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.

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.”

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.”

Flu activity is on the rise here in Louisiana; and as such, so are hospitalizations. Dr. Eric Griggs with the St. Tammany Health System says there are things that you can do to protect yourself and everyone else.

Cut 6 (09) “…to get vaccinated.”

Dr. Griggs says only about 42-percent of Louisianians are vaccinated against flu, COVID and RSV; and even though we’re now in the peak season, Griggs says it is by no means too late to get your shots.

Starting in April, the 1.36-percent property insurance assessment to pay off bonds that Louisiana Citizens Insurance incurred from claims after hurricanes Katrina and Rita goes away. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says even Citizens’ policyholders are getting a break, since according to a new law, a ten-percent surcharge on all new policies and renewals will be waived.

Cut 15 (09) “…decrease.”

St. Tammany Parish is one step closer to securing almost six-billion dollars for its flood risk management project. Parish President Mike Cooper says the structural solution includes 15 miles of earthen levee and a 3.5-mile-long flood wall in Slidell. As for the non-structural solution…

Cut 11 (10) “…along Lake Pontchartrain.”

The project was authorized under the 2024 Water Resources Development Act. 

If you want to live your healthiest life in 2025, you can do so by making just a few simple changes in your life. Jennifer Duhon with the LSU Ag Center says one thing you can do is add fiber to your diet – fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans.

Cut 7 (10) “…increasing your fiber.”

The 1.36 percent Citizens assessment you pay on top of your premiums for property insurance is going away soon. Don Molino has more…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Don Molino.”

Former LSU star wide receiver Kyren Lacy turns himself in to Lafourche Parish authorities. He was wanted for allegedly causing a deadly crash on Louisiana Highway 20 last month, just before he had declared for the NFL draft. Lacy was booked into the parish jail and was released on 151-thousand dollars bond. His charges include negligent homicide, felony hit and run, and reckless operation of a vehicle.

Flu activity is on the rise here in Louisiana – and so are hospitalizations. Dr. Eric Griggs with the St. Tammany Health System says only about 42-percent of Louisianians are vaccinated against flu, COVID and RSV. He says even though we’re now in the peak season, it is by no means too late to get your shots.

Cut 5 (08) “…and flu season.”

St. Tammany Parish is one step closer to securing almost six-billion dollars for its flood risk management project. The project was authorized under the 2024 Water Resources Development Act. Parish President Mike Cooper says this is the largest single investment in flood risk reduction in Louisiana history. 

Cut 10 (11) “…long flood wall.”

The St. Tammany Levee, Drainage and Conservation District will discuss the projects in a meeting this Wednesday evening.

We now know the names of the New Orleans police officers who shot and killed the terrorist who plowed a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street New Year’s Day. They are Nigel Daggs, Christian Byer and Jacobie Jordan, and Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick calls them national heroes.

Cut 11 (06) “…within the law.”

Body camera footage shows officers approaching Jabbar’s pickup truck after it crashed into construction equipment near the intersection of Bourbon and Bienville streets.

The agent for former LSU star wide receiver Kyren Lacy issues a statement following the issuing of a warrant for his arrest. Louisiana State Police say on December 17th, Lacy was driving recklessly when he caused a crash on Highway 20 in Lafourche Parish that killed 78-year-old Herman Hall of Thibodaux. Lacy’s agent says he is fully cooperating with authorities and that the facts will ultimately demonstrate the truth.

The New Orleans icon, Hubig’s Pies, debuts nostalgic King Cakes for this Carnival Season. Jeanne (ZHAHN) Burns has more.

Cut 2 (26) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

If indulging in those king cakes blows your new year’s resolution to smithereens, you can always get back on the wagon. Candida Rebello, the director of the nutrition and chronic disease program at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, says people tend to eat based on the size of the portion and not by the calorie content.

Cut 4 (13) “…lot more food.”

We now know the names of the New Orleans police officers who shot and killed the terrorist who plowed a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street New Year’s Day. They are Nigel Daggs, Christian Byer and Jacobie Jordan, and Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick calls them national heroes. Kirkpatrick says two officers that Shamsud-Din Jabbar shot in the ensuing gunfight have been treated and released .

Cut 11 (06) “…within the law.”

Body camera footage shows officers approaching Jabbar’s pickup truck after it crashed into construction equipment near the intersection of Bourbon and Bienville streets.

Two children are among three people stabbed to death in St. Helena Parish. The sheriff’s office there says it’s the end result of a domestic disturbance that took place in Amite. Sheriff Clay Chutz says 31-year-old Ryant Jones is arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree murder. The victims’ ages are 40, ten, and one years old.

With the help of Congresswoman Julia Letlow, Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge rolls out the Newborn Essential Support Toolkit. Congresswoman Letlow says it gives new parents peace of mind.

Cut 12 (09) “…that they need.”

Through a partnership between the Department of Health and Human Services and the non-profit organization Baby2Baby, the kits include things like diapers, wipes, skin cream, clothes and other essentials.

It’s king cake season; and for the first time in its 104-year history, Hubig’s Pies is selling King Cakes. The owner of the New Orleans staple, Andrew Ramsey, says the store-sold cakes measure 10×10 inches, while online orders will be slightly larger.

Cut 7 (04) “…continental United States.”

Ramsey says they have four flavors: traditional cinnamon, Hubig’s custard, Dutch apple, and cream cheese.

The New Orleans Police Department is bringing in an expert to recommend strategies to prevent another attack. It’s bringing aboard former New York City Police Commissioner Bill Bratton, a renowned security expert. At his introductory news conference, Commissioner Bratton says identifying strategies to bolster public safety will be a learning experience.

Cut 14 (12) “…that might evolve.”

Seven victims of the New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street are suing the city and two of its contractors. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says there is a lot of litigation to be done in these cases.

Cut 6 (07) “…would otherwise get.”

This lawsuit claims the defendants ignored repeated warnings about security risks.  

Centenary College in Shreveport is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. College President Dr. Christopher Holloman says in recent years, the school has rolled out new majors, such as kinesiology and sports management. Speaking of sports, Centenary has recently added some new athletic teams.

Cut 9 (12)  “…baseball and gymnastics.”

Southeastern Louisiana University is offering Christmas tree recycling in Hammond and Ponchatoula to support wetland restoration efforts. Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station Manager Rob Moreau says this initiative marks its 30th year.

Cut 10 (11) “…trees a year.”

Instead of going into landfills, the discarded trees are used to combat erosion and create wildlife habitats in the Manchac (MAN-shack) Swamp Wetlands.

A lawsuit has been filed against the City of New Orleans and city contractors by seven victims of the terror attack on Bourbon Street. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The oldest institute of higher education in Louisiana is celebrating a milestone this year. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The New Orleans Police Department is bringing in some outside assistance to help devise counterterrorism strategies ahead of two major events coming up. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Seven victims of the New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street have filed a lawsuit against the City of New Orleans and city contractors. The lawsuit claims the defendants ignored repeated warnings about security risks.  Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says it’s an interesting angle.

Cut 4 (14) “…were being constructed.”

They argue that stronger protections could have prevented the incident, which caused severe injuries and trauma. Ciolino says targeting private contractors instead of police officers could be successful.

Cut 5 (09) “…dead on arrival.”

The lawsuit seeks accountability for the oversight and damages to cover medical expenses and pain and suffering endured by the victims. Ciolino says there is a lot of litigation to be done in these cases.

Cut 6 (07) “…would otherwise get.”

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The oldest higher education institution in Louisiana is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. Centenary College in Shreveport was founded in 1825, with its original campus in Jackson, Louisiana. Centenary President Dr. Christopher Holoman says the school takes a unique approach to its liberal arts curriculum.

Cut 7 (15) “…variety of situations.”

Dr. Holoman says for two centuries, the college has prepared students for a wide variety of professions, including the medical profession.

Cut 8 (09) “…200 years now.”

Holloman says in recent years, the school has rolled out new majors, such as kinesiology and sports management. Speaking of sports, Centenary has recently added some new athletic teams, who go by the nicknames “Ladies” and “Gentlemen.”

Cut 9 (12)  “…baseball and gymnastics.”

Dr. Holoman says a couple years ago, started the Centenary Affordability Pledge, in which the school does not charge any additional tuition for students who carry full Pell scholarship and a full TOPS scholarship. The school will be holding bicentennial celebrations throughout the year.

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Southeastern Louisiana University and its partners are offering Christmas tree recycling in Hammond and Ponchatoula to support wetland restoration efforts. Discarded trees, instead of going to landfills, are used to combat erosion and create wildlife habitats in the Manchac (MAN-shack) Swamp Wetlands. Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station Manager Rob Moreau says this initiative marks its 30th year.

Cut 10 (11) “…the 600 range.”

Moreau says residents can drop off trees at various locations, and trees must be free of decorations, stands, and flocking.

Cut 11 (06) “…discarded Christmas trees.”

This program continues thanks to local collaboration despite the end of state grants and Moreau says it’s a great hands-on activity to get people connected more to the environment.

Cut 12 (08) “…into the wetlands.”

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With the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras happening in New Orleans in the aftermath of a terror attack on Bourbon Street, the New Orleans Police Department is bringing in an expert to recommend strategies to prevent another attack. NOPD is bringing aboard former New York City Police Commissioner Bill Bratton, a renowned security expert. At his introductory news conference, Commissioner Bratton says he will be bringing in a team of experts.

Cut 13 (10) “…and counterterrorism issues.”

Commissioner Bratton says identifying strategies to bolster public safety will be a learning experience.

Cut 14 (12) “…that might evolve.”

Bratton says he and his team will be getting to work right away.

Cut 15 (10) “…already been generated.”

Bratton’s team will be an additional layer of counterterrorism, with both the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras being given the highest Special Event Assessment Rating by the Department of Homeland Security.

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Sean Payton has the Denver Broncos in the playoffs in his second season in Denver. The Broncos will visit the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Payton was nine and eight in the postseason as the head coach of the Saints and he had Drew Brees as his quarterback. Rookie Bo Nix is the starting quarterback for the Broncos, and Payton expects the former Auburn and Oregon star to do just fine…

Cut 16 (15) “…bigger games.”

The Broncos beat the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday to clinch a playoff spot.

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Rookie Jayden Daniels has led the Washington Commanders to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. The Heisman Trophy winning quarterback at LSU is not building up the matchup against the Buccaneers on Sunday night too much…

Cut 17 (17)  “…play ball” 

January 2006 is the last time the Washington franchise won a playoff game. Daniels says there’s no added pressure in trying to break the postseason victory drought…

Cut 18 (13)   “…through it all.”

We now have a report of a death from this arctic blast. The Louisiana Department of Health says a 65-year-old Rapides Parish man died of hypothermia. The department did not go into any further details of how the man died.

While temperatures in Rapides Parish are certainly much lower than normal, they’re not as low as those in areas further north, where a winter storm warning remains in effect. Snow is falling in Texas and Arkansas, but Louisiana is mainly dealing with rain.

SWEPCO is prepared to respond to power outages when they occur from the winter storm. Michelle Marcotte with SWEPCO says they’ve been getting the trucks and crews ready.

Cut 14 (13) “…to restore power.”

Marcotte says they also have extra personnel ready to respond.

The frigid temperatures have led to several house fires; and so far eight across the state have turned deadly. 11 people have been killed in those eight fires. State Fire Marshal Bryan Adams says at this time last year, they did not have a single house fire fatality.

Cut 9 (08)  “…my team.”

The Louisiana Office of the State Fire Marshal says there were no fire deaths last night, and it’s urging you to do your part in ensuring that it stays that way. That includes placing nothing within three to five feet of space heaters.

You can help those affected by the tragedy in New Orleans by buying special Saints and Pelicans “love for New Orleans” warm-up shirts. Brittany Whitsell, the director of charitable giving and development for the Saints and the Pelicans, says they’re designed to show solidarity with the city.

Cut 3 (08) “…really helping everybody.” 

The shirts sell for 35 dollars apiece.