The Bayou State is thawing from the frigid temperatures of the last few days, but winter isn’t over yet. Colleen Crain looks ahead to the warmup and cool down of the next few days…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson believes the Louisiana Legislature should not draw a new Congressional map. Jeff Palermo reports the Bossier Parish Republican says the state should press for a trial on the current map…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Nicholls State University has received a $3-million donation, which is the largest in the school’s history. Nicholls’ spokesperson Jerad David says the Mary and Al Danos Family Foundation commitment will be used to construct a new College of Business Administration.

Cut 3 (11) “…State University.”

David says Al Danos was always a big fan and supporter of the university and the generous donation from his family will not only go towards funding a new building, but it will also carry on the family’s legacy.

Cut 4 (11) “…Business Administration.”

Approximately one-fifth of Nicholls’ students are business majors.

In addition to the $3-million donation, David says the school is seeking state capital outlay funds and private funds to construct the new Al Danos building.

David says the atrium in the new building will be named after The Brady Family, who’s also from Bayou Lafourche, thanks to their recent donation. He says they hope these donations will inspire others to leave their mark on the university as well.

Cut 5 (11) “…new facility.” 

The new building will be located on the current site of the school’s J.J. Ayo Swimming Pool.

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The Bayou State is coming out of a deep freeze but don’t put away your hats and gloves just yet.  Montra Lockwood with the National Weather Service Lake Charles says to look for a short break from the freeze…

Cut 6 (08) “…on Friday.” 

Tonight, expect temperatures in the 20s north of I-10 and in the lower 30s in the southern part of the state.

After the quick reprieve from the freezing temperatures, expect a frigid weekend says Lockwood…

Cut 7 (08) “…I-10 corridor.” 

The weekend temperatures will still challenge Louisiana’s normal winter lows but as far as snow and freezing rain, Lockwood says…

Cut 8 (09) “…next week.” 

Lockwood says warmer weather, up into the 60s is coming next week.

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U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson believes Louisiana’s current Congressional map is constitutional and the state legislature should not approve a new map with two Black majority districts. But Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says the state has exhausted all of its legal avenues…

Cut 9 (10) “…map.” 

U-S District Judge Shelly Dick ruled the map the Louisiana Legislature approved in 2022 violates the Voting Rights Act because only one of the six districts provides an avenue for a Black candidate to get elected.

Speaker Johnson says there should be a full-blown trial on Louisiana’s current map, but Murrill says they have to follow Judge Dick’s order to draw a new map by January 30th…

Cut 10 (10) “…my remedies.” 

Governor Jeff Landry is backing a map that makes Republican Garret Graves’ sixth district the second Black voting district. Louisiana’s lone Black Congressman Troy Carter says the governor and the legislature are doing the right thing…

Cut 11 (05) “…African American districts.”

The map Landry supports is up for a vote in the Senate today. Graves calls it a crazy proposal because it runs from Baton Rouge to Shreveport.

Johnson leads a chamber with a slim Republican majority and a new map with two majority minority districts would likely give Democrats another seat in the House.

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As legislators debate changing to closed-party primary elections, US Senator Bill Cassidy believes it’s a waste of money.  A fiscal note on the legislation quotes a $10 million figure for next fiscal year and $6 million for the following fiscal year. Cassidy says a Louisiana pollster has estimated a $90 million cost to taxpayers.

Cut 12 (08)  “…on here.”  

Cassidy also worries the change will disenfranchise the state’s approximately 800-thousand Independent voters. The Republican also believes if the system isn’t broken don’t fix it and that taxpayers shouldn’t pick up the tab.

Cut 13 (07) “…you pay for it.” 

Cassidy says the public doesn’t see closed party primaries as a priority.

Cut  14 (12) “…(x2) roads and bridges.”

Cassidy says voters who have a strong opinion on open or closed primaries should contact their state lawmakers.

The Saints have fired offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael after 18 seasons with the organization, 15 as the offensive coordinator. Beau Gaspard has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Beau Gaspard”

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The House Governmental Affairs Committee approves a bill to move Louisiana from a jungle primary to closed party primaries. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The congressional map backed by Governor Landry, that drastically changes Congressman Garret Graves district advances from committee. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (43) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Saints have fired offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. Carmichael was the offensive coordinator for the last 15 seasons and he’s been with the franchise for 18 years. After missing the playoffs for a third consecutive season, change felt inevitable according to the host of the Locked On Saints podcast Ross Jackson…

Cut 4 (12) “…offensive system.”

Many in the Who Dat Nation believe head coach Dennis Allen should be fired, but Jackson says the Saints look at the inconsistency of the offense as a reason why Carmichael needed to be replaced.

Cut 5 (13) “…improve here.” 

Jackson on some possible replacements for Carmichael…

Cut 6 (11) “…in the NFL.”

Senior offensive assistant Bob Bicknell and wide receivers coach Kodi Burns were also let go.

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The House Governmental Affairs Committee approves a closed-party primary bill supported by Governor Jeff Landry. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson’s proposal would shift, federal, statewide, and certain judicial elections from a jungle primary to closed-party primaries. New Orleans Democrat Candace Newell says the Legislature should not rush to do this

Cut 7 (12) “…dedicate to it.”

Governor Jeff Landry wants lawmakers to pass this legislation during the current special session which ends next Tuesday.

Opponents also raised concerns that Independents will be disenfranchised because they can’t vote in the primaries. But Emerson says that’s not accurate…

Cut 8 (12) “…party.” 

Supporters of the closed primary system say it will lead to better candidates on the ballot for the general election. Emerson says voters who identify with a party should be in control of that process

Cut 9 (11)  “…nominee.”

Louisiana uses a closed-party system to nominate a President and the state had closed primaries for the 2008 and 2010 federal elections. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says voters found closed primaries confusing and demanded the state goes back to the jungle primary system…

Cut 10 (07) “…rid of it.”

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The congressional map redesign Governor Jeff Landry supports in the special session, Senate Bill 8, makes drastic changes to Congressman Garret Graves’s district and the Baton Rouge Republican is not happy about it. The proposal would make the sixth district the second Black majority district and it extends from Baton Rouge to Caddo Parish. Graves says…

Cut 11 (10) “…State of Louisiana.” 

Graves points out that the congressional map passed by a two-thirds majority in the legislature two years ago has not been through what’s called a merits trial, to determine if it violates redistricting principles or not.

Cut 12 (13) “…incredibly premature.” 

Graves also wonders why the Republican-controlled legislature would just roll over without fighting for the current map and accept the proposed map in Senate Bill 8 because it would weaken the GOP majority in the US House.

While presenting Senate Bill 8 in committee, Catahoula Parish Senator Glen Womack says the map’s boundaries assure Congresswoman Julia Letlow, who serves on US Appropriations and Agriculture committees remains unimpaired by any other congressional incumbents…

Cut 13 (06) “…this decade.”

Because of the geographical makeup of the state’s Black population, Womack says this particular map creates two Black-majority districts; District 2 represents minorities in New Orleans, and District 6, includes minorities in Baton Rouge and extends to include Blacks in Shreveport. He says this map also ensures Letlow will remain in Congress and…

Cut 14 (11) “…of Louisiana.” 

Senate Bill 8 which advanced from committee is one of several maps lawmakers are considering during the special session.

US District Judge Shelly Dick, of the Middle District of Louisiana, issued an end-of-the-month deadline for lawmakers to redraw the state’s Congressional map with two Black-majority districts.

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Louisiana Tech’s Athletic Director is heading to Ole Miss. After serving the university for three years marked by some major challenges, Dr. Eric Wood will become a Senior Deputy AD at Ole Miss. Tech President Dr. Jim Henderson says Wood will be missed

Cut 15 (11) “…in the classroom”

After tornados destroyed athletic facilities, Wood raised funds and oversaw the rebuilding of a new baseball park, and a softball and soccer complex Henderson called a marvel of innovation. Henderson says Wood supports the student in the student-athlete…

Cut 16 (10) “..proud of them” 

Dr. Wood will serve through the end of January then Deputy Athletic Director Mary Kay Hungate will serve as interim AD. Henderson says in the next few weeks, Louisiana Tech will develop a process to select the next athletic director worthy of the Bulldogs…

Cut 17 (10) “…towards that vision.” 

Louisiana is feeling more like a deep freeze than the Deep South. Colleen Crain has more on Tuesday and Wednesday’s extreme cold.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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As wintery weather conditions impact the state, a combination of freezing rain, ice, and snow in north Louisiana is causing hazardous driving conditions for motorists. Teiko Foxx has more on what this means for drivers.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Governor Jeff Landry urges state legislators to pass a Congressional map with two black voting districts and makes the case for closed primaries. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A new poll released shows there is support for closed primaries. A survey released last week found that 56 percent oppose changing to a closed primary system. But Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says a majority of respondents to his survey of 600 likely voters approve several features of a closed-party primary…

Cut 4 (12) “..revealing”

59 percent said it makes sense for Republicans and Democrats to pick their party candidates in a closed primary and 56 percent like the idea of a November ballot with one Democrat, one Republican, and potentially independent candidates.

Pinsonat says 70 percent of their respondents said party primaries in the spring and general elections in the fall would give voters more time to understand the candidates…

Cut 5 (10) “,…for months” 

Heated debate at the capitol is expected over Governor Jeff Landry’s proposal to shift from the state’s unique open “jungle primary” system to closed party primaries. Pinsonat says there is support for closed primaries but it’s not overwhelming

Cut 6 (10) “…the other”

Project Louisiana Values funded the poll. Legislators will debate a shift to closed party primaries during the ongoing special session.

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Frigid weather is impacting Louisiana so just how cold is it going to feel Tuesday and Wednesday? Cameron Kowalski with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says the wind is going to make it feel even colder along the I-10 corridor.

Cut 7 (11) “…mid 30s”

North Louisiana is expected to see temperatures as low as 10 degrees Tuesday with wind gusts possibly up to 25 miles per hour and the day’s highs will still be extremely cold says Kowalski…

Cut 8 (08) “…freezing mark.” 

By Wednesday morning winds will die down but Kowalski says temperatures will drop even lower as the skies clear.

Cut 9 (12)  “…low as 12.”

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Louisiana State Police urges motorists to use caution as the roads could be slick this morning. Trooper Ryan Davis says DOTD crews have been applying salt and de-icing agents to bridges impacted by winter precipitation.

Cut 10 (03) “…roads and bridges”

Motorists should drive slowly and allow extra time to get to your destination.

Davis recommends staying off the roadway until conditions improve but if you drive, let someone know…

Cut 11 (11) “…them assistance.” 

Several roads, bridges and overpasses are closed. It’s illegal and and unsafe to drive around a road-closed barricade and violators can be fined up to 500 dollars or face jail time.

If you get stranded, Davis says motorists can call star-LSP or star-577 for help…

Cut 12 (10) “…their trip.” 

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Governor Jeff Landry opened the special session by calling on lawmakers to pass a Congressional map with two majority Black voting districts. Landry says if the state Legislature does not do it before the special session ends on January 23rd, the federal courts will

Cut 13 (12) “..federal judge”

Judge Shelly Dick ordered Louisiana to redraw the Congressional map by January 30th. The current map violates the Voting Rights Act, because the state’s population is one-third Black, therefore one-third of the state’s Congressional districts should have a Black majority.

Chair of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus Candace Newell took to the House floor before Landry spoke and said she’s received assurances from the governor and Republican Legislative leadership that they will pass a map with two voting Black districts

Cut 14 (11) “..what is right” 

During this special session, Landry also wants legislators to pass legislation that will shift Louisiana’s elections from the jungle open primary to closed party primaries. He says it’s only right for voters in a political party to choose their candidate to represent them in the General Election…

Cut 15 (14) “…decipher”

Landry is also urging legislators to pass a new Supreme Court Justice District map. There are currently seven districts and Landry says there should be two Black-majority districts. He says the federal courts are threatening to draw a new map if the Louisiana Legislature doesn’t…

Cut 16 (16) “..as another one” 

Legislators will also debate whether there should be nine Supreme Court districts instead of the current seven.

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The Pelicans lost a close, back-and-forth game to the Dallas Mavericks yesterday 125 to 120. Dallas was physical which contributed to the Mavericks’ 32 free throws on the afternoon as the Pelicans got into foul trouble early in the game. New Orleans Head Coach Willie Green says Dallas had them on their heels to start the game.

Cut 17 (22) “… physical team.” 

Another influential factor in the Mavericks win was the play of Dallas Center Dereck Lively II and Point Guard Kyrie Irving who both had big nights as Irving scored 42 points, had 7 rebounds, and 7 assists and Lively had 12 rebounds. Green says most of Lively’s rebounds were during big moments and created key opportunities for the Mavs.

Cut 18 (23)  “… back out.” 

CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson combined for 53 of New Orleans’ 120 points against Dallas. McCollum also had 6 rebounds and 4 assists and says that a big part of his success in the game was adopting a more aggressive style of play.

Cut 19 (15) “… second quarter.” 

State lawmakers begin a special session at 4 PM today. Teiko Foxx reports the top priority is drawing new boundaries for the state’s Congressional map…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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A Cajun music legend passed away following a concert in Texas over the weekend. Colleen Crain has more on the life of Jo-El Sonnier…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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Winter weather is expected this week with the low predicted to be in the teens. Humane Society of Louisiana urge pet owners not to leave pets outside especially overnight. Director Jeff Dorson says if it’s too cold for you to be outside, its probably too cold for your furry friends.

Cut 3 (13) “…be comfortable.”

State law requires pet owners to bring pets inside when temperatures fall below fifty degrees. This means it will be illegal to leave a pet out in the cold this week.

When it comes to larger animals like livestock, Dorson recommends putting them in stalls, sheds, or barns and give them enough food. He says its important for owners to bring pets inside when the temperature dips to freezing conditions.

Cut 4 (09) “…as well.”

Another important precaution is to keep antifreeze away from pets or where they can get to it. Dorson says antifreeze has a sweet taste that animals like, so if you spill it – clean it up.

Cut 5 (11) “…it’s fatal.” 

If you see a pet left out in the cold, contact your local animal control office or police department.

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Snow sleet and freezing rain has been falling across northern parishes of Louisiana. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says it’s been a light dusting so far…

Cut 6 (09) “..ice up first” 

Jacquemin says there’s a hard freeze warning out for most of the state…

Cut 7 (07) “…on Wednesday.” 

For south Louisiana light rain is expected to change over to freezing rain this afternoon into tomorrow morning. Only a glaze ice is possible on roads and the ground. Jacquemine says the bigger concern for south Louisiana is cold temperatures…

Cut 8 (09) “…into tomorrow” 

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The Louisiana Legislature begins a special session at 4 PM today and the main priority is for lawmakers to redraw the Congressional boundaries with two majority minority districts, instead of one. Senate President Pro Tem and Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow believes they can get it done before the session ends on January 23rd…

Cut 9 (08) “…we agree on.” 

A federal judge has given the Louisiana Legislature a January 30th deadline to draw a six-district Congressional map, with two majority minority districts.

Barrow says House Democrats are proposing a second majority minority district that covers a significant portion of the Baton Rouge area, the Felicianas, Avoyelles Parish, the Mississippi River Delta parishes and northeast Louisiana…

Cut 10 (09) “..to be submitted.” 

Barrow says she expects the Republicans proposal for a Congressional District map will have significant implications for Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves…

Cut 11 (11) “…the question”

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Louisiana and the world of Cajun and Country music morns Jo-El Sonnier, the man who took the music of South Louisiana to the world. Saturday, while on tour in Texas, Sonnier received a standing ovation for one of his biggest hits, Tear-Stained Letter, before he left the stage to rest before signing autographs. Minutes later he suffered a fatal heart attack. Cajun Music Historian, Wade Falcon…

Cut 12 (11)  “…this world.”  

Sonnier died doing what he had done his whole life, bringing joy to his audience with his songs like No More One More Time, Come on Joe, Raining in My Heart and others. Falcon says the Emmy award winning Cajun brought music to the world on local and national record labels and stages, and his remarkable career started early…

Cut 13 (09) “…ever since then.” 

From a young age Sonnier learned from and played alongside great Cajun musicians from the post World War II Dance Hall era. Falcon says, Sonnier lived and breathed his style of music…

Cut  14 (11) “..multiple times.”

Sonnier had a reputation for generosity. He performed and collaborated with many well-known Cajun and Country artists.

A government watchdog group is concerned the call for this special session is too broad. Collen Crain reports legislators will attempt to approve new Congressional and Supreme Court district maps, make changes to campaign finance laws and switch to a party primary system for all elections.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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 The special session to redraw the state’s congressional districts gets underway this afternoon, and the governor wants lawmakers to address a dozen other issues too. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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North Louisiana is seeing winter precipitation this morning, while the entire state will experience below freezing temperatures Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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If it was up to Governor Jeff Landry, he would not have called a special session a week after a new Legislature was sworn in. During an appearance on the Moon Griffon show, Landry says a mid-January special session is needed because a federal judge set a January 30th deadline to  redraw a Congressional district map with two majority-minority districts, instead of one..

Cut 4 (12) “..do it”

Five of the six Congressional districts have white majorities. Republicans fought for this map when it was approved in 2022, but a federal judge ruled it violates the Voting Rights Acts, because a third of the state’s population is Black. During an appearance on the Moon Griffon Show, Landry says legislators will draw a map with a second majority Black district…

Cut 5 (12) “…control the outcome.”

Lawmakers have until September 23rd to complete their redistricting work. Landry says after that they’ll turn their attention to a special session that will attempt to lower the crime rate…

Cut 6 (06) “…to work on.”

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This afternoon, Louisiana lawmakers convene a special Legislative session to address the court-ordered redistricting of Louisiana’s congressional map and there are several other complicated issues on the agenda. The special session must conclude on January 23rd. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says legislators do not have a lot of time…

Cut 7 (12) “…campaign finance.”

Erwin says it takes at least five days to pass a bill and with an eight-day special session, he’s concerned some lawmakers are trying to tackle too much, including Governor Landry’s proposal to move from jungle primaries to closed party primaries….

Cut 8 (10) “…new lawmakers.” 

The special session was called because a federal court ordered the Bayou State to redraw Louisiana’s congressional districts to include a second majority-black district by January 30^th. Erwin understands the need for a special session now, but maybe legislators should just focus on redrawing the Congressional map…

Cut 9 (10)  “…would look like.”

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The special session gets underway this afternoon for lawmakers to redraw the state’s congressional district map after the current six-district map with one majority Black district was ruled unconstitutional because the courts believe there should be two majority Black districts. LA-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s anybody’s guess what will happen this time around…

Cut 10 (07) “…or not.”

During the brief session scheduled to end a week from tomorrow, lawmakers will also, at the request of the State Supreme Court, redraw the state’s judicial districts, which Alford says a second Black majority district could be added to that map as well.

Cut 11 (12) “…make of.” 

Governor Landry issued a proclamation that outlined twelve additional items for lawmakers to debate during the special session. Alford says among them is changing from open primaries to closed party primaries elections.

Cut 12 (08) “…gum up the works.” 

The topics on Landry’s agenda are all related to elections, ranging from campaign finances to amendments to the state code related to the implementation of elections.

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The entire I-20 corridor is under a winter storm warning as snow, sleet and freezing rain is expected to fall through the afternoon hours. Ryan Knapp is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Shreveport….

Cut 13 (14) “..sleet accumulations”

There’s a chance for freezing rain for entire the state. It will be very light for south Louisiana. Knapp says central Louisiana could see one to two-tenths of an inch of freezing rain…

Cut 14 (11) “..heavier impacts.” 

And it will be cold for the next few days. Highs for north Louisiana will be in the mid to upper 20s today. Central Louisiana will see highs near the freezing mark. Mid-40s for south Louisiana today. Cameron Kowalski with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says tomorrow will be the coldest day for south Louisiana…

Cut 15 (11) “…the coast”

Kowalski says this storm system will also produce northerly winds of 20 to 25 miles per hour which is why there is a wind chill advisory for nearly the entire state…

Cut 16 (12) “..single digits” 

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The seventh ranked LSU women’s basketball team’s 16-game winning streak ended yesterday with a 67-62 defeat to unranked Auburn. It was a back and forth game that saw 17 lead changes and seven ties, but LSU shot just 42-percent from the field. Coach Kim Mulkey says Auburn’s defense was disruptive…

Cut 17 (15) “…came at us” 

The loss drops LSU’s record to 16-2, 3-and-1 in the SEC. It was the first conference win of the year for Auburn. After the game, Mulkey spent a long time in the locker room with her team. She says they talked about what they could have done better…

Cut 18 (23)  “…accountable.” 

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The LSU men’s basketball team also lost in Auburn this past weekend as the Bayou Bengals trailed by as many as 28 points in the second half before falling to 16th ranked team in the country 93-78. Coach Matt McMahon says Auburn is an elite team with no weaknesses…

Cut 19 (19) “…in transition” 

LSU turned it over 17 times and shot jut 42-percent from the field. Trae Hannibal came off the bench and scored 18 points in a losing effort…

Cut 20 (12) “…stay together.”

LSU hosts Ole Miss on Wednesday.

Crawfish fans might want to start a savings account and prep for a much smaller platter this year. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Amazon announces plans to build a distribution facility in Monroe. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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LSU Ag Center Crawfish Specialist Mark Shirley warns crawfish connoisseurs that 2024 will be one of the worst mudbug seasons on record as far as prices and supply are concerned. He says it’s so dire farmers are averaging one to two mudbugs a trap.

Cut 3 (13) “…(x2) just not there.”

And he worries the freeze forecasted next week will only make things worse.

Shirley says Louisiana should have 361,000 acres of crawfish production, that’s what farmers probably would have flooded up back in the fall, but the drought hampered things severely.

Cut 4 (11) “…the farm.”

And the Super Bowl of Crawfish, Easter is March 31st.

The other unknown Shirley says is wild crawfish in the Atchafalaya Basin. Right now, he says the water levels are only two to three feet which is very low, and unless we get a lot of rain in the Mississippi watershed…

Cut 5 (09) “ …at all.” 

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Republican U-S Senator Bill Cassidy is not a fan of Governor Jeff Landry’s proposal to move Louisiana from an open primary election system to closed party primaries. A Louisiana pollster says such a dramatic change to how elections are held will cost the state an additional 90-million dollars a year. Cassidy says the state has bigger priorities to fund…

Cut 6 (11) “…coastal restoration.” 

In next week’s redistricting special session, legislators will have the opportunity to debate a move to closed party primaries. Louisiana Republican Party Chair Louis Gurvich told the Advocate newspaper the party has been arguing for it for decades.

Louisiana’s open primary system has been around since the 1970s. In 2008 and 2010 Louisiana party-run primaries for just federal races, but Cassidy says it caused confusion and independent voters were upset they could not vote in a closed primary…

Cut 7 (04) “…too expensive” 

Landry has yet to provide any additional comments on why supports closed party primaries. Supporters say it leads to better candidates in the general election and it would end the December run-off that occurs for  Congressional races. But Cassidy says how Louisiana elects its officials is not broken, so why fix it

Cut 8 (10) “…or police” 

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Amazon, the leading global online retailer, is opening a 56 thousand square foot distribution facility in Monroe. Mayor Friday Ellis says the facility will provide 200 jobs between 17 to 28 dollars per hour.

Cut 9 (09) “…people live.” 

Ellis says Amazon’s announcement will hopefully result in more economic development for the region.

Cut 10 (08) “…northeast Louisiana.” 

The distribution plant will be located at the intersection of Luffey Drive and I-20 North Frontage Road and construction is expected to begin in the coming weeks. Ellis says this will also be a win for local small businesses.

Cut 11 (11) “…as community.”

Career opportunities and job hiring will be offered closer to the facility’s launch date.

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A new poll finds the cost of insurance is the biggest issue facing Louisiana residents. There was talk of a special session on insurance reform before the regular session starts in March, but Senate President Cameron Henry says because of the complexity of insurance laws, it would be better to wait until the regular session..

Cut 12 (05)  “…bit more”  

The regular session begins March 11th and it will continue until June 3rd. Henry says new Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple has a lot of ideas on how to improve the insurance market in Louisiana and it would be better to discuss those ideas during a three month long session

Cut 13 (07) “..a difference” 

One of Jeff Landry’s first acts as governor is calling lawmakers to the state capitol for a redistricting session. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A statewide poll of 650 likely voters finds car and home insurance rates are the number one issue for Louisianans. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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Governor Jeff Landry has issued the call for a redistricting special session. It will begin Monday and legislators will have until January 23rd at 6 PM to finish their work. Senate President Cameron Henry says legislators will redraw the Congressional and Supreme Court map and debating a move to a closed primary elections…

Cut 3 (09) “…get done.”

Moving from open primary elections to closed primaries would be a major change in how we elect our officials. Henry says the special session is at least giving legislators the ability to debate this issue and can vote on it at a later time…

Cut 4 (08) “…cost of it.”

Currently all of the candidates are placed on a primary ballot, regardless of party and the top two vote getters head into a runoff, unless one of the candidates has a majority of the vote. A closed party primary system would have Republicans and Democrats holding their own primaries and the winners facing each other in a general election.

Henry says a closed party primary election would end the December run-off in Congressional elections, which  hurts newly elected U-S Representatives and Senators when it comes to seniority…

Cut 5 (10) “ …which is huge” 

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A JMC Analytics poll reveals 26 percent of Louisianans believe the cost of homeowner and car insurance is the biggest issue in the Bayou State. Legislation addressing the state’s high insurance premiums will be discussed in the regular session that begins in the spring and Pollster John Couvillon says residents will be paying attention to what lawmakers are going to do.

Cut 6 (07) “…insurance commissioner.” 

Homeowners in Louisiana pay on average about two thousand dollars every year for insurance. And Louisiana ranked second to Florida for the highest car insurance rates.

The poll of 650 likely voters indicates crime is the third top issue right behind education and healthcare. Couvillon says a new legislature will tackle crime in a special session next month. With Louisiana ranked one of the most dangerous state in the country in 2023, he says it’s not shocking that crime is an issue for Louisianans.

Cut 7 (06) “…couple years.” 

Taxes and spending ranked fourth, inflation ranked fifth, and social issues like abortion ranked sixth.

During the regular session, Couvillon says Governor Jeff Landry and the new legislature will have to solve issues that are important to residents across the state.

Cut 8 (13) “…right now.” 

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Among Governor Landry’s first actions in office was overturning the appeals process for high school seniors who fail the LEAP exam. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says Landry mentioned early on that he was against this particular proposal for waving those graduation requirements…

Cut 9 (08) “…in office.” 

Erwin says if the governor hadn’t issued the executive order, he believes incoming BESE members would have overturned the appeal process that was at the center of controversy…

Cut 10 (12) “…requirements.” 

Erwin also points out that the governor makes three appointments to BESE.

Louisiana is the only state in the country that does not have an appeals process. Erwin says the debate highlighted two issues… one that the process was for students who were not fluent in English, and two that this particular process was implemented at the end of Edward’s term.

Cut 11 (12) “…the future.”

The first BESE Board meeting for 2024 is scheduled for January 17^th.

The potential for tornadoes hail, and flash flooding is expected for south Louisiana thru early tomorrow morning. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Mudbug season is questionable this year, after the heat and drought of 2023. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Severe weather is expected to impact the southern half of Louisiana for the next several hours. National Weather Service Meteorologist Christopher Bannan says flash flooding is possible this afternoon thru early tomorrow morning for southeast Louisiana…

Cut 3 (12) “…eight inches.”

Bannan says a strong line of storms could be capable of producing some tornadoes, which is why a tornado watch has been issued for southwest Louisiana..

Cut 4 (11) “…strong tornadoes.”

Once the line starts to develop, it will move to the east quickly and out of the Bayou State by early morning.

Bannan says there’s a moderate risk for flash flooding for southeast Louisiana…

Cut 5 (13) “ …potential develops.” 

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This crawfish season is among the most questionable in the Bayou State after the oppressive heat and drought of 2023. LSU AgCenter Crawfish Specialist Todd Fontenot says conditions have made it extremely difficult for the state’s favorite crustacean crop to thrive.

Cut 6 (08) “…this time.” 

Crawfish normally lay eggs in August but the drought dried out those areas where they normally retreat to reproduce.

Fontenot says many crawfish farmers made adjustments, for example, those who rotate from rice to crawfish, he says they irrigated post-harvest.

Cut 7 (11) “…as big as an effect.” 

On the bright side, Fontenot says the mild winter we’ve had so far has improved conditions for crawfish. But he’s quick to point out that for some farmers salinity issues and lack of rice stubble have devastated their mudbug crop.

Cut 8 (08) “…producers.” 

Fontenot says if you’re already craving crawfish, prepare for sticker shock due to the initial lack of supply.

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Eunice Republican Phillip Devillier was elected today as Louisiana’s new Speaker of the House. Devillier was elected to the House in 2015 and his district includes parts of Acadia, Evangeline and St. Landry Parishes. Devillier’s acceptance speech hit on a theme Governor Jeff Landry touched on during his inauguration speech and that’s unity….

Cut 9 (09) “… are coming” 

Devillier says Louisiana faces a lot of challenges and its residents have waited long enough for real change…

Cut 10 (14) “…Louisiana succeeds” 

Senators elected Metairie Republican Cameron Henry as its President. Henry was elected to the state House of Representatives in 2008 and he’s beginning his second term as a state senator…

Cut 11 (05) “…great honor”

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The Saints missed the playoffs despite blowing out Atlanta out 48-17 yesterday to finish with a 9-8 record. There’s a lot of talk about what happened at the end of the game when Jamaal Williams scored a touchdown from one yard out with three seconds left. Coach Dennis Allen didn’t want his team to score again

Cut 12 (10)  “…should be”  

Atlanta Coach Arthur Smith was furious after the game and refused to shake Allen’s hand. Quarterback Jameis Winston says it was a team decision to give Williams the ball so he can finish the year with one touchdown…

Cut 13 (09) “..good about that” 

What can we expect from a Jeff Landry administration? Teiko Foxx reports Lapolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford believes Landry will not wait long to put his stamp on the governor’s office

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The 73rd Louisiana Legislature will be sworn in today. Jeanne Burns reports Republicans have a supermajority in both the House and Senate…

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Jeanne Burns”

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A new era of state government begins as Republican Jeff Landry officially takes over as governor at noon today. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (45) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana’s 57^th Governor Jeff Landry officially takes over at noon today. Lapolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says Landry has been preparing for this moment since his election in October and will look to get a lot accomplished over the next few months …

Cut 4 (12) “…regular session.”

Alford also expects Landry to have a lot of success with his agenda because of a Republican supermajority in the House and Senate.

Cut 5 (11) “…comfortable with.”

Metairie Republican Cameron Henry is expected to be elected as Senate President today. Eunice Republican Phillip DeVillier is expected to be elected as House Speaker.

A special session looking at how to reduce crime in Louisiana will be held in February and the regular legislative session starts in March. But Alford says Landry can begin signing executive orders this afternoon to put his stamp on the governor’s office…

Cut 6 (12) “…things with.”

The inauguration Ball is still set for tonight.

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A new Louisiana Legislature gets sworn in today. Republicans continue to have a supermajority in the House and Senate, so where does that leave Democrats with a Republican taking over the governor’s office? Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields believes Governor-elect Jeff Landry will listen to the concerns of Democrats…

Cut 7 (12) “…with both parties”

In 2024, state lawmakers will look to address multiple issues. A special session is expected in February to pass laws that attempt to reduce crime. In the three-month-long regular session that begins in March, legislators will address the state’s property insurance crisis and what could be done to lower premiums. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson expects a robust discussion on insurance issues…

Cut 8 (11) “…fix that problem.” 

After electing their legislative leaders this morning, the next order of business for lawmakers will be a special session to redraw the Congressional district map. The courts have ruled that the map should contain two majority-minority districts. Republicans were committed in 2022 to having a map with only one black voting district. Fields believes the GOP-led Legislature will do the right thing this time…

Cut 9 (07)  “…next time.”

Thanks to term limits, several new legislators will be sworn in today. Johnson is impressed with the new crop of state legislators…

Cut 10 (11) “…regular people.”

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Republican Jeff Landry expressed his pride for Louisiana and gave his vision for a better Louisiana during a 32-minute long speech after he was sworn in as the state’s 57th governor. Landry says Louisiana residents seek a government that reflects their values and the public believes the most important voice in a child’s education should be the parents…

Cut 11 (11) “…mothers back.” 

Making Louisiana a safer place to live was a major part of Landry’s campaign. He plans to address it with a special session in February. He says too many families are being ripped apart by outrageous violence…

Cut 12 (10) “…for good.” 

Louisiana’s new governor has a great opportunity to get most of his agenda approved with a Republican controlled legislature and every statewide office is occupied by a Republican. He believes now is the time to make a real difference

Cut 13 (11) “…anymore.”

Landry officially takes office at noon.

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The Saints dominated their biggest rival the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, but they didn’t get the help needed from other teams to make the playoffs. New Orleans defeated the Dirty Birds 48 to 17 to finish the season winning four of its last five. But the 9-and-8 overall record was not good enough. Head Coach Dennis Allen…

Cut 14 (18) “..finish the season.” 

Tampa Bay’s 9-0 win over Carolina prevented the Saints from winning the NFC South. But New Orleans could have still earned a wildcard berth if the Bears beat Packers and the Cardinals defeated the Seahawks. Chicago and Arizona both lost. Safety Tyrann Mathieu says at least they ended the season with a blow out victory…

Cut 15 (15) “…still playing.”

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LSU has a new defensive coordinator. The Tigers announced Blake Baker will take over defensive play-calling duties after two successful seasons as the defensive coordinator at Missouri. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says Baker quickly emerged as the top candidate after the firing of Matt House….

Cut 16 (15) “…and Louisiana” 

Baker was LSU’s linebackers coach in 2021. He was the defensive coordinator at Louisiana Tech from 2015 to 2018. The Houston native is also a former Tulane linebacker. This past season, Baker played a major role in Missouri’s 11-2 season. Mizzou was fourth in the SEC in scoring defense and fifth in total defense. Horne says Baker has a good resume and head coach Brian Kelly needs this hire to work out…

Cut 17 (10) “…banking on” 

Baker replaces House, who was LSU’s defensive coordinator for two seasons. The 2023 Tigers’ defense ranked among the worst in the country. Horne says Baker gets credit for turning around a bad Missouri defense and he’ll try to do the same at LSU…

Cut 18 (21)  “…banking on.” 

Word that mortgage interest rates are decreasing sparks hope the real estate market can rebound this year. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Get ready to consume your favorite carnival treat. King Cake season gets underway on Saturday. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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2023 was not the best year for real estate with rising interest rates after an unprecedented hot market during the height of the pandemic. But Louisiana Realtors CEO Norman Morris believes things will improve with mortgage rates expected to settle in between five and six percent.

Cut 3 (10) “…buyers and sellers.”

Morris says the average interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage right now is 6.75%.

In addition to interest rates, Morris says the cost of homeowners insurance in the state is also a major hurdle for potential buyers. He says they are working with the legislature and new insurance commissioner to make them more affordable.

Cut 4 (07) “…in 2024.”

Morris says economists predict as we get further into the year, first quarter and beyond, that mortgage rates will stabilize around five percent which will make homes more affordable.

Cut 5 (11) “ …in twenty-four.” 

And with the cost of building materials decreasing, Morris says new construction will only increase the inventory of homes and give consumers more options in the housing market.

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If you are a king cake connoisseur, get ready to find the baby. One of the tastiest seasons in the Bayou State – King cake season kicks off this Saturday. Co-Owner of New Orleans Haydel Bakery David Haydel says they have been quite busy between local sales and shipping out orders nationwide.

Cut 6 (13) “….on Friday.” 

With a shorter carnival season, sales are expected to be much lower compared to last year.

Third-generation baker Haydel says the sweet Mardi Gras tradition comes in many variations when it comes to fillings, but when it comes to the most popular…

Cut 7 (12) “…the tradition.” 

In 2010, Haydel’s Bakery broke two Guinness World Records by creating two giant king cakes that wrapped around the Superdome.

It’s not just folks in the Bayou State who order his tasty king cakes. Haydel says he’s shipped one of the hand braided sweet treat topped with purple, green, and gold sugar to Linda Boogs at the Vatican. And he expects a busy season through the end of Mardi Gras.

Cut 8 (09) “…as hell.” 

To place an order, visit haydelsbakery.com.

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A 15-year-old student from Neville High School in Monroe is dead and five of his classmates injured after their deer camp caught on fire early this morning. The incident happened in Jefferson County, Mississippi and Sheriff James Bailey says his deputies were among the first on scene…

Cut 9 (11) “… burning camp.” 

Bailey says the student who died was 15-years-old. He says the five other teenagers were sent to Mississippi hospitals with burns and cuts from trying to escape.

Cut 10 (11) “..five injuries.”

A cause of the fire has not been determined.

News of the fatal fire got back to Neville High School Friday morning and school was dismissed after the second period. Students were encouraged to gather at the Methodist Church in Monroe to pray for the individuals and families involved. Bailey says their hearts go out to those impacted…

Cut 11 (10) “…classmates”

Social media posts identify the deceased teenager as Tarver Braddock. He was a junior and a defensive back on the Neville football team and an outfielder on the baseball team.

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A new governor and Louisiana Legislature will be sworn in on Monday. Republicans will be in control of both the executive and legislative branches. Council for a Better Louisiana president Barry Erwin on what that means for the first regular session that begins in March…

Cut 12 (12)  “…vetoed.”  

Last year Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed a bill that would have prohibited public schools teachers from discussing gender identity and sexual orientation in front of the entire classroom. He also vetoed legislation that would have required transgender youth to have parental permission for school employees to call them by their preferred names and pronouns.

There was conflict between Governor Edwards and the Republican controlled Legislature. But Erwin expects a better working relationship with Republican Jeff Landry as governor, but it will not be smooth sailing…

Cut 13 (13) “..work together” 

Landry has said he wants to pass legislation to reduce crime, lower property insurance rates and improve public education. But he hasn’t provided a lot of specifics. Erwin says the new governor will back legislation that he knows can get the necessary votes in the Legislature…

Cut  14 (11) “..the Legislature.”