A deadly start to the New Year in New Orleans after authorities say a suspect intentionally drove his pickup truck into a crowd of people killing ten and sending 26 to the hospital.  It happened just after three this morning on Bourbon Street at Iberville.  New Orleans Police Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick.

Cut :29

In a news conference this morning, police say the suspect also shot at two police officers and officials found manmade explosive devices in the vehicle.  As for the victims…

Cut 30 (Ann Kirkpatrick)

Due to the nature of the crime, we’re told the FBI is taking over the investigation of the deadly incident.

————————————

A Gunfight  in Lafayette overnight as police responded to the 21-hundred block of Northeast Evangeline Thruway.  It happened about 2:30 this morning.  Officials say when they arrived on the scene, they found two groups actively exchanging gunfire.  And an officer did discharge their firearm. In the end, several people were taken to the hospital for treatment.  The incident remains under investigation this morning as Louisiana State Police have been asked to conduct and independent investigation into the officer involved shooting.

Again, the top story today, that deadly incident in New Olreans where authorities say a suspect intentionally drove his pickup truck into a crowd of people just after three this morning.  At least ten people were killed, 26 others were hospitalized.  Governor Jeff Landry has called it a horrific act of violence.  He’s asking everyone to pray for the victims, their families, and first responders.

Governor Jeff Landry is asking visitors to New Orleans to avoid Bourbon Street at Iberville this morning after at least ten people were killed and 26 injured when a vehicle drove into a crowd of people there overnight, calling it a horrific act of violence.  New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrel.

Cut 17

New Orleans Police Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick on what happened early this morning…

Cut 20
————————–

Beginning today, the Federal Communications Commission implements nationwide regulations establishing just and reasonable charges for calls to and from incarcerated individuals. PSC Commissioner Foster 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”

Campbell says rates here will drop from 25 cents per minute to as low as 6 cents.

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.  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.”

At least ten people are dead in New Orleans after a car plowed through a crowd early this  morning.  New Orleans Police say it happened where Bourbon Street crosses Iberville.  We’re told at least 26 people are injured though the extent of those injuries is unknown at this time.

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.”

—————————————
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.”

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 on Green.

Cut 13 (12)  “…attached tight end.”

No matter where you are in the state today, be sure to keep an eye on the weather.  A large tornado watch has been issued for most of Louisiana and portions of Mississippi and Texas.  This is just the start of a long day of expected severe weather with the threats extending well beyond 3 p.m. when this watch expires.

It was a busy first year in office for Governor Jeff Landry. Landry managed to get lawmakers to pass legislation to reduce crime, approve a school choice bill, and overhaul the state’s tax code. Not only will that legislation lower the income tax and raise the stat sales tax to five percent, but the governor says it will also eliminate the corporate franchise tax and help bring new business to Louisiana and help those already doing business here.

Cut 11 (09) “…for us.”

————————-

Attorney General Liz Murrill looks back at her first year in office and looks ahead to year two. Murrill says one of her biggest accomplishments is addressing crime in New Orleans through the creation of Troop NOLA within the State Police, saying it’s a force multiplier.

Cut 6 (10) “…have a need.”

The Ragin Cajuns will face TCU in the New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque on this afternoon at 1:15. U-L Lafayette is in a bowl game for a seventh straight year and they are 10-and-3 on the season, while the Horned Frogs are 8-and-4. Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux says the team that makes the fewest mistakes will win….

Cut 16 (12) “…going to win.”

It’s the first ever meeting between the two schools on the football field.

It was a busy first year in office for Governor Jeff Landry. Landry got lawmakers to pass legislation that seeks to reduce crime, he also got lawmakers on board with a school choice bill, and he capped off 2024 by getting lawmakers to approve a major overhaul of the state’s tax code…

Cut 10 (13) “…health care.”

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill just finished her first year in office.  Murrill says one of her biggest accomplishments is addressing crime in New Orleans creating Troop NOLA within the State Police, to increase the force. As for her priorities in year two, Murrill said she would like to focus on the fentanyl crisis.

Cut 7 (15) “…opioid settlement money.”

—————————

The Independence Bowl is tonight and Louisiana Tech is looking to upset 22^nd ranked Army. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A man and a woman were shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in Shreveport late Friday night. According to the Shreveport Police Department, the victims were rushed to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport where they later died. SPD said the suspect vehicle is possibly a burnt orange Dodge Charger. Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities.

State Attorney General Liz Murrill looks back at year one in office and looks ahead to year two. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A large tornado watch has been issued for most of Louisiana and portions of Mississippi and Texas.  This is just the start of a long day of expected severe weather with the threats extending well beyond 3 p.m. when this watch expires.
And A single Mega Millions ticket in California matched all six numbers to win the 1.2 billion dollar jackpot last night.  It’s the ninth largest jackpot the nation has ever seen.

———————————-

A 13-year-old boy is hit and killed while riding a bicycle on a dark country roadway in Tangipahoa Parish. State Police say Benjamin Mixon of Kentwood was riding with another boy on State Highway 1061 at around 6:30 Thursday evening when an SUV hit them from behind. State Police Trooper Marc Gremillion (GREM-ee-on) there was no way the driver could have seen the two boys until it was too late.

Cut 12 (03) “…at a hillcrest.”

For the sixth time in the program’s history, Louisiana Tech will play in the Independence Bowl. The Bulldogs will battle 22^nd ranked Army at 8:15 tonight. The Black Knights are led by quarterback Bryson Dailey, who finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting. Tech Coach Sonny Cumbie says not only does Army have a great quarterback, but their offensive line is outstanding…

Cut 14 (07) “…offensive line.”

A large tornado watch has been issued for most of Louisiana and portions of Mississippi and Texas.  This is just the start of a long day of expected severe weather with the threats extending well beyond 3 p.m. when this watch expires.   LSU Public Health climatologist Barry Keim says while there’s potential for severe weather across Louisiana, some areas are at higher risk.

Cut 4 (13) “…else in Louisiana.”

Eight people were injured early this morning after a fight let to gunfire in Wallace.  It happened outside a local business just after midnight.  St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s officials say three people were shot, four others  sustained graze wounds and one other person was injured.  We’re told everyone is stable but there’s been no word on the extent of the injuries.  Authorities are still investigating the incident.

————————-

Attorney General Liz Murrill looks back at her first year in office and looks ahead to year two. Murrill says one of her biggest accomplishments is addressing crime in New Orleans through the creation of Troop NOLA within the State Police, saying it’s a force multiplier.

Cut 6 (10) “…have a need.”

The Ragin Cajuns will face TCU in the New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque on this afternoon at 1:15. U-L Lafayette is in a bowl game for a seventh straight year and they are 10-and-3 on the season, while the Horned Frogs are 8-and-4. Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux says the team that makes the fewest mistakes will win….

Cut 16 (12) “…going to win.”

It’s the first ever meeting between the two schools on the football field.

The US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Louisiana on Friday, accusing the state of incarcerating people beyond their release dates. The lawsuit accuses the state and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections for holding prisoners weeks and months past when they should have been released.  We’re told the suit is the result of a multi-year investigation.

Changes in Louisiana’s tax code are expected to erase a 400-million-dollar budget deficit for the new fiscal year. That’s according to the Public Affairs Research Council. And PAR projects its general fund forecast for the 2026-27 fiscal year to go from 11.87-billion dollars to 12.2-billion. But Par President Steven Procopio says it’s all speculative.

Cut 11 (14) “…were down 50.”

————————

Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has joined the New Orleans Saints practice squad, marking a homecoming for the Baton Rouge native and two-time Super Bowl champ.  The Saints signed Edwards-Helaire because of a potentially season-ending injury to starting running back Alvin Kamara, Now Edwards Helaire is getting ready.

Cut 14 (15) “…total package.”

If you’ve waited until now to start your Christmas shopping, it’ll be hit or miss on whether you’ll get a good price on those gifts. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says in some instances, you will need to do your homework to figure out if you’re getting a good deal.

Cut 5 (13) “…relative to that”

Bob Marlin is no longer the head coach of the Cajuns men’s basketball team. Jeff Palermo reports on why Marlin was fired during the middle of the season…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Ville Platte Police Chief Perry Thomas was nicked on the back of the foot and two others were injured when shotgun shells ricoheted in an accidental shooting.  The Chief had responded to a call from a family that found a shotgun in their yard and he was removing it when the firearm accidentally discharged.  We’re told two residents were hit in the leg but both are recovering at home after being treated and released.

————————————

If you’ve waited until now to start your Christmas shopping, it could be hit or miss on whether you’re getting a good price on those gifts. Experts say Christmas lights may be on sale now, but they’ll be at a much bigger discount after Christmas. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a good deal on hot items, LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says not only would you be less likely to find a good deal, you’re also less likely to find the item in stock.

Cut 4 (07) “…out of luck.”

Many Americans are missing out on credit card rewards, according to a recent Bankrate survey. About 40-percent of U.S. adults do not have a reward card and the ones who do aren’t using their rewards. Bankrate Senior Analyst Ted Rossman says Rossman says find out how many points or rewards you have and come up with a plan to use them.

Cut 8 (06) “…use them too.”

The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana is forecasting the state to turn a deficit into a surplus for the next fiscal year.  PAR President Steven Procopio says the changes in the tax code going into effect are expected to erase a 400-million-dollar budget deficit for the new fiscal year that begins in July. Procopio says a lot of that added revenue comes from the increase in the state sales tax.

Cut 10 (09) “…the general fund.”

The Social Security fairness act has passed in the Senate. Co Sponsored by Louisiana Republican Congressman Garrett Graves, the House passed the measure back in early November.  And this week, Senator Bill Cassidy, and 72 other Senators invoked  “cloture” which forced the Senate to limit debate.  It sailed past the Senate by a vote of 76 to 20.  It heads next to the White House.

———————————-

If you’ve waited until now to start your Christmas shopping, it could be hit or miss on whether you’re getting a good price on those gifts. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says whether prices will drop before Christmas depends on the item.

Cut 3 (11) “…a higher price.”

A new Bankrate survey says many Americans are missing out on credit card rewards, according to a recent Bankrate survey.  Cash back is the favorite feature for 50-percent of existing cardholders. Bankrate Senior Analyst Ted Rossman says if you’re thinking of getting a credit card, that’s the way to go to keep it simple

Cut 7 (10) “…everything you buy.”