5:30 LRN Newscast

We could be in for some severe weather Saturday. North Louisiana is at an enhanced risk, while south Louisiana is at a slight risk. We had a round of severe weather earlier in the week. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says what Mother Nature has in store for Saturday could top that.

Cut 7 (13) “…fuel the storms.”

In addition to the pending closure of its International Paper mill, Natchitoches Parish is dealing with a 16-percent decline in employment at Northwestern State since 2019 and a declining Natchitoches-based student population. Economic developer Jon Maynard says in order to reverse the trend, Natchitoches needs to fully embrace itself as a college town.

Cut 14 (13) “…or another”

For the third Valentine’s Day in a row, the Louisiana Family Forum is recognizing a New Orleans husband and wife as the state’s longest known married couple. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

An advocacy group is speaking out against the Louisiana Department of Health over its new vaccine directives. Dr. Jennifer Herricks with Louisiana Families for Vaccines takes exception to the assertion that vaccines may benefit some and cause harm to others.

Cut 11 (11) “…long-term harm.”

4:30 PM Newscast Feb 14

The group, Louisiana Families for Vaccines is reeling over the announcement that the Louisiana Department of Health will no longer offer mass vaccination clinics. In a letter on LDH’s website, Surgeon General Ralph Abraham and Deputy Surgeon General Wyche Coleman criticized the CDC’s response to COVID especially vaccination mandates, saying things that are good don’t generally have to be pushed by government and COVID vaccines were mandated despite having no third-party benefit in terms of transmission. Dr. Jennifer Herricks with the group disagrees…

Cut 10 (10) “…risk of transmission.”

Two Colorado men tried to smuggle contraband into a Federal prison using a cannon. An investigation by the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office says Jose Francisco Herrera Munoz and Angel Gonzales Gutierrez planned to launch over $100,000 worth of tobacco and almost $90,000 worth of methamphetamine onto the prison grounds using a compressed air cannon with a range of over 350 feet. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement assisted in the investigation as they have a detainer on Munoz and say he is in the country illegally.

We could be in for some severe weather Saturday. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says most of the state will be at an enhanced risk for severe weather.

Cut 6 (11) “…of itself.”

 

Thursday’s announcement that International Paper is closing its Red River containerboard mill in Campti is expected to have a significant negative impact on the economy of Natchitoches Parish. 300 permanent jobs will go away in April. Economic developer and Natchitoches native, Jon Maynard says Natchitoches Parish’s economy was already suffering an economic decline that began 20 years ago…

Cut 13 (11)  “…high poverty levels.”

3:30 PM Newscast Feb 14

Natchitoches Parish is reeling over Thursday’s announcement that International Paper is closing its Red River containerboard mill in Campti. 300 permanent jobs will go away when the facility ceases operations in April. Economic developer Jon Maynard, who is a Natchitoches native, says closure of the mill will increase unemployment and reduce local spending…

Cut 12 (13) “…people themselves.”

More severe weather is expected for Louisiana. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the northern half of the state could see thunderstorms, damaging winds, large hail and tornados but the southern half should also prepare…

Cut 8 (11) “…to the coast.”

If you plan to enjoy some boiled crawfish with your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day, The Crawfish App released some welcome news saying mudbugs are down another fifty cents per pound this week. If you’re going out you’ll probably pay around $7.99 per pound and if you plan to boil them yourself, expect to pay a little over four dollars per pound or around $150 for a 35 pound sack.

For the third year in a row, Ira and Margery Milan of New Orleans are being recognized as Louisiana’s longest married couple by the Louisiana Family Forum. Married 83 years the couple are being inducted into LFF’s 2025 Marriage Hall of Fame and along with nine other long married couples.

Cut 4 (11) “…very competitive division.”

You can see the full list of couples at la-family-forum-dot-org

4:45 LRN Sportscast

It’s opening day of the college baseball season. The second ranked LSU Tigers are playing Purdue Fort Wayne this afternoon and game two of that series has been moved up to 11 AM tomorrow, because of the potential for severe weather.

 

Lane Burroughs is starting his ninth season as the head coach of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. 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 see a lot of starts early, but also expect to see Navarro transfer Matt Houston.

The Ragin Cajuns are hosting San Jose State this weekend. ULM is taking on Eastern Illinois at Lou St. Amant Field, McNeese hosts Wichita State and Northwestern State hosts Central Arkansas.

History being made in Bossier City today at the LHSAA state wrestling championships. LHSAA Assistant Executive Director Adam MacDowell says 212 female athletes are competing for the first time ever in a girls division…

Cut 29 (11) “…it’s historic.”

The state wrestling tournament will conclude tomorrow.

In college basketball…LSU men’s basketball has a chance to get a win tomorrow when they visit Oklahoma. The Tigers have lost seven in a row, while the Sooners have lost four of their last five.

After a bad loss on Thursday to Kennesaw State, Louisiana Tech hosts Jacksonville State, McNeese looks for its 20th win of the season when it visits UNO and a good battle in Hammond as Southeastern hosts Nicholls at 3:30.

Tonight in the PMAC…it’s a battle between the top two teams in gymnastics as LSU hosts Oklahoma.

2:30 PM Newscast Feb 14

A Colorado man and woman planned to smuggle contraband into a Federal prison using a cannon. An investigation by the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office says Jose Francisco Herrera Munoz and Angel Gonzales Gutierrez planned to launch over $100,000 worth of tobacco and almost $90,000 worth of methamphetamine onto the prison grounds using a compressed air cannon with a range of over 350 feet. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement assisted in the investigation as they have a detainer on Munoz and say he is in the country illegally.

We had a round of severe weather earlier in the week and State Climatologist Jay Grymes says Saturday’s weather could top that.

Cut 7 (13) “…fuel the storms.”

A local advocacy group is speaking out against the Department of Health’s new approach to vaccines. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Louisiana Family Forum has named Mr. Ira Milan and Mrs. Margery Milan of New Orleans as Louisiana’s Longest Married Couple for the third straight year, celebrating 83 years of marriage. LFF President Gene Mills says they will be inducted into LFF’s 2025 Marriage Hall of Fame alongside nine other honored couples.

Cut 5 (10) “…and a successful marriage.”

LRN PM Newscall February 14

For the third Valentine’s Day in a row, the Louisiana Family Forum is recognizing a New Orleans husband and wife as the state’s longest known married couple. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

___________________________________________________

A local advocacy group is speaking out against the Department of Health’s new approach to vaccines. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

The Louisiana Family Forum has named Mr. Ira Milan and Mrs. Margery Milan of New Orleans as Louisiana’s Longest Married Couple for the third straight year, celebrating 83 years of marriage. LFF President Gene Mills says it’s tough staying at the top of the leaderboard.

Cut 3 (14) “…on a daily basis.” 

Mills says they will be inducted into LFF’s 2025 Marriage Hall of Fame alongside nine other honored couples.

Cut 4 (11) “…very competitive division.”

Mills praised the couple’s dedication, emphasizing that lifelong marriage remains a source of joy, health, and community strength.

Cut 5 (10) “…and a successful marriage.”

You can see the full list of couples at la-family-forum-dot-org

______________________________________________________________

We could be in for some severe weather Saturday. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says most of the state will be at an enhanced risk for severe weather.

Cut 6 (11) “…of itself.”

We had a round of severe weather earlier in the week. Grymes says what Mother Nature has in store for Saturday could top that.

Cut 7 (13) “…fuel the storms.”

Grymes says the northern half of the state could see thunderstorms, damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes. He says the southern half of the state could also see some severe weather.

Cut 8 (11) “…to the coast.”

______________________________________________________________

An advocacy group is speaking out against the Louisiana Department of Health over its ending of mass vaccination clinics and its directive that staffers not promote seasonal vaccines. Dr. Jennifer Herricks with the group Louisiana Families for Vaccines, says the department is taking a dangerous approach.

Cut 9 (12)  “…misrepresent basic facts.”

In a letter posted onto the department’s website, Surgeon General Ralph Abraham and Deputy Surgeon General Wyche Coleman took aim at the rollout of COVID vaccines, saying that they were mandated despite having no third-party benefit in terms of reduced transmission. Dr. Herricks says Abraham and Coleman are misleading people with that claim.

Cut 10 (10) “…risk of transmission.”

Herricks also takes exception to Abraham’s and Coleman’s assertion that vaccines may benefit some and cause harm to others.

Cut 11 (11) “…long-term harm.”

___________________________________________________________

Natchitoches Parish is reeling over Thursday’s announcement that International Paper is closing its Red River containerboard mill in Campti. 300 permanent jobs will go away when the facility ceases operations in April. Economic developer Jon Maynard, who is a Natchitoches native, says closure of the mill will increase unemployment and reduce local spending…

Cut 12 (13) “…people themselves.”

Maynard says Natchitoches Parish’s economy was already suffering an economic decline that began 20 years ago…

Cut 13 (11)  “…high poverty levels.”

Maynard says adding to Natchitoches Parish’s economic troubles is the 16-percent decline in employment since 2019 at Northwestern State and a declining Natchitoches-based student population. He says for Natchitoches to reverse it’s downward trend, it needs to fully embrace itself as a college town and attract more students back to campus…

Cut 14 (13) “…or another”

Maynard says more  Northwestern State students living in Natchitoches would increase consumer spending, lead to greater housing demand and job creation.

1:30 LRN Newscast

An advocacy group is speaking out against the Louisiana Department of Health over its ending of mass vaccination clinics and its directive that staffers not promote seasonal vaccines. Dr. Jennifer Herricks with the group Louisiana Families for Vaccines, says the department is taking a dangerous approach.

Cut 9 (12)  “…misrepresent basic facts.”

Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Wyche Coleman says the department wants to end the one-size-fits-all approach to vaccines.

History being made in Bossier City today at the LHSAA state wrestling championships. LHSAA Assistant Executive Director Adam MacDowell says 212 female athletes are competing for the first time ever in a girls division…

Cut 14 (11) “…it’s historic.”

The state wrestling tournament will conclude tomorrow.

For the third Valentine’s Day in a row, the Louisiana Family Forum is recognizing a New Orleans husband and wife as the state’s longest known married couple. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Country music superstar Lainey Wilson from Franklin Parish announced on Instagram that she is engaged to her longtime boyfriend Devlin Hodges. In her post, Wilson said Four-by-Four-by-You forever.

12:30 LRN Newscast

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 construction of the project is getting underway now.

Cut 11 (08) “…now in 2025.”

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 Louisiana Family Forum (LFF) has named Mr. Ira Milan and Mrs. Margery Milan of New Orleans as Louisiana’s Longest Married Couple for the third straight year, celebrating 83 years of marriage.   LFF President Gene Mills says it’s tough staying at the top of the leaderboard.

Cut 3 (14) “…on a daily basis.”

We could be in for some severe weather on Saturday. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says most of the state will be at an enhanced risk for severe weather.

Cut 6 (11) “…of itself.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

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 was non committal when asked about Carr

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.

The Pelicans ended a ten-game losing streak by beating Sacramento in overtime. Louisiana Tech men’s basketball’s eight game home winning streak ended with a 22-point loss to Kennesaw State. Southeastern Louisiana won its 15th straight with a 20-point win over McNeese. And LSU-A men’s basketball won its 18th straight by beating Our Lady of the Lake University 100 to 73.

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 and there’s competition for playing time in the outfield and behind the plate. Coach Jay Johnson on how his guys should look at their playing time…

Cut 18 (22)  “…bullets start flying”

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.”

11:30 LRN Newscast

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.