The investigation continues into Saturday’s mass shooting in Webster Parish that injured six people, two of them critically. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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BESE, the Louisiana Department of Education and the state Legislature are working to address rising truancy and chronic absenteeism in K-12 classrooms. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Webster Parish Sheriff deputies are continuing to investigate a shooting that injured six people, including two critically at an unpermitted bonfire event in Dubberly on Saturday night. Sheriff Jason Parker says they are still interviewing attendees, and no arrests have been made…

Cut 3 (13) “…those statements.”

Parker says at least 350 people were at the bonfire, which also had a DJ, free food and drinks. The sheriff says events in Webster Parish are required to have a permit if there are more than 250 attendees…

Cut 4 (11) “…for everybody.”

Parker says the bonfire was on a person’s property along Louisiana Highway 531, about 40 miles east of Shreveport. The sheriff says the organizers are facing fines….

Cut 5 (12) “…situation happen.”

Parker says the people shot are in there 20s and 30s.

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Student attendance has become a key focus in Louisiana’s education system. BESE, the Louisiana Department of Education and the state Legislature are working to address rising truancy and chronic absenteeism. BESE Vice President Stacey Melerine (mel-uh-REEN) says in the 2023-24 school year, the truancy rate reached 41-percent, and students were absent an average of 11 days.

Cut 6 (09) “…grow as students.”

The LDOE’s Success Through Attendance Recovery, or STAR, Task Force, a multi-agency group, studied the issue and provided recommendations to BESE in December 2024.  Melerine says the Task Force will address chronic absenteeism.

Cut 7 (05) “…to the statute.”

Melerine noted that while schools implement interventions, inconsistencies in data collection hinder statewide progress. The STAR Task Force’s 2024 report proposes several solutions, including requiring schools to monitor attendance data, creating a discretionary referral process for truancy cases, and formally defining chronic absenteeism

Cut 8 (13) “…the Governor’s office.”

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It’s going to warm up this weekend, but by no means should you be putting that winter jacket away just yet. Some parts of South Louisiana will see temperatures in the 70s this weekend. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says then comes a big change.

Cut 9 (07)  “…really cold air.”

How cold? Keim says it would cure any transplanted New Englander of homesickness.

Cut 10 (06) “…in the 30s.”

And Keim says that brutal cold could be accompanied by some flaky white stuff.

Cut 11 (06) “…of next week.”

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Federal prosecutors will not be pressing charges against the white police officers involved in the 2019 deadly arrest of Black driver Ronald Greene near Monroe. The Justice Department informed Greene’s family of its decision today. While federal charges appeared imminent when the FBI launched its probe in 2022, Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says prosecutors ultimately decided that a conviction was no sure thing.

Cut 12 (11) “…of Mr. Greene.”

Ciolino says as a result, federal prosecutors closed the book on their investigation without bringing any charges.

Cut 13 (10)  “…very close one.”

Ciolino says prosecutors reached their conclusion only after a very exhaustive investigation.

Cut 14 (11) “…by the FBI.”

A Louisiana grand jury indicted five officers on state charges. One of them, Chris Hollingsworth, died in a car crash in 2020, hours after he was told he would be fired due to his role in Greene’s death. Most of those charges have been dropped; and now, only two officers are facing lesser charges. One pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery, and the other is expected to enter a similar plea soon. A civil suit against the officers is still pending.

In advance of the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, the state announces plans to clear homeless encampments in New Orleans. GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodaux says the office will collaborate with the Louisiana Housing Commission to open a Transitional Center on France Road.

Cut 4 (11) “…not completely safe.”

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, especially given that there are treatments available. 

Cut 13 (08) “…really too many.”

Jernigan recently wrote a paper, which says in part that cervical cancer tends to be more prevalent in food deserts – locations where there are no grocery stores that sell fresh produce nearby.

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.”

It’s going to warm up this weekend, but by no means should you be putting that winter jacket away just yet. Some parts of South Louisiana will see temperatures in the 70s this weekend. Then comes a cold front that will cure any transplanted New Englander of homesickness. On a couple days early next week, temperatures as far south as Baton Rouge might not get out of the 30s.

The sheriff of St. Landry Parish says it’s the most bizarre case he’s ever encountered in his 50-year law enforcement career. Three women are arrested for allegedly opening an occupied casket at a memorial park in Opelousas. Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says as a funeral worker turned his back, 34-year-old Quina Clay of Church Point opened the casket and started taking pictures.

Cut 9 (05)  “…desecration of grave.”

It’s unclear whether the women had any connection with the deceased individual, and it’s also unknown whether any of those photos have been shared on the internet.

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 given federal law, dealing with them is not as simple as shooting them down; the FAA treats that the same as shooting down a jetliner.

Louisiana announces plans to clear homeless shelters in New Orleans ahead of the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The battle over budget cuts and book bans at the public library reaches a head in Livingston Parish. Last week, the parish council removed all eight members of the library board. The controversies have led to contentious library board meetings. The council has reappointed two of the ousted members and will be appointing the rest. The library board meets again a week from today.

Three women are arrested for allegedly opening an occupied casket at a memorial park in Opelousas. St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says the women went to the gravesite and waited for their opportunity to do something disturbing.

Cut 8 (07) “…of the deceased.”

Guidroz says it’s unclear whether any of the four women had anything to do with the deceased person inside the casket, and it’s also unknown whether any of those photos have made their way onto the internet.

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 while it’s possible that the drones could be harmless, governments at all levels need to examine laws governing their operation.

Cut 12 (06) “…having a barbecue?”

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

The state is clearing out homeless encampments in New Orleans ahead of the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. GOHSEP is teaming up with the Louisiana Housing Commission to open a transitional center. GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodaux says humane and safe shelter is essential as the city prepares to welcome visitors from around the world.

Cut 6 (18) “…in their lives.”

A man dies while in the custody of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were responding to a man who appeared to be experiencing a medical episode in Metairie. But when deputies tried walking the man to an ambulance, he ran away from them. Deputies caught up to him and handcuffed him. As they were walking back to the ambulance, he collapsed. He died at a hospital. The sheriff’s office is investigating.

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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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Ahead of New Orleans hosting Super Bowl 59 and a busy Mardi Gras season, Governor Landry announced plans to improve the city’s streets and sidewalks to ensure they are “clean, accessible, and safe.” Landry’s strategy includes addressing homelessness near key areas like the Caesars Superdome and the French Quarter. GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodaux noted that the office will collaborate with the Louisiana Housing Commission to open a Transitional Center on France Road.

Cut 4 (11) “…not completely safe.”

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.”

Thibodaux stressed that humane and safe shelter is essential as the city prepares to welcome visitors from around the world.

Cut 6 (18) “…in their lives.”

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The sheriff of St. Landry Parish says it’s the most bizarre case he’s ever encountered in his 50-year law enforcement career. 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.”

Sheriff Guidroz says the women didn’t leave; and instead, they waited for their opportunity to do something disturbing.

Cut 8 (07) “…of the deceased.”

Guidroz says it’s unclear whether any of the four women had anything to do with the deceased person inside the casket, and it’s also unknown whether any of those photos have made their way onto the internet. He says 34-year-old Quina Clay of Church Point is the woman who opened the casket. She was arrested, along with Alexis Sally and Crystal Bell Edmond, both of Opelousas.

Cut 9 (05)  “…desecration of grave.”

The fourth woman involved is still at large.

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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 given federal law, dealing with them is not as simple as shooting them down; the FAA treats that the same as shooting down a jetliner. Given the recent drone incidents in New York and New Jersey, many people are on edge over these drone sightings. Havard says for all they know at this point, it could be completely harmless.

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

Still, Havard says governments at all levels need to examine laws governing the operation of drones.

Cut 12 (06) “…having a barbecue?”

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

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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.”

Dr. Jernigan says that’s because there are ways to prevent cervical cancer.

Cut 14 (07) “…disease at all.”

Jernigan says cervical cancer is relatively more prevalent in Louisiana.

Cut 15 (11) “…access to care.”

Jernigan recently wrote a paper, which says in part that cervical cancer tends to be more prevalent in food deserts – locations where there are no grocery stores that sell fresh produce nearby. Whether the lack of access to fruits and vegetables is a contributing cause of cervical cancer is still being studied.

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The Saints had their worst season since the 2005 season, winning just five games. Many Who Dats believe it’s time to tear it down and build it back up again. But General Manager Mickey Loomis says one-year turnarounds happen all the time in the NFL…

Cut 16 (17) “…head coach has.”

Priority number one this offseason is to hire a new head coach. Loomis says the franchise also wants to figure out what’s behind all the injuries, several of the Saints star players on offense missed multiple games because of injuries…

Cut 17 (15)  “…anything else”

There’s also a belief that the Saints are not able to improve their roster through free agency, because of a lack of salary cap space. But in his year end press conference, Loomis pushed back on that notion…

Cut 18 (18)   “…about it.”

New Orleans is racing to complete infrastructure upgrades as it prepares to host Super Bowl LIX (59) in less than a month. Eight months ago, stakeholders set an ambitious goal of completing over 500 projects before the end of January. Deputy chief administrative officer Joe Threat gave a progress report.

Cut 12 (16) “…see the finish line.”

Restaurants and bars on Bourbon Street are coming together to raise money for those affected by the New Year’s Day terror attack. Fleur du Coeur starts today and runs through Sunday. Wendy Waren (WARE-en) with the Louisiana Restaurant Association says restaurants quickly got onboard.

Cut 6 (09) “…from a drink.”

The United Cajun Navy is mobilizing efforts to aid California wildfire victims. Under the leadership of President Todd Terrell, the organization is sending truckloads of essential supplies.

Cut 3 (13) “…maybe about ten days.” 

A deputy’s stop to help a man walking along Highway 99 in the cold Friday night ended with a shooting and arrest.  Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff Kyle Miers says when Sergeant Josh Clement (CLAY-mon) stopped to help 44-year-old Mark Buller (BOWL-er) of Iowa (EYE-oh-way)…

Cut 10 (11) “…and simple burglary”

Authorities say Buller (BOWL-er) took Clement’s Taser, used it against him and tried stealing his patrol car. Buller is facing several charges. Both were treated for their injuries and released.

The United Cajun Navy is mobilizing in response to the California wildfires.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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You can help those affected by the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street by dining at your favorite Bourbon Street restaurant. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The United Cajun Navy is mobilizing efforts to aid California wildfire victims. Under the leadership of President Todd Terrell, the organization is sending truckloads of essential supplies, including tarps, personal protective equipment and hygiene kits.

Cut 3 (13) “…maybe about ten days.”

Terrell emphasized the urgency, noting how quickly support gathers once people hear they are in route. The journey from Louisiana to California spans 30 hours, but the distance does not deter their commitment to helping affected communities.

Cut 4 (10) “…affected communities.”

Terrell says dealing with fire is a completely different scenario than flooding; but at the end of the day, it comes down to helping people.

Cut 5 (12) “…have a better day.”

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Restaurants and bars on Bourbon Street are coming together to raise money for those affected by the New Year’s Day terror attack. Fleur du Coeur starts today and runs through Sunday. Wendy Waren (WARE-en) with the Louisiana Restaurant Association says they planned this in just a week; and when word started getting out, you didn’t have to ask establishments twice whether they’d like to participate.

Cut 6 (09) “…from a drink.”

Waren says establishments are picking one menu item for the event.

Cut 7 (19) “…most popular cocktail.”

Waren says all money raised from the sales of those specific menu items will go to help those who were injured and the families of those killed.

Cut 8 (09) “…Day Tragedy Fund.”

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What started as a deputy trying to help a man culminated with a shooting. Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff Kyle Miers says Sergeant Josh Clement (CLAY-mon) saw a man walking along Highway 99 Friday night; and given the cold temperatures and the lack of lighting on the roadway, he turned around to help the man.

Cut 9 (09)  “…discharge his weapon.”

Specifically, Louisiana State Police say 44-year-old Mark Buller (BOWL-er) of Iowa (EYE-oh-way), Louisiana, took Sergeant Clement’s Taser and used it against him and tried stealing his patrol car. Miers says other deputies arrived on scene and took Buller into custody.

Cut 10 (11) “…and simple burglary”

Miers says Buller is facing several charges.

Cut 11 (15) “…a motor vehicle.”

Both Clement and Buller were treated for their injuries at hospitals and released.

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New Orleans is racing to complete infrastructure upgrades as it prepares to host Super Bowl LIX (59) in less than a month. Eight months ago, stakeholders set an ambitious goal of completing over 500 projects before the end of January. Deputy chief administrative officer Joe Threat announced that 90-percent of the city’s 200 projects are finished, while hundreds more nearing completion.

Cut 12 (16) “…see the finish line.”

Up to 150-thousand visitors are expected; and Threat says while tourists may not notice all the enhancements, residents will. Major projects include a 21-million dollar lighting upgrade on the Crescent City Connection and colorful murals by local artists like BMIKE.

Cut 13 (14)  “…city of New Orleans.”

Repairs continue at the Hard Rock collapse site and on Downman Road, with ongoing improvements in the French Quarter and the Central Business District. Threat emphasizes lasting benefits from these upgrades and aims to maintain momentum with future completion goals tied to events like Mardi Gras.

Cut 14 (15) “…city right now.”

Restaurants and bars on Bourbon Street are coming together to raise money for those affected by the New Year’s Day terror attack. Fleur du Coeur starts today and runs through Sunday. Wendy Waren (WARE-en) with the Louisiana Restaurant Association says restaurants quickly got onboard.

Cut 6 (09) “…from a drink.”

All money raised from the sales of those specific menu items will go to help those who were injured and the families of those killed.

What started as a deputy trying to help a man culminated with a shooting. Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff Kyle Miers says Sergeant Josh Clement (CLAY-mon) saw a man walking along Highway 99 Friday night; and given the cold temperatures and the lack of lighting on the roadway, he turned around to help the man.

Cut 9 (09)  “…discharge his weapon.”

Specifically, Louisiana State Police say 44-year-old Mark Buller (BOWL-er) of Iowa (EYE-oh-way) took Sergeant Clement’s Taser and used it against him and tried stealing his patrol car. Miers says other deputies arrived on scene and took Buller into custody. Clement and Buller were treated at a hospital and released.

The United Cajun Navy is mobilizing in response to the California wildfires.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Flu activity is on the rise here in Louisiana; and as such, so are hospitalizations. Dr. Eric Griggs with the St. Tammany Health System says there are things that you can do to protect yourself and everyone else.

Cut 6 (09) “…to get vaccinated.”

Dr. Griggs says only about 42-percent of Louisianians are vaccinated against flu, COVID and RSV; and even though we’re now in the peak season, Griggs says it is by no means too late to get your shots.

Starting in April, the 1.36-percent property insurance assessment to pay off bonds that Louisiana Citizens Insurance incurred from claims after hurricanes Katrina and Rita goes away. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says even Citizens’ policyholders are getting a break, since according to a new law, a ten-percent surcharge on all new policies and renewals will be waived.

Cut 15 (09) “…decrease.”

St. Tammany Parish is one step closer to securing almost six-billion dollars for its flood risk management project. Parish President Mike Cooper says the structural solution includes 15 miles of earthen levee and a 3.5-mile-long flood wall in Slidell. As for the non-structural solution…

Cut 11 (10) “…along Lake Pontchartrain.”

The project was authorized under the 2024 Water Resources Development Act. 

If you want to live your healthiest life in 2025, you can do so by making just a few simple changes in your life. Jennifer Duhon with the LSU Ag Center says one thing you can do is add fiber to your diet – fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans.

Cut 7 (10) “…increasing your fiber.”

The 1.36 percent Citizens assessment you pay on top of your premiums for property insurance is going away soon. Don Molino has more…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Don Molino.”

Former LSU star wide receiver Kyren Lacy turns himself in to Lafourche Parish authorities. He was wanted for allegedly causing a deadly crash on Louisiana Highway 20 last month, just before he had declared for the NFL draft. Lacy was booked into the parish jail and was released on 151-thousand dollars bond. His charges include negligent homicide, felony hit and run, and reckless operation of a vehicle.

Flu activity is on the rise here in Louisiana – and so are hospitalizations. Dr. Eric Griggs with the St. Tammany Health System says only about 42-percent of Louisianians are vaccinated against flu, COVID and RSV. He says even though we’re now in the peak season, it is by no means too late to get your shots.

Cut 5 (08) “…and flu season.”

St. Tammany Parish is one step closer to securing almost six-billion dollars for its flood risk management project. The project was authorized under the 2024 Water Resources Development Act. Parish President Mike Cooper says this is the largest single investment in flood risk reduction in Louisiana history. 

Cut 10 (11) “…long flood wall.”

The St. Tammany Levee, Drainage and Conservation District will discuss the projects in a meeting this Wednesday evening.