New statistics show that New Orleans is on track for having the highest homicide rate in the U.S. this year; over 70 homicides per 100-thousand residents, which tops any other city. Rafael Goyeneche with the Metropolitan Crime Commission says a lack of cops is the reason. Because so many cops have left the force, the homicide rate is up 132-percent since 2019…:
cut 28 (09) “…are up 21-percent.”

A 98-year-old mother and her 69-year-old daughter from Alexandria were killed in a two-vehicle wreck on U-S 190 in Pointe Coupee Parish on Thursday. State Police Trooper Christian Reed says their S-U-V slammed into a parked 18-wheeler on the side of the road. He calls it a tragic incident…
cut 14 (10) “…fatal crash”
The victims have been identified as 69-year-old Barbara Dobard Rigby and 98-year-old Maynette Dobard of Alexandria

For some finding a new job in 2023 is a personal goal. UNO professor of Economics and Finance Mark Rosa advises you not to leave a job, just to have a different job. He says to choose your job move wisely because your current employer will get along without you…
cut 12 (06) “…everybody loses”
Rosa says look at the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired as an investment in your career and livelihood; not just a way to pay the bills.

If you are going to celebrate the New Year with fireworks, the state Fire Marshal’s office says keep them at least 200 feet away from houses or anything else that can catch fire. Spokeswoman Ashley Rodrigue says the embers can start fires.
Cut 6 (10) “…of wind.”
She says don’t handle fireworks if you are impaired, and keep a close eye on young children.