7:30 LRN Sportscast

I’m Jeanne Burns and this sportscast is brought to you by the Louisiana Department of Health, when gambling is more than game, no one wins…

LSU baseball’s nine game winning streak came to an end last night as the Tigers lost to the Auburn Tigers eight to four. LSU sophomore left-hander Kade Anderson suffered his first loss of the season as he allowed six runs. And former LSU pitcher Sam Dutton was outstanding for Auburn. Dutton threw six shutout innings, allowed three hits, two walks and struck out seven.

Louisiana Tech maintained its half game lead for first place in Conference USA with a five to four win over Middle Tennessee. Freshman Trey Hawsey homered twice, Eli Berch drove in three runs and Luke Cooley was the winning pitcher.

The Ragin Cajuns thumped U-L-M nine to three. Conner Higgs homered and drove in three runs. Lee Amedee also drove in three runs and Chase Morgan was the winning pitcher. U-L Lafayette remains a game out of first place.

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Big news broke on Friday afternoon involving the Black and Gold as Saints starting quarterback Derek Carr might not play in 2025. The NFL Network is reporting Carr has a shoulder injury and he might need surgery. Former Saints quarterback and WWL’s Bobby Hebert says Carr’s injury could open the door for Spencer Rattler, who is entering his second season…

Cut 14 (05) “….be the guy”

The Saints have the number nine pick in the first round of the draft and could take a quarterback.

Former LSU Tiger Patrick Peterson will officially retire from the NFL on Monday. Peterson will sign a one-day contract with the Cardinals so he can retire with the team that drafted him. Peterson played ten seasons in Arizona and during his 13-year career, Peterson was an eight-time Pro Bowler. He did not play in 2024.

Playing without their top six players, the Pelicans suffered their worst loss in franchise history last night, as they were scorched by the Heat 153 to 104. It’s also the most points the Pels have allowed in a game.

5:30 LRN Newscast

This just in – Saints quarterback Derek Carr’s 2025 season may be over before it begins. Ian Rappoport with NFL Network is reporting that Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury, and Carr is weighing surgery that could sideline him for the entire season. The news comes just three days before the Saints begin their offseason conditioning program.

Last month, the Port of New Orleans set a new monthly record with 165-thousand cruise passenger movements. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The gloves are off between Governor Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple over exactly how to rein in out-of-control auto insurance premiums. In announcing his own insurance reform plan earlier this week, Landry said he wanted to limit the ability of trial lawyers to advertise. Temple says, good luck with that. He says Florida passed a regulation limiting attorney advertising, and that was overturned by the courts.

Cut 4 (08) “…of that conversation.”

Visit Lake Charles launches the “Always Here” campaign to highlight tourism’s vital role in Southwest Louisiana’s economy. Chief Marketing Officer Timothy Bush says the region welcomed over seven million visitors in 2023, but tourism is more than just numbers.

Cut 8 (12) “…really important.”

4:30 PM Newscast

As the legislature gets set to fight for auto insurance reform, Governor Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple are fighting one another. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The State Fire Marshal’s office says the man they pulled from a fire at a Minden Business last month set that fire targeting his ex-girlfriend’s business.  State Fire Marshal Deputies say Jordan Tomlinson allegedly intentionally set fire to Pro-Tint after a domestic dispute. Tomlinson was arrested and charged with aggravated arson, simple arson, and simple burglary. He faces further charges of domestic abuse battery with child endangerment after a joint investigation with the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian have strong partnerships with the Port of New Orleans and offer year-round sailings. River cruises also thrive, including American Cruise Lines and Viking. Pres Secretary Kimberly Curth emphasized that the increased number of port calls highlights New Orleans’ appeal.

Cut 11 (12) “…Big Easy hospitality.”

Last month, the Port of New Orleans set a new monthly record with over 165-thousand cruise passenger movements.

Crawfish prices are dropping as Easter approaches. According to The Crawfish App Co-founder Laney King live crawfish average $3.14 per pound, and boiled crawfish about $5.55. Some live crawfish sacks are now under $3 per pound.

Cut 14 (12) “…anticipation of Easter.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

For the second straight week, the third ranked LSU baseball team is on the road to face another team ranked in the Top 10. Ninth ranked Auburn has won three of its four SEC series this season. But they are probably missing center fielder Chris Stanfield. Stanfield has excelled at LSU this season after two years at Auburn. He’s been solid in centerfield and is batting .327 in the nine-hole. Stanfield is looking forward to seeing his old teammates….

Cut 20 (15) “…for LSU”

Also tonight, ULM hosts U-L Lafayette, and La Tech is at Middle Tennessee.

LSU football will hold an open practice tomorrow in Tiger Stadium as spring practice is winding down. The Tigers return only one starter on the offensive line, and that’s center DJ Chester. Chester has been the first team center throughout spring practice despite competition from Virginia Tech transfer Braelin Moore. Chester says he feels much more comfortable at center this season…

Cut 16 (13) “…again.”

Former LSU wide receiver Shelton Sampson has made a good impression on Ragin Cajuns football coach Michael Desormeaux. Coach Des says the former Catholic High star is a good addition to what is a deep wide receiver room…

Cut 26 (12) “…good room”

The Cajuns will not have their spring game until early May.

3:30 PM News

When it comes to the high price of auto insurance, Governor Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple are pointing their fingers – not at the insurance companies or trial lawyers, but at one another. When he announced the 20 insurance reform bills he’s supporting, Temple noted that he has not had a conversation with Landry about the issue in a long time.

Cut 3 (11) “…for property reform.”

Governor Landry names a new Secretary of the Department of Health. Soon to be secretary, Bruce Greenstein is not new to the position having served as former Governor Bobby Jindal’s LDH Secretary from 2010 until in 2013 Jindal learned Greenstein was under federal investigation for his role in the award of a multimillion-dollar Medicaid contract. Though he was never charged. There are many in office who laud this appointment saying there is no one better for the position because of Greenstein’s experience.

Last month, the Port of New Orleans recorded over 165-thousand cruise passenger movements, setting a new monthly record Port Pres Secretary Kimberly Curth says as the 6th largest U.S. cruise port and the only one offering both ocean and river cruises, the Port benefits from its prime location near the French Quarter.

Cut 10 (07) “…one of a kind.”

Major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian continue strong partnerships, offering year-round sailings.

And Visit Lake Charles has launched the “Always Here” campaign to highlight tourism’s vital role in Southwest Louisiana’s economy. Visit Lake Charles CMO Timothy Bush says tourists come for leisure, events, business, and sports, supporting local hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Cut 7 (10) “…southwest Louisiana.”

2:30 PM Newscast

As the legislature gets set to fight for auto insurance reform, Governor Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple are at odds. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Long time employees of the International Paper Mill in Campti say goodbye as the doors of the mill close today. Many have reported for duty there for decades. International has been a constant in the lives of many of the people in the small North Natchitoches Parish town.

It Festival season and the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is this weekend. Since 1972, Tangipahoa Parish has hosted this festival to celebrate the strawberry industry. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain, who’s from nearby St Tammany Parish, says the Strawberry Festival is the largest free harvest festival in the state…

Cut 13 (09)  “…and jellies.”

The three-day festival attracts an estimated 300-thousand visitors every year.

As we near Easter weekend, crawfish prices are $1.50 cheaper than they were last Easter says Crawfish App Co-founder Laney King. And she says this year the weather is going to be perfect, and the crawfish supply will be plentiful.

Cut 15 (08) “…sooner than later”

LRN PM Newscall

As the legislature gets set to fight for auto insurance reform, Governor Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple are fighting one another. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Last month, the Port of New Orleans set a new monthly record with 165-thousand cruise passenger movements. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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When it comes to the high price of auto insurance, Governor Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple are pointing their fingers – not at the insurance companies or trial lawyers, but at one another. When he announced the 20 insurance reform bills he’s supporting, Temple noted that he has not had a conversation with Landry about the issue in a long time. 

Cut 3 (11) “…for property reform.” 

Earlier this week, in announcing his own insurance reform plan, Landry said he wanted to rein in the ability of trial lawyers to advertise. Temple says, good luck with that. He says Florida passed a regulation limiting attorney advertising, and that was overturned by the courts.

Cut 4 (08) “…of that conversation.”

Temple says nothing will be accomplished through bickering.

Cut 5 (11) “…of Louisiana benefit.”

In a statement, Landry called Temple’s press conference, in his words, a media spectacle, and despite a package of bills Temple gave the legislature last year, there has been no relief for Louisiana drivers.

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Visit Lake Charles has launched the “Always Here” campaign to highlight tourism’s vital role in Southwest Louisiana’s economy. Visit Lake Charles CMO Timothy Bush says in 2023, the region welcomed over seven million visitors, generating $800 million in spending.

Cut 6 (06) “…to our local economy.”

Tourists come for leisure, events, business, and sports, supporting local hotels, restaurants, and shops. Bush emphasized the often-overlooked impact of visitors on everyday life.

Cut 7 (10) “…southwest Louisiana.”

The campaign includes billboards and digital displays illustrating visitors’ engagement in the community, from dining to experiencing hospitality.   These efforts aim to foster local pride and demonstrate how tourism supports the entire community. Bush stresses that tourism is more than numbers…

Cut 8 (12) “…really important.”

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Last month, the Port of New Orleans recorded over 165-thousand cruise passenger movements, setting a new monthly record and surpassing its previous high of 155-thousand in March 2023. Port NOLA Pres Secretary Kimberly Curth says this milestone follows a record-breaking 2024 with more than 1.2 million cruise passenger movements.

Cut 9 (11)  “…prime cruise desination”

Curth noted as the 6th largest U.S. cruise port and the only one offering both ocean and river cruises, Port NOLA benefits from its prime location near the French Quarter.

Cut 10 (07) “…one of a kind.”

Major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian continue strong partnerships, offering year-round sailings. River cruises also thrive, including American Cruise Lines and Viking. Curth emphasized that the increased number of port calls further highlights New Orleans’ appeal.

Cut 11 (12) “…Big Easy hospitality.”

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The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is this weekend. Since 1972, Tangipahoa Parish has hosted this festival to celebrate the strawberry industry, which generates an estimated 12-million dollars to the economy. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain, who’s from nearby Abita Springs, says if you love strawberries and music this is the festival for you…

Cut 12 (12) “…incredible.”

Strain says the Strawberry Festival is the largest free harvest festival in the state…

Cut 13 (09)  “…and jellies.”

The Strawberry Festival Parade begins at 9:30 in the morning on Saturday and starts at the Ponchatoula Lions Club and ends Kiwanis Park. The three-day festival attracts an estimated 300-thousand visitors every year.

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Crawfish prices are dropping as Easter approaches. According to The Crawfish App Co-founder Laney King live crawfish average $3.14 per pound, and boiled crawfish about $5.55. Some live crawfish sacks are now under $3 per pound.

Cut 14 (12) “…anticipation of Easter.”

King says the weather is going to be perfect, and the crawfish supply will be plentiful. So, plan ahead for Easter weekend.

Cut 15 (08) “…sooner than later”

1:30 LRN Newscall

Governor Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple launch a war of words over their competing plans to address soaring auto insurance rates. Temple says nothing will be accomplished through bickering.

Cut 5 (11) “…of Louisiana benefit.”

Temple says Governor Landry’s proposal to limit injury lawyer advertising is easier said than done, saying a similar law in Florida was struck down in the courts.

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is this weekend. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain, who’s from nearby Abita Springs, says if you love strawberries and music this is the festival for you…

Cut 12 (12) “…incredible.”

Tangipahoa Parish has hosted this festival to celebrate the strawberry industry since 1972, and it generates an estimated 12-million dollars to the economy. 

Last month, the Port of New Orleans set a new monthly record with 165-thousand cruise passenger movements. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Visit Lake Charles has launched the “Always Here” campaign to highlight tourism’s vital role in Southwest Louisiana’s economy. Visit Lake Charles Chief Marketing Officer Timothy Bush says in 2023, the region welcomed over seven million visitors, generating $800 million in spending.

Cut 6 (06) “…to our local economy.”

12:30 LRN Newscast

The gloves are off between Governor Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple over exactly how to rein in out-of-control auto insurance premiums. In announcing his own insurance reform plan earlier this week, Landry said he wanted to limit the ability of trial lawyers to advertise. Temple says, good luck with that. He says Florida passed a regulation limiting attorney advertising, and that was overturned by the courts.

Cut 4 (08) “…of that conversation.”

Crawfish prices are dropping as Easter approaches. According to The Crawfish App Co-founder Laney King live crawfish average $3.14 per pound, and boiled crawfish about $5.55. Some live crawfish sacks are now under three dollars a pound.

Cut 14 (12) “…anticipation of Easter.”

The Port of New Orleans sets a new record for passenger movements. Last month, Port NOLA recorded over 165-thousand movements, surpassing the previous high of 155-thousand in March 2023. Kimberly Curth with Port NOLA says this milestone follows a record-breaking 2024 with more than 1.2 million cruise passenger movements.

Cut 9 (11)  “…prime cruise destination”

Curth noted as the 6th largest U.S. cruise port and the only one offering both ocean and river cruises, Port NOLA benefits from its prime location near the French Quarter.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The third ranked LSU baseball team goes after its tenth straight win tonight when they visit Auburn. The Tigers rank sixth in the country in batting average and they are doing it with a line-up that looks a little different every game. Jake Brown, Ethan Frey, and Josh Pearson are sharing playing time in right field and at designated hitter. Coach Jay Johnson credits how they were raised for their selfless attitude…

Cut 18 (20) “…shook.”

Good pitching matchup tonight as Kade Anderson makes his first start since his complete game shutout against Oklahoma. Former LSU pitcher Sam Dutton will start for Auburn. He threw seven shutout innings against Alabama last week.

Louisiana Tech baseball is on the road this weekend. The Bulldogs have a half game lead over Western Kentucky for first place in the conference standings. Tech is at Middle Tennessee. The Blue Raiders have lost four in a row.

McNeese has won nine in a row and the Cowboys at UIW. Northwestern State has won five straight Southland Conference Series and the Demons begin a three-game series tonight against league-leading Houston Christian at Husky Field.

LSU has its open spring practice in Tiger Stadium on Saturday. Former Alexandria Senior High star Jacobian Guillory is back practicing in full pads after suffering a season ending Achilles injury seven months ago. Guillory says the rehab has been difficult, but he’s feeling good now…

Cut 17 (19) “…feet are.”