8:30 LrN Newscast

Funeral services are today for two of the five children from Marksville killed in the fiery crash on a Florida interstate on January third. 14-year-old Joel Cloud and 14-year-old Jeremiah Warren will be laid to rest after 11 AM services at the Chapel of Hixon Brothers Funeral Home. Warren’s family has filed a lawsuit in the hopes of recovering damages.

As the federal government shutdown continues, food stamp recipients can expect February benefits this week. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (27) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

The Saints are a 3.5 point favorite this Sunday in their NFC title match-up with Los Angeles. A key to a New Orleans win is slowing down the Rams run game. Coach Sean Payton is impressed with their 273 yard rushing performance last weekend against the Cowboys…
cut 16 (11) “….defended the run”
A win Sunday and the Saints will play in their second Super Bowl in franchise history.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser wants to keep the relationship alive between New Orleans and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve. The past three years the popular TV program featured the Big Easy on New Year’s Eve, with a television audience of 20-30 million viewers. .
Cut 6 (11) “…year.”
Nungesser says the contract to have the show in NOLA has reached its end and he wants it renewed.