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.”

Disappointing economic development news for Louisiana as International Paper announces the closure of its containerboard mill in Natchitoches Parish. It’s one of four facilities International Paper is closing across the country and here in Louisiana it means the loss of 300 permanent jobs. State Representative Jack MacFarland says the Louisiana Workforce Commission will help the impacted workers find a new job…

Cut 7 (09) “…left without jobs.”

International Paper says it needs to streamline its footprint to focus investments on facilities that will best serve customers.

Governor Landry said this week that the state will use nitrogen gas to execute death row inmates. Attorney General Liz Murrill…

Cut 12 (09) “…State’s Supreme Court”

A DeSoto Parish judge has set an execution date of March 17^th for 81-year-old Christopher Sepulvado who killed his six-year-old stepson in 1992.

Agriculture Commissioner Mike 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.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says it has found three more positive captive cases of chronic wasting disease in deer. The recent detections were in Concordia, St. Landry and Tangipahoa Parishes and they are linked to a CWD positive deer pen in Jefferson Davis Parish. LDWF Veterinarian Doctor Jonathan Roberts says CWD has not been shown to be contagious to humans…

Cut 4 (10) “…CWD in humans.”

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.”

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.

Governor Jeff Landry said this week that Louisiana is preparing to execute death row inmates. An execution has not happened since 2010 and Attorney General Liz Murrill is long overdue…

Cut 10 (08) “…way too long”

The first death row prisoner that could be executed is 81-year-old Christopher Sepulvado. In 1992, he killed his six-year-old stepson. A DeSoto Parish judge has set an execution date for March 17^th.

LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine is calling on fans and parents at high school games and matches to simmer down or sit down when tensions rise…

Cut 20 (03) “…everyone loses”

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. The Red Rivers girls basketball team could be banned from postseason play because of the mother’s actions.

The former Diamond Jacks Casino reopens its doors for the first time since Covid. It’s now called Live Casino and Hotel Louisiana in Bossier City after a 270-million dollar plus makeover. 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.

Cut 8 (11) “…that Live brand.”

It’s early education month and next week the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children will release a parent poll. L-P-I-C director Libby Sonnier says the survey focuses on child care arrangements,

Cut 5 (10) “…they get”

The Poll will be released Tuesday.

Embattled LSU law professor Ken Levy is set to return to the classroom today after a Baton Rouge judge ordered the university to reinstate him. Levy was suspended after a student complained about his use of profanity and criticism of Governor Landry and President Trump. Levy’s attorney Jill Craft says her client never received due process when the suspension was handed down…

Cut 15 (11) “….academic freedom”

Governor Landry is upset Levy is returning to class, calling Levy’s conduct unprofessional.

This is Louisiana Early Education Month. Louisiana Policy Institute for Children CEO Libby Sonnier….

Cut 6 (12) “…Early Ed Montyh”

Sonnier says they use this month to highlight the urgent need for increased investment.

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

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Former LSU star Alex Bregman hit the jackpot last night. The two-time World Series champion is leaving Houston after signing a three-year, 120-million dollar contract with the Boston Red Sox. It’s one of the highest average annual salaries in Major League Baseball.

At 11 AM today, the Saints introduce Kellen Moore as their new head coach.

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.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Governor Landry said this week that the state will use nitrogen gas to execute death row inmates. Attorney General Liz Murrill…

Cut 12 (09) “…State’s Supreme Court”

A DeSoto Parish judge has set an execution date of March 17^th for 81-year-old Christopher Sepulvado who killed his six-year-old stepson in 1992.

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

Cut 4 (11) “…looks like.”

Sonnier says there will be a social media day of action tomorrow.

A new 270-million dollar casino opens today in Bossier City. The Live Casino and Hotel Louisiana is the former Diamond Jacks Casino. Vice President of Marketing Josh Robinson says Live Casino and Hotel features 47-thousand square feet of gaming space, a luxury hotel, and a multi-purpose Event center…

Cut 9 (16) “…Clint Black”

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

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

A-G Liz Murrill is working to extradite a doctor in New York accused of mailing abortion pills across state lines. Doctor Margaret Carpenter is facing charges in Louisiana for prescribing abortion-inducing medication to a pregnant minor in West Baton Rouge Parish. New York Governor Kathy Hochul is fighting the extradition attempt because she says a doctor should not go to jail for providing basic reproductive health care.

LSU law professor Ken Levy returns to class today. Levy was suspended after using foul language and criticizing 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 says Levy’s behavior was unprofessional and the judge ignored the facts of the law and the Constitution.

A new casino opens its doors today as the New Live Casino and Hotel Louisiana in Bossier City welcomes players and guests…

Cut 7 (11) “…and beautiful”

That’s Vice President of Marketing Josh Robinson.

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.

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.