Cut 17 (07) “…still under investigation.”
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell at a news conference this morning talking about the tragedy on Bourbon Street. Ten people were killed and almost three dozen others were injured when a vehicle plowed into a crowd. Police Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick says the driver turned onto Bourbon Street from Canal Street, which is always bustling with people, especially during this past overnight with revelers ringing in the new year.
Cut 25 (16) “…he possibly could.”
The driver exchanged gunfire with police and was shot dead by an officer. Two officers were injured in the gunfire exchange; no word on their conditions. The FBI says an improvised explosive device was found at the scene.
State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Lafayette overnight. Police were called to a scene in which two groups of people exchanged gunfire. An officer discharged a firearm in response to the threat. Several people are hospitalized; no officers were hurt.
In other news, a new report from the Committee of 100 shows both signs of economic growth and challenges ahead. CEO Adam Knapp says on the one hand, Louisiana gained thousands of jobs over the course of 2024. But on the other hand, the state still needs to address things like the high poverty rate.
Starting today, the FCC implements nationwide regulations establishing just and reasonable charges for calls to and from incarcerated individuals. In Louisiana, call rates will drop from 25 cents per minute to as low as 6 cents.