4:30 LRN Newscast March 28

The Louisiana House approves legislation that would repeal the rule that prohibits homeowner insurance companies from dropping a policyholder after three years. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple’s package of bills seeks to bring more insurers into the state that he says will lead to more competition and lower rates. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson…

Cut 5 (12)  “…that’s right.”

The measure heads to the Senate for debate.

Kristen Perkins has started Leedle’s Dirty Paws Rescue in Rapides Parish in memory of her daughter, Leeleanne who tragically died in 2022 trying to save a dog. Perkins says the rescue help dogs find new homes but admits operating a rescue is tough.

Cut 8 (12) “…that choice.” 

You can find a link to the rescue at LouisianaRadioNetwork.com

The Small Business Administration has opened a Business Recovery Center in Crowley for businesses impacted by challenges from last year’s extreme drought. Spokesperson Corey Williams…

Cut 11 (11) “…extreme drought.”

Williams says services are free of charge, with no appointment necessary. There are SBA offices in all 64 parishes.

Louisiana honey supply is down due to the state’s extreme drought last year. The state typically produces more than three million pounds of honey in a year. State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says last year it was two-million pounds….

Cut 12 (09) “…wow” 

Strain says a lower supply of honey, means the price has gone up.

12:30 LRN Newscast March 28

Legislation to repeal the state’s three-year rule advances from the Louisiana House. Critics say there is no guarantee this will help bring more insurers into Louisiana. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan…

Cut 4 (06) “…than others.” 

Repealing the three-year rule is part of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple’s package of bills that he says will bring more insurance providers to Louisiana. Temple says more competition is the key to reversing soaring premiums. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says if Temple supports it, he backs it too…

Cut 5 (12)  “…that’s right.”

The measure heads to the Senate for more discussion.

Kristen Perkins has started “Leedle’s Dirty Paws Rescue” in Glenmora to honor her daughter, Leeleanne’s memory. On January 11, 2022, she says her daughter was on her way home from work at a vet clinic when she was tragically killed on a highway in Pineville trying to save an injured dog.

Cut 7 (11) “…out of the highway.”  

You can find Leedle’s Dirty Paws Rescue on Facebook and Petfinder.com.

The Small Business Administration opened a Business Recovery Center in Crowley today at the former Wells Fargo Bank location on Parkerson Avenue.  Spokesperson Corey Williams says this initiative is SBA’s commitment to helping Louisiana small businesses to overcome challenges resulting from natural disasters.

Cut 11 (11) “…extreme drought.”

Services are free of charge, with no appointment necessary.

10:30 LRN Newscast March 28

The Louisiana House has approved an insurance reform measure that repeals the three-year rule. Louisiana does not allow homeowners insurance companies to drop policyholders who have been customers for at least three years. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment says his legislation will allow insurers to better manage their risk..

Cut 3 (10) “…insurance market”  

Firment says repealing the three-year rule will help attract more insurers into the state, which would result in lower premiums.

The Senate Transportation Committee has approved a bill that would prohibit drivers from using a handheld cellphone while driving. Author of the bill, Covington Senator Patrick McMath heard from opponents that his bill is a government overreach. McMath looks at his legislation as a way to keep people safe…

Cut 7 (11) “…correct.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor.

LSU has been awarded a 550-thousand-dollar grant from the National Science Foundation, to see if they can mass produce an organic compound that could lead to better bug spray. Chemical Engineering Professor Kerry Dooley says the goal is to streamline the cost associated with the production of nootkatone.

Cut 10 (11) “…and sprays.”

Dooley says the insect repellant would reduce cases of malaria, Lyme disease, and West Nile

If you’re planning on dying Easter eggs this year, Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says the prices have dropped significantly. Last year the southern average for a dozen eggs was $4.17, but this year it’s $2.71.

Cut 13 (12)  “…right now.”

While you may be paying between $2.89 to $3.40 for a dozen eggs this Easter, Davidson says to keep in mind the farmer’s profit is miniscule.

9:30 LRN Newscast March 28

Legislation to ban drivers from handling their cell phone while behind the wheel advances from the Senate Transportation Committee. However, the bill would still allow drivers to talk on a cell phone, but it has to be hands-free. Kenner resident Richard Brown opposed the bill. He says the conversation is what’s distracting…

Cut 5 (12) “…isn’t true.” 

LSU researchers have secured a $550,000 grant to work on creating an insect repellent that could reduce cases of malaria, Lyme disease, and West Nile. This is the largest NSF PFI grant ever awarded to LSU. Chemical Engineering Professor Kerry Dooley says the project involves the use of nootkatone and even at a five percent concentration, nootkatone outperforms DEET.

Cut 12 (12) “…DEET has.” 

If you’re planning on dyeing eggs this Easter Brooke Thorington has some egg-cellence news, and that’s no yolk.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

5:30 LRN Newscast March 25

The House Civil Law Committee has voted against a proposal to give residents a chance to vote on whether abortion should be legal in Louisiana. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (36)  “I’m Colleen Crain” 

A bill to allow judges to sentence sex offenders whose victims are younger than 13, to surgical castration will be heard in Senate Judiciary C Tuesday. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow, author of the bill believes sexual assault has a lifelong impact on children. She says the state would be responsible for surgical costs.

Legislation to do away with the requirement for Louisiana drivers to have an inspection sticker on their vehicle passes the House Transportation Committee. State Police Captain Bryan Lee says State Troopers and police officers can’t tell if a vehicle’s tires are worn, which is something that can be spotted during a vehicle inspection. He says bald tires are a safety threat…

Cut 10 (07) “…bad tires. “

The elimination of inspection vehicles would cost State Police and the Office of Motor Vehicles 14-million dollars a year.  Hornbeck Representative Rodney Schamerhorn says there are several inspection stations that do not take it seriously, so why require it…

Cut 11 (09) “…they’re not.”

The measure will now head to House Appropriations for more discussion.

12:30 LRN Newscast March 25

Democrat Henry Whitehorn, who won by a single vote margin in November, has been elected as Caddo Parish first African American Sheriff. Political Analyst Scott Hughes points out the unity and commitment from Democrats and the African American community to place Whitehorn into leadership.

Cut 4 (10) “…128 boxes.” 

Whitehorn secured 53 percent of the vote against his opponent Republican John Nickelson. Whitehorn who won by a one vote margin in November, will be sworn in this summer.

A recall effort is underway to remove St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape, who officially took office today after it was revealed he was charged with six counts of child sexual assault in New Mexico but was never tried on a technicality. Franklin Senator Beth Mizell says there will be a gathering at the state capitol this afternoon.

Cut 6  (09) “…that office.” 

The LSU women’s basketball team defeated Middle Tennessee Raider’s in a final score of 83-56 Sunday and advance to the Sweet 16 for the second straight year. Angel Reese stepped up her game in the second half and scored 14 points. Coach Kim Mulkey says in the second half they picked up the pace offensively and played with more effort…

Cut 19 (17) “…third and fourth quarter”  

LSU will play the winner of tonight’s game between UCLA and Creighton in the Sweet 16 on Saturday.

10:30 LRN Newscast March 25

Legislation to ban the sale, possession, and use of the recreational inhale nitrous oxide, known as laughing gas passed the House Criminal Justice Committee in a unanimous vote. Nitrous oxide cartridges are packaged in attractive bright colors and sold in unlimited quantities without age limits. Concerned citizen, Samantha McCann testified before the committee…

Cut 6 (08) “…stop him.”

The bill heads to the full house for consideration.

LSU Health Shreveport Director of the Rehabilitation Science Program Dr. Cory Coehoorn (coo-horn) says they are joining forces Air Force Global Strike Command to study the physical and cognitive effects B-52 aircrew members go through during long deployments.

Cut 13 (08)  “…things like that.”

Coehoorn says this is a first and they are excited about the study. He anticipates the research project will take flight in the next six months.

A bill to end the state’s insurance crisis has been labeled as beneficial to the insurer, not the consumer. Jeanne Burns has Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple’s reaction…

Cut 2 (28)  “I’m Jeanne Burns.” 

Democrat Henry Whitehorn has been elected the first African American Sheriff of Caddo Parish. Whitehorn won with 53 percent of the votes beating his opponent Republican John Nickelson. A one vote margin by Whitehorn in November landed the election results in court after Nickelson demanded a recount. Whitehorn will be sworn in as sheriff on July 1st.

9:30 LRN Newscast March 25

The Criminal Justice Committee unanimously passed legislation to ban the sale, use, and possession of nitrous oxide statewide.  Bill author, Rep Joe Stagni (Stag Knee) says Nitrous oxide has become a highly addictive drug with devastating consequences.

Cut 4 (11) “…laughing matter.”

The party drug is sold at gas stations and smoke shops across the state.

Lawmakers are backing Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple’s package of bills to make the state more attractive to insurance companies. Temple says several of the bills focus on improving the state’s legal environment, which he says will bring more companies to the state and result in lower premiums…

 Cut 7 (10) “…litigate.”

High winds, hail and isolated tornadoes are possible as a cold front will sweep across the state today. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says the greatest risk for severe weather could be found in northeast Louisiana..

Cut 3 (12) “…weather wise”  

Keim says one to two inches could fall from this storm system with some areas seeing more than two inches.

LSU Health Shreveport is joining forces with the Air Force to study the physical and cognitive effects of lengthy flights on B-52 aircrew members. Director of the Rehabilitation Science Program Dr. Cory Coehoorn (coo-horn) says  once the three-year study is complete,  they’ll look at….

Cut 15 (08) “…mission objectives.”

11:30 LRN Newscast March 22

Tomorrow is Election day with the presidential primary on the statewide ballot and some areas have local races. Nearly 170,000 voters have already cast their ballots. Secretary of State spokesperson Joel Watson says Caddo Parish has had the largest turnout in the state with approximately 25,000 ballots already cast.

Cut 8 (08) “…voting period.” 

The polls are open from 7 am until 8 pm.

As the First Round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament starts today, many are wondering if this be the last one for Lady Tiger stars, Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith? If they enter the WNBA, things will certainly change without their college NIL deals… Reese says brand relationships have been built and will last into the future…

Cut 4 (10) “…past college.

10:30 LRN Newscast March 22

House Education approves a bill to repeal state laws requiring educators to teach students about CPR, eating disorders, adoption and substance abuse and more. Instead, BESE would decide if they should be taught Rosepine Representative Charles Owens is the author of the legislation..

Cut 13 (08)  “…our classroom.”

Owens says for teachers to teach these type of lessons, they have to be trained. He says instead of state lawmakers deciding if these are worthy subjects, leave it up to the state’s top school board, BESE…

Saturday is election day with the presidential primary on the statewide ballot and some areas have local races. Secretary of State spokesperson Joel Watson says about 170,000 voters have already cast their ballots either by absentee or early voting. And for a spring low-profile election he says that’s a notable.

Cut 7 (13) “…voting period.”

Watson says voter turnout is more prominent in municipalities that have local races. Caddo Parish has had the largest turnout in the state with approximately 25,000 ballots already cast.

The First Round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament starts Friday but will this be the last one for Lady Tiger stars, Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith? If they enter the WNBA, things will certainly change without their college NIL deals… Van Lith says NIL deals may not continue to the same degree playing in the WNBA but that doesn’t mean the loss of endorsement dollars…

Cut 6 (12) “…the league.” (6)

Thanks to the Fast Forward program, Raiden Scott has graduated from college before he receives his high school diploma from Minden High School. Principal Becky Johnson says the high school senior started taking classes last year through Bossier Parish Community College and Southern University Shreveport.

The dual enrollment program allows high school students to take college courses while in high school and earn college credits at the same time. Johnson says Raiden is planning on going into the medical field.

Cut 11 (08) “…to me.”