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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.”

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.

Valentine’s Day is the Super Bowl for the restaurant industry as it prepares for a busy weekend.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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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.”

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Jefferson Parish breaks ground on a facility that will manufacture components to extend the life of electric vehicle batteries. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Valentine’s Day is a major boost for Louisiana’s restaurant industry, as couples indulge in intimate meals. Wendy Waren with the Louisiana Restaurant Association says Valentine’s Day is the second most popular day for restaurants behind Mother’s Day with this year looking busy.

Cut 4 (09) “…are really strong.”

Waren says many restaurants adjust their setups to accommodate more tables for two, creating a romantic atmosphere to enhance the experience.

Cut 5 (10) “…to dine this weekend.”

Waren says if you haven’t made that reservation yet, it’s not too late. You can use apps like Resy and Open Table to make last minute reservations, and there are plenty of hidden gems that can squeeze you in.

Cut 6 (12) “…other special occasions.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health is ending its long-standing practice of holding mass vaccination clinics, and department staff can no longer promote seasonal vaccines. In a letter posted to the department’s website, Surgeon General Ralph Abraham and Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Wyche Coleman also take aim at the CDC’s response to the COVID pandemic. Dr. Wyche says the purpose of the directive is for the department to, in his words, get back to the basics.

Cut 7 (13) “…interests in mind.”

Dr. Coleman says the department wants to return vaccine decision making to the patients and their doctors.

Cut 8 (11) “…disregards the individual.”

Coleman says the department wants to end the one-size-fits-all approach to vaccines.

Cut 9 (12)  “…real medical practice.”

Coleman says the focus on vaccines has also led health departments to neglect other issues, such as mental health and infant mortality.

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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.”

Bologna says construction of the project is getting underway now.

Cut 11 (08) “…now in 2025.”

Bologna says the new facility will create dozens of jobs, both immediate and in the future.

Cut 12 (09) “…of this investment.”

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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 championship event takes place today and tomorrow at the Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City. Traditionally featuring three boys’ divisions with 14 weight classes each, MacDowell says this year’s tournament introduces a dedicated girls’ division, allowing 212 female athletes to compete for their own state titles.

Cut 14 (11) “…it’s historic.”

MacDowell says in the past girls have been allowed to compete against boys in competition for the past five years.

Cut 15 (05) “…they are excited about it.”

Fans can attend in person or watch live via the NFHS Network.

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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 says he plans on meeting with all of the players before making any decisions, but said he has great respect for Carr and what he’s done in the NFL…

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.

Moore was a great college football quarterback at Boise State. He spent six seasons as an NFL quarterback and he’s been an offensive coordinator the last six years. Moore says he wants to stress opposing defenses…

Cut 17 (22)  “…superpowers.”

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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 there’s competition among the players for spots in the outfield and behind the plate. Coach Jay Johnson wants his guys to focus on the now and not future playing time…

Cut 18 (22)  “…bullets start flying”

First pitch is at 2 PM.

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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.”

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 start, but also expect to see Navarro transfer Matt Houston.

Kellen Moore is officially introduced as the 19th head coach in Saints history. Moore has some recent history of coaching in the Superdome. Before helping lead the Eagles to a win in Super Bowl 59, he helped lead the Eagles to a 15-to-12 win over the then-undefeated Saints at the Superdome in Week Three. Moore says the Superdome is a tough place for visiting teams to play in.

Cut 13 (13)  “…going to have.”

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says bird flu is one reason for the high price of eggs. Strain says that’s because there are fewer hens laying eggs, causing a ten-percent drop in egg production. 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.”

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.”

Governor Landry signs an extradition order to bring a New York doctor to Louisiana to face felony charges for prescribing an abortion pill to a teenager. But actually bringing Dr. Maggie Carpenter to Louisiana could be easier said than done. New York Governor Kathy Hochul says she will not be signing the extradition order and has ordered law enforcement not to cooperate.

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.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch covering the Alexandria area and nearly all of south Louisiana, including Lake Charles, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Houma, Slidell and New Orleans. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says be prepared.

Cut 10 (10) “…severe weather.”

Also, locally heavy rain and flooding are possible for north and central Louisiana.

The LHSAA is investigating an ugly incident at a girls’ basketball game in northwest Louisiana last week. A mother of a Red River High School player left the stands and verbally assaulted a referee after her daughter was ejected for committing a flagrant foul. LHSAA Director Eddie Bonine says our student-athletes deserve better…

Cut 7 (07) “…it’s done.”

The referee may seek charges against the woman who confronted him.

President Trump has threatened or placed tariffs on goods from China, Canada and Mexico. Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins believes there should also be a tariff on imported seafood. The Southern Shrimp Alliance agrees. Deborah Long says imported shrimp is cheaper and contains banned antibiotics. She says Japan and Europe have much higher standards before accepting imported seafood…

Cut 14 (10) “…for contaminated shrimp.”

Northwestern State is not only attracting new students, but it is keeping the students it currently has.

Cut 3 (09) “…we do get.” 

Van Erikson, the director of enrollment management at Northwestern State, says among first-time freshmen, 89-percent return for their second semester. Erikson says one driver of that is small student-to-faculty ratios.

North and central Louisiana are bracing for the possibility of locally heavy rain. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says Monroe, Jena and Winnsboro could see some of the highest rainfall totals.

Cut 9 (06)  “…even more.”

The National Weather Service has also issued a tornado watch until 8 tonight. It covers the Alexandria area and nearly all of south Louisiana, including Lake Charles, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Houma, Slidell and New Orleans.

Congressman Clay Higgins is urging the Trump administration to enforce stricter testing protocols of imported shrimp. Deborah Long with the Southern Shrimp Alliance says Higgins is leading the call for stricter standards.

Cut 13 (07)  “…our health standards.”

Long says that compared to the European Union, where all shipments are tested before being shipped and 50-percent are tested again when delivered, the U-S tests one tenth of one-percent of imported seafood. She says the U-S shrimp industry is facing a financial crisis because of cheap imports.

LHSAA Director Eddie Bonine is calling on fans and parents at high school games to control their emotions. Jeff Palermo has the story..

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The woman charged in connection with the death of a Kansas City TV reporter in New Orleans for the Super Bowl is also tied to a death in the French Quarter in December. All we know about that December death is that it’s similar in nature to the death of Adan Manzano. His wallet and cell phone were later found at the home of 48-year-old Danette Colbert, who’s being held without bond.

Parts of Louisiana could be in f0or severe weather. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says a cold front is colliding with warm air, which is raising the threat for severe weather…

Cut 11 (10) “…flash flooding.”

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch covering the Alexandria area and nearly all of south Louisiana, including Lake Charles, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Houma, Slidell and New Orleans.

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association is urging parents to keep their cool in the stands after an ugly incident at a girls’ basketball game last week. A mother of a Red River High School player left the stands and verbally assaulted a referee after her daughter was ejected for committing a flagrant foul. LHSAA Director Eddie Bonine says kids look to adults to set the tone…

Cut 6 (12) “…lasting impression.”

A state judge has ordered LSU to reinstate a professor who was suspended last month after he used foul language to criticize Governor Landry and President Trump during a lecture. Rob Levy’s attorney argued that his removal from class violated his academic freedom, while Governor Landry called the ruling absurd and it will be appealed.

Congressman Clay Higgins is asking President Trump to levy tariffs up to 100-percent on seafood imports. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”