5:30 LRN Newscast

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.

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.

5:30 LRN Newscast

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.

4:30 LRN Newscast

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.

3:30 LRN Newscast

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.”

2:30 LRN Newscast

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until eight tonight. It covers 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.”

Locally heavy rain and flooding are possible this afternoon for north and central Louisiana.

A high school girls’ basketball game turns ugly. Last week, the 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 when things get out of control everyone loses.

Cut 8 (12) “…hard for.”

Congressman Clay Higgins is urging the Trump administration to impose antidumping and countervailing duties on imported shrimp, as well as enforcing stricter testing protocols.. It comes amid concerns about banned antibiotics contained in imported shrimp. Deborah Long with the Southern Shrimp Alliance says Higgins is leading the call for stricter standards.

Cut 13 (07)  “…our health standards.”

Northwestern State is not only attracting new students, but it is keeping the students it currently has. Among first-time freshmen, the school says 89-percent return for their second semester. Enrollment Management Director Van Erikson says one driver of that is small student-to-faculty ratios.

Cut 4 (09) “…choose not to.”

As for overall enrollment, Northwestern State is at just over 77-hundred students.

12:30 LRN Newscast

Locally heavy rain and flooding are possible this afternoon for north and central Louisiana. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says Monroe, Jena and Winnsboro could see the 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.

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 girls basketball 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.”

Red River Coach Dadrian Harris is concerned the incident could result in a postseason ban.

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.”

And now, a look at today’s commodities.

11:30 LRN Newscast

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.”

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.

Louisiana students are recovering very nicely from the pandemic. According to the Education Recovery Scorecard, Louisiana students since 2019 led the country in growth in reading and are second in math. State Education Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley says it’s a testament to the hard work that teachers are putting in, but the job’s not done..

Cut 9 (10)  “…work to do.”

In cooperation with Childhelp, Meta is launching a free, expert-backed curriculum to educate middle schoolers about online safety. Ravi Sinha, the head of Meta’s Child Safety Policy, says the curriculum provides detailed lesson plans, interactive activities and videos to help young people navigate digital spaces safely.

Cut 14 (16) “…ask for help.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

DOTD is updating its Statewide Transportation Plan as it does every ten years, and it’s launching a survey to get your input. Erin Buchanan with DOTD says the survey is seven questions long and should take a very short time to fill out.

Cut 6 (14) “…consider the environment.”

DOTD posted a link to its survey on its social media channels.

Meta partners with Childhelp to launch a free, expert-backed curriculum to educate middle schoolers about online safety. Ravi Sinha, the head of Meta’s Child Safety Policy, says Meta remains committed to protecting young users and equipping them with knowledge and tools to stay safe online.

Cut 16 (08) “…online and offline.”

Another encouraging report about the state of Louisiana education. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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, who was found dead in his Kenner hotel room. His wallet and cell phone were later found at the home of 48-year-old Danette Colbert, who’s being held without bond.

LRN AM Newscall February 12

DOTD is updating its Statewide Transportation Plan as it does every ten years, and it’s launching a survey to get your input. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

Another encouraging report about the state of Louisiana education. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_____________________________________________

Governor Landry announced that state executions will resume and can use nitrogen gas after the corrections agency updated the protocol. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

______________________________________________________

DOTD is updating its Statewide Transportation Plan as it does every ten years, and it’s launching a survey to get your input.

Cut 4 (11) “…motorized or otherwise.”

Erin Buchanan with DOTD says the survey will go a long way in helping DOTD develop its plan to address all forms of transportation – not just motor vehicles.

Cut 5 (14) “…need to go.”

Buchanan says the survey is seven questions long and should take a very short time to fill out.

Cut 6 (14) “…consider the environment.”

DOTD posted a link to its survey on its social media channels.

______________________________________________________

On the heels of encouraging news from the Nations’ Report Card, Louisiana students are doing quite well in the Education Recovery Scorecard.

Cut 7 (08) “…second in math.”

State Education Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley says the Recovery Scorecard measures student achievement since the end of the pandemic.

Cut 8 (10) “…in several areas.”

Dr. Brumley says it’s a testament to the hard work that teachers are putting in, but the job’s not done..

Cut 9 (10)  “…work to do.”

The Recovery Scorecard is a prominent national study by both Harvard and Stanford.

______________________________________________________

Governor Landry announced the state will resume executions using nitrogen gas suffocation after the corrections agency updated its protocol. State Representative Nicholas Muscarello, who crafted the legislation, says use of the nitrogen gas is not unconstitutional.

Cut 10 (11) “…people arguing that.”

The director of the Loyola Center for Social Justice, Cecilla Kappel (CAP-ill), called it a reckless misuse of state resources and a step backwards for the state.

Cut 11 (09) “…death penalty system.”

Muscarello says Landry is honoring his commitment to the victims of these crimes.

Cut 12 (13) “…was going to do.”

Kappel says Landry bringing back the death penalty is only political, and it’s a practice that is not needed in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (11)  “…days of executions.”

Rapids Parish District Attorney is obtaining Death Warrants for Larry Roy, known as the “Cheneyville Slasher.” He killed two people in 1993, and he will be the first to be put to death under the new protocol on March 19th if courts don’t step in.

______________________________________________________

Meta has partnered with Childhelp to launch a free, expert-backed curriculum to educate middle schoolers about online safety. The curriculum includes recognizing grooming and exploitation. Ravi Sinha, the head of Meta’s Child Safety Policy,  says the curriculum provides detailed lesson plans, interactive activities and videos to help young people navigate digital spaces safely.

Cut 14 (16) “…ask for help.”

Sinha says the curriculum is part of Childhelp’s “Speak Up Be Safe” program and is available to educators, parents, and community organizations. It is completely free.

Cut 15 (12) “…to middle schoolers.”

Sinha says Meta remains committed to protecting young users and equipping them with knowledge and tools to stay safe online.

Cut 16 (08) “…online and offline.”

Visit Childhelp-dot-org to download the curriculum.

_______________________________________________________

The Saints lengthy coaching search is over as Kellen Moore is new the new head coach in New Orleans. New Orleans-dot-football reporter Mike Triplett says the Saints were the last team to fill its head coaching vacancy, but their patience paid off in landing an up-and-coming coach who just won a Super Bowl…

Cut 17 (13)  “…successfully.”

Moore was a record setting quarterback at Boise State. He spent six seasons as a quarterback in the NFL and he’s been an offensive coordinator the last six years of his life, with three different teams, the Cowboys, Chargers and Eagles. Triplett says Moore arrives in New Orleans with a good resume…

Cut 18 (14)  “…different teams.”

Triplett had a chance to get to know Moore during Super Bowl Week in New Orleans and came away learning that Moore loves talking offensive football…

Cut 19 (21) “…really cool.”