Big problems on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway as at least 40 vehicles are involved in six separate crashes this morning. Causeway General Manager Carlton Dufrechau says visibility dropped to nearly zero.

Cut 9 (07)  “…on both bridges,”

Dufrechou says no one went over the rail and into the water, and all stranded vehicles made it off the Causeway. 33 people are hospitalized, none of them with life-threatening injuries.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry has confirmed a case of bird flu in Bossier Parish. Commissioner Mike Strain says the long-term outbreak has been going on for almost three years.

Cut 7 (07) “…February of 2022.”

Strain says wild geese and ducks are bringing the virus into Louisiana. He says if you see a sick duck or goose, do not touch it and keep it out of contact with your domestic birds.

Chronic absenteeism in Louisiana schools continues to be on the rise. In the 2023-24 school year, chronic absenteeism grew three points to almost 25-percent. It’s the second year in a row that the rate increased. BESE President Ronnie Morris says that includes truancy, which is a huge problem across the state.

Cut 4 (06) “…a truancy problem.”

Morris says solutions include making school fun again, including opportunities for kids to do hands-on activities such as robotics and music.

As expected, at the meeting of the Louisiana Electoral College at the State Capitol, all eight electors cast their ballots for Donald Trump for President and J.D. Vance for Vice President. Voters overwhelmingly chose the electors during the election last month. It’s a scene that played out in all 50 states today, as electors formally elected Trump and Vance. Congress will certify the vote in a joint session on January 6th.