__8:30 am Newscast  __9:30 short

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch covering much of central and south Louisiana. It will go into effect at midnight Tuesday and last until midnight Wednesday. Meteorologist Donald Jones with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says we are looking at the biggest snowfall event in decades…

Cut 17 (17)  “…this area.”

The state has moved almost 160 homeless people in New Orleans into a transitional shelter. The plan has drawn concern from a pair of state legislators and from nearby residents. GOHSEP Chief of Sstaff Scott Adams, says security is tight.

Cut 14 (10) “…areas are impacted.”

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To get around the state, Governor Landry has been flying in a five-point-five-million-dollar airplane. WRKF Capitol Access Reporter Brooke Thorington broke the story along with Julie O’ Donoghue from the Louisiana Illuminator. Thorington says they do know the plane is not just for the governor’s travels.

Cut 11 (12) “…in a hurry.”

Previous governors used helicopters; but according to State Police, the helicopters were 20 years old and difficult to maintain. The governor’s office says using the plane instead of the helicopters should save the state money.

The University of New Orleans (UNO) will furlough approximately 290 staff and faculty members as part of ongoing efforts to close a 10-million-dollar budget deficit driven by low enrollment. This follows previous cost-cutting steps. President Kathy Johnson says the decision was hard but necessary.

Cut 6 (09) “…gut-wrenching.”

You’ll be able to catch a train from New Orleans again in the near future. Amtrak has received another 21 million dollars from the Federal Railroad Administration to restart the New Orleans to Mobile passenger line. The line was suspended in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the necessary infrastructure. Congressman Troy Carter says the money,  along with a grant from 2023  — should be enough to get things going again.

Cut 8 (08) “…and for our region.”

For the first time since the program was founded almost 40 years ago, Southern University’s School of Nursing has been named the Best Nursing School in the United States by nurse.org. Southern Nursing School Dean Sandra Brown says it’s the result of a lot of hart work but says they didn’t get there on their own.

Cut 15 (09) “…State of Louisiana.”

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A plan to move homeless people in New Orleans into a transitional center ahead of the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras is drawing concern from a pair of legislators. State Representative Matthew Willard says the fenced-in facility in an industrial area on France Road is across the street from the Gentilly neighborhood, not to mention, it’s within close proximity to a pair of schools.

Cut 6 (12) “…of New Orleans.”

Former Cowboys Coach Mike Mike McCarthy’s name is being mentioned as a possible new coach for the Saints.  He’s worked for the black and gold in the past and Jim Derry, host of NOLA.com’s the Dattitude podcast says McCarthy has a lot in common with Sean Payton.

Cut 16 (15) “…Payton has three.”

Amtrak has received more money to get the New Orleans to Mobile passenger line chugging along again. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

A couple of lawmakers are concerned about a plan to move homeless people in New Orleans into a transitional center ahead of the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. State Representative Matthew Willard

Cut 5 (11) “…their lives disrupted.”

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It’s been forty years since the Southern University School of Nursing was found and now for the very first time, it’s been named the Best Nursing School in the U-S by nurse.org. Southern Nursing School Dean Sandra Brown it’s the result of a lot of hart work and explains one thing that makes Southern’s nursing school exceptional is the focus on underprivileged students.

Cut 14 (13) “…have some disadvantages.”

If you’re looking for a healthy alternative this King Cake Season, how bout Ochner’s Eat Fit King Cake?   It’s a healthy twist on the popular desert….it’s gluten, grain, sugar and dairy free, low carb, and made with all natural ingredients. Eat Fit Founder Molly Kimball…

Cut 10 (11) “…wellness goals.”

A plan to move homeless people in New Orleans into a transitional center ahead of the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras is drawing concern from a pair of legislators. State Representative Matthew Willard says his biggest issue is that Governor Landry and GOHSEP never contacted him about their plans.

Cut 4 (12) “…is very concerning.”

You’ll be able to catch a train from New Orleans again soon. Amtrak has received another 21 million dollars from the Federal Railroad Administration to restart the New Orleans to Mobile passenger line. It was suspended after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the infrastructure. Congressman Troy Carter Carter says the money will be used to revive the rail line and all its benefits…

Cut 8 (08) “…and for our region.”

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If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to traditional King Cake this carnival season, Ochsner Eat Fit King Cake has the perfect solution. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

For the first time since the program was founded almost 40 years ago, Southern University’s School of Nursing has been named the Best Nursing School in the United States by nurse.org. Southern Nursing School Dean Sandra Brown says it’s the result of hard work.

Cut 13 (10) “…an amazing faculty.”

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.”

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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.”

Residents with property insurance are getting a small break. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the 1.36-percent assessment on all residential and commercial property insurance policies will disappear in April. Temple says this will result in a 100-dollar savings for residential property insurance policies and 200-dollars for commercial policyholders.

Cut 14 (10) “…on insurance.”

St. Tammany Parish is 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 and it’s greatly needed.

Cut 12 (08) “…relief to us.”

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Flu activity remains high in Louisiana. Dr. Eric Griggs with the St. Tammany Health System says so are hospitalizations.

Cut 4 (13) “…RSV and COVID.”

Dr. Griggs says only about 42-percent of people in Louisiana are vaccinated against the three viruses.  But it’s not too late to get your shots.

If you want to trying to make healthy changes to your diet in 2025, adding fiber to your diet is a good idea.  That’s according to Jennifer Duhon with LSU Ag Center who says to focus on preparing your meals at home instead of eating out…And instead of making a beeline to the couch after meals, get up and take a short walk.

Cut 9 (10)  “…or 15 minutes.”

Flu activity is still high in Louisiana remains high in Louisiana and people are still being hospitalized.  Dr. Eric Griggs with the St. Tammany Health System only about 42-percent of Louisianians are vaccinated against the the flu, Covid, and RSV.  So get your shots if you haven’t…and he says there are other things you can do to protect yourself and everyone else.

Cut 6 (09) “…to get vaccinated.”

If you want to live your healthiest life in 2025, you can make just a few simple changes. 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. Duhon says instead of focusing on cutting certain foods from your diet, be sure to balance the types of foods you eat.

Cut 8 (10) “…other nutrients in.”

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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 it will include 15 miles of earthen levee and a 3.5 mile floodwall.  As for the non-structural part of the solution…

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

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

Former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy was booked into the Lafourche Parish jail yesterday and then released on a 151-thousand-dollar bond. He’s facing charges for his alleged role in a fatal head-on crash that happened December 17^th on Louisiana Highway 20.

If you want to live your healthiest life in 2025, you can make just a few simple changes. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Flu activity remains high in Louisiana and hospitalizations are up too.  Dr. Eric Griggs with the St. Tammany Health System says only about 42-percent of Louisianians are vaccinated against the three viruses.  But he says it’s not to late to get your shots.

Cut 5 (08) “…and flu season.”

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Residents with property insurance are getting a small break. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the 1.36-percent assessment on all residential and commercial property insurance policies will disappear in April. The assessment has been paying off bonds Louisiana Citizens Insurance incurred from claims after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Temple says the Citizens Board determined they have enough money to pay off the loans…

Cut 13 (09) “…June 26.”

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.”