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”

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.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has denied Louisiana’s attempt to extradite Doctor Maggie Carpenter. Carpenter is accused of sending abortion pills to a family in West Baton Rouge parish that ended a teenage girl’s pregnancy. New York has a law that protects doctors who prescribe abortion medication to out-of-state patients.

Are you still scrambling to make that Valentine’s Day dinner reservation? Louisiana Restaurant Association spokesperson Wendy Waren says there are apps like Resy and Open Table to make last minute reservations and she says there are plenty of hidden gems that can squeeze you in…

Cut 6 (12) “….special occasions”

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

Cut 13 (08)  “…It’s great.”

The championship event takes place today and tomorrow at the Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City.

Valentine’s Day is the Super Bowl for the restaurant industry as it prepares for a busy weekend.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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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.”

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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.”

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Valentine’s Day is a major boost for Louisiana’s restaurant industry, as couples indulge in intimate meals. Wendy Waren with the Louisiana Restaurant Association says Valentine’s Day is the second most popular day for restaurants behind Mother’s Day with this year looking busy.

Cut 4 (09) “…are really strong.”

Waren says many restaurants adjust their setups to accommodate more tables for two, creating a romantic atmosphere to enhance the experience.

Cut 5 (10) “…to dine this weekend.”

Waren says if you haven’t made that reservation yet, it’s not too late. You can use apps like Resy and Open Table to make last minute reservations, and there are plenty of hidden gems that can squeeze you in.

Cut 6 (12) “…other special occasions.”

______________________________________________________

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.”

Dr. Coleman says the department wants to return vaccine decision making to the patients and their doctors.

Cut 8 (11) “…disregards the individual.”

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.

______________________________________________________

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.”

Bologna says construction of the project is getting underway now.

Cut 11 (08) “…now in 2025.”

Bologna says the new facility will create dozens of jobs, both immediate and in the future.

Cut 12 (09) “…of this investment.”

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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 championship event takes place today and tomorrow at the Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City. Traditionally featuring three boys’ divisions with 14 weight classes each, MacDowell says this year’s tournament introduces a dedicated girls’ division, allowing 212 female athletes to compete for their own state titles.

Cut 14 (11) “…it’s historic.”

MacDowell says in the past girls have been allowed to compete against boys in competition for the past five years.

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

Fans can attend in person or watch live via the NFHS Network.

_______________________________________________________

Kellen Moore is off and running as the Saints head coach after meeting with the media on Thursday. A major decision facing Moore is whether to keep Derek Carr as the Saints starting quarterback. Moore says he plans on meeting with all of the players before making any decisions, but said he has great respect for Carr and what he’s done in the NFL…

Cut 16 (13) “…lot of fun.”

Carr is 33 years old and is set to make 30-million dollars next season. Cutting him would result in 50-million dollars in dead money on the books next year.

Moore was a great college football quarterback at Boise State. He spent six seasons as an NFL quarterback and he’s been an offensive coordinator the last six years. Moore says he wants to stress opposing defenses…

Cut 17 (22)  “…superpowers.”

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The college baseball season gets underway today and the second ranked LSU Tigers begin the road to Omaha by hosting Purdue Fort Wayne. LSU has a deep team there’s competition among the players for spots in the outfield and behind the plate. Coach Jay Johnson wants his guys to focus on the now and not future playing time…

Cut 18 (22)  “…bullets start flying”

First pitch is at 2 PM.

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Louisiana Tech begins the 2025 season by hosting Maine for a four-game series beginning today at 4 PM. The Bulldogs won 45 games last year and a Conference USA regular season title. Ninth-year head coach Lane Burroughs believes he has a talented team, but there are a lot of new faces…

Cut 19 (14) “…let’s go.”

Burroughs says their starting pitching should be a strength with the return of All-Conference selection Luke Nichols and Grant Hubka. But there will be a new catcher behind the plate…

Cut 20 (14) “…to fill.”

Ole Miss transfer Eli Berch is expected to start, but also expect to see Navarro transfer Matt Houston.

Kellen Moore is officially introduced as the 19th head coach in Saints history. Moore has some recent history of coaching in the Superdome. Before helping lead the Eagles to a win in Super Bowl 59, he helped lead the Eagles to a 15-to-12 win over the then-undefeated Saints at the Superdome in Week Three. Moore says the Superdome is a tough place for visiting teams to play in.

Cut 13 (13)  “…going to have.”

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says bird flu is one reason for the high price of eggs. Strain says that’s because there are fewer hens laying eggs, causing a ten-percent drop in egg production. Strain says to keep egg prices from spiraling out of control, they have to stop the spread of bird flu.

Cut 10 (08) “…egg-laying hens.”

Northwest Louisiana is losing hundreds of jobs as International Paper announces its closing its containerboard mill in Natchitoches Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Governor Landry signs an extradition order to bring a New York doctor to Louisiana to face felony charges for prescribing an abortion pill to a teenager. But actually bringing Dr. Maggie Carpenter to Louisiana could be easier said than done. New York Governor Kathy Hochul says she will not be signing the extradition order and has ordered law enforcement not to cooperate.