Education & Schools: New Orleans students are starting to return to class this week, with Abramson Sci Academy welcoming its incoming freshmen and district leaders pointing to momentum amid new state grading and funding pressures. National Guard & Coastal Restoration: Louisiana aviators used UH-60 Black Hawks to place recycled Christmas trees in Lake Pontchartrain marsh areas, pairing training with shoreline stabilization. Local Business & Community: A Slidell entrepreneur pitched a new roof-work mobility product after winning regional startup competitions, while Olde Towne Slidell’s White Linen and Lagniappe event spotlights how local shops and artists build foot traffic. Public Safety & Law: A new Louisiana “Behind the Counter” law boosts penalties for assaults and batteries targeting customer-facing workers, following a Baton Rouge restaurant shooting. Governance & Oversight: Jefferson Parish’s inspector general alleges the parish has been accepting building reports from unregistered third-party inspectors, citing fraud and falsified inspections. Economic Development: Shreveport won international Bronze Excellence awards for its Block by Block revitalization and permitting reforms. Energy & Industry: Westlake and Westlake Chemical Partners reported improved quarterly results, while Advantage Renewables acquired early-stage Michigan battery storage projects. Politics & Policy Watch: Louisiana’s AG announced an investigation into Anthony Fauci after high-profile testimony, as other states join probes.