9:30 LRN Newscast March 21

The Senate Insurance Committee passed a bill that would repeal the rule that prohibits a homeowners insurance company from dropping a policyholder after three years. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple’s want to bring more insurers into the state to lower rates for consumers. Temple’s plan sparked debate with New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis who challenged Temple on whether removing the rule for insurers will reduce premiums for consumers.

Cut 11 (06) “…I’m in.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor for more debate.

LSU School of Medicine New Orleans senior medical students found out where they will be going to complete their residency training. 80 of its 172 graduating medical students will remain in Louisiana for their residency. Interim Dean Dr Richard DiCarlo says Louisiana has one of the highest retention rates in the country for students in public medical school…

Cut 7 (12) “…LSU Programs.”

The National World War II Museum in New Orleans unveils a new interactive feature where visitors can have a virtual conversation with veterans and others who served during the war effort. VP of Education Peter Crean says it’s a unique experience.

Cut 4 (13) “…you’re asking.”

Crean says a lot of work went into capturing the voices of the aging veterans and their responses. Over two days they were asked more than a thousand questions.

For the first time since 2002, McNeese men’s basketball team will play in its first NCAA Tournament. Cowboys Head Coach Will Wade…

Cut 15 (15) “…down big.”

The Cowboys are 30-3 on the season and they rank fifth in the country in scoring defense, allowing 62 points a game. The Cowboys will face Gonzaga tonight at 6:25 central time in Salt Lake City, Utah.

8:30 LRN Newscast

A bill to end the state’s three-year rule, which prohibits insurers from dropping a policyholder they’ve insured for three or more years heads to the Senate floor.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

The Senate Education Committee has approved a school choice bill that would replace the current voucher system and give parents, regardless of income, the opportunity to receive state dollars to help pay for a private school education or other school-related expenses. The Public Affairs Research Council says the L-A Gator Scholarship Program would cost 650-million dollars annually in five to seven years.
LSU Health New Orleans says 172 of its graduating medical students participated in the National Resident Match Program and 80 of them will remain in Louisiana for their residency. Interim dean at the LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Doctor Richard DiCarlo, says their graduates who matched residency programs in other states will attend some of the most prestigious out-of-state programs…
cut 9 (13) “….Vanderbilt”

Grambling State won its first NCAA men’s basketball tournament game last night, beating Montana State in overtime. Tonight, McNeese will face Gonzaga in the NCAA Tournament. Coach Will Wade says this is his greatest coaching accomplishment, taking the Pokes to the Big Dance in his first year as head coach….
cut 13 (13) “…just phenomenal”
Tip off is at 6:25.

7:30 LRN Newscast

The Senate Insurance Committee advanced legislation that repeals the state’s three-year rule. The rule prevents insurance companies from dropping homeowners who have been with the same company for three years or more. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says this bill is part of his plan to bring more insurers into Louisiana which would stabilize rates.
Cut 10 (09) “…to that.”
Another bill making its way through the process makes it easier for insurers to raise rates. Temple says deregulation is the key to getting more insurance companies in Louisiana and lowering rates.

LSU Health New Orleans says 80 of its 172 graduating medical students will remain in Louisiana for their residency, which is great news according to LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Interim Dean Richard DiCarlo…
cut 8 (11) “…to practice”

One of the tallest buildings in Lake Charles will be imploded. The Capital One Tower has sat vacant since Hurricane Laura. Many of its windows were blown out and there are boards covering up the holes. The building’s owner wanted to rebuild the skyscraper, but it’s not financially possible. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter supports the demolition of the building.

If you’ve ever wanted to have a conversation with a WWII veteran, now you can. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

 

 

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Grambling State men’s basketball team keeps making history. The Tigers played in their first ever NCAA Tournament game last night and they rallied to beat Montana State in overtime 88 to 81. Jimel Cofer who averages just four points a game, scored a career-high 19 last night. Head Coach Donte Jackson was asked what this means for his program…
cut 30 (11) “…just amazing”
They’ll try to keep the dream going on Friday night when they face top seeded Purdue in Indianapolis.

Tonight in Salt Lake City, Utah, the McNeese men’s basketball program looks for its first NCAA Tournament when it takes on Gonzaga.

In college baseball last night…The Cajuns scored three runs in the eighth inning to beat McNeese four to one, Louisiana Tech topped Nicholls six to four. Northwestern State lost to Sam Houston State five to two, and Louisiana Tech softball beat U-L Lafayette 5 to 3. The Bulldogs ended their 31 game winning streak to U-L.

The SEC released the conference opponents for every team in the league for the 2025 football season. It’s the same as 2024 except the home teams are flipped. In 2024, LSU hosts Alabama, Vanderbilt. Ole Miss and Oklahoma, they will travel to those schools in 2025 and host Florida, South Carolina, Texas A-and-M and Arkansas. The 2025 road schedule is brutal with trips to Tuscaloosa, Oxford, Norman, Oklahoma and LSU opens the season at Clemson.

Garrett Nussmeier is expected to be LSU’s starting quarterback in 2024. Nussmeier knows he can’t run like Jayden Daniels, but he’ll make some plays with his legs…
cut 17 (19) “…your feet”
LSU’s spring game is April 13th.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple’s package of bills that seek to bring more insurers into the state that he says will lead to more competition and lower rates is starting to make their way through the legislative process. Including a bill that would repeal the rule that prohibits a homeowners insurance company from dropping a policyholder after three years. New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis questions Temple about getting rid of a rule that protects the consumer….
cut 12 (12) “…part of the plan
The Senate Insurance Committee approved the repealing of the three year rule.

Clay and Shelia Fletcher have been sentenced for 20 years in prison after prosecutor said they allowed their daughter Lacey Ellen Fletcher to die of neglect. Lacey Fletcher was found dead in January 2022 on the living room couch of their East Feliciana Parish home weighing just 96 pounds. She was covered with maggots and sores.

The interviews and the rankings are all done and Senior Medical Students now know where they’re going for residency after graduation. Colleen Crain has more on LSU’s Match Day.
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Colleen Crain.”

Grambling State won its ever NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament game last night, beating Montana State in overtime 88 to 81. Tonight, McNeese will look to upset Gonzaga. Guard Shahada Wells says defense will be the key…
cut 14 (12) “….just bring it”
Tip time is 6:25.

AM Newscall Mar 21

If you’ve ever wanted to have a conversation with a WWII veteran, now you can. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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 The interviews and the rankings are all done and Senior Medical Students now know where they’re going for residency after graduation. Colleen Crain has more on LSU’s Match Day.

Cut 2 (33)  “I’m Colleen Crain.” 

____________________________________________

A bill to end the state’s three-year rule, which prohibits insurers from dropping a policyholder they’ve insured for three years heads to the Senate floor. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

____________________________________________

The National World War II Museum in New Orleans unveils a new interactive feature where visitors can have a virtual conversation with veterans and others who served during the war effort. VP of Education Peter Crean says it’s a unique experience.

Cut 4 (13) “…you’re asking.”

Crean says a lot of work went into capturing the voices of the aging veterans and their responses. Over two days they were asked more than a thousand questions.

Among the voices you can interact with are a military nurse, an aircraft factory worker, and Margaret Kerry a former USO performer who was later the model for Disney’s version of Tinker Bell.

The museum has roughly a quarter of a million artifacts, but Crean says the jewel of their collection is their close to 12,000 oral histories.

Cut 5 (12) “…exactly that.” 

Marine veteran and Medal of Honor Winner Hershel Woodrow “Wood” Wilson is among the voices, who sadly passed away in June of 2022 after recording his responses. Crean says they are trying to preserve the history of WWII with the voices of those who lived it.

Cut 6 (11) “…with a WWII veteran.”

The museum is open daily from 9 am until 5 pm.

__________________________________________

Senior Medical Students found out where they will be headed for residency Friday and Interim Dean of LSU School of Medicine New Orleans, Dr Richard DiCarlo says Louisiana has one of the highest retention rates in the country for students in public medical school…

Cut 7 (12) “…LSU Programs.”

DiCarlo says the high number of residents matching with an LSU residency program is a testament to the quality of the faculty and strength of LSU’s program. He says part of their mission is to create the doctors of he future to take care of the people of Louisiana…

Cut 8 (11) “…to practice.” 

Students who decide to leave Louisiana for residency often return to the Bayou state to practice after finishing at some prestigious programs, says DiCarlo…

Cut 9 (13)  “…Vanderbilt.”

Graduates earn their long white coats with their title, Medical Doctor in May and begin their residency in June.

________________________________________________________

The Senate Insurance Committee advanced legislation that repeals the state’s three-year rule. The rule prevents insurance companies from dropping homeowners who have been with the same company for more than three years. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says this bill is part of his plan to bring more insurers into Louisiana which would stabilize rates.

Cut 10 (09) “…to that.”

Former Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon considered the three-year rule one of the best consumer protection in Louisiana.

Temple’s plan sparked debate with New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis who believes the state’s location, infrastructure, and hurricanes are more of a barrier to insurers than the rule. Duplesis challenged Temple on whether removing the rule for insurers will reduce premiums for consumers.

Cut 11 (06) “…I’m in.”

Temple wants to drive down risk  for insurers and analyze the re-insurance agreements held by the companies to make sure they have enough protection in case a storm hits. He says the state’s laws and regulations are the main problems when it comes to attracting insurers.

Cut 12 (13) “…to write.” 

The bill heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

_____________________________________________________________

The McNeese men’s basketball team will play in its first NCAA Tournament game since 2002 when they face Gonzaga at 6:25 central time in Salt Lake City, Utah. Coach Will Wade says taking the Cowboys to the Big Dance in his first season as the head coach at McNeese is his greatest coaching accomplishment…

Cut 13 (13)  “…just phenomenal”

The Cowboys are 30-3 on the season and they rank fifth in the country in scoring defense, allowing 62 points a game. Guard Shahada Wells says playing great defense is what’s needed to advance in this tournament…

Cut 14 (12) “…just bring it” 

Wade says handling Gonzaga’s size and speed are the biggest challenges…

Cut 15 (15) “…down big.”

____________________________________________________________________

LSU football had a record breaking offense in 2023, but a lot of the key pieces to that explosive unit are now getting ready for a career in the NFL. Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas are likely first round picks and leading rusher Logan Diggs has transferred to Ole Miss. New starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier says they can’t worry about what happened last year

Cut 16 (17)  “…self too” 

Daniels’ ability to rush the football for over one-thousand yards last season, took LSU’s offense last season to another level. Nussmeier says he’s not as fast or elusive as Daniels, but he can make plays with his legs too…

Cut 17 (19) “…your feet” 

This will be Nussmeier’s fourth season at LSU. The last two years, the Tigers won ten games. Nussmeier says surpassing the ten-win mark is the goal for this year…

Cut 18 (12)  “..championship culture” 

5:30 LRN Newscast March 20 Legislative Report

To reduce insurance rates, the House Civil Law Committee unanimously approved a bill that would extend the time from one to two years to file a civil lawsuit. Governor Jeff Landry this says will give an insurer and the claimant additional time to reach a settlement without having to go to court…

Cut 7 (11) “…will go down”  

Landry says he’s heard from the insurance industry that fewer lawsuits can result in lower premiums.

The Senate Insurance Committee advanced legislation to repeals the state’s three-year rule. The rule prevents insurance companies from dropping homeowners who have been with the same company for more than three years. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says this bill is part of his plan to bring more insurers to the state and stabilize rates.

Cut 10 (08) “…to that.”

Hornbeck Representative Rodney Shamerhorn’s bill to repeal the state’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law has passed the full House in a 60-43 vote. Under the proposed bill, motorcycle riders 21 and older would have the option of wearing safety helmets if they can prove they have health insurance. Shamerhorn says riders have the right to make the final call.

Cut 4 (12) “…you make.” 

The state’s current law requires both riders and passengers to wear safety helmets regardless of age.

Opponent of the bill, Monroe Representative Pat Moore believes this legislation will lead to more highway deaths. She says insurance company payouts translates to increased insurance rates.

Cut 5 (13)  “…of Louisiana.”

The measure heads to the Senate for more debate.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Grambling State meets Montana State in the opening round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament tonight. The Bobcats have won four straight and they have a 17-17 record. Grambling Coach Donte Jackson says Montana State has several guys who can knock down three pointers…
cut 19 (14) “…high level.
Tip off is at 5:40.

LSU men’s basketball is one and done in the N-I-T Tournament as the Tigers lost to North Texas 84-77. Coach Matt McMahon led LSU to a 17-16 record in his second season….
cut 28 (19) “…next year”
The transfer portal is open.

The SEC released the conference opponents for every team in the league for the 2025 football season. It’s the same as 2024 except the home teams are flipped. In 2024, LSU hosts Alabama, Vanderbilt. Ole Miss and Oklahoma, they will travel to those schools in 2025 and host Florida, South Carolina, Texas A-and-M and Arkansas. The 2025 road schedule is brutal with trips to Tuscaloosa, Oxford, Norman, Oklahoma and LSU opens the season at Clemson.

Garrett Nussmeier is expected to be LSU’s starting quarterback in 2024. Nussmeier said today he knows he can’t run like Jayden Daniels, but he’ll be able to make some plays with his legs…
cut 17 (19) “…your feet”
LSU’s spring game is April 13th.

4:30 LRN Newscast March 20

A move to do away with the state’s mandatory helmet law for motorcyclists has cleared another legislative hurdle. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Jacoby Johnson who’s accused of stabbing four women on Louisiana Tech’s campus last November, has changed his plea. His attorney has asked him to change his plea from not guilty to not guilty by reason of insanity. He faces one count of second-degree murder and three counts of attempted second-degree murder. A pre-trial hearing is set for May 21st.

To reduce insurance rates, the House Civil Law Committee unanimously approved a bill to extend the time from one to two years to file a civil lawsuit. Governor Jeff Landry this says will give the insurer and claimant additional time to reach a settlement without having to go to court. Landry says most other states have a two-year prescriptive period and they see less lawsuits.

Cut 8 (09) “…this math.” 

Landry says he’s heard from the insurance industry that fewer lawsuits can result in lower premiums.

Former Ruston Mayor Dan Hollingsworth, who served four terms died Monday at his home. Hollingsworth served as mayor from 1999 to 20015. Current Mayor Ronnie Walker says Hollingsworth was always looking to improve Ruston and spearheaded their downtown revitalization.

Cut 12 (07) “…ever had.”

Hollingsworth was 89.

LRN PM Newscall March 20

A move to do away with the state’s mandatory helmet law for motorcyclists has cleared another legislative hurdle. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

______________________________________

The House Civil Law Committee approves a bill extending the amount of time a civil lawsuit can be filed from one to two years. Jeff Palermo explains why it has the support of the governor…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Legislation to repeal the state’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law passed the full House in a 60-43 vote. The law has been in place since 2004. Bill’s author, Hornbeck Representative Rodney Shamerhorn says wearing a helmet is a freedom of choice.

Cut 3 (12) “…protect yourself.”  

Under the proposed bill, motorcycle riders 21 and older would have the option of wearing safety helmets if they can prove they have health insurance. Shamerhorn says riders have the right to make the final call.

Cut 4 (12) “…you make.” 

The state’s current law requires both riders and passengers to wear safety helmets regardless of age.

Opponent of the bill, Monroe Representative Pat Moore believes this legislation will lead to more highway deaths. She says insurance company payouts translates to increased insurance rates.

Cut 5 (13)  “…of Louisiana.”

Louisiana is one of 17 states that require full time helmets while riding a motorcycle. Moore says there are benefits that come from wearing a safety helmet.

Cut 6  (06) “…possibly dying.” 

The measure heads to the Senate for more debate.

____________________________________________

In an effort to reduce insurance rates, the House Civil Law Committee unanimously approved a bill that would extend the time from one to two years to file a civil lawsuit. Governor Jeff Landry this says will give an insurer and the claimant additional time to reach a settlement without having to go to court…

Cut 7 (11) “…will go down”  

Landry says he’s heard from the insurance industry that fewer lawsuits can result in lower premiums. He says most of other states have a two year prescriptive period and they see less lawsuits

Cut 8 (09) “…this math.” 

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple looks at this legislation as just part of the solution to solving the insurance crisis that’s seeing rates going up on both auto and homeowners policies. He says other insurance reform efforts are also needed

Cut 9 (10) “…of solution” 

Lawmakers will be discussing a package of tort and insurance reform bills as the season goes on.

___________________________________________

The Lafayette Police Department was involved in the fatal  shooting of a man last night. Sergeant Robin Green says officers had to use lethal force after a suspect in a domestic disturbance incident at a apartment complex tried to injure officers with his vehicle.

Cut 10 (10) “…the scene. “

Green says the suspect initially escaped apprehension when officers first approached him. He was spotted a short time later in a different location and that’s when the officer-involved shooting occurred.

Cut 11 (12) “…shooting occured.”

No officers were injured in the incident. The identity of the deceased suspect has not been released.

____________________________________________________________

Former Ruston Mayor Dan Hollingsworth, who served four terms died Monday at his home. Hollingsworth served as mayor from 1999 to 20015. Current Mayor Ronny Walker says Hollingsworth was always looking to improve Ruston and spearheaded their downtown revitalization.

Cut 12 (07) “…ever had.”

Walker says Hollingsworth, who was a father of five, was well thought of not only for his accomplishments but for his character as well.

Cut 13 (12) “…for advice.”  

Hollingsworth was the brainchild of the Ruston 21 plan for capital improvements, economic development, and land-use improvements. Walker says Hollingsworth is also remembered for strengthening the town’s relationship with Louisiana Tech.

Cut  14 (07) “…the future.”

The former radio station owner and broadcaster was 89.