Did Governor Jeff Landry call for the execution of Nicolas Maduro? In an opinion piece on Breitbart (Bratebart) News Landry wrote “Personally, I’d like to see Maduro executed for the crimes he has committed against the people of the United States and the families left to mourn,” “However, I would be well satisfied to see him and his wife spend the rest of their days at Camp 57 in Angola.” He said Maduro’s capture will save tens of thousands of American lives because it interrupts the fentanyl pipeline from China.

2026 was shaping up to be a busy election year with the new closed party primary and new voting equipment. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says the state goes to great lengths to secure its elections, including greatly limiting who can and cannot handle the voting equipment.

Cut 5 (10) “…touch our machines.”

And the machines are never connected to the internet.

Temperatures are running about 15-degrees above normal right now says LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim and he says that’s typical when a La Nina climate pattern is active and when we have warm temperatures in the winter, expect foggy conditions in the morning….

Cut 11 (11) “…lots of fog.”

Today is Epiphany and that means it’s time to take the Christmas tree down and enjoy some king cake. Dave Haydel of Haydel Bakery says they had a line of people outside their store this morning and business has been steady all day. Haydel says the goal is to sell just as many king cakes as they did last year

Cut 12 (11) “…hard to say.”

All charges against LSU running back JT Lindsey have been dropped. He was arrested in August and charged with accessory after the fact to second-degree murder. At that time Lindsey reportedly allowed two men to stay in his dorm room unaware they had committed any crime and were wanted for questioning. At the time Lindsey was suspended from the team but allowed to attend class and to use athletic facilities on his own. He made the Fall semester Dean’s list and is now eligible to return to play.

Louisiana is looking to some big elections in 2026 perhaps the biggest is for U.S. Senate, where incumbent Bill Cassidy faces strong opposition in the Republican nomination in the newly closed party primary. Several other elections will also keep the polls busy. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says what the state really needs for all these elections is elections commissioners, who are paid to help run the polling places.

Cut 4 (11) “…do our elections.”

While the number of line of duty deaths ticked up slightly in Louisiana in 2025, they dipped to historic lows nationwide. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Louisiana is experiencing a heat wave during this first full week of January. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says high temperatures will be touching the 80s for the rest of this work week

Cut 9 (10)  “…state of Louisiana.”

Lawmakers are making plans for the session that begins in March. Last year, auto insurance reform was a significant issue Senate President Cameron Henry says several of those new laws did not take effect until January 1^st and they need to see how they impact rates…

Cut 6 (11) “…auto insurance”

The legislative session begins March 9th and ends June 1st. Lawmakers are expected to discuss the energy needs of the data centers being built in the state. Henry says he hopes they will cut taxes since the budget is supposed to have a 300-million-dollar surplus.

The federal government stopped minting pennies about two months ago and some stores are already price-rounding to eliminate the need for pennies. Newly confirmed U.S. Mint Director Paul Hollis from Mandeville says…

Cut 15 (06) “…of the customers.”

A statue was unveiled in Avoyelles Parish to commemorate the 165th anniversary of the liberation of Solomon Northup, a free man who kidnapped and enslaved for 12 years in 1841. During the ordeal, he reached Louisiana, where a carpenter named Samuel Bass befriended him and helped him escape. Melissa Howell, a direct descendant says Northup was given the name “Platt Hamilton” by his enslavers and the location of the statue is where he stood when he was declared free at the Avoyelles Parish Courthouse.

Cut 12 (11) “…his reclaimed freedom.”

Northup’s 1853 autobiography, “12 Years a Slave,” was adapted into an Academy Award-winning movie in 2014.

If you’re looking to be more active in 2026, Dr. Marie Morgan with LSU Health Shreveport recommends finding exercises you enjoy. She says small changes in your daily life can make a world of impact. Consistency is most important.

Cut 9 (14)  “…big difference.”

When the legislative session begins in March, Louisiana lawmakers should not have to worry about budget cuts. That’s because stronger than expected tax collections could result in a nearly 300-million dollar surplus when the current fiscal year ends on June 30th. Senate President Cameron Henry says he’s not looking to go on a spending spree.

Cut 5 (08) “…to have.”

A statue was unveiled in Avoyelles Parish to commemorate the 165th anniversary of the liberation of Solomon Northup. You may have read his autobiography, 12 Years a Slave or have seen the movie. His descendant, Melissa Howell, says in 1841, two men approached him about being part of their traveling show.

Cut 11 (11) “…in the Capitol.”

A Louisiana carpenter named Samuel Bass befriended Northup and helped him escape.

For those with health resolutions for 2026, Dr. Marie Vasquez Morgan with LSU Health Shreveport has some information to help you succeed. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnck.”

About two months ago the federal government minted its last penny and Newly confirmed U.S. Mint Director Paul Hollis from Mandeville says in addition to the massive amount already in circulation, the fact that Americans rarely use cash anymore will prolong the penny’s survival. Hollis says consumers are using coins less and less.

Cut 14 (09) “…or coin.”

In three months, state lawmakers will head to Baton Rouge for the regular legislative session. Senate President Cameron Henry anticipates a lengthy discussion about the state’s future energy needs with construction beginning on two massive data centers and the possibility of more data centers begin built in the Bayou State…

Cut 4 (10) “…long run”

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

If you’ve made healthy eating your new year’s resolution, LSU Health Shreveport Director of Institutional Wellness Dr. Marie Vasquez Morgan says everything starts with the food chosen to fuel the body. She recommends focusing on balanced meals with lean protein, whole grains and lots of fruits and vegetables.

Cut 8 (10) “…and antioxidants.”

A statue is unveiled in Avoyelles Parish to commemorate the 165th anniversary of the liberation of a man who was tricked into slavery. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Northup’ autobiography, 12 Years a Slave, was adapted into an Academy Award winning move in 2014. A screening of it was held over the weekend in Marksville.

Planning for the 2026 legislative session will intensify now that it’s a new year. Jeff Palermo reports on the big issues lawmakers will tackle this year…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The federal government minted its last penny about two months ago, but it will be decades before the penny becomes a rare coin. Newly confirmed U.S. Mint Director Paul Hollis from Mandeville says enough pennies have been minted to stack them to the moon and back.

Cut 13 (08)  “…I hope.”

A statue was unveiled in Avoyelles Parish to commemorate the 165th anniversary of the liberation of Solomon Northup a wrongfully enslaved man born a free man in upstate New York in 1807 whose Autobiography “12 Years a Slave,” you may know. His direct descendant, Melissa Howell, recounts that in 1841, two men approached him with what seemed to be a lucrative offer.

Cut 10 (14) “…nearly 12 years.”

He escaped slavery with the help of a Louisiana carpenter.

For those who made healthy lifestyle resolutions for the new year, LSU Health Shreveport Director of Institutional Wellness Dr. Marie Vasquez Morgan has some helpful advice. She says maintaining any resolution starts with setting S.M.A.R.T goals.

Cut 7 (13) “…time-bound.”

The big political story for 2026 will be the U-S Senate race as Republican Incumbent Bill Cassidy faces several challengers from his own party including State Treasurer John Fleming, state senator Blake Miguez, state representative Julie Emerson and PSC Commissioner Eric Skrmetta. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Cassidy has one big advantage…

Cut 10 (07) “…really tough re-election.”

Cassidy angered many Republicans when he voted to impeach President Trump in 2021.

Police began enforcing the ban on holding a phone while driving yesterday. When the new law was being debated, some said it would be discriminatory for those who drive older vehicles without Bluetooth capability to allow conversations through the car stereo speakers. State Police Trooper Shelby advises.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the steering wheel.”

The Louisiana Department of Health says the state will receive 208-million dollars through the Rural Health Transportation Program, established when Congress approved President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts legislation. LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein (Green-steen) says this funding will improve healthcare access in rural communities…

Cut 4 (15) “…live longer.”

Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers are expected to be active as the college football transfer portal opens today. In addition to targeting quarterbacks Yahoo Sports’ Nick Bromberg expects Kiffin to target the position groups that helped build Ole Miss’s playoff roster: defensive line and wide receiver.

Cut 15 (09) “…system is.”

The Louisiana Department of Health says the state will receive 208-million dollars through the Rural Health Transportation Program. LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein (Green-steen) says the goal is to increase access to care and help rural residents with chronic or complex health conditions. He says the funds will help sustain operations and upgrade infrastructure at rural healthcare facilities.

Cut 6 (11) “…bigger cities.”

Yesterday, authorities began enforcing the ban on holding a phone while driving. The new law went into effect last August but until now, officers have been handing out warnings. The grace period ended with 2025. State Police Trooper Shelby Mayfield says a previous ban has been in place for some time but this new law takes it one step further.

Cut 8 (08) “…hands-free manner.”

The college football transfer portal opens today and Yahoo Sports’ Nick Bromberg expects Lane Kiffin and LSU to be active. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The primary election for Louisiana’s U.S. Senate seat is in May and this year certain races including the senate race will have a closed party primary. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says registered no party voters can vote in the closed primaries, but the Secretary of State’s office and the campaigns will need to educate voters…

Cut 11 (11) “..to declare.”

With the new year comes enforcement of a newer law. From now on, if you’re caught holding a phone while driving it will now cost you. The ban officially went into effect last August 1st; but until January 1^st, officers were only issuing warnings. State Police Trooper Shelby Mayfield says the purpose of the ban on hand-held cell phones while driving is to increase everyone’s safety.

Cut 7 (12) “…result of that.”

The 2026 legislative session begins in March. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat expects a quiet session after lawmakers in 2025 approved a package of property insurance reform laws. Some of those measures didn’t go into effect until this new year, so Pinsonat doesn’t expect Governor Landry to be pushing more insurance reform bills..

Cut 12 (10) “…reforming insurance.”

The state is receiving 208 million dollars from the federal government that’s intended to improve healthcare in rural Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

An arrest has been made in the shooting of a 2-year-old little girl Wednesday afternoon in the Scotlandville area of Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse says the child was a passenger in a vehicle being driven by her mother who saw and began following a car that she believed was stolen from a family member. The suspect driver fired several shots at the mother’s vehicle striking it several times and the 2-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to her head. Thursday, EBR Sheriff’s deputies located the suspect vehicle, made a traffic stop, and arrested Landrick Ruffin, Jr. Ruffin faces several charges including six counts of attempted first degree murder. The 2-year-old is hospitalized in critical condition.

The 2026 political scene will be engaged in the U.S. Senate race, and several Republicans would like to occupy the seat currently held by fellow Republican Bill Cassidy, among them are State Treasurer John Fleming, state senator Blake Miguez, state representative Julie Emerson and PSC Commissioner Eric Skrmetta. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Cassidy has one big advantage…

Cut 10 (07) “…really tough re-election.”

Cassidy angered many Republicans when he voted to impeach President Trump in 2021.

The Louisiana Department of Health says the state is getting one of the largest allocations of federal funding through the Rural Health Transportation Program – 208 million dollars. LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein (Green-steen) says this funding will improve healthcare access in rural communities, strengthen local healthcare systems and expand the number of available healthcare professionals

Cut 5 (08) “…are qualified.”

From now on, holding a cell phone to your ear while driving could cost you a few bucks. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The college football transfer window officially opens today, and Yahoo Sports’ Nick Bromberg expects an eventful cycle with all of the coaching moves across the nation. Bromberg says Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin is one of the best at adapting to the portal, but he’s in for a tough task as he’s only been at LSU for a month.

Cut 13 (06)  “…right away.”