We’re getting ready to kiss 2025 goodbye and welcome 2026. As such, the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone has been re-established. With the exception of emergency purposes, vehicles are prohibited from entering the zone – essentially Bourbon Street and one block in either direction. Glade Bilby, the president of The French Quarter Citizens, says he agrees with that move.

Cut 5 (08) “…are not driving.”

As the clock ticks towards midnight, some people will be ringing in the new year by popping fireworks. If you’re among them, there are things you need to know to stay safe. Ken Pastorick with the Office of the State Fire Marshal says when shooting fireworks, make sure you’re in an open area.

Cut 7 (05) “…these things off.”

Pastorick says never put dry fireworks debris in garbage cans – embers can ignite and start a fire.

If you make a fool of yourself ringing in the new year to the point that your significant other tells you to take a hike, do it! Louisiana State Parks Assistant Secretary Brandon Burris says there will be free admission to State Parks tomorrow and Friday, so you can begin the new year with a hike to connect with the outdoors.

Cut 10 (11) “…great hike” 

What were the most popular baby names throughout the state? According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the most popular girl’s name was Amelia, and the most popular boy’s name was Noah. Other top girls’ names include Charlotte, Olivia and Emma. Other names on the boys’ list include Liam, James and John. For some strange reason, the name Andrew did not crack the top 10.

Multiple media outlets are reporting that star freshman running back Harlem Berry is returning to LSU for his sophomore season. Berry is expected to re-sign an agreement with the Tigers on Wednesday. This season, Berry rushed for 491 yards on 104 carries for two touchdowns. Berry was a consensus five-star and was the No. 1 running back in the country in the Class of 2025.

Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. is following head coach Lane Kiffin to Baton Rouge. Weis and Kiffin’s relationship dates back to coaching together on the Alabama staff in 2015. Weis also followed Kiffin to Florida Atlantic and to Ole Miss. Weis says Kiffin has a special ability to develop quarterbacks.

Cut 15 (09) “…makes coach great.”

Weis will call plays for the Rebels tomorrow as Ole Miss takes on Georgia in the Sugar Bowl at 7 p.m.

Louisiana Tech are Independence Bowl Champs for the fourth time in school history. The Bulldogs overcame an 11-point halftime deficit to defeat Coastal Carolina 23-14. The Tech offense found its groove after a sluggish first-half performance. The Bulldogs had four turnovers of their own, but scored 17 points in the fourth quarter, including a 52-yard pass to wideout Marlion (Mar-lun) Jackson. Quarterback Trey Kukuk (Kew-kuk) totaled over 100 yards through the air and on the ground and says this LA Tech team is defined by resilience.

Cut 17 (17)  “…gave up.”

LSU football is expected to bring back offensive line assistant James Cregg following the end of the Ole Miss season. Cregg was the offensive line coach at LSU during the 2019 season when the Tigers won the Joe Moore Award.

UL-Lafayette men’s basketball fell to 3-and-11 on the year and 1-and-2 in Sun Belt play after losing 63-58 to South Alabama today. Sophomore guard Jaxon Olvera led the Cajuns in scoring with 18 points off the bench.

With the New Year’s holiday upon us, the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone is re-established, encompassing an area bound by Canal, Royal, St. Ann and Dauphine streets. State Police Trooper Danny Berrincha says visitors staying in hotels on Bourbon Street should use the entrances on Royal Street or Dauphine Street if possible.

Cut 4 (09) “…as your identification.”

If the Polar Bear Plunge doesn’t exactly appeal to you to ring in the new year, why not take a hike? Louisiana State Parks Assistant Secretary Brandon Burris says as part of the First Day Hikes program, admission to state parks tomorrow and Friday is free – all the better to enjoy the beautiful landscapes at the state parks.

Cut 12 (15) “…experience.”

For a fifth consecutive year, Louisiana will have a float in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (35) “…Jeff Palermo.”

After the parade tomorrow comes a full day of College Football Playoff action, culminating with the Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Ole Miss. The winner of that matchup will face the winner of tonight’s Cotton Bowl between Miami and Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl next week.

With the New Year’s holiday upon us, the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone has been re-established. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

According to the state department of Health, Noah was the most popular boy for babies born in Louisiana in 2025. Liam, James, John and Elijah round out of the top five. Amelia is the most popular girl’s name, followed by Charlotte, Olivia, Emma and Eleanor.

At midnight tonight, fireworks will be popping across Louisiana. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ken Pastorick says children should be not be involved in the lighting of fireworks and that includes sparklers too…

Cut 9 (04) “….to melt metal”

Pastorick says the best thing to give kids are glow sticks.

The Superdome will host Ole Miss and Georgia in the Sugar Bowl tomorrow night, and the Rebels’ offense will be led by LSU Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis. Weis followed Lane Kiffin to Baton Rouge but agreed to stay on as the offensive play caller for Ole Miss’s playoff run. He says he’s had to balance prepping for Georgia with establishing a new regime at LSU with the transfer window fast approaching.

Cut 30 (08) “…distraction at all.”

The Sugar Bowl is set to kick off tomorrow at 7:00 and Kiffin will reportedly in the Dome to watch.

If you’re planning on ringing in the new year in the French Quarter, there are things you need to know before you go, especially in light of what happened just after we rang in the start of this year. The French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone is re-established, encompassing an area bound by Canal, Royal, St. Ann and Dauphine streets. State Police Trooper Danny Berrincha says when entering that area, the best rule of thumb is to bring as few items with you as possible.

Cut 3 (09) “…to the entry.”

If you’re planning on popping off fireworks tonight, use some common sense to prevent the celebration from turning to disaster. Ken Pastorick with the Office of the State Fire Marshal says never put dry fireworks debris in garbage cans – embers can ignite and start a fire; and if that can is next to your house, you can burn your house down.

Cut 8 (06) “…the garbage can.”

If you make a fool of yourself ringing in the new year to the point that your significant other tells you to take a hike, do it! You can take a hike in a state park for free tomorrow or Friday, so you can begin the year by connecting with the outdoors. State Parks Assistant Secretary Brandon Burris says you can visit the Louisiana State Parks First Day Hikes webpage for a full listing of events and to plan your First Day Hike.

Cut 11 (07) “…more advanced hikes.”

Another thing you can do tomorrow to ring in the new year is to take in the Sugar Bowl. Georgia and Ole Miss kick things off in the Superdome at seven. If you want to go and still need a ticket, be prepared to fork over some serious coin – tickets on the secondary market start at around 175 dollars. The winner advances to the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona, against the winner of tonight’s Cotton Bowl between Miami and Ohio State.

If you’re planning on ringing in the new year in the French Quarter, you can expect beefed up security, bolstered by the National Guard. Glade Bilby, the president of The French Quarter Citizens, says in light of what happened at the outset of this year, New Orleans has no other option but to take extra precautions to give visitors peace of mind.

Cut 6 (10) “…with security measures.”

Some of you may stay home and pop off fireworks. If you do, there are things you need to know to stay safe, prevent your house from going up in flames and prevent you from losing a finger and becoming the next spokesman for Hamburger Helper. Ken Pastorick with the Office of the State Fire Marshal says make sure you’re in an open area when shooting fireworks.

Cut 7 (05) “…these things off.”

And never put dry fireworks debris in garbage cans – embers can ignite and start a fire.

For a fifth consecutive year, Louisiana will have a float in the Tournament of Roses New Year’s Day parade in Pasadena, California. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (35) “…Jeff Palermo.”

What were the most popular baby names throughout the state? According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the most popular boy’s name was Noah, and the most popular girl’s name was Amelia. Other names on the boys’ list include Liam, James and John; top girls’ names include Charlotte, Olivia and Emma.

Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of the deadly terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. State Police is working with the National Guard to enforce the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone, which means backpack coolers, ice chests and large bags will not be allowed in this zone.

Vehicles are also prohibited from entering the zone – essentially Bourbon Street and one block in either direction. Glade Bilby, the president of The French Quarter Citizens, says he agrees with that move.

Cut 5 (08) “…are not driving.”

Louisiana State Parks wants residents to take a hike!  Assistant Secretary for Louisiana State Parks, Brandon Burris, says there will be free admission to State Parks on New Year’s Day and January 2^nd so people can begin the new year with a hike to connect with the outdoors…

Cut 10 (11) “….great hike” 

New LSU offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. talked about  his relationship with LSU head coach Lane Kiffin ahead of Ole Miss’ Sugar Bowl matchup with Georgia. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 29 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

LSU running back Harlem Berry will return for his sophomore season. Several media outlets report Berry has agreed to an NIL deal that will keep him in Tiger Town. Berry rushed for 491 yards this season and he was ranked as the nation’s number one running back coming out of St. Martin’s High School in Metairie.

With the New Year’s holiday upon us, the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone is re-established, encompassing an area bound by Canal, Royal, St. Ann and Dauphine streets. State Police Trooper Danny Berrincha says visitors staying in hotels on Bourbon Street should use the entrances on Royal Street or Dauphine Street if possible.

Cut 4 (09) “…as your identification.”

Motor vehicles are prohibited from the zone – essentially Bourbon Street and one block in either direction. But injury attorney Morris Bart says Bourbon Street needs to be closed to vehicular traffic permanently. Bart is representing victims and families from the New Year’s Day terror attack and says it shouldn’t require a special occasion to block off Bourbon Street to motor vehicles.

Cut 8 (12) “…a good time.” 

The biggest sports story of the year was the firing of LSU football coach Brian Kelly and Athletic Director Scott Woodward after a blowout loss to Texas A&M on October 25th. Governor Landry made it known he was not a fan of Kelly’s contract and said Woodward would not hire the next head football coach at LSU.

Cut 12 (10) “…us a coach.”

LSU announced Lane Kiffin as its new football coach on November 30th, and Kiffin recently announced that Charlie Weis Jr., who was his offensive coordinator at Ole Miss, will serve in that same role at LSU. Weis says Kiffin has a special ability to develop quarterbacks.

Cut 15 (09) “…makes coach great.”

Weis and Kiffin’s relationship dates back to coaching together on the Alabama staff in 2015.

If you’re planning on ringing in the new year in the French Quarter, there are things you need to know before you go, especially in light of what happened just after we rang in the start of this year. The French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone is re-established, encompassing an area bound by Canal, Royal, St. Ann and Dauphine streets. State Police Trooper Danny Berrincha says when entering that area, the best rule of thumb is to bring as few items with you as possible.

Cut 3 (09) “…to the entry.”

Personal injury attorney Morris Bart represents dozens of victims in last year’s terrorist attack and he says it’s time to get rid of the decorative bollards and install permanent barriers on Bourbon Street….

Cut 9 (07) “….heavy duty bollars”

Bart is calling on the incoming mayor, Helena Moreno, to close Bourbon Street down to vehicular traffic, especially on Frida and Saturday nights.

The 2025 Christmas holiday was a deadly one on Louisiana roadways. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Lafayette Consolidated Government has received an eight-million dollar grant to implement safety improvements along Johnston Street. From 2018 to 2022, eight people were seriously injured or killed between Bertrand Drive and Churchill drive on Johnston Street. Most of the victims were walking or biking.

New LSU offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. talked to the press ahead of Ole Miss’ Sugar Bowl matchup with Georgia. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Law enforcement agencies across the state will be enforcing Louisiana’s new, hands-free driving law beginning tomorrow.  Under the new law, drivers will face fines for using handheld devices while operating a vehicle. A first offense is $100, but officials say the goal of the law is not to issue citations, but to prevent crashes caused by distracted driving.

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It was a deadly Christmas holiday on Louisiana roadways, as 13 people were killed in crashes from Christmas Day through Monday morning. State Police Trooper Shelby Mayfield says all 13 deaths were preventable.

Cut 4 (09) “…was a factor.”

Mayfield says when you make your way around the state for your New Year’s celebrations, you can expect a beefed-up State Police presence.

Cut 6 (09) “…around certain areas.”

Officials remind us all to buckle up, avoid impaired driving, eliminate distractions behind the wheel, and be sure to obey the speed limit.