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

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Committee of 100’s (C100) year-end economic report says wages statewide have increased 25-percent since 2019. CEO Adam Knapp says the Meta data center in Richland Parish is one of the most significant economic development deals in the country. He says it demonstrates progress, with not only new jobs, but also with well-paying jobs.

Cut 5 (09) “…the entire state.”

A magnitude 3.0 earthquake struck near Mooringsport in Caddo Parish, this morning. It follows another 3.0 magnitude earthquake reported late Sunday in the same region. U.S. Geological Survey Research Geophysicist Thomas Pratt says the number of tremors in the area increased and is due to oil and gas companies injecting fluid into the earth which increases pressure and expands faults. When asked about future tremors, Pratt says….

Cut 14 (13) “…something larger.”

The new year means changes to the state’s unemployment laws. The number of consecutive weeks a person can receive unemployment payments has decreased from 26 weeks to 12 to 20 weeks depending on the state’s unemployment rate. Robert Wooley with the Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state is also cracking down on unemployment fraud and will pursue legal action in certain cases…

Cut 11 (10) “…they would prosecute.”

The first human patient diagnosed with bird flu in Louisiana and the U.S. has died according to The Louisiana Department of Health. LDH says the patient had underlying health concerns and was over the age of 65. The individual contracted the virus after exposure to a combination of a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds. They say the risk to the public is low but cautions everyone to avoid contact with wild or sick birds.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is seeking federal assistance with security plans for the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. She’s asking for a tactical expert who can 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.”

Mardi Gras has been upgraded to a SEAR 1 event, the highest Special Event Assessment Rating by the Department of Homeland Security. The Super Bowl was already designated as a SEAR 1 event.

A magnitude 3.0 earthquake struck southeast of Mooringsport in Caddo Parish, early this morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.  Last year several tremors were recorded in northern parts of the state. While earthquakes are relatively rare in Louisiana, tremors measuring 0.5 or higher are increasing says Thomas Pratt with the U.S. Geological Survey.

Cut 13 (09)  “…operations up there.”

A decrease in the duration of unemployment insurance benefits took effect in Louisiana on January 1st. Robert Wooley with the Louisiana Workforce Commission, says coverage changes from 26 weeks to between 12 and 20 weeks but he says some people may be able to get up to eight additional weeks of benefits.

Cut 10 (11) “…that would qualify.”

Wooley also adds, the state is cracking down on unemployment fraud.

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.”

President Biden has granted the mayor’s request to have Mardi Gras be upgraded to a SEAR 1 event, the highest Special Event Assessment Rating by the Department of Homeland Security. The Super Bowl is already designated as a SEAR 1 event.

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.

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

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Changes to unemployment insurance in Louisiana took effect January 1st. Robert Wooley, the assistant secretary of Unemployment Insurance Administration at the Louisiana Workforce Commission, says benefits have gone 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.

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

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Saints completed their worst season since 2005 with another loss yesterday, falling to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-19. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi wanted to win this one for New Orleans, which has been reeling from last week’s terrorist attack…

Cut 17 (09) “…short term”

The Saints finish the year with a 5-and-12 record.

Louisiana wages have grown 25-percent since 2019 according to a report by the Committee of 100 for Economic Development. Committee of 100 CEO Adam Knapp says that type of wage growth is solid, but it lags the Southern average. But Knapp says the Meta Artificial Intelligence data center coming to Richland Parish should help…

Cut 5 (09) “….the entire state”

The new year means changes to state’s unemployment laws. The number of consecutive weeks a person can be on unemployment has been decreased from 26 weeks to 12 to 20 weeks depending on the state’s unemployment rate. Robert Wooley with the Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state is also cracking down on unemployment fraud and will pursue legal action in certain cases…

Cut 11 (10) “…they would prosecute”

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says President Joe Biden has granted Mardi Gras a level one Special Event Assessment Rating, which is the highest potential threat rating the federal government can give to an event. Mardi Gras usually receives a level two rating, but Cantrell says a SEAR 1 rating means they’ll have more federal resources….

Cut 8 (09) “…months ahead”

Cantrell has also asked for the federal government to provide a tactical expert to review the city’s security plans.

Louisiana is experiencing its coldest temperatures of the winter as highs this week will be in the 40s and by the end of the work week, we’ll see high temperatures in the 30s for central and north Louisiana. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s been a mild winter up until this point…

Cut 12 (05) “….this point”

And the National Weather Service says there’s the possibility of wintery precipitation Wednesday night, into Thursday morning for the western side of the state.

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.

What kind of action will Saints owner Gayle Benson take after the Black and Gold just completed its worst season since 2005? NOLA-dot-com columnist Jeff Duncan….

Cut 13 (07) “…right now”

But Duncan does not expect Benson replace long-time general manager Mickey Loomis.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell wants the federal government to provide the city a tactical expert to help with security planning for the upcoming Sugar Bowl and Mardi Gras. 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 on New Year’s Day.

Cut 7 (08) “…for public safety.”

President Biden is visiting the city later today and will attend a prayer service tonight at St. Louis Cathedral.

The Saints wrapped their season in Tampa Bay yesterday with another loss. They finish with a 5-and-12 record. NOLA-dot-com columnist Jeff Duncan says changes will be made, but don’t expect General Manager Mikey Loomis to be fired…

Cut 14 (19) “…clean house”

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.”

President Joe Biden has signed the Social Security Fairness Act. It’s legislation authored by former Baton Rouge Congressman Garrett Graves and it will mean 90-thousand government retirees in Louisiana like teachers, police officers and their spouses will see a 360-dollar per month increase in their Social Security benefits.

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.

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.

President Joe Biden will arrive in New Orleans later today, where he’ll meet with victim family members and talk with federal, state and local officials responding to the terrorist attack. Governor Landry says he wants to speak with the President about issuing a disaster declaration, which the governor says can protecth, health, property and safety following the terrorist attack. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has faith in Governor Landry…

Cut 6 (16) “…city it can be”

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 has issued guidance…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

What kind of action will Saints owner Gayle Benson take after the Black and Gold just completed its worse season since 2005. Her NBA franchise also has the worst record in the Western Conference. NOLA-dot-com columnist Jeff Duncan….

Cut 13 (07) “…right now”