12:30 LRN Newscast

Bill Cassidy and Julia Letlow can’t get on the same page when it comes to setting up a Republican Senate Primary debate. Cassidy is asking for three televised debates. Letlow so far is only committing to debate hosted by conservative radio talk show host Moon Griffon. The Advocate’s political reporter Tyler Bridges says debates have become tactical…

Cut 4 (14) “…TV debates.”

It remains to be seen if Cassidy will join Letlow and his other main challenger, John Fleming, for the debate on Moon Griffon’s radio show.

Old Man Winter has officially been sent packing. The Vernal Equinox arrived at 9:46 Friday morning, marking the official start of spring. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim….

Cut 6 (07) “…of the spring.”

The La Nina climate pattern that we have experienced will transition to an El Nino as the spring goes on.

 

Legislation that would result in at least one year of prison time for possessing, selling and distributing artificial intelligence-produced nudity of a minor heads to the House floor. The measure increases the penalty for doing so from a misdemeanor to a felony. Joseph Daniels says when his daughter was 13, she was the victim of a pornographic deepfake.

Cut 13 (11)  “…next be targeted.”

If the legislation becomes law, it will be known as the Ivy Daniels Act.

LSU will host Jacksonville at 5 PM in the first round of the NCAA Women’s basketball Tournament. The Dolphins do not have any tall post players who start, so it could be a good game for LSU’s post players. Lady Tigers senior guard Flau’jae Johnson…

Cut 17 (10) “…counting on them”

The Southern women’s team will play top-seeded South Carolina tomorrow after beating Samford last night. McNeese is advancing in the WBIT Tourney.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The second-seeded LSU women’s basketball team begins its national title run tonight as the Lady Tigers face 15th-seeded Jacksonville at 5 p.m. In each of LSU’s last four deep NCAA Tournament runs, the Tigers received consistent production from their post players. While this year’s team may not have an Angel Reese or an Aneesah Morrow, senior Flau’jae Johnson says the bigs are embracing the challenge of elevating their play in the postseason.

Cut 17 (15)  “…can do this.”

The Southern women’s basketball team has officially booked their ticket to the NCAA Tournament. The Lady Jags secured a 65-53 win over Samford last night in the “First Four” match and will advance to play top-seeded South Carolina on Saturday at noon.

The LSU baseball team picked up a 7–1 win over No. 8 Oklahoma on Thursday night. Sophomore pitcher Casan Evans delivered a dominant performance, striking out a career-high 15 batters while allowing just one walk over 7.2 innings. Evans became the first LSU pitcher to record 15 strikeouts in an SEC game since Paul Skenes accomplished the feat against Auburn in 2023. Evans says his big night was a result of strong preparation.

Cut 26 (17): “much more.”

The 25th-ranked UL Lafayette baseball team looks to stay hot this weekend in San Marcos as the Cajuns open their series against Texas State tonight at 6 p.m.

Louisiana Tech heads west for a weekend series against New Mexico State, with first pitch set for 7 p.m. tonight.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Congresswoman Julia Letlow has agreed to participate in a Republican Senate Primary debate, but incumbent Bill Cassidy does not like the setting. Letlow says she will participate in a debate on the Moon Griffon radio show on April 28th.  Political reporter for the Advocate and Nola.com, Tyler Bridges, says Griffon is an outspoken critic of Cassidy…

Cut 3 (09) “…Julia Letlow.”

Cassidy says the debates should be on TV for all of Louisiana to see.

A bill that makes it a felony to distribute A-I images of nude minors heads to the House floor.  The measure received unanimous support from the House Criminal Justice Committee. Joseph Daniels told the panel his daughter’s likeness was used as a pornographic deep fake, causing irreparable damage

Cut 14 (11) “…it seriously enough.”

If the legislation becomes law, it will be known as the Ivy Daniels Act.

 

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is backing a plan to spend 1.5-billion dollars on 143 projects across the state’s coast. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

A Master Sergeant at the Louisiana State Penitentiary died this week in a car crash on the Angola grounds. Twenty-seven-year-old Tyler Grezaffi’s vehicle ran off the road and into a ditch full of water. She previously worked as a sheriff’s deputy with Pointe Coupee and Iberville parishes.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Legislation that would result in at least one year of prison time for possessing, selling and distributing artificial intelligence-produced nudity of a minor heads to the House floor. Lawmakers heard from Joseph Daniels, whose 13-year-old daughter’s likeness was used for a pornographic deepfake, causing her emotional distress, embarrassment and fear. House Criminal Justice Committee member Dodie Horton was moved by Daniels’ testimony.

Cut 15 (11) “…you for that.”

A plan to expand high-dosage tutoring moved to the full Senate after unanimously passing in the Senate Education Committee. Mandeville Senator Patrick McMath says his plan boosts the budget for high-dosage tutoring by 50-percent.

Cut 4 (09) “…very well spent.”

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has approved a plan to spend 1.5-billion dollars on coastal projects next fiscal year. It does not include the Mid-Barataria or Mid-Breton sediment diversions, which were cancelled last July. Governor Landry and CPRA Chairman Gordon Dove said the diversion projects were too expensive, and Dove says they’re moving forward with projects that are more cost effective.

Cut 8 (07) “…of the diversion.”

McNeese’s run comes to an end after losing to Vanderbilt, 78-68, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Senior guard D.J. Richards says while the loss stings, getting to the Big Dance three years in a row is something to be incredibly proud of.

Cut 11 (07) “…that we accomplished.”

McNeese couldn’t repeat the magic of last season, when they upset Clemson in the first round for their first NCAA Tournament win in school history.

9:30 LRN Newscast

A plan to expand high-dosage tutoring moved to the full Senate after unanimously passing in the Senate Education Committee. It would boost the budget from 30-million to 45-million dollars, and the program would be extended to eighth grade. Mandeville Senator Patrick McMath notes that when it first launched, the legislature limited it to kindergarten through fifth grade.

Cut 5 (07) “…done this before.”

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has approved a plan to spend 1.5-billion dollars on 143 active coastal projects next fiscal year. CPRA chair Gordon Dove believes once construction is completed on these projects, the tide will have turned in the state’s battle against coastal land loss.

Cut 9 (07)  “…on hurricane protection.”

Among those projects is a levee protecting the central portion of Louisiana’s coast.

The House Criminal Justice Committee approves legislation that if you possess, produce or distribute deep fake images of nude minors, it could result in a one to five year prison sentence. Joe Gallinaro has more.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

A former state trooper with a history of domestic violence will spend the next ten years behind bars. 40-year-old Michael Satcher the Second of Alexandria was convicted of four felony charges stemming from a 2023 incident in which he took a woman from her home and assaulted her. It happened less than 90 days into a probation period stemming from a prior domestic violence incident.

8:30 LRN Newscast March 20

Legislation that would result in at least one year of prison time for possessing, selling and distributing artificial intelligence-produced nudity of a minor heads to the House floor. The measure increases the penalty for doing so from a misdemeanor to a felony. Joseph Daniels says when his daughter was 13, she was the victim of a pornographic deepfake.

Cut 13 (11)  “…next be targeted.”

If the legislation becomes law, it will be known as the Ivy Daniels Act.

Mandeville Senator Patrick McMath is seeking to increase state funding of the state’s high-dosage tutoring program from 30 to 45 million dollars. This would  allow for state funded high-dosage tutoring for students up to the eighth grade. McMath says high-dosage tutoring program helped the state lead the nation in learning loss recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cut 6 (05) “…what we’re doing.”

McMath’s bill is heading to the Senate floor.

 

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is backing a plan to spend 1.5-billion dollars on 143 projects across the state’s coast. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Today is the first day of Spring and the weather this weekend looks to be perfect. LSU starting pitcher Casan Evans was nearly perfect last night. The sophomore right-hander struck out a career high 15 as the Tigers opened their series against Oklahoma with a seven to one win. Game two is tonight at 6:30.

7:30 LRN Newscast

A bill to significantly expand high-dosage tutoring advances in the Senate. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Congresswoman Julia Letlow has agreed to debate the main candidates in the Senate Republican Primary, but will incumbent Bill Cassidy participate? The debate on April 28th would be hosted by conservative radio talk show host Moon Griffon, who has referred to Cassidy as “Psycho Bill.” Cassidy has been calling on Letlow to participate in three televised debates.

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority approves a plan to spend one-point-five billion dollars on 143 coastal restoration projects. The plan does not include Mid-Barataria or Mid-Breton sediment diversions. They were cancelled last July. Coastal advocates said those two projects were critical in the state’s fight against coastal restoration. But CPRA chairman Gordon Dove says they are moving forward with projects that are more cost effective.

Cut 8 (07) “…of the diversion”

The state legislature still must approve the plan.

No Cinderella story this year as McNeese lost to Vanderbilt 78 to 68 yesterday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. It was the Cowboys third straight invite to the Big Dance and coach Bill Armstrong believes they will be back…

Cut 12 (13) “…our fourth straight”

6:30 LRN Newscast March 20

A plan to expand high-dosage tutoring moved to the full Senate after unanimously passing in the Senate Education Committee. Mandeville Senator Patrick McMath says his plan boosts the budget for high-dosage tutoring by 50-percent.

Cut 4 (09) “…very well spent.”

Furthermore, it expands high-dosage tutoring to eighth grade. It remains to be seen if lawmakers will fund the extra 15 million dollars.

A bill that makes it a felony to distribute A-I images of nude minors heads to the House floor.  The measure received unanimous support from the House Criminal Justice Committee. Joseph Daniels told the panel his daughter’s likeness was used for pornographic deep fake, and the damage from it cannot be repaired.

Cut 14 (11) “…it seriously enough.”

If the legislation becomes law, it will be known as the Ivy Daniels Act.

 

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has approved a plan to spend 1.5-billion dollars on coastal projects next fiscal year. CPRA chair Gordon Dove says the money will cover 143 active projects, including a levee protecting the central portion of Louisiana’s coast.

Cut 7 (12) “…ten years ago.”

The state legislature must also approve the plan, and it will be a straight up or down vote — no changes can be made.

No first round upset this year.. 12th seeded McNeese led Vanderbilt by as much as 11 points in the first half, but they couldn’t hold on, as the fifth-seeded Commodores beat the Cowboys, 78-68. The loss marks the end of the road for fifth year guard Javohn Garcia, who spent the last three years in Lake Charles.

Cut 10 (05) “…last three years.”

The three-time Southland Conference champs couldn’t repeat the magic of last season, when they upset Clemson in the first round for their first NCAA Tournament win in school history.

LRN AM Newscall March 20

A bill to significantly expand high-dosage tutoring advances in the Senate. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is backing a plan to spend 1.5-billion dollars on 143 projects across the state’s coast. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

The House Criminal Justice Committee approves legislation that if you possess, produce or distribute deepfake images of nude minors, it could result in a one to five year prison sentence. Joe Gallinaro has more.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

______________________________________________

A plan to expand high-dosage tutoring moved to the full Senate after unanimously passing in the Senate Education Committee. Mandeville Senator Patrick McMath says his plan boosts the budget for high-dosage tutoring by 50-percent.

Cut 4 (09) “…very well spent.”

Furthermore, it expands high-dosage tutoring to eighth grade. McMath notes that when the program first launched, they limited it to kindergarten through fifth grade.

Cut 5 (07) “…done this before.”

To say that the program is now proven is an understatement – McMath notes that Louisiana’s high-dosage tutoring program has helped the state lead the nation in learning loss recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cut 6 (05) “…what we’re doing.”

Some expressed concern to lawmakers that high-dosage tutoring could pull students from courses that are linked to increased attendance, such as art, band or choir.

____________________________________________________

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has approved a plan to spend 1.5-billion dollars on coastal projects next fiscal year. CPRA chair Gordon Dove says the money will cover 143 active projects, including a levee protecting the central portion of Louisiana’s coast.

Cut 7 (12) “…ten years ago.”

The plan does not include Mid-Barataria or Mid-Breton sediment diversions, which were cancelled last July. Coastal advocates had said those two projects were critical in the state’s fight against coastal restoration. Governor Landry and Dove said the diversion projects were too expensive, and they are moving forward with projects that are more cost effective.

Cut 8 (07) “…of the diversion”

Dove believes once construction is completed on these projects that will receive funding, the tide will have turned in the state’s battle against coastal land loss.

Cut 9 (07)  “…on hurricane protection.”

The state legislature must also approve the plan, and it will be a straight up or down vote — no changes can be made.

________________________________________________________

McNeese’s incredible season has come to an end. The South Region’s 12th seed led Vanderbilt by as much as 11 points in the first half, but they couldn’t hold on, as the fifth-seeded Commodores beat the Cowboys, 78-68. The loss marks the end of the road for fifth year guard Javohn Garcia, who spent the last three years in Lake Charles.

Cut 10 (05) “…last three years.”

It’s also the end for senior guard D.J. Richards Jr., who says while the loss stings, getting to the NCAA Tournament three years in a row is something to be incredibly proud of.

Cut 11 (07) “…that we accomplished.”

The first two years of this three-year run were done with Will Wade at the helm. This year, Bill Armstrong led the team after Wade took over as head coach at NC State. Armstrong says for McNeese, the best is yet to come.

Cut 12 (13) “…our fourth straight”

McNeese couldn’t repeat the magic of last season, when they upset Clemson in the first round for their first NCAA Tournament win in school history. McNeese ends the season with an overall record of 28-and-6.

___________________________________________________________

Legislation that would result in at least one year of prison time for possessing, selling and distributing artificial intelligence-produced nudity of a minor heads to the House floor. The measure increases the penalty for doing so from a misdemeanor to a felony. Joseph Daniels says when his daughter was 13, she was the victim of a pornographic deepfake.

Cut 13 (11)  “…next be targeted.”

The measure received unanimous support from the House Criminal Justice Committee. Daniels told the panel his daughter’s likeness was used for pornographic deep fake, and the damage from it cannot be repaired.

Cut 14 (11) “…it seriously enough.”

Daniels said what happened to his daughter caused emotional distress, embarrassment and fear. House Criminal Justice Committee member Dodie Horton was moved by Daniels’ testimony.

Cut 15 (11) “…you for that.”

If the legislation becomes law, it will be known as the Ivy Daniels Act.

_____________________________________________________________

The second-seeded LSU women’s basketball team begins its national title run tonight as the Lady Tigers face 15th-seeded Jacksonville at 5 p.m. Tonight marks the first NCAA Tournament appearance for four LSU freshmen. Senior Flau’jae Johnson, who is competing in her fourth and final NCAA Tournament, says she’s offering as much advice as possible to the younger players.

Cut 16 (10) “…task at hand.”

In each of LSU’s last four deep NCAA Tournament runs, the Tigers received consistent production from their post players. While this year’s team may not have an Angel Reese or an Aneesah Morrow, Johnson says the bigs are embracing the challenge of elevating their play in the postseason.

Cut 17 (15)  “…can do this.”

If LSU beats Jacksonville tonight, it will face the winner of Texas Tech and Villanova on Sunday. The game would also mark the final time Flau’jae Johnson plays in Baton Rouge. Head coach Kim Mulkey says it will be an emotional night and is encouraging LSU fans to show their appreciation for everything Johnson has meant to the program.

Cut 18 (14)  “…be just packed.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast

Legislation that would result in at least one year of prison time for possessing, selling and distributing artificial intelligence-produced nudity of a minor heads to the House floor. The measure increases the penalty for doing so from a misdemeanor to a felony. Joseph Daniels says when his daughter was 13, she was the victim of a pornographic deepfake.

Cut 13 (11)  “..be targeted.”

Daniels said what happened to his daughter caused emotional distress, embarrassment and fear. House Criminal Justice Committee member Dodie Horton was moved by Daniels’ testimony…

Cut 15 (12) “…for that.”

The measure received unanimous support from the House Criminal Justice Committee.

A plan to expand high-dosage tutoring moved to the full Senate after unanimously passing in the Senate Education Committee. Mandeville Senator Patrick McMath says his plan boosts the budget for high-dosage tutoring by 50-percent.

Cut 4 (09) “…very well spent.”

Furthermore, it expands high-dosage tutoring to eighth grade.

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has approved a plan to spend one-point-five billion dollars on coastal projects next fiscal year. CPRA chair Gordon Dove says the money will cover 143 active projects, including a levee protecting the central portion of Louisiana’s coast.

Cut 7 (13) “…ten years ago.”