Good morning, Shreveport.

Due to Winter Storm Fern, Caddo and Bossier Parish schools remain closed Thursday while colleges (Centenary, LSU Shreveport, and Bossier Parish Community College) and government offices (Shreveport Government Plaza and Bossier City Hall) reopen and LA 154 Bridge over Lake Bistineau resumes operation; icy conditions persist on I-49 Urban.

Following a major winter ice storm that left roads slick, Shreveport transportation officials advised drivers to inspect their vehicles (if not done already) and drive carefully today to avoid accidents.

Small business owners in Shreveport are reopening after recent ice storm closures (one shop closed for just 1.5 days while another closed for 4 days to keep staff safe) as they work to recover lost revenue and prepare for Mardi Gras sales.

Pierre Bossier Mall will host a free Mardi Gras Night Market, inviting locals to browse festive vendors and enjoy seasonal activities (details on timing will be announced soon).

The event aims to foster local culture.

AccuWeather predicts another winter storm will hit parts of Louisiana from Friday, Jan.

30 to Monday, Feb. 2. In Shreveport, temperatures are expected to drop below freezing (with some cities near 30°F) as the storm may bring a mix of snow, sleet, and rain (after last weekend's event).

A memorial service for Bossier Parish Deputy Tim Jordan, who was killed in the line of duty on Jan.

21, will be held Saturday at First Baptist Church of Haughton with visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and the service commencing immediately afterward.

Louisiana restructured its child care tax credit program today to raise funding limits that help businesses invest in employee child care, and applications are due by Feb.

28 for next year's tax returns. State leaders say the changes could boost quality child care and workforce participation.

SWEPCO expects to restore power to 95% of eligible customers by 10 p.m. today in hard-hit areas in Mansfield & Hornbeck as crews work on repairs after Winter Storm Fern, while CLECO has restored power to 97% of its customers with a few still waiting.

During the recent winter storm, Harmony House staff worked 18-hour shifts to care for vulnerable residents while management drove workers safely on icy roads, and residents now look forward to returning outdoors as conditions improve.

Health officials confirmed a winter storm claimed the life of a 65-year-old man in Jackson Parish from hypothermia after extended power outages; the death toll remains eight (a case in Sabine Parish was reclassified) as freezing conditions persist.

High school basketball coaches in our area have recognized unsung heroes who are selfless team players from several schools, including Loyola, Many, Minden, North Webster, Northwood, Parkway, Ringgold, Ruston and Woodlawn on Jan.

29. The athletic efforts of these players are key to their teams’ progress + boost pride.

LSUS baseball games are canceled Thursday due to schedule changes, and the team will play four games against No. 4 Hope International in doubleheaders scheduled Friday at 1 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. in Shreveport - the No. 1 Pilots have won 61 straight games so far.

Ying Yang Twins Live

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Shreveport Municipal Auditorium — Cost not specified — Experience the iconic Crunk sound of the Ying Yang Twins with their classic party hits.

LHSAA State Wrestling Championship

3:30 AM – 1:00 PM — Brookshire Grocery Arena — Ticket prices vary — Witness the best high school wrestlers compete for state titles.

James Brown & Michael Jackson Tribute Event

12-1 p.m. — Louisiana State University in Shreveport — Tickets from $6.97 — Experience the legendary hits of James Brown and Michael Jackson performed live.

Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Pet Parade

Time TBA — Louisiana Downs — Support animal rescues and enjoy a pet-themed parade in a festive atmosphere.

Intimate Valentine’s Day R&B Concert

8 PM — Shreveport Municipal Auditorium — Tickets available — Experience a night of soulful R&B with celebrated artists like Kelly Price and Ray J.

Krewe of Highland Parade

10 AM – 4 PM — Krewe of Atlas of Shreveport — Free entry — Experience a colorful Mardi Gras parade with whimsical floats and local flair.

Fat Tuesday Children's Parade

6 p.m. — Pierre Bossier Mall — Free admission — A vibrant family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration featuring colorful floats and festive traditions.

Viking 5K, 10K, & 13.1M Race

8 AM – 12 PM — Stoner Avenue Skate Plaza — Registration required — Compete in a fun-filled running event with distances for everyone.