11:30 LRN Newscast

The McNeese State Cowboys are the story of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The 12th seeded Cowboys upset fifth seeded Clemson 69 to 67 yesterday. It’s the Pokes first NCAA Tournament win and they advance to play Purdue in the second round. Junior guard Quadir Copeland says they don’t plan to stop dancing anytime soon…

Cut 15 (06) “…not the goal”

Governor Landry said on social media this week that he had a productive call with the NHL about bringing a professional hockey team to New Orleans.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

 

Congressman Clay Higgins will not run for Senator Bill Cassidy’s seat in 2026. In an open letter posted on his Facebook page, Higgins said he feels best suited to remain in the House to advance President Trump’s agenda. Pearson Cross, who teaches American politics at ULM, says one hurdle for Higgins was his ability to fundraise at the level needed to win a seat in the Senate.

Cut 9 (09) “…price was too high.”

Cassidy announced in January he had six-point-five million dollars in cash on hand for his re-election bid.

The Humane Society of Louisiana and the Mississippi Animal Project are hosting a supply drive to aid those impacted by last weekend’s EF-2 and EF-3 tornadoes in Tylertown, Mississippi. With no public animal shelter in Walthall County, HSLA Director Jeff Dorson says you can help…

Cut 10 (10) “…those in need.”

Supply donations can be dropped off at Humane Society of Louisiana headquarters in Gretna.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Landry and Congressman Steve Scalise met with NHL executives this week to urge them to award New Orleans an expansion franchise. Skeptics may point to the fact that New Orleans is not a big media market. Scalise points out that a city very similar to New Orleans in both size and stature has made the NHL a must-see attraction there.

Cut 6 (12) “…in the desert.”

The Humane Society of Louisiana and the Mississippi Animal Project are hosting a supply drive to help those affected by the tornadoes in Tylertown, Mississippi. HSLA Director Jeff Dorson says you can donate pet food of all types during its Easter Bunny Spring Market and Bake Sale.

Cut 11 (12) “…can’t miss it.”

Congressman Clay Higgins says in an open letter that he will not challenge Bill Cassidy for his Senate seat. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A teacher in Rapides Parish is charged with child abuse. 43-year-old Angela Hoosier of Deville is charged with three counts of cruelty to juveniles. The sheriff’s office did not provide any details of the abuse or the age or gender of the victim. It did say the incidents likely did not occur on school property, and the victim was not one of her students.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Congressman Clay Higgins will not run for Senator Bill Cassidy’s seat in 2026. In an open letter posted on his Facebook page, Higgins said he feels best suited to remain in the House to advance President Trump’s agenda. Pearson Cross, who teaches American politics at ULM, says one hurdle for Higgins was his ability to fundraise at the level needed to win a seat in the Senate.

Cut 9 (09) “…price was too high.”

The Humane Society of Louisiana and the Mississippi Animal Project are hosting a supply drive to aid those impacted by the recent tornadoes in Tylertown, Mississippi. The HSLA is collecting donations during its Easter Bunny Spring Market and Bake Sale tomorrow. Director Jeff Dorson says if you don’t live near Gretna, you can also make a monetary donation.

Cut 12 (07) “…on your behalf.”

The McNeese Cowboys have made history! For the first time in men’s basketball program history, the Cowboys have won an NCAA Tournament game. The Midwest Region’s 12th seed held on at the end for a 69-67 win over the region’s fifth seed, Clemson. Senior forward Christian Shumate says it’s surreal.

Cut 13 (07)  “…really did happen.”

McNeese faces Purdue tomorrow in the second round.

Another pitch on behalf of New Orleans to the NHL – this time, it’s Governor Landry and Congressman Steve Scalise meeting with league officials about a potential expansion team to the Big Easy. The Metairie Congressman says having the NHL in New Orleans would boost tourism.

Cut 5 (09) “…more as well.”

At this time, it’s unclear when – or if – the NHL will expand beyond its current 32 teams.

8:30 LRN Newscast

McNeese men’s basketball made history yesterday as the Cowboys won their first NCAA Tournament game, holding on to upset fifth-seeded Clemson 69-67. McNeese is now the Cinderella story of March Madness and Coach Will Wade says it’s a game changer for the university…

Cut 14 (08) “…changes everything”

McNeese will try to get to the Sweet 16 as they will face Purdue on Saturday.

U.S. Representative Clay Higgins says he will not run for Senator Bill Cassidy’s seat in 2026.  Higgins says he carefully considered a Senate bid as polls show Republicans are interested in him running for U-S Senate. But Higgins says he decided to remain in the House to focus on advancing the President’s agenda. Pearson Cross teaches politics at ULM and says Higgins would have been a viable candidate…

Cut 7 (12) “…than the Senate.”

Governor Jeff Landry has signed an executive order to fix the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. In a social media post, Landry said outdated software is causing crippling delays for the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles and it’s no longer acceptable.  It’s unclear how the State of Emergency will lead to a more efficient O-M-V.

Governor Landry also said on social media this week that he had a productive call with the NHL as they continue discussing the prospect of a professional hockey team in New Orleans.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

7:30 LRN Newscast

For the first time ever, the McNeese men’s basketball team has won an NCAA Tournament game. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The National Transportation Safety Board identifies eight bridges in Louisiana that are at unknown level of risk of collapse if struck by an ocean-going vessel. The report was released in response to last year’s collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Among the bridges listed in Louisiana, I-10 bridge in Baton Rouge. I-210 in Lake Charles, Crescent City Connection in NOLA, Huey P Long Bridge in Jefferson Parish and the Sunshine Bridge in Donaldsonville.

Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins announces he will not challenge U-S Senator Bill Cassidy and run for his seat next year. Higgins says despite polls showing there’s a vast majority of Louisiana Republicans want him to run for the Senate, he believes he would be more beneficial as a senior Republican in the House. Pearson Cross teaches politics at ULM and says Cassidy’s vote to confirm Robert F Kennedy as U-S Health Secretary makes him less vulnerable…

Cut 8 (07) “…RFK’s nomination”

Cassidy still faces a challenge from his own party, as State Treasurer John Fleming will challenge Cassidy in the Republican Party Primary.

Louisiana continues to make its case to the NHL that New Orleans can be home to a professional hockey team. Congressman Steve Scalise was on a call with Governor Landry and NHL officials this week…

Cut 4 (11) “….world class events”

It’s unknown if the NHL believes New Orleans is a viable city for an expansion franchise.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

McNeese men’s basketball made history yesterday as the Cowboys won their first NCAA Tournament game, holding on to upset fifth-seeded Clemson 69-67. McNeese is now the Cinderella story of March Madness and Coach Will Wade says it’s a game changer for the university…

Cut 14 (08) “…changes everything”

McNeese will try to get to the Sweet 16 as they will face Purdue on Saturday.

The 2nd ranked LSU baseball team begins a big SEC series against 8th ranked Texas tonight in Austin. LSU as a team is third in the country in hitting with a team batting average of .345. Coach Jay Johnson says the offense reminds him of 2023 national title team…

Cut 16 (25) “….on track”

Running back John Emery wants to play one more year of college football. It would be his seventh. Emery was on the Tigers 2019 national championship team. Since then he played the Covid year, missed a year because of academics and last season only played one game as he tore his ACL in practice. It’s unknown if Emery will play at LSU as the Tigers have four scholarship running backs and could have a fifth if Trey Holly returns.

In other college baseball this weekend…ULM hosts 19th ranked Southern Miss. The Cajuns are at South Alabama, La Tech begins Conference USA play by visiting Sam Houston. The Bearkats are just 6-15. Southeastern Louisiana has won six in a row and the Lions host McNeese. Northwestern State visits UNO.

The Pelicans have another game in Minnesota tonight after upsetting the Timberwolves on Wednesday and the Southern women’s basketball team will take on top-seeded UCLA in the women’s basketball tournament.

 

6:30 LRN Newscast March 21

U-S Representative Clay Higgins says in an open letter that he will not challenge Bill Cassidy for his Senate seat. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Governor Jeff Landry says in a move that will deliver cost savings, he’s moving the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness under the Louisiana National Guard. Landry says this will also result in the state relying more on the National Guard to strengthen the state’s resilience. Louisiana National Guard Brigadier General Jason Mahfouz will serve as interim director.

 

The McNeese State Cowboys are the story of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The 12th seeded Cowboys upset fifth seeded Clemson 69 to 67 yesterday. It’s the Pokes first NCAA Tournament win and they advance to play Purdue in the second round. Junior guard Quadir Copeland says they don’t plan to stop dancing anytime soon…

Cut 15 (06) “…not the goal”

Louisiana officials have spoken with the NHL about bringing professional hockey to New Orleans. Congressman Steve Scalise and Governor Jeff Landry had a discussion with NHL leaders this week. Scalise says if hockey can be successful in Las Vegas, it can also be successful on the Bayou…

Cut 6 (12) “…in the desert”

At this time it’s unknown if the NHL is seriously interested in having a a team in New Orleans.

LRN AM Newscall March 21

Louisiana sends its heavy hitters to continue the push for an NHL team in New Orleans. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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U-S Representative Clay Higgins says in an open letter that he will not challenge Bill Cassidy for his Senate seat. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

For the first time ever, the McNeese men’s basketball team has won an NCAA Tournament game. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Another pitch on behalf of New Orleans to the NHL – this time, it’s Governor Landry and Congressman Steve Scalise meeting with league officials about a potential expansion team to the Big Easy. The Metairie Congressman says New Orleans would be a great addition to the league.

Cut 4 (11) “…world class events.”

Scalise says having the NHL in New Orleans would also boost tourism.

Cut 5 (09) “…more as well.”

Skeptics may point to the fact that New Orleans is not a big media market. If the NHL ever does come to New Orleans, it would be the league’s second smallest U.S. market, ahead of only Buffalo. Scalise points out that a city very similar to New Orleans in both size and stature has made the NHL a must-see attraction.

Cut 6 (12) “…in the desert.”

By doing so, Las Vegas was able to do something that Phoenix – a market also in the desert that’s much bigger – was unable to do in more than 25 years, culminating with that city’s team folding. Scalise points out that Atlanta, a major market which is also vying for an NHL franchise, has had two previous NHL teams, both of which ended up relocating to Canada.

______________________________________________________

U.S. Representative Clay Higgins says he will not run for Senator Bill Cassidy’s seat in 2026.  Higgins says he carefully considered a Senate bid as polls show Republicans are interested in him running for U-S Senate. But Higgins says he decided to remain in the House to focus on advancing the MAGA America First agenda. Pearson Cross teaches politics at ULM and says Higgins would have been a viable candidate…

Cut 7 (12) “…than the Senate.”

Higgins’ decision paves the way for Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming to challenge Cassidy from the right. Cassidy, a moderate Republican, faces uncertainty in his reelection bid, but Cross says Cassidy’s vote to approve Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services Secretary could give Cassidy an advantage appealing to more MAGA Conservatives.

Cut 8 (07) “…RFK’s nomination.”

Cross says another hurdle for Higgins is fundraising and to what extent he’d be able to fundraise at the levels needed for a U.S. Senate seat.

Cut 9 (09) “…price was too high.”

______________________________________________________

The Humane Society of Louisiana and the Mississippi Animal Project are hosting a supply drive to aid those impacted by the recent EF-2 and EF-3 tornadoes in Tylertown, Mississippi. With no public animal shelter in Walthall County, HSLA Director Jeff Dorson says you can help…

Cut 10 (10) “…those in need.”

Dorson says HSLA is collecting donations during its Easter Bunny Spring Market and Bake Sale.

Cut 11 (12) “…can’t miss it.”

Dorson says supporters can also contribute through donations at humane-l-a-dot-org.

Cut 12 (07) “…on your behalf.”

______________________________________________________

The McNeese Cowboys have made history! For the first time in men’s basketball program history, the Cowboys have won an NCAA Tournament game. The Midwest Region’s 12th seed led Clemson 31-13 at halftime and held on at the end for a 69-67 win over the region’s fifth seed. Senior forward Christian Shumate says it’s surreal.

Cut 13 (07)  “…really did happen.”

Head coach Will Wade says the exposure that the NCAA Tournament provides is invaluable to both the school and the City of Lake Charles.

Cut 14 (08) “…changes everything.”

Junior guard Quadir Copeland had lost to Clemson four times while at Syracuse before getting his first win over the Tigers with McNeese. Copeland says he’s looking forward to a huge welcome home celebration upon returning to Lake Charles, but he wants to do so with more basketball to play.

Cut 15 (06) “…not the goal.”

But to achieve the goal of going to the Sweet 16 in Indianapolis, McNeese will have to beat Purdue tomorrow. The fourth-seeded Boilermakers beat High Point yesterday, 75-63.

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The second-ranked LSU puts its 16-game winning streak on the line tonight as they begin a three-game series against eighth-ranked Texas. The Tigers enter the series with a team batting average of .345. Coach Jay Johnson says the offense reminds him of what he saw in 2023 when the Tigers won a national championship…

Cut 16 (25) “…on track.”

Texas is 17-and-2 and just had its 17-game winning streak snapped on Tuesday with an extra inning loss to UTSA. The Longhorns team ERA is 3.22, tenth best in the country.

The Tigers have five players hitting.367 or higher. Daniel Dickinson is hitting .368 and gives credit to his mom’s camera work for helping him with his swing…

Cut 17 (22)  “…feeling out my swing.”

The Tigers enter with a strength of schedule ranked 254th. They’ve only played two teams with a winning record. Texas is 17-and-2 and big crowds are expected in Austin. Dickinson can’t wait…

Cut 18 (22)  “…backyard.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

The McNeese men’s basketball team has made history. The 12th-seeded Cowboys have won their first-ever NCAA Tournament game, holding on at the end to beat fifth-seeded Clemson, 69-67. Head Coach Will Wade says it’s a good thing that McNeese jumped out to a big first half lead.

Cut 25 (07) “…just phenomenal.”

It doesn’t get any easier for McNeese – they face Purdue in the second round.

A red flag warning is in effect for most of South Louisiana, along with Alexandria. High winds and low humidity are increasing the chances of fires spreading out of control. Thus, you should refrain from all outdoor burning, and LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says there are other things you should not be doing.

Cut 5 (12) “…into the grass.”

Baton Rouge Police arrested the man they say fatally shot an employee of Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center in the hospital’s parking lot yesterday. Officers arrested 60-year-old Roland Domino on the Mississippi River Bridge as he was contemplating suicide. The victim, 58-year-old Patricia Jackson, was brought back into the hospital, but she did not survive. Chuck Spicer is the president of Our Lady of the Lake.

Cut 11 (11) “…for being here”

A St. Tammany Parish school teacher is arrested for allegedly paying students to send him sexually explicit photos. Sheriff’s Lieutenant Suzanne Carboni says some of the students in the photos that Jarvis Harry allegedly had in his possession have been identified…

Cut 8 (10) “…contact us.”

UPDATED 4:45 LRN Sportscast ***Adds McNeese story***

The McNeese men’s basketball team has made history. The 12th-seeded Cowboys have won their first-ever NCAA Tournament game, holding on at the end to beat fifth-seeded Clemson, 69-67. Brandon Murray led the way for McNeese off the bench with 21 points in the win. McNeese becomes the latest in a long list of 12-seeds in NCAA history to beat a five-seed. It doesn’t get any easier for McNeese – they face Purdue in the second round.

The LSU football team has received a verbal commitment from a five-star recruit from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. 24-7 sports ranks Tristen Keys as the top wide receiver in the country for the Class of 2026. Keys also had offers from Tennessee, Alabama and Texas A-and-M.

Former five-star running back John Emery says he will play college football again next season. It would be Emery’s seventh season after spending the last six years at LSU. He suffered season-ending injuries the last two years. It’s unknown if Emery will return to LSU or play somewhere else next season.

Former Troy head coach Phil Cunningham has been introduced as the new head coach at ULM. Cunningham says the Warhawks will need to bring in talented players to compete in the Sun Belt, and the 56-year-old says he’s learned from the best when it comes to recruiting…

Cut 17 (20)  “…as anybody”.”

Cunningham was an assistant coach for Lefty Driesell at James Madison and Georgia State. He spent 12 seasons as an assistant coach at Mississippi State

The second-ranked LSU baseball team takes its 16-game winning streak to Texas where they’ll begin a three-game series against the eighth-ranked Longhorns. Texas had its 17-game winning streak snapped on Tuesday with a 12-inning loss to U-T-S-A.