What happened to the 80-degree temperatures that we saw over the weekend? A strong cold front has brought Old Man Winter back to the Bayou State and LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says the cold air is accompanied by windy conditions…

Cut 10 (08) “…lower 20s.”

The 49th playing of the Independence Bowl is expected to yield an economic impact of 6.4-million dollars to the Shreveport-Bossier City area. Emma Boone with Visit Shreveport-Bossier says whether the fans are taking the short drive from Ruston or taking a long drive or a flight from Conway, South Carolina, they will be in for a treat when visiting Shreveport.

Cut 8 (07) “..Shreveport-Bossier special.”

Louisiana Tech and Coastal Carolina kick things off tomorrow at one.

It’s a tale of two teams – one above .500, one below .500 – but going in opposite directions. On the one hand, the Saints are finishing strong, beating the Titans yesterday, 34-26, for their fourth straight win after starting the season 1-and-8. Head Coach Kellen Moore called it their most impressive win of the season.

Cut 5 (13) “…second half.”

On the other hand, we have the LSU Tigers. They started the season with College Football Playoff aspirations, and they lived up to the hype, starting 4-and-0 including a win at Clemson. Then, the wheels came off, losing six of their last nine, including Saturday’s Texas Bowl 38-35 to Houston. These LSU fans are grateful to see the season come to an end.

Cut 3 (04) “…it was terrible.”

Today was cold, and today was windy. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin has more on this last arctic blast before the new year…

Cut 2 (30) “…Bill Jacquemin.”

If you welcomed a new addition to your family and named him or her Elijah or Olivia, you’re in good company. According to Baton Rouge General’s Birth Center, those were the top boy’s and girl’s names, respectively, for 2025. Other girls’ names include Nora, Evelyn and Ivy; top boys’ names include John, Henry and Walker.

The 49th playing of the Independence Bowl is expected to produce an economic impact of about 6.4-million dollars this year. Emma Boone with Visit Shreveport-Bossier says the fact that one of the teams, Louisiana Tech, is close by is actually a very good thing.

Cut 7 (11) “…in Shreveport-Bossier.”

Boone says the game is also a way for the city to showcase itself to Coastal Carolina fans visiting the area for the first time.

Make it four in a row for the Saints as they’re setting up a foundation for success. The Saints came back from down 13 in the first half to beat the Titans in Nashville, 34-26. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough improved to 5-3 as a starter. He had his second straight 300-yard passing game, throwing for 333 yards and two touchdowns. Shough appreciates Who Dat Nation’s big showing in Nashville.

Cut 6 (10) “…like that.”

What happened to the 80-degree temperatures that we saw over the weekend? A strong cold front has brought Old Man Winter back to the Bayou State and LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says the cold air is accompanied by windy conditions…

Cut 10 (08) “…lower 20s.”

Hopefully it won’t be too cold for Louisiana Tech and Coastal Carolina fans to enjoy all the festivities ahead of tomorrow’s Independence Bowl. Emma Boone with Visit Shreveport-Bossier says there will be plenty of things for them to do today and tomorrow.

Cut 9 (14)  “…Coca-Cola Fan Fest.”

The game is expected to have a 6.4-million-dollar economic impact on the region.

Some things age really poorly, like this prediction from SEC prognosticators this summer – and my reaction to it.

Cut 23 (08) “…third place Alabama.”

LSU ended up finishing 10th in the SEC and lost to Houston 38-35 in the Texas Bowl Saturday. The season couldn’t have ended a moment too soon for these fans who were at the Texas Bowl Saturday night.

Cut 3 (04) “…it was terrible.”

At the complete opposite end of the spectrum are the Saints, who started off a dismal 1-and-8 but have since won four in a row, including yesterday’s 34-26 win over the Titans, coming from behind with two fourth quarter touchdowns. Coach Kellen Moore says it was their most impressive win of the year.

Cut 5 (13) “…second half.”

It is a windy day and the temperature is falling. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin has more on this last arctic blast before the new year…

Cut 2 (30) “…Bill Jacquemin.”

If you welcomed a new addition to your family and named him or her Elijah or Olivia, you’re in good company. According to Baton Rouge General’s Birth Center, those were the top boy’s and girl’s names, respectively, for 2025. Other girls’ names include Nora, Evelyn and Ivy; top boys’ names include John, Henry and Walker.

The 49th playing of the Independence Bowl is expected to yield an economic impact of 6.4-million dollars to the Shreveport-Bossier City area. Emma Boone with Visit Shreveport-Bossier says whether the fans are taking the short drive from Ruston or taking a long drive or a flight from Conway, South Carolina, they will be in for a treat when visiting Shreveport.

Cut 8 (07) “..Shreveport-Bossier special.”

Make it four in a row for the Saints as they’re setting up a foundation for success. The Saints came back from down 13 in the first half to beat the Titans in Nashville, 34-26. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough improved to 5-3 as a starter. He had his second straight 300-yard passing game, throwing for 333 yards and two touchdowns. Shough appreciates Who Dat Nation’s big showing in Nashville.

Cut 6 (10) “…like that.”

The Saints are finishing 2025 on a high note as the Black and Gold won their fourth straight yesterday, rallying to beat the Titans, 34-26, in Nashville. The Saints fell behind 13-0 and trailed by ten at halftime, but they completed the comeback with two fourth quarter touchdowns. Coach Kellen Moore says it was their most impressive win of the year.

Cut 5 (13) “…second half.”

While the Saints are heading towards a strong finish, LSU fans are just glad that the Tigers’ 2025 campaign is over. The season came to a merciful end Saturday night with a 38-35 loss to Houston in the Texas Bowl to finish the season at 7-and-6. This fan who took in the game at NRG Stadium is ready to turn the page.

Cut 4 (05) “…the portal hard.”

The transfer portal opens Friday.

The 49th playing of the Independence Bowl is expected to produce an economic impact of about 6.4-million dollars this year. Emma Boone with Visit Shreveport-Bossier says the fact that one of the teams, Louisiana Tech, is close by is actually a very good thing.

Cut 7 (11) “…in Shreveport-Bossier.”

Boone says the game is also a way for the city to showcase itself to Coastal Carolina fans visiting the area for the first time. There are plenty of events for fans of both teams to enjoy today and tomorrow, including a battle of the bands competition.

The Trump administration is sending the National Guard to cities in Louisiana to help with law enforcement as we get set to ring in the New Year. On “The Will Cain Show” on the Fox News Channel, Governor Landry said about 350 of those troops will be deployed to New Orleans, and they will stay beyond New Year’s and through Mardi Gras.

Cut 8 (07) “…we desperately need”

How quickly things change – the cold front has arrived, and that has sent temperatures plummeting. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says if you thought this morning was cold, you’ll really be in for a rude awakening as you leave your house to go to work tomorrow and Wednesday – assuming that you’re indeed going to work and are not taking the week off.

Cut 6 (08) “…I-10/I-12 corridor.”

Warm temperatures will return by the end of this week.

Some things age really poorly, like this prediction from SEC prognosticators this summer – and my reaction to it.

Cut 23 (08) “…third place Alabama.”

LSU ended up finishing 10th in the SEC and lost to Houston 38-35 in the Texas Bowl Saturday. The season couldn’t have ended a moment too soon for these fans who were at the Texas Bowl Saturday night.

Cut 3 (04) “…it was terrible.”

But the Saints season, which started out predictably awful with a very young quarterback room, is going to end on a high note, with the team winning its fourth in a row yesterday, beating the Titans in Nashville, 34-26. Tyler Shough threw for 333 yards and two touchdowns; he says the team was not down despite trailing by ten points at halftime.

Cut 15 (13) “…great team win.”

The insurance commissioner says auto premiums turned the corner in 2025 and expects the momentum to continue in 2026. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (26) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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LSU puts a wrap on the 2025 season by playing Houston in the Texas Bowl tomorrow night. Jeff Palermo has a preview.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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2025 has been a difficult year for farmers because of low commodity prices. LSU AgCenter economist Michael Deliberto says optimism that prices will increase in 2026 is low.

Cut 3 (11) “…face in 2026.”

Deliberto says Louisiana saw more than a 60-percent increase in corn acreage because of the low price of soybeans. But he says corn prices fell below four dollars this summer, which is below the cost of production.

Cut 4 (04) “…of the situation.”

Rice prices also dropped 25-percent this year, and Deliberto says sugarcane farmers will likely see a price drop in 2026.

Cut 5 (11) “…going into 2026.”

Deliberto says the one bright spot for producers is beef prices, which are near record levels, as ranchers are enjoying profitable conditions for the first time in a while.

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Governor Landry appears to be walking back earlier comments about making Greenland a part of the U.S. Landry used those words on social media after being named special envoy to the island nation that President Trump has wanted to wrest from Denmark for years. On “The Will Cain Show” on the Fox News Channel, Landry said his goal as special envoy is not to launch an invasion.

Cut 6 (12) “…we represent protection.”

Trump has repeatedly said the U.S. needs Greenland for national security because of the vast supply of minerals and rare earths the island has. Landry says Denmark has neglected the country, and other countries have taken advantage.

Cut 7 (08) “…the Western Hemisphere.”

Landry says he wants to use his role in taking the U.S. message directly to the people of Greenland.

Cut 8 (08) “…they actually deserve?”

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Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says 2025 was the year when Louisianans started seeing their insurance rates go down, and he’s looking forward to that trend continuing in 2026. Temple says 30 auto insurance carriers filed for premium decreases in 2025. And in 2026, rates will continue to go down when the impact of legislation passed earlier this year takes hold.

Cut 9 (09)  “…impact next year.”

Temple says while premiums are going in the right direction, they’re still considerably higher than those in neighboring states like Mississippi and Alabama – and he says there’s one key factor in bringing those premiums down to those levels.

Cut 10 (08) “…it should be.”

Temple says he’s focused on making Louisiana a great place for all parties when it comes to insurance.

Cut 11 (07) “…the legal standpoint.”

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LSU plays a football game tomorrow night to finally wrap up the 2025 season. The Tigers will take on 21st-ranked Houston at 8:15 in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl. The game will be played at NRG Stadium in Houston, and Tiger Rag magazine editor Glenn Guilbeau says there’s very little buzz surrounding this game.

Cut 12 (08) “…a game Saturday.”

Guilbeau says some of LSU’s best players have also opted out of the bowl game as they begin preparations for the NFL draft.

Cut 13 (09)  “…Josh Thompson.”

Eleven players on the 2025 team have also announced they plan on transferring, including two starting offensive linemen — Carrius Curne and Coen Echols.

Guilbeau says the Tigers team that plays in the Texas Bowl will look much different than the one that played in the regular season.

Cut 14 (05) “…the offensive line.”

At least two people are injured after a driver plows into a horse carriage in downtown Lake Charles this week. 49-year-old Monica Guillory of Lake Charles is charged with hit-and-run, driving with a suspended license and driving with no insurance. Lake Charles Police Lieutenant Jeffrey Keenum says the crash put a damper on what was supposed to be a festive mood downtown.

Cut 7 (14) “…the horse carriage.”

It’s a very Merry Christmas for one lucky Powerball player. If you’re listening to this newscast on terrestrial radio, it’s not you. The one and only winning ticket was sold in Arkansas, and it is worth 1.7-billion dollars. Eight other tickets – also none in Louisiana – matched the five white balls but missed the Powerball; the players who have them win a consolation prize of one-million dollars.

It may be Christmas Day, but you wouldn’t know it by stepping outside, because it’s quite warm and toasty. High temperatures are in the 70s – obviously no snow anywhere in sight – and it’s going to be in the 80s throughout the weekend. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says if you’re looking for colder temperatures, you’ll have to wait until next week.

Cut 5 (10) “…even colder yet.”

A routine traffic stop in Allen Parish leads to the rescue of an eight-week-old puppy. Officers in Oakdale heard whimpering and found the malnourished and dehydrated puppy in the trunk. The driver of the vehicle, Dallas Antonie, was cited for cruelty. Jeff Dorson with the Humane Society of Louisiana is not sure why Antonie was driving with the puppy in his trunk.

Cut 11 (07) “…it in court.”

A Christmas carriage ride in downtown Lake Charles takes a tragic turn Monday night when a driver plows into the carriage. Lake Charles Police Lieutenant Jeffrey Keenum says people were on board at the time, and at least two people were hospitalized.

Cut 6 (09) “…wonderful holiday season.”

A tiny Christmas miracle happened in southwest Louisiana this month. An eight-week-old puppy found locked in the trunk of a vehicle is doing much better now. Jeff Dorson of the Humane Society of Louisiana says the discovery of the malnourished and dehydrated puppy occurred when Oakdale police officers conducted a routine traffic stop.

Cut 9 (10)  “…from the trunk.”

Antonie was cited for cruelty. He’s already on probation for other crimes. A rescuer has temporary custody of the dog named Rosie Joe.

It’s Christmas Day, but it doesn’t feel like it with these warm and muggy temperatures. Jeff Palermo reports on when we’ll see cold weather again.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Many Louisiana residents are spending the day with family and loved ones. U.S. Senator John Kennedy says the Christmas season is special because it’s a celebration of God’s love for all of humanity.

Cut 12 (10) “…redeem us all.”

One lucky Powerball player is 1.7-billion dollars richer. If you’re listening to this newscast, don’t bother checking your ticket, because it’s not you. The winning ticket was sold in Arkansas. The winning numbers drawn last night are 4, 25, 31, 52 and 59, and the Powerball is 19. Eight players matched the five white balls but missed the Powerball. Each of them gets a consolation prize of one-million dollars; none bought the Power Play.

A carriage ride in downtown Lake Charles this week takes a tragic turn when a driver rear-ends the carriage, sending at least two people to the hospital. 49-year-old Monica Guillory is charged with hit-and-run, driving with a suspended license and driving without insurance. Lake Charles Police Lieutenant Jeffrey Keenum says while the extent of the victims’ injuries is unclear, the horse is fine.

Cut 8 (11) “..we’re aware of.”

If you’re dreaming of a White Christmas, you’re in the wrong state. You’ll have to settle for a WARM Christmas – one of the warmest on record, in fact. High temperatures will be in the 70s, and we’ll see 80-degree temperatures this weekend. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim believes the temperatures will fall just short, however, of setting any records.

Cut 4 (09) “…records would suggest.”

On this Christmas Day, as warm as it may be, Senator John Kennedy says God’s love can be found everywhere, but it really shines in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (20)  “…people on Earth.”