4:30 PM Newscast Feb 6

Two boys were making their way home after a late-night visit to a friend when Shreveport police say Jeffrey Reed offered them a ride but allegedly took the boys aged 13 and 14, to a motel, held them there, displayed pornographic images, and attempted to sexually assault them. Officers captured Reed but had to use a taser when he resisted. He has been charged with simple kidnapping, indecent behavior with a juvenile, and false imprisonment.

This year the bird flu has resulted in fewer chickens that can lay eggs leading to a significant increase in egg prices. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says it’s going to take some time to restock poultry houses and vaccinate the hens…

Cut 4 (07) “…stop the disease”

While no cases have been found in Louisiana’s poultry industry, officials remain vigilant. Earlier this year, a Southwest Louisiana man died from bird flu. He reportedly had pre-existing health conditions.

As New Orleans hosts Super Bowl LXI, the city and Louisiana’s music will definitely flavor the pre-game activities. Jon Batiste will sing the National Anthem and America the Beautiful will be performed by Lauren Daigle and Trombone Shorty who says they are blending his and Daigle’s signature styles…

Cut 8 (08) “…sounds ok to me.”

This is Kansas City’s fifth appearance in the Super Bowl in the last six year and there is certainly K-C Fatigue as the Chiefs look to make history with a threepeat victory. Safety Justin Reid from Dutchtown High School in Ascension Parish says he likes playing the villain in this game…

Cut 14 (14) “…more fun.”

For the Philadelphia Eagles, former Amite star, Devonta Smith said if they continue to play the way they have been, they should be successful.

3:30 PM Newscast Feb 6

Shreveport police arrested a man after he offered two boys aged 13 and 14 a ride home but instead allegedly took them to a motel on Greenwood Road, held them there, and attempted to sexually assault them. Officers captured Jeffrey Reed but had to use a taser when he resisted. Reed was transported to a local hospital for injuries he received during the arrest.

A second stain of bird flu has been detected in dairy cows in Nevada. This strain had only been detected in wild birds and poultry, has now infected some cows. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the good news is that the virus has not yet been detected in Louisiana’s commercial poultry operations.

Cut 3 (13) “…consistently tested positive.”

A man in southwest Louisiana died earlier this year from the bird flu. He was infected with the same strain of bird flu detected in cattle in Nevada.

Businesses along Bourbon Street are gearing up for a huge weekend ahead of the Super Bowl. Andrew Greenstein talked with the manager of one of those businesses.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

 

Super Bowl 59 is almost here as the Philadelphia Eagles try to win their second Super Bowl. Former Amite star Devonta (duh-VAWN-tay) Smith was in his second season when Philadelphia lost to Kansas City in Super Bowl 57. Smith says they are not looking to over perform this time…

Cut 12 (07) “…come out successful.”

LRN PM Newscall Feb 6

Super Bowl LIX will honor New Orleans’ rich musical heritage with a lineup of artists connected to Louisiana for the pregame entertainment.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

___________________________________________________

Businesses along Bourbon Street are gearing up for a huge weekend ahead of the Super Bowl. Andrew Greenstein talked with the manager of one of those businesses.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

A second stain of bird flu has been detected in dairy cows in Nevada. This strain had only been detected in wild bird and poultry, but it’s now it has spilled into cows. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the good news is that the virus has not yet been detected in the state’s commercial poultry operations.

Cut 3 (13) “…consistently tested positive.”

A man in southwest Louisiana died earlier this year from the bird flu. He was infected with the same strain of bird flu detected in cattle in Nevada.

Strain emphasized that recovery will take time, requiring the raising of new chicks, restocking poultry houses, and vaccinating hens.

Cut 4 (07) “…stop the disease.”

While no cases have been found in Louisiana’s poultry industry, Strain says they have to stay on top of the situation.

Cut 5 (15) “…by the workers.”

______________________________________________________________

The pregame entertainment at Super Bowl LIX will honor New Orleans’ rich musical heritage with a lineup of artists connected to Louisiana. Grammy and Oscar-winning musician Jon Batiste will perform the national anthem. The New Orleans says he thinks about his life when singing the anthem…

Cut 6 (10) “…our shared humanity.”

Lauren Daigle and New Orleans own Trombone Shorty will perform America the Beautiful prior to kick off. Daigle, a Lafayette native and Grammy-winning Christian music artist says she’s always loved this song…

Cut 7 (16) “…to me.”

Trombone Shorty, a New Orleans jazz musician, brings a signature brass sound noted they are blending his and Daigles signature styles to the stage.

Cut 8 (08) “…sounds ok to me.”

______________________________________________________________

The New Orleans French Quarter is filling up with football fans. Huge crowds are expected through Super Bowl Sunday. Kelly Henderson, the manager at Fat Catz Music Club on Bourbon Street, says he’s treating Super Bowl week like Mardi Gras.

Cut 9 (05)  “…hope and pray.”

Businesses up and down Bourbon Street are looking for this week to make up for a tough January, when they had to close several days due to the New Year’s Day attack and the snowstorm. Henderson says he doesn’t look at Super Bowl week as a way to make up for lost time.

Cut 10 (10) “…slow us down.”

Bourbon Street has been transformed into a full-time pedestrian mall for this week, and there’s renewed talk of transforming it into a pedestrian mall permanently. Businesses had pushed back on that in the past. But Henderson says he’d support it under one condition.

Cut 11 (15) “…with other cars”

___________________________________________________________

Super Bowl 59 is almost here as the Philadelphia Eagles try to win their second Super Bowl. Former Amite star Devonta (duh-VAWN-tay) Smith was in his second season when Philadelphia lost to Kansas City in Super Bowl 57. Smith says they are not looking to over perform this time…

Cut 12 (07) “…come out successful.”

The Chiefs are known for Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, but they also have an elite defense. Smith on what makes K-C so good on defense…

Cut 13 (09)  “…throw at us.”

There is certainly Kansas City Chiefs fatigue heading into the Super Bowl. K-C is seeking to win the Super Bowl for a record third consecutive year and this is there fifth appearance in the game in six years. Safety Justin Reid from Dutchtown High School in Ascension Parish likes playing the villain in this game…

Cut 14 (14) “…more fun.”

2:30 PM Newscast Feb 6

A routine traffic stop on Hwy 59 in Mandeville lead to the discovery of a suspected crack cocaine lab. A post on St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Facebook page says during the stop of 55-year-old Raymond Matos Authorities found 1.5 grams of suspected crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia, over three thousand dollars cash. Investigators then searched Mato’s home and seized the measuring cups, a microwave after finding more than a half-pound of suspected cocaine; approximately 4 grams of crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia including scales, glass pipes, packaging material; and $9,000 cash.

A second stain of bird flu has been detected in dairy cows in Nevada. Until now, this strain had only been detected in wild birds and poultry Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says no cases have been found in Louisiana’s poultry industry, but officials remain vigilant.  He says wild birds and dairy herds could infect commercial birds.

Cut 5 (07) “…one of the workers.”

Super Bowl LIX will honor New Orleans’ rich musical heritage with a lineup of artists connected to Louisiana for pregame entertainment.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Bourbon Street has been transformed into a full-time pedestrian mall for this week, and there’s renewed talk of transforming it into a full-time pedestrian mall permanently. Businesses had pushed back on that in the past. But the manager of Fat Catz Music Club, Kelly Henderson says he’d support it under one condition.

Cut 11 (15) “…with other cars”

1:30 PM Newscast Feb 5

New Orleans is focusing on heightened security measures for Super Bowl 59, banning coolers, ice chests, and large bags on Bourbon and surrounding streets. But cannot ban guns because of the state’s Constitutional Carry law which allows conceal carry without a permit for non-felon adults. But New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says they will stop people who are negligently carrying, if you have a gun in your waist band and not in a holster.

Cut 10 (12) “…but legally.”

She stresses that it is still illegal to enter an establishment that serves alcohol while armed.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill is warning fans about ticket scams as Big Game activities continue in New Orleans. She cautions that major events like the Super Bowl attract scammers who deceive unsuspecting buyers with fake merchandise and tickets.

Cut 12 (15) “…sanctioned merchandise.”

Louisiana officials reiterate that food caught off the Gulf Coast is safe to eat. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has investigated over 70 fish kills statewide since the recent historically old temperatures dropped water temperatures to below 40 degrees for several days. Fisheries Biologist Jason Adriance says many saltwater species couldn’t survive the prolonged cold but compared to the severe freeze of December 1989, this event was shorter and less extreme.

Cut 5 (10) “…2014 and 2018.”

12:30 PM Newscast

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) says the recent history-making cold temperatures with water temperatures below 40 degrees for several days caused numerous fish kills. Fisheries Biologist Jason Adriance says LDWF has investigated over 70 fish kills statewide, with the highest Spotted Seatrout and Black Drum mortalities in the Terrebonne/Timbalier (Tim ball air) Basin and the highest Red Drum and Sheepshead losses in the Barataria Basin.

Cut 4 (13) “…pretty much state wide.”

After more than a dozen people got sick from eating oysters collected from Area 3 of the Gulf Coast, the state is reiterating to people that seafood caught in Louisiana is safe to eat. 15 people became infected with Norovirus after eating oysters harvested in that area in the second half of January. Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Madison Sheahan says people visiting New Orleans for the Super Bowl should by no means be discouraged from eating Louisiana seafood.

Cut 6 (10) “…seafood this week.”

The Department of Health has closed Oyster Area 3 and has issued a recall for all oysters harvested from there since January 10th.

Tighter security measures are in place today in New Orleans as more fans arrive for Super Bowl 59. No coolers, ice chests or large bags on Bourbon Street and surrounding streets. But it will not be a gun-free zone, because the state’s Constitutional Carry law allows permitless conceal carry. But New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says that does not mean you can bring a gun into a bar…

Cut 9 (13)  “…alcohol.”

Kirkpatrick says they will stop people who are negligently carrying, if you have a gun in your waist band and not in a holster.

11:30 PM Newscast Feb 5

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.  Authorities are seeking a sixth suspect, Richard Paul Brower

Following historically low temperatures, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has received numerous reports of fish kills. Fisheries Biologist Jason Adriance says many saltwater species, such as Spotted Seatrout and Red Drum, succumbed to the cold as water temperatures dropped below 40°F for several days.

Cut 3 (11) “…kills them.”

The Excitement of Super Bowl week continues today as the NFL Experience opens at the Morial Convention Center. It’s described as an interactive “theme park” for NFL fans. Coming up on Saturday morning it’s the Super Bowl Host Committee Parade in the heart of the French Quarter. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President Jay Cicero…

Cut 15 (08) “…taken advantage of”

The parade starts at 10:00 and Todd Graves, the founder of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, will serve as parade king.

And in an effort to keep people safe, Governor Landry is deploying more than 200 State Troopers to New Orleans for the Super Bowl. Sergeant Kate Stegall says many will head to the French quarter to help the National Guard provide security in the Enhanced Security Zone.

Cut 23 (08) …that safety traffic.”

Troopers will also be fanned out in other areas of the city likely to draw big crowds like the Convention Center and Superdome.

4:30 PM Newscast Feb 4

After grappling with the decision, Senator Bill Cassidy was the deciding vote in the Senate Finance Committee to advance Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for Health Secretary to the full Senate. ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says no doubt Cassidy, a physician by trade, wrestled with this decision. He says the Senator said in a statement he had intense conversations with the White House…

Cut 4 (13) “…efforts to vaccinate.”

Cassidy said Kennedy assured him that they will be in regular contact, including seeking his input on hiring decisions.

Before Louisiana’s Jon Batiste sings the National Anthem in Sunday’s Superbowl, Southern University’s Human Jukebox will again perform. It’s the 5th time Southern’s band has been a Superbowl feature and the second year in a row, performing in Las Vegas last year. Band Director Kedric Taylor broke the news Tuesday on the Jennifer Hudson Show while in Los Angels for the Honda Battle of the Bands.

Happy Birthday Cleco, the utility company is celebrating 90 years of powering Louisiana’s homes, businesses, and communities.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Southern Shrimp Alliance says testing was done on 24 restaurants in New Orleans that advertised they were serving shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico and only three of them were serving imported shrimp. S-S-A board member Cheri Blanchard praised Louisiana’s progress but urged stronger enforcement to protect the domestic shrimp industry.

Cut 8 (06) “…with their health.”

Louisiana passed legislation this year that imposes significant penalties for restaurants that fail to inform customers they serve imported shrimp vs. local wild-caught Gulf Shrimp.

3:30 PM Newscast Feb 4

Senator Bill Cassidy ended up being the deciding vote to advance Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for Secretary of Health to the full Senate. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (38) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Morehouse Parish Schools will reopen Wednesday after their closing doors for two days this week. Officials made the decision to close schools out of an abundance of caution when a mass parish-wide bomb threat was received. After a thorough investigation, Morehouse Parish Schools said local law enforcement and emergency response teams found no credible threat to students, staff or facilities.

The Southern Shrimp Alliance says only three New Orleans restaurants out of 24 tested were found to be serving imported shrimp instead, despite advertising Gulf or authentic shrimp. S-S-A board member Cheri Blanchard says this year Louisiana strengthened its seafood labeling laws and the legislation appears to be working….

Cut 7 (09) “…my state represented better.”

Similar testing was conducted at Texas, Mississippi and Florida restaurants and it was found most of the restaurants were not serving Gulf of Mexico shrimp, despite advertising on their menu that said otherwise.

Happy 90th birthday this year to CLECO Founded in 1935 as Louisiana Ice & Electric Company, the company transitioned to Central Louisiana Electric Company a decade later. Spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says CLECO is the only electric utility provider that has met Louisiana’s reliability standards for 26 years

Cut 12 (06) “…99-percent of the time.”

CLECO serves 24 of Louisiana’s 64 Parishes.

2:30 PM Newscast Feb 4

The Louisiana Legislature passed legislation this year that imposes significant penalties for restaurants that fail to inform customers when serve foreign imports vs. local wild-caught Gulf Shrimp.  Recent testing by the Southern Shrimp Alliance showed Louisiana fared well in complying with the new law. 3 out of 24 restaurants tested in New Orleans and 4 out of 24 in Baton Rouge were out of compliance. Blanchard urges patrons to support those restaurants that are serving quality products.

Cut 9 (08)  “…both on the same page.”

This year, Cleco celebrates 90 years of powering Louisiana’s homes, businesses, and communities focusing solely on electricity providing power to nearly 300 thousand customers across 24 parishes. Spokesperson Jennifer Cahill…

Cut 10 (10) “…and Tony Chachere’s.”

Senator Bill Cassidy ended up being the deciding vote in the Senate Finance Committee to advance Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to the full Senate. Cassidy said his big question prior to his vote was whether he could collaborate to help public health agencies regain the trust of the American people.

Cut 6 (16) “…not cause autism.”

Cassidy said Kennedy assured him that they will be in regular contact, including seeking his input on hiring decisions.

For the fourth time in five years, the Kansas City Chiefs are in the Super Bowl but this is the first time that former LSU and Catholic High Baton Rouge star Clyde Edwards-Helaire is not with them He was released by K-C in December. Chiefs’ Quarterback Patrick Mahomes says Edwards-Helaire still feels like a part of the team…

Cut 14 (12) “…close with him.”

Edwards-Helaire finished the season with the Saints, appearing in the final two games of the year.