Benton Congressman Mike Johnson was re-elected as Speaker of the House, but it didn’t come without some drama. Two Republican Congressmen initially voted for someone else, but they switched their support when given another chance, giving Johnson the necessary votes to retain the gavel. Johnson told the House it’s time to get to work and that means putting Americans first again…

Cut 3 (12) “…working people.” 

The mild weather we’ve been experiencing will come to an end on Sunday as the coldest weather of the season will begin to make its way into the Bayou State. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says high temperatures will be in the 70s on Sunday, but be prepared for a big change…

Cut 12 (10) “…so far.”

In the wake of the New Year’s Day Terrorist attack on Bourbon Street, French Quarter businesses are asking what can be done to prevent something like it from happening again. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Crowds, meanwhile, are returning to Bourbon Street after it was closed for nearly 36 hours after the attack. One woman visiting New Orleans from Indiana says the incident will not keep her from returning to the city.

Cut 10 (05) “…100-percent come back.”

Bourbon Street is back open after being closed for 36 hours following the New Year’s Day terror attack that left 14 innocent people dead. I spoke to a man outside Bourbon Street who was visiting from Georgia. He told me the whole scene was surreal.

Cut 5 (10) “…it’s history” 

Early reports said multiple suspects were involved in the attack, but now the FBI says Shamsud Din Jabbar acted alone. FBI Deputy Assistant Director of Counter Terrorism Christopher Raia says Jabbar had three cell phones and two laptops; and after searching the devices they can confirm that no information on the devices linked anyone else to the attack.

Cut 14 (10) “…attack by anybody.”

President Biden will fly to New Orleans early next week to meet with the families of the victims.

The 119th Congress gets to work today, and the Republican controlled House and Senate say they have a mandate from voters to improve the livelihoods of Americans. Majority Leader Steve Scalise from Jefferson Parish says they have an ambitious agenda to carry out in the first 100 days…

Cut 3 (11) “…America’s economy.” 

Among those being sworn in today is Cleo Fields. The Baton Rouge Democrat is returning to Congress following a three-decade absence. Fields says he wants to focus on education; saying when he left Congress the first time, there was the Education Caucus that doesn’t exist anymore…

Cut 8 (08) “…on education.”

The redrawing of the 6th District which Fields represents led in part to Garret Graves deciding not to seek re-election.

A pall of sadness hovered over one of the most festive areas in all of the South until it was reopened yesterday afternoon. Andrew Greenstein talked with people passing by Bourbon Street prior to its reopening.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Cleo Fields returns to Congress today after nearly three decades since he has last served as a U-S Representative. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (25) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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A tight vote is expected in the U-S House today as Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson seeks re-election as Speaker of the House. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Until it was reopened yesterday afternoon, a pall of sadness hovered over Bourbon Street after a terrorist plowed a pickup truck into a crowd of people, killing 15 and injuring several others. A local pastor says the city has made such great strides in improving safety up until that point.

Cut 4 (13) “…it really hurts.”

This man visiting from Georgia says the whole scene is surreal.

Cut 5 (10) “…it’s history”

This woman from Indiana said the city’s response has been tremendous.

Cut 6 (04) “…everything was wonderful.”

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After nearly three decades, Cleo Fields returns to Congress today. The Baton Rouge Democrat will be sworn in, representing the newly drawn 6th Congressional District, which is the state’s second majority-minority district. Fields says he’s excited to return to D-C.

Cut 7 (15) “…needle forward.”

Fields says he wants to focus on education.  He says when he left Congress there was the Education Caucus that doesn’t exist anymore…

Cut 8 (08) “…on education.”

His path back to Congress opened when a federal court ordered Louisiana to create a second majority-Black district following census data that showed one third of the state’s voting population is Black. The GOP-controlled Legislature reluctantly complied, targeting Republican Garret Graves’ seat. Fields says he looks forward to working with Republicans and says we can’t let partisanship get in front of progress.

Cut 9 (10)  “…meaningful done.”

Fields’ win marks the first time since 2011 that Louisiana will have two Democratic House members, as Troy Carter also retained his seat in the 2nd District.

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Georgia and Notre Dame waited 19 additional hours to play the Sugar Bowl at the Superdome. In the end, Notre Dame came out on top, beating the Bulldogs 23-10. The game was a defensive struggle through most of the first half. After Notre Dame took a 6-3 lead with less than a minute to go in the first half, the next 54 seconds proved to be the difference. Junior Tuihalamaka recovered a Gunner Stockton fumble deep in Georgia territory on their first play of the ensuing drive; and on the next play, Beaux Collins caught a touchdown pass from Riley Leonard to put the Irish up 13-3 at halftime. Then on the second half’s opening kickoff, Jayden Harrison ran it back 98 yards for a touchdown to essentially put the game away. Irish head coach Marcus Freeman said he wanted to keep the pressure on after closing out the first half with two huge plays.

Cut 10 (21) “…of the game.”

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard said the extra day gave him and his team more time to prepare.

Cut 11 (07) “…paid off today.”

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart defended his decision to call a pass play from the Bulldogs’ own 25 yards line with 38 seconds left in the first half that resulted in a fumble that led to a Notre Dame touchdown on the next play.

Cut 12 (17) “…them some momentum.”

While the game was officially a sellout, the one-day postponement resulted in more than 11-thousand no-shows. All four teams who advanced to the quarterfinals by winning a first-round game won their way to the semifinals. Notre Dame will take on Penn State in the Orange Bowl next Thursday evening, and Texas will face Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl next Friday evening.

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Early reports said multiple suspects were involved in the New Orleans terrorist attack, now the FBI says Shamsud Din Jabbar acted alone. FBI Deputy Assistant Director of Counter Terrorism Christopher Raia confirmed there was no one else assisting Jabbar in placing two functional IEDs in coolers in the area…

Cut 13 (12)  “…put that to rest.”

Raia says Jabbar had three cell phones and two laptops and after searching the devices they can confirm that no information on the devices linked anyone else to the attack.

Cut 14 (10) “…attack by anybody.”

Raia says the investigation continues into Jabbar and asks anyone who has ever seen or been in contact with Jabbar for any reason to contact the FBI.

Cut 15 (15) “…investigation leads.”

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Amidst the tragic New Year’s attack on Bourbon Street the Saints are still preparing for their season finale in Tampa Bay. Saints Head Coach Darren Rizzi says this was a somber reminder there are things more important than football, but now it’s up to the Saints to be there for their community…

Cut 16 (17) “…it’s a disaster.”

The 5-and-11 Saints’ season is all but over, and the black and gold currently hold the 10th pick in next year’s draft. The Buccaneers are one game ahead of the Falcons at 9-and-7, and a win would crown them as NFC South Champions and punch their ticket to a home playoff game. Rizzi says he’s glad his team has the chance to play spoiler…

Cut 17 (16)  “…into the playoffs.” 

Kickoff in Tampa Bay is at 12:00

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The LSU men’s basketball team will tip-off SEC play Saturday against Vanderbilt Saturday. The 11-and-2 Tigers are off to a strong start but have a grueling SEC schedule ahead of them. Head Coach Matt McMahon says the conference is the best in the history of college basketball at this point in the season, but his team is eager to compete…

Cut 18 (17)   “…in the postseason.”

The 12-amd-1 Commodores are off to their best start since 2008 after going 9-and-23 a season ago. Vanderbilt is led by the SEC’s third leading scorer Jason Edwards who the Tigers faced twice with North Texas last year. McMahon says they play extremely fast and limiting turnovers is his biggest concern…

Cut 19 (18) “…really good roster.”

Senior guard Cam Carter has stepped up to lead the Tigers with 17 points per game on just 11 shots. The Kansas St. transfer has seen a massive jump in efficiency, improving marks of 39% from the floor and 30% from three last season to 46% and 43% in Baton Rouge. McMahon says he’s also gotten to the line and reduced turnovers…

Cut 20 (18) “…percentage standpoint.”

Tragedy in New Orleans as a man plows through a crowd on Bourbon Street with his pickup truck, killing at least 15 people and injuring 35 others. It happened shortly after three this morning; the man turned onto Bourbon Street from Canal Street; the area is always bustling with people. Police Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick says this was an intentional act.

Cut 1 (16) “…he possibly could.”

The FBI has identified the man as 42-year-old Shamsud-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. Kirkpatrick says Jabbar was intent on killing as many people as possible.

Cut 2 (11) “…that he did.”

Kirkpatrick says Jabbar exchanged gunfire with officers.

Cut 3 (12) “…they are stable.”

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 4 (14) “…locals versus tourists.”

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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell spoke at a news conference early this morning in the immediate aftermath of the incident on Bourbon Street.

Cut 5 (07) “…still under investigation.”

Mayor Cantrell says her heart goes out to everyone affected by what happened on Bourbon Street.

Cut 6 (09) “…to this tragedy.”

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FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan says the driver was intent on killing as many people as possible before police stopped him.

Cut 7 (09) “…at the scene.”

Duncan says investigators have identified the man as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas.

Cut 8 (11) “…with terrorist organizations.”

Duncan says agents found weapons inside Jabbar’s pickup truck, and that’s not all.

Cut 9 (09)  “…the French Quarter.”

Duncan says agents are looking for additional suspects.

Cut 10 (07) “…his known associates.”

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Governor Jeff Landry has issued a state of emergency in response to the terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Landry says this will allow for utilizing all available state resources ahead of Super Bowl 59 and Mardi Gras. Landry says his administration is committed to providing every resource necessary to keep everyone who visits and lives in the state safe…

Cut 11 (12) “…is safe.”

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A Baton Rouge father of two is among the ten people dead. A University of Georgia student is among the critically injured.

St. Thomas More Athletics Director Kim Broussard has confirmed that former STM football player Tiger Bech is one of the individuals killed in the terrorist attack. Bech played college football at Princeton and his younger brother played at LSU and starred at TCU this season. Tiger Bech was just 28.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill….

Cut 12 (19) “…our breath sometimes.”

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.