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.”

————————————
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.”

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.”

——————————

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.”

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.

————————————–

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  __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.”

————————-

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.”

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.”

———————————–

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.”

Amtrak has received more money to get the New Orleans to Mobile passenger line chugging along again. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

A couple of lawmakers are concerned about a plan to move homeless people in New Orleans into a transitional center ahead of the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. State Representative Matthew Willard

Cut 5 (11) “…their lives disrupted.”

————————-

It’s been forty years since the Southern University School of Nursing was found and now for the very first time, it’s been named the Best Nursing School in the U-S by nurse.org. Southern Nursing School Dean Sandra Brown it’s the result of a lot of hart work and explains one thing that makes Southern’s nursing school exceptional is the focus on underprivileged students.

Cut 14 (13) “…have some disadvantages.”

If you’re looking for a healthy alternative this King Cake Season, how bout Ochner’s Eat Fit King Cake?   It’s a healthy twist on the popular desert….it’s gluten, grain, sugar and dairy free, low carb, and made with all natural ingredients. Eat Fit Founder Molly Kimball…

Cut 10 (11) “…wellness goals.”

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 his biggest issue is that Governor Landry and GOHSEP never contacted him about their plans.

Cut 4 (12) “…is very concerning.”

You’ll be able to catch a train from New Orleans again soon. Amtrak has received another 21 million dollars from the Federal Railroad Administration to restart the New Orleans to Mobile passenger line. It was suspended after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the infrastructure. Congressman Troy Carter Carter says the money will be used to revive the rail line and all its benefits…

Cut 8 (08) “…and for our region.”

———————-

If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to traditional King Cake this carnival season, Ochsner Eat Fit King Cake has the perfect solution. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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 hard work.

Cut 13 (10) “…an amazing faculty.”

The sheriff of St. Landry Parish calls it the most bizarre incident he’s ever had to deal with in his 50-year law enforcement career. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Officials in West Feliciana Parish are keeping an eye on drones that have been spotted flying over Entergy’s River Bend nuclear power plant. Parish President Kenny Havard says people are concerned about the drones.

Cut 11 (08) “…and fairly sophisticated.”

Havard says Governor Landry is aware of the drones, and the two have been in contact as to what course of action to take.

—————————

Ahead of the a busy Mardi Gras season and New Orleans hosting the Super Bowl, Governor Jeff Landry has announced plans to ensure the streets of New Orleans are “clean, accessible, and safe.”  The governor’s strategy includes addressing homelessness near the Superdome and the French Quarter.  GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodaux emphasized that tackling homelessness is critical following recent events, including a major fire under Interstate 10, infrastructure damage, and a deadly terrorist attack.

Cut 5 (09) “…Tier One events.”

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Amelia Jernigan with LSU Health New Orleans says while cervical cancer is not as big of an issue as it used to be, it still affects way too many people and is relatively more prevalent in Louisiana.

Cut 15 (11) “…access to care.”

Governor Landry announced plans to improve the city’s streets and sidewalks to ensure they are “clean, accessible, and safe” ahead of the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

After 12 years, New Orleans police leaders told a federal judge at a hearing on Monday that the city’s police force is finally ready to enter the last phase of court oversight. Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Attorney General Liz Murrill teamed up to push for an immediate end to the long running consent decree.   But we’re told US. District Judge Susie Morgan has she will rule this morning on a joint motion by the city and the U.S. Department of Justice on a two year exit plan

——————————————————-

Officials in West Feliciana Parish are keeping an eye on drones that have been spotted flying over Entergy’s River Bend nuclear power plant. Parish President Kenny Havard says the reports started coming in at around Christmas time.

Cut 10 (06) “…the sheriff’s department.”

Havard says Governor Landry is aware of the drones, and the two have been communicating about what course of action to take.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Amelia Jernigan with LSU Health New Orleans says while cervical cancer is not as big of an issue as it used to be, it still affects way too many people.
Cut 13 (08) “…really too many.”

People in West Feliciana Parish are on edge amid drone sightings near the nuclear power plant there. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Ahead of the Super Bowl and a busy Mardi Gras season, Governor Jeff Landry has announced plans to ensure the streets of New Orleans are “clean, accessible, and safe.”  Landry’s strategy includes addressing homelessness near the Superdome and the French Quarter.  GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodaux a Transitional Center.

Cut 4 (11) “…not completely safe.”

———————————-

A Bizarre incident in St. Landry Parish as three women are arrested for allegedly opening an occupied casket at a memorial park in Opelousas. Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says the women were not allowed inside the funeral home, so they went to the gravesite.

Cut 7 (10) “…them to leave.”

But Guidroz says they did not leave and instead opened the casket to take pictures.  The fourth suspect in this case is still at large.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Amelia Jernigan with LSU Health New Orleans says while cervical cancer is not as big of an issue as it used to be, it still affects way too many people. But there are ways to prevent it.

Cut 14 (07) “…disease at all.”