The first human patient diagnosed with bird flu in Louisiana and the U.S. has died according to The Louisiana Department of Health. LDH says the patient had underlying health concerns and was over the age of 65. The individual contracted the virus after exposure to a combination of a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds. They say the risk to the public is low but cautions everyone to avoid contact with wild or sick birds.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is seeking federal assistance with security plans for the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. She’s asking for a tactical expert who can determine whether the city’s plans for bollards on Bourbon Street are sufficient to prevent another tragedy like the one that happened early on New Year’s Day.

Cut 7 (08) “…for public safety.”

Mardi Gras has been upgraded to a SEAR 1 event, the highest Special Event Assessment Rating by the Department of Homeland Security. The Super Bowl was already designated as a SEAR 1 event.

A magnitude 3.0 earthquake struck southeast of Mooringsport in Caddo Parish, early this morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.  Last year several tremors were recorded in northern parts of the state. While earthquakes are relatively rare in Louisiana, tremors measuring 0.5 or higher are increasing says Thomas Pratt with the U.S. Geological Survey.

Cut 13 (09)  “…operations up there.”

A decrease in the duration of unemployment insurance benefits took effect in Louisiana on January 1st. Robert Wooley with the Louisiana Workforce Commission, says coverage changes from 26 weeks to between 12 and 20 weeks but he says some people may be able to get up to eight additional weeks of benefits.

Cut 10 (11) “…that would qualify.”

Wooley also adds, the state is cracking down on unemployment fraud.