Reaction to this weekend’s military action in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro is predictably split down party lines. Here’s Andrew Greenstein.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Today’s the Christian Feast of Epiphany, which means it’s the kick off of Mardi Gras Season.  Arthur Hardy, founder of the Mardi Gras  Guide, says that means lots of great things, including…

Cut 15 (06) “…they’re shipped nationally.”

Fat Tuesday is February 17th.

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A package of auto insurance reform bills went into effect on January 1st. And some say they could help reduce insurance costs, especially the one that prevents drivers responsible for at least 51-percent of an accident from receiving a damage award to cover their injuries.  As for this year, Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Louisiana CEO Ben Albright say he expects more insurance reform legislation to be filed, but…

Cut 6 (07) “…of those bills.”

The Saints may not have made the playoffs this season, but the team left its fan base with plenty of optimism and hope for next year after finishing 4-and-1 in its last five games. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough ended his first season in the NFL with a 5-and-4 record as a starter. Shough believes the best is yet to come from him.

Cut 18 (14)  “…and my focus.”

A package of auto insurance reform bills went into effect on January 1st. Many are wondering if they’ll reduce auto insurance premiums. Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Louisiana CEO Ben Albright says the law that prevents drivers responsible for at least 51-percent of an accident from receiving a damage award to cover their injuries should help.

Cut 4 (08) “…before this law.”

It’s no surprise that reaction to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. troops is split down party lines. Republicans like Senator Bill Cassidy…

Cut 7 (10) “…States for justice.”

But Democrats, like Congressman Troy Carter, say the action was unconstitutional and will ultimately put Americans at risk.

Cut 8 (06) “…it’s the process.”

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The Saints head into the 2026 offseason with lots of optimism. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Today is January 6th; and that means today is Epiphany – the holiday that officially kicks off Mardi Gras season.  Arthur Hardy, the founder of the Mardi Gras Guide, says despite this year’s Carnival season being shorter than last year’s, he’s looking forward to a good one.

Cut 14 (08) “…a good year.”

Several bills aimed at lowering auto insurance rates went into effect with the new year. Will they help? Jeff Palermo spoke with an industry expert.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

For the second year in a row, a major economic development project in Louisiana has been recognized by Business Facilities as the Platinum Deal of the Year. This time Hyndai Steel mill in Ascension Parish is recognized at the most significant development announcement of last year. Governor Jeff Landry.

Cut 11 (07) “…the ground up.”

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Reaction to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. troops is, predictably, split down party lines. Republicans like Senator Bill Cassidy are hailing the operation, saying Maduo needed to be brought to the U.S. to face justice for his crimes.

Cut 9 (12)  “…around the world.”

Congressman Troy Carter says there is no question that Maduro is a bad man and that the people of Venezuela have suffered under his regime. But says the action was not only unconstitutional, but…

Cut 10 (10) “…the relationships internationally.”

Several bills aimed at lowering auto insurance rates went into effect on January 1st. Jeff Palermo spoke with an expert in the industry on whether they will help.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Reaction to this weekend’s military action in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro is predictably split down party lines. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Saints head into the 2026 offseason with lots of optimism. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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A package of auto insurance reform bills went into effect on January 1st. Can they reduce auto insurance premiums? Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Louisiana CEO Ben Albright says the modified comparative fault law should help to reduce excessive claims cost. Albright says the law prevents drivers responsible for at least 51-percent of an accident from receiving a damage award to cover their injuries.

Cut 4 (08) “…before this law.”

Albright says the other new laws that went into effect on New Year’s Day are nice to have, but they’re not significant. He says Louisiana still needs to reform how damages are awarded in car crashes with significant medical costs.

Cut 5 (07) “…in the system.”

Lawmakers will have the opportunity to pass more tort reform legislation when it comes to insurance cases. Albright expects insurance reform legislation will be filed, but whether they pass is another story.

Cut 6 (07) “…of those bills.”

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Reaction to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. troops is, predictably, split down party lines. Republicans like Senator Bill Cassidy are hailing the operation.

Cut 7 (10) “…States for justice.”

But Democrats, like Congressman Troy Carter, say the action was unconstitutional and will ultimately put Americans at risk.

Cut 8 (06) “…it’s the process.”

Cassidy said President Trump decided that enough is enough, and that Maduro needed to be brought to the U.S. to face justice for his crimes.

Cut 9 (12)  “…around the world.”

Carter says there is no question that Maduro is a bad man and that the people of Venezuela have suffered under his regime. However, that does not change the fact that the U.S. had no right to act unilaterally.

Cut 10 (10) “…the relationships internationally.”

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For the second year in a row, a major economic development project in Louisiana has been recognized by Business Facilities as the Platinum Deal of the Year. Governor Jeff Landry says Business Facilities has recognized the Hyundai Steel mill in Ascension Parish as the nation’s most significant development announcement of 2025.

Cut 11 (07) “…the ground up.”

Hyundai Steel will build its steel mill on a 17-hundred-acre site in Donaldsonville. The project was announced last March at the White House, and it’s expected to generate more than 54-hundred jobs. Landry says the honor follows Louisiana’s 2024 Platinum Award for the Meta AI data center in Richland Parish.

Cut 12 (04) “…open for business.”

Landry says Louisiana is the first state to earn back-to-back top honors.

Cut 13 (06)  “…a national level.”

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Today is January 6th; and especially in Louisiana, that means today is Epiphany – the holiday that officially kicks off Mardi Gras season. Arthur Hardy, the founder of the Mardi Gras Guide, says despite this year’s Carnival season being shorter than last year’s, he’s looking forward to a good one.

Cut 14 (08) “…a good year.”

Even though many grocery stores have started selling them when they really should have waited until today to do so, Hardy says today is the day when King Cakes are available in earnest.

Cut 15 (06) “…they’re shipped nationally.”

And, of course, you cannot have Mardi Gras without all the parades; and Hardy says in Orleans Parish alone, there are 35 of them between now and February 17th.

Cut 16 (11) “…to each other.”

Enjoy Carnival while you can – Fat Tuesday is only 42 days away.

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The Saints may not have made the playoffs this season, but the team left its fan base with plenty of optimism and hope for next year after finishing 4-and-1 in its last five games. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough ended his first season in the NFL with a 5-and-4 record as a starter. Shough believes the team is headed in the right direction.

Cut 17 (19)  “…to get better.”

In 11 games, Shough completed 221 of 327 passes for 2,384 yards and 10 touchdowns. The rookie QB also rushed for 186 yards with three touchdowns. Shough believes the best is yet to come from him.

Cut 18 (14)  “…and my focus.”

Receiver Chris Olave had to miss the final game of the season against the Falcons after doctors found a blood clot in his lung. Olave says he thought he had a bruised rib after feeling pain near his lung following the game against the Titans.

Cut 19 (16) “…a blood clot.”

Olave says he is expected to make a full recovery and he should be able to participate in offseason training beginning in April.

Kellen Moore finished his first season as an NFL head coach with a 6-and-11 record. Although the Saints didn’t have the most successful season, Olave says the Saints are in good hands with Moore.

Cut 20 (12) “…back to winning.”

From now on, only contractors with a residential construction or roofing license can legally perform roofing work in the State of Louisiana. Brad Hassert, the executive director of the State Licensing Board for Contractors, says the change in the law will ensure that the work is done by qualified professionals.

Cut 9 (08)  “…install a roof.”

The Old Governor’s Mansion in Baton Rouge has a new exhibit. It’s called “Three Decades of Change” and it examines the tenures of nine governors who lived there from 1929 to 1962. Executive Director Sinella Aghasi (AH-guh-see) says these men guided Louisiana through some of the most challenging days in the state’s and nation’s history.

Cut 6 (13) “…Civil Rights Movement.”

Saints Owner Gayle Benson and Governor Landry are in New York meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to try to re-enter the competition for the 2031 Super Bowl. While hosting last year’s Super Bowl was a huge success for the city, the NFL did say there’s room for improvement, such as the availability of high-end hotel rooms. NOLA-dot-com columnist Jeff Duncan says the issue is not unique to New Orleans.

Cut 4 (07) “…and Las Vegas.” 

As for Benson’s team, the Saints cleaned out their lockers today. That includes defensive tackle Cam Jordan, who just wrapped up his 15th season with the Saints. Jordan says he knows he has the physical ability to continue playing if he chooses to do so.

Cut 13 (13)  “…longer career.”

The Saints’ season ended with a hard-fought19-17 loss to Atlanta. New Orleans finishes with 6-11, but there’s a lot of optimism about what next year will bring. Linebacker Demario Davis says he plans to return for year 15 in the NFL. He believes the Black and Gold have a good nucleus of players on defense.

Cut 18 (20)  “…Chase Young.”

The Saints finished the season 9^th in the league in total defense, allowing only 300 yards a game.

It was a quiet start to the college football transfer portal for LSU, but Lane Kiffin and company are heating up. On Monday, The Tigers received commitments from Utah freshman running back Raycine Guillory, who was rated as the No. 60 running back in the Class of 2025. LSU also received a commitment from Pittsburgh sophomore tight end Malachi Thomas. Thomas caught 13 passes for 192 yards with two touchdowns for the Panthers this season.

LSU is reportedly hosting Arizona State sophomore transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt for a visit over the next two days. Leavitt is ranked as the No. 1 quarterback in the transfer portal.

The LSU women’s basketball team is off to an 0-2 start in SEC play for the first time under head coach Kim Mulkey. The Lady Tigers followed up a two-point loss to 11th-ranked Kentucky with a 65-61 loss to 12th-ranked Vanderbilt. LSU’s next game is Thursday against 15-1 Georgia. Following the trip to Athens, the Lady Tigers face two teams ranked in the Top 10, Texas and Oklahoma. Mulkey says the stretch may be one of the most difficult in her career.

Cut 20 (12) “…get better.”

The Tigers dropped to No. 12 in the new AP Poll this week.

LSU fifth-year senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has accepted an invitation to play in the Panini Senior Bowl on January 31st in Mobile, Alabama. Nussmeier played in nine games this season while battling through injuries.

Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson and Governor Landry are in New York, trying to lure two major sporting events to New Orleans.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating a house fire over the weekend that killed a 75-year-old Coushatta woman. Her 43-year-old son was treated for smoke inhalation and survived. Investigators say the home did not have a working smoke alarm at the time. A cause for the fire is not known.

One of the new laws that went into effect as of January 1^st requires contractors with a residential construction or roofing license as the only ones that can legally perform roofing work. Prior to January 1^st, state law allowed for home improvement contractors to install roofs, but Executive Director of the State Licensing Board for Contractors, Brad Hassert says they do not have the necessary qualifications…

Cut 10 (11) “…control that.” 

Hassert says it’s also now a criminal offense to do contracting without the proper license.

Saints defensive end Cam Jordan just finished his 15^th season and it was a good year for the future hall of famer as he racked up another 10.5 sacks. Jordan says if his wife gives him the blessing to keep playing, he plans to suit up for a 16^th season…

Cut 12 (12) “…always been”

Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson and Governor Landry are in New York to try to lure two major events to New Orleans – the 2031 Super Bowl and a future NBA All-Star Game. NOLA-dot-com columnist Jeff Duncan says if New Orleans fails to land the 2031 Super Bowl, the city’s next opportunity would not come until 2038. 

Cut 3 (07) “…chance we have.”

Benson’s NFL team will not be going to the Super Bowl this season; the players spent the day in the Superdome cleaning out their lockers. That includes veteran defensive tackle Cam Jordan, who just wrapped up his 15 NFL season. Jordan says whether he plays a 16th season will come down to whether he can get approval from his boss – his wife.

Cut 11 (11) “…where it takes us.”

A law that went into effect with the new year requires contractors to have a residential construction or roofing license to legally perform roofing work. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A Sulphur woman is behind bars for allegedly killing her one-year-old daughter. Police say Kristin Bass shot her daughter Acelynn to death New Year’s Day. Kristin allegedly told the girl’s father that she had just sent their baby to God and was looking for her two-year-old sister to do the same to her.