A multi-parish drug trafficking investigation in central Louisiana leads to a 12-count indictment against 11 people who were allegedly buying and selling large amounts of meth and cocaine. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Dixon McMakin is staying put. The Baton Rouge state representative announced on social media that he will not be seeking the Republican nomination for the U.S. House seat being vacated by Julia Letlow as she runs for U.S. Senate.

Super Bowl commercials always get people talking; and this year is no exception. Google Search and Trends Expert Jennifer Jones says a few of them stood out in Google searches during last night’s game.

Cut 7 (08) “…top searched one.”

As for the action on the field, the Seahawks are celebrating their second Super Bowl title in franchise history, beating the Patriots, 29-13. For the Patriots, it was a bitter end to an incredible turnaround season, one which followed a season in which they went 4-and-13. Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte from LSU says the Super Bowl loss stings.

Cut 4 (09) “…it do hurt.”

For Seahawks fans, the win is sweet revenge, making up for the 28-24 loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl 49.

A Lafayette grand jury indicts 11 people in an alleged multi-parish drug trafficking organization. Assistant U.S. Attorney LaDonte Murphy says the drugs originated in Mexico and were trafficked across the border.

Cut 10 (14) “…central Louisiana.”

In the 12-count federal indictment, the 11 are accused of possessing or conspiring to possess large amounts of meth and cocaine with an intent to distribute. Nine are from Vernon Parish; two are from Sabine Parish.

LSU Alexandria sets another enrollment record, with spring enrollment up 12-percent year-over-year, marking the 12th straight semester of record growth. Abbey Bain with LSU-A says one of the biggest reasons for the continued growth is smaller class sizes.

Cut 23 (08) “…and support them.”

While the Seahawks are celebrating a Super Bowl title today, the Patriots are taking pride in what they accomplished this season. Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams of Louisiana Tech, who won the Super Bowl last season with the Eagles, says the team came a long way after finishing 4-and-13 one season ago

Cut 3 (13) “…the coaches, everybody.”

Thanks to modern technology, many fans had one eye on their TVs and one eye on their phones doing Google searches during the Super Bowl. Google Search and Trends Expert Jennifer Jones says while many fans during the game were searching for quarterbacks Drake Maye and Sam Darnold, as well as MVP Kenneth Walker the Third, there was someone else who was also dominating the searches.

Cut 6 (10) “…five field goals.”

A multi-parish drug trafficking investigation in central Louisiana leads to a 12-count indictment against 11 individuals that were allegedly involved in buying and selling large amounts of meth and cocaine. Jeff Palermo has the story..

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

In Baton Rouge, one school ended up closing for the day due to a massive sick-out. Classes were cancelled at Sacred Heart of Jesus School after more than 40-percent of students and 41-percent of staffers fell ill. 

Former LSU and current Patriots receiver Kayshon Boutte and his teammates are licking their wounds following their team’s 29-13 loss to the Seahawks in Super Bowl 60 last night. Boutte says he and the rest of the offense had no answers for the Seahawks’ stifling defense.

Cut 5 (07) “…up short today.”

While Boutte and fellow LSU Tiger Will Campbell are wondering what could have been, it’s a different story for their former Tigers teammate Anthony Bradford, who’s busy celebrating with his Seahawks teammates today.

Of course, this year, the biggest show besides the game was the Bad Bunny show at halftime. Google Search and Trends expert Jennifer Jones says while there were many memorable moments during Bad Bunny’s 13-minute performance, one stood out in particular among those on Google.

Cut 8 (11) “…the halftime show.”

Super Bowl commercials always get people talking; and this year is no exception. Google Search and Trends Expert Jennifer Jones says a few of them stood out in Google searches during last night’s game.

Cut 7 (08) “…top searched one.”

As for the action on the field, the Seahawks are celebrating their second Super Bowl title in franchise history, beating the Patriots, 29-13. For the Patriots, it was a bitter end to an incredible turnaround season, one which followed a season in which they went 4-and-13. Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte from LSU says the Super Bowl loss stings.

Cut 4 (09) “…it do hurt.”

For Seahawks fans, the win is sweet revenge, making up for the 28-24 loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl 49.

Louisiana residents can learn what makes each parish unique in a new original travel series that debuts tonight on L-P-B. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

You can cross one name off the list of candidates for the Fifth Congressional District. Dixon McMakin announced on social media that he will not be seeking the seat being vacated by Julia Letlow as she runs for U.S. Senate. McMakin says there’s too much unfinished business at the state level to launch a bid for Congress at this time.

As of the beginning of this month, all public and charter school special education classrooms in Louisiana are required to have cameras installed inside them. Livingston Representative Shane Mack, who authored Act 479, says the purpose is so that parents or guardians can get involved if there’s an incident in the classroom.

Cut 11 (11) “…in the classrooms.”

The Humane Society of Louisiana is once again implementing the Mardi Gras Horse Adoption Program. Executive Director Jeff Dorson says ever since launching the program in 2017, every horse that it has taken in after Mardi Gras has been adopted into permanent homes.

Cut 14 (10) “…be part of.”

Dorson says he hopes to have all of this year’s horses adopted by March 4th.

While the Seahawks are celebrating a Super Bowl title today, the Patriots are taking pride in what they accomplished this season. Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams of Louisiana Tech, who won the Super Bowl last season with the Eagles, says the team came a long way after finishing 4-and-13 one season ago

Cut 3 (13) “…the coaches, everybody.”

Thanks to modern technology, many fans had one eye on their TVs and one eye on their phones doing Google searches during the Super Bowl. Google Search and Trends Expert Jennifer Jones says while many fans during the game were searching for quarterbacks Drake Maye and Sam Darnold, as well as MVP Kenneth Walker the Third, there was someone else who was also dominating the searches.

Cut 6 (10) “…five field goals.”

Drew Brees has become the first New Orleans Saint to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Brees started his NFL career in San Diego, but in the season before he was set to become a free agent, he suffered a career-threatening shoulder injury. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and coach Sean Payton took a chance on him in 2006, and the rest is history.

Cut 13 (11) “…I could be.”

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is looking for the person who shot a bald eagle to death. Sergeant Michael Hebert says it happened in Erath on December 5th.

Cut 6 (10) “…to its wounds.”

A reward of up to 15-thousand dollars is being offered for information leading to a conviction in this incident.

Construction is getting underway on the Donaldsonville campus in the River Parish Community College system. Chancellor Quintin Taylor says for the first three to four years after it opens in 2028, the campus in Ascension Parish will be used specifically to train workers for the new Hyundai Steel mill, until it fills all 13-hundred jobs.

Cut 3 (08) “…in the area.”

Moderna and Merck have recently announced that a vaccine they’re working on to treat melanoma is showing lasting benefits for patients, and it could eventually be a game-changer in the treatment of all types of cancer. Dr. Kyle Holen, the head of development of oncology and therapeutics at Moderna, says the vaccine uses the same mRNA technology as the COVID vaccine.

Cut 9 (11)  “…cells as foreign.”

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is looking for the person who shot and killed a bald eagle in Vermillion Parish back in early December. The bald eagle is the national bird and a national symbol of the U.S. As such, Sergeant Michael Hebert notes that from coast to coast, it is illegal to shoot one.

Cut 8 (04) “…Eagle Protection Act.”

Killing a bald eagle is punishable by up to one year in jail and five-thousand dollars in both fines and civil restitution.

Moderna and Merck have recently announced that a vaccine they’re working on to treat melanoma is showing lasting benefits for patients. Dr. Kyle Holen, the head of development of oncology and therapeutics at Moderna, says this could be a game-changer in how all types of cancers are treated.

Cut 11 (05) “…randomized clinical trial.”

In a five-year follow-up of the ongoing clinical trial, those with the high-risk skin cancer who take the vaccine along with Keytruda have lowered their risk of recurrence by half, compared to taking Keytruda alone. 

Cut 23 (08) “…Class of 2026.”

Who Dat nation is rejoicing as Drew Brees is voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A middle school teacher in Hammond is arrested for allegedly having sex with a teenager. Investigators say 47-year-old Chad Basso had sex with a 15-year-old he met online. Basso taught eighth grade at Hammond Westside Montessori School; the teen does not go to school there.

Entergy says it has completed its mission in northeast Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Who Dat nation is rejoicing as Drew Brees is voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Construction is getting underway on the Donaldsonville campus in the River Parish Community College system. Chancellor Quintin Taylor says for the first three to four years after it opens in 2028, the campus in Ascension Parish will be used specifically to train workers for the new Hyundai Steel mill, until it fills all 13-hundred jobs.

Cut 3 (08) “…in the area.”

Taylor says this is the latest in the growth of the River Parish Community College system.

Cut 4 (11) “…in Boutte.”

Taylor says community colleges like River Parish Community College are key to a strong workforce.

Cut 5 (08) “…to the jobs.”

____________________________________________

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is looking for the person who shot a bald eagle to death. Sergeant Michael Hebert says it happened in Erath on December 5th.

Cut 6 (10) “…to its wounds.”

Sergeant Hebert says a reward of up to 15-thousand dollars is being offered for information leading to a conviction in this incident.

Cut 7 (11) “…have been receiving.”

The bald eagle is the national bird and a national symbol of the U.S. As such, Hebert notes that from coast to coast, it is illegal to shoot a bald eagle.

Cut 8 (04) “…Eagle Protection Act.”

Killing a bald eagle is punishable by up to one year in jail and five-thousand dollars in both fines and civil restitution. Up until 1995, the bald eagle was classified as an endangered species. Its population has since recovered, and its conservation status is now “least concern.”

______________________________________

Moderna and Merck have recently announced that a vaccine they’re working on to treat melanoma is showing lasting benefits for patients. In a five-year follow-up of an ongoing clinical trial, those with the high-risk skin cancer who take the vaccine along with Keytruda have lowered their risk of recurrence by half, compared to taking Keytruda alone. Dr. Kyle Holen, the head of development of oncology and therapeutics at Moderna, says the vaccine uses the same mRNA technology as the COVID vaccine.

Cut 9 (11)  “…cells as foreign.”

Dr. Holen says Moderna is looking at several different types of cancers in clinical trials, some of which are taking place in Louisiana.

Cut 10 (10) “…types of cancers.”

Holen says this could be a game-changer in how all types of cancers are treated.

Cut 11 (05) “…randomized clinical trial.”

_______________________________________________________

Drew Brees is the first New Orleans Saint in franchise history to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. The formal announcement was made Thursday night. No one could have predicted that Brees would become one of the most prolific quarterbacks in NFL history when he was selected in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft.

Cut 12 (09) “…a different way.”

Brees became the first quarterback to surpass 80-thousand career passing yards, and his 571 touchdown passes are the second most in NFL history. His career completion percentage is the highest in league history.

Brees started his pro career in San Diego, but in the season before he was set to become a free agent, he suffered a career-threatening shoulder injury. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and coach Sean Payton took a chance on him in 2006, and the rest is history.

Cut 13 (11) “…I could be.”

Brees led the Saints to the franchise’s lone Super Bowl title in the 2009 season. He also guided New Orleans to three NFC Championship Game appearances. He’s remembered for all of the records, the victories and — maybe more importantly — his role in the post-Katrina recovery.

Cut 14 (13) “…bigger than them”

Brees and the rest of his class will be formally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August.

Cut 23 (07) “…Class of 2026.”

Dan Fouts recently showed up to Drew Brees’ home unannounced to deliver him the big news. The widely-expected news was announced last night during the NFL Honors show. Brees says he would have never envisioned this outcome when he was drafted in the second round in 2001.

Cut 12 (09) “…a different way.”

Construction is getting underway on the Donaldsonville campus in the River Parish Community College system, which will be used primarily to train future employees at the Hyundai Steel mill, which is under construction nearby. Chancellor Quintin Taylor says this is the latest in the growth of the system.

Cut 4 (11) “…in Boutte.”

Moderna and Merck have recently announced that a vaccine they’re working on to treat melanoma is showing lasting benefits for patients. In a five-year follow-up of an ongoing clinical trial, those with the high-risk skin cancer who take the vaccine along with Keytruda have lowered their risk of recurrence by half, compared to taking Keytruda alone. Dr. Kyle Holen, the head of development of oncology and therapeutics at Moderna, says the vaccine uses the same mRNA technology as the COVID vaccine.

Cut 9 (11)  “…cells as foreign.”

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is looking for the person who shot and killed a bald eagle in Vermillion Parish back in early December. The bald eagle is the national bird and a national symbol of the U.S. As such, Sergeant Michael Hebert notes that from coast to coast, it is illegal to shoot one.

Cut 8 (04) “…Eagle Protection Act.”

All eyes will be on the U.S. Senate race and the fifth congressional district when qualifying takes place next week. After initially challenging Bill Cassidy for the Senate, Blake Miguez is now running in the fifth district, even though he doesn’t live close to there. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says we’ve seen that before.

Cut 11 (10) “…anchored House district.”

Drew Brees is the first New Orleans Saint in history to be voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. The formal announcement was made last night. Brees acknowledged that no one could have predicted that he would become one of the most prolific quarterbacks in history when he was taken in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft.

Cut 12 (12) “…different way.”

You drink, you drive, you lose – Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over starts today and runs through Mardi Gras, February 17th. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says Carnival is one of four times a year the state does a Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, in which it gets federal funding to pay law enforcement officers overtime to look for impaired drivers.

Cut 5 (09) “…enforcement units available.”

It’s the biggest return of unclaimed property in Louisiana – more than 400-thousand dollars. State Treasurer John Fleming presented a pair of checks to Shreveport native James Willett earlier this week. He says a family member who had been managing the Willetts’ mineral royalties had passed away a few years ago, and the money ended up going untouched.

Cut 8 (09) “…to the state.”