The terrorist who drove from Texas before killing 14 people on Bourbon Street on New Year’s morning detailed his plans in videos posted to social media prior to the attack. Senator Bill Cassidy says there’s a way social media companies, like Meta, can cooperate with law enforcement when videos like those are posted to their platforms.

Cut 4 (09) “…to law enforcement.”

He adds, of the millions of videos posted per minute to YouTube, they scans everything posted on their platform.

Bitter cold temperatures led to three deadly house fires across the state Tuesday morning. Firefighters in Winnsboro, Abbeville, and Shreveport responded to house fires between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. In total, six victims were discovered including children. Ashley Rodrigue (rod-REEG) with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says while the causes of those three fires are under investigation, history points to space heaters as a major culprit.

Cut 13 (13) “…heaters still on.”

She adds if you must use a space heater, plug them directly into the wall and not into a power strip or an extension cord.

The Advocate reports a multi-billion-dollar steel mill for Hyundai will be built in Ascension Parish for its U.S. Hyundai and Kia vehicle assembly plants. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A winter storm watch for Louisiana’s northernmost parishes goes into effect tomorrow. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says precipitation is expected to start falling after the morning commute tomorrow and depending on what happens, driving in areas of northwest Louisiana could get dangerous by the end of the week.

Cut 10 (12) “…ice on contact.”

After his arrest Tuesday, Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong took to social media denying the allegations against him that he ran a drug trafficking operation and “all those other accusations.” In his post, he thanked his supporters and said “When you’re cutting contracts, shutting down favors and exerting influence – shaking things up and exposing truths – you become a target.”

Plans detailing the Bourbon Street terror attack on New Year’s Day were posted to social media in videos by the attacker prior to the attack. Senator Bill Cassidy says this is the preferred method of terrorists, foreign and domestic.

Cut 3 (11) “…Theodore Kaczynski did.”

Cassidy says there’s a way that social media companies, like Meta, can cooperate with law enforcement when videos like that are posted onto their platforms.

The Advocate reports that Hyundai is planning a multibillion-dollar steel mill in Ascension Parish, to supply steel for its Hyundai and Kia vehicle assembly plants in the U.S., potentially creating 1,300 permanent jobs. Construction could start as early as 2026, pending regulatory approvals, with operations expected by 2029. Economist Loren Scott says this is a big win for Louisiana.

Cut 6 (13) “…picking up jobs.”

It is cold in Louisiana and a winter storm watch goes into effect tomorrow for our northern parishes including Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, Union, and Morehouse Parishes. State Climatologist Jay Grymes…

Cut 9 (12)  “…Thursday into Friday.”

He says the southern parishes can expect heavy rain, and temperatures should warm up to the 50s

The man who killed 14 people by plowing a pickup truck through a crowd on Bourbon Street New Year’s Day posted videos of his plans to Facebook prior to the attack. Senator Bill Cassidy says there’s a way that social media companies, like Meta, can warn law enforcement when videos like that are posted onto their platforms.

Cut 5 (13) “…copyright, et cetera.”

Cassidy says social media companies should not have to be given the green light from Congress to share information with law enforcement.

President-elect Donald Trump announced wants to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” calling it “a fitting and beautiful change.” Not everyone is onboard with the idea including Chalmette Representative Mike Bayham…

Cut 10 (07) “…their names preserved.”

Louisiana’s six northernmost parishes from Caddo to Morehouse Parish are under a winter storm watch for tomorrow and into Friday morning. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin reports Arkansas will likely take the brunt of this winter storm…

Cut 2 (28) “…possible.”

Hyundai is looking to build a steel mill in Ascension Parish potentially adding over a thousand jobs.  The multimillion-dollar mill will be located near Donaldsonville and will provide steel to supply the assembly plants for Hyundai and Kia in the U.S. The plant could be operational by 2029.

The young mayor of Bogalusa is in trouble, among 7 people arrested this morning after an investigation into a drug trafficking Organization operating in Washington Parish. According to a statement from Louisiana State Police, 25-year-old Mayor Tyrin Truong was arrested for transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, soliciting prostitutes, and unauthorized use of a moveable. Authorities say profits from those drug sales were allegedly used to purchase firearms, some given to people who are legally prohibited from possessing them.

We’re now one full year into the Landry administration here in Louisiana. Jeremy Alford, the publisher of LaPolitics-dot-com, says Landry set a new standard in moving quickly on his agenda, which not only included the biggest tax overhaul in decades, but it also included consolidating his power as governor.

Cut 9 (12)  “…in the past.”

Five North Louisiana Parishes are under a winter storm watch beginning Thursday. Temperatures in Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne and Union Parishes will stay frigid through Friday, with highs only in the 30s and lows in the 20s.  National Weather Service Meteorologist Brandon Thorne says travel could become hazardous, and monitoring updates closely is crucial as this storm could significantly disrupt the region.

Cut 8 (12) “…and be careful.”

LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne returned for her fifth year. She is one of the most followed college athletes on social media  On3.com says Dunne’s NIL valuation is 4.2 million dollars, the most of any female athlete. The New Jersey native says her decision to return and try to win another national championship is the best decision she’s ever made…

Cut 13 (04)  “…my best friends”

Six people died this morning in three separate house fires. Four people including children were discovered when Winnsboro firefighters responded to a house fire just after 4:00 a.m. Less than an hour later, firefighters in Abbeville discovered a victim in a house fire there. And around 7:00 a.m. a victim was found by Shreveport firefighters. The State Fire Marshall’s office urges residents to have working smoke detectors. He also says space heaters must be plugged directly into a wall outlet and turned off while people are sleeping or not in the room, and open flames including fireplaces should not be left unattended.

We’re now one full year into the Landry administration here in Louisiana. Jeremy Alford, the publisher of LaPolitics-dot-com, believes Landry’s biggest focus for year two, will be public safety, particularly in New Orleans.

Cut 11 (11) “…push this year.”

Alford says economic development will be another of Landry’s priorities.

Preparations are getting underway for winter precipitation in north Louisiana later this week. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin…

Cut 2 (26) “…midday.”

A southwest Louisiana resident is the first person in the United States to die from the bird flu. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Associate Professor Rebecca Christofferson says the overall public health risk is low but workers in poultry or dairy farming are advised to get a flu vaccine.

Cut 5 (15) “…or more dangerous.”

An older southwest Louisiana resident with underlying health conditions is the first person in the United States to die from the bird flu. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Associate Professor Rebecca Christofferson says the overall public health risk is low. To prevent H5N1 infection, people should avoid contact with sick or dead birds and their droppings and keep pets away from them too.

Cut 4 (08) “…who you’re around.”

It is cold and a winter storm warning is coming Thursday for five North Louisiana parishes Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne and Union Parishes. National Weather Service Meteorologist Brandon Thorne says it will likely bring widespread rain south of I-20, freezing rain north of I-20, and significant snowfall near and north of I-20, where heavy snow accumulation is possible.

Cut 7 (07) “…to support that.”

We’re now one full year into the Landry administration. Andrew Greenstein takes a look back and a look ahead.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

LSU Gymnastics defended their first national championship with a win over Iowa State Friday. The Tigers have a big meet this Saturday in Oklahoma City as they will compete against some of the best teams in the country, Oklahoma, Utah and California.  Head Coach Jay Clark embraces the challenge…

Cut 14 (12) “…compete.”

The mayor of New Orleans is seeking federal assistance on security plans. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Committee of 100’s (C100) year-end economic report says wages statewide have increased 25-percent since 2019. CEO Adam Knapp says the Meta data center in Richland Parish is one of the most significant economic development deals in the country. He says it demonstrates progress, with not only new jobs, but also with well-paying jobs.

Cut 5 (09) “…the entire state.”

A magnitude 3.0 earthquake struck near Mooringsport in Caddo Parish, this morning. It follows another 3.0 magnitude earthquake reported late Sunday in the same region. U.S. Geological Survey Research Geophysicist Thomas Pratt says the number of tremors in the area increased and is due to oil and gas companies injecting fluid into the earth which increases pressure and expands faults. When asked about future tremors, Pratt says….

Cut 14 (13) “…something larger.”

The new year means changes to the state’s unemployment laws. The number of consecutive weeks a person can receive unemployment payments has decreased from 26 weeks to 12 to 20 weeks depending on the state’s unemployment rate. Robert Wooley with the Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state is also cracking down on unemployment fraud and will pursue legal action in certain cases…

Cut 11 (10) “…they would prosecute.”

The first human patient diagnosed with bird flu in Louisiana and the U.S. has died according to The Louisiana Department of Health. LDH says the patient had underlying health concerns and was over the age of 65. The individual contracted the virus after exposure to a combination of a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds. They say the risk to the public is low but cautions everyone to avoid contact with wild or sick birds.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is seeking federal assistance with security plans for the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. She’s asking for a tactical expert who can determine whether the city’s plans for bollards on Bourbon Street are sufficient to prevent another tragedy like the one that happened early on New Year’s Day.

Cut 7 (08) “…for public safety.”

Mardi Gras has been upgraded to a SEAR 1 event, the highest Special Event Assessment Rating by the Department of Homeland Security. The Super Bowl was already designated as a SEAR 1 event.

A magnitude 3.0 earthquake struck southeast of Mooringsport in Caddo Parish, early this morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.  Last year several tremors were recorded in northern parts of the state. While earthquakes are relatively rare in Louisiana, tremors measuring 0.5 or higher are increasing says Thomas Pratt with the U.S. Geological Survey.

Cut 13 (09)  “…operations up there.”

A decrease in the duration of unemployment insurance benefits took effect in Louisiana on January 1st. Robert Wooley with the Louisiana Workforce Commission, says coverage changes from 26 weeks to between 12 and 20 weeks but he says some people may be able to get up to eight additional weeks of benefits.

Cut 10 (11) “…that would qualify.”

Wooley also adds, the state is cracking down on unemployment fraud.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is seeking federal assistance on security plans for the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras.

Cut 6 (15) “…months on end.”

President Biden has granted the mayor’s request to have Mardi Gras be upgraded to a SEAR 1 event, the highest Special Event Assessment Rating by the Department of Homeland Security. The Super Bowl is already designated as a SEAR 1 event.

A magnitude 3.0 earthquake struck southeast of Mooringsport, early this morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.  This tremor follows another 3.0 magnitude earthquake reported late Sunday night in the same region of Caddo Parish. U.S. Geological Survey Research Geophysicist Thomas Pratt says this has been occurring for the past few weeks.

Cut 12 (09) “…call them a sequence.”

In 2024, several tremors were recorded in northern parts of the state.

Since 2019, Louisiana’s economy showed mixed progress according to the Committee of 100’s (C100) year-end report that shows wages statewide have increased by 25-percent.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Changes to unemployment insurance in Louisiana took effect January 1st. Robert Wooley, the assistant secretary of Unemployment Insurance Administration at the Louisiana Workforce Commission, says benefits have gone down from 26 weeks to between 12 and 20 weeks, depending on the unemployment rate.

Cut 9 (06) “…12-week range.”

Wooley says there are ways that people can get up to eight additional weeks of benefits.

There was some drama, but Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson of Benton was re-elected as House Speaker. Two of the tree Republican Congressmen who initially voted for someone else switched their support when given another chance. Johnson told the House it’s time to get to work and he says there will be a focus on common sense legislation that includes strengthening the southern border, renewing the Trump era tax cuts and returning to energy dominance…

Cut 4 (12) “…do so.”

A strong cold front is coming to the entire state Sunday with High temperatures statewide on Monday in the 40s. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says morning lows will be several degrees below the freezing mark…

Cut 14 (09) “…whole week.”

A vigil will be held Saturday night at seven in memory of the 14 innocent victims of Wednesday morning’s terror attack on Bourbon Street. Meanwhile, Bourbon Street is getting back to normal. Andrew Greenstein was there last night.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

One New Orleans pastor says he’s heartbroken that such a heinous event happened in the City of New Orleans.

Cut 11 (10) “…those different things.”