Now that he has Senator Bill Cassidy’s support, Robert F Kennedy Junior is on his way to being confirmed as the next U-S Health Secretary. Cassidy went into the confirmation process with deep concerns about Kennedy’s vaccine stance, which resulted in multiple conversations over the last few days with Kennedy…

Cut 26 (12) “…I speak to”

According to ABC News, Kennedy has promised Cassidy he’ll give advanced notice to Congress if he imposes any changes to vaccine safety monitoring and he’ll meet with Cassidy regularly to build a working relationship.

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 .”

If you’re curious about how much it costs to attend Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans, according to Bookies-dot-com’s Adam Thompson it isn’t cheap,

Cut 4 (10) “..18-thousand-dollars.”

Thompson says that’s a little cheaper than the last two Super Bowls which were held in Los Angles and Las Vegas.

Iberia Parish authorities have arrested five people for stealing bronze plaques from the headstones at multiple cemeteries in New Iberia and Iberia Parish…

Cut 11 (06) “….in jail”
That’s Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Katherine Breaux, who says they are still looking for one more suspect, Richard Paul Brower. Breaux says unfortunately the bronze plaques were grinded down so they can’t be returned and also because they are bronze and no copper, they are not worth much money to the thieves.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy cast the tie-breaking vote that advanced Robert F Kennedy’s confirmation to the Senate floor. Cassidy joined 13 other Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee and then explained his decision on the Senate Floor, despite concerns about Kennedy’s anti-vaccination views….

Cut 20 (18) “…get this done”

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 IN New Iberia and Iberia Parish. Iberia Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson 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 still searching for Another suspect, Richard Paul Brower.

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.”

Super Bowl related activities really begin to ramp up as the NFL Experience opens today 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”

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.

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.