Five people are dead and two critically injured in St Landry Parish, after two related crashes on I-49 late Friday night. The story from Dave Brannen…:

CUT 2   (34)      “…Brannen.”

Actor Josh Duhamel will reign over New Orleans’ Carnival as Bacchus LIII (53). The Krewe made the official announcement Sunday. Duhamel is known for roles in the Transformers films, the series “Las Vegas” and being married to pop star Fergie. The Krewe of Bacchus parade will be Sunday night, February 27^th.

Louisiana motorists who are on the autism spectrum can now get a driver’s license that quickly and easily identifies them as such. Louisiana OMV’s Matt Boudreaux says all you need to get one is certain documents…:

CUT 05(09)      “…indicator added.”

The word “autistic” will appear in bold text under your driver’s license photo.

The Saints pulled a small miracle in their shut-out of the defending NFL champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday. The Black & Gold blanked the Bucs 9-0. Tom Brady was sacked 4 times, with Saints defensive end Cam Jordan making his 100^th career sack…:

CUT 12(11)      “…this game.”

Saints are now 7-7 on the Season.

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.”