Developers share new plans to transform former Six Flags

CNN Newsource on March 9, 2026

By Jasmine Franklin

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    NEW ORLEANS (WDSU) — Neighbors in New Orleans East are feeling hopeful but hesitant after new plans were unveiled to renovate the former Six Flags. There have been plans that have fallen through before, but this time, they are hoping for a real change.

“We feel forgotten, we’re frustrated and tired. We always feel like we’re going to get something, then we’re hopeful and then disappointed again,” said Jackie Edmond.”

It’s been one broken promise after another for Jackie Edmond. She lives right next to the former Six Flags site that’s sat vacant for decades after Hurricane Katrina.

“We’ve had to pass there and go through the city, to go to Metairie, Slidell, Chalmette, to get what we deserve,” said Edmond.

On Friday, developers revealed new plans to renovate the facility.

It includes an outdoor water park, hotels, retail and entertainment space, a sports complex, and movie studios.

These renderings show the site transformed into a modern look, but it will come at a cost of more than $500 million.

“Well, it’s going to happen, it’s a transformative project, it will literally change the look of New Orleans East,” said Troy Henry.

Lead developer Troy Henry says the project will primarily be funded through private investments and some funding from the city, but they still need more:

“It is by far the largest project in over 50 years in the east, it’s very important we think it will help property values, we know economic growth,” said Henry.

Neighbors say renovating the place that brought so much joy decades ago is long overdue:

Disappointment after disappointment, but all I’m holding on to right now is hope and prayer,” said Edmond.

Project developers say the site has been demolished, and the next step is building the movie studio; that process should start in a few months.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Idaho Falls pastor returns home after harrowing escape from Israel-Iran conflict zone

CNN Newsource on March 9, 2026

By IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — What began as a spiritual journey to the Holy Land quickly transformed into a desperate mission for survival. Alicia Ramos, an Idaho Falls pastor, is finally home after being caught in the crossfire of the escalating conflict b

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    March 9, 2026 (KIFI) — IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — What began as a spiritual journey to the Holy Land quickly transformed into a desperate mission for survival. Alicia Ramos, an Idaho Falls pastor, is finally home after being caught in the crossfire of the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

Ramos was part of a group of 117 women pastors from across the United States. As the only representative from Idaho, she found her pilgrimage abruptly interrupted by the sound of sirens and falling bombs.

As the conflict intensified, her group traveled by bus through danger and even walked to the border in Egypt, all to make it back to her family. Ramos says she quickly realized their pilgrimage had turned into a test of their courage.

“Is it safe? Is it wise that we keep going? Ramos recalled asking. “But there was just this clear consensus across the board that we were supposed to be there.”

Faith Amid Conflict

While explosions echoed above, the pastors didn’t scramble in panic. Instead, they turned to their faith.

“As much as it was alarming to hear it, the calm and the peace that was over everyone on our trip, there wasn’t like a scrambling, running, to the bomb shelters. There was just this calmness,” said Ramos.

With airports shuttered by Iranian retaliatory strikes, the group’s mission shifted from ministry to evacuation.

“What do we do next? Because now we’re in the middle of middle of israel with the 117 women. And how, you know, how do we keep everyone safe?” Ramos recalls. “How are we going to get out of here? The airports are shut down.”

Ramos says in the middle of chaos — inside bomb shelters while sirens echoed above — the group made a decision. Instead of panicking, they prayed. She believes those hours of worship helped them find the peace and focus needed to begin mapping out their journey to safety.

“Even though there were still alarms going off, it was just decided that the best option was for us to pray, and make our way across Israel, out of Israel, and into Egypt.”

Eventually, the pastors were evacuated from the Galilee region by bus. But even that escape was dangerous. The final leg of their escape required the women to turn off their phones for security and cross into Egypt on foot.

“Think, honestly, when we were told to turn off our phones, my biggest thought was my family back home. because I feel like, to some extent, our families back home, we’re working through a lot more difficulty than we were here.”

The Long Road to Idaho Falls

While Ramos navigated the border, her husband was 6,000 miles away in Idaho Falls, caring for their five children, all under the age of ten, while waiting for word that his wife was safe.

“You know, it’s a war. You never know how long this is going to last,” said Ramos.

Late Friday night, her family’s fears quickly dissolved. After days of uncertainty, Ramos finally stepped through the airport doors — greeted by those who had been waiting for her the entire time.

“It was a relief. Just the comfort of being home. I have five young kids at home, so they were definitely excited to see their mom.”

Ramos mentions that she is still processing everything that occurred during those chaotic days abroad. One thing she will never forget is how ordinary bomb shelters are for families in Israel. Experiencing this reality firsthand has given her a new perspective on the daily challenges people there face.

“This is their normal, you know, it almost becomes like just kind of a routine to them. You know, they would come hop johnson into the, the bomb shelters and, was still joy in their hearts because this is just this is their life.”

Ramos confirmed that all 117 women from the delegation have returned safely to the United States.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay visits Oklahoma City to celebrate restaurant anniversary

CNN Newsource on March 9, 2026

By Jordan Ryan

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    OKLAHOMA CITY (KOCO) — Gordon Ramsay visited Oklahoma City to celebrate the second anniversary of Ramsay’s Kitchen and showcase his new menu.

“We are here at Ramsay’s Kitchen with the Gordon Ramsay showing off some of your menu. If you guys haven’t been here, it is incredible, and you are in town visiting, checking things out, right?” said KOCO 5 reporter Jordan Ryan.

“So excited to be here, big game tonight, basketball, and we are celebrating our second anniversary so I thought I would show you what’s happening,” Ramsay said.

He highlighted the restaurant’s signature dish, Beef Wellington.

“You know this city is renowned for its beef so we have this beautiful fillet wrapped in luxurious puff pastry and then a little bit of microgreens to finish it off,” Ramsay said.

Ramsay praised Beth, a chef at his restaurant.

“Beth here is a powerhouse I think she is keeping me in check more so than me keeping her in check,” Ramsay said.

Ramsay also showcased another dish, saying, “Next, fish and chips, a beautiful whiting in an ale beer batter, crispy beautiful hand-cut fries, triple-cooked tartar sauce.”

Reflecting on a previous visit, Ramsay shared his experience with catfish noodling.

“I absolutely adore catfish noodling and they are bloody hard things to get a hold of,” Ramsay said. “Well, when you are sticking your head in a pipe underwater and there are several snakes around you have to get the hell out of there quickly with these giant catfish.”

Ramsay expressed his admiration for the Oklahoma City community.

“This city is about community. If there is one thing I have come to know and understand is just how compact and tight they are and so I like to think Ramsay’s Kitchen is family-oriented and you can see the lake and we are coming to spring finally entering summer there is something for everybody here,” Ramsay said.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Woman in custody at El Paso County Jail dies after being taken to hospital

CNN Newsource on March 9, 2026

By Sadie Buggle

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    EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a 35-year-old woman in custody at the El Paso County Jail died hours after she was taken to a hospital on Friday.

According to the sheriff’s office, at around 1 p.m. on March 6, the woman was treated by the jail’s medical staff, who determined she needed additional care and arranged for her to be taken to a local hospital. Paramedics with AMR arrived shortly after, transporting her to a hospital while the sheriff’s office provided security.

Officials said despite the woman receiving advanced medical care at the hospital, her condition worsened, and she died at approximately 11:34 p.m.

At this time, the cause of the woman’s death remains unknown. A formal identification of the woman, as well as her cause and manner of death, will be determined by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office.

El Paso County Sheriff Joe Roybal has since ordered an in-depth investigation into the death and requested an autopsy from the county coroner. The investigation will be handled by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Houston’s Megan Thee Stallion Makes Broadway History in Moulin Rouge!

CNN Newsource on March 9, 2026

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    March 6, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Houston, stand up. The H-Town powerhouse known globally as Megan Thee Stallion is adding another jewel to her already sparkling crown—this time under the bright lights of Broadway.

The three-time Grammy Award-winning superstar, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and proud Houston native is set to make her Broadway debut in Moulin Rouge! The Musical, stepping into the role of the legendary impresario “Zidler” for a strictly limited eight-week engagement from Tuesday, March 24, 2026, through Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the iconic Al Hirschfeld Theatre in New York City.

And in true Megan fashion, she’s not just entering the building—she’s making history.

A Historic Broadway First

Megan Thee Stallion becomes the first female-identifying performer to portray “Zidler” in any production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical worldwide. Yes, you read that right. First. Ever.

For a show that has dazzled more than 12 million audience members across 15 global productions, this casting choice isn’t just bold—it’s Broadway brilliance. The 10-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical, inspired by Moulin Rouge!, is closing its celebrated Broadway run on July 26, 2026. Megan’s appearance is part of the show’s grand farewell celebration—a glittering sendoff worthy of theatrical legend.

As the impresario of the famed Parisian nightclub, Megan will command the stage with charisma, couture, and cultural impact. And yes—fans can expect a playful nod to her own chart-topping catalog woven into the spectacle.

From Houston Roots to Global Royalty

Born and raised in Houston, Megan Thee Stallion’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. With Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits including “Savage (Remix)” with Beyoncé, “WAP” with Cardi B, and “HISS,” she has redefined what it means to dominate the music industry.

But Megan is more than a hitmaker.

She’s a trailblazer.

In 2022, she became the first Black woman to grace the cover of Forbes Under 30. She has been named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list and honored for her advocacy work supporting women’s rights, mental health, and underserved communities. Through the Pete and Thomas Foundation, she continues investing in education, housing, and health initiatives—especially in her hometown of Houston.

Her Broadway debut marks yet another chapter in a career defined by fearless evolution. From hosting Saturday Night Live to appearing in film and television, Megan has consistently expanded her creative universe. Broadway simply becomes her next frontier.

And trust us—she’s stepping into it in heels.

Why This Matters for Houston

At Houston Style Magazine, we celebrate those who elevate our city on the world stage. Megan’s Broadway debut is more than entertainment news—it’s a cultural milestone for Houston.

She embodies the ambition, resilience, and creativity that define this city. From the South Side to the spotlight of Times Square, Megan carries Houston’s spirit with her.

For Houston’s aspiring artists, performers, entrepreneurs, and dreamers, this moment sends a powerful message: there are no ceilings—only stages waiting to be conquered.

About Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers with a book by John Logan and choreography by Sonya Tayeh, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a high-energy mashup celebration of over 160 years of music—from Offenbach to Lady Gaga. Lavish sets, couture costumes, electrifying choreography, and pop anthems transform Broadway into a Parisian fever dream of truth, beauty, freedom, and love.

Tickets are available at MoulinRougeMusical.com and at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre box office.

The Hottie Takeaway

Broadway demands discipline. Theater demands storytelling. Megan demands excellence.

And now, all three collide.

As Houston’s own Megan Thee Stallion steps onto the Broadway stage this spring, she does more than take on a role—she redefines it. She reminds us that reinvention is power, that artistry knows no boundaries, and that Houston continues to produce world-class excellence across every industry.

So yes, Houston—tell your friends it’s “her, her, her, her, her, her, her.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Francis Page Jr
fpagejr@stylemagazine.com

3 people hospitalized after car is torn in half in high-speed crash

CNN Newsource on March 9, 2026

By Ava Kershner

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    EL CAJON, Calif. (KGTV) — Two juveniles and one adult were taken to the hospital after a crash on Gustavo Street and Jamacha Road in El Cajon on Sunday.

One of the cars involved was split in half between the front and back seats, with the front end strewn across the road.

According to the El Cajon Police Department, one of the cars was driving north at a high rate of speed when it drifted into southbound traffic. Officials said the injuries are not life-threatening.

Laurie Debus lives just a few hundred yards from where the crash happened.

“It’s crazy. It’s really reckless,” Debus said.

“I fear for the cars that just come zooming down, down this hill that, that they’re going to come into me,” said Debus. “I’ve said that actually, as long as I’ve lived here, because they drive so fast.”

Neighbors say speeding on Jamacha Road is too common and can be deadly.

“So this, this stretch of road, in fact, a friend of my daughter’s that she went to high school with was killed just right up, right up the street on the left-hand side of the road. It’s been extremely dangerous,” Debus said.

Neighbors told ABC 10News that no one dying on impact from this crash is miraculous.

“This is astonishing that, that people survived this, because a car being split in half, no one should have walked away from that. And I’m grateful that, that too,” said Debus.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

‘Migrant Mother’ plaque finds new home at Nipomo Library

CNN Newsource on March 9, 2026

By KSBY Staff

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    CALIFORNIA (KSBY) — A tribute to an iconic image from the Great Depression now has a permanent home at the Nipomo Library.

The “Migrant Mother” plaque honors the famous photograph taken in Nipomo by Dorothea Lange in 1936.

The image captures Florence Owens Thompson and her children. It’s recognized as a powerful representation of struggle during that era.

More than $3,000 was raised to create the plaque. The effort was spearheaded by retired history teacher Terry Handy.

“It’s been long overdue to kind of just celebrate why this photograph means so much to Americans and still does. It’s arguably one of the most famous photographs in American history. In fact, internationally as well. And it’s been a long, long over a year to celebrate that,” Handy said.

You can find the plaque at the library on West Tefft Street.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Idaho woman celebrates 109th birthday, crediting healthy living for her long life

CNN Newsource on March 9, 2026

By Leslie Solis

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    CALDWELL, Idaho (KIVI) — Juanita Sibert has lived to see more than a century of American history — and on Saturday, she celebrated 109 years of it with cake, ice cream, and the people who love her most.

Born March 7, 1917, in Marland, Nebraska, Sibert blew out her candles surrounded by family and community members who gathered in Caldwell to mark the milestone.

When asked the secret to her long life, Sibert kept it simple.

“Well, I didn’t drink, I didn’t smoke. I lived a healthy life,” Sibert said.

The Sibert family sold their farm and ranch in Nebraska and moved west to Idaho in October of 1946. Today, her legacy spans four generations across Idaho and Wyoming, with more than 50 living descendants.

“I come from a big family,” Sibert added.

Sibert recalled a moment when someone once read the lines of her palm and made a prediction that has since proven difficult to argue with. “I don’t know where the line is myself, anyways, he said, ‘My gosh, you are going to live forever.”

Her granddaughter, Mietta Sibert, said watching her grandmother’s life unfold across more than a century of change has been nothing short of remarkable.

“I look at it, and I’m blown away — from no phone, to a flip phone, to Bluetooth,” Mietta Sibert said.

Mietta said her grandmother has remained joyful throughout it all — a quality reflected in Juanita’s longtime nickname, “Happy.”

“Just learning about her stories and the impact and life that her family has built around her has been tremendous. Most people don’t survive past 89, 90, and for her to just keep on going, I think it’s her strong connection with family and friends and just love, pure love and joy,” explained Mietta Sibert.

Juanita said one thing she has learned throughout this century is to never stop laughing and to enjoy time with family.

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KIVI’s editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

A Pandemic Promise That Became a Way of Life

CNN Newsource on March 9, 2026

By Bob Hoffman

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    LANSING, Michigan (WSYM) — Every day, two friends lace up their shoes and walk side by side. They’ve been doing it since March 15, 2020. They have never missed a day. Most days they can be found right here on the Lansing River Trail.

What started during the uncertainty of the pandemic slowly became something much bigger than just a walk.

It became a routine, accountability, and friendship for Cherry Hamrick and Mark Buzzitta.

Mark says, “It’s based on work schedules and things like that. So sometimes, you know, maybe I have a meeting or something and I can’t get there till later in the afternoon, but at the same time, you know, hey, this weekend, we’re both free Saturday morning, so we could do a longer walk.”

“And when you walk every day for years,” Mark adds, “you learn the trail pretty well.”

“The Ingham County trails are great. We can meet in a lot of different places. We could start by Potter Park Zoo. We could start over at Hawk Island. We could even start in Old Town.”

In fact, the Lansing River Trail has a way of surprising people, even those who think they already know it. Kip Bohne is the president of the Friends of the Lansing River Trail.

“I think discovery is one of the best things about this whole trail system. I was riding my bike and saw part of this area that I had never, ever seen before, and it was so beautiful. I thought, does this keep going? And so I kept going and finding new discoveries. And I think that’s the best thing about it.”

Mark and Cherry discovered something else on this trail too.

Consistency.

“There’s no real reason to stop. It’s obviously good exercise, and it’s fun. It’s outside. There’s no downside to it.”

Cherry agrees.

“Neither of us have ever been sick enough that we couldn’t manage to get out. I buy a lot more running shoes than I used to and put in more miles between running and walking.”

Mark adds, “I wear a coat when I have to, if it’s really, really cold, but yes, definitely new shoes every few months. That goes with the territory, and that’s okay with me.”

Their walks have also turned into something else.

Looking out for the trail itself.

“Working with the county parks department, we came up with graffiti kits to clean signs,” Cherry says. “This has already been cleaned once, but then somebody got it again. So we have these little backpacks with graffiti wipes, Goo Gone, and gloves, and we come out when we find a sign. Mark and I are on the trails a lot, so we see a lot of signs.”

Kip thinks Mark and Cherry are great representatives of the trails.

“Mark and Cherry are good neighbors because they are goodwill ambassadors for the trail. They kind of set the tone for all the things that you can do on the trail system. They have been so great about talking about it with people. That’s part of our mission.”

We met Mark and Cherry out here on the trail last fall, and as March 2026 rolls around, their streak is still going. At their last count, they’ve walked a total of 7,470 miles.

Every day.

No matter the weather. No matter the schedule.

Just two friends walking side by side.

Proof that sometimes the best journeys…

Start with just one step.

And a friend willing to take it with you.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Bodycam footage shows deputies killing man charging with machete

CNN Newsource on March 9, 2026

By Ryan Dickstein

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    WHITE PLAINS, Maryland (WMAR) — Extremely graphic body-worn camera footage has been released of a deadly police involved shooting in White Plains last month.

The 11-plus minute video shows 36-year-old Demarcus Irish, of Clinton, charging at Charles County Sheriff’s Sergeant Andrew Coulby with a machete.

Coulby and Deputy First Class Brennan Kunz fires each fire killing Irish.

As the pair of officers tend to Irish, they discover he’s wearing a body-armored vest.

At the time of his death, Irish was wanted on a domestic violence related warrant.

The Maryland Attorney General’s Office is investigating the shooting.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.