A non-profit organization is teaming up with the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office on an anti-human trafficking operation during Super Bowl Week. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Leading up to Super Bowl 59, Mardi Gras world thew a party for six-thousand media guests to promote Louisiana, and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says it put Louisiana in the Global Spotlight. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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LSU football coach Brian Kelly says a nerve was struck when Greg Brooks’ family said the LSU coaching staff has failed to reach out after a tumor was removed from Greg’s brain …

Cut 3 (38) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with the nonprofit group In Our Backyard to host anti-trafficking operations during Super Bowl Week. Human traffickers often use major events like the Super Bowl to exploit vulnerable people, especially children. Cheryl Csiky (“Chicky”), the executive director of In Our Backyard, says human trafficking is not the same as kidnapping or human smuggling.

Cut 4 (11) “…it’s a relationship.”

Csiky says, in fact, that more than 50-percent of human trafficking victims knew the person who was trafficking them. She says this is the 15th year that her organization has teamed up with law enforcement in the Super Bowl host city to raise awareness of the issue.

Cut 5 (08) “…past 15 years.”

Csiky says the group offers actionable tips and gathering intelligence on suspected human trafficking activity.

Cut 6 (08) “…a positive light.”

Csiky says so far in this 10-day operation, they have already turned in 27 instances of suspected human trafficking.

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Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser highlights the excitement and preparations for the Super Bowl in New Orleans, emphasizing a major party at Mardi Gras World. He stresses the importance of showcasing Louisiana’s culture, food, and hospitality, noting the invaluable media exposure.

Cut 7 (10) “…was a great event.”

Nungesser discusses the impressive privately funded light show at Jackson Square, which has gained global attention. Originally planned for Super Bowl week

Cut 8 (08) “…beautiful Jackson Square.”

Nungesser underscores strategic efforts to leverage the Super Bowl to boost tourism and promote Louisiana’s unique charm and safety to a global audience.

Cut 9 (11)  “…after the Super Bowl.”

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LSU football coach Brian Kelly strongly denies the accusation he was not there for former Tigers safety Greg Brooks Junior following his brain surgery. According to Brooks’ family, the surgery to remove a tumor, resulted in multiple seizures that left him permanently disabled. In an interview on ABC’s Good Morning America, Brooks’ father says no one from LSU’s coaching staff has reached out since October 2023, right after the surgery

Cut 10 (07) “…man.”

However, Kelly says he does love Greg Brooks Junior, and it is factually incorrect to say he was not there by his side through this ordeal…

Cut 11 (11) “…part of that.”

The Brooks family is suing LSU and Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, because they believe the school and neurosurgeon mishandled his diagnosis and the surgery.

Kelly will not comment on the lawsuit, because its pending litigation. But Kelly the accusation he was not there for Brooks following the surgery is not true and he wanted to set the record straight

Cut 12 (17) “…with me.”

The Good Morning America interview conducted by former NFL football player Michael Strahan aired on Monday. It was the first appearance of Brooks Junior since his surgery and much of the report was on the lawsuit filed by his family. Kelly says Brook Sr’s accusation struck a nerve with Kelly and he could not stay silent…

Cut 13 (13)  “…and support.”

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Security was always going to be tight for the Super Bowl. Then it became even more so following the New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street. Now, that’s ratcheted up a notch now that President Trump will be attending the game. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says while The White House just made the announcement, it’s something the department had been preparing for.

Cut 14 (10) “…the official announcement.”

Kirkpatrick says that will involve additional street closures.

Cut 15 (08) “…corridor for him.”

Lieutenant Anthony Micheu, the department’s special events coordinator, says the impact for the Superdome will be outstretched for Trump’s arrival.

Cut 16 (14) “…and set that.”

Trump will be the first sitting President to attend a Super Bowl.

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A couple key players suiting up for the Eagles Sunday have deep Louisiana roots. Wide Receiver DeVonta Smith played his high school football at Amite (ay-MEET) High School. He says Coach Zephaniah Powell was a true mentor who set him on the path to success, first at Alabama then with the Eagles.

Cut 17 (12)  “…but life also.”

Defensive Tackle Milton Williams played his college ball at Louisiana Tech under Skip Holtz. Even though Ruston is several miles from New Orleans, Williams says it will still be special stepping onto sports’ biggest stage in his college home state.

Cut 18 (11)  “…with a win.”

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Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is one of two former Saints who will be playing in their former home stadium in the Super Bowl on Sunday – the other being linebacker Zack Baun. Gardner-Johnson says it was tough for him being traded from the Saints just prior to the start of the 2022 regular season.

Cut 19 (05) “…to keep pushing.”

Gardner-Johnson says it was a surreal moment when he stepped onto the Superdome turf for the first time this Super Bowl week.

Cut 20 (04) “…get things going.”

When visiting the Enhanced Security Zone in the French Quarter between now and the end of the Super Bowl, leave your ice chests and backpack coolers at home, but feel free to bring a concealed weapon with you. That’s because they cannot be prohibited thanks to the state’s Constitutional Carry law. New Orleans Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick says do so responsibly – they will stop people who are negligently carrying, including if you have a gun in your waistband and not in a holster.

Cut 10 (12) “…but legally.”

As the old saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Attorney General Liz Murrill says if you’re looking to buy Super Bowl tickets, only buy tickets from reputable sources and verify the seller’s identity.

Cut 13 (08)  “…that merchandise.”

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has received numerous reports of fish kills following last month’s historic low temperatures. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The department is also encouraging Super Bowl visitors to enjoy Louisiana seafood. Secretary Madison Sheahan says thanks to a new state law, you will know whether the seafood you’re eating was caught off the Louisiana coast.

Cut 8 (09) “…to do that.”

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

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

L-D-W-F says last month’s artic blast that brought record cold temperatures  is responsible for at least over 70 fish kills….

Cut 4 (13) “…statewide”

Biologist Jason Adriance says the highest overall mortalities of a variety of species have been observed in coastal marshes between the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers.

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.”

Murrell advises purchasing tickets only from reputable sources.

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.”

It’s a decades-old saying – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Nowhere is that more evident than at the Super Bowl. Attorney General Liz Murrill says if the price seems a little on the low side, that’s a safe indicator that the item is bogus. 

Cut 14 (08) “…licensed seller.”

Murrill recommends using credit cards for purchases, because you can dispute a bogus charge.

While ice chests and backpack coolers are not allowed in the Enhanced Security Zone in the French Quarters, concealed handguns are allowed, thanks to the state’s Constitutional Carry law. But New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says that does not mean you can bring a gun into a bar…

Cut 9 (13)  “…alcohol.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has received numerous reports of fish kills following last month’s historic low temperatures.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Two Baton Rouge preschool teachers are placed on administrative leave after video surfaces of them not intervening in a fight among the kids in their class. The video was brought to the school’s attention recently, but it’s unclear exactly when the incident happened. The mother of the four-year-old victim says he’s been terrified to go to school because of what happened to him.

What you can bring into the Enhanced Security Zone in the French Quarter ahead of the Super Bowl – coolers and ice chests, no; concealed weapons, yes. The state’s Constitutional Carry law allows people to carry concealed weapons without a permit. Still, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says you shouldn’t bring a gun into a hospitality area.

Cut 11 (12) “…don’t mix”

If you want to go to the game and don’t yet have a ticket, be mindful of the abundance of ticket scams. Attorney General Liz Murrill says only buy tickets from reputable sources and verify the seller’s identity. She says scammers may use hacked social media accounts, and scammers can get personal information.

Cut 13 (08)  “…that merchandise.”

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is encouraging Super Bowl visitors to enjoy Louisiana seafood. 

Cut 7 (09) “…enjoy Louisiana seafood.”

Secretary Madison Sheahan’s words come amid word that 15 people were sickened with Norovirus by oysters collected from an area east of Lake Borgne (“born”). None of the illnesses are life-threatening, although some had to go to the hospital. Sheahan says this is an isolated incident, and Louisiana seafood is safe to eat. 

Several species of fish were killed amid the brutal arctic blast last month. LDWF investigated more than 70 fish kills statewide. Fisheries Biologist Jason Adriance says compared to the severe freeze of December 1989, this event was shorter and less extreme.

Cut 5 (10) “…2014 and 2018.”

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.”

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.

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.

So how much does it cost to attend the Super Bowl? According to Bookies-dot-com, around 18-thousand dollars, when you factor in travel, hotels and tickets to the game…

Cut 1 (30) “….I’m Sean Richardson”

The Monroe Regional Airport says they had a record 184-thousand passengers last year. Airport Director Charles Butcher says people are feeling more comfortable traveling as we move further away from the pandemic.

LSU-Shreveport leaders believe enrollment will top 11-thousand for the first time ever this spring semester.

Tighter security measures go into effect today in the French Quarter with an Enhanced Security Zone around the Bourbon Street area. State Police Sergeant Kate Stegall…

Cut 8 (11) “….and backpack coolers”

The NFL Experience opens today at the Morial Convention Center, 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.

The French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone in New Orleans goes into effect today. That means no coolers, ice chests and bags larger than 4.5 by 6.5 are allowed on Bourbon Street and surrounding streets. State Police Sergeant Kate Stegall says they also have barricades called archers…

Cut 9 (11) “…crossing Bourbon”

So far one of the main attractions is a million dollar light show that highlights New Orleans’ history on the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the Super Bowl Light show takes place every 30 minutes from 6:30 to 11:00 each night until game day…

Cut 21 (18) “…flair to it”

For those who traveled to the Super Bowl and staying at a hotel, Adam Thompson from Bookies.dot-com has found hotel costs are well over two-thousand dollars…

Cut 5 (15) “…for two nights”

If you are in New Orleans on Saturday, the Super Bowl Host committee is putting on a Mardi-Gras style parade in the French Quarter …

Cut 14 (10) “….very unique throws”

That’s Jay Cicero from the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, who says the parade will start at 10 AM at the corner of Esplande and Decatur Street.

Prairieville native and Dutchtown star Justin Reid doesn’t have time for parades, the Kansas City Chiefs safety is preparing to play in his third consecutive Super Bowl. He says it’s cool to play in a Super Bowl near his hometown…

Cut 16 (10) “…out to support”