3:30 LRN Newscast

Thursday’s hearing in Lincoln Parish in the U-L system’s lawsuit against Conference USA is cancelled. The U-L system filed the lawsuit on behalf of Louisiana Tech in its quest to leave Conference USA for the Sun Belt for the 2026 football season. Matt Bellinson, a reporter with the Ruston Daily Leader, says Conference USA has filed a motion to move the case to federal court.

Cut 13 (08)  “…the federal level.”

For the second year in a row, Southern University’s college of nursing is rated as the nation’s best by Nurse.org. Sandra Brown, the dean of the College of Nursing and Allied Health, says nursing has been a part of Southern’s campus culture for more than 40 years. 

Cut 3 (09) “…everything we do.”

Southern produces the largest number of Black nurses in the state.

Julia Letlow’s Senate campaign publishes a poll showing her in the lead in the Republican Primary. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

If you’re having trouble accessing the official OMV website, the reason is you should update your bookmark. It’s still expresslane-dot-la, but the domain extension changed this week from dot-org to dot-gov. OMV says the change reinforces the agency’s official government status and strengthens cybersecurity protections.

2:30 LRN Newscast

Congresswoman Julia Letlow has released a poll that shows her ahead of incumbent Bill Cassidy by one percent in the Senate Republican Primary. The survey of 600 likely GOP primary voters has Letlow at 27-percent, Cassidy at 26-percent  and John Fleming at 19-percent. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross expects a tight race through the May the 16th primary…

Cut 11 (11) “…about them”

It’s a chilly Saint Patrick’s Day as high temperatures are in the low 50s. There are parades in New Orleans for St. Patty’s Day and LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s one of the chilliest March 17th’s on record…

Cut 8 (09) “…day was 55”

It will begin to warm up tomorrow.

 

For the second year in a row, the Southern University School of Nursing has been ranked by nurse-dot-org as the best nursing school in the country. Sandra Brown, the dean of the College of Nursing and Allied Health, says this means they are graduating nurses who are well educated…

Cut 5 (09) “…right here”

Southern University produces the largest number of Black nurses in the state and the third most in the country.

The McNeese men’s basketball team left today for Oklahoma City, where it will play Vanderbilt on Thursday in the NCAA Tournament. It’s the third year in a row the Pokes are in the Big Dance and athletics director Heath Schroyer says that’s a huge accomplishment…

Cut 13 (13) “…the country”

1:30 LRN Newscast

It’s shaping up to be a record-breaking St. Patrick’s Day – and not the records that we would like to see broken. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says Lake Charles set a new record this morning with a low of 33; and moving further north, a couple cities got to the freezing mark and below.

Cut 7 (12) “…previously in 1978.”

For the second year in a row, Southern University’s college of nursing is rated as the nation’s best by Nurse.org. Sandra Brown, the dean of the College of Nursing and Allied Health, says one thing that’s been very beneficial to Southern’s nursing program has been the community partnerships.

Cut 4 (10) “…to train on.”

Julia Letlow’s Senate campaign publishes a poll showing her in the lead in the Senate Republican Primary. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

A bill that would have made it a crime to aggressively throw an object from a parade float to cause an injury has been withdrawn. LaPlace Representative Sylvia Taylor had filed the bill in the wake of several incidents in which people aboard floats aggressively threw beads and other objects at people along the route.

12:30 LRN Newscast

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has come out in support of Governor Landry’s effort to double the state funding of the L-A GATOR scholarship Program. The state is spending 44-million dollars on the program this school year helping 56-hundred families with education expenses like private school tuition, but many more families are on a waiting list. Senate President Cameron Henry is concerned that the program could get too big to afford. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says L-A GATOR also has public backing.

Cut 21 (08) “…of the compromise.”

Certainly an issue to watch during this legislative session.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow releases a poll that shows her with a one percent lead over Bill Cassidy in the Senate Republican Primary. John Fleming is not far behind, trailing Letlow by eight percent. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says the survey of likely Republican primary voters finds 28-percent are undecided and Cross says Fleming is trying to reach those voters…

Cut 10 (07) “…runoff”

 

For the second year in a row, the Southern University School of Nursing has been ranked by nurse-dot-org as the best nursing school in the country. Sandra Brown, the dean of the College of Nursing and Allied Health, says this means they are graduating nurses who are well educated…

Cut 5 (09) “…right here”

Southern University produces the largest number of Black nurses in the state and the third most in the country.

It’s a chilly St. Patrick’s Day. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says several morning lows were broken…

Cut 6 (07) “…recorded in 1976”

A record low was also broken in Alexandria and Shreveport reached 28-degrees tying a record set in 1978.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Congresswoman Julia Letlow releases a poll that shows her leading the U-S Senate Republican primary. The survey shows her leading incumbent Bill Cassidy by one percent and John Fleming by eight percent. Pearson Cross teaches political science at ULM and says Letlow paid for the poll, but the results probably reflect the view of primary voters…

Cut 9 (07) “…either”

The Senate Republican Primary is May 16th.

The Louisiana House Transportation Committee rejects a proposal to fine pedestrians 25 dollars for looking at their cell phone while walking on a crosswalk. Representative Michael Bayham says his bill is an effort to reduce crashes involving pedestrians. Chris Alexander with the Louisiana Citizen Advocacy Group testified against the legislation.

Cut 7 (07) “…this state make.”

The legislation was voted down unanimously.

 

For the second year in a row, Southern University’s college of nursing is rated as the nation’s best by Nurse.org. Sandra Brown, the dean of the College of Nursing and Allied Health, says nursing has been a part of Southern’s campus culture for more than 40 years.

Cut 3 (09) “…everything we do.”

Brown says one thing that’s been very beneficial to Southern’s nursing program has been the community partnerships.

When it comes to turning old buildings into new buildings, Louisiana sets the standard. Andrea (AHN-dree-uh) McCarthy, the tax credit program director of the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, says since 2021, Louisiana has rehabilitated more than 400 historic buildings, including several in New Orleans.

Cut 10 (07) “…couple years ago.”

Last year, Louisiana completed 94 projects using federal tax incentives for rehabilitating historic buildings. That’s the second most in the country, ranking only behind New York.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The LSU baseball team returns to the field tonight as an unranked team. It’s the first time since April 2024 that the Tigers are not ranked. LSU begins a nine-game homestand tonight against Grambling, who is 5-and-13 but coming off a SWAC series victory over Alabama State.

The U-L Lafayette baseball team is ranked in the top 25 for the first time since 2024. The Cajuns entered this week’s polls at number-25 in the D1Baseball rankings, number-22 in the Perfect Game rankings and number-25 in the National College Baseball Writers Association rankings. Head Coach Matt Deggs says he’s happy for his players and the fans.

Cut 16 (19) “…to do more.”

The Cajuns will look to stay hot this week in Texas, beginning with a trip to Houston Wednesday before heading to Texas State for a weekend series.

 

The McNeese men’s basketball team leaves for Oklahoma City today as they will play Vanderbilt on Thursday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. It’s the Cowboys third straight invite to the Big Dance and athletics director Heath Schroyer says other teams in the Southland are trying to catch up to McNeese…

Cut 14 (10) “…men’s basketball program’

A hearing in state court set for Thursday over the U-L System-Louisiana Tech lawsuit against Conference USA has been canceled. That’s because Conference USA believes the case should be heard in federal court. Tech suing so it can play in the Sun Belt Conference next athletic season, but Conference USA released a football schedule last week that has Tech as a member of CUSA.

Ruston High football and basketball star Ahmad Hudson has unveiled his top six college choices, LSU, Texas A-and-M, Miami, Nebraska, U-S-C and Missouri.

10:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana House Transportation Committee says no to a proposal to fine pedestrians 25 dollars for looking at their cell phone while walking on a crosswalk. Chalmette Republican Michael Bayham says he did not write the bill as a way to generate revenue;  it’s an effort to reduce crashes involving pedestrians.

Cut 8 (12) “…expensive accidents happening.”

But the committee unanimously voted down the measure. One lawmaker said it’s an individual right to be able to look at their phone and it’s up to them to protect their own body.

The McNeese men’s basketball team leaves for Oklahoma City today as they will play Vanderbilt on Thursday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. It’s the Cowboys third straight invite to the Big Dance and athletics director Heath Schroyer says other teams in the Southland are trying to catch up to McNeese…

Cut 14 (10) “…men’s basketball program’

A mother and her adult son were found shot and killed at a home in Jennings. Police Chief Danny Semmes says it’s their belief the shooting is the result of a domestic dispute and there is no threat to the public. Semmes says both individuals were shot and had guns near them.

When it comes to turning old buildings into new buildings, few states do it better than Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

9:30 AM LRN Newscast

A bill that would have fined pedestrians for walking in crosswalks while looking at their phones was rejected in the House Transportation Committee. Representative Michael Bayham says his bill is an effort to reduce crashes involving pedestrians. Representative Rodney Schamerhorn says the legislation is government overreach.

Cut 9 (06)  “…their own body.”

56-hundred families benefit from the LA Gator Scholarship program and Governor Landry wants to double that. Currently funded at 44 million dollars, Senate President Cameron Henry is concerned the program could get too big to afford. U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon came out in support of the program. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says her endorsement is a big deal.

Cut 4 (07) “…this incredibly serious.”

Last year, Louisiana completed 94 projects using federal tax incentives for rehabilitating historic buildings. Andrea (AHN-dree-uh) McCarthy, with the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development says the money can be used for projects small and large, or extra-large like the massive project happening in New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood.

Cut 12 (11) “…of the country.”

The McNeese Cowboys are preparing to play in their third straight NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Athletic Director Heath Schroyer says with the three appearances, the men’s basketball team needs to keep it going, and it takes the support of the Lake Charles community to accomplish that.

Cut 15 (10) “…do it again.”

Last year, McNeese won its first-ever NCAA Tournament game when they upset Clemson in the First Round as a 12 seed.

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

The Louisiana House Transportation Committee says not to a proposal to fine pedestrians 25 dollars for looking at their cell phone while walking on a crosswalk. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham authored the legislation and says he did not create the legislation as a way to generate revenue;  it’s an effort to reduce crashes involving pedestrians.

Cut 8 (12) “…expensive accidents happening.”

Governor Jeff Landry wants to double the state funding of the L-A GATOR scholarship Program. He believes families should be able to choose a school that best fits their child’s needs, and U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon supports his effort but Senate President Cameron Henry is concerned about how the state can pay for it if you add another 56-hundred families to the program. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s a debate to watch during this legislative session.

Cut 6 (09) “…wait and see.”

McNeese is in uncharted territory with its third straight NCAA men’s basketball tournament berth. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Last year, Louisiana completed 94 projects using federal tax incentives for rehabilitating historic buildings. That’s the second most in the country, ranking only behind New York. Andrea (AHN-dree-uh) McCarthy, the tax credit program director of the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development says in order to qualify for the tax incentive, the rehabilitated building must produce income, like a hotel, and it has to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Cut 11 (06) “…Register Historic District.”

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has come out in support of Governor Jeff Landry’s effort to double the state funding of the L-A GATOR scholarship Program. The state is spending 44-million dollars on the program this school year helping 56-hundred families with education expenses like private school tuition with many on a waiting list. Senate President Cameron Henry is concerned that the program could get too big to afford. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says L-A GATOR also has public backing.

Cut 5 (08) “…of the compromise.”

The Louisiana House Transportation Committee rejects a proposal to fine pedestrians 25 dollars for looking at their cell phone while walking on a crosswalk. Representative Michael Bayham says his bill is an effort to reduce crashes involving pedestrians. Chris Alexander with the Louisiana Citizen Advocacy Group testified against the legislation.

Cut 7 (07) “…this state make.”

When it comes to turning old buildings into new buildings, few states do it better than Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Filmed in Louisiana, the movie Sinners received 16 Oscar nominations and took home four Academy Awards Sunday night including Michael B Jordan’s Best Actor award. Many Louisianans in the industry are encouraged because not only was the movie filmed in Louisiana across multiple locations including Donaldsonville, Bogalusa, Thibodaux, and St. Bernard but Louisiana artists and craftspeople including design, costume, and makeup teams were a significant part of the crew.