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.”

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 but he says the organizers are facing fines….

Cut 5 (12) “…situation happen.”

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

A Baton Rouge fixture is moving to Terrebonne Parish. The Belle of Baton Rouge riverboat is being towed to Gibson, as part of a downtown revitalization effort there. The riverboat will be completely gutted and rebuilt on the inside, and it is slated to reopen this fall.

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.”

And Keim says that brutal cold could be accompanied by a wintery mix.

The investigation into a shooting that injured six people, including two critically at an unpermitted bonfire event in Dubberly on Saturday night continues. Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker says events in Webster Parish involving more than 250 attendees are required to have a permit and he says at least 350 people were at this bonfire…

Cut 4 (11) “…for everybody.”

The sheriff says the organizers are facing fines.

Federal prosecutors closing the book on their investigation into the 2019 deadly arrest of Ronald Greene near Monroe without bringing any charges. 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 13 (10)  “…very close one.”

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

With Truancy rates reaching 41% in Louisiana last school year, BESE, the Louisiana Department of Education and the state Legislature are working to address the issue. The LDOE’s Success Through Attendance Recovery, or STAR Task Force studied the issue and provided recommendations to BESE in December 2024.  BESE Vice President Stacey Melerine (mel-uh-REEN) says the Task Force will address chronic absenteeism.

Cut 7 (05) “…to the statute.”

Look for warmer weather this weekend but don’t put your winter jacket away just yet. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front moves in Saturday night and the colder temperatures could bring frozen precipitation to some parts of the state.

Cut 11 (06) “…of next week.”

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.

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.”

A civil suit against the officers is still pending.

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.”

Warmer weather is coming and some parts of South Louisiana will see temperatures in the 70s this weekend. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says it won’t last long as a cold front moves in Saturday night.

Cut 10 (06) “…in the 30s.”

As New Orleans races to complete infrastructure upgrades ahead of hosing the Superbowl. Repairs continue at the Hard Rock collapse site. Deputy chief administrative officer Joe Threat emphasizes the lasting benefits from the upgrades.

Cut 14 (15) “…city right now.”

LSU’s former quarterback and Heisman winner, Jayden Daniels became the NFL’s fourth rookie to win a playoff game on the road in a rookie season. Daniels led the Washington Commanders in the win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round of the Playoffs Sunday night in Tampa Bay. It was the Washington Commanders first playoff win in over two decades.

Restaurant Goers can help those affected by the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The United Cajun Navy is heading to California to aid wildfire victims. President Todd Terrell says dealing with fire is a completely different scenario than flooding; but at the end of the day, it comes down to helping people.

Cut 5 (12) “…have a better day.”

Terrell says they are also still helping hurricane victims in Louisiana and North Carolina.

90-percent of New Orleans’ 200 projects that were planned in time to host the Superbowl are finished and hundreds more are nearing completion says City Deputy chief administrative officer Joe Threat. Projects include upgrades residents will also appreciate like the 21-million-dollar lighting upgrade on the Crescent City Connection and colorful murals by local artists like BMIKE.

Cut 13 (09)  “…city of New Orleans.”

A deputy who stopped to help a man walking along Highway 99 in the cold dark night, Friday had his taser turned on him and ended up shooting at the man identified as 44-year-old Mark Buller (BOWL-er) of Iowa (EYE-oh-way).  Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff Kyle Miers says Buller tried stealing Sergeant Josh Clement” (CLAY-mon) patrol car before other deputies arrived and took Buller into custody. He faces multiple charges

Cut 11 (10) “…a motor vehicle.”

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

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

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

New Orleans restaurants and bars are raising money for those affected by the New Year’s Day terror attack. Fleur du Coeur starts today and runs through Sunday. Wendy Waren (WARE-en) with the Louisiana Restaurant Association says they planned this event in just a week and all money raised from the sales of specific menu items will go to help those who were injured and the families of those killed.

Cut 8 (09) “…Day Tragedy Fund.”

What started as a deputy trying to help a man ended in a shooting and arrest. Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff Kyle Miers says Sergeant Josh Clement (CLAY-mon) saw a man walking along Highway 99 in the cold Friday night.

Cut 9 (09)  “…discharge his weapon.”

Authorities say 44-year-old Mark Buller (BOWL-er) of Iowa (EYE-oh-way), took Sergeant Clement’s Taser and used it against him and tried stealing his patrol car before other deputies arrived and took Buller into custody. Buller is facing several charges. Both were treated and released from the hospital.

The United Cajun Navy is traveling 30 hours with supplies to aid California wildfire victims. President Todd Terrell says they’re now helping people on 3 coasts…

Cut 4 (10) “…the Gulf Coast.”

New Orleans is racing to complete infrastructure upgrades ahead of Super Bowl LIX (59) in less than a month. Stakeholders set a goal of completing over 500 projects before the end of January. City Deputy chief administrative officer Joe Threat announced that 90-percent of the city’s 200 projects are finished.

Cut 12 (10) “…see the finish line.”

Up to 150,000 visitors are expected.

New Orleans Restaurants and bars are coming together to raise money for those affected by the New Year’s Day terror attack. Fleur du Coeur starts today and runs through Sunday. Wendy Waren (WARE-en) with the Louisiana Restaurant Association says establishments are picking one menu item for the event.

Cut 7 (10) “…most popular cocktail.”

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

Cut 10 (11) “…and simple burglary”

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

LSU’s former Heisman winning quarterback, Jayden Daniels became the NFL’s fourth rookie to win a playoff game on the road beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round of the Playoffs Sunday night in Tampa Bay. It was the Washington Commanders first playoff win in over two decades.

Restaurant goers can help those affected by the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 3 (08) “…maybe about ten days.”

The St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office says two children are among three people who were stabbed to death, in a domestic disturbance incident that took place near Amite Thursday. Sheriff Clay Chutz says 31-year-old Ryant Jones has been arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree murder. Chutz calls it “a horrible tragedy.” The victims’ ages are 40 years, ten years, and one year old.

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick identified the three officers who fatally shot the terrorist who drove from Houston and carried out the attack on Bourbon Street on New Year’s Day. Kirkpatrick says officers Nigel Daggs, Christian Byer and Jacobie Jordan are heroes….

Cut 10 (11) “national heroes”

Kirkpatrick says two officers that were shot have been treated and released.

If you’ve made losing weight your new year’s resolution, you’re not alone. Andrew Greenstein has some tips to make that resolution successful.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Ah but it’s king cake season; and for the first time in its 104-year history, Hubig’s Pies is selling king cakes. The owner of the New Orleans staple, Andrew Ramsey, says Hubig’s Custard and Dutch Apple king cakes are nods to Hubig’s baked round pies and slices which were made until Hurricane Katrina in 2005

Cut 8 (13) “…Dutch apple filling.”

An arrest warrant has been issued for LSU standout receiver Kyren Lacy. He’s facing charges of negligent homicide and felony hit and run stemming from an investigation into a December 17^th fatal crash on Hwy 20 in Lafourche Parish that killed 78-year-old Herman Hall of Thibodaux. State Police investigators say Lacy recklessly passed multiple vehicles at a high rate of speed crossing the centerline causing other vehicles to swerve to avoid him and leading to a head on collision of those vehicles. Investigators say Lacy drove around the crash without stopping or reporting his involvement. The investigation is ongoing.

The New Orleans Police Department has identified the officers who fatally shot the Houston man who carried out the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street. NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says body camera footage shows officers approaching Shamsud-Din Jabbar’s pickup truck

Cut 9 (12)  “…returned fire”

The New Orleans icon, Hubig’s Pies, debuts nostalgic King Cakes for this Carnival Season. Jeanne (ZHAHN) Burns has more.

Cut 2 (26) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge is the sixth entity in Louisiana to distribute the Newborn Essential Support Toolkit. Congresswoman Julia Letlow and Washington Democratic Congresswoman Kim Schrier have introduced the NEST Act, which would allow Health and Human Services to expand the program nationwide. Letlow says these kits gives new parents one less thing to worry about, especially at a time when they have lots of things to worry about.

Cut 14 (10) “…access to that.”

An arrest warrant has been issued for LSU standout receiver Kyren Lacy. He’s facing charges of negligent homicide and felony hit and run stemming from an investigation into a December 17^th fatal crash on Hwy 20 in Lafourche Parish that killed 78-year-old Herman Hall of Thibodaux. State Police Troop C investigators say Lacy recklessly passed multiple vehicles at a high rate of speed crossing the centerline in a no passing zone causing other vehicles to swerve to avoid him leading to a head on collision of the those vehicles. Investigators say Lacy drove fled the scene driving around the crash without stopping to render aid or call for help. The investigation is ongoing.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow, who helped Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge unveil the Newborn Essential Support Toolkit made available through a partnership between the Department of Health and Human Services and the non-profit organization Baby2Baby. Letlow says they allow new parents to get off to a good start with their newborn.

Cut 13 (06)  “…this new transition.”

If you’ve made losing weight your new year’s resolution. Andrew Greenstein has some.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

But it IS king cake season; and for the first time in its 104-year history, Hubig’s Pies is offering them. Owner Andrew Ramsey highlights the flavors.

Cut 8 (10) “…Dutch apple filling.”