6:30 am Newscast

Jayden Daniels’ magical rookie season with the Washington Commanders has come to an end. The Commanders were blown out by the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game, 55-23. After the game, Daniels said he and his team accomplished a lot this season.

Cut 13 (13)  “…to this point.”

Louisiana is using the occasion of hosting the Super Bowl to showcase itself to companies and prospective newcomers. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois (BOO-zhwah) says they are setting up the “Louisiana NOW” pavilion to tell the state’s story through interactive exhibits, theater and meeting spaces.

Cut 4 (10) “…of life perspective.”

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North Louisiana is getting a new area code later this year. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A cat near New Orleans is confirmed to have been infected with bird flu. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says a the domestic breed feral cat was picked up  in Plaquemines Parish for neutering and testing confirmed the bird flu, but says it’s not clear which type.

Cut 11 (10) “…virus it was.”

11:30 am Newscast

A&E is bringing back Duck Dynasty this summer. Sean Richardson has details on the anticipated boost to tourism in northeast Louisiana.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The man Shreveport police are looking for in connection with a robbery and fatal shooting at a Walgreens this week, reportedly has a length criminal record.  According to authorities 44 Year old Larry D. Lewis has an assorted list of arrests dating back to 19-97.  Lewis has been named as a possible suspect in the death of 67 year old Billy Jamison on Wednesday.

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The LSU women’s basketball team came out of the gate fast yesterday, but ended up losing  to second-ranked South Carolina 66 to 56.  Head Coach Kim Mulkey is now 0-and-5 against South Carolina during her time at LSU, but she is not losing any sleep over it…

cut 30 (12) “….17 years”

LSU will host Texas A-and-M on Sunday.

This arctic blast has certainly done a number on our plants. LSU Ag Center horticulturist Jason Stagg says when assessing damage to your plants, wait a week before deciding what’s actually lost.   And he says when you do cut back your plants, don’t cut them all the way to the ground, because you’ll leave them more vulnerable in future freezes.

Cut 8 (09) “…to the ground.”

10:30 am Newscast

A huge catalyst for regional growth in Richland Parish is the upcoming Meta AI Data Center in Rayville, which is expected to drive economic activity and create jobs in the area. Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis emphasizes the city’s rich history as a foundation for future progress, promoting the city as a hub of opportunity. Key efforts include community development, creating a business-friendly environment, and infrastructure improvements.

Cut 13 (12)  “…leader in AI.”

Meanwhile, A&E has announced a new series, Duck Dynasty: The Revival, premiering this summer. Sheila Snow, Vice President of Marketing at the Monroe-West Monroe Visitors Bureau, anticipates a boost in tourism saying the Robertson family has expanding its warehouse and adding retail space and a new attraction for visitors.

Cut 4 (07) “…cool things set up.”

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This week’s arctic blast did a number on plants throughout the state. Andrew Greenstein has some tips on how you can deal with the damage.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed two winter weather-related deaths in Pointe Coupee and Orleans parishes.  According to officials, hypothermia  was a contributing factor to the death of an 85 year old man in Pointe Coupee Parish.  And he death of a 65 year old woman in Orleans Parish was attributed to a fire caused by a space heater.

9:30 am Newscast

The man Shreveport police are looking for in connection with a robbery and fatal shooting at a Walgreens Wednesday morning, reportedly has a length criminal record.  According to authorities 44 Year old Larry D. Lewis has an assorted list of arrests dating back to 19-97.  Lewis has been named as a possible suspect in the death of 67 year old Billy Jamison.  A five thousand dollar reward is being offered for information leading to Lewis’ arrest.

Duck Dynasty is making a comeback. A&E has announced a new series, Duck Dynasty: The Revival, premiering this summer. The revival is already generating excitement beyond the Robertsons’ lives. Sheila Snow, Vice President of Marketing at the Monroe-West Monroe Visitors Bureau, says in addition to the show returning Monroe expects fans of the show to visit the twin cities as well.

Cut 5 (04) “…really excited.”

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The LSU women’s basketball team started fast yesterday but struggled to score after the first quarter and lost to second-ranked South Carolina 66 to 56. LSU defended well, holding the Gamecocks to 37-percent shooting and just two three-pointers, but Coach Kim Mulkey is disappointed with the 17 turnovers…

cut 29 (15) “….get back to work”

LSU will host Texas A-and-M on Sunday.

 

Don’t write off your plants just yet even though it may appear this week’s arctic blast did them in. LSU Ag Center horticulturist Jason Stagg wait a week before assessing them.

Cut 6 (06) “…green and living.”

Stag says if you scrape the stem with a knife or pruners and you see green, that means it’s still alive.

8:30 am Newscast

Duck Dynasty is making a comeback. A&E has announced a new series, Duck Dynasty: The Revival, premiering this summer. It’s already generating excitement beyond the Robertsons’ lives. Sheila Snow, Vice President of Marketing at the Monroe-West Monroe Visitors Bureau, anticipates a boost in tourism like they saw back in 2012.

Cut 3 (13) “…Duck Commander warehouse.”

A significant catalyst for regional growth in Richland Parish is the upcoming Meta AI Data Center in Rayville, which is expected to drive economic activity and create jobs in the area. Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis highlights the city’s commitment to economic development

Cut 12 (13) “…till 2030.”

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This arctic blast has certainly done a number on our plants, but don’t be too hasty when assessing the damage. LSU Ag Center horticulturist Jason Stagg says after a week, it’ll be easier to tell which parts are still alive and growing.  And he says while many winter plants likely survived, don’t expect a lot of color any time soon.

Cut 7 (09) “…the plant’s dead.”

 

Who’s America rooting for to win the Super Bowl? David Mason, the sportsbook brand manager for Bet Online-dot-A-G, says based on the number of hashtag mentions for the four remaining teams, America has a clear top choice.

Cut 15 (05) “…for the Bills.”

But Louisiana’s not in that group.  With former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels at the helm, Louisianians are clearly rooting for the Washington Commanders.  The NFC Championship game between the Eagles and Commanders is tomorrow afternoon at 2.

11:30 am Newscast

Many schools and all state offices will be closed on Tuesday as artic cold weather is expected to grip Louisiana.  The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch covering much of the central and southern parts of the state.  central and south Louisiana. It will go into effect at midnight Tuesday. Meteorologist Donald Jones with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says even the probability of snow falling south of I-20 to the coast is 70 to 90 percent…

Cut 20 (17) “…meteorologist.”

 

The cold air mass will begin moving into the state tomorrow. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry  Keim says Monday and Tuesday will be very cold days…

Cut 4 (11) “…above freezing.”

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A violent domestic incident in River Ridge early this morning left a woman dead along with her 2 year old child and two other children were injured.  Jefferson Parish Deputies found them when  responding to a 911 call. The father, who allegedly produced a firearm during the encounter, was fatally shot by a deputy.  The officer involved shooting is under investigation this morning.

The state has moved almost 160 homeless people in New Orleans, who were living in encampments around the Superdome, into a transitional shelter in Gentilly. Scott Adams, the chief of staff at GOHSEP, says they wanted to make the area around the Dome more secure…

Cut 12 (12) “…for Mardi Gras.”

Adams says they’re doing more for the homeless people besides simply giving them shelter, food, showers and laundry.

Cut 13 (07)  “…get to work.”

10:30 am Newscast

A major winter storm is heading for Louisiana. Bill Jacquemin reports frigid temperatures and significant snowfall totals are likely….

Cut 14 (32) “…along the shoreline.”

A Winter Storm Watch covering much of central and south Louisiana will be in effect Tuesday at midnight until Wednesday at midnight. Meteorologist Donald Jones with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles warns…

Cut 19 (17) “…as well.”

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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.”

As part of ongoing efforts to close a 10-million dollar budget deficit, the University of New Orleans (UNO) will furlough approximately 290 staff and faculty members. And more measures are expected. Efforts to restructure UNO last year yielded limited savings, contributing to the current crisis, as the university faces additional debt obligations and potential revenue shortfalls. UNO CFO Edwin Litoff UNO also plans stricter tuition collection.

Cut 8 (09) “…classes for next semister.”

 

9:30 am Newscast

Everyone’s talking about the potential for the biggest snowfall event in Louisiana in decades. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch covering much of central and south Louisiana that goes into effect at midnight Tuesday.  Central Louisiana is looking at the highest snowfall totals. Meteorologist Donald Jones with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says Alexandria, Leesville, Bunkie, Opelousas, and DeRidder could see a half a foot of snow….

Cut 18 (17)   “…quite some time”

A violent domestic incident in River Ridge early this morning left a woman dead along with her 2 year old child. A 9 year old is reportedly in critical condition and a 13 year old injured. Jefferson Parish Deputies found them when  responding to a 911 call. The father, who allegedly produced a firearm during the encounter, was fatally shot by a deputy.  The officer involved shooting is under investigation this morning.

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The governor and attorney general react angrily to a Justice Department report saying Louisiana State Police troopers routinely use excessive force during drug arrests and vehicle pursuits. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The University of New Orleans (UNO) will furlough approximately 290 staff and faculty members as part of ongoing efforts to close a 10-million-dollar budget deficit. UNO CFO Edwin Litoff says the furloughs aim to save 1.7-million-dollars, with a hiring freeze projected to save 2.5-million. But he says more cuts, layoffs, and retirement incentives will be needed.

Cut 7 (09) “…end of the year.”

 

8:30 am Newscast

__8:30 am Newscast  __9:30 short

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch covering much of central and south Louisiana. It will go into effect at midnight Tuesday and last until midnight Wednesday. Meteorologist Donald Jones with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says we are looking at the biggest snowfall event in decades…

Cut 17 (17)  “…this area.”

The state has moved almost 160 homeless people in New Orleans into a transitional shelter. The plan has drawn concern from a pair of state legislators and from nearby residents. GOHSEP Chief of Sstaff Scott Adams, says security is tight.

Cut 14 (10) “…areas are impacted.”

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To get around the state, Governor Landry has been flying in a five-point-five-million-dollar airplane. WRKF Capitol Access Reporter Brooke Thorington broke the story along with Julie O’ Donoghue from the Louisiana Illuminator. Thorington says they do know the plane is not just for the governor’s travels.

Cut 11 (12) “…in a hurry.”

Previous governors used helicopters; but according to State Police, the helicopters were 20 years old and difficult to maintain. The governor’s office says using the plane instead of the helicopters should save the state money.

The University of New Orleans (UNO) will furlough approximately 290 staff and faculty members as part of ongoing efforts to close a 10-million-dollar budget deficit driven by low enrollment. This follows previous cost-cutting steps. President Kathy Johnson says the decision was hard but necessary.

Cut 6 (09) “…gut-wrenching.”

8:30 am Newscast

You’ll be able to catch a train from New Orleans again in the near future. Amtrak has received another 21 million dollars from the Federal Railroad Administration to restart the New Orleans to Mobile passenger line. The line was suspended in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the necessary infrastructure. Congressman Troy Carter says the money,  along with a grant from 2023  — should be enough to get things going again.

Cut 8 (08) “…and for our region.”

For the first time since the program was founded almost 40 years ago, Southern University’s School of Nursing has been named the Best Nursing School in the United States by nurse.org. Southern Nursing School Dean Sandra Brown says it’s the result of a lot of hart work but says they didn’t get there on their own.

Cut 15 (09) “…State of Louisiana.”

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A plan to move homeless people in New Orleans into a transitional center ahead of the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras is drawing concern from a pair of legislators. State Representative Matthew Willard says the fenced-in facility in an industrial area on France Road is across the street from the Gentilly neighborhood, not to mention, it’s within close proximity to a pair of schools.

Cut 6 (12) “…of New Orleans.”

Former Cowboys Coach Mike Mike McCarthy’s name is being mentioned as a possible new coach for the Saints.  He’s worked for the black and gold in the past and Jim Derry, host of NOLA.com’s the Dattitude podcast says McCarthy has a lot in common with Sean Payton.

Cut 16 (15) “…Payton has three.”