If you thought last night was cold, tonight will be even colder. A freeze warning is in effect tonight and into tomorrow morning for all of south Louisiana and the Delta parishes in northeast Louisiana, as low temperatures could drop into the upper 20s for some locations. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says you’ll need warm layers if you plan on being outside.

Cut 7 (11) “…in the morning”

Since the Louisiana fortified roof program launched two years ago, ten-thousand Louisiana homeowners have put fortified roofs on their homes. Among them is Stephen Curtis, who says the program has given him and his family peace of mind.

Cut 11 (13) “…without any worries.”

The end of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history could be in sight. Don Molino reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Don Molino.”

He wants his money. Fired LSU head football coach Brian Kelly is seeking the full 54-million-dollar buyout the school owes him after firing him last month. The Advocate reports LSU offered Kelly lump-sum payments of 25-million and 30-million dollars on the day it fired him, but Kelly said no.

A freeze warning is in effect tonight and into tomorrow morning for all of south Louisiana and the Delta parishes in northeast Louisiana as low temperatures could drop into the upper 20s for some locations. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says below freezing temperatures are possible as far south as the I-10/I-12 corridor.

Cut 6 (06) “…this before.”

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history could soon come to an end. Last night, the Senate finally cleared a key hurdle to pass a spending bill to fund the government through January 30th. House Speaker Mike Johnson says he has called all House members back, and the House will take up the spending package after the Senate passes it and once all House members are back in Washington.

Cut 4 (12) “…government back opened.”

Louisiana is celebrating the installation of ten-thousand fortified roofs. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple made the announcement of the milestone in a news conference this morning at the headquarters of Parish Roofing and Construction in Baton Rouge. Company co-founder Ryan Theriot says there are many benefits to a fortified roof.

Cut 10 (12) “…strengthens our economy.”

LSU interim head football coach Frank Wilson says quarterbacks Garrett Nussmeier and Michael Van Buren will both play this Saturday against Arkansas. Wilson said both signal callers did some good things in the Tigers 20-9 loss to Alabama.

Cut 12 (07) “…moving forward.”

The loss dropped LSU t0 5-and-4 on the season, 1-and-4 in SEC play.

The longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history could be over soon. The Senate last night cleared a key procedural hurdle and is on track to advance a bill that would fund the government through January 30th. House Speaker Mike Johnson says he has called all House members back, and the House will take up the spending package once everyone is back in Washington.

Cut 4 (12) “…government back opened.”

If you thought this morning was cold, get ready for a colder morning tomorrow. In some parts of central Louisiana, temperatures could dip below freezing overnight. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says while you might want to cover your plants and keep your pets inside, you shouldn’t have to worry about your pipes just yet.

Cut 24 (07) “…cold air outbreak.”

The cold front is forecast to move out of the state tomorrow afternoon.

Louisiana is outpacing the national average three times over when it comes to V-A benefits growth. From fiscal year 2023 to fiscal 2024, there was a six-percent increase in the number of veterans accessing critical support programs. Louisiana V-A Secretary Charlton Meginley says more than 82-thousand veterans receive more than two-billion dollars in V-A compensation.

Cut 7 (14) “…the veterans themselves.”

The Insurance Information Institute says falling auto insurance rates in Florida amid legal reform legislation in that state gives hope that Louisiana drivers will see similar relief amid similar legislation passed here. Mark Friedlander is with the Insurance Information Institute:

Cut 10 (12) “…year or two.”

The end of the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history could be in sight. Last night, there were enough votes in the U.S. Senate to break the logjam and invoke cloture on a spending bill that would fund the government until January 30th. House Speaker Mike Johnson appeared on KEEL radio in Shreveport this morning to say that the Senate is fast-forwarding the bill today.

Cut 3 (08) “…early as today.”

If the start to the work week was your rude awakening weather-wise, there will be more where that came from tomorrow morning. High temperatures today won’t get out of the 50s, and LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says it’ll be a little longer before this cold snap is over.

Cut 23 (10) “…the coastal zone.”

By tomorrow afternoon, temperatures will begin their climb back up to the 70s.

There are now ten-thousand homes in Louisiana that have a fortified roof. The state’s insurance commissioner will hold a press conference today to mark that milestone. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Saints get their second win of the season, and Tyler Shough gets his first win in his NFL career. Behind a stellar defensive performance, the Saints went into Charlotte and beat the Carolina Panthers, 17-7. The news wasn’t as good for LSU; they lost to Alabama in Tuscaloosa, 20-9.

There are now ten-thousand homes in Louisiana that have a fortified roof. The state’s insurance commissioner will hold a press conference today to mark that milestone. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Feel the chill in the air as you left home for work this morning? Andrew Greenstein reports you’ve got one more morning of that tomorrow.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

The percentage of veterans in Louisiana receiving V-A benefits is outpacing the national average threefold. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_________________________________________________

If the start to the work week was your rude awakening weather-wise, there will be more where that came from tomorrow morning. High temperatures today won’t get out of the 50s, and LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says it’ll be a little longer before this cold snap is over.

Cut 4 (10) “…the coastal zone.”

Keim says while you might want to cover your pants and keep your pets inside, you shouldn’t have to worry about your pipes just yet.

Cut 5 (07) “…cold air outbreak.”

Keim says while the weather the next two days will certainly be below average, what we’re experiencing this week – and until next spring – is not unusual.

Cut 6 (10) “…this particular instance.”

By tomorrow afternoon, the cold front will move out, and temperatures will begin their climb back up to the 70s.

_____________________________________________________

Louisiana is outpacing the national average three times over when it comes to V-A benefits growth. From fiscal year 2023 to fiscal 2024, there was a six-percent increase in the number of veterans accessing critical support programs, tripling the national average of two-percent. Louisiana V-A Secretary Charlton Meginley says more than 82-thousand veterans receive more than two-billion dollars in V-A compensation.

Cut 7 (14) “…the veterans themselves.”

Meginley says the growth in Louisiana veterans taking advantage of the G-I bill is also outpacing the national average.

Cut 8 (12) “…colleges and universities.”

The most notable areas of growth are in vocational rehabilitation and employment at 25 percent and education through the G.I. Bill at nine percent – both outpacing their respective national averages. Meginley says the growth in veterans taking advantage of the programs that the Louisiana V-A offers is a testament to the outreach of the department, letting them know that these programs are out there for their benefit.

Cut 9 (16)  “…level as well.”

_____________________________________________________

In 2023, Florida approved significant legal reform legislation regarding lawsuits involving car crashes, and two years later, the cost of auto insurance is going down. Insurance Information Institute Mark Friedlander says Florida is a success story, and it gives hope that the legal reforms approved by Louisiana lawmakers in 2025 will provide bayou state drivers with similar relief…

Cut 10 (12) “…in Louisiana.” (2x) 

Friedlander says there’s a reason why it takes a couple of years before premiums actually go down…

Cut 11 (09) “.improvements.”

What Florida lawmakers approved in 2023 is different than what Louisiana legislators approved this year. But Friedlander says both states addressed lawsuit abuse…

Cut 12 (13) “…in the state.”

Allstate CEO Tom Wilson said recently during an earnings call that they’ve reduced auto insurance rates by up to seven percent in Florida, which would not have been possible without tort reform.

_____________________________________________________

LSU committed too many mistakes to beat the fourth-ranked team in the country and lost to Alabama 20-9 on Saturday. The Tigers were penalized ten times, lost two fumbles, and failed to score a touchdown despite four trips in the red zone. Interim head coach Frank Wilson tried to stay positive in the postgame press conference…

Cut 13 (10)  “…doing that.”

The defense played well against one of the top pass offenses in the country. Bama connected on two pass plays of 25 yards or more, but outside of that, a blitz-heavy Tigers defense held their own. Once again, the offense didn’t do its part. Wilson appreciated the effort…

Cut 14 (12) “…off this.”

LSU trailed 17-3 at halftime. Tigers starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier led the Tigers down the field to start the second half, but LSU once again had to settle for three points after getting down to the Alabama eight-yard line. Wilson went to back up Michael Van Buren after that series…

Cut 15 (20) “…did a good job.”

_____________________________________________________

The Saints enter their bye week on a high note, as they earned their second win of the season by beating the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, 17-7. It’s the Saints’ first road win of the season. Head Coach Kellen Moore says this season has been one of growth for the team, and the team has persevered amid adversity.

Cut 16 (18) “…as a team.”

Rookie Tyler Shough completed 19 out of 27 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns in earning his first NFL win as a starting quarterback in just his second career start. After the game, Shough said it felt great to get his first career win.

Cut 17 (14)  “…a great feeling.”

Speaking of the defense, the Saints’ defense forced two turnovers, including an interception by Alontae Taylor that led to the Saints’ second touchdown of the day that for all intents and purposes sealed the win. Taylor credits the coaching staff for putting him in a position to make the impact play.

Cut 18 (15)  “…technique was good.”

The Saints improve to 2-and-8 on the season as they head into their bye week. Their next game is in two weeks against Atlanta in the Superdome.

_____________________________________________________

Grambling won its fourth straight on Saturday, beating Bethune-Cookman 31-23, but this game will be remembered for a huge brawl that erupted minutes before the second half. Ten players were ejected, five from each team. Grambling Mickey Joseph says his team was returning from the locker room to warm up for the second half when a group of Wildcats walked through the Grambling team…

Cut 19 (18) “…the field.”

Get ready for a cold start to the work week on Monday, with temperatures in the 30s in some parts of the state. Tuesday morning will be even colder, with sub-freezing temperatures likely in central Louisiana. National Weather Service Meteorologist Chanelle Stigger says if you think that weather is unusual for Louisiana, you’re absolutely right.

Cut 5 (08) “…the lower 50s.”

But before the weather does its nosedive, may I interest you in taking in the Louisiana Renaissance Festival in Hammond this weekend? You can catch a very special performance by Cy the Sword Swallower! Cyrus Penn wows crowds by swallowing swords. I’m not making this up. Penn says – and I agree – don’t even think of trying it at home!

Cut 13 (11)  “…not do that!”

LSU looks to upset fourth ranked Alabama Saturday night. Cornerback Mansoor Delane (MAHN-soor duh-LANE) is eager to face one of the best passing offenses in the country…

Cut 7 (07) “…first punch”

Kickoff is at 6:30; LSU is a ten and a half-point underdog.

It may be a disappointing season for LSU football, but it’s a season that sousaphonist Kent Broussard will never forget. He’s the 66-year-old who successfully tried out for the Golden Band from Tigerland after retiring from his accounting career. Appearing on the Kelly Clarkson Show this week, Broussard said he had to be accepted just like any other applicant, then he had to submit a YouTube video just to be invited to preseason camp.

Cut 10 (09) “…how they march.”

Broussard said prior to launching his plan to make the band, he had not picked up a tuba in 45 years.

Enjoy the mild weather this weekend; we’re going to be in for a rude awakening Monday morning, with temperatures in the upper 30s in the northern parishes and in the 40s closer to the coast. And Chanelle Stigger, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service out of Lake Charles, says temperatures will stay cool all day long.

Cut 3 (08) “…Louisiana you are.”

This may be a lost season for the LSU football team, but it’s a memorable one for a certain freshman on the marching band. After retiring as an accountant, 66-year-old Kent Broussard pursued – and fulfilled – his lifelong dream of playing in the LSU marching band. Broussard appeared on the Kelly Clarkson Show this week and said he was nearly a half-century out of practice when he hatched his plan to make the band.

Cut 9 (10)  “…in Los Angeles.”

The Louisiana Renaissance Festival continues in Hammond; and this weekend, fairgoers are in for a very special – and death-defying – performance from Cy the Sword Swallower. Cyrus Penn says he got the inspiration to take up sword swallowing when he needed something to do with his life upon graduating from college with a theater arts degree.

Cut 12 (06) “…being the option.”

The 1-and-8 Saints are back on the road Sunday to face an improving Carolina Panthers team that just beat the Packers in Green Bay. Rookie Tyler Shough will start again at quarterback for the Saints and defensive end Cameron Jordan says the Black and Gold’s defense has to set the tone.

Cut 6 (11) “…three turnovers.”

Kick off on Sunday is at noon.

A warm weekend this weekend will give way to a cold start to the work week next week. Monday will start out in the high 30s to low 40s and will top out only in the 50s. And National Weather Service Meteorologist Chanelle Stigger says it’s going to be even colder Tuesday morning, with the possibility of temperatures dipping below freezing in some areas.

Cut 4 (11) “…of Central Louisiana.”

This may be a lost season for LSU football, but it’s a dream season for its most famous Sousaphonist. 66-year-old Kent Broussard appeared on the Kelly Clarkson Show this week and described how he reacted when he learned that he made the Golden Band from Tigerland. He said he couldn’t wait to call his family to give them the news.

Cut 11 (07) “…back to school.”

LSU and the Saints both have tough games on the road this weekend. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

If those games are too much for you to stomach, you can always check out Cy the Sword Swallower at the Louisiana Renaissance Festival. I’m not making this up. Cyrus Penn says it is truly a death-defying act.

Cut 14 (05) “…to my stomach.”

Needless to say – don’t even think of trying that at home.

Enjoy mild temperatures this weekend – next week will get off to a cold start. Temperatures Monday morning will be in the high 30s in the northern parishes and in the low 40s closer to the coast, and highs won’t get out of the 50s. And LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says Tuesday morning will be even colder.

Cut 14 (13) “…the upper 30s.”

Lawsuit abuse is one of the biggest issues facing the trucking industry in Louisiana. That’s according to the Louisiana Motor Transport Association. Executive Director Renee Amar says staged accidents are a major problem, and truckers end up paying thousands of dollars out of pocket and are forced to wait years before their cases can be prosecuted.

Cut 5 (10) “…premiums for you.”

Louisiana ranks 31st in the Tax Foundation’s Tax Competitiveness Index, but that’s up six spots from the year before. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Brian Kelly bids a cordial farewell to LSU and its fans. In a letter posted onto social media, the former LSU coach who was fired almost two weeks ago said he will remember and appreciate everything he and his teams had accomplished, including the 2022 win over Alabama and Jayden Daniels’ Heisman Trophy a year later.

The trucking industry in Louisiana says the legal climate is its biggest concern in 2025. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Louisiana ranks 31st in the Tax Foundation’s Tax Competitiveness Index, but that’s up six spots from the year before. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Nearly four years ago, a longtime Louisiana politician predicted that LSU would be on the hook for another massive buyout for its football coach. As Andre Champagne reports, his prediction was spot-on.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

_________________________________________________

The trucking industry in Louisiana says insurance and lawsuit abuse are its biggest concerns in 2025. Renee Amar, the executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, says the cost of insurance is driving truckers out of the state.

Cut 4 (11) “…affordable truck insurance.”

Amar says the insurance environment in Louisiana is ripe for fraud, especially when it comes to staged accidents. She says truckers have to pay thousands of dollars out of their own pockets and are forced to wait years before their cases can be prosecuted.

Cut 5 (10) “…premiums for you.”

Amar says while she’s happy that the bill that stopped payments to those more than 50-percent at fault for accidents became law in this year’s session, she’s upset that the medical transparency bill didn’t.

Cut 6 (13) “…20-thousand-dollar bill.”

Amar says the Louisiana trucking industry will try again in next year’s regular session to get that bill passed and onto Governor Landry’s desk.

_____________________________________________________

Louisiana’s ranking in the Tax Foundation’s State Tax Competitiveness Index improved from 37th to 31st, with further improvement expected as a result of the tax reforms improved last year. Tax Foundation Senior Policy Analyst Manish Bhatt (“bot”) says those reforms include a new flat individual income tax rate of three-percent and a corporate income tax rate of 5.5-percent.

Cut 7 (08) “…seeing positive gains.”

Bhatt expects Louisiana’s ranking to improve in 2026, as the state’s franchise tax will be repealed. He says modernizing a state’s tax structure helps position it for growth.

Cut 8 (10) “…period of time.”

Bhatt says Louisiana could move up in their rankings even more if it restricted its sales taxes.

Cut 9 (13)  “…improvement in that.”

Wyoming, South Dakota, New Hampshire, Alaska and Florida ranked in the top five. Maryland, Connecticut, California, New Jersey and New York ranked in the bottom five.

_____________________________________________________

In 2021, Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell predicted that LSU would be responsible for paying a hefty buyout to Brian Kelly before he even stepped onto the field. Nearly four years later, Campbell says I told you so.

Cut 10 (09) “…the get-go.”

Campbell says LSU should have never given Kelly a 10-year contract without it being incentive-based.

Cut 11 (12) “…to pay him.”

Campbell says the LSU Board of Supervisors did not handle Kelly’s contract well and says it needs to avoid the same mistake with this next coach search.

Cut 12 (10) “…never happens again.”

_____________________________________________________

This weekend, you will want to try on your winter jacket; and if it doesn’t fit or if you don’t have one, you’ll want to head to your local department store to buy one. That’s because we’re going to be in for the coldest temperatures of the season at the outset of next week. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front is coming down into the state late this weekend, blanketing the state with frigid Canadian air.

Cut 13 (11)  “…in the 50s.”

And if you think that’s cold, Tuesday morning will be even colder. Keim says temperatures in some parts of the state will drop below freezing.

Cut 14 (13) “…the upper 30s.”

Keim says if you can survive those two days, temperatures will start their climb back up to normal afterwards,

Cut 15 (10) “…of next week.”

_____________________________________________________

LSU football travels to Tuscaloosa to face fourth-ranked Alabama tomorrow. The offense and defense have been going up against each other in inside run drills, which requires more physicality from the linemen. Interim Head Coach Frank Wilson says he’s pleased with his team’s tenacity in practice this week.

Cut 16 (14) “…rewarding for us.”

LSU’s defense will continue to be tested when the Tigers face junior quarterback and Heisman candidate Ty Simpson. Simpson has thrown for 20 touchdowns and only one interception so far this year. Wilson says Simpson possesses an elite skillset.

Cut 17 (19) “…to gain yardage.”

_____________________________________________________

The Saints’ offense will be without a big weapon moving forward after New Orleans sent Rashid Shaheed to the Seattle Seahawks. Quarterback Tyler Shough says Shaheed’s departure will create more opportunities for other receivers.

Cut 18 (18)  “…to have success.”

_____________________________________________________

UL-Lafayette got back into the win column after defeating South Alabama, 31-22, in Mobile last week. Even though it hasn’t been the ideal season, head coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-moe) was happy for his group and wants his team to continue to play with the same determination this week.

Cut 19 (15) “…do it again.”

The Cajuns will host Texas State tomorrow, which will be the last Sun Belt matchup between the two teams as the Bobcats are moving to the Pac-12 after this season. Desormeaux says his team is focused on winning out to become bowl eligible.

Cut 20 (08) “…at all costs.”