New Orleans may become the new place to recharge… at least, recharge your electric vehicle, as the city just got over 9 million dollars to install EV chargers. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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Governor Jeff Landry testified before the U-S House Transportation Committee, asking for more federal dollars to pay for major highway projects. Andrew Greenstein has the story….

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein”

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The lineup for the 2025 New Orleans Jazz Fest has been announced. Michelle Southern reports this year’s festival features a wide array of artists and something special for Louisiana residents…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

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New Orleans has received over 9 million dollars from the Federal Highway Administration to install electric vehicle chargers across the city. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter thinks this will help New Orleanians go greener.

Cut 4 (12) “…place to charge.”

The funding will add around 118 publicly available EV chargers at 58 locations across New Orleans. 66 percent of the chargers will be installed in federally designated disadvantaged communities.

Cut 5 (06) “…throughout our community.”

Gasoline- and diesel-based cars, trucks and buses account for almost 43% of New Orleans’ total greenhouse gas emissions. Carter hopes these chargers will help lower those emissions.

Cut 6 (12) “…that are available.”

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Governor Jeff Landry testified before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, urging the new Congress to provide more federal dollars for an improved interstate system, including new bridges for Baton Rouge and Lake Charles. Landry says a new Mississippi River bridge in the capital city is desperately needed to alleviate congestion on Interstate 10…

Cut 7 (07) “…back and forth.”

Landry says a modernized interstate system will boost the economy. He says a recent report found Louisiana will experience the third largest freight growth in the nation. The governor says connecting I-49 from Shreveport to New Orleans has been discussed since the early 1980s….

Cut 8 (10) “…been completed.”

The state is moving forward on building a new I-10 bridge in Lake Charles, but tolls will help pay for the two-point-three-billion-dollar project. Landry says if the state can receive more federal dollars, he can lower the tolls

Cut 9 (13)  “…can help.”

The tolls will range from $2.55 to $12.26 for commercial trucks depending on their size and whether it has a toll tags. Local motorists would pay 25 cents to cross the bridge while automobiles from the outside the area will pay anywhere from $1.25 to $3.75.

House Transportation Chairman Sam Graves says one of their priorities is to reauthorize the nation’s surface transportation programs, but that doesn’t mean everyone will get everything they want.

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The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival has released its 2025 line-up. Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Luke Combs, Lenny Kravitz and Kacey Musgraves are the headliners for the two-weekend musical festival that takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course April 24^th to May fourth. Jazz Fest producer Quint Davis says weekend passes are on sale now and Louisiana residents receive a discount…

Cut 10 (10) “…local people.”

Cubes and show times have not yet been released, but Davis says if you go to n-o-jazz-fest-dot-com you can find out which weekend the different artists will perform…

Cut 11 (11) “…zip code.”

Davis says this year’s festival features a wide variety of musical performers, covering every genre…

Cut 12 (10) “…jazz singer.”

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Three men are now under arrest in connection with the shooting at the bonfire in Webster Parish last weekend. 23-year-old Zyan Adominick-Jaire Stanley of Minden and one other are each charged with six counts of attempted first-degree murder. 22-year-old Jacolby Tyrone Snell of Doyline is charged with accessory after the fact and two counts of modifying a pistol to a machine gun. Sheriff Jason Parker says the organizers of the bonfire did not obtain a permit ahead of time.

Cut 13 (11) “…having get-togethers.”

Parker says if they did obtain a permit as they were supposed to have done, the shooting may have been prevented.

Cut 14 (07) “…reduced the risk.”

Of the six people shot, two were injured critically. Parker says thankfully, all victims will survive.

Cut 15 (08) “…that they’re okay.”

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The Ragin Cajuns visit Arkansas State tonight the preseason favorites to win the Sun Belt Conference. Both teams enter the matchup with three and two records in league play. Interim UL Lafayette head coach Derrick Zimmerman says the Red Wolves have a lot of talented players, including former Cajun Kobe Julien…

Cut 16 (25) “…for them.”

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Louisiana Tech won two in a row at home last week and they are back on the road this week. Tonight, the Bulldogs visit Jacksonville State. The Gamecocks finished with a losing record last year, but Tech head coach Talvin Hester says Jax State is 9-and-7 overall this year…

Cut 17 (17)  “…mismatches.”

Louisiana Tech is third in Conference USA in defense, allowing 68 points a game. But Hester says his team can be better on the defensive end of the floor…

Cut 18 (10)   “…over enough.”

La Tech is only forcing 12 turnovers a game. Tip off tonight is at 6 PM.

President Biden delivers his farewell address tonight. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross expects it to be a traditional one.

Cut 5 (13) “…some looking ahead.”

Cross says he expects Biden to tout his accomplishments over the last four years, and he may make at least a passing reference to his predecessor and successor. Biden’s address is at seven Central time.

Small businesses are more optimistic now than they have been in the last six years. NFIB State Director Leah 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.

Cut 14 (12) “…small business owners.”

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.

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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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 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.

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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.”

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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”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.