In advance of the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, the state announces plans to clear homeless encampments in New Orleans. GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodaux says the office will collaborate with the Louisiana Housing Commission to open a Transitional Center on France Road.

Cut 4 (11) “…not completely safe.”

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, especially given that there are treatments available. 

Cut 13 (08) “…really too many.”

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.

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.”

It’s going to warm up this weekend, but by no means should you be putting that winter jacket away just yet. Some parts of South Louisiana will see temperatures in the 70s this weekend. Then comes a cold front that will cure any transplanted New Englander of homesickness. On a couple days early next week, temperatures as far south as Baton Rouge might not get out of the 30s.

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 as a funeral worker turned his back, 34-year-old Quina Clay of Church Point opened the casket and started taking pictures.

Cut 9 (05)  “…desecration of grave.”

It’s unclear whether the women had any connection with the deceased individual, and it’s also unknown whether any of those photos have been shared on the internet.

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.

Louisiana announces plans to clear homeless shelters in New Orleans ahead of the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The battle over budget cuts and book bans at the public library reaches a head in Livingston Parish. Last week, the parish council removed all eight members of the library board. The controversies have led to contentious library board meetings. The council has reappointed two of the ousted members and will be appointing the rest. The library board meets again a week from today.

Three women are arrested for allegedly opening an occupied casket at a memorial park in Opelousas. St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says the women went to the gravesite and 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.

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 while it’s possible that the drones could be harmless, governments at all levels need to examine laws governing their operation.

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.

The state is clearing out homeless encampments in New Orleans ahead of the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. GOHSEP is teaming up with the Louisiana Housing Commission to open a transitional center. GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodaux says humane and safe shelter is essential as the city prepares to welcome visitors from around the world.

Cut 6 (18) “…in their lives.”

A man dies while in the custody of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were responding to a man who appeared to be experiencing a medical episode in Metairie. But when deputies tried walking the man to an ambulance, he ran away from them. Deputies caught up to him and handcuffed him. As they were walking back to the ambulance, he collapsed. He died at a hospital. The sheriff’s office is investigating.

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.”

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 people are concerned about the drones.

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

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

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Ahead of the a busy Mardi Gras season and New Orleans hosting the Super Bowl, Governor Jeff Landry has announced plans to ensure the streets of New Orleans are “clean, accessible, and safe.”  The governor’s strategy includes addressing homelessness near the Superdome and the French Quarter.  GOHSEP Director Jacques 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.”

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 and is relatively more prevalent in Louisiana.

Cut 15 (11) “…access to care.”

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.”

After 12 years, New Orleans police leaders told a federal judge at a hearing on Monday that the city’s police force is finally ready to enter the last phase of court oversight. Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Attorney General Liz Murrill teamed up to push for an immediate end to the long running consent decree.   But we’re told US. District Judge Susie Morgan has she will rule this morning on a joint motion by the city and the U.S. Department of Justice on a two year exit plan

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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 Governor Landry is aware of the drones, and the two have been communicating about what course of action to take.

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.”

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.”

Ahead of the Super Bowl and a busy Mardi Gras season, Governor Jeff Landry has announced plans to ensure the streets of New Orleans are “clean, accessible, and safe.”  Landry’s strategy includes addressing homelessness near the Superdome and the French Quarter.  GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodaux a Transitional Center.

Cut 4 (11) “…not completely safe.”

———————————-

A Bizarre incident in St. Landry Parish as 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.”

But Guidroz says they did not leave and instead opened the casket to take pictures.  The fourth suspect in this case is still at large.

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. But there are ways to prevent it.

Cut 14 (07) “…disease at all.”

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.”

_____________________________________________

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.”

______________________________________________________

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.”

______________________________________________________

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.

______________________________________________________

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.

______________________________________________________

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.

______________________________________________________

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.”