1:30 PM LRN Newscast

The Supreme Court has struck down most of President Trump’s tariffs. In a 6-to-3 decision, the court ruled that Trump did not have the broad authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs without congress. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says while many of the tariffs were ultimately passed onto the consumer, there were some direct importers who paid the tariffs and took possession of those tariffed goods.

Cut 5 (12) “…to a refund.”

A new report shows Louisiana’s job growth and wage growth improved last year. The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry report says the state added almost 20,000 nonfarm jobs between August 2024 and August 2025 ranking 24th among the states. LABI also says wages improved by just over 3 ½ percent which also brought the state up to 24th place in that category.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser continues his crusade against litter. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

 

We’re looking at a couple days of warm weather, but LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front will be coming in Sunday morning. And Monday morning will bring very cold temperatures.

Cut 10 (10) “…the upper 50s.”

Tuesday will be even colder but, then temperatures will start to pick back up again.

4:30 PM LRN Newscast

It’s still winter but for the next few days, it feels like late Spring. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says temperatures will plummet early Sunday when a cold front arrives. The coldest temperatures will come Tuesday morning.

Cut 11 (08) “…across the state.”

Keim says temperatures will rise again next Wednesday.

King cake season is over; seafood season is here. Samantha Carroll, the executive director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, says Lent is always a big time for the state’s seafood industry.

Cut 11 (10) “…and enjoying seafood.”

A new Senate poll could spell big problems for Bill Cassidy. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A Republican state representative has filed a trio of bills targeting carbon capture. The lead measure Pineville Representative Mike Johnson has filed is the Louisiana Landowners Protection Act, which would eliminate eminent domain for carbon capture projects. Johnson notes that eminent domain is an important tool for “public necessary purposes.”

Cut 6 (09) “…for that use.”

3:30 PM LRN Newscast

A Benton couple is facing charges for allegedly defrauding Medicaid and the SNAP program. The Attorney General’s office says Krystle Garcia and Cody Simmons defrauded the two programs for more than $126,000. The Louisiana Bureau of Investigations says Garcia underreported her income and failed to disclose that she was married to Simmons so she could qualify for the programs. She allegedly falsely told LDH that she lived with her children only. Investigators say Simmons participated in the fraud.

If you think your fellow Louisianan is a bad driver, statistics show you may be right. Using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the group Consumer Affairs ranks Louisiana as one of the worst states in the nation for fatal crashes. Spokesperson Dayna Edens says there are several contributing factors.

Cut 16 (08) “…under the influence.”

Louisianans will get a taste of both winter and spring over the next few days. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

A new Senate poll shows a very competitive Senate primary. The poll commissioned by the John Fleming campaign and conducted by JMC Analytics and Polling shows Fleming leading Julia Letlow and Bill Cassidy in a three-way race. Pollster John Couvillon says Fleming’s key to success has been his ability to consolidate Blake Miguez’s support after he exited the race in favor of a run for the fifth congressional district house seat.

Cut 4 (07) “…support and has.”

2:30 PM LRN Newscast

A new Senate poll shows could spell big trouble for the incumbent. The poll commissioned by the John Fleming campaign and conducted by JMC Analytics and Polling shows Fleming leading Julia Letlow and Bill Cassidy in a three-way race and Pollster John Couvillon says Cassidy has failed to move the needle in recent polls.

Cut 5 (13) “…the June runoff.”

Pineville Representative Mike Johnson has filed the Louisiana Landowners Protection Act, which would eliminate eminent domain for carbon capture projects. Johnson says while he has no reason to believe any private companies are looking to take private property through eminent domain for carbon capture projects, he wants to prevent that from becoming an option to them.

Cut 8 (06) “…available to them.”

Louisiana weather continues to prove its unpredictability this week. Even though it’s still winter, it will feel like late spring in the next few days. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the state could see record-high temps from now through Saturday.

Cut 9 (13)  “…in the 70s.”

“The Fighting Tiger,” a documentary released on the SEC Network, highlights legendary gymnastics coach D-D Breaux and how she built LSU’s program from the ground up and fought to keep it alive after several athletic directors threatened to cut the program. She once wrote a letter to then LSU Athletic Director Joe Dean, requesting better resources. Breaux says she will never forget the assistant athletic director’s response.

Cut 15 (13) “…you’re walking out.”

LSU gymnastics finally got support when Skip Bertman became athletic director in 2001.

1:30 PM LRN Newscast

A bill aimed at protecting property owners from eminent domain property seizure for carbon capture projects has been filed. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson filed the Louisiana Landowners Protection Act.

Cut 7 (11) “…projects are that.”

He says he has no reason to believe that any private companies are currently looking to take private property.

It may be February, but it feels like late Spring and LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the state could see record-high temps from now through Saturday, but he says temperatures across Louisiana will plummet early Sunday when a cold front arrives.

Cut 10 (13) “…in the 60s.”

Keim says temperatures will rise again next Wednesday.

A new Senate poll could spell big problems for Incumbent Bill Cassidy. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The I-10 merge just past the Mississippi River coming into Baton Rouge is infamous across the country but it may be getting better.  The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development are in the process of permanently closing the Washington Street exit which they say will create a safer merger for eastbound traffic. Work is expected to be wrapped up Sunday, and the ramp will be fully removed.

09:30 AM LRN Newscast

Louisiana has lost legendary civil rights leader and former president of Xavier University Dr. Norman C. Francis. He died early this morning at Ochsner Hospital. Francis led the only Catholic historically Black university in the country for almost 50 years and is credited with transforming Xavier into a standout institution for medical education. Francis also advised eight U.S. presidents and was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Dr. Francis was 94 years old.

We continue to get reaction to the death of iconic civil rights leader, Reverend Jesse Jackson who passed away yesterday at the age of 84. Sixth District Congressman Cleo Fields worked on Jackson’s Presidential campaigns in the 1980s and says he remembers one conversation in particular with Reverend Jackson.

Cut 9 (11)  “…impression on me.”

A growing number of school districts are moving to four-day weeks. David Claxton, the executive director of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents and Administrators, says 4-day schools will still be required to provide the same number of minutes of instruction per week. Claxton says Mondays may become non-school days in these districts.

Cut 12 (08) “…still in school.”

Starting today, SNAP recipients will no longer be able to use their cards to purchase soft drinks, energy drinks or candy. The state received a waiver from the federal officials that prevents SNAP recipients from using government assistance to purchase these items. Louisiana Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) hopes this change will result in SNAP recipients purchasing healthier

Cut 5 (10) “…breads and cereals.”

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

SNAP cards will no longer cover the purchase of soft drinks, energy drinks or candy. Louisiana Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) hopes this change will result in SNAP recipients purchasing healthier foods.

Cut 6 (08) “…it in moderation.”

Greenstein says they have informed SNAP recipients of the change that takes effect today.

Civil rights leader and Rainbow Coalition founder, Reverend Jesse Jackson passed away yesterday at the age of 84. Louisiana Congressman Cleo Fields says Reverend Jackson who was known for his “I am somebody” speeches, had the ability to galvanize people.

Cut 8 (08) “…excited about politics.”

In 2005, Jackson spoke on the steps of the state capitol in a rally to rebuild Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina

Some school districts are going to four-day weeks. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

There’s good news for those who fly from Shreveport to Orlando. Beginning in May, Allegiant Air will offer non-stop service. Mark Crawford, with the Shreveport Airport Authority, says depending on when you travel, you might be able to book each leg of your trip for less than a daily pass to Disney World.

Cut 15 (05) “…73 dollars one way.”

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

Starting today, there are new restrictions for SNAP recipients. Louisiana Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says the state received a waiver from federal officials that prevents SNAP recipients from using government assistance to purchase certain items.

Cut 4 (11) “…traditional candy bars.”

Greenstein hopes this change will result in SNAP recipients purchasing healthier foods.

Some Louisiana schools are moving to four-day work weeks. David Claxton, the executive director of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents and Administrators, says four-day schools will still have to adhere to the state law requiring 63,720 minutes of instruction time per school year.

Cut 11 (09) “…five-day week gets.”

Louisiana continues remembering a civil rights icon. Andre Champagne has more on the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Closer to home, Louisiana has lost legendary civil rights leader and former president of Xavier University Dr. Norman C. Francis. He died early this morning at Ochsner Hospital. Francis led the only Catholic historically Black university in the country for almost 50 years and is credited with transforming Xavier into a standout institution for medical education. Francis also advised eight U.S. presidents and was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Dr. Francis was 94 years old.

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

A growing number of school districts are moving to four-day weeks. David Claxton, the executive director of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents and Administrators, says this seems to be happening more in rural parishes, and money seems to be the biggest motivator.

Cut 10 (10) “…that way financially.”

Since 2012, the only time of year you were able to catch a non-stop flight on Allegiant Air from Shreveport to Orlando or vice-versa was during the summer months. But Mark Crawford, the airport business and development manager for the Shreveport Airport Authority, says that it will change this year.

Cut 13 (11)  “…throughout the year.”

Starting today, SNAP recipients will not be able to use their benefit cards to purchase soda, energy drinks or candy. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

We continue to get reaction to the death of Reverend Jesse Jackson. The iconic figure in our nation’s civil rights movement passed away yesterday at the age of 84. Congressman Cleo Fields says the founder and president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition made several trips to Louisiana.

Cut 7 (09) “…was just remarkable.”

9:30 LRN Newscast

A Baton Rouge businessman is looking to form a public-private partnership to buy Spirit Airlines and move its headquarters to New Orleans. John Miller says the purchase of Spirit Airlines is the first step in making Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport a hub airport and making New Orleans a hub can further transform Spirit Airlines by opening it up to international destinations.

Cut 6 (12) “…international markets overseas.”

Both Frontier and JetBlue attempted to buy the Airline but Spirit’s shareholders rejected Frontier’s offer in 2022, and a judge blocked JetBlue’s 3.6-billion-dollar offer in 2024.

Big night for a couple of baseball players from southwest Louisiana as LSU improved to 4-0 last night with a ten-to-seven win over Kent State. Sulphur’s Jake Brown followed up his two-home run performance on Sunday with two more home runs last night. And Gavin Guidry recorded a seven-out save. Mason Braun and Zach Yorke also homered for the Tigers.

Leland and Gussie Lacaze (luh-KAH-zuh), married 79 years, were honored as this year’s longest known married couple in Louisiana. Mrs. Lacaze said the secret to a lasting marriage with joy is patience and hard work. Family forum president Gene Mills says despite their advanced years, the couple is talkative and alert.

Cut 8 (10) “…for America’s freedom.”

Northeast Louisiana has also lost another coaching legend in Jerry Arledge. He was West Monroe’s defensive coordinator when he and the late Don Shows won eight state championships for the Rebels. As head coach, Arledge went 103-and-22 with two 5A state championship game appearances. KNOE-TV sports director Aaron Dietrich says Arledge took great pride in coaching.

Cut 14 (12) “…every single day.”