7:30 am Newscast

A Kaplan man is convicted in a murder-for-hire plot in Terrebonne Parish. Beaux Cormier (korm-ee-AY) was found guilty of multiple counts of murder and attempted murder in connection with the 2021 murder-for-hire deaths of his sister and her neighbor. Terrebonne Parish Assistant District Attorney Dennis Elfert says it started with an accusation in 2019.

Cut 13 (12)  “…about that allegation.”

A Lake Charles man’s sexual battery conviction was thrown out and the judge declared a new trial after an incident during jury deliberations involving a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s captain Tod Ory. Sheriff Stitch Guillory was not at liberty to specify what happened as an investigation is ongoing

Cut 11 (09) “…in this case.”

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Carnival parades are ramping up as the countdown to Mardi Gras continues. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Tonight marks the final time ULM’s Keith Richard (REE-shard) will coach his team in Fant-Ewing Coliseum. Richard is retiring at the end of the season, following 15 years as a head coach at his alma mater. Richard also played at ULM, was a grad assistant and an assistant coach….

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The second ranked LSU baseball team will spend the weekend in Frisco, Texas playing three different teams. Kade Anderson has looked good in the Friday night role, but the left-hander was upset after he gave up two runs in his last start. Coach Jay Johnson says Anderson expects a lot out of himself…

Cut 19 (19) “…next week.”

The Tigers face Kansas State at 2 PM in the first game of the Frisco Classic.

Since 2014, LSU has had ten defensive line coaches, and they are looking for another one after Bo Davis decided to jump to the NFL and join the new coaching staff for the New Orleans Saints. Davis is considered one of the top defensive line coaches in all of football.

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The seventh-ranked LSU women’s basketball team lost in overtime last night, falling to 20th-ranked Alabama 88 to 85. Coach Kim Mulkey explains why her team lost….

Cut 29 (10) “…out rebounded us”

Also an off night from Flau’Jae Johnson as she had six points on 2 of 12 shooting.

Tonight marks the final regular season for retiring ULM men’s basketball coach Keith Richard (Ree-shard) as the Warhawks host Arkansas State. Richard plans to still be around…

Cut 17 (12)  “…ULM.”

The Warhawks have had a brutal season, as they are 7 and 23.

Zion Williamson had his first career triple double last night as the Pelicans defeated Phoenix Suns 124 to 116.

6:30 am Newscast

A tragic loss for Southern University as a member of the Human Jukebox died early yesterday morning, after a fraternity related event off campus.  We’re told 20 year old Caleb Wilson, became unresponsive at a local park and was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Southern has issued an order halting all membership intake activities for campus organizations until further notice.

LSU is mourning the loss of freshman pole-vaulter Dillon Ridenhauer,  who was killed in a traffic accident Wednesday night.  The 18 year old was killed when her car was hit by a motorcycle.  The driver of the bike 23 year old Bohdi Linton, also died in that crash.

A Lake Charles man’s sexual battery conviction was thrown out, the judge declaring a new trial after an incident during jury deliberations involving a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s captain.  But Sheriff Stitch Guillory tells us…

Cut 10 (10) “…uphold the conviction.”

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A man is convicted in a murder-for-hire in Terrebonne Parish. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (37) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

A suspect in turned himself in to Monroe Police in connection with gang-related fights at Pecanland Mall and Hibbett Sports. 24-year-old Rayshawn Hollins was booked into the Ouachita Correctional Center, charged with rioting. Monroe Police Chief Victor Zordan says it was due to a shoe release.

Cut 7 (11) “…fist fights.”

LRN AM Newscall February 28

Carnival parades are ramping up with Mardi Gras now less than two weeks away. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A new trial was granted in a sexual battery case in Calcasieu Parish after the verdict was thrown out after an incident involving a CPSO captain. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A man is convicted in a murder-for-hire in Terrebonne Parish. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (37) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Carnival parades are reaching a crescendo this weekend with Mardi Gras now less than two weeks away. This Sunday evening, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser will be aboard one of the floats in the Krewe of Bacchus parade. Nungesser says the theme of Bacchus’ parade is the fairs and festivals that Louisiana is famous for.

Cut 4 (15) “…all over Louisiana.”

Nungesser says the floats pay tribute to those fairs and festivals.

Cut 5 (13) “…fairs and festivals.”

Another big name – emphasis on the word “big” – in Bacchus’ parade is Shaquille O’Neal. Nungesser says Shaq will be on float in front of his – and that’s a good thing, because he says he cannot compete with the NBA Hall of Famer and former LSU star.

Cut 6 (08) “…is for Louisiana.”

The Krewe of Bacchus parade will roll along St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans’ Garden District at 5:15 Sunday evening.

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A suspect in turned himself in to the Monroe Police Department in connection with gang-related fights at Pecanland Mall and Hibbett Sports. 24-year-old Rayshawn Hollins was booked into the Ouachita Correctional Center and charged with rioting. Monroe Police Chief Victor Zordan (rhymes with Jordan) says it was due to a shoe release.

Cut 7 (11) “…fist fights.”

The fights occurred on February 8th. At Hibbett Sports, two victims sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to hospitals. Zordan says no one was killed in the incident.

Cut 8 (10) “…the stomach area.”

Surveillance and Facebook Live footage confirmed all parties engaged in mutual combat, and Zordan says its strong in their gang-culture to post to social media and have the technology to monitor those outlets.

Cut 9 (13)  “…individuals to justice.”

Zordan says five individuals are still wanted in connection to these incidents.

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A Lake Charles man’s sexual battery conviction was thrown out and the judge declared a new trial after an incident during jury deliberations involving a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s captain. Sheriff Stitch Guillory says this throws out the conviction of 42-year-old Joshua Boyd.

Cut 10 (10) “…uphold the conviction.”

The actions of Captain Todd Ory, who was on-duty as courtroom security, led the judge to declare a new trial. Guillory was not at liberty to specify Ory’s actions, since an internal affairs investigation is ongoing, only saying that he strongly disagreed with them.

Cut 11 (09) “…in this case.”

Guillory reaffirmed his support for the CPSO SVU detectives, emphasizing that physical evidence was collected and presented, and the jury’s unanimous guilty verdict was justified. He acknowledged the distress caused to the victim and their family, stating the department remains committed to accountability and transparency.

Cut 12 (10) “…through this again.”

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A Kaplan man is convicted in a murder-for-hire plot in Terrebonne Parish. Beaux Cormier (korm-ee-AY) was found guilty of multiple counts of murder and attempted murder in connection with the 2021 murder-for-hire deaths of his sister and her neighbor. Terrebonne Parish Assistant District Attorney Dennis Elfert says it started with an accusation in 2019.

Cut 13 (12)  “…about that allegation.”

So Elfert says Cormier hired Dalvin Wilson of Rayne and Andrew Eskine of Carencro to kill his niece; but they killed the two women instead. Wilson was previously convicted, while Eskine confessed and took a plea deal in exchange for testimony against the other two. Elfert says Cormier will in all likelihood spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Cut 14 (08) “…those sentences imposed.”

Elfert says they decided not to seek the death penalty.

Cut 15 (07) “…death penalty case.”

Cormier will be sentenced following a post-trial hearing in May.

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Tonight marks the final time ULM’s Keith Richard (REE-shard) will coach his team in Fant-Ewing Coliseum. Richard is retiring at the end of the season, following 15 years as a head coach at his alma mater. Richard also played at ULM, was a grad assistant and an assistant coach….

Cut 16 (17) “…for me.”

ULM is suffering through a difficult season as the Warhawks are 7-and-23. Richard says he plans to still be around after he coaches his last game…

Cut 17 (12)  “…ULM.”

ULM hosts Arkansas State

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Louisiana Tech men’s basketball is looking for more scoring from Daniel Batcho. The six-foot-11 senior from France has scored just 10 points in each of the last two games. Coach Talvin Hester wants Batcho to crash the glass more….

Cut 18 (17)  “…take shots.”

Tech is at Sam Houston on Saturday.

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The second ranked LSU baseball team will spend the weekend in Frisco, Texas playing three different teams. Kade Anderson is set to start today for the Tigers. The left-hander is 2-and-0, but was upset he gave up two runs in his last start. Coach Jay Johnson says Anderson expects a lot out of himself…

Cut 19 (19) “…next week.”

The Tigers will face Kansas State at 2 PM today. The Wildcats are 4-and-4, but won three games last week, two of the victories were against ranked opponents, Arkansas and TCU. Johnson is looking forward to another tough test for his team…

Cut 20 (18) “…at bats.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

There are many unknowns with the next fiscal year’s budget that the legislature will be considering in the session that gets underway in April. A lot will ride on the outcome of next month’s vote on Amendment 2. Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras (BAR-ah) says along with the passage of the tax reform plan last November, the passage of Amendment 2 would lead to better predictability in forming future budgets.

Cut 11 (10) “… going forward.”

The price of live and boiled crawfish in Louisiana continues to drop as Mardi Gras approaches. According to The Crawfish App Co-founder Laney King, live crawfish now average $3.75 per pound.

Cut 6 (07) “…$3.00 a pound now.”

This is the fourth straight week that the price of crawfish has gone down.

A huge pot bust in Rapides Parish. The Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Unit executed four search warrants, which netted the seizure of 170 pounds of high-grade marijuana, along with 40-thousand dollars in cash, two firearms and body armor. Tommy Carnline (KARN-line) with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says high-grade marijuana causes chronic users to do more aggressive things.

Cut 14 (04) “…look at it.”

U-L Lafayette received a silver award from the League of American Bicyclists for fostering a bike-friendly campus. The University’s Office of Sustainability and Community Engagement, led by Gretchen Vanicor, credits collaboration with local governments and student groups.

Cut 3 (14) “…in and around campus.” 

UL-Lafayette is the only Louisiana school to be recognized by the organization.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The second-ranked LSU baseball team had its best victory of the season last night as the Tigers defeated 19th-ranked Dallas Baptist seven to three at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Daniel Dickinson drove in three runs and hit his second home run of the year and LSU pitching struck out 13 hitters. Freshman Casan Evans pitched two innings for his second save of the year. The freshman from Houston came in during the 8th inning with two runners on and nobody out…

Cut 28 (16) “…of difference”

The Tigers are now in Frisco, Texas and they’ll play Kansas State at 2 PM tomorrow.

LSU has lost its defensive line coach to the Saints. Bo Davis is leaving his alma mater after one season and his departure comes with spring football right around the corner.

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The fifth-ranked LSU softball team stayed undefeated today with a 2- 1 win over fourth ranked UCLA in Fullerton, California. Sydney Berzon was the winning pitcher and Tori Edwards and Sierra Daniel each had RBI singles.

The seventh ranked LSU women’s basketball team is at 20th ranked Alabama. The Lady Tigers are looking for win number 28 on the season, which would be a program record for most regular season wins.

The Louisiana Tech men’s basketball team finds itself in seventh place in Conference USA and the top six teams get a bye in the upcoming league tournament. Coach Talvin Hester is more concerned about how his team is playing…

Cut 29 (12) “…be anybody”

Tech will try to beat Sam Houston in a regular season matchup on Saturday.

Last night the Ragin Cajuns fell to Arkansas State 83 to 64.

4:30 PM Newscast Feb 27

Six people were arrested after a huge pot bust in Rapides Parish. Tommy Carnline (KARN-line) with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says it was great work by the multi-jurisdictional Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Unit.

Cut 13 (06)  “…on the street.”

Four of the six arrested have bonded out, one is still behind bars and one has been turned over to ICE for deportation.

In April when the regular legislative session begins, lawmakers will consider next fiscal year’s budget and it may look a lot like the current one. Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras (BAR-ah) says there are a lot of unknowns pending the outcome of the vote on Amendment 2 next month but they had to prepare a budget that does not include the provisions contained in that amendment.

Cut 10 (14) “…one-time stipend.”

If you’re looking for a cycling friendly place, look at a well-known campus in Acadiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The price of live and boiled crawfish in Louisiana has dropped for the fourth consecutive week According to Crawfish App Co-founder Laney King…

Cut 8 (10) “…$3 per pound.”

LRN PM Newscall Feb 27

Believe it or not, there are some areas in Louisiana where it’s safe to ride a bicycle – and one of those is on a major college campus in Acadiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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With crawfish season officially kicking off next week, crawfish prices continue to drop just in time for Mardi Gras.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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U-L Lafayette received a silver award from the League of American Bicyclists for fostering a bike-friendly campus. It is the only Louisiana school recognized in the recent Bicycle Friendly University awards.  The University’s Office of Sustainability and Community Engagement, led by Gretchen Vanicor, says collaboration with local governments and student groups is key to their success.

Cut 3 (14) “…in and around campus.”

Student leaders of the bike club Geaux Bike support biking improvements, including promoting the repair station, organizing community rides, and aiding the award application. Vanicor emphasized the importance of safe connections between areas on campus.

Cut 4 (10) “…intermural areas.”

Vanicor noted that infrastructure improvements enhance the quality of life for students and the broader community.

Cut 5 (09) “…better place for everyone.”

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The price of live and boiled crawfish in Louisiana has dropped for the fourth consecutive week leading up to Mardi Gras weekend. According to The Crawfish App Co-founder Laney King, live crawfish now averages $3.75 per pound.

Cut 6 (07) “…a pound now.”

King noted that boiled crawfish cost around $6.19 per pound.

Cut 7 (14) “…favorite crawfish app.”

The decline is due to an abundant supply, driven by mild temperatures in South Louisiana. King anticipates further price drops as peak crawfish season arrives in March and April.

Cut 8 (10) “…really concerned about.”

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When the regular legislative session gets underway in April, lawmakers will be considering Governor Landry’s budget proposal for the next fiscal year. Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras (BAR-ah) says the budget proposal could change by the time lawmakers gavel into session; but for now, it looks a lot like this current fiscal year budget.

Cut 9 (11)  “…get it legally.”

Barras says there are a lot of unknowns, given Amendment 2 that citizens will be voting on late next month. As such, they had to prepare a budget that does not include the provisions contained in that amendment.

Cut 10 (14) “…one-time stipend.”

Barras says along with the passage of the tax reform plan last November, the passage of Amendment 2 would lead to better predictability in forming future budgets.

Cut 11 (10) “… going forward.”

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A huge pot bust in Rapides Parish. Tommy Carnline (KARN-line) with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Unit executed four search warrants, including at a suspected stash house, and it resulted in a huge seizure.

Cut 12 (12) “…and body armor.”

Six people were arrested. Four have bonded out, one is still behind bars and one has been turned over to ICE for deportation. Carnline says it was great work by the multi-jurisdictional RADE Unit.

Cut 13 (06)  “…on the street.”

Carnline says a common misconception these days is that marijuana is legal and is harmless. He says this is high-grade marijuana, and chronic users do more aggressive things.

Cut 14 (04) “…look at it.”

3:30 PM Newscast Feb 27

A huge pot bust in Rapides Parish. Tommy Carnline (KARN-line) with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Unit executed four search warrants, including at a suspected stash house, and it resulted in a huge seizure.

Cut 12 (12) “…and body armor.”

Six people were arrested. Four have bonded out, one is still behind bars and one has been turned over to ICE for deportation

The regular legislative session gets underway in April and lawmakers will be considering Governor Landry’s budget proposal for the next fiscal year. Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras (BAR-ah) says the budget proposal could change by then but for now, it looks a lot like this current fiscal year budget.

Cut 9 (11)  “…get it legally.”

Just in time for Mardi Gras, crawfish prices are dropping.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The League of American Bicyclists recognizes ULL with a silver award for fostering a bike-friendly campus. The University’s Office of Sustainability and Community Engagement, led by Gretchen Vanicor talked about the importance of infrastructure improvements that enhance the quality of life for students and the broader community.

Cut 5 (09) “…better place for everyone.”

2:30 PM Newscast Feb 27

Lawmakers will consider Governor Jeff Landry’s budget when the regular legislative session gets underway in April, but first voters will have the chance to vote on tax changes with Amendment 2 on March 29th. Commissioner of Administration Taylor Barras (BAR-ah) says along with the passage of the tax reform plan last November, the passage of Amendment 2 would lead to better predictability in forming future budgets.

Cut 11 (10) “…as we’re going forward.”

Louisiana is considering tax breaks for student-athletes earning money from name, image, and likeness deals to remain competitive in college athletics. Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin’s bill would exempt NIL earnings from state income tax.

Cut  (08) “…everything we do.”

If you’re looking for a cyclist friendly place to ride your bike, look at a well known campus in Acadiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Crawfish prices are dropping. According to The Crawfish App Co-founder Laney King, live crawfish now average $3.75 per pound and boiled…

Cut 7 (10) “…you can expect.”