Chilly weekend ahead

with Jennifer Wadsworth | Assistant metro editor

Good morning. Let's get you caught up on our top stories today. 

More wintry weather

Winter weather has reappeared in Baton Rouge prompted the closing of some roads and either shuttered or sent virtual schools across the area amid worries of iced roads and the potential for traffic dangers getting kids to school. No winter wonderland as yet, though hard freeze warning are in effect for much of the weekend, so pets, plants and pipes will need to be monitored and protected.

Here's a look at what to expect with more freezing nights ahead.

Still bullish on Louisiana economy

State economic leaders are expressing cautious optimism about Louisiana’s economy staying on the upswing in 2022. They spoke at The Advocate’s Economic Outlook forum Friday, where they pointed to industrial projects coming down the pike, still-hot home sales and more federal money flowing into the Pelican State. Checks on growth, though, include difficulties finding and keeping workers, the supply chain and the economic grid.

Private group or public committee?

A“working group” of members of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has been meeting behind closed doors to decide how best to overhaul Louisiana’s accountability system for public schools.

Backers say it’s no a big deal since any changes will require public votes. However, critics argue the working group really is a committee given another name to sidestep the state’s open meetings law.

Thanks for reading, and have a great day.