Haley Weger

Reporter / Producer

Haley is a reporter and producer for KPLC.

Haley was born in Texas and grew up in the Houston area. She moved to Oklahoma for college, attending the University of Oklahoma. She majored in journalism, with a minor in human relations.

She quickly realized her love for journalism in college and began working for the school's news station. She reported, anchored, and produced, among other jobs at the station - OU Nightly. She also wrote digital content for the news program, and social media sites.

As a reporter for KPLC 7 News, Haley is excited to share the stories in her new community.

Louisiana

Nursing shortage felt nationwide and here at home

Updated: Jul. 27, 2022 at 4:44 PM CDT

By Haley Weger

The stress of the pandemic is largely to blame for nurse burnout, but local hospitals are doing what they can to put an emphasis on the well-being of their staff.

Louisiana

Flesh-eating bacteria seen in water 4-6 weeks sooner than past summers

Updated: Jun. 22, 2022 at 4:13 PM CDT

By Haley Weger

Jessie Abshire’s wife and daughter are sharing his story in hopes it saves even one person from suffering like he has.

Local Politics

Specialty license plates in Louisiana, benefitting the arts

Updated: May. 17, 2022 at 7:40 PM CDT

By Haley Weger

An unopposed bill has passed the house and senate, that would put Louisiana art on mobile display. The bill would introduce a new specialty license plate for art enthusiasts in the state.

Local Politics

Craft brewery legislation to impact microbreweries across Louisiana

Updated: Apr. 26, 2022 at 6:22 PM CDT

By Haley Weger

A bill was introduced by Senator Jeremy Stine this morning that would impact microbreweries across the state. Eric Avery of Crying Eagle and Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter went to a judiciary committee meeting this afternoon to support the bill.

Mardi Gras

Liquor sales spike during Mardi Gras weekend

Updated: Mar. 1, 2022 at 7:51 AM CST

By Haley Weger

Between the parades, balls and other Mardi Gras festivities, liquor stores in the state have seen a spike in sales. One Lake Area store says this spike was well anticipated, after people waited two years to celebrate Mardi Gras again this year.

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras traditions in rural Louisiana

Updated: Feb. 22, 2022 at 7:16 PM CST

By Haley Weger

You may have caught beads in the French Quarter, but have you ever danced for a chicken in the rural neighborhoods of Louisiana?

Health

‘Broken heart syndrome,’ a very real and potentially serious condition

Updated: Feb. 15, 2022 at 6:46 PM CST

By Haley Weger

February is the month of love, and while many are spending this time surrounded by loved ones, some are reminded this time each year about the loved ones they have lost.

Mardi Gras

City officials offer guidelines to ensure Mardi Gras can be enjoyed safely

Updated: Feb. 8, 2022 at 6:46 PM CST

By Haley Weger

Mardi Gras is just around the corner, and Lake Charles officials and law enforcement want to ensure residents can enjoy the parades while staying safe.

Louisiana

DeQuincy firefighter laid to rest

Updated: Feb. 8, 2022 at 12:21 PM CST

By Haley Weger

Friends and family are mourning the tragic loss of a fire chief’s son. Twenty-year-old Logan Copeland died in a car accident last week.

Louisiana

‘It was like a bomb went off or something:’ Residents react to tank explosion

Updated: Jan. 27, 2022 at 6:38 PM CST

By Haley Weger

An explosion at a Westlake chemical plant created smoke cloud that could be seen for miles, and it echoed across the lake area. The tank exploded at the old P.P.G. facility, which is now Westlake Chemical South.

Education

Recruiting and retaining teachers in Louisiana

Updated: Jan. 3, 2022 at 10:25 PM CST

By Haley Weger

A difficult profession was made even more challenging when classes moved online due to COVID and teachers were forced to adapt.

Louisiana

ConnectLA launches $177 million grant program to combat digital divide in rural areas

Updated: Nov. 3, 2021 at 6:56 PM CDT

By Haley Weger

People living in rural parts of Louisiana, like many in Beauregard Parish, have problems with broadband service, but ConnectLA is working to fix some of those issues.