Governor Landry announced plans to improve the city’s streets and sidewalks to ensure they are “clean, accessible, and safe” ahead of the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The sheriff of St. Landry Parish calls it the most bizarre incident he’s ever had to deal with in his 50-year law enforcement career. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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People in West Feliciana Parish are on edge amid drone sightings near the nuclear power plant there. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Ahead of New Orleans hosting Super Bowl 59 and a busy Mardi Gras season, Governor Landry announced plans to improve the city’s streets and sidewalks to ensure they are “clean, accessible, and safe.” Landry’s strategy includes addressing homelessness near key areas like the Caesars Superdome and the French Quarter. GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodaux noted that the office will collaborate with the Louisiana Housing Commission to open a Transitional Center on France Road.

Cut 4 (11) “…not completely safe.”

Thibodaux emphasized that tackling homelessness is critical following recent events, including a major fire under Interstate 10, infrastructure damage, and a deadly terrorist attack.

Cut 5 (09) “…Tier One events.”

Thibodaux stressed that humane and safe shelter is essential as the city prepares to welcome visitors from around the world.

Cut 6 (18) “…in their lives.”

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The sheriff of St. Landry Parish says it’s the most bizarre case he’s ever encountered in his 50-year law enforcement career. Three women are arrested for allegedly opening an occupied casket at a memorial park in Opelousas. Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says the women were not allowed inside the funeral home, so they went to the gravesite.

Cut 7 (10) “…them to leave.”

Sheriff Guidroz says the women didn’t leave; and instead, they waited for their opportunity to do something disturbing.

Cut 8 (07) “…of the deceased.”

Guidroz says it’s unclear whether any of the four women had anything to do with the deceased person inside the casket, and it’s also unknown whether any of those photos have made their way onto the internet. He says 34-year-old Quina Clay of Church Point is the woman who opened the casket. She was arrested, along with Alexis Sally and Crystal Bell Edmond, both of Opelousas.

Cut 9 (05)  “…desecration of grave.”

The fourth woman involved is still at large.

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Officials in West Feliciana Parish are keeping an eye on drones that have been spotted flying over Entergy’s River Bend nuclear power plant. Parish President Kenny Havard says the reports started coming in at around Christmas time.

Cut 10 (06) “…the sheriff’s department.”

Havard says given federal law, dealing with them is not as simple as shooting them down; the FAA treats that the same as shooting down a jetliner. Given the recent drone incidents in New York and New Jersey, many people are on edge over these drone sightings. Havard says for all they know at this point, it could be completely harmless.

Cut 11 (08) “…and fairly sophisticated.”

Still, Havard says governments at all levels need to examine laws governing the operation of drones.

Cut 12 (06) “…having a barbecue?”

Havard says Governor Landry is aware of the drones, and the two have been cooperating as to what course of action to take.

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January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Amelia Jernigan with LSU Health New Orleans says while cervical cancer is not as big of an issue as it used to be, it still affects way too many people.

Cut 13 (08) “…really too many.”

Dr. Jernigan says that’s because there are ways to prevent cervical cancer.

Cut 14 (07) “…disease at all.”

Jernigan says cervical cancer is relatively more prevalent in Louisiana.

Cut 15 (11) “…access to care.”

Jernigan recently wrote a paper, which says in part that cervical cancer tends to be more prevalent in food deserts – locations where there are no grocery stores that sell fresh produce nearby. Whether the lack of access to fruits and vegetables is a contributing cause of cervical cancer is still being studied.

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The Saints had their worst season since the 2005 season, winning just five games. Many Who Dats believe it’s time to tear it down and build it back up again. But General Manager Mickey Loomis says one-year turnarounds happen all the time in the NFL…

Cut 16 (17) “…head coach has.”

Priority number one this offseason is to hire a new head coach. Loomis says the franchise also wants to figure out what’s behind all the injuries, several of the Saints star players on offense missed multiple games because of injuries…

Cut 17 (15)  “…anything else”

There’s also a belief that the Saints are not able to improve their roster through free agency, because of a lack of salary cap space. But in his year end press conference, Loomis pushed back on that notion…

Cut 18 (18)   “…about it.”

New Orleans is racing to complete infrastructure upgrades as it prepares to host Super Bowl LIX (59) in less than a month. Eight months ago, stakeholders set an ambitious goal of completing over 500 projects before the end of January. Deputy chief administrative officer Joe Threat gave a progress report.

Cut 12 (16) “…see the finish line.”

Restaurants and bars on Bourbon Street are coming together to raise money for those affected by the New Year’s Day terror attack. Fleur du Coeur starts today and runs through Sunday. Wendy Waren (WARE-en) with the Louisiana Restaurant Association says restaurants quickly got onboard.

Cut 6 (09) “…from a drink.”

The United Cajun Navy is mobilizing efforts to aid California wildfire victims. Under the leadership of President Todd Terrell, the organization is sending truckloads of essential supplies.

Cut 3 (13) “…maybe about ten days.” 

A deputy’s stop to help a man walking along Highway 99 in the cold Friday night ended with a shooting and arrest.  Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff Kyle Miers says when Sergeant Josh Clement (CLAY-mon) stopped to help 44-year-old Mark Buller (BOWL-er) of Iowa (EYE-oh-way)…

Cut 10 (11) “…and simple burglary”

Authorities say Buller (BOWL-er) took Clement’s Taser, used it against him and tried stealing his patrol car. Buller is facing several charges. Both were treated for their injuries and released.

As New Orleans races to complete infrastructure upgrades ahead of hosing the Superbowl. Repairs continue at the Hard Rock collapse site. Deputy chief administrative officer Joe Threat emphasizes the lasting benefits from the upgrades.

Cut 14 (15) “…city right now.”

LSU’s former quarterback and Heisman winner, Jayden Daniels became the NFL’s fourth rookie to win a playoff game on the road in a rookie season. Daniels led the Washington Commanders in the win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round of the Playoffs Sunday night in Tampa Bay. It was the Washington Commanders first playoff win in over two decades.

Restaurant Goers can help those affected by the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The United Cajun Navy is heading to California to aid wildfire victims. President Todd Terrell says dealing with fire is a completely different scenario than flooding; but at the end of the day, it comes down to helping people.

Cut 5 (12) “…have a better day.”

Terrell says they are also still helping hurricane victims in Louisiana and North Carolina.

90-percent of New Orleans’ 200 projects that were planned in time to host the Superbowl are finished and hundreds more are nearing completion says City Deputy chief administrative officer Joe Threat. Projects include upgrades residents will also appreciate like the 21-million-dollar lighting upgrade on the Crescent City Connection and colorful murals by local artists like BMIKE.

Cut 13 (09)  “…city of New Orleans.”

A deputy who stopped to help a man walking along Highway 99 in the cold dark night, Friday had his taser turned on him and ended up shooting at the man identified as 44-year-old Mark Buller (BOWL-er) of Iowa (EYE-oh-way).  Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff Kyle Miers says Buller tried stealing Sergeant Josh Clement” (CLAY-mon) patrol car before other deputies arrived and took Buller into custody. He faces multiple charges

Cut 11 (10) “…a motor vehicle.”

Both Clement and Buller were treated for their injuries at hospitals and released.

The United Cajun Navy is mobilizing in response to the California wildfires.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

New Orleans restaurants and bars are raising money for those affected by the New Year’s Day terror attack. Fleur du Coeur starts today and runs through Sunday. Wendy Waren (WARE-en) with the Louisiana Restaurant Association says they planned this event in just a week and all money raised from the sales of specific menu items will go to help those who were injured and the families of those killed.

Cut 8 (09) “…Day Tragedy Fund.”

What started as a deputy trying to help a man ended in a shooting and arrest. Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff Kyle Miers says Sergeant Josh Clement (CLAY-mon) saw a man walking along Highway 99 in the cold Friday night.

Cut 9 (09)  “…discharge his weapon.”

Authorities say 44-year-old Mark Buller (BOWL-er) of Iowa (EYE-oh-way), took Sergeant Clement’s Taser and used it against him and tried stealing his patrol car before other deputies arrived and took Buller into custody. Buller is facing several charges. Both were treated and released from the hospital.

The United Cajun Navy is traveling 30 hours with supplies to aid California wildfire victims. President Todd Terrell says they’re now helping people on 3 coasts…

Cut 4 (10) “…the Gulf Coast.”

New Orleans is racing to complete infrastructure upgrades ahead of Super Bowl LIX (59) in less than a month. Stakeholders set a goal of completing over 500 projects before the end of January. City Deputy chief administrative officer Joe Threat announced that 90-percent of the city’s 200 projects are finished.

Cut 12 (10) “…see the finish line.”

Up to 150,000 visitors are expected.

New Orleans Restaurants and bars are coming together to raise money for those affected by the New Year’s Day terror attack. Fleur du Coeur starts today and runs through Sunday. Wendy Waren (WARE-en) with the Louisiana Restaurant Association says establishments are picking one menu item for the event.

Cut 7 (10) “…most popular cocktail.”

The United Cajun Navy is mobilizing in response to the California wildfires.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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You can help those affected by the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street by dining at your favorite Bourbon Street restaurant. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The United Cajun Navy is mobilizing efforts to aid California wildfire victims. Under the leadership of President Todd Terrell, the organization is sending truckloads of essential supplies, including tarps, personal protective equipment and hygiene kits.

Cut 3 (13) “…maybe about ten days.”

Terrell emphasized the urgency, noting how quickly support gathers once people hear they are in route. The journey from Louisiana to California spans 30 hours, but the distance does not deter their commitment to helping affected communities.

Cut 4 (10) “…affected communities.”

Terrell says dealing with fire is a completely different scenario than flooding; but at the end of the day, it comes down to helping people.

Cut 5 (12) “…have a better day.”

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Restaurants and bars on Bourbon Street are coming together to raise money for those affected by the New Year’s Day terror attack. Fleur du Coeur starts today and runs through Sunday. Wendy Waren (WARE-en) with the Louisiana Restaurant Association says they planned this in just a week; and when word started getting out, you didn’t have to ask establishments twice whether they’d like to participate.

Cut 6 (09) “…from a drink.”

Waren says establishments are picking one menu item for the event.

Cut 7 (19) “…most popular cocktail.”

Waren says all money raised from the sales of those specific menu items will go to help those who were injured and the families of those killed.

Cut 8 (09) “…Day Tragedy Fund.”

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What started as a deputy trying to help a man culminated with a shooting. Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff Kyle Miers says Sergeant Josh Clement (CLAY-mon) saw a man walking along Highway 99 Friday night; and given the cold temperatures and the lack of lighting on the roadway, he turned around to help the man.

Cut 9 (09)  “…discharge his weapon.”

Specifically, Louisiana State Police say 44-year-old Mark Buller (BOWL-er) of Iowa (EYE-oh-way), Louisiana, took Sergeant Clement’s Taser and used it against him and tried stealing his patrol car. Miers says other deputies arrived on scene and took Buller into custody.

Cut 10 (11) “…and simple burglary”

Miers says Buller is facing several charges.

Cut 11 (15) “…a motor vehicle.”

Both Clement and Buller were treated for their injuries at hospitals and released.

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New Orleans is racing to complete infrastructure upgrades as it prepares to host Super Bowl LIX (59) in less than a month. Eight months ago, stakeholders set an ambitious goal of completing over 500 projects before the end of January. Deputy chief administrative officer Joe Threat announced that 90-percent of the city’s 200 projects are finished, while hundreds more nearing completion.

Cut 12 (16) “…see the finish line.”

Up to 150-thousand visitors are expected; and Threat says while tourists may not notice all the enhancements, residents will. Major projects include a 21-million dollar lighting upgrade on the Crescent City Connection and colorful murals by local artists like BMIKE.

Cut 13 (14)  “…city of New Orleans.”

Repairs continue at the Hard Rock collapse site and on Downman Road, with ongoing improvements in the French Quarter and the Central Business District. Threat emphasizes lasting benefits from these upgrades and aims to maintain momentum with future completion goals tied to events like Mardi Gras.

Cut 14 (15) “…city right now.”

A deputy’s stop to help a man walking along Highway 99 in the cold Friday night ended with a shooting and arrest.  Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff Kyle Miers says when Sergeant Josh Clement (CLAY-mon) stopped to help 44-year-old Mark Buller (BOWL-er) of Iowa (EYE-oh-way)…

Cut 10 (11) “…and simple burglary”

Authorities say Buller (BOWL-er) took Clement’s Taser, used it against him and tried stealing his patrol car. Buller is facing several charges. Both were treated for their injuries and released.

LSU’s former Heisman winning quarterback, Jayden Daniels became the NFL’s fourth rookie to win a playoff game on the road beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round of the Playoffs Sunday night in Tampa Bay. It was the Washington Commanders first playoff win in over two decades.

Restaurant goers can help those affected by the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The United Cajun Navy is mobilizing efforts to aid California wildfire victims. Under the leadership of President Todd Terrell, the organization is sending truckloads of essential supplies.

Cut 3 (08) “…maybe about ten days.”

Restaurants and bars on Bourbon Street are coming together to raise money for those affected by the New Year’s Day terror attack. Fleur du Coeur starts today and runs through Sunday. Wendy Waren (WARE-en) with the Louisiana Restaurant Association says restaurants quickly got onboard.

Cut 6 (09) “…from a drink.”

All money raised from the sales of those specific menu items will go to help those who were injured and the families of those killed.

What started as a deputy trying to help a man culminated with a shooting. Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff Kyle Miers says Sergeant Josh Clement (CLAY-mon) saw a man walking along Highway 99 Friday night; and given the cold temperatures and the lack of lighting on the roadway, he turned around to help the man.

Cut 9 (09)  “…discharge his weapon.”

Specifically, Louisiana State Police say 44-year-old Mark Buller (BOWL-er) of Iowa (EYE-oh-way) took Sergeant Clement’s Taser and used it against him and tried stealing his patrol car. Miers says other deputies arrived on scene and took Buller into custody. Clement and Buller were treated at a hospital and released.

The United Cajun Navy is mobilizing in response to the California wildfires.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”