Authorities arrest a Baton Rouge man accused of shooting a two-year-old girl on New Year’s Eve, leaving her in critical condition. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Ole Miss is one win away from the national championship game after taking down Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, but what coaches make the trip to the Fiesta Bowl is still in the air. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…Kace Kieschnick.”

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A 27-year-old Baton Rouge man was arrested in connection with the shooting of a 2-year-old girl inside a car yesterday afternoon. BRPD Lieutenant L’Jean McKneely says the incident occurred when a woman spotted what she believed was her relative’s stolen vehicle and began following it.

Cut 3 (08) “…of the vehicle.”

Landrick Ruffin Jr. is facing six counts of attempted first degree murder and illegal use of a weapon after police tracked down the suspect vehicle. McKneely says the child was struck in the head and brought to a local hospital where she is in critical condition.

Cut 4 (09) “…Baton Rouge community.”

Ruffin has a prior arrest history including possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, resisting, possession with intent to distribute schedule I narcotics and illegal carrying of weapons

McKneely says this is not the first incident like this he’s seen. He reminds residents to contact police if they locate their stolen vehicle.

Cut 5 (11) “…that are following.”

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Saints linebacker Demario Davis has announced that he will be returning for a 15th NFL season next season. Davis says today’s game allows for longevity that the game of years past didn’t allow for.

Cut 6 (14) “…you maximize it.”

Davis says advances in medical science allows players to enjoy longer careers in the NFL.

Cut 7 (13) “…to regenerate faster.”

Not only will 2026 be Davis’ 15th season in the NFL, but it will be his ninth season with the Saints. While this season got off to a rough start, with the team losing eight of its first nine games, the team seems to have turned the corner with Tyler Shough at quarterback, winning four in a row and five of its last seven. Davis says this late season surge has him excited for 2026.

Cut 8 (11) “…momentum of this?”

This season, Davis has a career-high 137 tackles, including 63 solo tackles, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. For him to return to New Orleans, he’ll need a new contract with the Saints. 

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Ole Miss is headed to the Fiesta Bowl to face Miami with a trip to the national championship on the line, but there’s been uncertainty about whether the six LSU assistant coaches on the Rebels’ staff will continue coaching. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says any hesitation is on the Ole Miss side.

Cut 9 (11)  “…Charlie Weis.”

LSU head coach Lane Kiffin was not allowed to lead the Rebels playoff run after taking the job in Baton Rouge. He was very vocal about wanting to coach his team, and Guilbeau says he’s stayed involved in Oxford while prepping LSU for the transfer window.

Cut 10 (13) “….kind of unified.” 

LSU is on the books for any playoff bonuses in Kiffin’s Ole Miss contract and owe him another five-hundred-thousand dollars after the Rebels’ Sugar Bowl win. Guilbeau says the hostility between the two schools is really only from the fanbases.

Cut 11 (13) “…that’s clear.”

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The Lady Tigers lost their first game of the season after 11^th-ranked Kentucky hit a last second three pointer to win 80-78 in LSU’s SEC opener last night. The Lady Tigers were outrebounded 17-to-4 on the offensive glass and coach Kim Mulkey says that was the difference in the game.

Cut 12 (14) “…fix that.”

Fifth-ranked LSU will have a quick turnaround as they visit No. 12 Vanderbilt Sunday. Mulkey says she needs to see more from her young, talented team as they prepare for a tough beginning to conference play.

Cut 13 (12)  “…pity party.”

LSU will be on the road at Georgia next week before back-to-back top ten matchups with Texas and Oklahoma.

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LSU will face Texas A&M tomorrow in their first SEC game of the season. The 12-and-1 Tigers are off to maybe their strongest start under head coach Matt McMahon with a marquee win over SMU and their only loss coming to 12^th-ranked Texas Tech. McMahon says conference play will be another level of competition.

Cut 14 (14) “…great atmoshperes.”

The 10-and-3 Aggies are favored at home against LSU thanks to an explosive offense ranked second in the SEC in points and three point percentage. McMahon says their defense is no slouch either.

Cut 15 (10) “…a premium.”

A&M is second in the conference with over 16 turnovers forced per game. Tip-off is at 3 p.m.

With the New Year’s holiday upon us, the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone has been re-established. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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For a fifth consecutive year, Louisiana will have a float in the Tournament of Roses New Year’s Day parade in Pasadena, California. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (35) “…Jeff Palermo.”

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If you’re planning on ringing in the new year in the French Quarter, there are things you need to know before you go, especially in light of what happened just after we rang in the start of this year. The French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone is re-established, encompassing an area bound by Canal, Royal, St. Ann and Dauphine streets. State Police Trooper Danny Berrincha says when entering that area, the best rule of thumb is to bring as few items with you as possible.

Cut 3 (09) “…to the entry.”

Berrincha says visitors staying in hotels on Bourbon Street should use the entrances on Royal Street or Dauphine Street if possible.

Cut 4 (09) “…as your identification.”

With the exception of emergency purposes, vehicles are prohibited from entering the zone – essentially Bourbon Street and one block in either direction. Glade Bilby, the president of The French Quarter Citizens, says he agrees with that move.

Cut 5 (08) “…are not driving.”

Bilby says in light of what happened at the outset of this year, New Orleans has no other option but to take extra precautions and significantly beef up security to give visitors peace of mind.

Cut 6 (10) “…with security measures.”

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As the clock ticks towards midnight, some people will be celebrating the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026 by popping fireworks. If you’re among them, there are things you need to know to stay safe. Ken Pastorick with the Office of the State Fire Marshal says when shooting fireworks, make sure you’re in an open area.

Cut 7 (05) “…these things off.”

Pastorick says never put dry fireworks debris in garbage cans – embers can ignite and start a fire; and if that can is next to your house, you can burn your house down.

Cut 8 (06) “…the garbage can.”

Pastorick says kids should never handle fireworks. Some adults may give kids sparklers instead; Pastorick says that’s a bad idea too.

Cut 9 (04)  “…to melt metal.”

Pastorick says the best things to give kids are glow sticks.

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Louisiana State Parks wants residents to take a hike!  Assistant Secretary for Louisiana State Parks, Brandon Burris, says there will be free admission to State Parks on New Year’s Day and January 2^nd so people can begin the new year with a hike to connect with the outdoors…

Cut 10 (11) “….great hike” 

Burris says for a full listing of events and to plan your First Day Hike, visit the Louisiana State Parks First Day Hikes webpage…

Cut 11 (07) “…more advanced hikes.”

Burris says First Day Hikes are a great way to get moving and enjoy the beautiful landscapes at State Parks…

Cut 12 (15) “…experience.”