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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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Now that Louisiana plans on resuming executions, the first one has been scheduled. Jeanne (ZHAHN) Burns reports.

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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.

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February is Early Education Month, a statewide 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 12 statewide events to raise awareness among policymakers, business leaders, and families.

Cut 4 (11) “…looks like.”

Advocates for Early Ed Month will raise awareness  and advocate for a continued investment in early childhood education with a Social Media Day of Action on Friday.

Sonnier says with child care being essential to Louisiana’s workforce, many families struggle with affordability and access, and the parent poll results will be release next week.

Cut 5 (11) “…education that they get.”

Sonnier emphasizes Early Ed Month aims to drive policy changes ensuring all children have access to quality early learning opportunities.

Cut 6 (12) “…during Early Ed Month.”

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Today is the big day as the new Live Casino and Hotel Louisiana opens its doors in Bossier City. 

Cut 7 (12) “…new and beautiful.”

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 you inside.

Cut 8 (11) “…that Live brand.”

Of course, no casino resort would be complete without a state-of-the-art music venue. Live Casino and Hotel Louisiana is no exception, and some big names will be taking the stage in the resort’s infancy.

Cut 9 (16)  “…only Clint Black.”

The doors to Live Casino and Hotel Louisiana open at eight tonight.

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A Rapides Parish man could be the first death row inmate to be executed in Louisiana in 15 years. Larry Roy is scheduled to be executed by nitrogen hypoxia on March 19th. Roy killed his ex-girlfriend’s ex-husband, Freddie Richard Jr., and her aunt, Rosetta Salas. He also attacked her and her two children, but they survived. Attorney General Liz Murrill says executing Roy and other condemned inmates is long overdue.

Cut 10 (08) “…way too long.”

Attorney General Murrill says she and Governor Landry campaigned on reinstituting the death penalty.

Cut 11 (07) “…so do I.”

Murrill says nitrogen hypoxia is being used in at least one other state to execute condemned inmates..

Cut 12 (09) “…States Supreme Court.”

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LSU law professor Ken Levy returns to class today. Levy was suspended after using foul language and critizing Governor Jeff Landry and President Trump during a lecture last month. Levy’s attorney Jill Craft says a state judge determined the suspension violated his freedom of speech.

Cut 13 (11)  “…for this country.”

Governor Landry called the decision “absurd”, but  Craft says divergent opinions are crucial for academia.

Cut 14 (12) “…academia is about.”

Recordings from Levy’s class revealed him using profanity to criticize political figures, but Craft says LSU wasn’t clear on the reason behind the suspension.

Cut 15 (11) “…academic freedom.”

A complaint from a student is what started the investigation into Levy’s conduct. LSU President William Tate testified it was his decision to suspend Levy. Landry says Levy’s behavior was unprofessional and the judge ignored the facts of the law and the Constitution. He expects the decision to be overturned by an appeals court or the Louisiana Supreme Court.

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Sophomore left-hander Kade Anderson will get the start on Friday when the Tigers open the 2025 season against Purdue Fort Wayne. Anderson, who is from Madisonville and prepped at St. Paul’s says it means a lot to get a chance to start on Fridays

Cut 16 (16) “…from there.”

Anderson appeared in 18 games last season, made nine starts, and finished with a 4-2 record and 3.99 ERA. The southpaw struck out 59 in 38.1 innings. He’s added nearly 25 pounds since arriving at LSU, which has added some speed to his fastball. Anderson is also working on his secondary pitches…

Cut 17 (15)  “…more often.”

First pitch on Friday at 2 PM.

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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 18^th at their place. Coach Talvin Hester is looking forward to the rematch…

Cut 18 (15)  “…that way”

Louisiana Tech women’s basketball is at Kennesaw State. The Lady Techsters are 6-and-5 and in fourth place in Conference USA. Coach Brooke Stoehr says there are seven games left in the regular season and still time to move up the standings…

Cut 19 (20) “…do it.”