You’ll need a warm coat, gloves, hats and boots next week as Louisiana could see a significant winter storm. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The governor and attorney general react angrily to a Justice Department report saying Louisiana State Police troopers routinely use excessive force during drug arrests and vehicle pursuits. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Many schools and all state offices will be closed on Tuesday as artic cold weather is expected to grip the state and there’s a chance we’ll see snow on Tuesday. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says we’re looking at the possibility of a widespread snow event in the Bayou State…

Cut 3 (11) “…very, very closely.” 

The cold air mass will begin moving into the state on Sunday. Long periods of subfreezing temperatures and dangerous wind chills are expected Sunday night through Thursday. Keim says Monday and Tuesday will be very cold days…

Cut 4 (11) “…above freezing.”

But Keim says the potential for snow is what can make this particular winter storm memorable. He says models are indicating that moisture from the Gulf, combined with cold temperatures will help produce snow, possibly multiple inches…

Cut 5 (10) “…very often.”

The last measurable snowfall in New Orleans was 2009.

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The University of New Orleans (UNO) will furlough approximately 290 staff and faculty members as part of ongoing efforts to close a 10-million-dollar budget deficit driven by low enrollment. This follows previous cost-cutting steps, including layoffs, administrative reductions, consolidating five colleges into two, and closing facilities. President Kathy Johnson says the decision was hard but necessary to secure UNO’s future.

Cut 6 (09) “…gut-wrenching.”

UNO CFO Edwin Litoff says the furloughs aim to save 1.7-million-dollars, with a hiring freeze projected to reduce the deficit by an additional 2.5-million-dollars. However, Litoff acknowledges that further cuts, layoffs, and retirement incentives will be needed.

Cut 7 (09) “…end of the year.”

Efforts to restructure UNO last year yielded limited savings, contributing to the current crisis, as the university faces additional debt obligations and potential revenue shortfalls. Litoff says UNO also plans stricter tuition collection.

Cut 8 (09) “…classes for next semister.”

Employees earning over $100,000 face the longest unpaid leave periods.

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To get around the state, Governor Jeff Landry has been flying in a five-point-five-million-dollar airplane. Previous governors used helicopters but according to State Police the helicopters were 20 years old and difficult to maintain. WRKF Capitol Access Reporter Brooke Thorington broke the story along with Julie O’ Donoghue from the Louisiana Illuminator…

Cut 9 (09)  “…traveling on it.”

Public flight records show the single-engine plane traveling between Baton Rouge and Lafayette, near where the governor lives. The plane also made several back-and-forth trips between Baton Rouge and New Orleans after the Bourbon Street terrorist attack. Thorington says the plane was purchased last September….

Cut 10 (07) “…turbo prop plane.”

Thorington says they do know the plane is not just for the governor’s travels

Cut 11 (12) “…in a hurry.”

The governor’s office says using the plane instead of the helicopters should save the state money.

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The state has moved almost 160 homeless people in New Orleans, who were living in encampments around the Superdome, into a transitional shelter in Gentilly. Scott Adams, the chief of staff at GOHSEP, says they wanted to make the area around the Dome more secure…

Cut 12 (12) “…for Mardi Gras.”

Adams says they’re doing a lot more for the homeless people besides simply giving them shelter, food, showers and laundry.

Cut 13 (07)  “…get to work.”

The plan has drawn concern from a pair of state legislators and from nearby residents, even though there’s a concrete wall separating the neighborhoods from the street where the shelter is located off of on France Road. Adams says there is tight security in the area. 

Cut 14 (10) “…areas are impacted.”

The shelter will be open through Mardi Gras and later if need be and it could cost the state up to 16-million dollars, depending on how long it stays open. 

Louisiana takes a huge step towards launching broadband internet statewide. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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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 country to secure federal approval of broadband funds.

Cut 3 (08) “…our federal funds.” 

Iyengar says the state awarded contracts to several companies, including several based in Louisiana, to build the broadband infrastructure in a robust way.

Cut 4 (13) “…and north Louisiana.”

Iyengar 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.”

This funding is through the state’s GUMBO 2.0 program, which will connect about 140-thousand locations across the state by way of 20 internet service providers, most of which are based in Louisiana.

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Much of Louisiana could experience freezing rain, sleet, icy roads, and possibly even snow, starting Monday night and into Tuesday. National Weather Service in Lake Charles Meteorologist Nick Slaughter says artic air will move in on Sunday and it will get very cold a couple of days later.

Cut 6 (05) “…Tuesday and Wednesday.”

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 (11) “…bundled up.”

Slaughter says uncertainty remains regarding winter precipitation. It is still too early to determine the exact snow or ice accumulations and potential impacts.

Cut 8 (10) “…still up in the air”

Winter precipitation depends on surface low in the Gulf of Mexico. If it stays south of the state, Louisiana will remain dry, but the further north it moves, the great the chance we could see snow or a wintery mix.

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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.

Cut 10 (12) “…state as well.”

Erwin says by joining forces, CABL and the Committee of 100 can do great things for the state under the new moniker of Leaders for a Better Louisiana.

Cut 11 (07) “…so to speak.”

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Louisiana U-S Representative Clay Higgins along with several 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.”

Higgins called the SSA helpline during the hearing was on hold for an hour and a half without speaking to an employee.

Cut 13 (12)  “…nobody  (phone thrown down).”

Higgins anger was directed at Martin O’ Malley. The former Maryland governor resigned in November as Social Security Commissioner. He’s now seeking to be the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee. In testimony to the committee, O’Malley blamed Congress for reducing staffing levels to 50-year lows.

But Higgins says the Republican led Congress with help from the incoming Trump administration will attempt to reverse the current telework union agreement that runs through October 2029…

Cut 14 (10) “…watch us do it.”

President Biden delivers his farewell address at seven tonight. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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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.

Cut 4 (10) “…a personal rule.”

All in all, Cross expects this farewell address to be a traditional one.

Cut 5 (13) “…some looking ahead.”

Biden’s address is at seven Central time.

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The Louisiana Department of Education launches its new website today. Department spokesman Ted Beasley says the old website was ten years old and was getting to be a tad cumbersome to use. Beasley says the new website is easier to navigate.

Cut 6 (10) “…they’re looking for.”

Beasley says part of that is what he calls community homepages contained within the website, including those for students, family, educators and system leaders.

Cut 7 (11) “…they’re looking for.”

Beasley says they also spent time making the site as aesthetically pleasing as possible.

Cut 8 (10) “…they’re looking for”

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.

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Buzz is building for the probability of winter precipitation next week. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says there’s a chance a large portion of the state could see snow and ice on Tuesday, but what we know for sure is that it will be cold, with dangerous wind chills…

Cut 9 (11)  “…freezing mark.”

Jacquemin says for snow, there needs to be precipitation, and it remains to be seen if the conditions will be right for precipitation to fall…

Cut 10 (10) “…winter precipitation.”

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.”

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Small businesses are more optimistic now than they have been in the last six years. That’s according to the latest Small Business Optimism Index by the National Federation of Independent Business. State Director Leah Long says small business owners are looking forward to the upcoming change at 16-hundred Pennsylvania Avenue.

Cut 12 (08) “…the labor shortage.”

Here locally, Long says the reduction in the income tax will be a big boost to small business owners.

Cut 13 (06)  “…hire more employees.”

Long says one thing that small business owners want out of the new administration is the reauthorization of the Main Street Tax Act.

Cut 14 (12) “…small business owners.”

St. Tammany Parish is one step closer to securing almost six-billion dollars for flood control. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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If you want to live your healthiest life in 2025, you can make just a few simple changes. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The 1.36 percent Citizens assessment you pay on top of your premiums for property insurance is going away. Don Molino has more…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Don Molino.”

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Flu activity remains high in Louisiana. Dr. Eric Griggs with the St. Tammany Health System says so are hospitalizations.

Cut 4 (13) “…RSV and COVID.”

Dr. Griggs says only about 42-percent of Louisianians are vaccinated against the three viruses. He says even though we’re now in the peak season, it is by no means too late to get your shots.

Cut 5 (08) “…and flu season.”

Griggs says there are things that you can do to protect yourself and everyone else.

Cut 6 (09) “…to get vaccinated.”

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If you want to live your healthiest life in 2025, you can make just a few simple changes. Jennifer Duhon with the LSU Ag Center says one thing you can do is add fiber to your diet – fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans.

Cut 7 (10) “…increasing your fiber.”

Duhon says don’t focus on cutting out certain foods from your diet – instead, maintain a proper balance of the types of foods you eat.

Cut 8 (10) “…other nutrients in.”

And Duhon says after enjoying that balanced meal, instead of making a beeline to the couch, get up and take a short walk.

Cut 9 (10)  “…or 15 minutes.”

Also, Duhon says by preparing meals at home instead of eating out, you can not only eat healthier, but you can also save a lot of money.

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St. Tammany Parish is one step closer to securing almost six-billion dollars for its flood risk management project. The project was authorized under the 2024 Water Resources Development Act. Parish President Mike Cooper says this is the largest single investment in flood risk reduction in Louisiana history. 

Cut 10 (11) “…long flood wall.”

President Cooper says that’s the structural solution. As for the non-structural solution…

Cut 11 (10) “…along Lake Pontchartrain.”

Cooper says it’s a large investment, but it is greatly needed.

Cut 12 (08) “…relief to us.”

The St. Tammany Levee, Drainage and Conservation District will discuss the projects in a meeting this Wednesday evening.

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Residents with property insurance are getting a small break. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the 1.36-percent assessment on all residential and commercial property insurance policies will disappear in April. The assessment has been paying off bonds Louisiana Citizens Insurance incurred from claims after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Temple says the Citizens Board determined they have enough money to pay off the loans…

Cut 13 (09) “…June 26.”

Temple says this will result in a 100-dollar savings for residential property insurance policies and 200-dollars for commercial policyholders.

Cut 14 (10) “…on insurance.”

Citizens’ Policyholders are also getting a break. A new law that went into effect January first waves the 10-percent surcharge on all new policies and renewals for the next three years, which means lower premiums for Citizen policyholders…

Cut 15 (09) “…decrease.”

There are 115-thousand Citizens policyholders, down from 140-thousand after the hurricanes of 2020 and 2021.

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The Ragin Cajuns grinded out a victory over in-state rival ULM 71 to 68. U-L Lafayette trailed most of the game and only shot 36 percent from the field, but figured out a way to win. Interim head coach Derrick Zimmerman…

Cut 16 (11) “…mentally tough attitude.”

The loss keeps ULM winless in the Sun Belt, while the Cajuns are 3-and-2, one of seven teams tied for third place in the conference. U-L Lafayette is at Sun Belt preseason favorite Arkansas State on Thursday and play ULM again on Saturday in Monroe. Zimmerman on winning on the road…

Cut 17 (15)  “…proud of the team” 

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Louisiana Tech scored 52 points in the second half to defeat Liberty 79 to 74. Bulldogs coach Talvin Hester says Amaree Abram’s defense was the key to the game, as his defense on the Flames top scorer was outstanding…

Cut 18 (18)   “…us and them.”

Abram had 13 points. Sean Newman led the way with 27 points and he had eight assists. Hester says Newman was sensational…

Cut 19 (13) “…the end.”

Tech is now 2-and-2 in Conference USA and will be at Jacksonville State on Thursday.

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.”

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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.”

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A popular New Year’s Resolution is to eat better. Candida Rebello, the director of the nutrition and chronic disease program at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, says when choosing foods, look for foods that are low in energy density – those are foods that have high dietary fiber content and high-water content…

Cut 3 (15) “…without adding calories.” 

To increase your fiber intake, try to cover at least half of your plate with fruits and vegetables.

Rebello says people tend to eat based on the size of the portion and not by the calorie content. So for the same 100 calories, you can eat a large portion of some foods or a tiny portion of others.

Cut 4 (13) “…lot more food.”

Rebello says when choosing grains, whole grain bread is high in dietary fiber.

Cut 5 (10) “…want to choose.”

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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 they have four flavors: traditional cinnamon, Hubig’s custard, Dutch apple, and cream cheese.

Cut 6 (07) “…King Cake.”

Ramsey says the store-sold cakes measure 10 by 10 inches, while online orders will be slightly larger.

Cut 7 (04) “…continental United States.”

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.”

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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 after it crashed into construction equipment in the 300-block of Bourbon Street

Cut 9 (15)  “…the terrorist”

Kirkpatrick says officers Nigel Daggs, Christian Byer and Jacobie Jordan are heroes. Daggs is a 21-year veteran and Byer and Jordan have been on the force for nearly two years. She says they are being recognized for their bravery….

Cut 10 (11) “…national heroes.”

Kirkpatrick says two officers that were shot by Jabbar in the gun fight have been treated and released .

NOPD released the name of the officers involved in the shooting of Jabbar in conjunction with the release of the body camera video. She says the three officers who returned fire were placed on administrative reassignment as part of department policy, but they have been cleared to return to regular duty…

Cut 11 (07) “…the law.”

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Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge is the sixth entity in Louisiana to distribute the Newborn Essential Support Toolkit. Through a partnership between the Department of Health and Human Services and the non-profit organization Baby2Baby, the kits include things like diapers, wipes, skin cream, clothes and other essentials. Congresswoman Julia Letlow, who helped Woman’s unveil the kits, says it gives new parents peace of mind.

Cut 12 (09) “…that they need.”

Letlow says these kits allow new parents to get off to a good start with their newborn.

Cut 13 (06)  “…this new transition.”

Letlow says having 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.”

Letlow and Washington Democratic Congresswoman Kim Schrier have introduced the NEST Act, which would allow Health and Human Services to expand the program nationwide.

You can help support those affected by the Bourbon Street tragedy by buying special Saints and Pelicans warmup shirts. Andrew Greenstein reports..

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Winter storm warnings and winter storm advisories are in effect for much of north Louisiana. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin reports Texas and Arkansas will get the brunt of this storm, not Louisiana…

Cut 2 (30) “…dark paved surfaces.”

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You can help those affected by the tragedy in New Orleans by buying special Saints and Pelicans “love for New Orleans” warm-up shirts. Brittany Whitsell, the director of charitable giving and development for the Saints and the Pelicans, says they’re designed to show solidarity with the city.

Cut 3 (08) “…really helping everybody.” (The shirts have NOLA above the Saints or Pelicans logo with a heart in place of the “O”)

The shirts sell for $34.99. Whitsell says all the sales from these special shirts will support the victims of the terror attack on Bourbon Street.

Cut 4 (09) “…for the Saints.”

Whitsell says the Saints and the Pelicans both worked with the NFL and the NBA, respectively, to crank out as many shirts as possible.

Cut 5 (08) “…soon as possible.”

Whitsell says the shirts are in abundant supply at the official online stores for both the Saints and the Pelicans. She urges you only to buy those shirts from those official sites. Money from purchases elsewhere will not go to those who the shirts are intended to benefit.

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) warns of potential fish kills along the coast as freezing temperatures and an arctic blast sweep across the state. Fisheries biologist Jason Adriance says water temperatures haven’t dropped enough yet.

Cut 6 (08) “…that can happen.”

One coastal species most at risk is the Spotted Seatrout which struggles when water temperatures drop below 40-degrees for over a day, while Red Drum begins to experience issues in the mid-30s. Adriance notes that slower temperature drops give fish a better chance to acclimate and survive

Cut 7 (07) “…more severe impact.”

Adriance urges the public to report large fish kills by providing location details, fish condition, and contact information.

Cut 8 (04) “…dead or dying fish.”

Creel, size limits, and legal fishing methods remain in effect

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So far this year, 11 people have died in eight separate fires across the state. The two latest deadly fires were in Shreveport and in Rapides Parish, with elderly victims in each. State Fire Marshal Bryan Adams says at this time last year, they did not have a single house fire fatality…

Cut 9 (08)  “…my team.”

These deadly fires have come as temperatures have dropped below freezing across most of Louisiana this week. Adams says none of the homes involved in these deadly fires had a working smoke detector…

Cut 10 (10) “…free of charge.”

Adams says if you need a smoke alarm, call you local fire department and they will come out and install them for you…

Cut 11 (10) “…so, so important.”

Adams is urging the public to place space heaters three to five feet from combustible objects like blankets and  do not use stoves or ovens to heat homes. House fires claimed 73 lives last year in Louisiana.

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Precipitation is falling and we’ll wait to see if it becomes freezing rain, sleet or snow in north Louisiana. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says it could snow tomorrow morning near the Arkansas state line…

Cut 12 (09) “…slip and slide.”

Four parishes in northwest Louisiana, Caddo, Bossier, Webster and Claiborne, are under a winter storm warning, and a winter weather advisory is in place for several other north Louisiana parishes.

Keim says south Louisiana can expect heavy rainfall today and tomorrow…

Cut 13 (10)  “…eastward”

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SWEPCO is prepared to respond to power outages when they occur from the winter storm. Michelle Marcotte with SWEPCO says they’ve been getting the trucks and crews ready.

Cut 14 (13) “…to restore power.”

Marcotte says more than 500 on-site contract crews are positioned in areas predicted to be affected by the storm…

Cut 15 (10) “…we need them.”

Marcotte says forecasters have told them the Texarkana and Longview areas in Texas are expected to see significant ice accumulation.

We’re now one full year into the Landry administration. Andrew Greenstein takes a look back and a look ahead.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Preparations are getting underway for winter precipitation in north Louisiana later this week. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin…

Cut 2 (29) “…possible.”

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A southwest Louisiana resident is the first person in the United States to die from the bird flu. State health officials say the patient was over 65 years old and had underlying health conditions and contracted the virus through exposure to a backyard flock of wild birds. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Associate Professor Rebecca Christofferson…

Cut 3 (07) “…with known animals.” 

Christofferson says the overall public health risk is low, individuals working with birds, poultry, or livestock face higher exposure risks. To prevent H5N1 infection, people should avoid contact with sick or dead birds and their droppings and keep pets away from contaminated animals.

Cut 4 (08) “…who you’re around.”

Christofferson says workers in poultry or dairy farming are advised to get a seasonal flu vaccine to reduce the risk of co-infection with influenza viruses, though it does not protect against avian flu.

Cut 5 (15) “…or more dangerous.”

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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 Parishes. 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.

Cut 7 (07) “…to support that.”

Temperatures will stay frigid throughout the event, with highs only in the 30s and lows in the 20s.  Thorne says travel could become hazardous, and monitoring updates closely is crucial as this storm could significantly disrupt the region.

Cut 8 (12) “…and be careful.”

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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)  “…of state government.”

Alford says Landry greatly boosted his national profile in his first year as governor.

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

As for Landry’s agenda for year number two, Alford says one of his biggest focuses will be on public safety, particularly in New Orleans.

Cut 11 (11) “…push this year.”

Alford says economic development will be another of Landry’s priorities.

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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 athlete on social media. On3.com says Dunne’s NIL valuation is 4.2 million dollars, the most of any female athlete. The New Jersey native could have pursued a career as a model and influencer full-time. But Dunne says her decision to return and try to win another national championship is the best decision she’s ever made…

Cut 13 (17)  “…my best friends”

Dunne and the Tigers have a big meet this Saturday in Oklahoma City as they will compete against some of the best teams in the country, Oklahoma, Utah and California.  Head Coach Jay Clark embraces the challenge…

Cut 14 (12) “…compete.”

The meet will be televised by ABC at 3 PM on Saturday. LSU will start on vault.

Since 2019, Louisiana’s economy showed mixed progress according to the Committee of 100’s (C100) year-end report shows wages statewide have increased by 25-percent.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The mayor of New Orleans is seeking federal assistance on security plans. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Committee of 100’s (C100) year-end economic report says wages statewide have increased 25-percent since 2019, with the average weekly wage nearly 12-hundred dollars. Committee of 100 CEO Adam Knapp says the state has made progress in bringing in more higher paying jobs, but there’s still more work to do…

Cut 3 (08) “…Louisiana since 2019.”

The report also says healthcare, construction, and professional services will be the fastest job growing sectors through 2032. Knapp says healthcare alone is expected to create 20,000 new jobs, with high demand for registered nurses, medical assistants, and home health aides.

Cut 4 (07) “…future in healthcare.”

The Meta data center in Richland Parish demonstrates progress, with not only new jobs, but also with well-paying jobs.  Knapp says its one of the most significant economic development deals in the country.

Cut 5 (09) “…the entire state.”

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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.

Cut 7 (08) “…for public safety.”

Today, President Biden has granted Mayor 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 (09) “…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.

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There are some changes in unemployment insurance in Louisiana that 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 there are ways that people can get up to eight additional weeks of benefits.

Cut 10 (11) “…that would qualify.”

The state is also cracking down on unemployment fraud. Wooley says those who knowingly commit fraud by collecting benefits will be disqualified from receiving future benefits until they make restitution. Also, the state will pursue legal action in certain cases.

Cut 11 (10) “…they would prosecute.”

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A magnitude 3.0 earthquake struck southeast of Mooringsport, early this morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.  This tremor follows another 3.0 magnitude earthquake reported late Sunday night in the same region of Caddo Parish. U.S. Geological Survey Research Geophysicist Thomas Pratt says this has been occurring for the past few weeks.

Cut 12 (09) “…call them a sequence.”

In 2024, several tremors were recorded in northern parts of the state. While earthquakes are relatively rare in Louisiana compared to neighboring Texas, tremors measuring 0.5 or higher on the Richter scale are increasing, according to Pratt.

Cut 13 (09)  “…operations up there.”

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

Cut 14 (13) “…something larger.”

In the wake of the New Year’s Day Terrorist attack on Bourbon Street, French Quarter businesses are asking what can be done to prevent something like it from happening again.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A vigil will be held Saturday night at seven in memory of the 14 innocent victims of Wednesday morning’s terror attack on Bourbon Street. Meanwhile, after being closed for nearly 36 hours, Bourbon Street is getting back to normal. Andrew Greenstein was there last night.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson of Benton was re-elected as House Speaker, but it came with drama. Two Republican Congressmen initially voted for someone else, but switched their support when given another chance, giving Johnson the necessary votes to retain the gavel. Johnson told the House it’s time to get to work and that means putting Americans first again…

Cut 3 (12) “…working people.” 

Johnson says there will be a focus on common sense legislation that includes strengthening the southern border, renewing the Trump era tax cuts and returning to energy dominance…

Cut 4 (12) “…do so.”

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Many of the victims of Wednesday’s attack on Bourbon Street were brought to University Medical Center in New Orleans. Chief Medical Officer Jeffrey Elder: 

Cut 5 (14) “…sister LCMC Hospitals.”

Elder says the majority of the injuries that hospital personnel treated were orthopedic injuries – broken bones, including arms and legs. They had some gunshot wounds and blunt trauma, including head and chest. Elder says some patients remain hospitalized, and others have been released.

Cut 6 (09) “…from the hospital.”

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Days after the New Year’s Day Terror attack on Bourbon Street people are asking how this happened and what can be done to prevent anything like it from happening again.  Russell Desmond owner of Arcadian Books located in the French Quarter, says things are getting back to normal.

Cut 7 (09) “…a week ago.”

Desmond says there’s an increased security presence around the French Quarter and he said it was on full display for Thursday night’s Sugar Bowl as bomb sniffing dogs were checking vehicles attempting to park at the Dome. He says it’s all in effort to put people more at ease…

Cut 8 (14) “…crowd events.”

Desmond says moving forward is necessary for the city, and says we need to remember those lost and put security measures in place to prevent attacks like this in the future.

Cut 9 (11)  “…doesn’t happen again.”

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Things are returning to normal on Bourbon Street, two days after a terrorist plowed a pickup truck into a crowd, killing 14 innocent people. Crowds returned to one of the country’s most famous streets after it was closed for nearly 36 hours after the attack. One woman visiting New Orleans from Indiana says the incident will not keep her from returning to the city.

Cut 10 (05) “…100-percent come back.”

One New Orleans pastor says he’s heartbroken that such a heinous event happened in the City of New Orleans.

Cut 11 (10) “…those different things.”

A vigil will be held Saturday night at seven in memory of those killed in the attack.

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The mild weather we’ve been experiencing will come to an end on Sunday as the coldest weather of the season will begin to make its way into the Bayou State. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says high temperatures will be in the 70s on Sunday, but be prepared for a big change…

Cut 12 (10) “…so far.”

Keim says the threat of severe weather exists Sunday for nearly the entire state, starting Sunday morning for northwest Louisiana and moving across the state as the day goes on…

Cut 13 (05)  “…lookout for that.”

High temperatures statewide on Monday will only be in the 40s and Keim says morning lows will be several degrees below the freezing mark…

Cut 14 (09) “…whole week.”

In light of the terror attack on Bourbon Street early yesterday morning, Governor Landry has issued an emergency declaration. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The City of New Orleans had a plan to keep revelers on Bourbon Street safe. The city is admitting defeat. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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In light of the terror attack on Bourbon Street, talk will undoubtedly ramp up on turning it into a permanent pedestrian mall. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Governor Landry has issued an emergency declaration following yesterday morning’s terror attack on Bourbon Street. That will allow Landry to use local, state and federal resources to keep people safe at the Sugar Bowl, the Super Bowl next month and during Mardi Gras. Landry says as part of his declaration, he’s ordered the mobilization of a military police company.

Cut 4 (11) “…and the FBI.”

Landry says people going to the Sugar Bowl today should not do so in fear.

Cut 5 (12) “…paramount to me” 

Landry says to demonstrate how safe the Superdome area will be, he will be attending the game originally slated to take place last night.

Cut 6 (15) “…it was yesterday.”

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Several years ago, bollards were installed at every intersection along Bourbon Street. But early yesterday morning, they were missing at the time that Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove onto the street and plowed into the crowd. Mayor LaToya Cantrell says shortly after the bollards were installed, they started malfunctioning.

Cut 7 (09) “…intended to do.”

With the Super Bowl coming to New Orleans next month, the city included replacing the bollards as part of its Super Bowl infrastructure package. Cantrell says the replacement work is ongoing.

Cut 8 (09) “…before Super Bowl.”

In the meantime, New Orleans Police placed a single patrol vehicle blocking off Bourbon Street at Canal Street. Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says Jabbar defeated that plan.

Cut 9 (15)  “…still got around.”

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The tragedy on Bourbon Street is going to reignite talk about turning that street into a permanent pedestrian mall. New Orleans Councilman J.P. Morrell says that conversation will now be taking place very soon.

Cut 10 (12) “…the French Quarter.”

Morrell says whatever security measures had been in place to protect the people visiting the French Quarter have been proven to be ineffective.

Cut 11 (16) “…accessible to vehicles (2x).”

Morrell says what’s frustrating is that people knew a long time ago that Bourbon Street is a prime target for terrorists to carry out mass casualty attacks.

Cut 12 (12) “…of that list.”

In a little more than a month from now, New Orleans will be hosting Super Bowl 59. The event was already designated a Homeland Security event, with law enforcement already being beefed up. Councilman Morrell says that’s the way it’s going to be for other major events, like Mardi Gras, moving forward.

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Senator John Kennedy and New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter are speaking out about the terror attack on Bourbon Street that killed ten in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day. At a news conference at New Orleans Police headquarters, Kennedy said he’s dumbfounded as to why anyone would do such a heinous thing.

Cut 13 (07)  “…going to ask.”

Kennedy had a stern order to federal investigators.

Cut 14 (17) “…they stole Christmas.”

Congressman Carter said no stone will go unturned in finding the other people responsible for the terrorist attack.

Cut 15 (11) “…cowards to justice.”

Carter had a message for Jabbar’s accomplices.

Cut 16 (10) “…you to justice.”

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Just like all of New Orleans, the Saints felt the impact of the New Year’s morning terrorist attack on Bourbon Street. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi says hearing the news brought back painful memories. Rizzi lost two high school football teammates during the 9-11 attacks and could see the smoke from the knocked down Twin Towers from his childhood home in New Jersey…

Cut 17 (17)  “…in our country.” 

Saints linebacker Demario Davis is a man of great faith. Davis says there is no way you can compartmentalize or process it…

Cut 18 (18)   “…impacted.”

Rizzi says he first heard the tragic news when he pulled into the parking lot of the Saints training facility, he quickly tried to determine the location of his son who was in the French Quarter on New Year’s eve…

Cut 19 (20) “…last night.”