Preparations are well underway for winter precipitation in north Louisiana later this week.

Cut 2 (29) “…possible.”

LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin.

The first human infected with highly pathogenic bird flu in the U.S. has died. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Associate Professor Rebecca Christofferson says there’s no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

Cut 3 (07) “…with known animals.” 

The patient was over 65 and had underlying health conditions.

Year one is in the books for Governor Landry. Jeremy Alford, the publisher of LaPolitics-dot-com, says Landry greatly boosted his national profile in his first year as governor.

Cut 10 (15) “…politicians usually speak.”

One of college athletics most popular athletes is glad she’s back for her fifth and final year of eligibility. LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne had strong performances on the balance beam and floor on Friday as the Tigers began defense of their first national championship with a win over Iowa State. Dunne says it was a blast performing again at the PMAC…

Cut 12 (10) “…I’ve ever made.”

On3.com says Dunne’s NIL valuation is 4.2 million dollars, the most of any female athlete.

Five parishes in North Louisiana are under a winter storm watch for later this week. The five parishes are Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne and Union. National Weather Service Meteorologist Brandon Thorne says the winter storm watch goes into effect Thursday morning and goes into Friday afternoon.

Cut 6 (13) “…when it starts.”

This will likely bring widespread rain south of I-20, freezing rain north of I-20, and Thorne says significant snowfall near and north of I-30, where heavy snow accumulation is possible.

The first human infected with highly pathogenic bird flu in the U.S. has died. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Associate Professor Rebecca Christofferson says there’s no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

Cut 3 (07) “…with known animals.” 

The Louisiana Department of Health says the patient was over 65 years old and had underlying health conditions, and he contracted the virus through exposure to a backyard flock and wild birds. 

Year one is in the books for Governor Landry. Jeremy Alford, the publisher of LaPolitics-dot-com, says Landry greatly boosted his national profile in his first year as governor.

Cut 10 (15) “…politicians usually speak.”

Alford says Landry’s year two agenda includes initiatives in public safety and economic development.

A Washington Parish Mayor is arrested this morning. According to a statement from Louisiana State Police, Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong was arrested for, among other things, drug trafficking and soliciting prostitutes. LSP says profits from those drug sales were used to purchase firearms, some of which were given to people who are prohibited from legally possessing them. The 25-year-old mayor is one of seven arrested in connection with the multi-agency investigation.

We’re now one full year into the Landry administration here in Louisiana. Jeremy Alford, the publisher of LaPolitics-dot-com, says Landry set a new standard in moving quickly on his agenda, which not only included the biggest tax overhaul in decades, but it also included consolidating his power as governor.

Cut 9 (12)  “…in the past.”

As for Landry’s agenda for year number two, Alford says big things on his agenda include public safety and economic development.

With security for Mardi Gras in New Orleans this year on par with that of the Super Bowl, it’s shaping up to be the most secure ever. Arthur Hardy, the founder of the Mardi Gras Guide magazine, says all 33 parades during carnival season will be dedicated to those who lost their lives in the terror attack on Bourbon Street New Year’s Day.

Cut 5 (10) “…not go unacknowledged” 

One of college athletics most popular athletes is glad she’s back for her fifth and final year of eligibility. LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne had strong performances on the balance beam and floor on Friday as the Tigers began defense of their first national championship with a win over Iowa State. Dunne says it was a blast performing again at the PMAC…

Cut 12 (10) “…I’ve ever made.”

Dunne is one of the most followed college athletes on social media. On3.com says Dunne’s NIL valuation is 4.2 million dollars, the most of any female athlete.

President Biden took on the role of consoler in chief in an interfaith service at St. Louis Cathedral in memory of the 14 people killed in the New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street, Biden told those gathered that for those who lost loved ones, things will be very difficult.

Cut 14 (16) “…of her laugh.”

Earlier in the day, Biden approved a request from New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell to give Mardi Gras the highest Special Event Assessment Rating by the Department of Homeland Security. Arthur Hardy, the founder of the Mardi Gras Guide magazine, says this is excellent news.

Cut 4 (13) “…safest carnival ever.”

A diet developed by scientists at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center gets high rankings from U.S. News & World Report. The DASH Diet ranks first for heart health and high blood pressure, second for prediabetes and gut health, and third for diabetes and ease of following. Women’s Nutrition Research Coordinator Dr. Catherine Champagne highlights its ability to lower blood pressure, reduce stroke risk, and improve metabolism across all body sizes.

Cut 8 (12) “…your blood pressure.”

President Biden announces a ban on new offshore oil and gas development along most U.S. coastlines. LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director Greg Upton says while this will have no impact on domestic energy in the short term, it could affect production further down the line.

Cut 11 (04) “…the United States.”

We’re learning new information on the arrest of a Washington Parish Mayor. A statement from Louisiana State Police says Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong was arrested this morning for, among other things, drug trafficking and soliciting prostitutes. The statement says profits from those drug sales were used to purchase firearms, some of which were given to people who are prohibited from legally possessing them. The 25-year-old mayor is one of seven arrested in connection with the multi-agency investigation.

President Biden joined mourners at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans to remember the 14 people killed in the terror attack on Bourbon Street New Year’s Day. Towards the end of the hour-long interfaith service, Biden said the shock and pain are still very raw.

Cut 13 (11) “…are not alone.”

Clergy from Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and other faiths joined Christians in praying not only for the families who lost loved ones, but also for those who were injured in the attack.

President Biden announced a ban on new offshore oil and gas development along most U.S. coastlines. LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director Greg Upton says this will have no impact on domestic energy in the short term.

Cut 10 (06) “…in the future.”

President-elect Donald Trump criticized the decision, promising to reverse it, though legal precedent suggests overturning such protections would require congressional action.

A diet developed by scientists at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is ranked the second-best overall diet and the top heart-healthy diet by U.S. News & World Report. Women’s Nutrition Research Coordinator Dr. Catherine Champagne says the DASH Diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy and minimizes saturated fat, cholesterol, and added sugars.

Cut 9 (10)  “…variety in your diet.”

Preparations are getting underway for winter precipitation in north Louisiana later this week. 

Cut 2 (29) “…possible.”

LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin.

A Washington Parish mayor is arrested. WWL-TV reports Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong was arrested this morning in a joint effort by the Bogalusa Police Department and Louisiana State Police. No one has said why Mayor Truong was arrested; the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office is expected to announce details later today.

President Biden joined mourners at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans to remember the 14 people killed in the terror attack on Bourbon Street New Year’s Day. Biden said the people of New Orleans are very strong.

Cut 15 (16) “…get back up.”

Biden, meanwhile, announced a ban on new offshore oil and gas development along most U.S. coastlines. President-elect Donald Trump has criticized the decision, promising to reverse it. However, LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director Greg Upton says legal precedent suggests doing so would require congressional action.

Cut 12 (11) “…make that decision.”

Mardi Gras organizers are pleased that this year’s event has been given the highest Special Event Assessment Rating by the Department of Homeland Security. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_____________________________________________

A diet developed with contributions from scientists at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is ranked the second-best overall diet and the top heart-healthy diet by U.S. News & World Report. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_____________________________________________

The patient who contracted the first human case of highly pathogenic bird flu has died. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (23) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________________________

Security for Mardi Gras in New Orleans this year will be on the same level as that of the Super Bowl. President Biden has approved a request from New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell to designate Mardi Gras a SEAR 1 event by the Department of Homeland Security. Arthur Hardy, the founder of the Mardi Gras Guide magazine, says this is excellent news.

Cut 4 (13) “…safest carnival ever.”

Hardy says all 33 parades during carnival season will be dedicated to those who lost their lives in the terror attack on Bourbon Street New Year’s Day.

Cut 5 (07) “…not go unacknowledged.”

Hardy says the beefed-up security will involve not only things that people will see, including law enforcement in tactical gear, but also what people WON’T see.

Cut 6 (08) “…they’ll find out.”

______________________________________________________

A diet developed by scientists at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is ranked the second-best overall diet and the top heart-healthy diet by U.S. News & World Report. Women’s Nutrition Research Coordinator Dr. Catherine Champagne says the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension — or DASH — Diet is celebrated for combatting high blood pressure.

Cut 7 (09) “…of your diet.”

The DASH Diet has delivered proven health benefits for over 30 years. It ranks first for heart health and high blood pressure, second for prediabetes and gut health, and third for ease of following and diabetes. Dr. Champagne highlights its ability to lower blood pressure, reduce stroke risk, and improve metabolism across all body sizes.

Cut 8 (12) “…your blood pressure.”

Champagne says the DASH Diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy and minimizes saturated fat, cholesterol, and added sugars.

Cut 9 (10)  “…variety in your diet.”

______________________________________________________

President Biden announced a ban on new offshore oil and gas development along most U.S. coastlines, aiming to combat climate change and protect coastal environments. This decision, affecting 625 million acres of ocean under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, covers waters off the east and west coasts, and the eastern Gulf of Mexico. LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director Greg Upton says this will have no impact on domestic energy in the short term.

Cut 10 (06) “…in the future.”

Upton says Biden’s offshore drilling ban could affect production further down the line.

Cut 11 (04) “…the United States.”

President-elect Donald Trump criticized the decision, promising to reverse it, though legal precedent suggests overturning such protections would require congressional action.

Cut 12 (11) “…make that decision.”

______________________________________________________

President Biden joined mourners at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans to remember the 14 people killed in the terror attack on Bourbon Street New Year’s Day. Towards the end of the hour-long interfaith service, Biden said the shock and pain are still very raw.

Cut 13 (11) “…are not alone.”

Biden told those gathered that for those who lost loved ones, things will be very difficult.

Cut 14 (16) “…of her laugh.”

Biden says the people of New Orleans are very strong.

Cut 15 (16) “…get back up.”

Clergy from Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and other faiths joined Christians in praying not only for the families who lost loved ones, but also for those who were injured in the attack.

______________________________________________________

Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi says he’ll interview with the team next week as the franchise begins to ramp up its search for a permanent head coach. The Black and Gold went 3-and-4 with Rizzi as the helm following the firing of Dennis Allen. Rizzi says during his seven weeks as interim head coach, he showed he can lead and it shouldn’t be a strike against him because he doesn’t call plays…

Cut 16 (28) “…that part.”

The Saints just concluded a 5-and-12 season, their worst record since 2005. Rizzi says changes are coming, but doesn’t think wholesale changes are needed…

Cut 17 (17)  “…you do change.” 

Rizzi says he looks forward to the opportunity to talk with Owner Gayle Benson and General Manager Mickey Loomis about his vision for the franchise…

Cut 18 (17)   “…whole building.”

President Biden grants New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s request that Mardi Gras be upgraded to a SEAR 1 event, the highest Special Event Assessment Rating by the Department of Homeland Security.

Cut 8 (08) “…and months ahead.”

SEAR 1 events are events that require extensive federal interagency support. The Super Bowl is already designated as a SEAR 1 event.

A pair of magnitude 3.0 earthquakes strike Caddo Parish. The first was reported late last night near Mooringsport, while the second struck the same area a short time later. Research Geophysicist Thomas Pratt with the U.S. Geological Survey says this has been occurring for the past few weeks.

Cut 12 (09) “…call them a sequence.”

Pratt says the earthquakes are due to oil and gas companies injecting fluid into the earth that increases the pressure and opens the faults up more.

The Committee of 100’s year-end economic report says healthcare, construction, and professional services will be the fastest job growing sectors through 2032. CEO Adam Knapp says healthcare alone is expected to create 20-thousand new jobs.

Cut 4 (07) “…future in healthcare.”

Knapp says demand will especially be high for registered nurses, medical assistants, and home health aides.

Some changes in unemployment insurance in Louisiana took effect January 1st. Robert Wooley, the assistant secretary of Unemployment Insurance Administration at the Louisiana Workforce Commission, says benefits go down from 26 weeks to between 12 and 20 weeks, depending on the unemployment rate.

Cut 9 (06)  “…12-week range.”

Wooley says people can get up to eight additional weeks of benefits if they enroll in an approved training program.

The FBI says Shamsud-Din Jabbar planned his attack on Bourbon Street well in advance. FBI Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Mytrhil says during an October visit, Jabbar recorded reconnaissance video of Bourbon Street with smart glasses…

Cut 11 (11) “…contact us.”

At this time, the FBI does not know why Jabbar, who was from Houston, chose Bourbon Street to attack.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is seeking federal assistance on security plans for the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras.

Cut 6 (15) “…months on end.”

Mayor Cantrell says one of the things she’d like the tactical expert to do is to determine whether the city’s plans for bollards on Bourbon Street are sufficient to prevent another tragedy like the one that happened early on New Year’s Day.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser criticized New Orleans leadership following the terror attack on Bourbon Street. Nungesser was filled with sadness and anger when he heard the news as he was returning to Louisiana from the Rose Parade.

Cut 5 (12) “…making it safer” 

Except for the five districts named in the ACLU’s ongoing lawsuit, all public school classrooms are now required to post the Ten Commandments. Attorney General Liz Murrill issued guidance late last Friday afternoon, saying among other things that there are four posters to choose from.

Cut 7 (13) “…with the law.”

The posters should be between 11-by-14 inches and 18-by-24 inches in size, placed within close proximity to other educational posters and away from a teacher’s desk or podium.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser criticized New Orleans leadership following a deadly New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street, labeling the response as lacking.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_____________________________________________

As a legal challenge continues in court, today is the first day that schools will have an opportunity to implement Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law. Andrew Greenstein reports Attorney General Liz Murrill issued guidance Friday afternoon.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

New Orleans finds itself home to two of the most disappointing franchises in professional sports in the Saints and Pelicans. Nola.com columnist Jeff Duncan expects owner Gayle Benson to make some major changes. Kace Kieschnick (KEESH-nick) has more

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

______________________________________________________

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser criticized New Orleans leadership following a deadly New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street, labeling the response as lacking. Nungesser expressed frustration with the absence of bollards at key entrances.

Cut 4 (11) “…important as Superbowl.”

Nungesser was filled with sadness and anger when he heard the news of trying to get back to Louisiana from the Parade of Roses in California.

Cut 5 (12) “…making it safer”

Nungesser reaffirmed Louisiana’s resilience, encouraging unity and vigilance. He also announced plans to enhance security measures in New Orleans’ most popular areas.

Cut 6 (16) “…city it can be.”

______________________________________________________

Amid an ongoing legal challenge, today is the first day that kids throughout Louisiana will start seeing the Ten Commandments posted in classrooms. Except for the five districts named in the lawsuit, all public school classrooms are now required to post the Ten Commandments. Attorney General Liz Murrill issued guidance late last Friday afternoon, saying among other things that there are four posters to choose from.

Cut 7 (13) “…with the law.”

The posters should be between 11-by-14 inches and 18-by-24 inches in size, placed within close proximity to other educational posters and away from a teacher’s desk or podium. Murrill said the posters themselves place the Ten Commandments in an educational context, including tying them in with the House of Representatives and the Supreme Court.

Cut 8 (12) “…and comply constitutionally.”

Murrill concedes that posting the Ten Commandments by itself without any educational context violates the First Amendment as previously interpreted by the Supreme Court.

Cut 9 (12)  “…Supreme Court precedent.”

Murrill said it’s not in her office’s jurisdiction to prosecute school districts that fail to put up the posters in schools, saying that would be BESE’s job. Furthermore, she says if individual teachers refuse to display the posters, their school boards could pursue disciplinary action against them.

______________________________________________________

Federal authorities say the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street could have claimed more lives if officers did not kill the suspect after he crashed into construction equipment. Joshua Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the A-T-F New Orleans field office, says Shamsud-Din Jabbar possessed a transmitter with radio receivers designed to ignite two bombs that he placed on Bourbon Street

Cut 10 (09) “…set off the devices.”

Jabbar died in a gun fight with New Orleans Police officers after his vehicle crashed.

Authorities still believe Jabbar acted alone. The FBI says they learned the 42-year-old from Houston visited New Orleans twice in the months leading up to his attack. FBI Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Mytrhil says during his October visit, he recorded reconnaissance video of Bourbon Street with smart glasses…

Cut 11 (19) “…contact us.”

Mytrhil says they also know that Jabbar travel traveled to Canada and Egypt in 2023. He says they want to talk with anyone that may have encountered Mythril…

Cut 12 (08) “…New Orleans.”

The FBI also does not know why he planned this attack for New Orleans.

______________________________________________________

Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson has some tough decisions ahead of her as the leader of two of the worst teams in professional sports. Nola.com columnist Jeff Duncan says Benson is a proud New Orleanian, and she’s as frustrated as anyone.

Cut 13 (18)  “…a little shaken.”

The Saints have made significant roster and coaching changes following the departure of Sean Payton but find themselves again in limbo with a top 10 draft pick and in search of a new Head Coach. Fans think it might be time for a new general manager, but Duncan says he’d be shocked if GM Mickey Loomis got the boot.

Cut 14 (19) “…clean house.”

The Pelicans are on pace for less than 15 wins in a year meant to be their leap into contention after trading for former All-Star Dejounte Murray. Injuries have yet again derailed their season as trade rumors swirl amidst contract disputes. Duncan says whether it’s a star player or Head Coach Willie Green.

Cut 15 (17) “…coaching staff.”

______________________________________________________

It was the story of the 2024 New Orleans Saints – they couldn’t hold a late lead. That was the case in Tampa yesterday as the Saints coughed up a fourth quarter lead and lost to the Buccaneers, 27-19, to finish their dismal season with a record of 5-and-12. The Saints led 19-13 going into the fourth quarter, but a 32-yard touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield to Jalen McMillan put the Bucs up for good. An 11-yard touchdown run by Bucky Irving with a 1:51 left gave the Buccaneers a late cushion. After the game, Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi said he was disappointed with the outcome but not the effort.

Cut 16 (13) “…credit to them.”

The aforementioned last play of the season saw Mike Evans catch a pass for nine yards to put him over one-thousand for the season, his record-tying 11st straight season with one-thousand receiving yards that kicked in a three-million-dollar bonus. Rizzi was wearing a sweatshirt that read “NOLA,” with a heart replacing the O in memory of those killed in the New Year’s Day terrorist attack on Bourbon Street. Rizzi said he wanted to win it for them and for the whole grieving city.

Cut 17 (09)  “…a short term.” 

Spencer Rattler completed 26 out of 42 passes for 240 yards and one touchdown. He was also sacked twice. After the game, Rattler said he’s disappointed that he couldn’t lead the Saints to a win in the season finale.

Cut 18 (16)   “…from as well.”

With the season now over for the Saints, they can look ahead to the NFL draft, where they will be picking ninth. In the short term, the front office will be starting the interview process for a new head coach. Rizzi said he expects to get an interview for the permanent position.

__________________________________________________

It was a disappointing start to SEC play for the LSU men’s basketball team as they dropped their conference opener at home to Vanderbilt 80 to 72. But Vanderbilt is fourth in the country in steals per game and they forced 15 turnovers and LSU allowed the Commodores to beat them on the glass. Coach Matt McMahon

Cut 19 (11) “…so large.”

LSU is one of six teams in the SEC not ranked in the AP Top 25 and they were playing another non-ranked team at home. So this loss stings for the Tigers, who will play next four out of five on the road. McMahon says they have to move past this loss…

Cut 20 (09) “…this season.”

LSU is at Missouri on Tuesday night. Mizzou also started SEC play with a loss as they fell to 2nd ranked Auburn on the road to 84 to 68.