Information continues pouring in about this morning’s terror attack on Bourbon Street. A man plowed into a crowd of people, killing at least ten and injuring 35 others. The FBI has identified the man as 42-year-old Samshud-Din Jabbar, and they say he’s a U.S. citizen from Texas. They say the Ford pickup truck he was driving had been rented. Jabbar reportedly had an ISIS flag inside the truck. The FBI did not make any mention of that in its release, but it did say weapons and a potential improvised explosive device were found in the truck. Other potential IEDs were also found in the French Quarter. Police Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick says Jabbar was intent on killing as many people as possible.

Cut 2 (11) “…that he did.”

Jabbar exchanged gunfire with officers, who shot him dead.

For years, businesses along Bourbon Street have pushed back on the notion of turning it into a permanent pedestrian mall. New Orleans City Councilman J.P. Morrell says this incident will reignite those talks. Morrell says whatever security measures had been in place to protect the people visiting the French Quarter have been proven to be ineffective.

Cut 8 (16) “…accessible to vehicles (2x).”

Governor Landry has issued an emergency declaration in light of the tragedy ahead of the Super Bowl. He had planned on issuing it closer to the game, but he has issued it effective immediately. The declaration will mobilize state and federal resources to keep the city safe from future terrorist attacks.

The Sugar Bowl was scheduled to take place tonight at the Superdome. That game has now been pushed back to tomorrow night.

Tragedy in New Orleans.

Cut 17 (07) “…still under investigation.”

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell in the hours after a man drove his pickup truck onto Bourbon Street and plowed into a crowd of people, killing ten and injuring 35, many of which are hospitalized. Of course, Bourbon Street attracts tourists all 365 days a year; even more so right now, with Georgia and Notre Dame getting set to play in the Sugar Bowl tonight. Police Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick says given the fact that this happened after three o’clock this morning, many tourists had likely left the area.

Cut 30 (14) “…locals versus tourists.”

We’re learning information about the man responsible. He’s identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, and sources say he was carrying an ISIS flag inside his truck. He was shot dead by police.

The tragedy on Bourbon Street is going to reignite talk about turning that street into a permanent pedestrian mall. New Orleans Councilman J.P. Morrell says that conversation will now be taking place very soon.

Cut 23 (12) “…the French Quarter.”

In a little more than a month from now, New Orleans will be hosting Super Bowl 59. The event was already designated a Homeland Security event, with law enforcement already being beefed up. Councilman Morrell says that’s the way it’s going to be for other major events, like Mardi Gras, moving forward.

Cut 24 (12) “…people are present.”

The Superdome is hosting the Sugar Bowl tonight, and it was evacuated in the aftermath of the incident on Bourbon Street for a security sweep. There’s no word on whether the game will be delayed.

LSU football ends its season on a high note, beating Baylor in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl, 44-31. Garrett Nussmeier had a big day, completing 24 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns. Two of those touchdowns were caught by Trey’Dez Green, who caught six passes for 53 yards. Coach Brian Kelly said the freshman Green’s preparation paid off.

Cut 13 (12)  “…attached tight end.”

The win was tempered a bit by a gruesome ankle injury suffered by linebacker Whit Weeks. He was carted off the field late in the first half. Kelly addressed Weeks’ prognosis after the game.

Cut 15 (13) “…around spring ball.”

With the win, LSU ends its season with a record of 9-and-4.

The Sugar Bowl is tonight at the Superdome; and from this point forward, the game will have championship implications every year. This year, it’s a College Football Playoff quarterfinal between Georgia and Notre Dame. Georgia got the automatic bid as the number-two team in the nation, and Notre Dame won their way into the game by beating Indiana in the first round. The Bulldogs will be without quarterback Carson Beck, who injured his elbow at the end of their SEC Championship Game win over Texas. Gunner Stockton will start in Beck’s place, and Georgia head coach Kirby Smart is confident that Stockton will get the job done.

Cut 16 (16) “…those traits”

The Sugar Bowl, meanwhile, issued a statement on this morning’s tragedy on Bourbon Street. CEO Jeff Hundley says the Sugar Bowl is in ongoing discussions with authorities on the local, state, and federal levels and will communicate further details as they become available.

The FBI has confirmed that the attack on Bourbon Street that left 10 people dead and 35 others injured was an act of terrorism. New Orleans Police Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick says shortly after three this morning, turned onto Bourbon Street from Canal Street and plowed into a crowd.

Cut 29 (11) “…that he did.”

According to several reports, the man who did this is 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, and sources say he was carrying an ISIS flag inside his truck. Kirkpatrick says Din Jabbar exchanged gunfire with police, who shot him dead. Two officers were hurt; no word on their conditions. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says her thoughts are with the families of those killed.

Cut 26 (09) “…to this tragedy.”

President Biden and other officials have issued statements on this morning’s tragedy in New Orleans. Biden says the U.S. will not tolerate such an attack as the one on Bourbon Street this morning and that he has been in contact with Mayor Cantrell, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and the Justice Department. 

Senator Bill Cassidy posted on social media, saying to give thanks to the police officers and remember the wounded and the dead and their families.

Governor Landry called it a horrific act of violence and that he and his wife are praying for all the victims and the first responders on 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. Other details are sketchy at this time; State Police say this is an active investigation.

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.

Cut 9 (10)  “…to focus on.” 

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.

Today the Federal Communications Commission will implement nationwide regulations establishing just and reasonable charges for calls to and from incarcerated individuals.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A new report from the Committee of 100 shows signs of economic growth, but some challenges lurk ahead. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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If you’ve made losing weight your new year’s resolution, you’re not alone. Andrew Greenstein has some tips to make that resolution successful.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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After years of paying excessive rates to communicate with incarcerated loved ones, Louisiana families will soon find relief. Starting today, the Federal Communications Commission will implement nationwide regulations establishing just and reasonable charges for calls to and from incarcerated individuals. PSC Commissioner Foster Campbell says in Louisiana, call rates will drop from 25 cents per minute to as low as 6 cents.

Cut 4 (14) “…a great thing.”

Campbell highlighted the long-standing issue, saying Louisiana families have for years been charged outrageously high rates and unauthorized fees.

Cut 5 (15) “…people operating them”

An investigation led by Campbell in 2011 revealed that the rates for inmate phone calls in Louisiana averaged 30 times higher than those for calls made outside correctional facilities with Sheriff’s receiving 40 to 50- percent commissions from inmate phone calls. Campbell says with the new law it’s a great day.

Cut 6 (09) “…talk to their children.”

These changes aim to alleviate the financial burden on families while ensuring fair communication costs.

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A new report from the Committee of 100 shows both signs of economic growth and challenges ahead. CEO Adam Knapp says Louisiana gained thousands of jobs over the course of 2024.

Cut 7 (09) “…in for December.” (Nearly 20,000 jobs created)

Knapp says he expects that economic growth to continue into 2025, thanks in large part to the tax reform package that the legislature passed in November.

Cut 8 (12) “…for the state.”

And the legislature got rid of some taxes that other states do not impose, including the inventory tax and the corporate franchise tax. All that said, Knapp says the state still needs to address some challenges that exist, such as the high poverty rate.

Cut 9 (10)  “…to focus on.”

Knapp says while inflation is certainly up in Louisiana and coast to coast, wages have increased by about 25-percent statewide in the last five years – more so in North Louisiana than in South Louisiana.

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A new year is upon us; and with that, scores of new year’s resolutions to lose weight. Normally, those resolutions are out the window by January 3rd. But there are some things that you can do to actually be successful in your weight loss endeavor. Candida Rebello, the director of the nutrition and chronic disease program at LSU, says when choosing foods, look for foods that are low in energy density – those are foods that have high dietary fiber content and high water content.

Cut 10 (15) “…without adding calories.”

Rebello says people tend to eat based on the size of the portion and not by the calorie content. So for the same 100 calories, you can eat a large portion of some foods or a tiny portion of others.

Cut 11 (13) “…lot more food.”

Rebello says when choosing grains, choose whole grains, since they will be high in dietary fiber.

Cut 12 (11) “…want to choose.”

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LSU football ends its season on a high note, beating Baylor in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl, 44-31. Garrett Nussmeier had a big day, completing 24 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns. Two of those touchdowns were caught by Trey’Dez Green, who caught six passes for 53 yards. Coach Brian Kelly said the freshman Green’s preparation paid off.

Cut 13 (12)  “…attached tight end.”

Green wasn’t the only freshman who had a big game. Kelly praised the freshmen who contributed on defense, including linebacker Tylen Singleton, safety Dashawn Spears and cornerback Javien Toviano – and he said they’re prepared for the future.

Cut 14 (16) “…a healthy roster.”

Linebacker Whit Weeks was carted off late in the first half with a gruesome ankle injury. Kelly addressed his prognosis after the game.

Cut 15 (13) “…around spring ball.”

With the win, LSU ends its season with a record of 9-and-4.

If you plan on popping off fireworks, the State Fire Marshal’s office is urging you to do so in the safest way possible. That means detonating devices 200 feet away from structures and vehicles. Never allowing children to light fireworks, lighting devices one at a time; and Deputy Chief Nick Heinen says never use fireworks while impaired.

Cut 3 (08) “…Happy New Year.” 

Louisiana steps onto the worldwide stage tomorrow morning at the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the state’s float features all the unique things that make Louisiana such a special place to live.

Cut 7 (14) “…around the float.”

Backed with an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump, Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson is confident he will be re-elected as House Speaker. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is departing Congress after nearly a decade, choosing not to run for reelection due to redistricting that significantly altered his constituency.

Cut 12 (09) “…that we have.”

Mike Johnson’s re-election as House speaker is not a sure thing. Johnson told News Radio 710 KEEL in Shreveport that Trump’s complete and total endorsement will certainly help his chances.

Cut 10 (13) “…the line.”

Johnson can afford to lose only one Republican vote, and Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie has publicly stated that he will not vote for him.

If you’re planning on shooting off fireworks to ring in the new year, use your head so that you don’t lose any limbs. Deputy Chief Nick Heinen with the State Fire Marshal’s Office urges you only to buy fireworks from certified retailers.

Cut 4 (15) “…passed successfully.”

For the second time in as many weeks, a hunter is accidentally shot by another hunter; and this time, it had deadly consequences. Captain Will Roberts with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says 61-year-old Roberto Garcia of Baton Rouge was shot and killed by another hunter while the two were hunting on the Sandy Hollow Wildlife Management Area near Kentwood.

Cut 13 (12)  “…the property hunting.”

2024 is drawing to a close, so it’s time to prepare for filing your tax return. Cloreece Davis Knight, the owner of Knight CPA Services, says hiring a tax professional can guide you through complex tax situations, giving you peace of mind.

Cut 12 (11) “…no knowledge about.”

Louisiana Republican Congressman Mike Johnson says President-elect Donald Trump’s endorsement of him for House Speaker was supposed to come on New Year’s Day, but Johnson told News Radio 710 KEEL in Shreveport he wanted the endorsement to come earlier.

Cut 9 (12)  “…so he did,”

Because the GOP has a razor thin majority in the House, Johnson’s re-election as House Speaker is not a guarantee.

Tonight is a big night for fireworks and the State Fire Marshal’s office is urging everyone to enjoy them the safest way possible. That means detonating devices 200 feet away from structures and vehicles. Never allowing children to light fireworks, lighting devices one at a time; and Deputy Chief Nick Heinen says never use fireworks while impaired…

Cut 3 (08) “…Happy New Year.” 

On this, the final day of 2024, we continue to take a look back at all the events from the previous 365 days. On June 19th, Governor Landry signed a bill into law requiring all public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments. The law is being challenged in the courts and one of the plaintiffs is Joshua Herlands.

Cut 5 (12) “…religious text” 

In sports, LSU gymnastics won its first national championship in school history in April. The previous month, LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey threatened litigation against the Washington Post. Mulkey wanted to be proactive against what she called an upcoming hit piece on her.

Cut 8 (09) “…about me.”

The article from award-winning Post reporter Kent Babb  was far from being a bombshell report.

A hunter is accidentally shot and killed by another hunter. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says a shooter was aiming to shoot a deer in the Sandy Hollow Wildlife Management Area near Kentwood, not realizing that 61-year-old Roberto Garcia of Baton Rouge was in the path. Capital Will Roberts says this is why all hunters need to take all necessary precautions.

Cut 14 (10) “…are pretty visible.”

2024 was an eventful year at the Capitol, with three special sessions. The final one saw major tax reform approved. It will result in lower individual income taxes, but a higher state sales tax. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the governor’s tax overhaul also improves the business climate…

Cut 6 (13) “…to win.”

With 2024 coming to an end, it’s time to start preparing your tax return. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Some scary moments in New Orleans’ Lower Garden District as a two-story building partially collapses. It happened near the intersection of Magazine and Felicity streets. The building appeared to be vacant, and there were no injuries. However, nearby businesses were forced to evacuate. The collapse also damaged an Entergy transformer.