12:30 LRN Newscast

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 construction of the project is getting underway now.

Cut 11 (08) “…now in 2025.”

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 Louisiana Family Forum (LFF) 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.”

We could be in for some severe weather on Saturday. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says most of the state will be at an enhanced risk for severe weather.

Cut 6 (11) “…of itself.”

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.”

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.”

PM LRN Newscall Feb 7

Not too long now before the Chiefs abd the Eagles do battle in Super Bowl 59 at the Superdome. Andrew Greenstein is at the NFL Experience in New Orleans getting some predictions.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Police in Kenner arrest a woman in connection with the death of a Kansas City TV reporter in town covering the Super Bowl. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The hype is coming to a head — just a couple days until the Eagles and the Chiefs do battle in Super Bowl 59 at the Superdome. Who do people think will win? With two evenly-matched teams, opinions are mixed.

Cut 3 (06) “…Philly by 6.”

At the NFL Experience at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, there seems to be at least some consensus.

Cut 4 (07) “…Eagles by 10.”

One woman says she thinks one team will make Super Bowl history.

Cut 5 (05) “…it to them.”

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Crawfish lovers gearing up for a Super Bowl weekend boil can expect lower prices than anticipated. Following a historic snowstorm, supply has rebounded, driving prices down by more than a dollar per pound. Crawfish App Founder Laney King says live crawfish on average will run you $4.79 per pound.

Cut 6 (10) “…35-pound sack of crawfish.”

King says if you prefer to purchase boiled crawfish from your favorite spot, expect to pay around $7.10 a pound.

King says crawfish prices were almost doubled at this time last year.

Cut 7 (12) “…it’s super early”

King noted that after the high demand of Super Bowl weekend, prices may continue to drop as availability rises.

Cut 8 (13) “…when it really counts.”

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Super Bowl Sunday is the biggest sports betting event of the year, and Super Bowl LIX  is expected to break records. Bookies-dot-com Adam Thompson says one notable prop bet is Saquon Barkley to record 10 plus rushing yards in each quarter.

Cut 9 (07)  “…yards per quarter.”

Thompson says another betting angle focuses on the national anthem, performed by New Orleans native Jon Batiste, and says you can check past performances to do some studying before placing your bet.

Cut 10 (11) “…over/under right now.”

And Thompson says there are even bets for diehard Swifties who want to make a bet on the big game.

Cut 11 (12) “…for the Super Bowl.”

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Kenner Police arrest a woman in connection with the death of a Kansas City TV reporter in town covering the Super Bowl. Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley says Danette Colbert was seen on surveillance video at a Comfort Suites hotel entering Adan Manzano’s room Wednesday morning.

Cut 12 (10) “…entering that room.”

Chief Conley says the credit card that Manzano used to check into the hotel was missing from his wallet. Investigators found it a short time later.

Cut 13 (10)  “…inside that residence.”

Conley says Colbert is a career criminal who has done this type of thing before.

Cut 14 (09) “…of that nature.”

So far, Colbert is only charged in connection with having Manzano’s credit card. Depending on what Manzano’s autopsy reveals, those charges could be upgraded.

12:30 LRN Newscast

Kenner Police arrest a woman in connection with the death of a Kansas City TV reporter in town covering the Super Bowl. Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley says Danette Colbert was seen on surveillance video at a Comfort Suites hotel entering Adan Manzano’s room Wednesday morning.

Cut 12 (10) “…entering that room.”

Super Bowl Sunday is the biggest sports betting event of the year, and prop bets are a way for fans to have a little skin in the game.  Bookies.com Adam Thompson says one betting angle focuses on the national anthem, performed by New Orleans native Jon Batiste, and says you can check past performances to do some studying before placing your bet.

Cut 10 (11) “…over/under right now.”

Southern University steps onto the worldwide stage prior to the Super Bowl. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

11:30 LRN Newscast

To kick off Super Bowl week, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Governor Jeff Landry and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell held a moment of silence at the corner of Bourbon Street and Canal Street to recognize the victims of the New Year’s Day terror attack. Afterwards, Noem spoke with reporters and said federal, state and local governments are on the same page when it comes ensuring the Super Bowl will be safe….

Cut 6 (08) “…on my watch.”

An enhanced security zone will go into effect on Wednesday for Bourbon Street and surrounding streets. There will be checkpoints and coolers and handbags that exceed four by six inches will not be allowed.

 

The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans is designated a “No Drone Zone” for Super Bowl LIX, with drone restrictions extending to the downtown area in the days leading up to the event.  FAA Drone Expert Kevin Morris says this week  drone restrictions apply within 1.5 nautical miles of Lafayette Square up to 2,000 feet.

Cut 11 (08) “…at various times.”

 

 

 

 

 

A one-year-old child was unharmed after being left inside a stolen car Friday night in Shreveport. The child’s mother had left her car running with the sleeping child inside while she went into her home to get a jacket. 17-year-old Marcus Madden allegedly stole the vehicle.  SPD CPL. Chris Bordelon says officers responded to a stolen vehicle shortly after 8 pm.

Cut 3 (10) “…in the area.”

Maden was arrested and faces several charges including simple kidnapping.

 

A West Baton Rouge grand jury has indicted Doctor Margaret Carpenter and a 39-year-old Port Allen mother who allegedly gave abortion pills to her teenage daughter to end her pregnancy.

Most abortions have been illegal in Louisiana since the U-S Supreme Court overturned Roe versus Wade in the summer of 2022. And District Attorney Tony Clayton says that includes abortion medication…

Cut 14 (10) “…to that.”

 

11:30 LRN Newscast

The City of New Orleans steps into the global spotlight next week as it gets set to host its 11th Super Bowl. Michael Hecht, the CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc., says the global impact of hosting this game is off the charts.

Cut 3 (10) “…be much greater.”

 

A judge ordered LSU to immediately reinstate law professor Ken Levy after suspending him for alleged inappropriate classroom statements. Levy’s Attorney Jill Craft says the temporary restraining order prevents LSU from infringing on Levy’s free speech and due process rights or retaliating against him.

Cut 6 (13) “…why it’s illegal.”

 

LHSAA baseball schools have voted to push back the end of the season. But the new scheduling will not be in place until the 2028 season, because their contract with the host site of the state championships, Sulphur Parks and Recreation, goes through 2027. Bonine says the baseball state championships currently fall on graduation weekend…

Cut 13 (12)  “…now and then.”

 

Calvary Baptist football coach Rodney Guin has been nominated for the Don Shula High School Coach of the Year Award. Guin, who has won two championships with the Calvaries, says the nomination came out of the blue…

Cut 27(11) “…for us”

Guin receives two free tickets to next week’s Super Bowl.

1230 LRN Newscast

Today is the second day of confirmation hearings for Health and Human Services Secretary nominee Robert F Kennedy. Kennedy appeared in front of Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy’s HELP committee. Cassidy challenged Kennedy on his past statements regarding vaccine safety and efficacy, emphasizing the role of vaccines in preventing diseases and saving lives.

Cut 4 (14) “…came to Congress.”

 

Senator Bill Cassidy faces intense pressure from Louisiana conservatives to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Trump’s health secretary.  Governor Landry, the Louisiana Freedom Caucus, and other Republican figures have urged Cassidy to support Kennedy, despite concerns over Kennedy’s abortion rights stance and Democratic background. Hogan says with Kennedy’s confirmation his political career is on the line.

Cut 11 (09) “…going to win.”

 

A cold front moving across the state tonight has the potential of producing severe weather. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin has the details…

Cut 2 (27) “…Bill Jacquemin.”

3:30 LRN Newscast

The Nation’s Report Card for 2024 shows that Louisiana students are improving tremendously. In the overall ranking, which considers reading and math scores in 4th and 8th grades, Louisiana has moved from 43rd in the nation to 32nd in just two years. In making the announcement at Magnolia Woods Elementary School in Baton Rouge, Governor Landry it’s a testament to the leaders who aren’t afraid to try new things to turn Louisiana’s academic achievement around.

Cut 4 (10) “…step to success.”

DOTD has secured an additional three-million-dollars from the state legislature for litter pickup along major federal highways. Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says in the coming months, residents statewide will notice litter removal efforts.

Cut 6 (09) “…pick up regularly.”

A traffic stop led to the largest fentanyl pill seizure in the history of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. Lieutenant Suzanne Carboni says it started when they pulled over a Chevy Yukon SUV on U.S. Highway 11 last week.

Cut 9 (08)  “…pressed fentanyl pills.” (Seized 16,000 pressed fentanyl pills, nearly 5 lbs. worth)

Louisiana taxpayers can begin filing their state income tax returns today. Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says this year they are asking filers to submit their returns electronically through L-D-R’s Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point, also known as La-TAP

Cut 12 (11) “…account history.”

LRN PM Newscall Jan 24

A&E is bringing back Duck Dynasty this summer, and the revival should bring tourism to northeast Louisiana.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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This arctic blast did a number on plants throughout the state. Andrew Greenstein has some tips on how you can deal with the damage.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Duck Dynasty is making a comeback. A&E has announced a new series, Duck Dynasty: The Revival, premiering this summer. The revival is already generating excitement beyond the Robertsons’ lives. Sheila Snow, Vice President of Marketing at the Monroe-West Monroe Visitors Bureau, anticipates a boost in tourism similar to the surge seen after the original series aired in 2012.

Cut 3 (13) “…Duck Commander warehouse.”

Snow says the Robertson family has done a great job expanding their warehouse and offering visitors more.  Now they have added retail space and a new attraction for visitors.

Cut 4 (07) “…cool things set up.”

The new series will feature 20 one-hour episodes across two seasons, Snow says in addition to the show returning Monroe expects fans of the show to visit the twin cities as well.

Cut 5 (04) “…really excited.”

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This arctic blast has certainly done a number on our plants. LSU Ag Center horticulturist Jason Stagg says when assessing damage to your plants, wait a week.

Cut 6 (06) “…green and living.”

Stagg says the parts of the plant that have died will be easy to distinguish from the parts of the plant that are still alive and growing. If you scrape the stem with a knife or pruners and you see green, that means it’s still alive. Stagg says while many winter plants likely survived, don’t expect a lot of color for the time being.

Cut 7 (09) “…the plant’s dead.”

Stagg says when cutting back your plants, don’t cut them all the way to the ground, because you’ll leave them more vulnerable in future freezes.

Cut 8 (09) “…to the ground.”

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State Police say a Hammond woman died a day after the snowstorm when she crashed head-on into a pickup truck driven by a Mississippi man who was allegedly impaired. Trooper Marc Gremillion says the two-vehicle crash occurred on Louisiana Highway 22 in Ponchatoula and 65-year-old Peggy Williams did not survive

Cut 9 (07)  “…her injuries.”

Gremillion says slick roads may have contributed to the crash…

Cut 10 (08) “…the crash.”

Gremillion says the impaired driver has been identified as Kody Lacour of Picayune, Mississippi….

Cut 11 (11) “…court order.”

Neither driver was buckled up, but Lacour only suffered minor injuries.

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A significant catalyst for regional growth in Richland Parish is the upcoming Meta AI Data Center in Rayville, which is expected to drive economic activity and create jobs in the area. Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis highlights the city’s commitment to economic development

Cut 12 (13) “…till 2030.”

Ellis emphasizes Monroe’s rich history as a foundation for future progress, promoting the city as a hub of opportunity. Key efforts include community development, creating a business-friendly environment, and infrastructure improvements.

Cut 13 (12)  “…leader in AI.”

Ellis underscores the importance of collaboration between local government, businesses, and residents to ensure Monroe thrives as a vibrant, forward-looking community.

Cut 14 (07) “…working great together.”