State police are investigating an in-custody death that occurred Sunday in Bogalusa. The deceased is identified as 28-year-old Eric Nelson, a resident of the city, who had been involved in a single-vehicle crash. The Washington Parish Sheriff’s office that Nelson had several felony outstanding felony warrants and was tasered as he attempted to flee the scene.  Nelson complained of respiratory problems later and died while receiving treatment at the hospital.

Five people are dead as the result of two-related accidents Friday night on I-49 in St. Landry Parish. Trooper Thomas Gossen says the first wreck was caused by a wrong-way driver from Dallas, Georgia. 54-year-old John Lundy was killed as was the driver of the other vehicle and two other passengers. Trooper Gossen explains how 86-year-old Billy Lee of Texas became a victim that night as the other accident scene was being investigated on I-49 South.

Cut 10 (10)  “…was diverting traffic.”

The trooper sustained minor injuries.

If you have autism, you can now have a driver’s license that indicates you have the medical diasgnosis. Matthew Boudreaux, with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, says the designation was approved by the legislature. The autism indicator will appear below the driver’s picture.  Boudreaux on why the autism indicator can prove both helpful to the holder of the license and a law enforcement officer, given that the person with autism may express themselves differently.

Cut 4 (10) “…potentially dealing with.”

Who doesn’t love a Christmas photo of a puppy or kitten under the tree but in reality the gift of a pet for is not always ideal. Lafayette Animal Shelter and Care Center Supervisor Shelly Delahoussaye (Dela-who-see) says another option you might want to see if your local shelter offers a fostering program where they can come home with you on a temporary basis.

Cut 8 (09) “…home environment.”

Five people are dead as the result of two-related accidents Friday night on I-49 in St. Landry Parish. Trooper Thomas Gossen says the first wreck was caused by a wrong-way driver from Georgia.
Cut 9 (11) “…the left lane.”
The 54-year-old Lundy was killed as was the driver of the other vehicle, and two other passengers, ages between 14 and 20. Subsequently, an 86-year-old man was killed when his Silverado slammed head-on into an LSP unit diverting traffic off the interstate.

Louisiana residents can now indicate on their driver’s license whether they’ve been diagnosed as autistic. Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says the autism indicator can be helpful to the holder of the license.
Cut 4 (10) “…potentially dealing with.”
The autism indicator will appear below the driver’s picture.

It’s been over two weeks since the first Omicron case of COVID-19 was detected in Louisiana and since then the state health department has identified over 100 cases in the Bayou State. Ochsner Health Infectious disease specialist Dr. Katherine Baumgarten says the seriousness of the variant remains in question
Cut 13 (09) “…throughout our communities.”
COVID hospitalizations are up 34 over the weekend to 241 statewide.

If you are thinking of giving a pet this holiday season, Lafayette Animal Shelter and Care Center Supervisor Shelly Delahoussay says while a child can go through a phase of wanting a pet they don’t understand the responsibility of pet ownership…
cut 7 (12) “…..responsbility”
Delahoussaye says instead of a surprise gift of a pet for Christmas some shelters offer gift certificates where you pay the adoption fee and then the recipient can later choose their pet at the shelter.

If you have autism, you can now have a driver’s license that indicates you have the medical diagnosis. Matthew Boudreaux, Public Information Director for the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, says the designation was approved by the legislature.

Cut 3 (10) “…on their license.”

The autism indicator will appear below the driver’s picture.

It’s been a difficult year for State Police as the state agency is under scrutiny for several use of force incidents over the last few years, one of which led to a death in Union Parish in 2019. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s confident that Superintendent Colonel Lamar Davis, who was appointed in October 2020, is leading the agency in the right direction.

Cut 7 (11) “…of changes.”

The state health department says the number of Omicron cases in Louisiana has surpassed 100 as health officials express concern of another COVID surge. Ochsner Health Infectious disease specialist Doctor Katherine Baumgarten says Omicron symptoms have mirrored those of previous variants…

cut 15 (12) “…..or runny nose”

Christmas is Saturday and who doesn’t love a Christmas photo of a puppy or kitten under the tree but in reality the gift of a pet is not always ideal. Puppies and kittens grow up and they require care for several years. Lafayette Animal Shelter and Care Center Supervisor Shelly Delahoussaye (Dela-who-see) says the recipient might not have the ability to support them.

 Cut 6 (10) “…back here” 

She says it’s best to bring the intended recipient into the shelter and let them choose their pet.

The state health department says the number of Omicron cases in Louisiana has surpassed 100 as health officials express concern of another COVID surge. Ochsner Health Infectious disease specialist Doctor Katherine Baumgarten says Omicron symptoms mirror those of previous variants…

Cut 15 (12)  “…or runny nose.”
Louisiana is increasing benefits through their through the TANF (Tan-if) program. The increase will effectively double the cash assistance with hopes the money goes towards promoting career development and financial independence. Lorrie Briggs with the state department of children and family services says grandparents who are raising their children’s children are also eligible.

Cut 5 (10) “…of their grandchildren.”
Drugmaker Moderna, says their booster dose of the COVID-vaccine should offer adequate protection against the Omicron variant. Lab test show the half-dose booster shot increased by 27 times the level of neutralizing antibodies able to fight off the Omicron variant and a full-dose triggered an 83-fold jump in antibody levels.

For the first time ever, Louisiana will have a float in this year’s Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

It’s been over two weeks since the first Omicron case of COVID was detected in Louisiana and since then the state health department has identified over 100 cases. Ochsner Health Infectious disease specialist Dr. Katherine Baumgarten says if you’ve previously tested positive for COVID, but still not vaccinated, you are at risk for re-infection with the Omicron variant…

Cut 14 (10)  “…of COVID.”

A special Senate committee held hearings this month on State Police policies regarding use of force. Governor Edwards says he’s confident the panel will handle issues accordingly and that while most officers are a credit to their profession there are some that should not wear the badge.

Cut 8 (13) “…in that process.”

Inflation and unprecedented need caused by the pandemic has resulted in Louisiana increasing the cash benefit amounts available through the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program; also known as TANF (TAN-if). Lorrie Briggs is with the state Department of Children & Family Services, who administers the program.

Cut 4 (08) “….beginning in January.”

Briggs says the additional funding is long overdue.

The Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day will for the first time in its 133-year history feature a Louisiana float in fact Louisiana is the only state to have a float. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the float will be decorated in true Louisiana style.

Cut 12 (12) “…on the trees.”

The 350-thousand-dollar float will be decorated with 34-thousand roses and handmade magnolias.

It’s been over two weeks since the first Omicron case of COVID-19 was detected in Louisiana and since then the state health department has identified over 100 cases in the Bayou State. Ochsner Health Infectious disease specialist Dr. Katherine Baumgarten says the seriousness of the variant remains in question
Cut 13 (09) “…throughout our communities.”
The state health department reported 31 additional Omicron variant cases Friday and none of the new cases required hospitalization.

Louisiana is increasing the amount of benefits a recipient receives that’s getting cash assistance through the TANF program. The increase will effectively double the cash assistance with the hope the money goes towards promoting career development and financial independence. Lorrie Briggs with the state department of children and family services says grandparents who are raising their children’s children are also eligible..
cut 5 (10) “,….of their grandchildren’

Governor Edwards says he’s confident the Senate Select Committee on State Police Oversight and current leadership at LSP will resolve excessive force issues going forward.
cut 3 (29) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day will for the first time in its 133-year history feature a Louisiana float. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says Louisiana will be the only state to have a float in the iconic parade and it will feature a music ambassador from the Bayou State :
Cut 10 (08) “…Hot 8 Brass Band.”

Louisiana is increasing the benefits amounts available through the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program; also known as TANF. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Inflation is making it more difficult to get highway construction projects started. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says two projects recently had to be rejected because the bids to perform the construction work were nearly 50-percent above the estimate. The primary factors are the cost of labor and raw materials.

2021 was a difficult year for State Police as more details came out about the 2019 death of Ronald Greene, a black man who died after he was tased and beaten by several white state troopers. The incident is under federal investigation. Governor John Bel Edwards understands the family is seeking justice and State Police has made policy changes to prevent another tragic incident like this…
cut 9 (09) “….been taken”

For the first time ever, Louisiana will have a float in the 133rd Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the 350-thousand float will depict the spirit of the Bayou State. And Nungesser says riders of the float will include teachers, first responders, utility workers, healthcare professionals and volunteers…
cut 11 (08) “…to help Louisaina”

It’s been a difficult year for State Police as the state agency is under scrutiny for several use of force incidents over the last few years, one of which led to a death in Union Parish in 2019. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s confident that Superintendent Colonel Lamar Davis, who was appointed in October 2020, is leading the agency in the right direction.
Cut 7 (11) “…of changes.”
One of the changes is the intervene policy, which allows officers to step in the moment they see another trooper taking excessive force too far.

The state health department says the number of Omicron cases in Louisiana has surpassed 100 as health officials express concern of another COVID surge. Ochsner Health Infectious disease specialist Doctor Katherine Baumgarten says Omicron symptoms have mirrored those of previous variants…
cut 15 (12) “…..or runny nose”

For the first time ever, Louisiana will have a float in this year’s Rose Bowl Parade on New Year’s Day. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

Big win for the Saints last night as they blanked the Super Bowl champion Buccaneers nine to nothing. That’s seven straight regular-season win over Tampa Bay and New Orleans is now seven and seven.

Governor Edwards says he’s confident the Senate Select Committee on State Police Oversight and current leadership at Louisiana State Police will resolve excessive force issues going forward. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 3 (29) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The I-10 Bonnet Carre Spillway in St. Charles Parish will be closed from noon to 5 PM tomorrow as Entergy needs to reinstall overhead transmission lines following Tuesday’s fatal helicopter crash.

The body of Ouachita Parish coach and educator Scott Stone was recovered Friday morning in Union Parish after a boating accident.

It’s been over two weeks since the first Omicron case of COVID-19 was detected in Louisiana and since then the state health department has identified over 100 cases in the Bayou State. Ochsner Health Infectious disease specialist Dr. Katherine Baumgarten says the seriousness of the variant remains in question at this point.
Cut 13 (09) “…throughout our communities.”
The state health department reported 31 additional Omicron variant cases yesterday and none of the new cases required hospitalization.

After only having three-thousand fans at the New Orleans Bowl last year, bowl officials are hoping for over 30-thousand fans to attend tonight’s game between U-L Lafayette and Marshall. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President Jay Cicero says there are a lot of Ragin Cajun fans in the Big Easy this weekend…
Cut 30 (05) “…holiday time period”
Tonight’s game kicks off at 8:15.

The Louisiana Supreme Court has ordered Lafayette City Court Judge Michelle Odinet off the bench without pay as a result of video taken inside of her home where multiple racials slurs are heard on the recording. Legal Analyst Franz Borghardt says such a suspension by the Supreme Court is rare.
Cut 3 (07) “…be sure.”
Retired Opelousas City court judge Vanessa Harris has been appointed to take Odine’s place through February 28th.

For the first time in a very long time, Louisiana is increasing the benefits amounts available through the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program; also known as TANF (TAN-if). Lorrie Briggs is with the state Department of Children & Family Services, who administers the program…:
Cut 4 (08) “….beginning in January.”
Briggs says the additional funding is long overdue.

Today is the last day to mail a package via Priority Mail if you want it to arrive by Christmas. USPS spokesman David Walton offers tips to get it there on time…like making sure you get the right zip code…:
CUT 11(10) “…shipped off to.”
You can look up the correct zip, by address, at USPS.com.

If you’re a fan of the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day, the 133rd edition will for the first time feature a Louisiana float. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser:
Cut 10 (12) “…Hot 8 Brass Band.”
The float will include representatives who have assisted during the COVID and hurricane crises and will be decorated to depict the spirit of the Bayou State, including moss-covered trees, powdered covered beignets and crawfish.