Gina Swanson

New Orleans

Anchor and Reporter at WDSU-TV (New Orleans, LA)

Articles

Spring and summer months see increase in cases of mood disorders, self-harm

2 weeks ago | wdsu.com | Gina Swanson

BATON ROUGE. THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH SAYS THAT CASES OF SELF HARM AND EVEN A PERSON TAKING THEIR OWN LIFE, INCREASED DURING THE SPRING AND SUMMER MONTHS. WELL, SADLY, IT IS A TREND THAT HIT HOME AT XAVIER UNIVERSITY TODAY. EXPERTS SAY MORE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE STRUGGLING THAN YOU MAY REALIZE. WE KNOW THAT 39% OF COLLEGE STUDENTS ARE EXPERIENCING A SIGNIFICANT MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE. CLASSES CANCELED AT XAVIER UNIVERSITY TUESDAY.
New Orleans nonprofit helping women gain confidence and employment

1 month ago | wdsu.com | Gina Swanson

AND GET TO THE ROOT OF THE PROGRAM PROBLEM. SO YOU KNOW THE SAYING, WHEN YOU LOOK GOOD, YOU FEEL GOOD. WELL, ONE ORGANIZATION IS MAKING THAT THEIR MISSION. THAT’S RIGHT. BUT IT GOES BEYOND THAT. WE HAVE A CLOSER LOOK AT HOW DRESS FOR SUCCESS IS EMPOWERING WOMEN FROM THE INSIDE OUT. WHAT SIZE ARE YOU? IT IS A ONE OF A KIND SHOPPING EXPERIENCE. A BOUTIQUE LIKE NO OTHER, WHERE YOU CAN FIND DESIGNER CLOTHES OFF THE RACK.
HBCU fair connects students to college recruiters

1 month ago | wdsu.com | Gina Swanson

ALL RIGHT, KEVIN, THANK YOU. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AT THREE KIPP SCHOOLS, THEY HAD A CHANCE TO MEET ONE ON ONE WITH COLLEGE RECRUITERS. THIS IS THE SECOND ANNUAL HBCU COLLEGE FAIR AT BOOKER T WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL. ABOUT 300 STUDENTS ATTENDED THE FAIR TO GET INFORMATION ON ADMISSIONS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES. THE FAIR IS PUT ON BY THE PONTCHARTRAIN LINKS INCORPORATED AND THE ORGANIZATION SAYS THIS IS A GREAT WAY FOR STUDENTS TO GET EXPOSED TO UNIVERSITIES.
HBCU fair connects college recruiters to high school students

1 month ago | wdsu.com | Gina Swanson

AND SUPPORTIVE MANNER. END QUOTE. HUNDREDS OF KIPP HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL VISIT MORE THAN A DOZEN COLLEGES WITHOUT EVER HAVING TO LEAVE NEW ORLEANS. IT’S ALL PART OF THE HBCU COLLEGE FAIR THAT’S HAPPENING FRIDAY AT BOOKER T WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL. THE EVENT IS PUT ON BY THE PONTCHARTRAIN CHAPTER OF THE LINKS INCORPORATED, BUT THE GOAL IS TO MAKE SURE STUDENTS HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO MEET FIRSTHAND WITH COLLEGE RECRUITERS.
Hundreds attend health fair at Joe Brown Park

1 month ago | wdsu.com | Gina Swanson

It was a health fair for the whole family in New Orleans East.More than 300 people gathered at Joe Brown Park for the wellness event. Ochsner and NORD teamed up with Pontchartrain Links for the Black Family Wellness Expo. The health fair included screenings for blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol, as well as vision and dental screenings. There was information on chronic diseases and health disparities that affect the Black community. No one was left out, from infants to senior citizens.
Health and Wellness Family Expo happening this weekend

1 month ago | wdsu.com | Gina Swanson

Happening this weekend is a health event for the whole family at Joe Brown Park. Men, women and children can get all the critical screenings you may need, a summer camp signup and fresh foods all in one place. Organizers say they are targeting the New Orleans East community for a reason."We call it high index areas. That's where health disparities were on the higher spectrum in terms of residents not having a primary care," said event organizer Tonia Moore.
Alla makes history with Black Carnival royalty

2 months ago | wdsu.com | Gina Swanson

One of the oldest krewes in Carnival is writing a new history. The krewe of Alla has Black Carnival royalty for the first time in its 93-year history. WDSU sat down with Queen Gian Durand as she talks history, culture and destiny. She also jokes about the Mardi Gras mishap that reminded her of the importance of timing. When Alla rolls Feb. 26, Gian Durand will be the queen of the night. Closing out Wednesday and getting over the hump when it comes to diversity in Mardi Gras.
Michelle Woodfork announces run for Orleans Parish Sheriff

2 months ago | wdsu.com | Gina Swanson |

The former New Orleans Police Department Interim Superintendent has announced that she plans on running for the Orleans Parish Sheriff position. Woodfork will run against current Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson, who is seeking her second term in the position. Video above is from WDSU's exclusive interview with Woodfork when she announced her retirement. Woodfork has a long history in law enforcement in New Orleans. The Woodfork family has worked in New Orleans law enforcement since 1964.
Meet the New Orleans artists who helped bring the city's vibrancy to the Super Bowl

2 months ago | wdsu.com | Gina Swanson

The NFL has infused New Orleans' vibrant culture into every aspect of the Super Bowl experience, celebrating the city's history and making some of its own. "It wasn't until I got on the call with the NFL team that I realized what the project was and the magnitude of it," said Queen Tahj, who designed the logo and theme art for the event. "There are no words to describe what I was feeling at the time and what I am feeling now.
Louisiana feeling "snow" much joy during winter weather

Jan 22, 2025 | wdsu.com | Gina Swanson

A rare snow day brought smiles and joy to the local community, with children and adults alike taking a break from their routines to enjoy the snow. Many kids experienced their first snowfall, waking up early to build snowmen, have snowball fights, make snow angels, and go sledding on the levee. The snow day provided an immediate mood boost and a mental break for the city, with residents sharing their happiness on social media.