Here are two words you normally don’t see in the same sentence, unless you live in Australia – January and heatwave. But that’s precisely what Louisiana is in for. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says high temperatures will be touching the 80s for the rest of this work week, owing to the La Nina climate pattern that is currently active this winter.

Cut 10 (10) “..La Nina year.” 

While the number of line-of-duty deaths across the country greatly decreased in 2025, they ticked up in Louisiana. Last year, five law enforcement officers in Louisiana were killed in the line of duty, compared to three in 2024. Bill Alexander, the CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, says nationwide, 111 were killed in the line of duty last year, which is a historic low.

Cut 7 (07) “…or six decades.”

It was five years ago today when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, in an effort to stop the certification of Joe Biden’s election victory over Donald Trump. Senator Bill Cassidy was one of seven Republicans who voted to convict Trump for his role in that, and Wally Pierce of News 15 in Lafayette asked him about it in a reporter conference call today.

Cut 23 (05) “…stormed the Capitol?”

Cassidy, however, was having none of it.

Cut 24 (29) “…thoughts to that.”

As we await the effects of the package of auto insurance reform bills that took effect when the calendar flipped to 2026, an influential group says the work is not done yet. Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Louisiana CEO Ben Albright says Louisiana still needs to reform how damages are awarded in car crashes with significant medical costs.

Cut 5 (07) “…in the system.”

Albright says whether additional legislation can pass is another story.

For the second year in a row, a major economic development project in Louisiana earns a prestigious honor. This time, it’s the Hyundai Steel mill in Ascension Parish that was recognized by the online resource Business Facilities as being the nation’s most significant development announcement of 2025. Governor Landry says Louisiana is the first state to earn back-to-back top honors.

Cut 13 (06)  “…a national level.”

Today is January 6th; and especially in Louisiana, that means today is Epiphany – the holiday that officially kicks off Mardi Gras season. Arthur Hardy, the founder of the Mardi Gras Guide, says despite this year’s Carnival season being shorter than last year’s, he’s looking forward to a good one.

Cut 14 (08) “…a good year.”

The Saints have closed the book on 2025 and are now looking ahead to 2026. That includes receiver Chris Olave, who had to miss the final game of the season after doctors found a blood clot in his lung. Olave says he thought he had a bruised rib after feeling pain near his lung following the game against the Titans.

Cut 19 (16) “…a blood clot.”

Olave says he is expected to make a full recovery.

Several bills aimed at lowering auto insurance rates went into effect on January 1st. Jeff Palermo spoke with an expert in the industry on whether they will help.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Reaction to this weekend’s military action in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro is predictably split down party lines. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Saints head into the 2026 offseason with lots of optimism. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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A package of auto insurance reform bills went into effect on January 1st. Can they reduce auto insurance premiums? Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Louisiana CEO Ben Albright says the modified comparative fault law should help to reduce excessive claims cost. Albright says the law prevents drivers responsible for at least 51-percent of an accident from receiving a damage award to cover their injuries.

Cut 4 (08) “…before this law.”

Albright says the other new laws that went into effect on New Year’s Day are nice to have, but they’re not significant. He says Louisiana still needs to reform how damages are awarded in car crashes with significant medical costs.

Cut 5 (07) “…in the system.”

Lawmakers will have the opportunity to pass more tort reform legislation when it comes to insurance cases. Albright expects insurance reform legislation will be filed, but whether they pass is another story.

Cut 6 (07) “…of those bills.”

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Reaction to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. troops is, predictably, split down party lines. Republicans like Senator Bill Cassidy are hailing the operation.

Cut 7 (10) “…States for justice.”

But Democrats, like Congressman Troy Carter, say the action was unconstitutional and will ultimately put Americans at risk.

Cut 8 (06) “…it’s the process.”

Cassidy said President Trump decided that enough is enough, and that Maduro needed to be brought to the U.S. to face justice for his crimes.

Cut 9 (12)  “…around the world.”

Carter says there is no question that Maduro is a bad man and that the people of Venezuela have suffered under his regime. However, that does not change the fact that the U.S. had no right to act unilaterally.

Cut 10 (10) “…the relationships internationally.”

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For the second year in a row, a major economic development project in Louisiana has been recognized by Business Facilities as the Platinum Deal of the Year. Governor Jeff Landry says Business Facilities has recognized the Hyundai Steel mill in Ascension Parish as the nation’s most significant development announcement of 2025.

Cut 11 (07) “…the ground up.”

Hyundai Steel will build its steel mill on a 17-hundred-acre site in Donaldsonville. The project was announced last March at the White House, and it’s expected to generate more than 54-hundred jobs. Landry says the honor follows Louisiana’s 2024 Platinum Award for the Meta AI data center in Richland Parish.

Cut 12 (04) “…open for business.”

Landry says Louisiana is the first state to earn back-to-back top honors.

Cut 13 (06)  “…a national level.”

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Today is January 6th; and especially in Louisiana, that means today is Epiphany – the holiday that officially kicks off Mardi Gras season. Arthur Hardy, the founder of the Mardi Gras Guide, says despite this year’s Carnival season being shorter than last year’s, he’s looking forward to a good one.

Cut 14 (08) “…a good year.”

Even though many grocery stores have started selling them when they really should have waited until today to do so, Hardy says today is the day when King Cakes are available in earnest.

Cut 15 (06) “…they’re shipped nationally.”

And, of course, you cannot have Mardi Gras without all the parades; and Hardy says in Orleans Parish alone, there are 35 of them between now and February 17th.

Cut 16 (11) “…to each other.”

Enjoy Carnival while you can – Fat Tuesday is only 42 days away.

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The Saints may not have made the playoffs this season, but the team left its fan base with plenty of optimism and hope for next year after finishing 4-and-1 in its last five games. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough ended his first season in the NFL with a 5-and-4 record as a starter. Shough believes the team is headed in the right direction.

Cut 17 (19)  “…to get better.”

In 11 games, Shough completed 221 of 327 passes for 2,384 yards and 10 touchdowns. The rookie QB also rushed for 186 yards with three touchdowns. Shough believes the best is yet to come from him.

Cut 18 (14)  “…and my focus.”

Receiver Chris Olave had to miss the final game of the season against the Falcons after doctors found a blood clot in his lung. Olave says he thought he had a bruised rib after feeling pain near his lung following the game against the Titans.

Cut 19 (16) “…a blood clot.”

Olave says he is expected to make a full recovery and he should be able to participate in offseason training beginning in April.

Kellen Moore finished his first season as an NFL head coach with a 6-and-11 record. Although the Saints didn’t have the most successful season, Olave says the Saints are in good hands with Moore.

Cut 20 (12) “…back to winning.”

From now on, only contractors with a residential construction or roofing license can legally perform roofing work in the State of Louisiana. Brad Hassert, the executive director of the State Licensing Board for Contractors, says the change in the law will ensure that the work is done by qualified professionals.

Cut 9 (08)  “…install a roof.”

The Old Governor’s Mansion in Baton Rouge has a new exhibit. It’s called “Three Decades of Change” and it examines the tenures of nine governors who lived there from 1929 to 1962. Executive Director Sinella Aghasi (AH-guh-see) says these men guided Louisiana through some of the most challenging days in the state’s and nation’s history.

Cut 6 (13) “…Civil Rights Movement.”

Saints Owner Gayle Benson and Governor Landry are in New York meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to try to re-enter the competition for the 2031 Super Bowl. While hosting last year’s Super Bowl was a huge success for the city, the NFL did say there’s room for improvement, such as the availability of high-end hotel rooms. NOLA-dot-com columnist Jeff Duncan says the issue is not unique to New Orleans.

Cut 4 (07) “…and Las Vegas.” 

As for Benson’s team, the Saints cleaned out their lockers today. That includes defensive tackle Cam Jordan, who just wrapped up his 15th season with the Saints. Jordan says he knows he has the physical ability to continue playing if he chooses to do so.

Cut 13 (13)  “…longer career.”

Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson and Governor Landry are in New York to try to lure two major events to New Orleans – the 2031 Super Bowl and a future NBA All-Star Game. NOLA-dot-com columnist Jeff Duncan says if New Orleans fails to land the 2031 Super Bowl, the city’s next opportunity would not come until 2038. 

Cut 3 (07) “…chance we have.”

Benson’s NFL team will not be going to the Super Bowl this season; the players spent the day in the Superdome cleaning out their lockers. That includes veteran defensive tackle Cam Jordan, who just wrapped up his 15 NFL season. Jordan says whether he plays a 16th season will come down to whether he can get approval from his boss – his wife.

Cut 11 (11) “…where it takes us.”

A law that went into effect with the new year requires contractors to have a residential construction or roofing license to legally perform roofing work. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A Sulphur woman is behind bars for allegedly killing her one-year-old daughter. Police say Kristin Bass shot her daughter Acelynn to death New Year’s Day. Kristin allegedly told the girl’s father that she had just sent their baby to God and was looking for her two-year-old sister to do the same to her.

Saints Owner Gayle Benson and Governor Landry are in New York meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to try to re-enter the competition for the 2031 Super Bowl. While hosting last year’s Super Bowl was a huge success for the city, the NFL did say there’s room for improvement, such as the availability of high-end hotel rooms. NOLA-dot-com columnist Jeff Duncan says the issue is not unique to New Orleans.

Cut 4 (07) “…and Las Vegas.” 

If eating healthier is one of your goals this new year, you’re in very good company. LSU Health Shreveport Director of Institutional Wellness Dr. Marie Vasquez Morgan says to achieve your goal, focus on balanced meals with lean protein, whole grains and lots of fruits and vegetables.

Cut 8 (10) “…and antioxidants.”

The Old Governor’s Mansion in Baton Rouge has a new exhibit. It’s called “Three Decades of Change” and it examines the tenure of nine governors who lived there from 1929 to 1962. Executive Director Sinella Aghasi (AH-guh-see) says these men guided Louisiana through some of the most challenging days in the state’s and nation’s history.

Cut 6 (13) “…Civil Rights Movement.”

A man tricked into slavery is immortalized with a statue in Avoyelles Parish over the weekend. Melissa Howell says the location of the statue of her great great great grandfather Solomon Northup, who was given the name “Platt Hamilton” by his slavemasters, is very significant. 

Cut 12 (11) “…his reclaimed freedom.”

We’re three months away from the 2026 legislative session. Senate President Cameron Henry says between now and then, lawmakers will be keeping an eye on how last year’s legislation dealing with auto insurance reform is impacting premiums. Several laws that passed last year just went into effect last week.

Cut 6 (11) “…auto insurance”

The legislative session begins March 9th and ends June 1st.

Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson and Governor Landry are in New York to try to lure two major events to New Orleans – the 2031 Super Bowl and a future NBA All-Star Game. NOLA-dot-com columnist Jeff Duncan says if New Orleans fails to land the 2031 Super Bowl, the city’s next opportunity would not come until 2038. 

Cut 3 (07) “…chance we have.”

If you resolve to lead a healthier lifestyle this new year, LSU Health Shreveport Director of Institutional Wellness Dr. Marie Vasquez Morgan has some advice. She says maintaining any resolution starts with setting S.M.A.R.T goals.

Cut 7 (13) “…time-bound.”

A statue was unveiled in Avoyelles Parish over the weekend to commemorate the 165th anniversary of the liberation of an enslaved man. Solomon Northup was born a free man in upstate New York in 1807; Melissa Howell, a direct descendant, says in 1841, two men approached him with what seemed to be a lucrative offer – but instead, they tricked him into slavery.

Cut 11 (11) “…in the Capitol.”

A 27-year-old Baton Rouge man was arrested in connection with the shooting of a 2-year-old girl inside a car yesterday afternoon. BRPD Lieutenant L’Jean McKneely says the incident occurred when a woman spotted what she believed was her relative’s stolen vehicle and began following it.

Cut 3 (08) “…of the vehicle.”

Saints linebacker Demario Davis has announced that he will be returning for a 15th NFL season next season. Davis says today’s game allows for longevity that the game of years past didn’t allow for.

Cut 6 (14) “…you maximize it.”

This season, Davis has a career-high 137 tackles, including 63 solo tackles.

Ole Miss is one win away from the national championship game after taking down Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, but which coaches make the trip to the Fiesta Bowl is still in the air. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…Kace Kieschnick.”

Kiffin was not at the Sugar Bowl; he was at the P-MAC watching the LSU women suffer their first loss of the season at the hands of 11th-ranked Kentucky. The men are also off to a hot start, entering SEC play with only one loss on the season, that to 12th-ranked Texas Tech.

Authorities arrest a Baton Rouge man accused of shooting a two-year-old girl on New Year’s Eve, leaving her in critical condition. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The new year is here, and that means some new laws are now in effect. Many are in the realm of insurance reform. Among them – those who are determined to be at least 51-percent at fault for a crash can no longer collect damages in a civil suit, and companies must give discounts on liability premiums for commercial vehicles with dashcams.

Ole Miss is headed to the Fiesta Bowl to face Miami with a trip to the national championship game on the line, but there’s now uncertainty about whether the six incoming LSU assistant coaches currently on the Rebels’ staff will continue coaching. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says any hesitation is on the Ole Miss side.

Cut 9 (11)  “…Charlie Weis.”

Lane Kiffin was not at last night’s Sugar Bowl. Instead, he was at P-MAC watching the LSU women’s basketball team lose its first game of the season, 80-78, to Kentucky. The Lady Tigers have a quick turnaround, as they visit 12th-ranked Vanderbilt Sunday. Coach Kim Mulkey says she needs to see more from her young, talented team.

Cut 13 (12)  “…pity party.”

A 27-year-old Baton Rouge man is under arrest in connection with the shooting of a two-year-old girl inside a car. Landrick Ruffin Jr. is facing six counts of attempted first degree murder and illegal use of a weapon after police tracked down the suspect vehicle. Baton Rouge Police Lieutenant L’Jean McKneely urges residents to contact police if they locate their stolen vehicle.

Cut 5 (11) “…that are following.”

Saints linebacker Demario Davis has announced that he will be returning next season. It will be his ninth in New Orleans – and his 15th in the NFL. Davis says advances in medical science allows players to enjoy longer careers in the NFL.

Cut 7 (13) “…to regenerate faster.”

The Lady Tigers lost their first game of the season after 11th-ranked Kentucky hit a last second three pointer to win 80-78 in LSU’s SEC opener last night. The Lady Tigers were outrebounded 17-to-4 on the offensive glass, and coach Kim Mulkey says that was the difference in the game.

Cut 12 (14) “…fix that.”

The men, meanwhile, will face Texas A&M tomorrow in their first SEC game of the season. The 12-and-1 Tigers are off to maybe their strongest start under head coach Matt McMahon, with their only loss coming to 12th-ranked Texas Tech. McMahon says conference play will be another level of competition.

Cut 14 (14) “…great atmoshperes.”