana this morning and temperatures have dipped into the upper 20s in some places. Jason Hansford with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says the winter precipitation has started to cover roads and grassy surfaces….

Cut 15 (28) “…late tonight”

Natchitoches, Jonesboro, Homer, Monroe and Jena could see three quarters of an inch to an inch of ice. If get any snowfall, it will be less than inch. Once the precipitation moves out, the real cold air moves in. Temperatures in the single digits to low teens on Monday and Tuesday morning for north Louisiana.

As we told you in the first minute, areas of light to moderate sleet and freezing rain are moving through much of north Louisiana. The National Weather Service says road conditions are deteriorating along the I-20 corridor. Governor Jeff Landry is advising residents to stay home if the winter precipitation is falling…

Cut 20 (28) “…the roads”

The state transportation department has already closed several roads in Caddo Parish. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says travelers can find information regarding road closures by downloading the 511 mobile app or by visiting the 511 Traveler information website….

Cut 10 (10) “…the notice.”

Freezing rain is falling this morning in Shreveport and in the towns of Minden, Farmerville and Bastrop. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin on what we can expect from this ice storm as the day goes on…

Cut 19 (24) “…to fall”

The power companies spent this week getting ready for this ice storm. Nyka (NIGH-kah) Scott, the vice president of customer service for Entergy, says Entergy crews have been working to minimize power outages by cutting back branches from powerlines.

Cut 5 (10) “…they do break.”

The 7:30 newscast on Saturday is usually devoted to sports…so let’s give some sports headlines now. The big story happened last night as offensive tackle Jordan Seaton signed with the LSU Tigers. Seaton has started the last two seasons at Colorado and he’s the best offensive lineman in the transfer portal. Coach Lane Kiffin signed the number one quarterback, edge rusher and offensive tackle in the transfer portal. ‘

In basketball….The Pelicans outscored the Grizzlies 40 to 26 in the fourth quarter last night and New Orleans defeated Memphis 133 to 127. Saddiq Bey scored 19 of his season-high 36 points in the fourth quarter.

Louisiana Tech had a big second half to erase a 12-point deficit and defeated Kennesaw State 82 to 76. Scooter Williams had 28 points to lead the way.

The LSU men’s basketball game against Arkansas has been moved up to 4 PM today, because of the snow storm in Fayetteville.

The wintry mix precipitation has made its way into Louisiana as light ice pellets are falling at Shreveport Regional Airport where the temperature is 30-degrees and the real feel temperature is 17-degrees. We still have overcast skies in Monroe and it’s 30 degrees there too. 39 degrees in Alexandria.

The National Weather Service in Shreveport says the freezing line is located just south of the I-20 corridor. So, any precipitation falling north of Winnsboro and Coushatta will be freezing rain, along with some sleet.

State Officials are urging people, especially those who live in north Louisiana, to stay off the roads. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says with the storm hitting on a weekend, they hope that results in people staying home…

Cut 11 (11) “…on ice”

Power companies say they are prepared for what they are anticipating to be a major ice storm, which means thousands of people could be without power for multiple days. Executive secretary of the Louisiana Public Service Commission, Brandon Frey, says if you encounter a downed powerline do not touch it or approach it under any circumstances…

Cut 4 (09) “….to do anything”

Many homeowners are trying to protect outdoor plants, shrubs and trees that are sensitive to below freezing temperatures. Mark Wilson with the LSU Ag Center says if you can’t bring them inside, at least move them closer to your house if they are in a container…

Cut 14 (14) “…will help”

Those of you in north Louisiana could be in for cabin fever, as this ice storm could trap you indoors all weekend long. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…Jeff Palermo.”

While North Louisiana will be in for dangerous storms and the New Orleans area will be a little too warm for there to be any danger, the Baton Rouge area is right on the line. The winter storm watch does extend to the Capitol region, so those of you in that area should monitor conditions carefully.

Utility crews throughout the state are in position ready to restore power when the power gets knocked out by the ice storm. Brandon Frey, the executive secretary of the Louisiana Public Service Commission, says icy roads will make the response much trickier, so you can do your part by staying off the roads.

Cut 3 (10) “…into those areas.”

And while the precipitation will be over by Sunday, the start of the work week will be brutally cold, even for standards in areas much farther north of here – lows in the teens for north Louisiana, and upper teens for south Louisiana. Mark Wilson with the LSU Ag Center says to help protect outdoor plants from the extreme cold, make sure they’re thoroughly watered.

Cut 12 (09) “…start to drop.”