8:30 LRN Newscast

A lawsuit has been filed that challenges Constitutional Amendment Two on the March 29th ballot. That’s the measure lawmakers approved in last November’s tax reform special session that brings about lower income taxes, an increase in tax deductions for those over 65 and a permanent teacher pay raise. But the lead attorney for the plaintiffs, William Most, says the amendment is more much more than that so it’s misleading to the voters…

Cut 6 (16) “…intelligently on it”

Governor Landry says Amendment two was thoroughly debated in the session and the lawsuit is an attempt to keep the public from voting on this amendment.

Despite a two and ten SEC record, LSU will reportedly not fire coach men’s basketball coach Matt McMahon at the end of the season. Sources say they plan to back McMahon with a bigger NIL budget.

Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill want to bring a doctor from New York to Louisiana to face charges for allegedly sending abortion pills to a family in West Baton Rouge Parish that terminated a teenager’s pregnancy. But Legal Analyst Franz Borghardt says laws in New York protect Doctor Margaret Carpenter from out of state prosecutions for sending abortion pills to patients….

Cut 10 (06) “…shields her”

Borghardt says Louisiana’s best chance at arresting Carpenter is if she travels to another state that does not have shield laws and is apprehended by authorities and then extradited to Louisiana.

A winter weather advisory goes into effect for north Louisiana tonight and into tomorrow morning because of the possibility of freezing rain. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ll also see another artic blast move in tomorrow…

Cut 13 (10) “…of the state”

7:30 LRN Newscast

Two teachers and a pastor are trying to stop a constitutional amendment from reaching voters.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

 

The Alliance for Affordable Energy and the Union of Concerned Scientists have asked the Public Service Commission to deny Entergy’s request to build three gas power plants that will provide power for Meta’s ten-billion-dollar data center in Richland Parish. The groups allege Entergy has not shown the plants are the most effective generation options that serve the publics interest. Entergy says the plants will provide reliable and sustainable energy to support Meta’s operations.

A winter weather advisory will go into effect tonight and continue into tomorrow morning for north Louisiana because of the possibility of freezing rain for Shreveport. Homer, Ruston, Monroe and Winnfield. Accumulation will be light. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says to conclude the work week, we’ll see below freezing temperatures….

Cut 14 (11) “…coastal boundary there”

A proposed 11-billion-dollar Commonwealth LNG project in Cameron Parish has received regulatory approvals from the Trump Administration. Louisiana Energy Export Partners spokesperson Randy Hayden says the project stalled last year when the Biden Administration ordered a pause on new export licenses….

Cut 8 (11) “….this first move”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU will reportedly bring back men’s basketball coach Matt McMahon for a fourth season and increase the NIL budget in the hopes better players will lead to more wins. The Tigers are 2-and-10 and in 15th place in the SEC. McMahon was asked on Monday about the report that he will not be fired after this season…

Cut 16 (23) “…like LSU.”

LSU will host South Carolina tonight at 8 PM. Trey’ Dez Green will not play in the game. McMahon says Green, who is also on a tight end on the football team, needs to focus on academics.

The McNeese Cowboys dribbled past Southeastern Louisiana 88 to 82 in Hammond last night to move within one of game claiming at least a share of the Southland Conference title. McNeese had five players in double figures led by Javohn Garcia, who had 18 points. Joe Charles added 17.

Lamar hit eight three-pointers in the second half and defeated Northwestern State 75 to 65. Nicholls completed a season sweep of UNO by beating the Piraveters 78 to 62. Byron Ireland had 19 points to lead the way.

Southern and Grambling were winners in the SWAC last night. The Jaguars defeated Texas Southern 66 to 57 to improve to 12 and 1, while Grambling pounded Prairie View A-and-M 70 to 48.

In college baseball today….LSU hosts Southern at 2 PM. Grambling is at ULM for a 2 PM first pitch. The Ragin Cajuns host Texas Southern,  and McNeese is at top ranked Texas A-and-M.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Three people have filed a lawsuit seeking to remove a constitutional amendment from the March 29th ballot that revises the state constitution after legislators made major changes to the state’s tax code in a special session last November. Attorney William Most is representing the plantiffs and alleges the wording of the amendment misrepresents what the proposed changes would do…

Cut 5 (12) “…being entirely”

Governor Landry says the amendment is seeking to deny citizens the right to vote on the amendment.

A proposed 11-billion dollar LNG export terminal in Cameron Parish has received a couple of key regulatory approvals from the Trump Administration. Louisiana Energy Export Partners spokesperson Randy Hayden …

Cut 7 (11) “…their project”

A final investment decision in September.

Louisiana and New York governors clash over Dr. Margaret Carpenter, a New York physician indicted in West Baton Rouge Parish for prescribing and shipping abortion pills to the state.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Lafayette Parish state lawmaker Brach Myers believes a crime was committed in his election to the state senate. Myers defeated Broussard City Councilman Jesse Regan in last Saturday’s election. Myers says there’s an open investigation into one or more fake organizations claiming that Lady Democrats endorsed him in the race. Myers says the fake endorsement cost him votes and Regan says he had nothing to do with it.

LRN AM Newscall February 18

Two teachers and a pastor are trying to stop a constitutional amendment from reaching voters. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Louisiana and New York governors clash over Dr. Margaret Carpenter, a New York physician indicted for prescribing and shipping abortion pills to the state. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Just when you thought winter was over, think again. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Two teachers and a pastor are trying to get a ballot measure that seeks to rewrite portions of the constitution removed. Their lead attorney, William Most, says Amendment 2 is misleading to voters. He says whereas voters are led to believe that all teachers would get a permanent pay raise, some would actually get a pay cut. He also says the ballot measure claiming that the property tax exemption of churches and religious groups would be retained is misleading.

Cut 4 (11) “…currently are not.”

Most says another misleading component relates to trust funds for health and education. 

Cut 5 (12) “…being deleted entirely.”

Most is urging the legislature to try again before putting this or any constitutional amendment before the voters.

Cut 6 (16) “…intelligently on it.”

Governor Landry issued a statement in response to the lawsuit, saying that it only serves to deny citizens the right to vote on the amendment. He says Amendment 2 was thoroughly debated in the November special session on tax reform and was passed by a bipartisan supermajority in both houses of the Legislature.

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The Trump administration approved a major liquefied natural gas export project in Louisiana, marking the first such authorization since Biden’s pause on new LNG exports a year ago. Louisiana Energy Export Partners spokesman Randy Hayden says Louisiana should be excited.

Cut 7 (11) “…their project.”

The Commonwealth LNG project in Cameron Parish will export 9.5 million metric tons per year to non-free trade agreement countries. Hayden stated that LNG exports boost the economy, and create jobs for Louisianians.

Cut 8 (11) “…this first move.”

Commonwealth LNG plans a final investment decision in September 2025, pending regulatory approvals. Hayden says it’s a big move for all LNG plants

Cut 9 (15)  “…in LNG exports.”

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Even though Governor Landry approved an extradition order for New York physician Dr. Margaret Carpenter for prescribing abortion pills to a Louisiana woman, extraditing her may be easier said than done. Legal Analyst Franz Borghardt says the case is currently at a stalemate with the New York Governor and West Baton Rouge District Attorney.

Cut 10 (14) “…law that shields her.”

New York officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James, refuse to extradite Carpenter, calling the case unjust. Borghardt says Carpenter could be arrested in other states.

Cut 11 (13) “…and facing prosecution.”

Borghardt says if Carpenter does travel out of New York state, she could end up in prison for many years.

Cut 12 (13) “…this sort of protection.”

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Just when you thought it was safe to put away your heavy winter jacket, think again – frigid temperatures are coming back this week. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says cold air will really start to come into Louisiana tomorrow.

Cut 13 (10)  “…of the state.”

And Keim says with that, the entire state will be gripped with freezing temperatures.

Cut 14 (11) “…coastal boundary there.”

And with those freezing temperatures, Keim says remember the four “P’s” – pets, plants, pipes and people.

Cut 15 (10) “…south from here.”

While it’s possible that the extreme northern portions of Louisiana could see a wintry mix, Keim says all that will remain well north of the state line.

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LSU will reportedly bring back men’s basketball coach Matt McMahon for a fourth season and increase the NIL budget in the hopes better players will lead to more wins. The Tigers are 2-and-10 and in 15th place in the SEC. McMahon was asked on Monday about the report that he will not be fired after this season…

Cut 16 (23) “…like LSU.”

LSU has one of the lowest NIL budgets in the SEC. South Carolina and Oklahoma are also near the bottom of the league and they are also at the bottom of the standings. If LSU fired McMahon without cause after the season, they would have to owe him 80-percent of his remaining salary. That’s eight million dollars. McMahon hopes better days are ahead…

Cut 17 (13)  “…2025.”

LSU’s early signing recruiting class announced in December is ranked as the sixth best in the country.

After coming from behind to beat Oklahoma on Saturday, the Tigers could win their second straight tonight when they host South Carolina. The Gamecocks are winless in SEC play, but McMahon says Carolina is better than you think…

Cut 18 (17)  “…physicality.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

New Saints head coach Kellen Moore is busy interviewing candidates to be his offensive and defensive coordinators. According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, former Chargers head coach and now 49ers assistant head coach Brandon Staley interviewed for the defensive coordinator job yesterday. Mike Triplett of New Orleans-dot-football says Staley would be a good choice…

Cut 30 (11) “…I think”

Eagles defensive backs coach Christian Parker and Vikings defensive backs coach Daronte Jones, a former LSU D-C, are other potential defensive coordinator candidates in New Orleans. Moore has also reportedly spoken to Eagles quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier about being the new offensive coordinator in New Orleans.

ON-3-dot-com’s Shea Dixon is reporting LSU plans to bring back men’s basketball coach Matt McMahon next season and increase the NIL budget. The Tigers are 2-and-10 in the SEC.

LSU’s pitching was dominant in a three-game sweep of Purdue Fort Wayne. Twenty-seven innings pitched, 14 hits, two runs, and just two walks allowed and a whopping 45 strikeouts. The 45 strikeouts are the most in a weekend by an LSU pitching staff since 1992.

Louisiana Tech baseball won a four game series over Maine. The Bulldogs needed ten innings on Sunday to beat the Black Bears. Coach Lane Burroughs is glad to see his team stay with it, to complete the sweep…

Cut 26 (18) “…like this”

Southeastern Louisiana leads the country in home runs. The Lions belted 14 home runs in a four-game sweep of Lindenwood. S-L-U won the series final yesterday by scoring four runs in the ninth inning to win six to five.

Tonight in Hammond…Southeastern Louisiana hosts McNeese in men’s basketball. It’s two of the hottest teams in the Southland and tip off is at 6.

LRN PM Newscall February 17

Louisiana Jewish leaders are urging the state not to execute death row inmates by using lethal gas. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Winter isn’t over in north Louisiana, despite a stretch of spring-like weather. Another Arctic blast is set to hit Louisiana by Thursday bringing below-freezing temperatures and possible freezing rain.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Two Colorado men were arrested for attempting to smuggle tens of thousands of dollars worth of tobacco and  methamphetamine into a federal prison using a compressed air cannon. Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain says they weren’t successful.

Cut 3 (08) “…drugs into the prison.” 

18-year-old Jose Francisco Herrera Munoz, and 19-year-old Angel Gonzales Gutierrez’s plan involved launching contraband over the prison’s security fence, with a cannon capable of propelling items over 350 feet.  McCain says it was very sophisticated system.

Cut 4 (08) “…it’s very powerful.”

The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office reported the arrests, charging both men with attempting to introduce contraband into a penal institution and attempting to distribute methamphetamine.

Cut 5 (04) “…would ave been devastating.”

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement assisted in the investigation and has placed a detainer on Munoz, as he is in the country illegally.

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Louisiana Jewish Leaders gather in front of Touro Synagogue in New Orleans to call on the state not to use lethal gas to execute death row inmates. Among them was Sara Lewis with the Jewish Federation of New Orleans, whose grandparents survived the Holocaust.

Cut 6 (14) “…of being Jewish.”

Rabbi David Cohen-Henriquez of Shir Chadash of Metairie says using lethal gas harkens back to an ugly time in world history.

Cut 7 (10) “…echo of genocide.”

Jacquelyn Stern with the Jewish Federation of New Orleans says while opinions of capital punishment varies among those gathered for the news conference, they’re all united in the stance that lethal gas should not be used as a method anywhere in the United States.

Cut 8 (12) “…on our communities.”

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Despite a stretch of spring-like weather, Winter isn’t over in north Louisiana.  NWS Shreveport Senior Meteorologist Matt Hemmingway says another Arctic blast is set to hit Louisiana by Thursday, bringing below-freezing temperatures and possible winter precipitation, especially in northern areas.

Cut 9 (13)  “…some light freezing rain.”

Hemmingway says the artic front will bring freezing temperatures starting Tuesday night in the low 20’s and upper teens.

Cut 10 (10) “…potentially at risk.”

Hemmingway says the cold front may linger for several days, delaying any return to warmer temperatures, but should warm up by the end of the week.

Cut 11 (10) “…closer to 60.”

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The grandparents of one of the victims of the terror attack on Bourbon Street were killed by an alleged drunk driver over the weekend. Hubert and Victoria Gauthreaux (GO-trow) were the grandparents of 21-year-old Hubert Gauthreaux the Third, who was one of 14 people killed in the attack early New Year’s Day. Gretna Deputy Police Chief Jason DiMarco says it’s another tragedy for the Gauthreaux family.

Cut 12 (09) “…they’re going through.”

Deputy Chief DiMarco says 33-year-old Stephan Juarez hit the couple as they were trying to leave their parked vehicle. He says Juarez is facing a slew of charges, all of which when combined could land him in prison for the rest of his life.

Cut 13 (11)  “…no seatbelt.”

DiMarco says the investigation is ongoing, including determining Juarez’s blood-alcohol level. He says they’re also working to determine exactly how fast he was going, although it’s obvious that he was going way too fast.

Cut 14 (09) “…in that area.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The second ranked LSU baseball team opened the 2025 season by sweeping Purdue Fort Wayne 32 to 2 over the three game series. The Tigers completed the sweep with an eight to one win yesterday. Ashton Larson’s three run homer in the fourth inning was the big blow. Larson says it good weekend for the Tigers…

Cut 29 (15) “…keep momentum”

LSU pitching registered 45 strikeouts over the weekend, the most in a three-game series since 1992.

Louisiana Tech swept a four-game series over Maine. The Bulldogs got some good pitching on Saturday in a doubleheader sweep, including Luke Cooley who pitched five shutout innings.

The Cajuns start the season with a series loss to San Jose State. The Spartans won 12 to four yesterday.

The LSU women’s basketball team suffered its second loss of the season yesterday, allowing a double digit lead to fade away and losing to 3rd ranked Texas 65 to 58. Coach Kim Mulkey’s team committed 19 turnovers…

Cut 17 (21) “….go do it”

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 hosts South Carolina tomorrow night.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Two Colorado men were arrested for attempting to smuggle $112,000 worth of tobacco and $89,500 worth of methamphetamine into a federal prison using a compressed air cannon. Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain says they weren’t successful.

Cut 3 (08) “…drugs into the prison.”

18-year-old Jose Francisco Herrera Munoz, and 19-year-old Angel Gonzales Gutierrez’s plan involved launching contraband over the prison’s security fence, with the cannon capable of propelling items over 350 feet.

Tough loss for the LSU women’s basketball team yesterday as they failed to hold on to a double-digit lead in the third quarter and lost to Texas to 65 to 58. It’s the second loss on the season for the Lady Tigers, who lost to South Carolina last month. Coach Kim Mulkey…

Cut 16 (10) “…didn’t get it done”

LSU will look to get back in the win column on Thursday night when they host Georiga.

Many are looking at ways to reduce their grocery bills.  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.

Some people think the cost of eggs is getting ridiculous as prices are soaring because the bird flu has dramatically reduced the number of egg producing chickens. If you are thinking about raising your chickens, Lake Charles farmer Michelle Trahan says do your research first…

Cut 8 (07) “…getting these birds”

Trahan says having your own egg laying chickens means you need fencing to protect them from predators and knowledge about how to take care of chickens.

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.