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.

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 5^th 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.

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 90^th 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.

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.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is in New Orleans to make sure the proper security measures are in place for the biggest sporting event of the year. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

All Schools in Morehouse Parish were closed Monday and will remain closed tomorrow. A mass parish-wide bomb threat led authorities to close all Morehouse Parish schools including Louisiana Delta Community College Monday and Tuesday. Law enforcement officials are investigating the threat and say they made the decision to close the schools out of an abundance of caution. Some schools may participate in virtual learning activities.

The Super Bowl is about more than the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, the half-time show, and the commercials. Superbowl in New Orleans is a whole week and it’s underway. Peter O’Reilly with the NFL says the league is using this week to show off New Orleans, and that includes getting the local business community involved through its NFL Source program.

Cut 9 (08)  “…225 local businesses.”

Jack Bech was named the Senor Bowl MVP this past weekend, but he says he would rather have his brother than the M-V-P honor. Tiger Bech was killed in the New Years Day terror attack on Bourbon Street and Jack believes it was his brother who helped him achieve great things…

Cut 14 (11) “…legacy on .”

Bech starred at St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette, just like his older brother Tiger. Jack Bech played two seasons at LSU and became one of the nation’s best receivers after transferring to TCU.

A suspect was shot and killed by a Bossier City Police Officer early Monday morning. The officer was responding to a 9-1-1 hang-up call and Police say, when the officer arrived became involved in a life-threatening encounter. The officer discharged their weapon resulting in a fatal shooting. The incident was turned over to the Louisiana State Police who is now investigating.

Fortunately, a one-year-old Shreveport child sleeping in a car when it was stolen was found unharmed. The child’s mother had left her car running while she went inside to get jackets. An hour after the theft, an officer working extra duty at a Walmart found the child safe in the parking lot. The stolen car was later found at a Circle K near an apartment complex.  SPD CPL. Chris Bordelon says officers tracked 17-year-old Marcus Madden who allegedly stole the vehicle there.

Cut 4 (07) “…Madden into custory.”

The Superbowl is Sunday, and Superbowl week here.  Peter O’Reilly with the NFL says one goal of the week-long festivities is to make the Super Bowl accessible to everyone, not just those who cannot attend the game. Tonight is Super Bowl Opening Night at the Superdome.

Cut 11 (10) “…really engaging event.”

The NFL Experience opens Wednesday at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

One of the highlights of this past weekend was the performance by TCU wide receiver Jack Bech in the Senior Bowl. One month after his older brother, Tiger Bech, died tragically in the New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street, Bech was named the Senor Bowl MVP with had six catches for 68 yards and he caught the game winning touchdown pass on the final play of the game.

Cut 12 (12) “…did today.”

Bech starred at St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette.

A mass bomb threat in Morehouse Parish has led authorities to close all Morehouse Parish schools today and Tuesday. Law enforcement officials are investigating a parish-wide threat and say out of an abundance of caution, they’ve closed all schools in the parish including Louisiana Delta Community College Monday and Tuesday. Some schools will participate in virtual learning activities.

A Shreveport mother’s car was stolen with her one-year-old child inside when she left her car running with the sleeping child inside while she went into her home to get jackets for the child and herself Friday night. Fortunately, an hour later, the child was found unharmed in a Walmart parking lot by a police officer working extra duty. SPD CPL. Chris Bordelon says officers responded to a stolen vehicle shortly after 8 pm.

Cut 3 (10) “…in the area.”

17-year-old Marcus Madden was arrested and faces charges of simple kidnapping, motor vehicle theft, and child desertion.

Superbowl is Sunday but Superbowl Week has already begun. Andrew Greenstein reports from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center…

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

To kick off Super Bowl week, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Governor Jeff Landry and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell held a moment of silence at the corner of Bourbon Street and Canal Street to recognize the victims of the New Year’s Day terror attack. Afterwards, Noem spoke with reporters and said federal, state and local governments are on the same page when it comes ensuring the Super Bowl will be safe….

Cut 6 (08) “…on my watch.”

An enhanced security zone will go into effect on Wednesday for Bourbon Street and surrounding streets.

A New York doctor is facing criminal charges in Louisiana after prosecutors say she prescribed an abortion drug that terminated a Port Allen teenager’s pregnancy. A West Baton Rouge grand jury indicted Doctor Margaret Carpenter and the 39-year-old mother who allegedly gave the pills to her teenage daughter last April and instructed her to take them. West Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Tony Clayton says he is not prosecuting the minor who took the pills that were shipped in from the New Paltz clinic in New York. Clayton says it is illegal to send abortion pills into this state…

Cut 15 (08) “…in Louisiana.”

If Carpenter and the 39-year-old mother are convicted, they face a prison sentence of up to five years.

A Baton Rouge judge has ordered LSU to allow law professor Robert Levy to return to his classroom after he was suspended for saying “F” the governor. Levy’s attorney Jill Craft says Levy made the comments on the first day of a criminal law course and he was talking about Governor Landry for publicly rebuking another law professor.

Cut 7 (09) “….how funny it was”

The new 360-million-dollar Jimmie Davis Bridge in the southern part of Shreveport-Bossier City will be built next to the existing structure and Department of Transportation spokesperson Erin Buchanan says once a temporary trestle bridge is completed in mid to late February, construction on the new bridge will ramp up…

Cut 10 (06) “…for construction.”

Buchanan says the new bridge is on track to be finished by early 2027.

The City of New Orleans steps into the global spotlight next week hosting its 11th Super Bowl. Michael Hecht, the CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc., says the global impact of hosting this game is off the charts.

Cut 3 (10) “…be much greater.”

5 people have been arrested in connection with the theft of headstones of U.S. Military Veterans in Iberia Parish. The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s office with the New Iberia Police Department is investigating the crimes and have arrested Kody Paul Myers, Makayla Naquin, Hannah Leah Guidry, Troy Anthony Primeaux, and Kevin Ray Espinoza all for illegal possession of stolen items. Richard Paul Brower is also wanted for possession of stolen items. Sheriff Tommy Romero said, “The theft of these grave markers is not only a crime but a profound act of disrespect to the men and women who served our country and their families.”

A judge ordered LSU to immediately reinstate law professor Ken Levy after suspending him for alleged inappropriate classroom statements. Levy’s Attorney Jill Craft says the temporary restraining order prevents LSU from infringing on Levy’s free speech and due process rights or retaliating against him.

Cut 6 (13) “…why it’s illegal.”

The state department of transportation says they are about two-thirds done with the I-20 major rehab project in Bossier Parish. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says next Wednesday and Thursday nights, traffic will be swapped on I-20 eastbound from the outside travel lanes to the newly constructed inside lanes from the Red River Bridge…

Cut 11 (13) “…rebuilding back.”

The work on I-20 is expected to be completed late this year or early next year.

LHSAA baseball schools have voted to push back the end of the season. But the new scheduling will not be in place until the 2028 season, because their contract with the host site of the state championships, Sulphur Parks and Recreation, goes through 2027. LHSAA Director Eddie Bonine says the baseball state championships currently fall on graduation weekend…

Cut 13 (12)  “…now and then.”

Following his suspension over alleged inappropriate remarks in the classroom, a judge has ordered LSU to promptly reinstate law professor Ken Levy

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The City of New Orleans is putting the final touches on welcoming thousands of people to enjoy the city’s 11^th hosting of the Super Bowl. Michael Hecht, the CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc., says they will be giving VIP visitors a tour of the city.

Cut 4 (05) “…NASA Michot.”

The Jimmie Davis Bridge replacement project in the southern part of Shreveport-Bossier City is close to reaching a milestone. Department of Transportation spokesperson Erin Buchanan says work on a temporary trestle bridge will be completed next month and once that structure is completed, they can move large equipment onto the water to allow for construction of the new bridge…

Cut 9 (05)  “…very exciting.”

Buchanan says the new bridge is still on track to be finished by early 2027.

Louisiana high school principals overwhelmingly voted down a proposal to allow student-athletes the one-time ability to transfer to another school and not have to sit out a year. LHSAA executive Director Eddie Bonine (Bo-nine) says Louisiana will expand its voucher program in the coming years and they wanted to see where schools stood on the issue, and they got their answer…

Cut 12 (08) “…again.”

The vote was 273 to 66 against the one-time transfer rule.