LSU Interim President Thomas Galligan, Jr. says they are adding more mitigation measures for the Spring Semester, for example, random COVID testing. Galligan says those on campus will be sent notifications to be tested, those who fail to comply could face repercussions.

Cut 12 (08) “…on campus.” 

13 Louisiana law enforcement officers died in the line of duty in 2020 according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. CEO Marcia Ferranto says that’s the highest number they’ve ever recorded in Louisiana, and part of an unfortunate nationwide trend.

Cut 9, 10 seconds, numbers

Nine of the 13 officers who died in Louisiana died from COVID infections linked to exposure on the job. ‘

North Louisiana saw snow on the ground this morning as it experienced its first measurable snow in the event last night since 2018. National Weather Service Meteorologist Chris Nuttall says two-to-three inches of snow fell along the I-20 corridor and there are higher snowfall totals south of the interstate.

Cut 4 (11) “…Zwolle” 

Lost amidst a historic burst of news last week was the fact that Democrats now control both chambers of Congress, and with a Democratic President set to be sworn in will get to set the agenda in Washington for at least the next two years. Political analyst Clancy DuBos says after Dems pass another COVID relief bill expect them to make a pivot into other issues of importance for the caucus.

Cut 11 (08) “…Presidency.

It’s a winter wonderland across north Louisiana today after a rare snowfall ended this morning. National Weather Service Meteorologist Chris Nuttall says two to four inches of snow fell across the region.

Cut 3 (12)  “…snow band was”

Nuttall says two-to-three inches of snow fell along the I-20 corridor, while as much as a half-foot of snow fell in Zwolle.

As the vaccine rollout continues some question the safety and speed at which the vaccines were approved, Assistant Dean for Translational Science at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Doctor Lucio Miele says the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are the safest vaccines he’s ever studied, and 70-thousand participants were involved in the clinical trials.

Cut 6 (11) “…and Moderna.”

Chief Nursing Officer at Baton Rouge Woman’s Hospital Cheri Johnson says they thought birth rates would decline due to uncertainty and financial fallout from the pandemic, but birth rates are up. Visitation restrictions however have changed the experience for families, but Johnson says families have gotten extremely creative as they wait for the delivery.

Cut 9 (07) “…a birth.”

After winning both Georgia Senate races Democrats now control both chambers of Congress for the first time in a decade. Political analyst Clancy DuBos says expect dems to push through another, larger COVID relief bill. DuBos says that means bigger stimulus checks, but not without other priorities attached…

Cut 10 (12) “…vaccine.”

Light snow in north Louisiana will come to an end this morning, but there’s plenty of the white stuff around to build a snowman. The winter storm has also led to numerous closures, especially bridges and overpasses that freeze in these types of conditions. State Police Trooper Brent Hardy says use the 5-1-1 system to get the latest on road closures…
cut 15 (110 “….have to travel”
State offices are closed in 29 parishes.

We are entering the tenth month of the coronavirus pandemic and hospitals are gearing up for an increase in births. Woman’s Hospital is expecting about 200 more births than normal next quarter. Chief Nursing Officer at Woman’s Cheri Johnson says families have adapted to the changes in visitation rules at hospitals….
cut 8 (07) “….virtually”

Lost in the crush of news last week was the fact that Democrats now control both chambers of Congress. Matt Doyle spoke with an analyst about what to expect in the short term from the new blue majority…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The Saints are heading to the NFL’s divisional round of the playoffs after a solid 21-9 win over the Chicago Bears yesterday. The defense didn’t allow a touchdown until the final play of the game and Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 265 yards and two TDs. New Orleans will host Tampa Bay this Sunday.

It’s a winter wonderland across north Louisiana this morning as at least a couple of inches of snow fell. It’s fun for the kids as they get a chance to build a snowman, but the winter precipitation also produces slick roadways. State Police Trooper Brent Hardy says if you do not have to drive anywhere stay at home…
cut 13 (10) “…want that”
The snow will not last long as high temperatures today will get into the low 40s.

It’s a new week, so that means thousands of more individuals will get a COVID vaccine. But will it protect you from coronavirus mutations? LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Doctor Lucio Miele, says the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines can be easily adapted…
cut 5 (12) “….the past”

The number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital has fallen below two-thousand to 1,960 and 225 of those individuals are on a ventilator. That’s according to the latest COVID numbers provided by the state health department. COVID-19 deaths rose by 40 on Sunday to 7,447 confirmed COVID related fatalities.

Even though the pandemic has changed hospital visitation, families are making unique adjustments when it comes to childbirth. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

It’s a snow day across north Lousiana as a winter storm has blanketed the region. The ULM Weather office reports that two-and-a-half inches of snow fell near Forsythe Park in Monroe. There are road closures as bridges and overpasses are icy. SWEPCO reports 15-thousand customers in northwest Louisiana are without power.

Mutations of the coronavirus raise concerns the vaccines will not be effective. Brooke Thorington spoke with a physician at LSU-Health New Orleans
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

This week, Democrats will push to impeach President Donald Trump over the riot that took place at the U-S Capitol last week. Democrats now have the Majority in the Senate and House and political analyst Clancy Dubos says once Joe Biden is sworn in as President look for COVID-19 relief legislation and there are two other issues that have widespread support within the caucus…
cut 11 (08) “…presidency”

Chief Nursing Officer at Baton Rouge Woman’s Hospital Cheri Johnson says they thought birth rates would decline due to uncertainty and financial fallout from the pandemic. But instead, they’re seeing a slight uptick and they believe changes in the work environment are why many are choosing to add a member to the family.
Cut 7 (05) “…childcare”
Johnson says they expect 200 more births than normal next quarter.

Much of north Louisiana is covered in snow this morning and numerous roads are closed. State Police Trooper Brent Hardy says if you do have to drive, reduce your speed, increase your following distance behind other vehicles, and anticipate stops…
cut 14 (12) “…too quickly”
Hardy says you can get more information on road closures by utilizing the state’s 5-1-1 system at 5-1-1-dot-la-dot-org.

As two new mutations of the coronavirus have been reported, questions arise if the current vaccines being rolled out in the US will provide adequate protection. Assistant Dean for Translational Science at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Doctor Lucio Miele says they will.
Cut 4 (10) “…vaccine.”

U-S House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Democrats will introduce Articles of Impeachment against President Donald Trump if Vice President Mike Pence doesn’t invoke the powers of the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office. Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves has called for President Trump to effectively resign.

Democrats now control the House and Senate and Political Analyst Clancy Dubos on the long-range goals for the party while they are in the majority…
cut 12 (11) “…change”

The Saints defeated the Chicago Bears 21-9 in the NFL wild-card round of the playoffs. New Orleans will host Tom Brady and Tampa Bay this Sunday for a trip to the NFC Championship game.

Mutations of the coronavirus raise concerns the vaccines being used in the US will not be effective. Brooke Thorington spoke with a physician at LSU-Health New Orleans

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________

Even though the pandemic has changed hospital visitation, families are making unique adjustments when it comes to childbirth. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_____________________________

Lost in the crush of news last week was the fact that Democrats now control both chambers of Congress. Matt Doyle spoke with an analyst about what to expect in the short term from the new blue majority…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

__________________________

As two new mutations of the coronavirus have been reported, questions arise if the current vaccines being rolled out in the US will provide adequate protection. Assistant Dean for Translational Science at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Doctor Lucio Miele said they will.

Cut 4 (10) “…vaccine.”

Miele says we take the flu vaccine annually because it mutates, so a mutation in a virus is nothing new, however, the RNA science that’s developed the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines can be easily adapted when needed.

Cut 5 (12) “…the past.”

While some question the safety and speed at which the vaccines were approved, Miele says the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are the safest vaccines he’s ever studied and 70-thousand participants were involved in the clinical trials.

Cut 6 (11) “…and Moderna.”

He says while the mutated strains in Britain and South Africa are much more contagious, they do not necessarily affect the body as severely as COVID-19. While the mutations need to be observed, currently Miele says vaccine-wise the mutations do not pose a threat.

________________________

Chief Nursing Officer at Baton Rouge Woman’s Hospital Cheri Johnson says they thought birth rates would decline due to uncertainty and financial fallout from the pandemic. But instead they’re seeing a slight uptick and they believe changes in the work environment are why many are choosing to add a member to the family.

Cut 7 (05)  “…childcare”

Johnson says on average they have about 8,100 deliveries annually and they are expecting 200 more births than normal next quarter. She says one of the hardest things about the pandemic has been the change in visitation for childbirths.

Cut 8 (09) “…restrictions”

But despite visitation restrictions, Johnson says families are extremely creative as they wait for the delivery.

Cut 9 (07) “…a birth.”

Johnson says she has also witnessed several unique gender reveals by baby-gaters, for example, some dads set off a pink or blue smoke bomb in the parking lot.

________________________________

After winning both Georgia Senate races Democrats now control both chambers of Congress for the first time in a decade. Political analyst Clancy DuBos says expect dems to push through another, larger COVID relief bill. DuBos says that means bigger stimulus checks, but not without other priorities attached…

Cut 10 (12) “…vaccine.”

The Senate is split 50-50 with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris set to be the deciding vote should lawmakers break along party lines. The House is still under Democratic control, but the majority shrunk in the recent election.

DuBos says after the Democrats tackle COVID-related issues expect them to move onto two other topics that have widespread support in the caucus.

Cut 11 (08) “…Presidency.

DuBos also says to expect the majority to move onto more controversial, partisan issues once they take care of their pandemic priorities…

Cut 12 (11) “…change.”

______________________________________________

Roadways are slick in areas where snow has fallen. State Police Trooper Brent Hardy says if you do not have to drive anywhere, stay at home

Cut 13 (10) “…want that.”

Hardy says if you do have to drive, reduce your speed, increase your following distance behind other vehicles and anticipate stops

Cut 14 (12) “…too quickly.” 

Hardy also reminds motorists that bridges and overpasses freeze quicker and stay frozen longer than the rest of the roadway. He says use the 5-1-1 system to get the latest on road closures

Cut 15 (11)“…have to travel”

______________________________________________

The Saints led 7-3 at halftime, but dominated the second half and defeated the 21-9 Bears to advance to the divisional round of the NFL playoffs. The defense held Chicago to 239 total yards and just one third down conversion. New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns…

Cut 16 (20) “…great teams do.”

Michael Thomas returned from injured reserve to catch his first touchdown pass of the season and Alvin Kamara came back from the COVID-19/reserve list to rush for 99 yards and a touchdown. Kamara says he felt fresh after not playing last week or practicing leading up to the game…

Cut 17 (17) “..didn’t miss a beat”

The win sets up a third game this season against NFC South rival Tampa Bay. New Orleans won the first two match-ups and Brees is looking forward towards another meeting against Tom Brady and the Bucs

Cut  18 (12) “…inevitable.”

__________________________________________________

Cut 19 (23) “…the past.”

cut 20 (23) “…fascinating race.”

A winter storm watch has been issued for the northern half of Louisiana this weekend.  Over an inch of snow could fall north of Natchitoches and Jena to the Arkansas state line. National Weather Service Davyon Hill says the last major show event for the region was January 16, 2018, so we are due.

Cut 11 (11) “is possible”

With less than two weeks to go in the Trump presidency and the country still dealing with Wednesday’s chaotic day at the US capitol, Congressman Garret Graves says that President Trump should effectively resign.  However, Graves says invoking the 25th Amendment to forcibly remove the president or impeaching him would only ramp up the decisiveness. The U-S Representative from Baton Rouge says Mr. Trump has a powerful voice and needs to take a step back as the country recovers from a dark day in its history.

Cut 13 (08) “that it better”

Even though the pandemic has changed hospital visitation, families are making unique adjustments when it comes to childbirth. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Saints running back Alvin Kamara has been absent from the facility after testing positive for Covid-19, however, Coach Sean Payton says Kamara has been able to participate in practice virtually.

Cut 29

A storm system moving through the south is expected to drop snow on the northern half of Louisiana this weekend. National Weather Service Meteorologist Davyon Hill says it will be a cold weekend and rain will begin to fall Sunday afternoon.

Cut 9 (12) “morning”

Difficult travel conditions will be possible Sunday night into Monday morning as roads may become slick, especially on bridges and elevated roadways.

With less than two weeks to go in the Trump presidency and the country still reeling from Wednesday’s chaotic day at the US capitol, Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves tells WWL Radio in New Orleans that President Donald Trump should effectively resign.

Cut 12 (12) “to Pence”

The Chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus and Baton Rouge Representative is calling on a boycott of Rouses. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

The New Orleans Saints will take on the Chicago Bears on Sunday in the first round of the playoffs.  The Saints are dealing with numerous injuries as they will be without defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Running back Alvin Kamara and receiver Michael Thomas are still listed as questionable.

LSU is still looking for a new Defensive Coordinator after Marcus Freeman to the DC position at Notre Dame.  Freeman interviewed with LSU on Thursday.