6:45 LRN Sportscast

Nearly a disastrous loss for the top ranked LSU baseball team last night as the Tigers fell behind seven to one in the third inning to North Dakota State who has just one win on the year. But the Tigers fought back and ended up beating the Bison 11 to nine. Coach Jay Johnson says he knew North Dakota State would be tougher than their one and ten record…

Cut 16 (16) “…of the game today”

Shortstop Steven Milam’s two-run double in the eighth inning snapped a nine-nine tie. Reliever Zac Cowan threw 2.2 innings out of the bullpen to get the win. Casan Evans earned his third save.

The Saints have released Jamaal Williams after two unproductive seasons in New Orleans.

Some blow outs in college baseball yesterday. Louisiana Tech blanked Nicholls 19 to nothing. Northwestern State LeTourneau 18 to 1, and McNeese beat Dillard 19 to 6 in seven innings. ULM was losing to third ranked Arkansas ten to one when the game was suspended in the seventh inning because of inclement weather. The game will resume at 2 PM today in Fayetteville.

Last night marked an end of a career for ULM men’s basketball coach Keith Richard as the Warhawks lost in overtime to U-L Lafayette in the opening round of the Sun Belt Tournament 73 to 69. Richard is retiring. The Cajuns advance to play Old Dominion tonight at 7:30.

The LSU men’s basketball team suffered a blowout loss to Kentucky 95 to 64. Just one more regular season game left for the Tigers who are now 3 and 14 in the SEC.

At the girls high school state basketball tournament…semi-final action….Lafayette Christian, Oak Grove, Bell City, Fairview and Wossman were all winners.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana Republican U-S Senator John Kennedy says President Donald Trump gave federal lawmakers a blueprint last night in his speech to a joint session of Congress. Kennedy says it’s now up to Congress to get rid of wasteful spending, renew tax cuts, rebuild the military and secure the border.

Several federal employees laid off by Elon Musk’s Doge unit were in the House Chamber for Trump’s address. Chante Powell an auditor at the USDA in New Orleans was Congressman Troy Carter’s guest. Powell says she was there to put a face to the effects of widespread layoffs by Trump and Musk. She says losing her job has turned her life upside down.

Cut 10 (14) “…that as well.”

With Mardi Gras over, Christians in Louisiana and all over the world are celebrating Ash Wednesday today, the start of Lent. This year, the hearts of Christians are with Pope Francis as he continues to battle major health issues. Christian talk show host Teresa Tomeo (TOM-ee-oh) says this year is a reversal of sorts.

Cut 7 (13) “…him in prayer.”

Tomeo says it’s a somber day at the Vatican not having Pope Francis lead prayers this Ash Wednesday.

Now that Mardi Gras is over, state lawmakers will begin to focus on the 2025 legislative session that begins next month. Auto insurance reform will be a hot topic. Plaquemine Representative and vice-chairman of the House Insurance Committee, Chad Brown, says lawmakers have listened to insurance companies on what needs to be changed but some suggestions don’t make sense.

Cut 14 (10) “…out of line.”

LRN AM Newscall Update….Updating the title for Harlon Pearce in Cut 4

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lenten Season, and many Catholics around the state traditionally abstain from meat on Fridays and opt for seafood instead. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (26) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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With today being Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent, the hearts of all Catholics are with Pope Francis. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Many federal workers who lost their jobs were in the gallery for President Trump’s speech last night. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Today marks the beginning of Lent, a season when many Catholics traditionally abstain from meat on Fridays and opt for seafood instead. Gulf Seafood Institute Chairman Harlon Pearce says this year’s seafood supply is strong, with crawfish in abundance.

Cut 4 (07) “…after Mardi Gras.”

Gulf shrimp and crab are also in good shape. Pearce says softshell crab will be in season in a few weeks, providing plenty of options for those observing Lenten traditions.

Cut 5 (03) “…that’s for sure.”

Pearce says you cant go wrong with Louisiana wild-caught catfish, and he emphasizes its quality and availability, encouraging more people to consider it as a delicious alternative.

Cut 6 (04) “…the catfish.”

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With Mardi Gras over, Christians in Louisiana and all over the world are celebrating Ash Wednesday today, the start of Lent. This year, the hearts of Christians are with Pope Francis as he continues to battle major health issues. Christian talk show host Teresa Tomeo (TOM-ee-oh) says this year is a reversal of sorts.

Cut 7 (13) “…him in prayer.”

Tomeo says it’s going to be very somber at the Vatican not having Pope Francis lead prayers this Ash Wednesday.  

Cut 8 (08) “…Christian church calendar.”

Tomeo says for the time being, several Cardinals are taking turns leading the Catholic church while Pope Francis recovers.  

Cut 9 (09)  “…the best still.”

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Many former federal employees who were laid off by Elon Musk’s DOGE unit were in the House chambers watching President Trump’s address to the joint session of Congress last night. Among them was Chante Powell, who up until last month was an auditor at the USDA in New Orleans. She was a guest of her congressman, Troy Carter. Powell says she was there to put a face to the effects of widespread layoffs by Trump and Musk. She says losing her job has turned her life upside down.

Cut 10 (14) “…that as well.”

Congressman Carter says letting Powell go is the complete opposite of what DOGE is trying to do.

Cut 11 (15) “…as an auditor.”

Meanwhile, Powell says her new full-time job is to find a new full-time job.

Cut 12 (05) “…something comes through.”

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Louisiana’s upcoming legislative session plans to address rising insurance costs by passing legal reforms. Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown, the vice chairman of the Insurance Committee, says a lot was passed on property insurance in the last session.

Cut 13 (11)  “…those will work.”

Brown says when looking at auto insurance, lawmakers have listened to insurance companies on what needs to be changed for companies to return to the state but says some suggestions don’t make sense.

Cut 14 (10) “…out of line.”

Brown says Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple isn’t going to constrain companies from making bigger profits.

Cut 15 (09) “…into the state.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

Despite the threat of severe weather, there is some serious Mardi Gras partying going on in New Orleans’ French Quarter.

Cut 13 (03)  “…Mardi Gras.”

Security is ramped up following the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street. This woman rode a float in the Mid-City parade and revelers are happy that the terrorist attack did not take away Mardi Gras this year…

Cut 14 (07) “…feels safe.”

Louisiana Tech’s College of Business now offers students and faculty access to nine Bloomberg Terminals, professional-grade financial data and analytics tools. Associate Dean Dr. William McCumber says the Bloomberg Terminals allow students to gain hands-on experience with professional level tools.

Cut 8 (08) “…business opportunity.”

Anyone with Louisiana Tech credentials can create a Bloomberg profile and utilize this resource.

President Trump has imposed 25-percent tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico. Senator Bill Cassidy says he agrees with the tariffs against Mexico, saying it’s a way to get them to crack down on drug cartels and illegal immigration. However, Cassidy says he wants assurances from the White House that the price of big-ticket items like cars won’t go up.

Cut 11 (10) “…for my people.”

Congressman Mike Johnson will be sitting directly behind President Trump as House Speakers customarily do as Trump addresses a joint session of Congress tonight. Johnson says Trump has so many accomplishments in his first 43 days back in office that he can tout tonight.

Cut 3 (13) “…much to celebrate.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Top ranked LSU baseball team begins a two-game midweek series against North Dakota State tonight. Tigers right-handed pitcher Casan Evans was named the Southeastern Conference co-freshman of the week. The Houston product recorded a save against nationally ranked Dallas Baptist and got the win in Friday’s extra innings victory over Kansas State. Evans was also a very good high school shortstop, but he’s only focusing on pitching at LSU….

Cut 19 (11) “…easier now.”

LSU should not have much trouble beating the Bison as they have only one win on the season.

In women’s hoops, LSU’s Big 3 were all named first-team All SEC performers. Aneesah Morrow, Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams all average around 18 points a game. The Lady Tigers’ next game is Friday in the SEC Tourney.

The McNeese men’s basketball team finished off the regular season last night with a 95 to 64 win over Stephen F Austin. The Cowboys be the top seed in next week’s Southland Tournament in Lake Charles.

Northwestern State is the four seed and has a first round bye after beating UIW 73 to 57. Second year Demons head coach Rick Cabrera said on ESPN-plus they finally put two halves together…

Cut 29 (14) “…we did”

Southeastern Louisiana and Nicholls both lost yesterday. Grambling lost its third straight, falling to Bethune Cookman 78 to 71.

Tonight, the LSU men’s basketball team begins the final week of the regular season by visiting 16th ranked Kentucky. The Tigers have lost three in a row.

The Pelicans visit the Lakers. The Pels are 4-and-2 since the All-Star Break. L-A is six and one. Tip off is at 9:30.

4:30 PM Newscast March 4

Senator Bill Cassidy is reacting to the tariffs that President Trump has imposed on Canada and Mexico. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson will be sitting directly behind President Trump as the president addresses a joint session of Congress tonight. Johnson says Trump has many accomplishments in his first 43 days back in office that he can tout tonight.

Cut 3 (13) “…much to celebrate.”

An Oil City Grandfather is arrested for battery on a peace officer after Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office says 70-year-old Gary Fenner attacked a resource officer at Northwood High School Tuesday morning. Shortly before Fenner arrived at the school to check out his grandson, it had been placed on lockdown due to a possible tornado. Deputy Nunnery reportedly informed Fenner that he could not release the student during a lockdown and Fenner allegedly charged at Nunnery with an umbrella and threatened to kill the deputy. Fenner was tased but got up and attempted to fight Nunnery.

Louisiana Tech’s College of Business now offers students and faculty access to nine Bloomberg Terminals.  Associate Dean Dr. William McCumber says integrating the Terminals into the curriculum will better prepare students for careers in business as they provide real-time financial data, analytics, and research essential for understanding complex business environments.

Cut 7 (15) “…remarkable for research.”

3:30 PM Newscast March 4

The threat of severe weather has not slowed the Fat Tuesday celebration in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Deputy has been arrested for cruelty to a juvenile. State Police say their investigation found 2 separate occasions where 28-year-old Matthew Frost of Lafayette committed the crime against a single victim last June. The investigation is ongoing, but Frost was arrested Monday and booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on 2 counts of felony cruelty to a juvenile.

Today President Trump imposed 25-percent tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico. Senator Bill Cassidy says part of the reason is national security.

Cut 9 (09)  “…a good thing.”

Cassidy says the tariffs are also meant to crack down on illegal border crossings. Canada and Mexico have each reacted by imposing tariffs of their own against the United States.

President Trump addresses a joint session of Congress tonight. House Speaker Mike Johnson says there’s much to celebrate with multiple accomplishments since the president took office and he says Republicans’ message is resonating with the American people.

Cut 4 (10) “…see similar numbers.”

LRN PM Newscall March 4

Senator Bill Cassidy is reacting to the tariffs that President Trump has imposed on Canada and Mexico. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The threat of severe weather has not slowed the Fat Tuesday celebration in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Congressman Mike Johnson will be sitting directly behind President Trump as House Speakers customarily do as Trump addresses a joint session of Congress tonight. Johnson says Trump has so many accomplishments in his first 43 days back in office that he can tout tonight.

Cut 3 (13) “…much to celebrate.” 

Johnson says the Republicans’ message is resonating with the American people.

Cut 4 (10) “…see similar numbers.”

Johnson says soon, the American people will reap the benefits of the Republican agenda.

Cut 5 (11) “…along the way.”

Johnson says while it may be too early to talk about the 2026 midterm elections, he feels very confident that Republicans can grow their majority, even in the face of history that almost always dictates that the president’s party loses seats in midterm elections.

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Louisiana Tech’s College of Business now offers students and faculty access to nine Bloomberg Terminals, professional-grade financial data and analytics tools.  Associate Dean Dr. William McCumber says four of them are accessible 24/7 in common areas and five of them are in Ray’s Financial Trading Room, where Student Managed Investment Fund analysts train.

Cut 6 (11) “…around the globe.”

McCumber says integrating Bloomberg Terminals into the curriculum will better prepare students for careers in business, and he says these terminals provide real-time financial data, analytics, and research essential for understanding complex business environments.

Cut 7 (15) “…remarkable f0r research.”

McCumber says the Bloomberg Terminals allow students to gain hands-on experience with professional level tools

Cut 8 (08) “…business opportunity.”

Faculty and students can use Bloomberg data for research, portfolio management, and coursework. Anyone with Louisiana Tech credentials can create a Bloomberg profile and utilize this resource.

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Today President Trump imposed 25-percent tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico. Senator Bill Cassidy says part of the reason is national security.

Cut 9 (09)  “…a good thing.”

Cassidy says as a result, cartels are feeling pressure that they have not felt. Cassidy says the tariffs are also meant to crack down on illegal border crossings.

Cut 10 (14) “…helping with that.”

At the same time, however, Cassidy says he wants assurances from the White House that the price of big-ticket items like cars won’t go up.

Cut 11 (10) “…for my people.”

Canada and Mexico have each reacted by imposing tariffs of their own against the United States.

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The early start to the Mardi Gras parades and the threat of stormy weather has not dampened the spirits of revelers on this Fat Tuesday in New Orleans. Large crowds were on hand for the Zulu and Rex parades. Mayor LaToya Cantrell says it’s great to see…

Cut 12 (13) “…on today.”

Despite the threat of severe weather, the there is some serious partying going on in the New Orleans French Quarter. This woman is having a good time and is not concerned about the weather…

Cut 13 (03)  “…Mardi Gras.”

Security for Mardi Gras 2025 in New Orleans was ramped up following the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street. This woman rode a float in the Mid-City parade and revelers are happy that the terrorist attack did not take away Mardi Gras this year…

Cut 14 (07) “…feels safe.”

2:30 PM Newscast March 4

Senator Bill Cassidy is reacting to the tariffs that President Trump has imposed on Canada and Mexico. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

President Trump will address a joint session of Congress tonight. House Speaker Mike Johnson says Trump has many accomplishments in his first 43 days back in office that he can tout tonight and he says soon, the American people will reap the benefits of the Republican agenda.

Cut 5 (09) “…all of us ran on.”

Louisiana Tech’s College of Business now offers students and faculty access professional-grade financial data and analytics tools with nine Bloomberg Terminals.  Associate Dean Dr. William McCumber says four of them are accessible 24/7 in common areas and five of them are in Ray’s Financial Trading Room, where Student Managed Investment Fund analysts train.

Cut 6 (11) “…around the globe.”

Anyone with Louisiana Tech credentials can create a Bloomberg profile and access the resource.

The threat of stormy weather may have altered Mardi Gras parade plans but it has not dampened the spirits of revelers on this Fat Tuesday in New Orleans. Large crowds were on hand for the Zulu and Rex parades. Mayor LaToya Cantrell says it’s great to see…

Cut 12 (13) “…on today.”

1:30 LRN Newscast

A very strong line of thunderstorms is making its way through Louisiana at this hour. The line stretches from southwest to northeast Louisiana and the Alexandria area just experienced some heavy rainfall.

In New Orleans, it’s a Fat Tuesday celebration with heightened security as a result of the New Year’s Day Bourbon Street attack. This woman rode on the Mid-City parade…

Cut 14 (07) “…feels safe”

Twenty-five percent tariffs went into effect on Canada and Mexico today. Economists say the new tariffs could lead to higher prices for American consumers. But President Donald Trump says the tariffs will encourage manufacturing in the United States and force Canada and Mexico to do more to prevent illegal border crossings. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy…

Cut 10 (14) “….Mexico is helping with that”

Mexico and Canada say they will respond with their own tariffs on American products that are imported into their countries.

House Speaker Mike Johnson of Bossier Parish will sit directly behind President Trump tonight when he addresses a joint session of Congress. Johnson says the President has a lot to talk about it…

Cut 3 (13) “…much to celebrate.”

Trump’s address to Congress will begin at 8 PM.

Louisiana Tech says its College of Business students now have access to Blomberg Terminals, the same data, software and tools used by the world’s leading business and financial decision makers. Associate Dean Doctor William McCumber says the Bloomberg Terminals allow students to gain hands-on experience with professional level tools…

Cut 8 (08) “…business opportunity”

McCumber says these terminals provide real-time financial data, analytics, and research essential for understanding complex business environments.