If you’re planning on ringing in the new year in the French Quarter, you can expect beefed up security, bolstered by the National Guard. Glade Bilby, the president of The French Quarter Citizens, says in light of what happened at the outset of this year, New Orleans has no other option but to take extra precautions to give visitors peace of mind.

Cut 6 (10) “…with security measures.”

Some of you may stay home and pop off fireworks. If you do, there are things you need to know to stay safe, prevent your house from going up in flames and prevent you from losing a finger and becoming the next spokesman for Hamburger Helper. Ken Pastorick with the Office of the State Fire Marshal says make sure you’re in an open area when shooting fireworks.

Cut 7 (05) “…these things off.”

And never put dry fireworks debris in garbage cans – embers can ignite and start a fire.

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.”

What were the most popular baby names throughout the state? According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the most popular boy’s name was Noah, and the most popular girl’s name was Amelia. Other names on the boys’ list include Liam, James and John; top girls’ names include Charlotte, Olivia and Emma.

Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of the deadly terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. State Police is working with the National Guard to enforce the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone, which means backpack coolers, ice chests and large bags will not be allowed in this zone.

Vehicles are also 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.”

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” 

New LSU offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. talked about  his relationship with LSU head coach Lane Kiffin ahead of Ole Miss’ Sugar Bowl matchup with Georgia. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 29 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

LSU running back Harlem Berry will return for his sophomore season. Several media outlets report Berry has agreed to an NIL deal that will keep him in Tiger Town. Berry rushed for 491 yards this season and he was ranked as the nation’s number one running back coming out of St. Martin’s High School in Metairie.

With the New Year’s holiday upon us, 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 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.”

Motor vehicles are prohibited from the zone – essentially Bourbon Street and one block in either direction. But injury attorney Morris Bart says Bourbon Street needs to be closed to vehicular traffic permanently. Bart is representing victims and families from the New Year’s Day terror attack and says it shouldn’t require a special occasion to block off Bourbon Street to motor vehicles.

Cut 8 (12) “…a good time.” 

The biggest sports story of the year was the firing of LSU football coach Brian Kelly and Athletic Director Scott Woodward after a blowout loss to Texas A&M on October 25th. Governor Landry made it known he was not a fan of Kelly’s contract and said Woodward would not hire the next head football coach at LSU.

Cut 12 (10) “…us a coach.”

LSU announced Lane Kiffin as its new football coach on November 30th, and Kiffin recently announced that Charlie Weis Jr., who was his offensive coordinator at Ole Miss, will serve in that same role at LSU. Weis says Kiffin has a special ability to develop quarterbacks.

Cut 15 (09) “…makes coach great.”

Weis and Kiffin’s relationship dates back to coaching together on the Alabama staff in 2015.

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.”

Personal injury attorney Morris Bart represents dozens of victims in last year’s terrorist attack and he says it’s time to get rid of the decorative bollards and install permanent barriers on Bourbon Street….

Cut 9 (07) “….heavy duty bollars”

Bart is calling on the incoming mayor, Helena Moreno, to close Bourbon Street down to vehicular traffic, especially on Frida and Saturday nights.

The 2025 Christmas holiday was a deadly one on Louisiana roadways. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Lafayette Consolidated Government has received an eight-million dollar grant to implement safety improvements along Johnston Street. From 2018 to 2022, eight people were seriously injured or killed between Bertrand Drive and Churchill drive on Johnston Street. Most of the victims were walking or biking.

New LSU offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. talked to the press ahead of Ole Miss’ Sugar Bowl matchup with Georgia. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Law enforcement agencies across the state will be enforcing Louisiana’s new, hands-free driving law beginning tomorrow.  Under the new law, drivers will face fines for using handheld devices while operating a vehicle. A first offense is $100, but officials say the goal of the law is not to issue citations, but to prevent crashes caused by distracted driving.

—————————

It was a deadly Christmas holiday on Louisiana roadways, as 13 people were killed in crashes from Christmas Day through Monday morning. State Police Trooper Shelby Mayfield says all 13 deaths were preventable.

Cut 4 (09) “…was a factor.”

Mayfield says when you make your way around the state for your New Year’s celebrations, you can expect a beefed-up State Police presence.

Cut 6 (09) “…around certain areas.”

Officials remind us all to buckle up, avoid impaired driving, eliminate distractions behind the wheel, and be sure to obey the speed limit.

The French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone is re-established through Friday. Among other things, motor vehicles are prohibited from entering Bourbon Street through the end of the day Friday. But injury attorney Morris Bart, who’s representing dozens of victims and families impacted by last year’s New Year’s Day terror attack, says it doesn’t require a special occasion to take make this level of security happen.

Cut 8 (12) “…a good time.”

Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. is following head coach Lane Kiffin to Baton Rouge. But first, he’s coaching Ole Miss in tomorrow night’s Sugar Bowl.  Weis came to Baton Rouge after the Rebels’ 41-10 win over Tulane in the first round of the playoffs. He says he’s been doing his best to do right by Ole Miss while carrying out daily duties for his new LSU gig.

Cut 14 (11) “…distraction at all.”

—————————–

As we head into the new year, we’re looking back on the big stories of 2025…including the Louisiana legislature’s efforts to reduce insurance costs. Most of the legislation targeted efforts to reduce auto insurance rates, including a new law that gives Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple more authority to reject rate increases. Temple clashed with Governor Landry over the measure.

Cut 11 (10) “…sooner than that.”

The biggest sports story of the year was the firing of LSU football coach Brian Kelly and Athletic Director Scott Woodward after a blowout loss to Texas A&M on October 25th. Governor Landry made it known he was not a fan of Kelly’s contract and said Woodward would not hire the next head football coach at LSU.

Cut 12 (10) “…us a coach.”

Bourbon Street is closed to motor vehicles through Friday for security purposes, but one prominent injury lawyer says that’s not enough. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Law enforcement agencies across the state are preparing to strictly enforce Louisiana’s new,  hands-free driving law beginning tomorrow.  Under the new law, drivers will face fines for using handheld devices while operating a vehicle. A first offense carries a fine of one-hundred dollars.  But officials say the goal of the law is not to issue citations, but to prevent crashes caused by distracted driving.

——————————

It was a deadly Christmas holiday on Louisiana roadways, as 13 people were killed in crashes from Christmas Day through Monday morning.  Thursday was extremely foggy and the smoke from the bonfires along the Mississippi River made visibility even worse.  But . State Police Trooper Shelby Mayfield says…

Cut 5 (11) “…injury crash happening.”

Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. is following head coach Lane Kiffin to Baton Rouge. But first, he’s coaching Ole Miss for the rest of the College Football Playoff, starting with tomorrow night’s Sugar Bowl against Georgia. Weis says it was a tough decision to make, but he believes it was the right one.

Cut 13 (14)  “…later on too.”

Today is the final day of 2025, and the biggest story of the year happened just a few hours in on the first day. A 42-year-old U.S. Citizen, who authorities say was inspired by ISIS, sped down Bourbon Street, running over several New Year’s Day revelers, killing 14 people and injuring several more. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick…

Cut 10 (07) “…he possibly could.”

The French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone is re-established through Friday. Among other things, motor vehicles are prohibited from entering Bourbon Street through the end of the day Friday. But injury attorney Morris Bart, who’s represents dozens of victims and families impacted by the New Year’s Day terror attack last year, says that’s not enough.

Cut 7 (10) “…never happens again.”

—————————-

The 2025 Christmas holiday was a deadly one on Louisiana roadways. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

As we get set to ring in the New Year, State Police are reminding us all to celebrate responsibly and stay safe.  Authorities say whether you’re traveling or attending local festivities, be sure to take simple precautions that can save lives. They say be sure to buckle up, avoid impaired driving, eliminate distractions behind the wheel, and be sure to obey posted speed limits.

Tourists are once again packing New Orleans to ring in the new year. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

National Guard troops have arrived in NOLA to provide security for the New Year’s celebrations. They were also in the city for last year’s Super Bowl and Mardi gras celebrations. The Guard has been deployed to the French Quarter and a New Orleans Police spokesperson says they are not involved in the ongoing immigration crackdown, Operation Catahoula Crunch.

Below freezing temperatures are expected for most of the state tonight and into tomorrow morning. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemine says the wind chill will make it feel even colder…

Cut 10 (05) “….over night tonight”

State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ken Pastorick says never resort to creative methods to heat your home, like running a gas stove. That will produce carbon monoxide, which will kill you. Pastorick also reminds you not to leave fires in fireplaces lit overnight.

Cut 7 (09) “…while you’re sleeping.”

84 people have died in house fires this year that’s more than the 73 reported for 2024.

Louisiana Tech is your Independence Bowl champions. The Bulldogs defeated Coastal Carolina 23 to 14 to finish the season 8-5. Tech’s defense forced three turnovers in the second half.

Former Saints stars Drew Brees and Jahri Evans are among the 15 modern-era finalists for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. WWL Radio Saints analyst Mike Detillier says Brees is a lock to get in after throwing for 80-thousand yards, the second most in NFL history…

Cut 11 (11) “…before.”

Brees and Evans led the Saints to the franchise’s only Super Bowl in the 2009 season.

Detillier says Evans has been a finalist the last three years and this might be his year…

Cut 13 (11)  “…he was.”

New Orleans natives Eli Manning and Reggie Wayne are also finalists. Manning won two Super Bowls as the quarterback of the New York Giants, while Wayne was a great receiver for the Colts and ranks 10th all-time in both receiving yards and receptions.

In their 34-26 win against Tennessee on Sunday, the Saints’ defense allowed the Titans to score 20 points in the first half, but they limited Tennessee to just two field goals in the second half. Head coach Kellen Moore says the team did a much better job of executing in the second half.

Cut 17 (15)  “…much higher level.”

The Louisiana Sports Writer’s Association released its 5A All-State team today. LSU signee and Edna Karr senior Richard Anderson was named as the 5A Outstanding Defensive Player of the year. LSU commit and Evangel Christian junior Peyton (Pop) Houston was named as the 5A Outstanding Offensive Player of the year.

Nicholls men’s basketball is off to a 3-and-0 start in Southland Conference play after defeating Texas A&M-Corpus Christi last night by a score of 76 -71. Sophomore guard Jalik Dunkley and senior guard Jaylen Searles led the Colonels in scoring with 16 points each. Nicholls is now 4-and-8 on the season.