The weather outside is about to turn frightful, and that could potentially mean snow. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says we’ll have to wait a few more days before forecasters can accurately predict the possibility for snow. But he says there’s an excellent chance for pipe-busting cold…

Cut 11 (08) “…season.”

The latest Small Business Optimism Index by the National Federation of Independent Business shows that small business owners are more optimistic today than they have been in the last six years. State Director Leah Long says here in Louisiana, the reduction in the income tax will be a big boost to small business owners.

Cut 13 (06)  “…hire more employees.”

Long says small business owners are looking forward to a new presidential administration, and one thing they want in the new term is the reauthorization of the Main Street Tax Act.

The Louisiana Department of Education unveils its brand new website. Department spokesman Ted Beasley says the new website is easier to navigate and much more aesthetically pleasing.

Cut 8 (10) “…they’re looking for”

Beasley says the old website was ten years old and was getting to be a tad cumbersome to use. The website also has a new web address – doe.louisiana.gov. Those who still go to louisianabelieves.com will be redirected to the new URL.

A former Union Parish Sheriff’s deputy pleads no contest to a simple battery charge in connection with the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. Chris Harpin was placed on supervised probation and will not serve any jail time. In fact, none of the officers involved in the videotaped beating of Greene will face jail time. Federal prosecutors declined to press charges after failing to find evidence that Greene’s civil rights were violated.

If your dreams of a White Christmas didn’t come true, a white January might be a small consolation. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says there’s a chance a large portion of the state could see snow and ice on Tuesday, but it remains to be seen if the conditions will be right for precipitation to fall…

Cut 10 (10) “…winter precipitation.”

President Biden delivers his farewell address tonight. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Biden will tout his accomplishments in his four years in office, and he also expects Biden to make at least a passing reference to his predecessor and successor.

Cut 4 (10) “…a personal rule.”

Biden’s address comes as he prepares to leave office in five days. It’s at seven Central time.

The Louisiana Department of Education launches its new website. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Some big names are lined up for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival – from Pearl Jam and Dave Matthews to Santana and New Orleans’ own Harry Connick Junior. Just about every musical genre will be represented. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival begins April 24th.

Some state legislators from New Orleans are expressing concern over the state’s plan to move homeless people in the city into a transitional center ahead of the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. State Representative Matthew Willard notes that the fenced-in facility in an industrial area on France Road is across the street from the Gentilly neighborhood, even though there’s a concrete wall separating the neighborhood from the roadway.

Cut 5 (11) “…their lives disrupted.”

Soon, you’ll be able to go from New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama, by train once again. Congressman Troy Carter says Amtrak has received another 21 million dollars from the Federal Railroad Administration to restart the route.

Cut 7 (07) “…making this happen.”

The line was suspended after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the necessary infrastructure.

President Biden delivers his farewell address tonight. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Biden will tout his accomplishments in his four years in office.

Cut 3 (09) “…massive infrastructure investment.” 

Cross says he also expects Biden to make at least a passing reference to his predecessor and successor.

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. Nursing School Dean Sandra Brown says one thing that makes the school exceptional is its effort to educate underprivileged students.

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

A pair of New Orleans legislators are expressing concern about the state’s plan to move the homeless into a transitional center. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

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.”

_____________________________________________

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

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

______________________________________________________

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.”

Willard notes that the fenced-in facility in an industrial area on France Road is across the street from the Gentilly neighborhood, even though there’s a concrete wall separating the neighborhood from the roadway.

Cut 5 (11) “…their lives disrupted.”

Furthermore, Willard notes that the facility is within close proximity to a pair of schools.

Cut 6 (12) “…of New Orleans.”

Willard and State Senator Joe Bouie issued a statement, saying they have reached out to the governor’s office to request details of the plan.

______________________________________________________

Soon, you’ll be able to catch a train from New Orleans again. 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, but New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says this money — along with a grant from 2023  — should be enough to get things going again.

Cut 7 (07) “…making this happen.”

The line was suspended after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the necessary infrastructure. Carter says the money, along with previous grants, will be used to revive the rail line and all its benefits…

Cut 8 (08) “…and for our region.”

Carter says this could also help underprivileged areas along the line by…

Cut 9 (09)  “…by vehicle.”

______________________________________________________

Looking for a healthy alternative this King Cake Season? The Eat Fit King Cake offers a healthier twist on the traditional Mardi Gras dessert, allowing people to enjoy the festive treat without compromising wellness goals. Developed by Ochsner’s Eat Fit initiative and inspired by its cookbook, this king cake is gluten-free, grain-free, sugar-free, low-carb, dairy-free, and made with all-natural ingredients. Eat Fit Founder Molly Kimball says key components include almond and coconut flour and Swerve, a natural sweetener free of artificial additives.

Cut 10 (11) “…wellness goals.”

Unlike standard king cakes, the Eat Fit King Cake boasts 93% fewer carbs, zero sugar, no artificial dyes, and four times more protein. It is also certified gluten-free and clean-label. Kimball says a new dessert for this year is Eat Fit King Cake Cupcakes, which share the same nutritional benefits.

Cut 11 (07) “…stuff like that.”

Available in select stores across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, and online for nationwide shipping, Eat Fit King Cake extends the mission of Ochsner’s Eat Fit initiative. Founded in 2013, Eat Fit partners with 600+ restaurants to promote healthier dining options, offering resources through its smartphone app and cookbooks.

Cut 12 (09) “…to the lineup”

______________________________________________________

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.”

Brown says one thing that makes Southern’s nursing school exceptional is their effort to educate underprivileged students.

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

Brown says Southern didn’t get this honor on their own…

Cut 15 (09) “…State of Louisiana.”

______________________________________________________

It’s the biggest question surrounding the Saints in the early off-season – who will be their next head coach? One name that recently surfaced is Mike McCarthy, who just parted ways with the Cowboys after his contract expired. McCarthy is actually no stranger to the Saints – he was their offensive coordinator from 2000 to 2004, during which time the team won its first ever playoff game. Jim Derry, the host of the Dattitude podcast for NOLA.com, says McCarthy has a lot in common with Sean Payton.

Cut 16 (15) “…Payton has three.”

Derry says the one coach that the Saints really have their eye on is Lions Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn, who has already interviewed with the team.

Cut 17 (14)  “…decision to make.”

Derry says a possible wild card in the mix is Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady.

Cut 18 (12)   “…an interesting situation.”

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.”

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 a cold front will then come in, bringing in air cold enough to cure any transplanted New Englander of homesickness.

Cut 10 (06) “…in the 30s.”

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

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A student at Livonia High School in Pointe Coupee Parish is under arrest for allegedly stabbing a classmate. The alleged stabber was taken into custody immediately after the incident at eight this morning. The student is hospitalized in stable condition. All students were dismissed for the day shortly after the stabbing.

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.”

___________________________________________________

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.”

___________________________________________________

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.

______________________________________________________________

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.”

______________________________________________________________

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.”

__________________________________________________________

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.”

_____________________________________________

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.”

_____________________________________________

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 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.”

______________________________________________________

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.

______________________________________________________

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.

______________________________________________________

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.

______________________________________________________

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.”