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.”

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.

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.”

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.

12:30 LRN Newscast

A strong line of thunderstorms is making its way through the state today. Monroe and Alexandria are getting the brunt of it at this hour. The Shreveport area saw wind gusts of 60 miles per hour this morning. The rain has yet to arrive in southeast Louisiana but it sure is windy. Louis Armstrong International Airport reported a wind gust of 53 miles per hour. Phil Grigsby is with the National Weather Service in New Orleans…

Cut 4 (13) “…Alabama after that”

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”

Several parades in south Louisiana and

Tonight, President Donald Trump will address a joint session of Congress. Sean Richardson spoke with a political analyst from LSU on what we can expect to hear.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU is ranked number one in this week’s D-1 baseball poll and the Tigers open up a two-game midweek series against North Dakota State tonight. The Tigers the SEC with 34 doubles and first baseman Jared Jones has six of them. Aaron Fitt from D-1 baseball says he’s expecting a big season from Jones…

Cut 17 (20) “…terrifying prescence”

LSU’s hitters should be able to feast on North Dakota State pitching over the next two days. The Bison have a team ERA of 11.10.

ULM is at third ranked Arkansas this afternoon. Louisiana Tech hosts Nicholls for a midweek series starting at 6 PM. The Colonels have lost five in a row, while the Bulldogs dropped a weekend series to Memphis.

The McNeese men’s basketball team finished off the regular season last night with a 95 to 64 win over Stephen F Austin. Cowboys Coach Will Wade led McNeese to its first win in Nacogdoches in 23 years…

Cut 20 (18) “…the Southland Tournament”

McNeese will be the top seed in the 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.

10:30 LRN Newscast

A very strong line of storms is moving through northwest Louisiana this morning as the entire state could see severe weather on this Fat Tuesday. Parades have been moved up to beat the weather. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s a breezy morning and those winds will pick up….

Cut 15 (05) “…miles per hour”

Much of north and central and the northern part of southwest Louisiana are under a tornado watch until 3 PM this afternoon.

President Donald Trump delivers a primetime address to a joint session of Congress tonight. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says in Trump’s first 44 days in office the President made many changes and is pushing for more and this is his chance to explain why this is the path America should take…

Cut 4 (13) “…a lot of attention.”

The potential for severe storms is not stopping a traditional Mardi Gras celebration in Eunice today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Ruston has a new police chief. 55-year-old Eric Watson of Shreveport replaces Steve Rogers, who retired last month. Watson is a Louisiana Tech grad who served in the Louisiana National Guard. He was a Ruston police officer in the 1990s before spending 25 years as a drug enforcement agent for the federal government.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Fat Tuesday got off to an early start in New Orleans because of severe weather expected this afternoon. The Krewe of Zulu is already rolling, and the Krewe of Rex has also moved up its start time. The parades are required to complete their routes by 11:30 AM, but NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says they could shut the party down earlier…

Cut 13 (13) “…that point”

Parades are also rolling earlier in Lafayette today. The King Gabriel Parade has been moved up an hour to 9 AM and the Festival Mardi Gras Association Parade will follow immediately after. But Lafayette Police Sergeant Robin Green says…

Cut 11 (09) “….expected to start”

The Independence Parade has been cancelled.

 

Tonight, President Donald Trump will address a joint session of Congress. Sean Richardson spoke with a political analyst from LSU on what we can expect to hear.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

And we now have a tornado watch posted that covers a large portion of the state until 3 PM this afternoon. Nearly all of north and central and a part of southwest Louisiana are covered in the watch box. That includes the cities of Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria and DeRidder.

7:30 LRN Newscast

It’s an early start to the revelry in New Orleans on this Fat Tuesday because of anticipated severe weather this afternoon. The Krewe of Zulu started rolling before seven o’ clock this morning and Rex is scheduled to roll at 9:30. There are no marching krewes, bands or truck floats, and both routes are shortened. In Jefferson Parish, parades are canceled today, but NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says it was important to have parades in New Orleans.

Cut 12 (10) “…going to try.”

President Donald Trump delivers a primetime address to a joint session of Congress tonight. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says in Trump’s first 44 days in office the President made many changes and is pushing for more and this is his chance to explain why this is the path America should take…

Cut 4 (13) “…a lot of attention.”

If you are looking to attend a traditional Mardi Gras celebration today. Eunice is the place to go. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

State Police have arrested a Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s deputy on allegations of cruelty to a juvenile. Twenty-eight-year-old Matthew Frost of Lafayette was booked yesterday. Authorities say Frost committed cruel actions against a single victim on two separate occasions last June.