UPDATED LRN AM Newscall February 7 ***FIXES CUT 2***

Especially in light of what happened New Year’s Day, security along Bourbon Street is tighter than it’s ever been before. Andrew Greenstein is on Bourbon Street talking with visitors.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Southern University steps onto the worldwide stage prior to the Super Bowl. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A decorated Army veteran from South Dakota, who did cleanup work in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, returns to the city for the first time today and she is also going to the Super Bowl. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Everywhere you go on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, you will see concrete and steel barricades and law enforcement in tactical gear. These Super Bowl visitors are grateful, saying it gives them peace of mind.

Cut 4 (07) “…week.”

This man says in this day and age, a massive police presence is a necessity for big events…

Cut 5 (07) “…feels safe.”

These people say they’re thankful for the steel and concrete barricades.

Cut 6 (08) “…a lot safer.”

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Southern University’s Human Jukebox marching band will take the field at the Superdome for a five-minute performance during the Super Bowl pregame show. Southern Band Director Kedric Taylor says this is a way for the school to showcase itself – and the state – to the world.

Cut 7 (11) “…that we’re doing.”

Taylor says the band will putt on a spectacular – and diverse – performance before the game on Sunday.

Cut 8 (07) “…to be amazing.”

Taylor says the performance will feature every genre that Louisiana is known for.

Cut 9 (10)  “…show as well.”

This will be the ninth time that the Human Jukebox will be performing at the Super Bowl.

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A Shreveport man is facing several charges after he allegedly kidnapped two teenagers and attempted to sexually assault them. Corporal Chris Bordelon with the Shreveport Police Department says a 13 and a 14-year-old were walking down the street during the middle of the night after visiting a friend’s house, when Jeffrey Reed drove by and offered the teens a ride…

Cut 10 (12) “…to escape”

The teenagers thought Reed would drive them home, instead he took them to a motel on Greenwood Road. Bordelon says once they were at the motel, Reed refused to allow them to leave…

Cut 11 (15) “…in custody.”

Bordelon says the teenagers made a bad decision in getting into Reed’s vehicle. They did not know him

Cut 12 (15) “…from happening”

He says one of the juveniles escaped and alerted the authorities. Bordelon says officers rushed to the hotel to arrest Reed. He’s been charged with two counts of simple kidnapping, two counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile and one count of false imprisonment.

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A decorated Army veteran from South Dakota returns to New Orleans for the first time today since performing clean up work following Hurricane Katrina and she will get to go to the Super Bowl. Staff Sergeant Kim Hubers is one of a few military veterans that have received tickets for the game and she can’t believe it…

Cut 13 (08)  “…in shock.”

USAA teamed up with former LSU star and Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson to award Hubers a trip to the Super Bowl and game tickets. Jefferson is her favorite player.

Hubers served 14 years in the Army National Guard and that included an overseas deployment to Iraq at the beginning of the Second Gulf War. She was also deployed to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and her time in the Crescent City was chaotic in the months following the destructive storm…

Cut 14 (17) “…fantastic way.”

Hubers his bringing her daughter, Aubrey, to the game…

Cut 15 (11) “…it’s amazing.”

Hubers will get to meet Jefferson and other current and former NFL players at the USAA Salute Service Lounge before attending the game.

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Can the Eagles dethrone the two-time defending champion Chiefs? For Philadelphia to win they’ll need to handle Kansas City defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s blitz packages. Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts…

Cut 16 (12) “…for us.”

Kansas City is trying to become the first NFL team to win three consecutive Super Bowls. Chiefs Safety Justin Reid from Prairieville says it would be an amazing accomplishment…

Cut 17 (17)  “…done before.”

The Chiefs are seeking their fourth Super Bowl title in six years. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes always plays his best when it matters the most. He explains why that is…

Cut 18 (17)  “…best moments.”

Kick off on Sunday is at 5:30.

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LRN AM Newscall February 6

A non-profit organization is teaming up with the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office on an anti-human trafficking operation during Super Bowl Week. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Leading up to Super Bowl 59, Mardi Gras world thew a party for six-thousand media guests to promote Louisiana, and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says it put Louisiana in the Global Spotlight. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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LSU football coach Brian Kelly says a nerve was struck when Greg Brooks’ family said the LSU coaching staff has failed to reach out after a tumor was removed from Greg’s brain …

Cut 3 (38) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with the nonprofit group In Our Backyard to host anti-trafficking operations during Super Bowl Week. Human traffickers often use major events like the Super Bowl to exploit vulnerable people, especially children. Cheryl Csiky (“Chicky”), the executive director of In Our Backyard, says human trafficking is not the same as kidnapping or human smuggling.

Cut 4 (11) “…it’s a relationship.”

Csiky says, in fact, that more than 50-percent of human trafficking victims knew the person who was trafficking them. She says this is the 15th year that her organization has teamed up with law enforcement in the Super Bowl host city to raise awareness of the issue.

Cut 5 (08) “…past 15 years.”

Csiky says the group offers actionable tips and gathering intelligence on suspected human trafficking activity.

Cut 6 (08) “…a positive light.”

Csiky says so far in this 10-day operation, they have already turned in 27 instances of suspected human trafficking.

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Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser highlights the excitement and preparations for the Super Bowl in New Orleans, emphasizing a major party at Mardi Gras World. He stresses the importance of showcasing Louisiana’s culture, food, and hospitality, noting the invaluable media exposure.

Cut 7 (10) “…was a great event.”

Nungesser discusses the impressive privately funded light show at Jackson Square, which has gained global attention. Originally planned for Super Bowl week

Cut 8 (08) “…beautiful Jackson Square.”

Nungesser underscores strategic efforts to leverage the Super Bowl to boost tourism and promote Louisiana’s unique charm and safety to a global audience.

Cut 9 (11)  “…after the Super Bowl.”

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LSU football coach Brian Kelly strongly denies the accusation he was not there for former Tigers safety Greg Brooks Junior following his brain surgery. According to Brooks’ family, the surgery to remove a tumor, resulted in multiple seizures that left him permanently disabled. In an interview on ABC’s Good Morning America, Brooks’ father says no one from LSU’s coaching staff has reached out since October 2023, right after the surgery

Cut 10 (07) “…man.”

However, Kelly says he does love Greg Brooks Junior, and it is factually incorrect to say he was not there by his side through this ordeal…

Cut 11 (11) “…part of that.”

The Brooks family is suing LSU and Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, because they believe the school and neurosurgeon mishandled his diagnosis and the surgery.

Kelly will not comment on the lawsuit, because its pending litigation. But Kelly the accusation he was not there for Brooks following the surgery is not true and he wanted to set the record straight

Cut 12 (17) “…with me.”

The Good Morning America interview conducted by former NFL football player Michael Strahan aired on Monday. It was the first appearance of Brooks Junior since his surgery and much of the report was on the lawsuit filed by his family. Kelly says Brook Sr’s accusation struck a nerve with Kelly and he could not stay silent…

Cut 13 (13)  “…and support.”

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Security was always going to be tight for the Super Bowl. Then it became even more so following the New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street. Now, that’s ratcheted up a notch now that President Trump will be attending the game. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says while The White House just made the announcement, it’s something the department had been preparing for.

Cut 14 (10) “…the official announcement.”

Kirkpatrick says that will involve additional street closures.

Cut 15 (08) “…corridor for him.”

Lieutenant Anthony Micheu, the department’s special events coordinator, says the impact for the Superdome will be outstretched for Trump’s arrival.

Cut 16 (14) “…and set that.”

Trump will be the first sitting President to attend a Super Bowl.

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A couple key players suiting up for the Eagles Sunday have deep Louisiana roots. Wide Receiver DeVonta Smith played his high school football at Amite (ay-MEET) High School. He says Coach Zephaniah Powell was a true mentor who set him on the path to success, first at Alabama then with the Eagles.

Cut 17 (12)  “…but life also.”

Defensive Tackle Milton Williams played his college ball at Louisiana Tech under Skip Holtz. Even though Ruston is several miles from New Orleans, Williams says it will still be special stepping onto sports’ biggest stage in his college home state.

Cut 18 (11)  “…with a win.”

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Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is one of two former Saints who will be playing in their former home stadium in the Super Bowl on Sunday – the other being linebacker Zack Baun. Gardner-Johnson says it was tough for him being traded from the Saints just prior to the start of the 2022 regular season.

Cut 19 (05) “…to keep pushing.”

Gardner-Johnson says it was a surreal moment when he stepped onto the Superdome turf for the first time this Super Bowl week.

Cut 20 (04) “…get things going.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

When visiting the Enhanced Security Zone in the French Quarter between now and the end of the Super Bowl, leave your ice chests and backpack coolers at home, but feel free to bring a concealed weapon with you. That’s because they cannot be prohibited thanks to the state’s Constitutional Carry law. New Orleans Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick says do so responsibly – they will stop people who are negligently carrying, including if you have a gun in your waistband and not in a holster.

Cut 10 (12) “…but legally.”

As the old saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Attorney General Liz Murrill says if you’re looking to buy Super Bowl tickets, only buy tickets from reputable sources and verify the seller’s identity.

Cut 13 (08)  “…that merchandise.”

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has received numerous reports of fish kills following last month’s historic low temperatures. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The department is also encouraging Super Bowl visitors to enjoy Louisiana seafood. Secretary Madison Sheahan says thanks to a new state law, you will know whether the seafood you’re eating was caught off the Louisiana coast.

Cut 8 (09) “…to do that.”

3:30 LRN Newscast

It’s a decades-old saying – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Nowhere is that more evident than at the Super Bowl. Attorney General Liz Murrill says if the price seems a little on the low side, that’s a safe indicator that the item is bogus. 

Cut 14 (08) “…licensed seller.”

Murrill recommends using credit cards for purchases, because you can dispute a bogus charge.

While ice chests and backpack coolers are not allowed in the Enhanced Security Zone in the French Quarters, concealed handguns are allowed, thanks to the state’s Constitutional Carry law. But New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says that does not mean you can bring a gun into a bar…

Cut 9 (13)  “…alcohol.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has received numerous reports of fish kills following last month’s historic low temperatures.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Two Baton Rouge preschool teachers are placed on administrative leave after video surfaces of them not intervening in a fight among the kids in their class. The video was brought to the school’s attention recently, but it’s unclear exactly when the incident happened. The mother of the four-year-old victim says he’s been terrified to go to school because of what happened to him.

2:30 LRN Newscast

What you can bring into the Enhanced Security Zone in the French Quarter ahead of the Super Bowl – coolers and ice chests, no; concealed weapons, yes. The state’s Constitutional Carry law allows people to carry concealed weapons without a permit. Still, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says you shouldn’t bring a gun into a hospitality area.

Cut 11 (12) “…don’t mix”

If you want to go to the game and don’t yet have a ticket, be mindful of the abundance of ticket scams. Attorney General Liz Murrill says only buy tickets from reputable sources and verify the seller’s identity. She says scammers may use hacked social media accounts, and scammers can get personal information.

Cut 13 (08)  “…that merchandise.”

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is encouraging Super Bowl visitors to enjoy Louisiana seafood. 

Cut 7 (09) “…enjoy Louisiana seafood.”

Secretary Madison Sheahan’s words come amid word that 15 people were sickened with Norovirus by oysters collected from an area east of Lake Borgne (“born”). None of the illnesses are life-threatening, although some had to go to the hospital. Sheahan says this is an isolated incident, and Louisiana seafood is safe to eat. 

Several species of fish were killed amid the brutal arctic blast last month. LDWF investigated more than 70 fish kills statewide. Fisheries Biologist Jason Adriance says compared to the severe freeze of December 1989, this event was shorter and less extreme.

Cut 5 (10) “…2014 and 2018.”

LRN AM Newscall February 5

Super Bowl 59 this year will cost you and a friend around 18-thousand-dollars if you want to attend the big game.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Louisiana State Police is lending a helping hand in keeping football fans safe in New Orleans for the Super Bowl. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The NFL Experience opens at the Morial Convention Center this evening, but that’s not the only event happening in New Orleans ahead of the Super Bowl. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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If you’re curious about how much attending Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans, according to Bookies-dot-com’s Adam Thompson it isn’t cheap,

Cut 4 (10) “..18-thousand-dollars.”

While Thompson says costs are lower than the last two Super Bowls in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, hotel prices drive up the total.

Cut 5 (15) “…for two nights.”

Thompson attributes this to supply and demand, as New Orleans has fewer hotel rooms available compared to those cities. Despite the lower overall cost, securing accommodations remains a challenge due to limited availability.

Cut 6 (10) “…of those numbers.”

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Louisiana State Police are deploying more than 200 troopers to New Orleans for the Super Bowl. Sergeant Kate Stegall says they will fan out throughout areas where crowds will be at.

Cut 7 (09) “…throughout the city .”

Sergeant Stegall says extra emphasis will be placed on the French Quarter, especially the Enhanced Security Zone bounded by Canal, Royal, St. Ann and Dauphine streets.

Cut 8 (11) “…and backpack coolers.”

That area basically covers the entire length of Bourbon Street and one street in either direction. Troopers will also be ready to act when pedestrian traffic makes it impossible for vehicles to pass through.

Cut 9 (07)  “…traffic crossing Bourbon.”

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The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the New Iberia Police Department, arrested five suspects in the theft of multiple headstone markers from the graves of deceased U.S. military veterans in cemeteries across New Iberia and Iberia Parish. Public Affairs Director Katherine Breaux says the plaques were destroyed.

Cut 10 (08) “…those affected.”

Kody Myers, Makayla Naquin, Hannah Guidry, Troy Primeaux, and Kevin Espinoza, all charged with illegal possession of stolen things.  Another suspect, Richard Paul Brower, is wanted on two counts of illegal possession of stolen things.  Breaux says the investigation continues.

Cut 11 (06) “…in jail.”

Breaux condemned the thefts as deeply disrespectful to veterans and their families, vowing to continue the investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Cut 12 (07) “…and their families”

 

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The NFL Experience opens today at the Morial Convention Center today, but that’s by no means the only special event taking place in New Orleans ahead of the Super Bowl. Jay Cicero, the President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says Louisiana Culture Fest takes place Friday and Saturday at the French Market.

Cut 13 (09)  “…food, of course.”

On Saturday morning at ten a.m. will be the first-ever Super Bowl host committee parade. Cicero says with this being New Orleans, the only way to do it is Mardi Gras-style.

Cut 14 (10) “…very unique throws.”

Cicero says the parade will showcase New Orleans’ unique culture to the world.

Cut 15 (05) “…taken advantage of.”

Todd Graves, the founder of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, will serve as parade king.

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The Super Bowl will be a happy homecoming for Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid,. He was born in Prairieville and played his high school football at Dutchtown High School before moving on to Stanford. Reid says he’s excited to be playing in the biggest game in front of family and friends.

Cut 16 (10) “…out to support.”

Another member of the Chiefs with Louisiana ties is defensive line coach Joe Cullen, who held the same position with LSU in 1999 under head coach Gerry DiNardo. Cullen says he’s excited for the chance to help the Chiefs to an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl title.

Cut 17 (05)  “…to make history.”

Speaking of Chiefs coaches, Head Coach Andy Reid put all speculation about his future to rest yesterday. During his media availability, he said he will not retire and will return to the Chiefs next season.

Cut 18 (07)   “…love the game.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as secretary of Health and Human Services came down to Senator Bill Cassidy, and his yes vote in the Senate Finance Committee sent his nomination to the full Senate. The vote was 14 to 13, along party lines. In explaining his vote on the Senate floor afterwards, Cassidy said not only did he have intense conversations with the White House, he also met with Kennedy multiple times over the weekend and this morning.

Cut 5 (12) “…should speak to.”

ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says Cassidy likely cast his vote to save his political future.

Cut 3 (15) “…his own party.” 

A Lake Charles woman is arrested in connection with the death of a three-month-old boy. The boy was rushed to a hospital back on January 22nd with a massive brain bleed and multiple skull fractures. The baby died after being airlifted to a hospital out of town. Detectives determined that for three hours that day, the baby was left with 40-year-old Shirley Sawyer. She has been charged with first-degree murder, and her bond is set at two and a half million dollars.

This year Cleco celebrates 90 years of powering Louisiana’s homes, businesses, and communities. Jennifer Cahill with Cleco says the company’s focus is beyond being an energy leader.

Cut 11 (06) “…corporate citizen.”

Cleco employs over 1,200 people, supports workforce development through education initiatives, and strengthens economic growth through partnerships.

1:30 LRN Newscast

Senator Bill Cassidy ended up being the deciding vote in the Senate Finance Committee to advance Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for Health Secretary to the full Senate. The vote was 14 to 13, along party lines. In explaining his vote on the Senate floor afterwards, Cassidy said not only did he have intense conversations with the White House, he also met with Kennedy multiple times over the weekend and this morning.

Cut 5 (12) “…should speak to.”

ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says Cassidy likely cast his vote to save his political future.

Cut 3 (15) “…his own party.” 

Cleco celebrates its 90th birthday today. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Clyde Edwards-Helaire is still on the minds of his former Chiefs teammates as they prepare for the Super Bowl. Patrick Mahomes says it hurt seeing the former LSU star running back go.

Cut 13 (07)  “…family as well.”

Edwards-Helaire was released by the Chiefs in December and was subsequently signed to the Saints practice squad.

LRN AM Newscall February 4 ***ADDS SPORTS CUTS***

The Super Bowl is bringing people from around the world to New Orleans and the state is using this opportunity to show Louisiana’s rise as a global business leader. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Flag football will be an Olympic Sport in 2028 and may soon be a sanctioned Louisiana high school girl’s sport. Colleen Crain explains…

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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One Louisiana high school coach will be watching the Super Bowl with great interest. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The state is using the Super Bowl as an opportunity to pitch Louisiana as a great place to do business. The Louisiana Now Pavilion opens today, next to the Super Bowl Media Center in New Orleans. State Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says Louisiana Now showcases the state’s economic strengths, culture and business potential…

Cut 4 (13) “..incredibly impactful.”

The Pavilion will host business executives, athletes, dignitaries and artists from around the world. Bourgeois says Louisiana Now will provide visitors with compelling stories about Louisiana’s economic strength and that includes Meta building a ten-billion-dollar A-I data center in Richland Parish…

Cut 5 (09) “…the story.”

Bourgeois says Louisiana Now will have interactive exhibits…

Cut 6 (13) “…of Louisiana.”

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A new report from Bankrate found that 45% of Americans applied for a loan or financial product in the past year, and 48% of those seeking a loan were rejected, with 14% experiencing multiple denials. Bankrate analyst Sarah Foster says Americans with lower credit scores were more likely to be denied for a loan or financial product…

Cut 7 (12) “…applying for.”

Foster says lower-income households, Gen Z, millennials, and parents with young children are most affected.

Cut 8 (07) “…credit score and history.”

Foster says one of the best course of actions to take is request a free credit report to look back at your credit score and look at specific factors that would impact your rating as well as…

Cut 9 (09)  “…debt-to-income ratio as well.”

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The LHSAA and the Saints are working towards sanctioning girls flag football as a high school sport. Louisiana High School Coaches Association Director Eric Held says the interest is there…

Cut 10 (10) “…flag football team.”

At least 80 schools needed to express interest per LHSAA bylaws in order for a formal vote to take place to finalize the approval of girls flag football as a sanctioned sport. Held says the association’s executive committee is expected to finalize approval at its April meeting.

Cut 11 (06) “…the road.”

Held says before an actual high school girls flag football season can take place, a pilot league needs takes to place first. But he says they have a head start as the Saints organization launched a ten-team girls flag football league for ten high schools in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes…

Cut 12 (12) “…and also Nike”

Flag football will officially be included in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games program.

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Many people in the Tangipahoa Parish town of Amite are rooting for local hero DeVonta Smith and the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl. Zephaniah Powell coached Smith at Amite (ay-MEET) High School. Coach Powell says the Eagles leading receiver keeps making plays despite his six-foot, 170-pound frame…

Cut 13 (09)  “…pros right now”

Powell says Smith has earned everything he’s got, including the Heisman Trophy he won at Alabama in 2020.

Cut 14 (05) “…for him.”

Smith was on the Eagles team that fell to the Chiefs two years ago. Powell says Smith and his teammates now have an opportunity to exact revenge and win a title of their own.

Cut 15 (13) “…for Philadelphia.”

In case you’re wondering – Powell will not be hitting his former star receiver up for Super Bowl tickets.

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Eagles Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore flew out to New Orleans with the rest of the team over the weekend for Sunday’s Super Bowl. He might not need his return flight. That’s because the 36-year-old is widely considered to be the frontrunner to be the new head coach of the Saints. The Saints have interviewed Moore once and will meet with him after the Super Bowl. Moore said despite the Super Bowl being on the Saints’ home field this year, he’s not thinking about the Saints this week.

Cut 16 (10) “…of the way.”

That said, Moore said becoming a head coach in the NFL would be the opportunity of a lifetime.

Cut 17 (12)  “…excited about it.”

Moore spent six seasons as a backup quarterback – three with the Lions and three with the Cowboys. Following one season as the Cowboys’ quarterbacks coach, he has spent the last six seasons as an offensive coordinator – four with the Cowboys and one each with the Chargers and Eagles.

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Saints fans may be wondering why their team couldn’t get a player like linebacker Zack Baun. Well, actually, they did have him for four seasons, during which he primarily played on special teams. Baun joined the Eagles this off-season and proceeded to make the Pro Bowl and is a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year after registering 151 tackles, five forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Baun says many players helped him be the dominant force that he was this season.

Cut 18 (14)   “…position I am.”

Baun says it’s surreal to be playing on the biggest stage in American sports – on the same field where he played his first four seasons at that.

Cut 19 (09) “…green in it.”

LRN AM Newscall January 30

Governor Landry releases more details of the beefed-up security for the Super Bowl. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Speaking on the Senate floor, Senator John Kennedy warned that failing to extend the 2017 tax cuts would severely damage the economy.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A 30-year Marine Corps veteran from Virginia gets the surprise of a lifetime. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Landry is outlining some of the security procedures which will be in place next week for the Super Bowl. From February 5th through the 10th, a French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone will be set up. It will be bordered by Canal, Royal, St. Ann and Dauphine streets. Within that zone, all coolers and ice chests will be prohibited. Also:

Cut 4 (14) “…Enhanced Security Zone.”

A search of those bags will be mandatory in order to get into the zone.

Cut 5 (10) “…free to enter.”

Landry says keeping people safe is a team effort that requires the cooperation of the public.

Cut 6 (09) “…say something.”

Also, vehicles will be prohibited from entering the zone, except for emergency vehicles. Starting February 5th, all vehicles parked within the zone will be towed. Anyone with reservations at a Bourbon Street hotel should enter via the Dauphine Street or the Royal Street entrance.

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Senator John Kennedy emphasized the need for Congress to prioritize spending cuts while maintaining national defense, extending tax cuts, and tackling inflation.  Speaking on the Senate floor, Kennedy warned that failing to extend the 2017 tax cuts would severely damage the economy.

Cut 7 (12) “…100% of GDP.”

Kennedy argued for increasing defense funding due to threats from China, Russia, and Iran, stressing that weakness invites aggression.

Cut 8 (113) “…money on defense.”

Kennedy called for returning spending to pre-pandemic levels, citing a recent Office of Management and Budget memorandum as a step in that direction. Kennedy dismissed concerns over spending reductions, urging Americans to stay grounded and recognize the necessity of fiscal discipline.

Cut 9 (06)  “…was ditch water.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy faces intense pressure from Louisiana conservatives to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Trump’s health secretary. Political Analyst Robert Hogan says Cassidy, a doctor and chair of the Senate Health Committee, is at an impasse when it comes to how he will vote.

Cut 10 (10) “…matters of health.”

Governor Landry, the Louisiana Freedom Caucus, and other Republican figures have urged Cassidy to support Kennedy, despite concerns over Kennedy’s abortion rights stance and Democratic background. Hogan says with Kennedy’s confirmation his political career is on the line.

Cut 11 (09) “…going to win.”

Cassidy has been fundraising aggressively, with strong financial backing from Republican donors. He continues outreach efforts but has yet to reconcile with Trump, making his upcoming vote pivotal for his political future. Hogan believes a “no” vote would end his re-election chances.

Cut 12 (10) “…the Republican Party.”

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A 30-year Marine Corps veteran got the surprise of a lifetime – he was told by Jayden Daniels that he was selected by USAA to go to the Super Bowl. Jonathan Knauth (kuh-NOWTH) of Stafford County, Virginia, says he was nominated for the tickets by a former boss. He filled out the application and forgot about it. But then, he was called to an office to do a podcast, only to find out that there was a team of USAA representatives waiting for him to give him the news that he won the trip to New Orleans and tickets to the Super Bowl.

Cut 13 (09)  “…of the blue.”

Knauth says he can’t wait to meet the Commanders rookie sensation and former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from LSU.

Cut 14 (10) “…that he is.”

This will be Knauth’s second time ever visiting New Orleans. The first time was in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Cut 15 (05) “…rebuilt, revamped, revitalized.”

Not only is Knauth going to the Super Bowl, he’ll be enjoying the game from a luxury suite.

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A Super Bowl-winning coach is no longer interested in the Saints head coaching vacancy. Former Cowboys and Packers coach Mike McCarthy has removed his name from consideration. But NFL analyst and WWL Radio’s Mike Detillier says McCarthy knows he’s no longer the top candidate and the Saints are more interested in Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore……

Cut 16 (18) “…pull out.”

The Saints top executives flew to Philadelphia on Monday night to interview Moore. Detillier believes Moore will be announced as New Orleans next head coach after the Super Bowl…

Cut 17 (16) “…Kellen Moore.”

Detillier says Moore was known as a pass-happy offensive coordinator when he was with the Cowboys and Chargers, but he’s adjusted to the personnel in Philadelphia to help the Eagles reach the Super Bowl…

Cut 18 (18) “…run the ball.”