7:30 LRN Newscast

The 481 workers set to lose their jobs due to the shutdown of International Paper Red River mill in Campti can receive help from the Louisiana Workforce Commission’s Rapid Response Team

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Hockey in New Orleans? ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reports a group met with NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly about bringing an expansion team to New Orleans. It’s unknown who from the state of Louisiana met with the National Hockey League. The New Orleans Brass, a minor league hockey team, was the last professional hockey team to play in the Big Easy and that was 2002.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy voted to confirm Robert F Kennedy, a vaccine skeptic, as the new Secretary of Health and Human Services, but he doesn’t like the Louisiana’s Department of Health’s new policy of no more mass vaccination events. Cassidy says LDH’s announced policy on immunizations ignores the reality of people’s lives…

Cut 14 (16) “….have gotten otherwise”

Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham says a decision to get a vaccine should be made between a patient and their personal doctor.

A trial date of July 7th has been set for suspended LSU running back Trey Holly. Holly faces charges for his alleged role in a shooting that wounded two people. That shooting occurred just over a year ago in his hometown of Farmerville. Holly’s attorney, Mike Small, says having a trial 17 months after an event like that is normal…

Cut 12 (10) “…in this case”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

A trial date is set for a suspended LSU running back in connection with a shooting a year ago. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

SEC and Big Ten athletic directors met in New Orleans yesterday to discuss the future of the college football playoff, which is expected to expand to 14 to 16 teams for 2026. No firm decisions have been made. But based on reports, there seems to be agreement that seeding needs to change. Get rid of the automatic byes and seed teams 1 through 12 based on their ranking.

Kevin Weekes of ESPN says a group has been met with NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly about bringing a professional hockey team to New Orleans. It’s unknown who exactly met with NHL officials. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has not publicly committed to the idea of expanding to 33 teams, but it’s believed the league would like to have a team in the Phoenix area again.

It was just too cold for LSU baseball to play at Nicholls last night. So the two teams will play in Baton Rouge on Monday instead. Instead of the Tigers hosting the Colonels on April eighth. That game will now be played in Thibodaux

Tulane and Southeastern Louisiana played in those miserable conditions yesterday and the Green Wave won five to three to improve 4-and-0.

Basketball…the ULM men’s team fell to 7-and-21 on the season with a loss to Texas State 80 to 63.

The seventh ranked LSU Lady Tigers host Georgia tonight. Double-double machine Aneesah Morrow is listed as questionable on the SEC injury report. She hasn’t missed a game in four seasons.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Senator Bill Cassidy is criticizing the Louisiana Department of Health for ending mass vaccination clinics. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A very cold morning in Louisiana as low temperatures are the in mid to the lows 20s and wind chills are in the teens and even lower in some areas. The real feel temperature is down to 12-degrees in Lafayette. Highs today will be in the 30s and 40s today and then another cold morning tomorrow.

 

Governor Jeff Landry says his proposed budget for next fiscal year reduces the amount of state funds by up to a billion dollars from the current fiscal year. Landry says the state spending plan continues the trend of decreasing the overall amount of money the state spends…

Cut 7 (11) “…these goals.”

Today, Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras will provide state lawmakers with more specifics of the budget proposal.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission’s Rapid Response Team is in Natchitoches and Campti today and tomorrow to help workers who will be laid off because of the closure of the International Paper Red River mill in Campti. L-W-C Secretary Susanna Schowen…

Cut 5 (09) “….what they choose”

Go to la-works-dot-net for more information.

LRN AM Newscall February 20

481 displaced employees impacted by the shutdown of International Paper in Campti are getting help from the Louisiana Workforce Commission’s Rapid Response Team

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A trial date is set for a suspended LSU running back in connection with a shooting a year ago. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy is criticizing the Louisiana Department of Health for ending mass vaccination clinics. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission’s Rapid Response Team will assist 481 workers affected by the closure of International Paper in Campti. LWC Secretary Susanna Schowen says the team will be in Natchitoches and Campti today and tomorrow, offering support through mobile centers.

Cut 4 (09) “…do some training.”

These centers will help employees register for work and connect them with resources for career transitions. Schowen says Services include application assistance, resume writing, training grants, and career counseling.

Cut 5 (09) “…what they choose.”

The mobile centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Natchitoches Council Chamber at 712 2nd Street and the Campti Resource Center at 201 Edenborn Street. Schowen says they do plan other job fairs soon.

Cut 6 (14) “…an exact location.”

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Governor Jeff Landry says his proposed budget for next fiscal reduces the amount of state funds by up to a billion dollars from the current fiscal year. Landry says the state spending plan continues to the trend of decreasing the overall amount of money the state spends…

Cut 7 (11) “…these goals.”

Today, Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras will provide state lawmakers with more specifics of the budget proposal. The Legislature will spend the next several months making changes to the spending plan and the goal is to approve a budget before the legislative session ends on June 12th.

Landry says despite a reduction in state spending, Louisiana will still benefit from new revenue that will be used on non-recurring expenses…

Cut 8 (11) “…sewer systems.”

Landry says he has created a fiscal responsibility program and appointed a budget czar to review government expenditures. He says efficiencies have already been discovered that’s reduced the total amount of dollars the state will spend…

Cut 9 (12)  “…administration.”

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Suspended LSU running back Trey Holly will stand trial July 7th for his alleged role in a shooting that injured two people in his hometown of Farmerville last February. Holly is facing one felony count of illegal use of a weapon or dangerous instrumentality. His attorney, Mike Small, says he and his client are happy that a trial date is established.

Cut 10 (08) “…and always maintained.”

Holly has not been able to participate in team-related activities since his arrest, but he is still going to school at LSU. Small says if his client is found not guilty, he’s expected to be reinstated.

Cut 11 (08) “…pursuits as well.”

Small says he and his client are grateful that they can go to trial relatively quickly.

Cut 12 (10) “…in this case.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy is speaking out against the Louisiana Department of Health ending mass vaccination clinics. Surgeon General Ralph Abraham and Deputy Surgeon General Wyche Coleman say the reason is to put vaccine choice back in the hands of the patients and their doctors. Cassidy, who’s a medical doctor by trade, says in the event of an outbreak, like the current measles outbreak in west Texas, mass vaccination clinics would be very beneficial.

Cut 13 (14)  “…a routine visit.”

Cassidy says vaccination clinics make it much more convenient for busy parents and busy kids.

Cut 14 (16) “…have gotten otherwise.”

Cassidy says ending mass vaccination clinics is counterproductive.

Cut 15 (08) “…they’re very busy.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

Old Man Winter makes an unwelcome return visit to Louisiana tonight. While it will be coldest in North Louisiana, it will also dip below freezing across much of South Louisiana as well. However, State Climatologist Jay Grymes says we should not see a string of days on end of subfreezing temperatures.

Cut 8 (08) “…during the daytime.”

You will once again have an opportunity to adopt horses used in Mardi Gras parades. This is the seventh year that the Humane Society of Louisiana is running this program. H-S-L board member Rena Sweeney says photos of the horses up for adoption are available at Mardi-gras-horses-dot-com.

Cut 11 (12) “…for their family.”

The adoption program keeps the horses from possibly being slaughtered after carnival season.

Democrat Davante Lewis is no longer the vice chairman of the Public Service Commission after using a vulgar insult on social media towards Governor Landry.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

AirBnB is suing the City of New Orleans over upcoming regulations that will require it to obtain city permits. AirBnB says it should not be responsible for implementing the policy that’s set to go into effect in June. The city has tried cracking down on short-term rentals for years.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Suspended LSU running back Trey Holly will stand trial July 7th  for his alleged role in a shooting that injured two people in his hometown of Farmerville last February. Holly is facing one felony count of illegal use of a weapon or dangerous instrumentality.  Holly has not been able to participate in team-related activities since his arrest, but he is still going to school at LSU, according to Small. If Holly is found not guilty, he’s expected to be reinstated.

LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker told on-3-dot-com that linebacker Harold Perkins will play the STAR position. Perkins decided to return for his senior season after missing most of last season with a torn ACL. By playing the star position, Perkins will be asked to rush the passer and also play in coverage. Attempts to play him at inside linebacker have not worked out.

Saints Coach Kellen Moore has reportedly named assistant special teams coach Phil Galiano as the team’s new special teams coordinator, replacing Darren Rizzi who is now in Denver.

The LSU-Nicholls baseball game scheduled in Thibodaux tonight has been postponed because of the cold temperatures.

The Tigers won their fourth straight game to start the season yesterday by beating Southern 13 to 1. LSU continues to be excellent on the mound. Conner Ware started yesterday and threw three shutout innings. Coach Jay Johnson…

Cut 27 (15) “…today”

Zac Cowan also pitched yesterday, tossing three innings and allowing one unearned run. Johnson expects Cowan to be a versatile piece…

Cut 16 (20) “…our staff”

LSU’s next game is Friday versus Omaha.

4:30 LRN Newscast

Davante Lewis is out as vice chairman of the Public Service Commission, and Eric Skrmetta is in. The commission voted 3-to-2, down party lines, to strip Lewis of his leadership role after he directed a vulgar insult towards Governor Landry on social media. Prior to the vote, Lewis defended himself, saying he was not going to apologize for his remarks.

Cut 13 (10)  “…sand to me.”

The Humane Society of Louisiana is once again running a program that allows people to adopt horses used in Mardi Gras parades. H-S-L board member Rena Sweeney says adoption fees range from $650 to $1,500, and the horses will likely need training.

Cut 10 (08) “…take into consideration.”

As of now there are 19 horses available for adoption, and interest is already high. 

Spring may be right around the corner, but not before Louisiana gets one more blast of arctic weather. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Bill Jacquemin”

St. Tammany Parish deputies arrest three suspected meth dealers in two days. On February 11th, K-9 units found 30-year-old Henry Gaines with half a pound of meth during a traffic stop. The next day, a search at the home of Gary Armond Jr. and Paula Jacobson uncovered more than a pound of meth, along with pills and paraphernalia.

3:30 LRN Newscast

Brace yourself – brutally cold weather is back tonight. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says that will especially be the case in North Louisiana.

Cut 6 (07) “…across northern Louisiana.”

In fact, Grymes says it will dip below freezing across the entire state tonight.

Cut 7 (09) “…to the coast.”

With temperatures taking a frigid turn tonight, some communities are opening up warming shelters. In Lafayette, the Dupuis Recreation Center is opening for homeless people and people who lack adequate heat inside their homes. The warming center will remain open until Friday, when temperatures will rise back above freezing.

A second inmate has died this month at the medium security federal prison in Pollock. 26-year-old Artavius Burnett was found unresponsive yesterday morning. This is the fourth death at the facility in Grant Parish since last fall.

The Public Service Commission votes to strip Davante Lewis of his vice chairmanship and install Eric Skrmetta into that role. The vote was three to two, right down party lines. The move comes after Lewis directed vulgar language towards Governor Landry on social media. During public comment prior to the vote, liberal activist Melissa Flournoy says Lewis’ social media post was no reason to strip him of his leadership role.

Cut 12 (12) “…the vice chair.”

For the seventh consecutive year, the Humane Society of Louisiana is running a program that allows the public to adopt horses used in Mardi Gras parades. H-S-L board member Rena Sweeney says the adoption program keeps the horses from possibly being slaughtered after the carnival season….

Cut 9 (10)  “…just over 120 horses.”

LRN PM Newscall February 19

Spring is right around the corner, but Louisiana is getting one more blast for arctic weather. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Bill Jacquemin”

___________________________________________________

Democrat Davante Lewis is no longer the vice chairman of the Public Service Commission after using a vulgar slang on social medial towards Governor Jeff Landry.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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CBS News contributor and Louisiana native David Begnaud is launching a storytelling initiative highlighting college students who exemplify kindness, resilience, and community impact. Begnaud introduced his vision to representatives from Louisiana’s public and private colleges.

Cut 3 (12) “…for someone else.” 

Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed praised the project, emphasizing the opportunity to showcase students’ impactful work.

Cut 4 (12) “…first in this project.”

Begnaud, passionate about celebrating Louisiana’s people, encourages students to nominate peers who are making a meaningful impact. Begnaud says the initiative seeks stories that inspire and unite.

Cut 5 (09) “…makes storytelling memorable.”

Know a student with an extraordinary story? Nominate them by emailing deardavid@cbsnews.com.

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Brace yourself – brutally cold weather is coming back tonight. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says that will especially be the case in North Louisiana.

Cut 6 (07) “…across northern Louisiana.”

Grymes says while it will be coldest in North Louisiana, it will dip below freezing across the entire state tonight.

Cut 7 (09) “…to the coast.”

However, Grymes says we should not see a string of days on end of subfreezing temperatures.

Cut 8 (08) “…during the daytime.”

______________________________________________________________

For seventh consecutive year, the Humane Society of Louisiana is running a program that allows the public to adopt horses used in Mardi Gras parades.  H-S-L board member Rena Sweeney says the adoption program keeps the horses from possible being slaughtered after the carnival season….

Cut 9 (10)  “…just over 120 horses.”

As of now there are 19 horses available for adoption and interest is already high. Sweeney says adoption fees range from $650 to $1,500 and the horses ill likely need training.

Cut 10 (08) “…take into consideration.”

Sweeney says photos of the horses up for adoption are available at Mardi-gras-horses-dot-com.

Cut 11 (12) “…for their family.”

___________________________________________________________

The Public Service Commission votes to strip Davante Lewis of his vice chairmanship and install Eric Skrmetta into that role. The vote was three to two, right down party lines. The move comes after Lewis directed vulgar language towards Governor Landry on social media. During public comment prior to the vote, liberal activist Melissa Flournoy says Lewis’ should not be punished for his social media post.

Cut 12 (12) “…the vice chair.”

Lewis defended himself, saying he was not going to apologize for his remarks.

Cut 13 (10)  “…sand to me.”

Lewis, who is the lone black member on the PSC, said stripping him of his leadership role reeks of racism.

Cut 14 (09) “…you to do.”

Chairman Mike Francis said the decision to hold a vote to strip Lewis of his leadership role was his and his alone.

Lewis used an expletive towards Landry in response to the governor posting on “X” that new Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy was a major upgrade over his predecessor from the Biden administration.

230 LRN Newscast

Democrat Davante Lewis is no longer the vice chairman of the Public Service Commission after using a vulgar slang on social medial towards Governor Jeff Landry.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

St. Tammany Parish deputies arrested three suspected meth dealers in two days. On Feb. 11, Henry Gaines, 30, was stopped for traffic violations, and a K-9 unit found half a pound of meth. The next day, a search at Gary Armond Jr. and Paula Jacobson’s home uncovered over a pound of meth, pills, and paraphernalia.

 

 

CBS News contributor and Louisiana native David Begnaud is launching a storytelling initiative highlighting college students who exemplify kindness, resilience, and community impact.  Begnaud, passionate about celebrating Louisiana’s people, encourages students to nominate peers who are making a meaningful impact. Begnaud says the initiative seeks stories that inspire and unite.

Cut 5 (09) “…makes storytelling memorable.”

Know a student with an extraordinary story? Nominate them by emailing deardavid@cbsnews.com.

Brace yourself – brutally cold weather is coming back tonight. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says while it will be coldest in North Louisiana, it will dip below freezing across the entire state tonight.

Cut 7 (09) “…to the coast.”