8:30 LRN Newscast

Two death row inmates could be executed next month and the state department of corrections has formalized a plan to use nitrogen hypoxia, also known as lethal gas, as the method of execution. Sara Lewis, who’s the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, spoke in support of a bill in the last legislative session that would have banned the use of lethal gas in executions, if it received approval in the House. But Lewis says it did pass the Senate…

Cut 5 (10) “…a partisan issue.”

Jews against Gassing will hold a press conference this morning in New Orleans to speak out against execution by gassing.

Louisiana has been dealing with outmigration since the 1980s and the Data Center says the main reason is the state’s job market, which has grown just two-percent since 2000. Chief demographer at the Data Center, Allison Plyer, says natural disasters also play a role in the state’s outmigration issues, but the economy is the main reason…

Cut 15 (09) “….increasing insurance rates”

A dozen eggs will cost you more than five dollars in most cases but raising your own egg producing chickens is not the answer either. Lake Charles farmer Michelle Trahan says backyard chicken farming is more complex and costly than you think….

Cut 7 (14) “….that’s predator proof”

Trahan says you also must know about the health of your chickens.

Are you looking to reduce your grocery bill?  Wallethub analyst Chip Lupo says give store-brand products a try…

Cut 12 (11) “…. store-brand items”

Lupo says Louisiana residents spend the fifth highest percentage of its income on their groceries.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana’s Jewish community is speaking out against using lethal gas as a method to execute death row inmates. The group Jews Against Gassing is holding a news conference this morning to call on the state not to use nitrogen hypoxia. Sara Lewis, the chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council, says it harkens back to an ugly time in world history.

Cut 4 (09) “…of our ancestors.”

Execution dates have been set for next month for two death row inmates and lethal gas could be used to put them to death.

Louisiana has had an outmigration problem since the 1980s and the Data Center, a nonprofit that looks at New Orleans demographics, says part of the problem is that the state has focused most of its job creation efforts on the oil and gas industry and tourism…

Cut 14 (09) “….weak economic trend”

That’s Allison Plyer with the Data Center. She says the devastating hurricanes that has hit the state over the years is also not helping.

Egg prices have been soaring, so would it be cheaper to raise your own chicken laying eggs? Sean Richardson reports its more costly than you think…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Get ready for more cold temperatures. Wind chills Wednesday night will be in the single digits for some parts of the state and lows will get below freezing for most of the state Thursday morning. There’s also the possibility of light freezing rain and sleet for extreme north Louisiana tomorrow night.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

It was a dominating weekend by LSU’s pitching staff as it opened the 2025 season by outscoring Purdue Fort Wayne 32 to 2 over the three game sweep. LSU struck out 45 Mastodon pitchers, the most in a three game series since 1992. Coach Jay Johnson says it was a great to see…

Cut 27 (14) “…control”

Chase Shores was the winning pitcher yesterday in his first appearance since 2023 as he allowed just one run in five innings and struck out seven.

Louisiana Tech completed a four-game sweep of the Maine Black Bears with a nine to eight ten inning win yesterday. Ruston native Cade Patterson drove in the winning run with a sacrifice fly.

ULM won two of three from Eastern Illinois. The Cajuns lost two out of three to San Jose State.

The fifth ranked LSU women’s basketball team led by double digits in the third quarter, but were outscored 21 to 9 in the fourth quarter and lost to third ranked Texas 65 to 58. Rori Harmon hit a shot from the foul like to put Texas up by 5 with just over a minute left. Head Coach Kim Mulkey said that was the back-breaker.

Cut 18 (17)  “…a big bucket.”

Louisiana Tech men’s basketball had a disappointing week, losing two games at home, including Saturday night’s 70 to 68 loss to Jacksonville State. The Bulldogs are now 6-and-7 in league play and Coach Talvin Hester says they are not playing team basketball…

Cut 20 (16) “…happens.”

Tech is at Middle Tennessee on Thursday night.

6:30 LRN Newscast

This morning the greater New Orleans’ Jewish Community will hold a news conference urging the state not to use lethal gas to execute death row inmates.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The grandparents of one of the 14 people killed during the New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street were killed by an alleged drunk driver over the weekend. Gretna Police say 33-year-old Stephan Jaurez has been booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center on multiple charges, while Victoria and Hubert Gauthreaux are both dead after they were hit by Juarez’s vehicle while attempting to leave their parked vehicle. The Gautreaux’s were the grand parents of 21-year-old Hubert Gauthreaux the III who was among the victims of the Bourbon Street terror attack.

For decades Louisiana has had an outmigration problem. Doctor Allison Plyer, the chief demographer at the Data Center, says the biggest culprit is a lack of economic growth…

Cut 13 (13) “…hiring fewer people”

In fact, Plyer says since 2000, Louisiana’s job market has grown by just two-percent, while the country as a whole has grown its job market by 20-percent in that same time frame

According to a new report from Wallethub, Louisiana residents spend the fifth highest percentage of income on groceries, with the average cost of groceries at 115-dollars or two-percent of your median monthly household income…

Cut 10 (05) “…median annual income”

That’s Wallethub analyst Chip Lupo who says people in Mississippi spend the highest percentage of income on groceries.

LRN AM Newscall February 17

This morning at 9:30, greater New Orleans’ Jewish Community will hold a news conference urging the state not to use lethal gas to execute death row inmates. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Surging egg prices have some looking at raising chickens to offset the cost, but is it worth it? Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Why are people leaving Louisiana? One research firm has a theory. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Louisiana’s Jewish community is speaking out against using lethal gas in resuming executions. The group Jews Against Gassing is holding a news conference at 9:30 this morning to call on the state not to use nitrogen hypoxia to execute death row inmates. Sara Lewis, the chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council, says it harkens back at an ugly time in world history.

Cut 4 (09) “…of our ancestors.”

Lewis, who’s the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, spoke in support of a bill in the last legislative session that would have banned the use of lethal gas in executions; and even though it subsequently died in a House committee, it got strong bipartisan support.

Cut 5 (10) “…a partisan issue.”

Lewis will be joined by other Jewish leaders in greater New Orleans on the front steps of the Touro Synagogue on St. Charles Avenue this morning to draw attention to this issue.

Cut 6 (10) “…aware of before.”

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Rising egg prices, nearly doubling in the past year due to a bird flu outbreak, have led some people to consider raising their own chickens. However, Lake Charles Farmer Michelle Trahan warns that backyard chicken farming is more complex and costly than expected.

Cut 7 (14) “…that’s predator-proof.”

Trahan stresses that raising chickens involves more than just collecting eggs and says well-cared-for chickens are essential for quality egg production.

Cut 8 (07) “…getting these birds.”

Trahan cautions that egg prices may stabilize, making backyard farming less financially appealing in the long run.

Cut 9 (06)  “…don’t recommend it for everyone.”

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Grocery prices have surged over 25% since 2019, outpacing income growth and making essentials less affordable. WalletHub Chip Lupo says the cost of 26 common grocery items across all 50 states were analyzed, comparing total costs to median household incomes.

Cut 10 (15) “…median annual income.”

Lupo suggests prioritizing groceries in a budget ensures essential needs are met while limiting impulse buys.

Cut 11 (08) “…to a minimum.”

Lupo says focusing on affordable store-brand  products rather than costly name-brand items can help households minimize the impact of rising food costs on their finances.

Cut 12 (11) “…store-brand itemst.”

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Why is Louisiana losing population? Dr. Allison Plyer, the chief demographer at The Data Center, says the biggest culprit is a lack of economic growth.

Cut 13 (13)  “…hiring fewer people.”

In fact, Plyer says since 2000, Louisiana’s job market has grown by just two-percent, while the country as a whole has grown its job market by 20-percent in that same time frame. Plyer says the state needs to look into new economic opportunities to both keep people here and attract new residents.

Cut 14 (09) “…weak economic trend.”

The Data Center’s report cites other reasons, including natural disasters and the high cost of insurance. But Plyer says those pale in comparison to the lack of economic growth.

Cut 15 (09) “…increasing insurance rates.”

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LSU women’s basketball couldn’t hold onto a lead against against Texas and fell to the Longhorns in Austin, 65-58. It was only the Lady Tigers’ second loss of the season. Midway through the third quarter, LSU lead by 12, 43-31; but the Lady Longhorns stormed back and pulled away late in the 4th quarter. After the game, Tigers Coach Kim Mulkey said there are some things that she could have done differently.

Cut 16 (17) “…get it done.”

Mulkey said against an elite team like Texas, there is no room for error.

Cut 17 (21)  “…go do it.”

The dagger for Texas came with just over a minute left when Rori Harmon hit a shot from the foul like to put Texas up by 5. Mulkey said that was the back-breaker.

Cut 18 (17)  “…a big bucket.”

The loss drops LSU to 25-and-2 on the season, 10-and-2 in the SEC. They’ll try to get back into the win column Thursday night against Georgia at the P-MAC. Tipoff is 8 p.m.

__________________________________________________________________

The LSU men’s basketball team snapped a seven-game losing streak on Saturday night by scoring eight points in the final 20 seconds to steal a victory at Oklahoma 82 to 79. Cam Carter led the Tigers with a career-high 29 points and had seven of those eight points in the final 20 seconds. Damion Collins also had a career-high 22 points. Coach Matt McMahon…

Cut 19 (13) “…response today.”

LSU can make it two wins in a row tomorrow night when they host South Carolina. The Gamecocks are winless in SEC play.

________________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech men’s basketball had a disappointing week, losing two games at home, including Saturday night’s 70 to 68 loss to Jacksonville State. The Bulldogs are now 6-and-7 in league play and Coach Talvin Hester says they are not playing team basketball…

Cut 20 (16) “…happens.”

Tech is at Middle Tennessee on Thursday night.

11:30 am Newscast

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.”

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.”

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No matter where you’re at in the state, you will want to be weather aware. State Climatologist Jay 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.”

10:30 am Newscast

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.”

Louisiana saw a round severe weather earlier in the week. But hold onto your hats.  State Climatologist Jay Grymes says what Mother Nature has in store this weekend could top that.

Cut 7 (13) “…fuel the storms.”

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The Louisiana Family Forum has named Ira and 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 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.”

Natchitoches Parish will be losing 300 permanent jobs when International Paper’s Red River Containerboard mill in Campti clososes it’s doors for good and local residents are worried it could spell doom for the local economy.  Economic developer Jon Maynard, who is a Natchitoches native, says in order for Natchitoches to reverse a downward trent, it’ll have to embrace being a college town and attract more students…
Cut 14 (13) “…or another”

 

9:30 Newscast

The Louisiana Department of Health is getting some backlash over its ending of mass vaccination clinics and its directive that staffers not promote seasonal vaccines. 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 they were mandated despite having no third-party benefit in terms of reduced transmission. Dr. . Dr. Jennifer Herricks with the group Louisiana Families for Vaccines says that’s misleading.

Cut 10 (10) “…risk of transmission.”

People in Natchitoches Parish are still in shock over the news that International Paper is closing its Red River containerboard mill in Campti, meanng the loss of 300 jobs. Economic developer Jon Maynard, who is a Natchitoches native, says it’ll be a big blow to an already suffering parish economy.

Cut 13 (11)  “…high poverty levels.”

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

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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

Cut 6 (11) “…of itself.”

 

 

 

8:30 LRN Newscast

No matter where you’re at in the state, you will want to be weather aware. State Climatologist Jay 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.”

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.”

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.

7:30 LRN Sportscast

Solid start to the season for the second ranked LSU baseball team as they easily won their season opener over Purdue Fort Wayne 14 to 0. The Tigers scored five runs in the first inning and scored in every inning except the third inning. Kade Anderson threw five shutout innings, allowing four hits and striking out eight. Daniel Dickinson had three hits, including a double and drove in five runs.

Louisiana Tech clobbered Maine 14 to 3. Michael Ballard’s two run homer in the third gave the Bulldogs a 3 to 2 lead and then they scored four runs in the fourth inning to pull away.

The Ragin Cajuns scored four runs in the third inning and went on to beat San Jose State seven to two. Chase Morgan struck out seven over five innings for the win.

ULM swept a doubleheader from Eastern Illinois. Nicholls beat Northern Illinois five to three, McNeese over Wichita State seven to one and Grambling State beat Jackson State eight to seven in ten innings despite committing five errors.

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The second ranked LSU gymnastics squad defeated top ranked Oklahoma in front of a sold out Maravich Center crowd last night. LSU trailed heading into the final rotation, but the Tigers got big performances on the floor from Kailya Lincoln, Sierra Ballard, Kailin Chio, Amari Drayton and Hailey Bryant. It’s the first loss of the season for the Sooners.

A familiar last name has joined the Saints coaching staff. Chase Haslett, the son of former Saints coach Jim Haslett, has been hired as the tight ends coach. Haslett coached with Kellen Moore in Dallas, and it’s one of Moore’s first hires since becoming the Saints head coach.

In college basketball today….LSU is at Oklahoma, Louisiana Tech hosts Jacksonville State. ULM hosts Southern Miss, the Ragin Cajuns take on Marshall. McNeese visits UNO, Southeastern Louisiana hosts Nicholls.

Tomorrow in Austin, fifth ranked LSU women’s basketball team is at 3rd ranked Texas for a two PM tip.