1:30 LRN Newscast

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 (GOO-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.”

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. 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.”

Louisiana has scheduled the first two executions in 15 years.

Winter isn’t over in north Louisiana, despite a stretch of spring-like weather. Another Arctic blast is set to hit the state by Thursday.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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. Their plan involved launching contraband over the prison’s security fence, with a cannon capable of propelling items over 350 feet. They weren’t successful; an observant deputy put a stop to the scheme before any drugs got inside.

12:30 LRN Newscast

Despite a stretch of spring-like weather, Winter isn’t over in the Deep South. National Weather Service 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.”

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.”

Two Colorado men are arrested for attempting to smuggle tens of thousands of dollars worth of tobacco and methamphetamine into a federal prison using a compressed air cannon. The plan concocted by 18-year-old Jose Francisco Herrera Munoz and 19-year-old Angel Gonzales Gutierrez involved launching contraband over the prison’s security fence, with a cannon capable of propelling items over 350 feet. Grant Parish Sheriff Steven  McCain says it was a very sophisticated system.

Cut 4 (08) “…it’s very powerful.”

McCain says an observant deputy put a stop to the scheme before any drugs got inside.

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.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Grocery prices have surged over 25% since 2019. WalletHub’s Chip Lupo suggests prioritizing groceries in a budget, which ensures essential needs are met while limiting impulse buys.

Cut 11 (08) “…to a minimum.”

One grocery item soaring in price is eggs, and that has some people looking at raising chickens to offset the cost. But is it worth it? Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

One research group says the lack of economic growth is the main culprit behind the out-migration that has plagued Louisiana since the 1980s. Dr. Allison Plyer, the chief demographer at The Data Center, 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.”

Just when you thought we got rid of Old Man Winter, he’s coming back! Wind chills Wednesday night will be in the single digits for some parts of the state, and lows will get below freezing for most of the state Thursday morning. There’s also the possibility of light freezing rain and sleet for extreme north Louisiana tomorrow night. Temperatures should return to normal by the start of next week.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana’s Jewish community is urging the state not to use lethal gas to execute death row inmates. A news conference is getting underway at the Touro Synagogue in New Orleans, where leaders are coming together on the issue. Sara Lewis is the chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council and is the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors.

Cut 6 (10) “…aware of before.”

If you’re thinking about raising your own chickens in an effort to save money on eggs, think again. Not only does it cost money to raise chickens, but it takes a lot of effort as well. Lake Charles farmer Michelle Trahan says egg prices will eventually stabilize, making backyard farming less financially appealing in the long run.

Cut 9 (06)  “…don’t recommend it for everyone.”

Trahan says building a fortified chicken coop that’s predator-proof will run you at least a couple thousand dollars.

Why are people leaving Louisiana? One research firm has a theory. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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 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 Police say 33-year-old Stephan Juarez hit the couple as they were trying to leave their parked vehicle.

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.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana’s Jewish community is speaking out against using lethal gas as a method to execute death row inmates. The group Jews Against Gassing is holding a news conference this morning to call on the state not to use nitrogen hypoxia. Sara Lewis, the chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council, says it harkens back to an ugly time in world history.

Cut 4 (09) “…of our ancestors.”

Execution dates have been set for next month for two death row inmates and lethal gas could be used to put them to death.

Louisiana has had an outmigration problem since the 1980s and the Data Center, a nonprofit that looks at New Orleans demographics, says part of the problem is that the state has focused most of its job creation efforts on the oil and gas industry and tourism…

Cut 14 (09) “….weak economic trend”

That’s Allison Plyer with the Data Center. She says the devastating hurricanes that has hit the state over the years is also not helping.

Egg prices have been soaring, so would it be cheaper to raise your own chicken laying eggs? Sean Richardson reports its more costly than you think…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Get ready for more cold temperatures. Wind chills Wednesday night will be in the single digits for some parts of the state and lows will get below freezing for most of the state Thursday morning. There’s also the possibility of light freezing rain and sleet for extreme north Louisiana tomorrow night.

6:30 LRN Newscast

This morning the greater New Orleans’ Jewish Community will hold a news conference urging the state not to use lethal gas to execute death row inmates.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The grandparents of one of the 14 people killed during the New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street were killed by an alleged drunk driver over the weekend. Gretna Police say 33-year-old Stephan Jaurez has been booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center on multiple charges, while Victoria and Hubert Gauthreaux are both dead after they were hit by Juarez’s vehicle while attempting to leave their parked vehicle. The Gautreaux’s were the grand parents of 21-year-old Hubert Gauthreaux the III who was among the victims of the Bourbon Street terror attack.

For decades Louisiana has had an outmigration problem. Doctor 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

According to a new report from Wallethub, Louisiana residents spend the fifth highest percentage of income on groceries, with the average cost of groceries at 115-dollars or two-percent of your median monthly household income…

Cut 10 (05) “…median annual income”

That’s Wallethub analyst Chip Lupo who says people in Mississippi spend the highest percentage of income on groceries.

LRN AM Newscall February 17

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.”

_____________________________________________

Why are people leaving Louisiana? One research firm has a theory. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

______________________________________________________

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.”

______________________________________________________

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.”

______________________________________________________

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.”

_______________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________

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.

________________________________________________________

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.

11:30 am Newscast

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.”

————————–

 

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.”