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.”

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Super Bowl Week is underway in New Orleans. Andrew Greenstein is at the Morial Convention Center.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A one-year-old child was unharmed after being left inside a stolen car Friday night in Shreveport. The child’s mother had left her car running with the sleeping child inside while she went into her home to get jacket. 17-year-old Marcus Madden allegedly stole the vehicle.  SPD CPL. Chris Bordelon says officers responded to a stolen vehicle shortly after 8 pm.

Cut 3 (10) “…in the area.”

An hour later, a police officer working extra duty at a Walmart on Bert Kouns and Youree found the child safe in the parking lot. First responders checked the child, confirming there were no injuries. The stolen car was later found at a Circle K near an apartment complex.  Bordelon says officers tracked Madden there.

Cut 4 (07) “…Madden into custory.”

Madden faces charges of simple kidnapping, motor vehicle theft, and child desertion. Borde4lon says this highlights Shreveport Police Officer and Detective’s swift response to locate the child and apprehend the suspect.

Cut 5 (09) “…suspect in this case.”

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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. There will be checkpoints and coolers and handbags that exceed four by six inches will not be allowed. Noem says they are prepared for Super Bowl LIX.

Cut 7 (11) “…while they do that.”

When asked if concealed weapons were also being restricted, Governor Jeff Landry said they would not infringe on people’s constitutional rights.

Cut 8 (08) “…you can figure it out.”

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If you thought the Super Bowl was just about the three hours that the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles will do battle, think again. What started off as a one-off event that turned into a day is now an entire week, and it is now 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.”

O’Reilly says for the first time ever, the NFL went to the outside to design the Super Bowl logo, and it commissioned a local artist to do so.

Cut 10 (10) “…my favorite ever.”

“Queen Tahj” is 26-year-old Tahj Williams; and in addition to being an artist, she works as a cybersecurity analyst for Microsoft.

O’Reilly says one goal of the week-long festivities is to make the Super Bowl accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford to fork over thousands of dollars to watch a football game. That starts tonight with Super Bowl Opening Night at the Superdome, which will be the only time the media will have access to all players and coaches from both teams.

Cut 11 (10) “…really engaging event.”

The NFL Experience opens Wednesday at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center; and like Super Bowl Opening Night, that’s just 20 dollars to get in.

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One of the highlights of the 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 had six catches for 68 yards and caught the game winning touchdown pass on the final play of the game. An emotional Bech spoke to the NFL Network…

Cut 12 (12) “…did today.”

Bech was named the Senor Bowl MVP.  Jack says he would rather have his brother than the M-V-P honor, however he believes it was his brother Tiger who helped him achieve great things…

Cut 13 (10)  “…all of this.”   (Sound courtesy of the NFL Network) 

Bech starred at St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette, just like his older brother Tiger. Jack Bech played two seasons at LSU and he became one of the nation’s best receivers after transferring to TCU. His draft stock likely rose as a result of his play in Mobile, Alabama last week and Jack told the NFL Network it was Tiger who showed him the way…

Cut 14 (11) “…legacy on .”

In the 2026 U.S. Senate race, State Treasurer John Fleming seeks an early endorsement from the Louisiana Republican Party as he attempts to knock off the incumbent Bill Cassidy. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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New Orleans is getting ready to welcome the world to the city for the Super Bowl. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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It’s believed to be a first-of-its-kind indictment in the United States. The case involves a Louisiana woman who bought abortion pills from an out-of-state medical company. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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State Treasurer John Fleming is seeking an early endorsement from the Louisiana Republican Party in his challenge to Senator Bill Cassidy, who is up for re-election next year.  La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Fleming asked for the endorsement when he ran for State Treasurer after Governor Landry successfully got the endorsement.

Cut 4 (06) “..for the U.S. Senate.”

This move follows the strategy of Governor Jeff Landry, who secured his party’s backing early in his campaign. LAGOP Chair Derek Babcock has said Fleming is free to seek endorsement, though few have been officially granted so far. Alford says the timing is interesting.

Cut 5 (09) “…his political career.”

Currently, Fleming is the only declared challenger, but State Sen. Blake Miguez is considering a run, and Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta is seen as another potential candidate.  Alford says the race is shaping up to be a heated battle within Louisiana’s GOP.

Cut 6 (05) “…interesting dynamics to it.”

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The City of New Orleans is ready to roll out the welcome mat to visitors from all around the world for the Super Bowl. Kelly Schulz (“Shultz”) with New Orleans and Company says New Orleans’ layout makes it very easy for visitors to take in everything the city has to offer…

Cut 7 (11) “…Super Bowl experience.”

Schulz says there are many events for Super Bowl visitors to take in throughout the week.

Cut 8 (08) “…throughout the city.”

Schulz says this is the time for the city to put its best foot forward.

Cut 9 (12)  “…athletes as well.”

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The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans is designated a “No Drone Zone” for Super Bowl LIX, with drone restrictions also extending to the downtown area in the days leading up to the event.  FAA Drone Expert Kevin Morris says this ensures the airspace stays safe.

Cut 10 (07) “…up to it.”

Morris says before Game Day, Feb. 3-8, drone restrictions apply within 1.5 nautical miles of Lafayette Square up to 2,000 feet.

Cut 11 (08) “…at various times.”

On Game Day, Sunday, Feb. 9, restrictions begin at 1:30 p.m. within 1.5 nautical miles of the stadium up to 2,000 feet. Morris says from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m., restrictions expand to a 30-nautical-mile radius and 18,000 feet.  Morris says enjoy the game and leave your done at home.

Cut 12 (08) “…Super Bowl Sunday.”

Unauthorized drone operators risk confiscation, fines up to $75,000, and potential criminal charges.

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A New York doctor is facing criminal charges in Louisiana after prosecutors say he prescribed an abortion drug that terminated a Port Allen teenager’s pregnancy. West Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Tony Clayton says it is illegal to send abortion pills into this state…

Cut 13 (12)  “…of abortion”

A West Baton Rouge grand jury has indicted Doctor Margaret Carpenter and the 39-year-old mother who allegedly gave the pills to her teenage daughter.

Most abortions have been illegal in Louisiana since the U-S Supreme Court overturned Roe versus Wade in the summer of 2022. Clayton says that includes abortion medication…

Cut 14 (10) “…to that.”

Clayton says he is not prosecuting the minor who took the drugs. He says last April her mother instructed her daughter to take the pills that were shipped in from the New Paltz clinic in New York. Doctor Carpenter has been practicing family medicine for more than 20 years.

Clayton says it’s the first criminal indictment of its kind in Louisiana…

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.

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The second-ranked LSU baseball team has four different catchers who are battling for playing time. They are Indiana State transfer Luis Hernandez, Dayton transfer Edward Yasmin, Merdian College transfer Blaise Preister, and true freshman Cade Arrambide. Assistant coach Josh Jordan says Arrambide has all the tools…

Cut 16 (25) “…special.”

Hernandez hit 23 home runs and drove in 76 runs at Indiana State last season. The native of Puerto Rico is excited about playing for the Tigers this season…

Cut 17 (17) “…come true for me.”

Six-foot-eight right-hander Chase Shores could be the Tigers Friday night starter. Pitching coach Nate Yeskie says Shores is developing well…

Cut 18 (24) “…a little mean.”

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The LSU men’s basketball team dropped to 1-and-7 in Southeastern Conference play with an embarrassing 89 to 58 loss to Texas at home. LSU is in 15th place in the 16-team league and Coach Matt McMahon is hitting the reset button…

Cut 19 (17) “…better chance.”

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Louisiana Tech completed a 3-0 homestand with an overtime victory over Sam Houston on Saturday. The Bulldogs are 5-and-4 in league play and is in a six-way tie for third place. Sean Newman led the way in the win over Bearcats with 22 points…

Cut 20 (12) “…we are going to finish.”

The City of New Orleans is stepping into the global spotlight as it gets set to host Super Bowl 59 next Sunday. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The City of New Orleans steps into the global spotlight next week as it gets set to host 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.”

Hecht says Greater New Orleans Inc. will be giving VIP visitors a tour of the city.

Cut 4 (09) “…a VIP experience.”

Hecht says the city is putting the final touches on welcoming thousands of people to one of the most popular sporting events in the entire world.

Cut 5 (14) “…around the city.”

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A Baton Rouge judge has ordered LSU to 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.”

Levy sued LSU, arguing the suspension violated his constitutional rights. The suspension followed a Jan. 17 letter citing student complaints about Levy’s comments during a criminal law class, where he criticized Gov. Jeff Landry by saying “F*** the governor” jokingly, and shared his political views. Craft says the complaints were inaccurate.

Cut 7 (09) “…how funny it was.”

Levy also made unflattering comments about President Donald Trump on the first day of the 2025 spring semester.

A court hearing is set for Feb. 10. Levy’s attorney called the case a crucial free speech issue, while LSU vowed to continue its investigation, emphasizing respect and professionalism in the classroom.

Cut 8 (11) “…feelings hurt.”

On Friday, private attorneys hired by LSU have asked courts to either stay or dissolve the temporary restraining order. In a court filing, LSU says its investigating Levy after receiving student complaints about inappropriate, vulgar, and potentially harassing conduct in the classroom.

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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.” 

The 360-million dollar new bridge will be built next to the existing structure and 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 still on track to be finished by early 2027.

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.

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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.

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.”

High schools who sue the LHSAA over sanctions the association has imposed on them will no longer be allowed to participate in postseason play in the sport in which the lawsuit is filed. It’s a reaction to what happened this fall when University High filed a lawsuit against the LHSAA who stripped most of their wins away from them for using ineligible players. LHSAA Director Eddie Bonine says the suit threatened to push back the playoffs for every school…

Cut 14 (07) “…cleans that up” .”

The vote was 180 to 159 in favor.