10:30 LRN Newscast

Much of South Louisiana from New Orleans to Baton Rouge is at a moderate risk — level 4 out of 5 — for severe weather this weekend. State Climatologist Jay Grymes:

Cut 7 (10) “…evening hours.”

Alexandria and Lafayette, meanwhile, are at a level 3 risk for storms. Primary threats include high winds and an increased tornado risk. The forecast is forcing organizers of St. Patrick’s Day parades to reschedule them to Sunday.

Early voting in the constitutional amendment election opens tomorrow. Easily the most complex amendment on the ballot is Amendment 2. That’s the one that essentially rewrites Article 7 of the state Constitution. PAR President Steven Procopio says among many other things, there would be a government growth limit put in place.

Cut 4 (11) “…colleges and universities.”

It’s Pi Day in schools across the country celebrating the most famous irrational number that inspires students in mathematics. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The wife of legendary LSU baseball coach and athletic director Skip Bertman has passed away. Sandy Bertman died last night in Baton Rouge at the age of 87. She and Skip were married for 63 years, raising four daughters, one of whom succumbed to cancer in 2012. Funeral arrangements are pending.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Much of South Louisiana is at a moderate risk for severe weather this weekend. Areas from New Orleans to Baton Rouge are at a level four out of five for severe storms, while Alexandria and Lafayette are at three out of five. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the forecast has forced organizers to reschedule St. Patrick’s Day parades.

Cut 9 (10)  “…avoid that significant weather.”

Of the four amendments on the constitutional amendment ballot, Amendment 2 is easily the most complex. It essentially would rewrite Article 7 of the state Constitution in light of the new tax law. PAR President Steven Procopio says it has provisions regarding the inventory tax that Governor Landry says has been stifling business growth in the state.

Cut 6 (09) “…make over time.”

Among many other things, Amendment 2 would also turn an annual stipend for teachers into a permanent pay raise. Early voting starts tomorrow.

The New Orleans City Council is considering extending the city’s travel ban. Currently, all non-essential travel is prohibited as the city deals with financial troubles. As of right now, that’s set to expire April 30th. However, in light of Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s trip to Washington, DC – which she says was planned before the ban went into effect – council president J.P. Morrell says the council is looking at extending it to the end of the next budget cycle.

Schools and students nationwide are celebrating Pi Day today, an annual event dedicated to the mathematical constant pi — 3.-point-1-4. Karen Dartez, a math teacher at St. Thomas More school in Baton Rouge, says this special day recognizes the significance of pi in mathematics.

Cut 13 (17)  “…same value.”

8:30 AM Newscast

Much of South Louisiana is at a moderate risk for severe weather throughout much of Saturday.  State Climatologist Jay Grymes says areas along the I-12 corridor from Baton Rouge to Hammond and over to Slidell will be under a level 4 out of 5 threat, with a slightly lower risk for Alexandria and Lafayette. Grymes says primary threats include high winds and an increased tornado risk.

Cut 8 (15) “…serious damage.”

Senator Bill Cassidy;s  HALT Fentanyl Act could see a vote in the Senate as early as today. In 2023, more than 74-thousand people died from fentanyl use, accounting for almost 70-percent of all drug overdose deaths that year. Senator Cassidy says time is of the essence.

Cut 12 (10) “…exploit our communities.”

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Of the four amendments on the constitutional amendment ballot, Amendment 2 is easily the most complex. Andrew Greenstein breaks it down.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Schools and students nationwide are celebrating Pi Day today, celebrating the mathematical constant.  St. Thomas More Math Teacher Karen Dartez says many schools mark the occasion with pi recitation contests, math games, and…

Cut 14 (08) “…pi day.”

 

7:30 AM Newscast

The most complex amendment on the constitutional amendment election is Amendment number 2, which basically rewrites Article 7 of the state Constitution. One of the most talked-about provisions is a permanent pay raise for teachers. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says the amendment would make a stipend that’s been renewed every year permanent.

Cut 5 (14) “…three-billion dollars.”
Early voting in that constitutional amendment election begins tomorrow.

Senator Bill Cassidy is urging his colleagues to pass his HALT Fentanyl Act. On the Senate floor yesterday, Cassidy said among other things, the act closes a loophole that people use to slightly alter the fentanyl to the point that it’s no longer fentanyl – something that’s called a “fentanyl analog.”

Cut 10 (15) “…the actual thing.”

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Severe weather is on the way in South Louisiana this weekend, causing St. Patrick’s Day Parades to be moved to Sunday with possible tornadoes tomorrow.  Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Today is Pi Day and schools across the country will be celebrating the day dedicated to the mathematical constant with students.  St. Thomas More Math Teacher Karen Dartez says this Pi Day continues to inspire young …

Cut 15 (07) “…share with the kids.”

6:30 AM Newscast

Its Pi Day in schools across the country celebrating the most famous irrational number. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Much of South Louisiana is at a moderate risk — level 4 out of 5 — for severe weather this weekend. State Climatologist Jay Grymes:

Cut 7 (10) “…evening hours.”

The weather event has forced organizers to reschedule many St. Patrick’s Day parades and events to Sunday.

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Senator Bill Cassidy is urging his colleagues to pass his HALT Fentanyl Act. It would  permanently make Fentanyl a Schedule One drug, meaning it has no legitimate medical use, making it illegal to use or possess. Cassidy said in 2023, almost 70-percent of all drug overdose deaths that year were due to fentanyl…That’s 74 thousand people.

Cut 11 (13) “…New Orleans Superdome.”

With early voting in the constitutional amendment election opening tomorrow, the most complex amendment on the ballot is Amendment 2. PAR President Steven Procopio says there’s a lot to unpack – but one of the the things it does is put a government growth limit in place.

Cut 4 (11) “…colleges and universities.”

LRN AM Newscall March 14 (π)

Of the four amendments on the constitutional amendment ballot, Amendment 2 is easily the most complex. Andrew Greenstein breaks it down.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Severe weather is on the way in South Louisiana this weekend, causing St. Patrick’s Day Parades to be moved to Sunday with possible tornadoes tomorrow.  Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Its Pi Day in schools across the country celebrating the most famous irrational number that inspires students in mathematics.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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With early voting in the constitutional amendment election opening tomorrow, the most complex amendment on the ballot is Amendment 2. That’s the one that essentially rewrites Article 7 of the state Constitution. PAR President Steven Procopio says there’s a lot to unpack – so much so that it took the nonpartisan organization quite a while to break it all down in its voter guide. Procopio says there would be a government growth limit put in place.

Cut 4 (11) “…colleges and universities.”

One of the most talked-about provisions is a permanent pay raise for teachers. Procopio says it would in fact make a stipend that’s been renewed every year permanent.

Cut 5 (14) “…three-billion dollars.”

Procopio says Amendment 2 also has provisions regarding the inventory tax that Governor Landry says has been stifling business growth in the state.

Cut 6 (09) “…make over time.”

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Much of South Louisiana is at a moderate risk — level 4 out of 5 — for severe weather this weekend. State Climatologist Jay Grymes:

Cut 7 (10) “…evening hours.”

Alexandria and Lafayette, meanwhile, are at a level 3 risk for storms. Grymes warns that storms ahead of the front could become severe, rather than forming locally and intensifying elsewhere. Primary threats include high winds and an increased tornado risk.

Cut 8 (15) “…serious damage.”

Grymes says luckily, this weather event has forced organizers to reschedule St. Patrick’s Day parades and events to Sunday.

Cut 9 (10)  “…avoid that significant weather.”

______________________________________________________

Senator Bill Cassidy is urging his colleagues to pass his HALT Fentanyl Act. In a Senate floor speech yesterday, Cassidy said among other things, the act closes a loophole that people use to slightly alter the fentanyl to the point that it’s no longer fentanyl – something that’s called a “fentanyl analog.”

Cut 10 (15) “…the actual thing.”

The HALT Fentanyl Act would permanently make Fentanyl a Schedule One drug, meaning it has no legitimate medical use and, thus, would be illegal to use or possess. Cassidy said in 2023, more than 74-thousand people died of fentanyl, accounting for almost 70-percent of all drug overdose deaths that year.

Cut 11 (13) “…New Orleans Superdome.”

Cassidy says time is of the essence to get the bill passed and sent to President Trump’s desk.

Cut 12 (10) “…exploit our communities.”

The Senate is expected to vote on the bill as early as today.

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Schools and students nationwide are celebrating Pi Day today, an annual event dedicated to the mathematical constant pi — 3.-point-1-4. St. Thomas More Math Teacher Karen Dartez says this special day, observed on March 14th, recognizes the significance of pi in mathematics.

Cut 13 (17)  “…same value.”

Dartez notes that Pi Day is a highlight of the academic year for many students. Schools often mark the occasion with interactive activities such as pi recitation contests, math games, and even the tradition of enjoying actual pie as a tasty nod to the day’s namesake.

Cut 14 (08) “…pi day.”

Dartez says events like these help spark a love for mathematics, showing students that numbers can be both fascinating and enjoyable. Through creativity and hands-on learning, Pi Day continues to inspire young minds and deepen their appreciation for the beauty of math.

Cut 15 (07) “…share with the kids.”

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After breezing through the pre-conference schedule with a 17-and-1 record, the LSU Tigers open up SEC play this afternoon against the Missouri Tigers. Coach Jay Johnson says his team is ready for the 30-game SEC grind…

Cut 16 (19″….businesses as usual.”

Several roles were solidified during the pre-conference portion of the schedule. Luis Hernandez has nailed down the starting catcher duties and Johnson says he’s done a good job handling the pitchers…

Cut 17 (22)  “…what we have.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

Early voting in the constitutional amendment election starts Saturday, and Sean Richardson has more on some of the amendments on the ballot.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A public memorial service will be held for Southern University student Caleb Wilson tomorrow. Wilson was killed last month in what police say was a hazing ritual as he was pledging to the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Three suspects are facing charges.

With LSU’s men’s basketball season coming to a merciful end yesterday, Tigers fans are probably wondering why they can’t get a coach like Will Wade, who’s leading McNeese to the NCAA Tournament for a second year in a row. The fact is, Wade DID coach at LSU from 2017 until 2022, when he was unceremoniously let go. Wade signed a two-year contract with McNeese that expires at the end of this season, and he said it’s a commitment that was important for him to keep.

Cut 6 (09) “…my damn word.”

While Wade may be considering his future at the end of this season, he says his focus now is to lead the Cowboys to their first NCAA Tournament win in program history.

Severe weather forecast for tomorrow and Saturday is forcing changes to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The wicked weather is forcing organizers of the Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day parade to cancel Saturday’s event. In Baton Rouge, the Wearing of the Green parade has been rescheduled to Sunday at noon.

4:30 PM Newscast Mar 13

Early voting in the constitutional amendment election begins Saturday, and there’s a lot to unpack. PAR President Steven Procopio says One of the things Amendment 1 would do is permit the legislature to establish specialty courts.

Cut 3 (14) “…state-wide court.”

The Jefferson Parish school district is clarifying its policy for accommodating Muslim students during Ramadan. It comes after some parents complained that their kids were forced to spend time in the cafeteria during the period when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. The school district says schools must provide alternate accommodations for Muslims for lunchtime hours during Ramadan; one elementary school says Muslim students can sit in an office during that period.

LSU fans can see a former coach of their men’s basketball team lead his new team in the NCAA Tournament for the second year in a row. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Saints defensive end Chase Young will be back next season as the Black and Gold sign him to a three-year 51-million-dollar contract, with an opportunity to earn 57-million dollars. Young said when his one-year deal expired at the end of this past season, he knew that his heart was in New Orleans.

Cut 11 (10) “…the football.”

3:30 PM Newscast Mar 13

Early voting begins Saturday. On the ballot there are four constitutional amendments. PAR President Steven Procopio says Amendment 1 does two things including allowing the legislature to establish specialty courts. Amendment 2 rewrites of Article 7 as part of the new tax law. Amendment 3 lets the legislature rather than the constitution decide which felony crimes juveniles under 17 can be tried as adults for. Procopio says Amendment 4 would change how judicial vacancies are filled, using the earliest election date instead of waiting up to 12 months.

Cut 5 (05) “…a judicial vacancy.”

New Orleans’ fiscal troubles may force city employees to pay for their own alcoholic beverages. The city council is considering a proposal to ban reimbursements for alcoholic beverages during work trips. Current city code does not address the issue; imposing such a ban would align the city with state law, which bans the practice for state employees. The city has already imposed a ban of non-essential travel by city employees through at least the end of April.

Will Wade has led McNeese men’s basketball to the NCAA Tournament for a second year in a row, for the first time in program history. He signed a two-year contract that expires at the end of this season, and while Wade may be considering his future at the end of this season, he says his focus has been to get the Cowboys back to the Big Dance.

Cut 7 (11) “…or three days.”

The Saints have re-signed defensive end Chase Young to a three-year contract that will pay him 51 million dollars, with an opportunity to earn 57-million dollars. Young was selected second overall in the 2020 NFL Draft and played three seasons for the franchise now known as the Washington Commanders before joining the Saints last year on a one-year deal. Young says the contract means a lot to him.

Cut 9 (07)  “…always dreamed of.”

2:30 PM Newscast Mar 13

Early voting on four constitutional amendments begins Saturday. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says a vote for Amendment 3 would remove from the state constitution the current list of felonies for which juveniles under the age of 17 could be tried as adults and allow the legislature to decide which crimes qualify.

Cut 4 (12) “…this particular issue.”

A public memorial service will be held for Southern University student and Human Jukebox member Caleb Wilson tomorrow. The celebration of life will take place at five tomorrow evening at the university’s Mini Dome, immediately following a five-hour viewing and visitation. Wilson was killed last month in what police say was a hazing ritual as he was pledging to the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Three suspects are facing charges. Wilson’s funeral will be Saturday at Pilgrim Baptist Church in his hometown of Kenner.

LSU fans can see a former coach of their men’s basketball team lead his new team in the NCAA Tournament for the second year in a row. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Defensive end Chase Young will be wearing black and gold next season. The Saints have signed Young to a three-year 51-million-dollar contract. He says the contract means a lot to him and he expressed his gratitude to General Manager Mickey Loomis for believing in him.

Cut 10 (05) “…working every day.”

Young was selected second overall in the 2020 NFL Draft and played three seasons for the franchise now known as the Washington Commanders before joining the Saints last year on a one-year deal.