In light of the terror attack on Bourbon Street early yesterday morning, Governor Landry has issued an emergency declaration. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The City of New Orleans had a plan to keep revelers on Bourbon Street safe. The city is admitting defeat. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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In light of the terror attack on Bourbon Street, talk will undoubtedly ramp up on turning it into a permanent pedestrian mall. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Governor Landry has issued an emergency declaration following yesterday morning’s terror attack on Bourbon Street. That will allow Landry to use local, state and federal resources to keep people safe at the Sugar Bowl, the Super Bowl next month and during Mardi Gras. Landry says as part of his declaration, he’s ordered the mobilization of a military police company.

Cut 4 (11) “…and the FBI.”

Landry says people going to the Sugar Bowl today should not do so in fear.

Cut 5 (12) “…paramount to me” 

Landry says to demonstrate how safe the Superdome area will be, he will be attending the game originally slated to take place last night.

Cut 6 (15) “…it was yesterday.”

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Several years ago, bollards were installed at every intersection along Bourbon Street. But early yesterday morning, they were missing at the time that Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove onto the street and plowed into the crowd. Mayor LaToya Cantrell says shortly after the bollards were installed, they started malfunctioning.

Cut 7 (09) “…intended to do.”

With the Super Bowl coming to New Orleans next month, the city included replacing the bollards as part of its Super Bowl infrastructure package. Cantrell says the replacement work is ongoing.

Cut 8 (09) “…before Super Bowl.”

In the meantime, New Orleans Police placed a single patrol vehicle blocking off Bourbon Street at Canal Street. Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says Jabbar defeated that plan.

Cut 9 (15)  “…still got around.”

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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 10 (12) “…the French Quarter.”

Morrell says whatever security measures had been in place to protect the people visiting the French Quarter have been proven to be ineffective.

Cut 11 (16) “…accessible to vehicles (2x).”

Morrell says what’s frustrating is that people knew a long time ago that Bourbon Street is a prime target for terrorists to carry out mass casualty attacks.

Cut 12 (12) “…of that list.”

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.

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Senator John Kennedy and New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter are speaking out about the terror attack on Bourbon Street that killed ten in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day. At a news conference at New Orleans Police headquarters, Kennedy said he’s dumbfounded as to why anyone would do such a heinous thing.

Cut 13 (07)  “…going to ask.”

Kennedy had a stern order to federal investigators.

Cut 14 (17) “…they stole Christmas.”

Congressman Carter said no stone will go unturned in finding the other people responsible for the terrorist attack.

Cut 15 (11) “…cowards to justice.”

Carter had a message for Jabbar’s accomplices.

Cut 16 (10) “…you to justice.”

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Just like all of New Orleans, the Saints felt the impact of the New Year’s morning terrorist attack on Bourbon Street. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi says hearing the news brought back painful memories. Rizzi lost two high school football teammates during the 9-11 attacks and could see the smoke from the knocked down Twin Towers from his childhood home in New Jersey…

Cut 17 (17)  “…in our country.” 

Saints linebacker Demario Davis is a man of great faith. Davis says there is no way you can compartmentalize or process it…

Cut 18 (18)   “…impacted.”

Rizzi says he first heard the tragic news when he pulled into the parking lot of the Saints training facility, he quickly tried to determine the location of his son who was in the French Quarter on New Year’s eve…

Cut 19 (20) “…last night.”

Louisiana steps onto the worldwide stage tomorrow with a float at the Tournament of Roses Parade. Andrew Greenstein reports.

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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…

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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 time and Deputy Chief Nick Heinen says never use fireworks while impaired…

Cut 3 (09) “…Happy New Year.” 

A recent study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that fireworks-related injuries are on the rise across the country.

Heinen says there have been over 300 retail fireworks permits issued for this end-of-the-year season and to only buy fireworks from certified fireworks retailers.

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Heinen says to ensure a safe celebration, set up a Safety Zone.  Use stakes, twine, or decorations to mark a safe area away from the fireworks display.

Cut 5 (09) “…like that.”

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Just one more day before Louisiana steps onto the worldwide stage at the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser has been hands-on in the design and construction of the float, which ties in beautifully with this year’s theme.

Cut 6 (09) “…is Saturday night.”

Nungesser says the float features all the unique things that make Louisiana such a special place to live.

Cut 7 (14) “…around the float.”

And what better way to showcase “Louisiana Saturday Night” than with a rendition of a song by that same title! Timothy Wayne, who’s currently studying at LSU, majoring in history, released his version of the 1980 Mel McDaniel hit earlier this month, and he will be on the float performing that song in front of a worldwide television audience. Nungesser says it will be a very proud moment for Wayne, for LSU and for the State of Louisiana.

Cut 8 (07) “…this young man.”

The Tournament of Roses Parade airs tomorrow morning at ten on NBC and ABC. Tune in early, the float and Timothy Wayne will be featured sometime in the first hour.

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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 would like the endorsement to come earlier

Cut 9 (12)  “…so he did,”

In a social media post, Trump said Speaker Johnson is a good, hard working, religious man who will do the right thing. Because the GOP has a razor thin majority in the House, Johnson’s re-election as House Speaker is not a guarantee. Louisiana’s Fourth District Congressman says Trump’s complete and total endorsement will certainly help in his re-election chances…

Cut 10 (13) “…the line.”

A new Congress will be sworn in on Friday and that’s when the U-S House will vote on Speaker. A serious challenger to Johnson has not emerged…

Cut 11 (08) “…get the votes.”

The Republican from Bossier Parish has been House Speaker since October 2023. Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie has already said he will not vote for Johnson, so Johnson can not afford to lose anymore Republican votes.

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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.”

Graves focused on practical infrastructure and disaster recovery projects rather than high-profile legislation. His accomplishments include the Red Snapper regulation returned to the state, using technology to comply with the Privacy Act, and upgrades to Baton Rouge-area highways like the Washington Street exit.

Cut 13 (08)  “…new terrace exit.”

Reflecting on Congress, Graves criticized the rise of theatrics over substance and emphasized his pride in meaningful achievements.

Cut 14 (11) “…truly deserves.”