2:30 PM Newscast Feb 13

LDWF confirmed new captive Chronic Wasting Disease cases, raising concerns about the potential spread to wild deer. LDWF Veterinarian Dr. Jonathan Roberts says five additional positives were detected this season.

Cut 3 (10) “…detected in 2022.”

CWD is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting animals in the deer family. Hunters can contact their local LDWF field offices for sample testing.

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says one reason for the high price of eggs is bird flu. He says that’s because there are fewer hens laying eggs.

Cut 9 (09)  “…bird flu issues.”

Strain says to keep egg prices from spiraling out of control, they have to stop the spread of bird flu.

The Saints officially introduce their new head coach. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A large employer in northwest Louisiana is closing, resulting in hundreds of people losing their jobs. International Paper announced this morning it’s closing three of its plants, including the containerboard mill in the Natchitoches Parish town of Campti. State Representative Jack McFarland says the mill will cease operations by the end of April…

Cut 6 (08) “…so abruptly.”

International Paper is one of the largest employers in Natchitoches Parish as it employs 300 people.

LRN PM Newscall February 13

Northwest Louisiana is losing hundreds of jobs as International Paper announces its closing its containerboard mill in Natchitoches Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Saints officially introduce their new head coach. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LDWF confirmed new captive Chronic Wasting Disease cases, raising concerns about the potential spread to wild deer. LDWF Veterinarian Dr. Jonathan Roberts says five additional positives were detected this season.

Cut 3 (10) “…detected in 2022.” 

CWD is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting deer and other deer families. Infected deer display weight loss, disorientation, and excessive salivation. Roberts says it is caused by misfolded proteins called prions, which have no treatment or vaccine and currently don’t infect humans.

Cut 4 (10) “…CWD in humans.”

Surveillance of harvested deer is essential for early detection and disease control.  Roberts cited a recent case where two mule deer were illegally harvested and transported from Colorado to Louisiana.

Cut 5 (09) “…imported tested  was positive.”

Hunters can contact their local LDWF field offices for sample testing.

______________________________________________________________

A large employer in northwest Louisiana is closing, resulting in hundreds of people losing their jobs. International Paper announced this morning it’s closing three of its plants, including the containerboard mill in the Natchitoches Parish town of Campti. State Representative Jack McFarland says the mill will cease operations by the end of April…

Cut 6 (08) “…so abruptly.”

The International Paper is one of the largest employers in Natchitoches Parish as it employs 300 people. It’s been in operation for 50 years. McFarland says the Louisiana Workforce Commission will help the impacted workers find a new job…

Cut 7 (09) “…left without jobs.”

International Paper is also closing a recycling plant in Phoenix, a box plant in Pennsylvania and a sheet feeder facility in St. Louis. McFarland says the news of the Red River mill in Louisiana was a surprise, but after talking with a senior executive at I-P nothing could have been done…

Cut 8 (09) “…over supplied.”

The Campti facility produces about 800-thousand tons of containerboard annually. International Paper says it needs to streamline its footprint to focus investments on facilities that will best serve customers.

______________________________________________________________

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says one reason for the high price of eggs is bird flu. He says that’s because there are fewer hens laying eggs.

Cut 9 (09)  “…bird flu issues.”

Strain says to keep egg prices from spiraling out of control, they have to stop the spread of bird flu.

Cut 10 (08) “…egg-laying hens.”

Strain says the average wholesale price for medium sized eggs is seven dollars a dozen; and until they get the bird flu under control, those prices will continue to go up.

Cut 11 (10) “…to meet demand.”

Some grocery stores are putting limits on how many eggs you can buy, because of a shortage of eggs.

___________________________________________________________

The Saints formally introduce their new head coach. Kellen Moore was introduced as the 19th head coach in franchise history. During his introductory news conference, Moore said when he interviewed for head coaching positions, it became apparent to him that New Orleans was where he wanted to be.

Cut 12 (10) “…that this presented.”

Moore has some recent history of coaching in the Superdome – most recently, this past Sunday as he helped lead the Eagles to a 40-22 win over the Chiefs in Super Bowl 59. He was also with the Eagles as they faced the then-undefeated Saints in Week Three this past season, in which the Eagles won 15-12, scoring all their points in the fourth quarter. Moore says the Superdome is a tough place for visiting teams to play in.

Cut 13 (13)  “…going to have.”

As for who will be the team’s quarterback going forward, the former quarterback had great praise for the team’s current quarterback, Derek Carr.

Cut 14 (06) “…in this league (2x).”

The 36-year-old Moore will be the youngest head coach in the NFL next season, but he isn’t close to being the youngest head coach in NFL history. That distinction goes to Sean McVay, who was one month shy of his 31st birthday when he took over the Rams in 2017.

1:30 LRN Newscast

LDWF confirmed new captive Chronic Wasting Disease cases, raising concerns about the potential spread to wild deer.  Surveillance of harvested deer is essential for early detection and disease control.  LDWF Veterinarian Dr. Jonathan Roberts cited a recent case where two mule deer were illegally harvested and transported from Colorado to Louisiana.

Cut 5 (09) “…imported tested positive.”

Hunters can contact their local LDWF field offices for sample testing.

A large employer in northwest Louisiana is closing, resulting in hundreds of people losing their jobs.  international Paper announced this morning it’s closing three of its plants, including the containerboard mill in the Natchitoches Parish town of Campti. State Representative Jack McFarland says the news of the Red River mill in Louisiana was a surprise, but after talking with a senior executive at I-P nothing could have been done…

Cut 8 (09) “…over supplied.”

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says one reason for the high price of eggs is bird flu.  Strain says to keep egg prices from spiraling out of control, they have to stop the spread of bird flu.

Cut 10 (08) “…egg-laying hens.”

Some grocery stores are putting limits on how many eggs you can buy, because of a shortage of eggs.

The Saints formally introduce their new head coach. Kellen Moore was introduced as the 19th head coach in franchise history. During his introductory news conference, Moore said when he interviewed for head coaching positions, it became apparent to him that New Orleans was where he wanted to be.

Cut 12 (10) “…that this presented.”

12:30 LRN Newscast

Disappointing economic development news for Louisiana as International Paper announces the closure of its containerboard mill in Natchitoches Parish. It’s one of four facilities International Paper is closing across the country and here in Louisiana it means the loss of 300 permanent jobs. State Representative Jack MacFarland says the Louisiana Workforce Commission will help the impacted workers find a new job…

Cut 7 (09) “…left without jobs.”

International Paper says it needs to streamline its footprint to focus investments on facilities that will best serve customers.

Governor Landry said this week that the state will use nitrogen gas to execute death row inmates. Attorney General Liz Murrill…

Cut 12 (09) “…State’s Supreme Court”

A DeSoto Parish judge has set an execution date of March 17th for 81-year-old Christopher Sepulvado who killed his six-year-old stepson in 1992.

 

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the average wholesale price for medium sized eggs is seven dollars a dozen; and until they get the bird flu under control, those prices will continue to go up.

Cut 11 (10) “…to meet demand.”

Some grocery stores are putting limits on how many eggs you can buy, because of a shortage of eggs.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says it has found three more positive captive cases of chronic wasting disease in deer. The recent detections were in Concordia, St. Landry and Tangipahoa Parishes and they are linked to a CWD positive deer pen in Jefferson Davis Parish. LDWF Veterinarian Doctor Jonathan Roberts says CWD has not been shown to be contagious to humans…

Cut 4 (10) “…CWD in humans.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Former LSU baseball star Alex Bregman has found a new home. Bregman has signed a three-year, 120 million dollar contract with the Boston Red Sox. He’s leaving Houston after helping the Astros win two World Series Championships.

It’s believed LSU has enough pitching to win a national championship this season. Opening day is tomorrow and sophomore left hander Kade Anderson will start in the season opener, UC San Diego transfer Anthony Eyanson will start on Saturday and Chase Shores will start on Sunday, his first start since undergoing Tommy John Surgery in 2023. Coach Jay Johnson on Shores’ recovery…

Cut 29 (11) “…ready to go”

In basketball…the losing continued last night for the Pelicans, LSU and the Ragin Cajuns.

Spring football begins next month for LSU and the Tigers list former Lafayette Christian star JuJuan Johnson as a quarterback. Johnson set a Louisiana record for 14,451 total yards and 171 total touchdowns while starting for four years at quarterback at L-C-A. He started at LSU as a cornerback, moved to running back during the season and had seven carries for 14 yards and five catches for 22 yards during his freshman campaign.

Louisiana Tech will look to win its ninth straight home game tonight when it hosts Kennesaw State inside the Thomas Assembly Center for a 6:30 PM tip. Both teams are 6-and-5 in Conference USA play and the Bulldogs lost to the Owls back on January 18th at their place. Coach Talvin Hester is looking forward to the rematch…

Cut 18 (15)  “…that way”

11:30 LRN Newscast

LSU law professor Ken Levy will not return to teaching today after the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal issued a stay, pausing proceedings. The court needs more time to review prior case transcripts. Levy was removed after a profanity-laced lecture criticizing politicians. He remains on paid leave during LSU’s investigation.

LDWF confirmed new captive Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) cases, raising concerns about the potential spread to wild deer. LDWF Veterinarian Dr. Jonathan Roberts says five additional positives were detected this season.

Cut 3 (10) “…detected in 2022.”

A large employer in northwest Louisiana is closing, resulting in hundreds of people losing their jobs. International Paper announced this morning it’s closing three of its plants, including the containerboard mill in the Natchitoches Parish town of Campti. State Representative Jack McFarland says the mill will cease operations by the end of April…

Cut 6 (08) “…so abruptly.”

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says one reason for the high price of eggs is bird flu. He says that’s because there are fewer hens laying eggs.

Cut 9 (09)  “…bird flu issues.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

LSU law professor Ken Levy is back in class. Levy had been suspended after using foul language in criticizing Governor Landry and President Trump during a lecture last month. Governor Landry called the decision “absurd,” but Levy’s attorney, Jill Craft, says divergent opinions are crucial for academia.

Cut 14 (12) “…academia is about.”

A DeSoto Parish man could be the first death row inmate to be executed in Louisiana in 15 years. A judge has set the execution date for 81-year-old Christopher Sepulvado for March 17th. Sepulvado was sentenced to death for killing his six-year-old stepson in 1992. Attorney General Liz Murrill says she and Governor Landry campaigned on reinstituting the death penalty.

Cut 11 (07) “…so do I.”

Big night tonight in Bossier City as the new Live Casino and Hotel Louisiana opens its doors for the first time. The resort includes a 47-thousand-square-foot casino, 549 hotel rooms and six restaurants. It also includes a state of the art auditorium, and Vice President of Marketing Josh Robinson says some big names will be taking the stage in the early going.

Cut 9 (16)  “…only Clint Black.”

The doors open at eight tonight.

A new report highlights the main reasons that people are leaving Louisiana. The nonprofit group The Data Center says the main factors are climate change, slow job growth and failing infrastructure. Chief Demographer Dr. Allison Plyer says since 2000, Louisiana’s job market has grown by just two-percent, well below the national average.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry said this week that Louisiana is preparing to execute death row inmates. An execution has not happened since 2010 and Attorney General Liz Murrill is long overdue…

Cut 10 (08) “…way too long”

The first death row prisoner that could be executed is 81-year-old Christopher Sepulvado. In 1992, he killed his six-year-old stepson. A DeSoto Parish judge has set an execution date for March 17th.

LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine is calling on fans and parents at high school games and matches to simmer down or sit down when tensions rise…

Cut 20 (03) “…everyone loses”

Last week a mother of a Red River High School girls basketball player left the stands and verbally assaulted a referee after her daughter was ejected for committing a flagrant foul. The Red Rivers girls basketball team could be banned from postseason play because of the mother’s actions.

The former Diamond Jacks Casino reopens its doors for the first time since Covid. It’s now called Live Casino and Hotel Louisiana in Bossier City after a 270-million dollar plus makeover. Vice President of Marketing Josh Robinson says you’re immersed from the moment you walk in, with a floor-to-ceiling LED wall greeting visitors in the main entry. And they have a full staff ready to help.

Cut 8 (11) “…that Live brand.”

It’s early education month and next week the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children will release a parent poll. L-P-I-C director Libby Sonnier says the survey focuses on child care arrangements,

Cut 5 (10) “…they get”

The Poll will be released Tuesday.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Embattled LSU law professor Ken Levy is set to return to the classroom today after a Baton Rouge judge ordered the university to reinstate him. Levy was suspended after a student complained about his use of profanity and criticism of Governor Landry and President Trump. Levy’s attorney Jill Craft says her client never received due process when the suspension was handed down…

Cut 15 (11) “….academic freedom”

Governor Landry is upset Levy is returning to class, calling Levy’s conduct unprofessional.

This is Louisiana Early Education Month. Louisiana Policy Institute for Children CEO Libby Sonnier….

Cut 6 (12) “…Early Ed Montyh”

Sonnier says they use this month to highlight the urgent need for increased investment.

Today is the day that the new Live Casino and Hotel Louisiana welcomes guests in Bossier City. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Former LSU star Alex Bregman hit the jackpot last night. The two-time World Series champion is leaving Houston after signing a three-year, 120-million dollar contract with the Boston Red Sox. It’s one of the highest average annual salaries in Major League Baseball.

At 11 AM today, the Saints introduce Kellen Moore as their new head coach.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Embattled LSU law professor Ken Levy returns to class today after Judge Tarvald Smith ruled the university violated his free speech and due process rights when they suspended him.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Governor Landry said this week that the state will use nitrogen gas to execute death row inmates. Attorney General Liz Murrill…

Cut 12 (09) “…State’s Supreme Court”

A DeSoto Parish judge has set an execution date of March 17th for 81-year-old Christopher Sepulvado who killed his six-year-old stepson in 1992.

February is Early Education Month, an initiative to highlight the urgent need for increased investments in high-quality early childhood education. The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children CEO Libby Sonnier says this initiative features events to raise awareness among policymakers, business leaders, and families.

Cut 4 (11) “…looks like.”

Sonnier says there will be a social media day of action tomorrow.

A new 270-million dollar casino opens today in Bossier City. The Live Casino and Hotel Louisiana is the former Diamond Jacks Casino. Vice President of Marketing Josh Robinson says Live Casino and Hotel features 47-thousand square feet of gaming space, a luxury hotel, and a multi-purpose Event center…

Cut 9 (16) “…Clint Black”