As the old saying goes – what goes up must come down. That will certainly be the case here in Louisiana in terms of the weather. This weekend, temperatures will be very pleasant, but that will quickly give way to brutal cold that would make Minnesota jealous. National Weather Service meteorologist Nick Slaughter says it’s still too early to determine whether any area will have wintry precipitation.

Cut 8 (10) “…still up in the air”

Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins and other Republicans used a Congressional hearing to blast the former head of Social Security for agreeing to a telework agreement with SSA union employees. Higgins says it’s resulted in extremely long wait times when calling the Social Security helpline

Cut 12 (12) “…Social Security.”

The federal government gives the final okay for the state to receive funding for the deployment of broadband statewide. Veneeth Iyengar, the executive director of Connect L-A, says construction will begin very soon, and that people across the state should be connected by the end of summer.

Cut 5 (10) “…of this year.”

A pair of government advocacy groups are joining forces. The Committee of 100 for Economic Development and the Council for A Better Louisiana, or CABL, have announced that they’re merging to form Leaders for a Better Louisiana. Barry Erwin, who was the president of CABL, says this merger was a long time in the making.

Cut 9 (09)  “…way, we hope.”

Erwin says CABL and the Committee of 100 have unique things to bring to a merged organization.

Louisiana is bracing for brutally cold temperatures next week – at least brutally cold in Louisiana standards.   National Weather Service in Lake Charles Meteorologist Nick Slaughter says freezing temperatures are expected to impact the region from Sunday night through at least Wednesday night, bringing extended subfreezing temperatures and dangerous wind chills.

Cut 7 (07) “…till at least Wednesday.”

The state is one step closer to building a statewide broadband network after securing final approval for federal funding. Veneeth Iyengar, the executive director of Connect L-A, says the state awarded contracts to many companies, several of which based in Louisiana, to build the broadband infrastructure in a robust way.

Cut 4 (13) “…and north Louisiana.”

Iyengar says the state should be connected by the end of summer.

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins expresses his frustration with the customer service Americans are receiving when they call the Social Security Administration’s helpline. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Louisiana is preparing for an unusual winter weather event next week, bringing conditions the state rarely faces. Residents of Lafayette and Acadiana could experience freezing rain, sleet, icy roads, and possibly even snow.  National Weather Service in Lake Charles Meteorologist Nick Slaughter says temperatures are expected to drop sharply, with highs in the 30s and lows in the 20s.

Cut 6 (13) “…in the single digits.”

The federal government gives the final okay for the state to receive funding for the deployment of broadband statewide. Veneeth Iyengar, the executive director of Connect L-A, says Louisiana is the first state in the country to secure federal approval of broadband funds.

Cut 3 (08) “…our federal funds.” 

Three men are now under arrest in connection with the shooting at the bonfire in Webster Parish last weekend that injured six people, two critically. Sheriff Jason Parker says thankfully, all victims will survive.

Cut 15 (08) “…that they’re okay.”

Two men are charged with six counts of attempted first-degree murder, and one other is charged with accessory after the fact.

Nearly every genre will be represented at the 2025 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Cubes and show times have not yet been released, but producer Quint 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.”

The festival takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course April 24th to May 4th.

Appearing before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Governor Landry urged the new Congress to provide more federal dollars for an improved Interstate system. The governor says connecting I-49 from Shreveport to New Orleans has been discussed since the early 1980s….

Cut 8 (10) “…been completed.”

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 21 (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 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.”

It’s going to be a nice weekend outside for much of the state – but come the outset of the next work week, temperatures will turn frigid – at least relative to what we’re used to. Overnight lows throughout most of the state will be below freezing starting by Sunday night; and depending on where you’re at, temperatures might not get out of the 30s during the day. Temperatures should warm up again by the end of next week.

Governor Landry testified before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, saying the state is moving forward on building a new I-10 bridge in Lake Charles. He says while tolls will help pay for the two-point-three-billion-dollar project, he can lower them if the state can receive more federal dollars.

Cut 9 (13)  “…can help.”

Three men are now under arrest in connection with the shooting at the bonfire in Webster Parish last weekend. 23-year-old Zyan Stanley of Minden and 21-year-old Kobe Sheppard of Sibley are each charged with six counts of attempted first-degree murder. 22-year-old Jacolby 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.”

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.”

The NFL is teaming up with law enforcement to beef up security in New Orleans ahead of Super Bowl 59. ESPN is reporting the plan involves SWAT team members, armored vehicles, special agents on rooftops, government surveillance drones and extra security cameras throughout the city. Customs and Border Protection will patrol the Mississippi River, and the TSA will deploy more than 90 bomb-sniffing dogs.

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.”