New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says starting next Friday and running through Mardi Gras Day on February 16th, all bars indoor and outdoor will be closed and no loitering will be allowed on Bourbon Street. Cantrell says she’s trying to prevent mass gatherings that can turn into a COVID super spreader event.

Cut 3 (09)  “…COVID-19″

The state health department confirms two more UK variants of the coronavirus in Louisiana, bringing the total to five cases. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says with the UK strain spreading, the state will most likely have another surge before the vaccine is able to help us reach herd immunity. He says we must be extremely diligent now to avoid the worst.

Cut 8 (11) “…for us.”

As the City of New Orleans plans to bring in extra security to avoid a super spreader event on what would be traditionally the busiest period of Mardi Gras, next weekend, Governor Edwards is discouraging residents from holding Super Bowl gatherings this Sunday.

Cut 11 (12) “…not safe”

The prides of Webster Parish Buccaneers linebacker Devin White and Chiefs defensive back L’Jarius Sneed will feature heavily on Super Bowl Sunday. Despite the two being rivals in high school, White and Sneed both say they’re good friends who usually keep in close contact but…

Cut 14 (13) “.the moment” 

Kickoff is set for 5:30 PM. The game also features six total former Tigers, three each on both teams.

Governor John Bel Edwards says it would be irresponsible for people to gather in large groups for the carnival season. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Only 863 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported today, but that’s on an unusually low number of total tests. Still, the positivity rate has plummeted in recent weeks below ten percent along with COVID hospitalizations which are now below 1,300. Unfortunately, 32 additional deaths have been reported and the total for the state now sits at 9,076 people dead since March.

The number of suspected UK variant COVID cases in Louisiana is growing, bringing the total number of cases to five with 20 additional cases pending verification. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says it takes a while to get these results back.

Cut 7 (13) “…becoming.”

The greater New Orleans and Lafayette areas are the only parts of the state to have a confirmed case so far.

Two guys who grew up just 15 minutes from each other in Webster Parish will play big roles for their respective defenses Sunday. Buccaneers linebacker Devin White and Chiefs defensive back L’Jarius Sneed are both starting for their teams and Sneed says he’s heard the folks back home are brimming with pride…

Cut 13 (12)“. up to”

Two more additional cases of the U.K. variant of COVID in Louisiana were confirmed by the CDC this week bringing the total to five. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the cases are in the greater New Orleans and Lafayette areas of the state. Kanter says don’t be misled that it’s only five confirmed cases…

Cut 6 (08) “…identify.”

Normally his would be the first big weekend of Mardi Gras. To deter crowds from gathering state is sending additional state troopers, staff from the fire marshal’s office, and A-T-C to enforce COVID restrictions in New Orleans. Hotel bookings are up for the next two weekends and Governor Edwards has a message for visitors.

Cut 10 (12) “. …do that” 

Edwards is also discouraging gatherings for the Super Bowl this Sunday.

The prides of Webster Parish, Buccaneers linebacker Devin White and Chiefs safety L’Jarius Sneed, will feature heavily on Super Bowl Sunday. The two were Webster Parish rivals in High School, White playing at north Webster High and Sneed at Minden High. White, the heart of Tampa’s defense, says they grew up just 15 minutes from each other…

Cut 12 (12) “   blessing” 

For WAITR the Super Bowl is one of the top five delivery days of the year and they’ve ranked what they will think will be the top 10 delicacies to be ordered Sunday in the Bayou State. WAITR spokesperson Dean Turcol says number one on the list is not a surprise.

Cut 4 (11)“…a while.
For the entire list visit Louisiana radio network dot com.

If it were not for the coronavirus pandemic, this would be the first big weekend of Mardi Gras parades. But there are no parades this year and Governor John Bel Edwards is strongly urging residents not to gather in large groups during the carnival season.

Cut 9 (10) “…very quickly”

Edwards says Super Bowl viewing parties are also not a good idea.

New Iberia City Marshal 67-year-old Haywood Migues has been arrested for allegedly falsifying subpoena signatures. State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says Migues was booked into the Iberia Parish Jail without incident Thursday.

Cut 14 (06) “…office.” 

Gossen says Migues forged signatures showing individuals had been served a subpoena in lieu of making personal service.

The Louisiana Department of Insurance says they recovered more than 22 million dollars last year from insurance companies for consumers who filed complaints against their insurers. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says about 19 million of that was related to Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta…

Cut 7 (11)  “…year”

For WAITR the Super Bowl is one of the top five delivery days of the year and they’ve ranked what they will think will be the top delicacies to be ordered Sunday in the Bayou State.  WAITR Spokesperson, Dean Turcol says when you look specifically at individual cities the favorites are regional.

Cut 5 (10)“…Louisiana.”

The top five for the state are Wings, fries, chips & dip and mozzarella sticks. For the entire list visit Louisiana Radio Network dot com.

Louisiana is expanding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility as starting on Monday individuals over the age of 65 will be eligible to get their first dose. Up until now, individuals 70 or over have been eligible. Governor John Bel Edwards says an increase in doses allows for more people to get the vaccine…
cut 12 (09) “…five percent”

State Police has arrested The city Marshal of New Iberia as he’s been accused of falsifying subpoena signatures. Trooper Thomas Gossen says 67-year-old Haywood Tony Migues forged the signature of multiple individuals showing they had been served with a subpoena in lieu of making personal service…
cut 15 (10) “…had not”

The Louisiana Insurance Department says 22-million dollars went to consumers last year as a result of disputes that were resolved with their insurance provider. Donelon says they don’t have the authority to force companies to pay you a certain amount, but they can help you reach a mediated settlement. If you’d like to file a complaint visit their website…
Cut 9 (08) “..number.”

Because of the pandemic, Super Bowl Sunday promises to be a big day for carryout and delivery orders. WAITR says they anticipate wings will be the number one food item delivered, followed by fries, burgers, chips and dip and mozzarella sticks. WAITR spokesperson Dean Turcol says sushi came in sixth place in their top ten list for food items most likely ordered…
cut 6 (11) “…us too”

Louisiana is expanding who is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as people over 65 will be eligible starting on Monday. Also, statewide elected officials, election workers and state and local COVID-19 emergency response personnel and can get their vaccination at hospitals, clinics or pharmacies…
cut 11 (08) “…on Monday”
The new eligibility criteria means Governor Edwards can get his first COVID-19 vaccine dose next week and he says he’s excited about it.

New Iberia City Marshal 67-year-old Haywood Migues has been arrested for allegedly falsifying subpoena signatures. State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says the investigation began last month…
Cut 13 (12) “…signatures.”

In 2020 the Louisiana Department of Insurance helped Louisiana policyholders win 22 million dollars from insurers through mediating complaints about underpayments. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The man who wounded two medical staff members at a Shreveport hospital earlier this week has now been charged with murder in connection with a homicide in New Orleans. NOPD detectives believe Zaokoye Chatman used a machete to kill a man at a gas station on Sunday. Authorities say Chatman then traveled to Shreveport where he wounded two people at Ochsner LSU Health with a large knife.

Beginning Monday those age 65 and above will be eligible in Louisiana for the COVID-19 vaccine. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

According to the state health department, over 404-thousand people in the state have received at least their first dose of the two-dose vaccines and nearly 131-thousand have received both doses. Louisiana ranks 15th in the country for the number of vaccine doses administered per capita.

The state department of insurance says last year they recovered 22 million dollars for consumers who filed complaints against providers over what the payment they should receive as a result of damage to their home. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon explains what a typical complaint looks like…
cut 8 (12) “….roof is”
The 22-million dollars recovered last year nearly equals what they recovered between 2017 and 2019.

For WAITR the Super Bowl is one of the top five delivery days of the year and they’ve ranked what they will think will be the top 10 delicacies to be ordered Sunday in the Bayou State. WAITR spokesperson Dean Turcol says number one on the list is not a surprise.
Cut 4 (11)“…a while.
Wings are followed by fries, burgers, chips & dip, and mozzarella sticks round out the top five.

About 275-thousand more people will be newly eligible for coronavirus vaccine doses starting Monday as Governor John Bel Edwards is expanding vaccine eligibility by allowing people 65-and-older to make an appointment to get the shot…
cut 10 (13) “….COVID-19”
Edwards says an increase in COVID-19 vaccines makes the move possible to lower the eligible age from 70 to 65.

The Louisiana Department of Insurance says they recovered more than 22 million dollars last year from insurance companies for consumers who filed complaints against their insurers. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says about 19 million of that was related to Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta…
Cut 7 (11) “…year”

WAITR releases its pre-game predictions for the top ten deliveries for Super Bowl Sunday in the Bayou State. Brooke Thorington has the dish.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”