We could be in for some severe weather Saturday. North Louisiana is at an enhanced risk, while south Louisiana is at a slight risk. We had a round of severe weather earlier in the week. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says what Mother Nature has in store for Saturday could top that.

Cut 7 (13) “…fuel the storms.”

In addition to the pending closure of its International Paper mill, Natchitoches Parish is dealing with a 16-percent decline in employment at Northwestern State since 2019 and a declining Natchitoches-based student population. Economic developer Jon Maynard says in order to reverse the trend, Natchitoches needs to fully embrace itself as a college town.

Cut 14 (13) “…or another”

For the third Valentine’s Day in a row, the Louisiana Family Forum is recognizing a New Orleans husband and wife as the state’s longest known married couple. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

An advocacy group is speaking out against the Louisiana Department of Health over its new vaccine directives. Dr. Jennifer Herricks with Louisiana Families for Vaccines takes exception to the assertion that vaccines may benefit some and cause harm to others.

Cut 11 (11) “…long-term harm.”

The group, Louisiana Families for Vaccines is reeling over the announcement that the Louisiana Department of Health will no longer offer mass vaccination clinics. In a letter on LDH’s website, Surgeon General Ralph Abraham and Deputy Surgeon General Wyche Coleman criticized the CDC’s response to COVID especially vaccination mandates, saying things that are good don’t generally have to be pushed by government and COVID vaccines were mandated despite having no third-party benefit in terms of transmission. Dr. Jennifer Herricks with the group disagrees…

Cut 10 (10) “…risk of transmission.”

Two Colorado men tried to smuggle contraband into a Federal prison using a cannon. An investigation by the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office says Jose Francisco Herrera Munoz and Angel Gonzales Gutierrez planned to launch over $100,000 worth of tobacco and almost $90,000 worth of methamphetamine onto the prison grounds using a compressed air cannon with a range of over 350 feet. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement assisted in the investigation as they have a detainer on Munoz and say he is in the country illegally.

We could be in for some severe weather Saturday. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says most of the state will be at an enhanced risk for severe weather.

Cut 6 (11) “…of itself.”

Thursday’s announcement that International Paper is closing its Red River containerboard mill in Campti is expected to have a significant negative impact on the economy of Natchitoches Parish. 300 permanent jobs will go away in April. Economic developer and Natchitoches native, Jon Maynard says Natchitoches Parish’s economy was already suffering an economic decline that began 20 years ago…

Cut 13 (11)  “…high poverty levels.”

Natchitoches Parish is reeling over Thursday’s announcement that International Paper is closing its Red River containerboard mill in Campti. 300 permanent jobs will go away when the facility ceases operations in April. Economic developer Jon Maynard, who is a Natchitoches native, says closure of the mill will increase unemployment and reduce local spending…

Cut 12 (13) “…people themselves.”

More severe weather is expected for Louisiana. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the northern half of the state could see thunderstorms, damaging winds, large hail and tornados but the southern half should also prepare…

Cut 8 (11) “…to the coast.”

If you plan to enjoy some boiled crawfish with your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day, The Crawfish App released some welcome news saying mudbugs are down another fifty cents per pound this week. If you’re going out you’ll probably pay around $7.99 per pound and if you plan to boil them yourself, expect to pay a little over four dollars per pound or around $150 for a 35 pound sack.

For the third year in a row, Ira and Margery Milan of New Orleans are being recognized as Louisiana’s longest married couple by the Louisiana Family Forum. Married 83 years the couple are being inducted into LFF’s 2025 Marriage Hall of Fame and along with nine other long married couples.

Cut 4 (11) “…very competitive division.”

You can see the full list of couples at la-family-forum-dot-org

A Colorado man and woman planned to smuggle contraband into a Federal prison using a cannon. An investigation by the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office says Jose Francisco Herrera Munoz and Angel Gonzales Gutierrez planned to launch over $100,000 worth of tobacco and almost $90,000 worth of methamphetamine onto the prison grounds using a compressed air cannon with a range of over 350 feet. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement assisted in the investigation as they have a detainer on Munoz and say he is in the country illegally.

We had a round of severe weather earlier in the week and State Climatologist Jay Grymes says Saturday’s weather could top that.

Cut 7 (13) “…fuel the storms.”

A local advocacy group is speaking out against the Department of Health’s new approach to vaccines. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Louisiana Family Forum has named Mr. Ira Milan and Mrs. Margery Milan of New Orleans as Louisiana’s Longest Married Couple for the third straight year, celebrating 83 years of marriage. LFF President Gene Mills says they will be inducted into LFF’s 2025 Marriage Hall of Fame alongside nine other honored couples.

Cut 5 (10) “…and a successful marriage.”

An advocacy group is speaking out against the Louisiana Department of Health over its ending of mass vaccination clinics and its directive that staffers not promote seasonal vaccines. Dr. Jennifer Herricks with the group Louisiana Families for Vaccines, says the department is taking a dangerous approach.

Cut 9 (12)  “…misrepresent basic facts.”

Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Wyche Coleman says the department wants to end the one-size-fits-all approach to vaccines.

History being made in Bossier City today at the LHSAA state wrestling championships. LHSAA Assistant Executive Director Adam MacDowell says 212 female athletes are competing for the first time ever in a girls division…

Cut 14 (11) “…it’s historic.”

The state wrestling tournament will conclude tomorrow.

For the third Valentine’s Day in a row, the Louisiana Family Forum is recognizing a New Orleans husband and wife as the state’s longest known married couple. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Country music superstar Lainey Wilson from Franklin Parish announced on Instagram that she is engaged to her longtime boyfriend Devlin Hodges. In her post, Wilson said Four-by-Four-by-You forever.

Jefferson Parish breaks ground on a new facility where two components will be made to extend the life of electric vehicle batteries. JEDCO President and CEO Jerry Bologna (bu-LONE-yah) says construction of the project is getting underway now.

Cut 11 (08) “…now in 2025.”

The 2025 LHSAA State Wrestling Meet will make history as female wrestlers compete in their own division for the first time. LHSAA Assistant Executive Director Adam MacDowell called the change a “momentous step” reflecting the growth of girls’ wrestling.

Cut 13 (08)  “…It’s great.”

The Louisiana Family Forum (LFF) has named Mr. Ira Milan and Mrs. Margery Milan of New Orleans as Louisiana’s Longest Married Couple for the third straight year, celebrating 83 years of marriage.   LFF President Gene Mills says it’s tough staying at the top of the leaderboard.

Cut 3 (14) “…on a daily basis.”

We could be in for some severe weather on Saturday. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says most of the state will be at an enhanced risk for severe weather.

Cut 6 (11) “…of itself.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is ending its long-standing practice of holding mass vaccination clinics and it’s forbidding staffers from promoting seasonal vaccines. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Eight students in Beauregard Parish are facing charges related to organized criminal activity. The DeRidder Police Department says the students between 13 and 18 years old were planning a fight with another group of students outside school property after hours. 

Jefferson Parish breaks ground on a new facility where two components will be made to extend the life of electric vehicle batteries. JEDCO President and CEO Jerry Bologna (bu-LONE-yah) says the 500-million-dollar UBE Chemicals facility at Cornerstone Energy Park will be the first of its kind in North America and will produce components called DMC and EMC. 

Cut 10 (05) “…in electric vehicles.”

For the first time ever, girls will compete in their own division in the LHSAA state wrestling championships, which are being held today and tomorrow in Bossier City. LHSAA Assistant Executive Director Adam MacDowell says 212 female athletes will compete for their own state titles.

Cut 14 (11) “…it’s historic.”

There will also be the traditional three boys’ divisions with 14 weight classes each.

The Louisiana Department of Health has sent a letter to its employees that it’s no longer promoting mass vaccination events. Deputy Surgeon General Wyche Coleman says the department wants to end the one-size-fits-all approach to vaccines…

Cut 9 (12) “…real medical practice”

Coleman says the focus on vaccines has also led health departments to neglect other issues, such as mental health and infant mortality.

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the average wholesale price for medium sized eggs is seven dollars a dozen; and until they get the bird flu under control, those prices will continue to go up.

Cut 24 (10) “…to meet demand.”

Jefferson Parish breaks ground on a facility that will manufacture components to extend the life of electric vehicle batteries. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The economic development news is not as good on the other side of the state. About 300 workers were blindsided when International Paper announced its closing its containerboard mill in the Natchitoches Parish town of Campti. Operations at the Red River mill will cease in April. State Representative Jack MacFarland says they make brown paper at the plant and demand has declined.

Louisiana Surgeon General Doctor Ralph Abraham has told state health workers the Louisiana Department of Health is no longer organizing mass vaccination events and staff are not allowed to promote seasonal vaccines. Deputy Surgeon General Doctor Wyche Coleman wants to return vaccine decision making to the patients and their doctors…

Cut 8 (11) “…disregards the individual”

A group called the Louisiana Families for Vaccines believes this new LDH policy will result in lower immunization rates, increasing the chances of a measles outbreak.

It’s Valentine’s Day and it’s a big weekend for restaurants…

Cut 5 (10) “….to dine this weekend”

That’s Wendy Waren with the Louisiana Restaurant Association. She says use to apps like Resy and Open Table to find that last minute reservation.

New Saints head coach Kellen Moore has a big decision to make about quarterback Derek Carr. Should they bring Carr back or start fresh and draft a Q-B in the first round. Here’s what Moore said about Carr at his introductory press conference…

Cut 28 (09) “…with him”

The Saints are bringing back running back Clyde Edwards Helaire on a one year deal. The former LSU star joined the Saints at the end of last season after  he was released by the Chiefs.

History is being made in Bossier City today as for the first time at the LHSAA State Wrestling Championships there will be a girls division. LHSAA Executive Director Adam MacDowell says in the past girls have been allowed to compete, but they would wrestle against boys….

Cut 15 (05) “…they are excited about it.”

The state wrestling championships are at Brookshire Grocery Arena today and tomorrow in Bossier City.

The Louisiana Department of Health is ending its long-standing practice of holding mass vaccination clinics, and department staff can no longer promote seasonal vaccines. In a letter posted to the department’s website, Surgeon General Ralph Abraham and Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Wyche Coleman also take aim at the CDC’s response to the COVID pandemic. Dr. Wyche says the purpose of the directive is for the department to, in his words, get back to the basics.

Cut 7 (13) “…interests in mind.”

Parish health units will still have vaccines, but LDH says it should be a patient’s healthcare provider helping an individual decide whether to get a vaccine.

A group called Louisiana Families for Vaccines is concerned L-D-H’s new policy on vaccines will hurt vulnerable populations and herd immunity.

It’s Valentine’s Day. Sean Richardson reports it’s a big weekend for the restaurant industry…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Ground has been broken on a 500-million dollar manufacturing facility in Jefferson Parish. UBE C1 Chemicals America will provide the first domestic US supply of two components needed to extend the life of electric vehicle batteries. Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission CEO Jerry Bologna…

Cut 11 (08) “….now in 2025”