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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

Governor Landry is celebrating Louisiana’s surge up the rankings in the Nation’s Report Card for 2024. It shows that the state’s overall ranking has soared from 43rd to 32nd. Landry said it’s a testament to the leaders who aren’t afraid to try new things to turn Louisiana’s academic achievement around.

Cut 4 (10) “…step to success.”

The state made the biggest strides in 4th grade reading, moving from 42nd all the way to 16th since 2022. Fourth grade math scores have also increased from 50th in 2019 to 38th.

DOTD has secured an additional three-million-dollars from the state legislature for litter pickup along major federal highways. Spokesman Rodney Mallet says litter pickup is not only costly, but it diverts money from road improvement projects…

Cut 8 (07) “…for actual infrastructure.”

A traffic stop led to the largest fentanyl pill seizure in the history of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. Lieutenant Suzanne Carboni says it started when they pulled over a Chevy Yukon SUV on U.S. Highway 11 last week.

Cut 9 (08)  “…pressed fentanyl pills.”

Carboni says the driver was 21-year-old Tawan Anthony, and the passenger was 41-year-old Regginald Henry, both of Pearl River. Both are booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on several charges each.

You can now start filing your state tax return. The Department of Revenue is urging you to do so through the Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point, or La-TAP. Department spokesman Byron Henderson says by using La-TAP, you will get your refund faster, should one be coming your way.

Cut 13 (12)  “…eight weeks.”

The Nation’s Report Card for 2024 shows that Louisiana students are improving tremendously. In the overall ranking, Louisiana has moved from 43rd in the nation to 32nd in just two years. In making the announcement at a Baton Rouge elementary school, Governor Landry said struggling students made strides that no others anywhere else in the country did.

Cut 3 (10) “…one place — Louisiana.” (applause fades) 

A traffic stop led to the largest fentanyl pill seizure in St. Tammany Parish history – 16-thousand pills. The driver was 21-year-old Tawan Anthony, and the passenger was 41-year-old Regginald Henry, both of Pearl River. Lieutenant Suzanne Carboni says both were on probation.

Cut 11 (11) “…possession of methamphetamine.”

The state will spend an additional three million dollars on litter pickup along major interstates. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

You can now start filing your state income tax returns. The Department of Revenue is asking you to submit your return electronically through the Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point, also known as La-TAP. The department says by doing so, you will get your refund faster, if one is indeed coming to you. And to minimize any delays, make sure your information is up to date.

Louisiana moves up in a big way in the Nation’s Report Card. Andrew Greenstein is in Baton Rouge with details.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The state will spend an additional three million dollars on litter pickup along major interstates. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Nation’s Report Card for 2024 shows that Louisiana students are improving tremendously. In the overall ranking, which considers reading and math scores in 4th and 8th grades, Louisiana has moved from 43rd in the nation to 32nd in just two years. In making the announcement at Magnolia Woods Elementary School in Baton Rouge, Governor Landry said struggling students made strides that no others anywhere else in the country did.

Cut 3 (10) “…one place — Louisiana.” (applause fades)

Governor Landry said it’s a testament to the leaders who aren’t afraid to try new things to turn Louisiana’s academic achievement around.

Cut 4 (10) “…step to success.”

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the state soared to new heights in all four metrics that went into the Nation’s Report Card.

Cut 5 (12) “…8th grade math.” (applause fades)

The state made the biggest strides in 4th grade reading, moving from 42nd all the way to 16th since 2022. Fourth grade math scores have also increased from 50th in 2019 to 38th.

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DOTD has secured an additional three-million-dollars from the state legislature for litter pickup along major federal highways. Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says in the coming months, residents statewide will notice litter removal efforts.

Cut 6 (09) “…pick up regularly.”

This initiative aims to improve the cleanliness and appearance of key transportation routes. Mallet says the effort recently launched in the New Orleans area, coinciding with the upcoming Super Bowl.

Cut 7 (08) “…of our contract.”

Mallet says litter pickup is not only costly, but it diverts money from road improvement projects…

Cut 8 (07) “…for actual infrastructure.”

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A traffic stop led to the largest fentanyl pill seizure in the history of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. Lieutenant Suzanne Carboni says it started when they pulled over a Chevy Yukon SUV on U.S. Highway 11 last week.

Cut 9 (08)  “…pressed fentanyl pills.” (Seized 16,000 pressed fentanyl pills, nearly 5 lbs. worth)

Carboni says the driver was 21-year-old Tawan Anthony, and the passenger was 41-year-old Regginald Henry, both of Pearl River. She says the two went to great lengths to conceal the fentanyl.

Cut 10 (12) “…of this Yukon.”

Anthony and Henry are both booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on several charges each. Carboni says both were on probation.

Cut 11 (11) “…possession of methamphetamine.”

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Louisiana taxpayers can begin filing their state income tax returns today. Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says this year they are asking filers to submit their returns electronically through L-D-R’s Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point, also known as La-TAP

Cut 12 (11) “…account history.”

The La-TAP portal can be found on the Department of Revenue’s website.

Taxpayers may also submit their returns using commercially available tax preparation software. And paper returns that can be mailed in are also available at the department of revenue’s website. Henderson says for those eligible for a refund, you’ll get your money faster if you file electronically

Cut 13 (12)  “…eight weeks.”

Henderson says taxpayers can minimize delays in receiving their refunds by updating their contact information with the Department of Revenue…

Cut 14 (10) “…contact information.”

Senator Valarie Hodges and other legislators urge the NFL to promote a family-friendly halftime show for the Super Bowl in New Orleans.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The arctic blast has put a temporary freeze on strawberry farmers, including one in Livingston Parish. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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New Orleans Police release their preliminary security plans for the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana legislators, led by Senator Valarie Hodges, sent a letter to the NFL urging a family-friendly halftime show for the Super Bowl in New Orleans. Hodges says since Louisiana allocated state funds for the event, its programming should reflect wholesome values.

Cut 4 (12) “…watching it on television.”

Hodges advocated for entertainment free of inappropriate content, ensuring all Louisianans could watch without concern. She noted that while many in the state are excited about hosting the Super Bowl, taxpayers and parents are worried about past halftime performances.

Cut 5 (09) “…not be exposed.”

Hodges hopes Louisiana can set a positive example for future Super Bowl hosts by promoting content suitable for viewers of all ages.

Cut 6 (12) “…innocence of children.”

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President Trump proposed dismantling FEMA during visits to disaster-stricken areas in North Carolina and California.  Senator Bill Cassidy says if you don’t have FEMA you need something like it because sometimes disasters are too big for states to handle.

Cut 7 (13) “…currently being done .”

Cassidy says if there is no FEMA there still needs to be something like FEMA.

Cut 8 (07) “…could get better.”

Cassidy says he believes this is a good time to look at the efficiency of FEMA and suspects that is what President Trump is alluding to as well.

Cut 9 (07)  “…federal response.”

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Strawberry farmers across the state, including one in Livingston Parish, are assessing the damage done by last week’s arctic blast. Rachael Harris, the owner of Harris Strawberry Farm in Springfield, says they took proactive measures in advance of the storm, like covering them with cloth. But that only went so far.

Cut 10 (13) “…and protected them.”

Harris says that’s going to set them back about three weeks. They’ll miss out on Valentine’s Day, but they will be ready for Easter and the Strawberry Festival. She says while they will recover, it will still cost the business some money.

Cut 11 (07) “…pick good berries.”

Harris says this is the second year in a row that strawberry farmers have had to deal with a setback.

Cut 12 (09) “…out of business.”

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We’re getting details of the preliminary security plan for the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. New Orleans Police have placed wedges and barriers on Bourbon Street to keep vehicles out, and they’re beefing up security along cross streets and around the perimeter. Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says the NFL is also bringing in barriers of their own for the Super Bowl.

Cut 13 (09)  “…harden target.”

State Police are bringing in additional wedges and barriers, and the Department of Homeland Security is bringing in SWAT teams and K-9 patrols. New Orleans Police Chief Deputy Superintendent Hans Ganthier says their presence will be felt everywhere – in the Superdome and beyond.

Cut 14 (10) “…and the CBD.”

As for Mardi Gras, Kirkpatrick says there’s one thing that will not change.

Cut 15 (14) “…make things safer.” (Parade routes will not change)

Kirkpatrick urges people to speak up if they see anything suspicious.

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A struggling LSU men’s basketball team has a big test tonight as they host top ranked Auburn. Auburn leads the SEC in field goal percentage at 49-percent and Coach Matt McMahon says their ability to shoot makes them tough to beat…

Cut 16 (17) “…offensive glass.”

Meanwhile, LSU is one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the country. The Tigers are 320^th in the country in three-point shooting at 31-percent. McMahon says the guys are working on their outside shot…

Cut 17 (16)  “…games.”

LSU has added Trey’Dez Green. In his first game since catching two touchdown passes in the bowl game victory over Baylor, Green had two points, which was a thunderous dunk after a blocked shot, and also had three rebounds in eight minutes. McMahon says it was a nice debut for the tight end, who is now a power forward…

Cut 18 (18)   “…offensive glass.”

Louisiana’s streak of job growth continues. Emily DiPalma with the Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state gained 25-hundred non-farm jobs last month. Compared to December of 2023, the total number of jobs increased by more than 20-thousand.

Cut 12 (06) “…series of data.”

The unemployment rate ticked up slightly to 4.4-percent, but DiPalma says that’s still low.

Farmers say sugarcane held up well in last week’s winter storm, despite record-breaking single-digit temperatures. LSU AgCenter sugarcane expert Kenneth Gravois says farmers are also planting cane varieties that are better at surviving cold temperatures.

Cut 5 (09) “…kinds of conditions.”

Gravois says the snow acted as insulation for the cane. He says the full extent of damage will remain unclear for weeks.

Governor Landry is asking for support from Senator Bill Cassidy to confirm RFK Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A two-vehicle crash on the west bound side of the I-10 Twin Span between Slidell and New Orleans sent a commercial vehicle and driver into Lake Pontchartrain. Rescue divers responded, and one driver was rescued and transported to a hospital. That driver reportedly did not suffer any injuries.