Navigating Airport Security Delays During TSA Shutdown Travelers at U.S. airports are facing extended security line waits as a partial government shutdown strains Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staffing. With some wait times stretching past an hour, passengers are advised to adjust their travel plans to avoid delays. At Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, reports indicate wait times of up to two hours, while travelers at New Orleans and Austin, Texas, are urged to arrive at least three hours before their flights. Other airports have seen wait times remain within normal ranges, creating uncertainty for those accustomed to last-minute arrivals. The uneven delays stem from a combination of factors, including the ongoing partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security and the surge in spring break travelers. The shutdown, which began on February 14, has left approximately 50,000 TSA agents working without pay, contributing to staffing shortages. As the shutdown drags on, employee absences are rising due to financial strain, with the American Federation of Government Employees noting that at least 366 TSA agents have quit during the crisis. Monitoring wait times has become critical for travelers, but traditional methods may not be reliable. The TSA’s MyTSA mobile app, which typically provides estimated wait times, may not reflect current conditions due to the shutdown. Third-party websites tracking TSA lines could also offer outdated information if they rely on publicly available data. Experts recommend checking airport websites and social media accounts, including platforms like X, for real-time updates.#austin_texas #american_federation_of_government_employees #new_orleans #transportation_security_administration #atlanta_hartsfield_jackson_international_airport
Federal witness testifies in New Orleans staged 18-wheeler crash fraud trial An inmate who pleaded guilty in a murder plot took the witness stand Monday in a federal trial involving staged 18-wheeler accidents in New Orleans, now in its third week. Personal injury attorneys Vanessa Motta and Jason Giles, along with their law firms and alleged co-conspirator Diaminike Stalbert, face multiple fraud-related charges. Prosecutors allege they participated in schemes involving intentional car crashes into 18-wheelers and fraudulent lawsuits. Ryan Harris, an inmate serving a 35-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to a murder connected to the case, testified for over two hours about the operations of personal injury attorneys and the financial aspects of the schemes. Harris described how he began intentionally crashing cars into 18-wheelers around 2017, introduced to the scheme by Cornelius Garrison. He stated that Motta represented him early on and that he had dealings with the King Law Firm, where Jason Giles worked. Harris later operated independently, staging car-on-car crashes, recruiting other drivers, and directing their claims to Motta. He informed Motta of his decision to work separately, saying she advised him to ensure the crashes were severe to maximize insurance payouts. Harris recounted that Motta occasionally expressed frustration with some participants for mishandling crashes, telling her, “There’s going to be bad ones...anything could happen. It was all fraud.” He also mentioned that he continued submitting cases to Motta until 2023 and received kickback checks from her fiancé, Sean Alfortish, at the time. In early 2025, Harris pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting in the murder of Cornelius Garrison, who was shot and killed in 2020 during a probe into staged wrecks.#new_orleans #vanessa_motta #jason_giles #federal_witness #diaminike_stalbert
Drew Brees Joins Savannah Bananas in Sold-Out Superdome Showdown Drew Brees, the legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback, made a memorable appearance at the Savannah Bananas’ game against the Party Animals on Sunday, February 5, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome. The event, which drew a sold-out crowd, marked the second time a prominent Saints figure participated in a Bananas game. Brees, known for his iconic tenure with the Saints, traded his black and gold jersey for the Bananas’ signature yellow and blue attire, stepping onto the diamond in No. 9. The crowd erupted in cheers as Brees entered the field, greeted by members of the Bananas before taking his place at the batter’s box. After receiving a handful of pitches, he grounded out on the field, delivering a big smile to the roaring audience. The moment was a highlight of the game, with fans expressing their excitement over seeing their beloved Saints legend embrace the unconventional, entertainment-driven style of the Bananas. Brees’ appearance followed a similar event earlier in the week when current Saints quarterback Tyler Shough joined the Bananas’ game, tossing a touchdown pass to a Bananas player and ending his appearance with a dance break. The Superdome’s packed stands witnessed both moments, underscoring the popularity of the Bananas’ unique approach to baseball. The Bananas’ game against the Party Animals was the second consecutive sold-out contest at the Superdome, a testament to the team’s growing fanbase and the novelty of their performances. Brees, who had recently been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, seemed to relish the opportunity to engage with fans in a different setting. His presence at the game was met with enthusiastic applause, with many spectators clearly thrilled to see their hero participate in the Bananas’ antics.#new_orleans #savannah_bananas #caesars_superdome #drew_brees #tyler_shough
Severe Storms Expected to Impact Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi Tonight A strong line of showers and thunderstorms is moving eastward ahead of a cold front, set to affect the region late tonight and into the early morning hours. The National Weather Service has issued a level 2 slight risk of severe weather for all of southeast Louisiana and south Mississippi, indicating that isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms are likely. The primary threat includes damaging winds, with a low-end possibility of isolated tornadoes. Hail and heavy rain, which could lead to localized flash flooding, are also expected. The storm system is expected to approach the area by 9 p.m. Wednesday, with much of southeast Louisiana and south Mississippi experiencing stormy conditions by midnight Thursday. The main line of thunderstorms will clear by 3 a.m. Thursday, though lingering cloud cover may persist into the early morning. A Tornado Watch remains in effect for the region until 2 a.m., highlighting favorable conditions for severe weather development, including tornadoes. Temperatures will drop significantly behind the cold front, with high temperatures falling to the mid to upper 60s on Thursday. The region will remain cooler through Tuesday, with highs in the low 60s under mostly sunny skies and breezy conditions. However, temperatures are projected to warm back to the upper 70s and low 80s by the weekend, under a mix of clouds and sun. A second strong cold front is expected to move through on Monday, bringing highs down to the low 60s under mostly cloudy skies and windy conditions. The storm’s progression will bring heavy rainfall to parts of the north shore, south Mississippi, and the New Orleans metro area, with a marginal risk of flash flooding.#national_weather_service #cold_front #southeast_louisiana #south_mississippi #new_orleans
Al Horford Set to Return Wednesday Golden State Warriors forward/center Al Horford is expected to play Wednesday against Memphis after missing Tuesday’s game against New Orleans due to a toe injury. The 39-year-old player contributed 22 points, one rebound, seven assists, two blocks, and three steals in his last appearance against Denver on Sunday. With Draymond Green sidelined by a back injury, Horford is likely to see increased playing time in the frontcourt, with an estimated 20-25 minutes expected in Wednesday’s matchup. The Warriors’ injury report indicates that Horford’s toe issue has improved enough for him to return to the lineup. His return comes as the team adjusts to Green’s absence, which has shifted the frontcourt dynamics. Horford’s ability to contribute both offensively and defensively will be crucial for the Warriors in their upcoming game against the Grizzlies. Horford’s performance in recent games has highlighted his continued value as a versatile player. Despite his age, he remains a key contributor for the Warriors, providing leadership and scoring. His return to the court is a positive development for the team, especially as they navigate a challenging schedule. The Warriors’ coaching staff will likely monitor Horford’s condition closely to ensure he is fully prepared for Wednesday’s game. While there is no indication of long-term issues, the team will prioritize his health to avoid any setbacks. Horford’s presence in the frontcourt is expected to bolster the Warriors’ offensive options and provide stability in the paint. This development also impacts the team’s overall strategy. With Green out, the Warriors may rely more heavily on Horford’s experience and skill set.#denver #new_orleans #golden_state_warriors #al_horford #memphis
