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.”

A pair of New Orleans legislators are expressing concern about the state’s plan to move the homeless into a transitional center. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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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.”

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

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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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 his biggest issue is that Governor Landry and GOHSEP never contacted him about their plans.

Cut 4 (12) “…is very concerning.”

Willard notes that the fenced-in facility in an industrial area on France Road is across the street from the Gentilly neighborhood, even though there’s a concrete wall separating the neighborhood from the roadway.

Cut 5 (11) “…their lives disrupted.”

Furthermore, Willard notes that the facility is within close proximity to a pair of schools.

Cut 6 (12) “…of New Orleans.”

Willard and State Senator Joe Bouie issued a statement, saying they have reached out to the governor’s office to request details of the plan.

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Soon, you’ll be able to catch a train from New Orleans again. 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, but New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says this money — along with a grant from 2023  — should be enough to get things going again.

Cut 7 (07) “…making this happen.”

The line was suspended after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the necessary infrastructure. Carter says the money, along with previous grants, will be used to revive the rail line and all its benefits…

Cut 8 (08) “…and for our region.”

Carter says this could also help underprivileged areas along the line by…

Cut 9 (09)  “…by vehicle.”

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Looking for a healthy alternative this King Cake Season? The Eat Fit King Cake offers a healthier twist on the traditional Mardi Gras dessert, allowing people to enjoy the festive treat without compromising wellness goals. Developed by Ochsner’s Eat Fit initiative and inspired by its cookbook, this king cake is gluten-free, grain-free, sugar-free, low-carb, dairy-free, and made with all-natural ingredients. Eat Fit Founder Molly Kimball says key components include almond and coconut flour and Swerve, a natural sweetener free of artificial additives.

Cut 10 (11) “…wellness goals.”

Unlike standard king cakes, the Eat Fit King Cake boasts 93% fewer carbs, zero sugar, no artificial dyes, and four times more protein. It is also certified gluten-free and clean-label. Kimball says a new dessert for this year is Eat Fit King Cake Cupcakes, which share the same nutritional benefits.

Cut 11 (07) “…stuff like that.”

Available in select stores across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, and online for nationwide shipping, Eat Fit King Cake extends the mission of Ochsner’s Eat Fit initiative. Founded in 2013, Eat Fit partners with 600+ restaurants to promote healthier dining options, offering resources through its smartphone app and cookbooks.

Cut 12 (09) “…to the lineup”

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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.”

Brown says one thing that makes Southern’s nursing school exceptional is their effort to educate underprivileged students.

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

Brown says Southern didn’t get this honor on their own…

Cut 15 (09) “…State of Louisiana.”

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It’s the biggest question surrounding the Saints in the early off-season – who will be their next head coach? One name that recently surfaced is Mike McCarthy, who just parted ways with the Cowboys after his contract expired. McCarthy is actually no stranger to the Saints – he was their offensive coordinator from 2000 to 2004, during which time the team won its first ever playoff game. Jim Derry, the host of the Dattitude podcast for NOLA.com, says McCarthy has a lot in common with Sean Payton.

Cut 16 (15) “…Payton has three.”

Derry says the one coach that the Saints really have their eye on is Lions Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn, who has already interviewed with the team.

Cut 17 (14)  “…decision to make.”

Derry says a possible wild card in the mix is Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady.

Cut 18 (12)   “…an interesting situation.”

Federal prosecutors will not be pressing charges against the white police officers involved in the 2019 deadly arrest of Black driver Ronald Greene near Monroe. The Justice Department informed Greene’s family of its decision today. While federal charges appeared imminent when the FBI launched its probe in 2022, Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says prosecutors ultimately decided that a conviction was no sure thing.

Cut 12 (11) “…of Mr. Greene.”

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. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front will then come in, bringing in air cold enough to cure any transplanted New Englander of homesickness.

Cut 10 (06) “…in the 30s.”

BESE, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), and the state Legislature are working to address rising truancy and chronic absenteeism in K-12 classrooms.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A student at Livonia High School in Pointe Coupee Parish is under arrest for allegedly stabbing a classmate. The alleged stabber was taken into custody immediately after the incident at eight this morning. The student is hospitalized in stable condition. All students were dismissed for the day shortly after the stabbing.

The investigation continues into Saturday’s mass shooting in Webster Parish that injured six people, two of them critically. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A student at Livonia High School in Pointe Coupee Parish is under arrest for allegedly stabbing a classmate. The alleged stabber was taken into custody immediately after the incident at eight this morning. The student is hospitalized in stable condition. All students were dismissed for the day shortly after the stabbing.

There will be no Federal charges against the white police officers involved in the 2019 deadly arrest of Black driver Ronald Greene near Monroe. The Justice Department informed Greene’s family of its decision today. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says prosecutors reached their conclusion after a very exhaustive investigation.

Cut 14 (11) “…by the FBI.”

A Louisiana grand jury indicted five officers on state charges. One of them, Chris Hollingsworth, died in a car crash in 2020. A civil suit against the officers is still pending.

With Truancy rates reaching 41% in Louisiana last school year, BESE, the Louisiana Department of Education and the state Legislature are working to address the issue.  BESE Vice President Stacey Melerine (mel-uh-REEN) says a 2024 report by the Success Through Attendance Recovery task force proposes several solutions, including requiring schools to monitor attendance data, creating a discretionary referral process for truancy cases, and formally defining chronic absenteeism

Cut 8 (10) “…address those.”

Student attendance has become a key focus in Louisiana’s education system. BESE, the Louisiana Department of Education and the state Legislature are working to address rising truancy and chronic absenteeism. BESE Vice President Stacey Melerine (mel-uh-REEN) says in the 2023-24 school year, the truancy rate reached 41-percent, and students were absent an average of 11 days.

Cut 6 (09) “…grow as students.”

Webster Parish Sheriff deputies are continuing to investigate a shooting that injured six people, including two critically at an unpermitted bonfire event in Dubberly on Saturday night. Sheriff Jason Parker says they are still interviewing attendees, and no arrests have been made but he says the organizers are facing fines….

Cut 5 (12) “…situation happen.”

Parker says the people shot are in their 20s and 30s.

A Baton Rouge fixture is moving to Terrebonne Parish. The Belle of Baton Rouge riverboat is being towed to Gibson, as part of a downtown revitalization effort there. The riverboat will be completely gutted and rebuilt on the inside, and it is slated to reopen this fall.

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.  LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says then comes a big change.

Cut 9 (07)  “…really cold air.”

And Keim says that brutal cold could be accompanied by a wintery mix.

The investigation into a shooting that injured six people, including two critically at an unpermitted bonfire event in Dubberly on Saturday night continues. Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker says events in Webster Parish involving more than 250 attendees are required to have a permit and he says at least 350 people were at this bonfire…

Cut 4 (11) “…for everybody.”

The sheriff says the organizers are facing fines.

Federal prosecutors closing the book on their investigation into the 2019 deadly arrest of Ronald Greene near Monroe without bringing any charges. While federal charges appeared imminent when the FBI launched its probe in 2022, Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says prosecutors ultimately decided that a conviction was no sure thing.

Cut 13 (10)  “…very close one.”

He says prosecutors reached their conclusion only after a very exhaustive investigation.

With Truancy rates reaching 41% in Louisiana last school year, BESE, the Louisiana Department of Education and the state Legislature are working to address the issue. The LDOE’s Success Through Attendance Recovery, or STAR Task Force studied the issue and provided recommendations to BESE in December 2024.  BESE Vice President Stacey Melerine (mel-uh-REEN) says the Task Force will address chronic absenteeism.

Cut 7 (05) “…to the statute.”

Look for warmer weather this weekend but don’t put your winter jacket away just yet. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front moves in Saturday night and the colder temperatures could bring frozen precipitation to some parts of the state.

Cut 11 (06) “…of next week.”

Webster Parish Sheriff deputies are continuing to investigate a shooting that injured six people, including two critically at an unpermitted bonfire event in Dubberly on Saturday night. Sheriff Jason Parker says they are still interviewing attendees, and no arrests have been made…

Cut 3 (13) “…those statements.”

Parker says at least 350 people were at the bonfire.

Federal prosecutors will not be pressing charges against the white police officers involved in the 2019 deadly arrest of Black driver Ronald Greene near Monroe. The Justice Department informed Greene’s family of its decision today. While federal charges appeared imminent when the FBI launched its probe in 2022, Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says prosecutors ultimately decided that a conviction was no sure thing.

Cut 12 (11) “…of Mr. Greene.”

A civil suit against the officers is still pending.

BESE, the Louisiana Department of Education and the state Legislature are working to address rising truancy and chronic absenteeism in K-12 classrooms. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Warmer weather is coming and some parts of South Louisiana will see temperatures in the 70s this weekend. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says it won’t last long as a cold front moves in Saturday night.

Cut 10 (06) “…in the 30s.”