ABC26 News

The NOPD is investigating an early morning murder in Algiers. This is the fourth murder in New Orleans five days into November.

November murders:

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The NOPD ask if you have any information about this or other crimes to call CRIMESTOPPERS at 822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP (7867). You could receive a cash reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the responsible person(s). You do not have to give your name nor testify to receive the reward.

A John Curtis eighth grader shot himself this morning on the campus near the gym. He is in critical condition at Ochsner Medical Center. The family has released his name, Joseph Lynn, and has asked that people pray for him.

For Curtis parents, the school is saying classes will continue, but you may pick up your children in person if you want.

In September, the Centers for Disease Control released a study of 2004 deaths (the most recent reliable data available) that said "suicide was the third leading cause of death among youths and young adults aged 10--24 years in the United States." It also conlcuded that suicides were up 8% in that age group from the year before, the largest single year increase since 1990.

The CDC has a suicide prevention website with good general information for both students and parents affected this latest incident.

ABC26 News will have more on this story on the 5pm and 6pm news.

You can now.

17P is the designation for Comet Holmes, a comet that has unexpectedly brightened in the last couple of weeks.

Astronomers say you'll be able to see it tonight in the sky without any help, though some binoculars would show more details. And the show might go on for a few more weeks, maybe months.

Sky and Telescope magazine is keeping track of the comet's visability. And cometography.com has some historical information and an explanation of why we can see Comet Holmes. Plus, plenty of pics.

Over three days in late October, the metro area got pounded with rain. This NASA satellite image shows that more than eight inches of rain fell on southeastern Louisiana from October 20-23.

We've had beautiful, dry weather since then. And it might stay that way.

The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a drought to develop over much of Lousiana, including the southeast, lasting through January.

The latest outlook on the Climate Prediction Center's website blames a persisting La Nina for the dry air. La Nina is a period of unusually cold water in the Pacific around the equator.

If we have a drought, we'll just be catching up with the rest of the southeast. 2007 has been one of the driest years on record for Alabama, Georgia, and the other southeastern states.

I went to New Orleans City Hall this week to cover a story and was shocked at the number of homeless people now living across the street in Duncan Plaza. There are now about 25 tents set up and an additional 20 people living in the park's gazebo. The number of homeless people living under the interstate near Canal and Claiborne also appears to be growing by the day. The city is at a loss for what to do with these people. The NOPD admits it is not enforcing the city's public habitation law because there is simply nowhere to place the homeless.

Do you think the homeless problem is getting out of hand? Should the city clear Duncan Plaza?

Just in case you can't make it to your favorite candidate's party... or weren't invited.

Jacquelyn Clarkson:

LOCATION - ballroom at the Royal Sonesta
MUSIC - four-piece band (banjo, trombone, clarinet, and cello); not playing yet
FOOD - finger sandwiches; hot food not out yet (8:40 UPDATE - fried chicken, jambalaya, pasta, bread pudding)
PEOPLE - not many people there yet

LOCATION - reception area at the Embassy Suites downtown
MUSIC - not playing yet
FOOD - pasta, red beans, meatballs, salad, finger sandwiches, and a cake with "Congratulations, Cynthia"
PEOPLE - a few dozen supporters
MISC - silver balloons with stars