LRN Newscall December 26

The insurance commissioner says auto premiums turned the corner in 2025 and expects the momentum to continue in 2026. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (26) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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LSU puts a wrap on the 2025 season by playing Houston in the Texas Bowl tomorrow night. Jeff Palermo has a preview.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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2025 has been a difficult year for farmers because of low commodity prices. LSU AgCenter economist Michael Deliberto says optimism that prices will increase in 2026 is low.

Cut 3 (11) “…face in 2026.”

Deliberto says Louisiana saw more than a 60-percent increase in corn acreage because of the low price of soybeans. But he says corn prices fell below four dollars this summer, which is below the cost of production.

Cut 4 (04) “…of the situation.”

Rice prices also dropped 25-percent this year, and Deliberto says sugarcane farmers will likely see a price drop in 2026.

Cut 5 (11) “…going into 2026.”

Deliberto says the one bright spot for producers is beef prices, which are near record levels, as ranchers are enjoying profitable conditions for the first time in a while.

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Governor Landry appears to be walking back earlier comments about making Greenland a part of the U.S. Landry used those words on social media after being named special envoy to the island nation that President Trump has wanted to wrest from Denmark for years. On “The Will Cain Show” on the Fox News Channel, Landry said his goal as special envoy is not to launch an invasion.

Cut 6 (12) “…we represent protection.”

Trump has repeatedly said the U.S. needs Greenland for national security because of the vast supply of minerals and rare earths the island has. Landry says Denmark has neglected the country, and other countries have taken advantage.

Cut 7 (08) “…the Western Hemisphere.”

Landry says he wants to use his role in taking the U.S. message directly to the people of Greenland.

Cut 8 (08) “…they actually deserve?”

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Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says 2025 was the year when Louisianans started seeing their insurance rates go down, and he’s looking forward to that trend continuing in 2026. Temple says 30 auto insurance carriers filed for premium decreases in 2025. And in 2026, rates will continue to go down when the impact of legislation passed earlier this year takes hold.

Cut 9 (09)  “…impact next year.”

Temple says while premiums are going in the right direction, they’re still considerably higher than those in neighboring states like Mississippi and Alabama – and he says there’s one key factor in bringing those premiums down to those levels.

Cut 10 (08) “…it should be.”

Temple says he’s focused on making Louisiana a great place for all parties when it comes to insurance.

Cut 11 (07) “…the legal standpoint.”

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LSU plays a football game tomorrow night to finally wrap up the 2025 season. The Tigers will take on 21st-ranked Houston at 8:15 in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl. The game will be played at NRG Stadium in Houston, and Tiger Rag magazine editor Glenn Guilbeau says there’s very little buzz surrounding this game.

Cut 12 (08) “…a game Saturday.”

Guilbeau says some of LSU’s best players have also opted out of the bowl game as they begin preparations for the NFL draft.

Cut 13 (09)  “…Josh Thompson.”

Eleven players on the 2025 team have also announced they plan on transferring, including two starting offensive linemen — Carrius Curne and Coen Echols.

Guilbeau says the Tigers team that plays in the Texas Bowl will look much different than the one that played in the regular season.

Cut 14 (05) “…the offensive line.”

 

9:30 LRN Newscast

At least two people are injured after a driver plows into a horse carriage in downtown Lake Charles this week. 49-year-old Monica Guillory of Lake Charles is charged with hit-and-run, driving with a suspended license and driving with no insurance. Lake Charles Police Lieutenant Jeffrey Keenum says the crash put a damper on what was supposed to be a festive mood downtown.

Cut 7 (14) “…the horse carriage.”

It’s a very Merry Christmas for one lucky Powerball player. If you’re listening to this newscast on terrestrial radio, it’s not you. The one and only winning ticket was sold in Arkansas, and it is worth 1.7-billion dollars. Eight other tickets – also none in Louisiana – matched the five white balls but missed the Powerball; the players who have them win a consolation prize of one-million dollars.

It may be Christmas Day, but you wouldn’t know it by stepping outside, because it’s quite warm and toasty. High temperatures are in the 70s – obviously no snow anywhere in sight – and it’s going to be in the 80s throughout the weekend. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says if you’re looking for colder temperatures, you’ll have to wait until next week.

Cut 5 (10) “…even colder yet.”

A routine traffic stop in Allen Parish leads to the rescue of an eight-week-old puppy. Officers in Oakdale heard whimpering and found the malnourished and dehydrated puppy in the trunk. The driver of the vehicle, Dallas Antonie, was cited for cruelty. Jeff Dorson with the Humane Society of Louisiana is not sure why Antonie was driving with the puppy in his trunk.

Cut 11 (07) “…it in court.”

8:30 LRN Newscast

A Christmas carriage ride in downtown Lake Charles takes a tragic turn Monday night when a driver plows into the carriage. Lake Charles Police Lieutenant Jeffrey Keenum says people were on board at the time, and at least two people were hospitalized.

Cut 6 (09) “…wonderful holiday season.”

A tiny Christmas miracle happened in southwest Louisiana this month. An eight-week-old puppy found locked in the trunk of a vehicle is doing much better now. Jeff Dorson of the Humane Society of Louisiana says the discovery of the malnourished and dehydrated puppy occurred when Oakdale police officers conducted a routine traffic stop.

Cut 9 (10)  “…from the trunk.”

Antonie was cited for cruelty. He’s already on probation for other crimes. A rescuer has temporary custody of the dog named Rosie Joe.

It’s Christmas Day, but it doesn’t feel like it with these warm and muggy temperatures. Jeff Palermo reports on when we’ll see cold weather again.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Many Louisiana residents are spending the day with family and loved ones. U.S. Senator John Kennedy says the Christmas season is special because it’s a celebration of God’s love for all of humanity.

Cut 12 (10) “…redeem us all.”

7:30 LRN Newscast

One lucky Powerball player is 1.7-billion dollars richer. If you’re listening to this newscast, don’t bother checking your ticket, because it’s not you. The winning ticket was sold in Arkansas. The winning numbers drawn last night are 4, 25, 31, 52 and 59, and the Powerball is 19. Eight players matched the five white balls but missed the Powerball. Each of them gets a consolation prize of one-million dollars; none bought the Power Play.

A carriage ride in downtown Lake Charles this week takes a tragic turn when a driver rear-ends the carriage, sending at least two people to the hospital. 49-year-old Monica Guillory is charged with hit-and-run, driving with a suspended license and driving without insurance. Lake Charles Police Lieutenant Jeffrey Keenum says while the extent of the victims’ injuries is unclear, the horse is fine.

Cut 8 (11) “..we’re aware of.”

If you’re dreaming of a White Christmas, you’re in the wrong state. You’ll have to settle for a WARM Christmas – one of the warmest on record, in fact. High temperatures will be in the 70s, and we’ll see 80-degree temperatures this weekend. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim believes the temperatures will fall just short, however, of setting any records.

Cut 4 (09) “…records would suggest.”

On this Christmas Day, as warm as it may be, Senator John Kennedy says God’s love can be found everywhere, but it really shines in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (20)  “…people on Earth.”

6:30 LRN Newscast

It’s quiet Christmas weather other than it’s warmer than normal. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says that warm air will continue to produce foggy conditions every morning throughout the weekend.

Cut 3 (07) “…definitely an issue.”

High temperatures are in the upper 70s today, making it one of the warmest Christmas days on record; and we’ll see 80-degree temperatures this weekend.

An eight-week-old puppy found locked in the trunk of a vehicle is doing much better now. Oakdale police officers found the malnourished and dehydrated puppy in the trunk during a routine traffic stop. A rescuer now has temporary custody of the dog, who’s been named Rosie Joe. Jeff Dorson of the Humane Society of Louisiana says as soon as Rosie Joe has recovered, he will be rehomed.

Cut 10 (11) “…that’s what’s happening.”

A festive holiday night takes a tragic turn in downtown Lake Charles as a driver plows into a horse carriage. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (24) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

The National Guard will be making its way back to New Orleans. About 350 troops will be arriving in the city shortly after Christmas and will remain in the city through the end of February. Many troops will be reinforcing local law enforcement in the French Quarter during upcoming major events including New Year’s Eve, the Sugar Bowl and Mardi Gras. While NOPD says it welcomes the partnership, Mayor-elect Helena Moreno says this is about scare tactics by the federal government to score political points.

LRN Christmas Day Newscall

It’s Christmas Day, but it doesn’t feel like it with these warm and muggy temperatures. Jeff Palermo reports on when we’ll see cold weather again.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A festive holiday night takes a tragic turn in downtown Lake Charles as a driver plows into a horse carriage. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (24) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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It’s quiet Christmas weather other than it’s warmer than normal. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says that warm air will continue to produce foggy conditions every morning throughout the weekend.

Cut 3 (07) “…definitely an issue.”

High temperatures will be in the upper 70s today, making it one of the warmest Christmas days on record; and we’ll see 80-degree temperatures this weekend. Keim believes the temperatures will fall just short of setting any records.

Cut 4 (09) “…records would suggest.”

Keim says if you’re looking for colder temperatures, you’ll have to wait until next week for the next arctic blast to hit Louisiana.

Cut 5 (10) “…even colder yet.”

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A Christmas carriage ride in downtown Lake Charles takes a tragic turn Monday night when a driver plows into the carriage. Lake Charles Police Lieutenant Jeffrey Keenum says people were on board at the time, and at least two people were hospitalized.

Cut 6 (09) “…wonderful holiday season.”

49-year-old Monica Guillory of Lake Charles is charged with hit-and-run, driving with a suspended license and driving with no insurance. Lieutenant Keenum says the crash put a damper on what was supposed to be a festive mood downtown.

Cut 7 (14) “…the horse carriage.”

As for the horse, Keenum says the horse is fine.

Cut 8 (11) “..we’re aware of.”

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A tiny Christmas miracle happened in southwest Louisiana this month. An eight-week-old puppy found locked in the trunk of a vehicle is doing much better now. Jeff Dorson of the Humane Society of Louisiana says the discovery of the malnourished and dehydrated puppy occurred when Oakdale police officers conducted a routine traffic stop.

Cut 9 (10)  “…from the trunk.”

Dorson says officers called local rescuer Brittany Ware to the scene, and she now has temporary custody of the dog, who’s been named Rosie Joe. He says as soon as Rosie Joe has recovered from his terrifying experience, he will be rehomed.

Cut 10 (11) “…that’s what’s happening.”

The driver of the vehicle, Dallas Antonie, was cited for cruelty. He’s already on probation for other crimes. Dorson is not sure why Antonie was driving in Allen Parish with an eight-week-old puppy in his trunk.

Cut 11 (07) “…it in court.”

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It’s Christmas Day, and many Louisiana residents are spending the day with family and loved ones. U.S. Senator John Kennedy says the Christmas season is special because it’s a celebration of God’s love for all of humanity.

Cut 12 (10) “…redeem us all.”

Kennedy says God’s love can be found everywhere, but it really shines in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (20)  “…people on Earth.”

 

2:30 LRN Newscast

Drivers are enjoying the Christmas gift of low gas prices. The average price for regular unleaded is $2.50 a gallon. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says one thing keeping prices low is OPEC not adjusting production when the U.S. increased its production of refined gasoline.

Cut 7 (11) “…dollars a barrel.”

Of course, if you win tonight’s Powerball drawing, you’re never going to care about gas prices again. That’s because tonight’s estimated jackpot is a whopping 1.7-billion dollars. Chrislyn Maher (“mayor”) with the Louisiana Lottery says while no one has won the big prize since September 6th, almost 100 people across the country have come agonizingly close but still came away with huge paydays.

Cut 9 (09)  “…for two million.”

Just in time for Christmas, flu activity is rampant across the country, especially in Louisiana. Dr. David Janese (juh-NEESE) with Ochsner LSU Health says emergency rooms throughout the state are seeing more and more people sick with the flu.

Cut 10 (07) “…illness criteria.”

Nationwide, the CDC says about 4.6-million people have become sick with the flu, including almost 50-thousand hospitalizations and about two-thousand deaths.

The public service commissioner who spearheaded the new policy streamlining the process for data centers and other large projects to access the energy they need is clearing up some misconceptions. While the Alliance for Affordable Energy says the new policy will cause bills for residential customers to spike, Commissioner J.P. Coussan says there are safeguards in place to keep costs from spiraling out of control.

Cut 14 (08) “…the best cost.”

11:30 LRN Newscast

Just in time for Christmas, flu activity is rampant across the country, especially in Louisiana. Dr. David Janese (juh-NEESE) with Ochsner LSU Health says emergency rooms throughout the state are seeing more and more people sick with the flu.

Cut 10 (07) “…illness criteria.”

Dr. Janese says nearly one-fourth of all flu tests are coming back positive.

The flu is also infecting wild birds in the form of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the birds can transmit the virus to domestic dogs and cats, and in rare cases, humans. State Wildlife Veterinarian Jonathan Roberts says if you find a sick or dead wild bird, contact LDWF and have an agent pick it up.

Cut 5 (09) “…to wash that.”

There’s a new policy that streamlines the process for data centers and other large projects to access the energy they need, and the public service commissioner who spearheaded it is clearing up some misconceptions about it. Commissioner J.P. Coussan says it’s not a rubber stamp for utility companies to charge what they want to charge in order to expedite these big projects.

Cut 15 (10) “…of this project.”

Here we go again with a huge Powerball jackpot up for grabs. The estimated jackpot for tonight’s drawing is 1.7-billion dollars. Chrislyn Maher (“mayor”) with the Louisiana Lottery says while no one has won the big prize since September 6th, almost 100 people across the country have come agonizingly close but still came away with huge paydays.

Cut 9 (09)  “…for two million.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

A Christmas carriage ride in downtown Lake Charles takes a tragic turn Monday night when a driver plows into the carriage. Lake Charles Police Lieutenant Jeffrey Keenum says people were on board at the time, and at least two people were hospitalized.

Cut 23 (09) “…wonderful holiday season.”

49-year-old Monica Guillory of Lake Charles is facing three charges.

Things that are expanding this holiday season – credit card balances from buying presents, waistlines due to overindulging in fruitcake, and the Powerball jackpot because no one can match the five white balls and the Powerball. Chrislyn Maher (“mayor”) with the Louisiana Lottery says the estimated jackpot for tonight’s drawing is 1.7-billion dollars.

Cut 8 (11) “…Mega and Powerball.”

One thing that would put a damper on Christmas is the flu, and the virus is running rampant in Louisiana and across the country. Dr. David Janese (juh-NEESE) with Ochsner LSU Health says this is the time of year when flu activity tends to increase.

Cut 12 (08) “…home for Christmas.”

The flu is even spreading among the state’s wild bird population, in the form of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

LRN Newscall December 24

The LDWF is reporting a resurgence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the state’s wild bird population. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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As you drive to your Christmas destination, you can do so without giving too much money to the gasoline companies. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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With the jackpot skyrocketing, Powerball fever is gripping Louisiana. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is causing mortality in wild birds, especially in Southwest Louisiana. State Wildlife Veterinarian Jonathan Roberts says the virus affects various species differently.

Cut 4 (09) “…disease in geese.”

The virus can also occasionally transfer to mammals, including domestic cats and dogs, and in rare cases, humans. Health officials consider this strain of the virus to be a minimal threat to humans, but Roberts says if you find sick or dead wild birds, contact the LDWF to remove them safely.

Cut 5 (09) “…to wash that.”

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People hitting the road for the Christmas holiday road can fill their gas tanks and have money left over for some last minute gifts. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says gas prices are the lowest they’ve been since 2020.

Cut 6 (13) “…and a quarter.”

Redman says one thing keeping prices low is OPEC not adjusting production when the U.S. increased its production of refined gasoline.

Cut 7 (11) “…dollars a barrel.”

Redman says the holiday season is typically the time of year when gas prices are at their lowest.

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Things that are expanding this holiday season – credit card balances from buying presents, waistlines due to overindulging in fruitcake, and the Powerball jackpot because no one can match the five white balls and the Powerball. The jackpot has rolled over every drawing since September 6th, and Chrislyn Maher (“mayor”) with the Louisiana Lottery says the estimated jackpot for tonight’s drawing is 1.7-billion dollars.

Cut 8 (11) “…Mega and Powerball.”

While no one has won the big prize, almost 100 people across the country have come agonizingly close. Maher says they still came away with huge paydays.

Cut 9 (09)  “…for two million.”

Of course, you have a much better chance of being struck by lightning or being cast in the lead role of a major motion picture than you have of winning Powerball. But in any event, good luck!

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This will certainly put a damper on a festive holiday season – flu activity is rampant across the country, especially in Louisiana. Dr. David Janese (juh-NEESE) with Ochsner (Ox-ner) LSU Health says emergency rooms throughout the state are seeing more and more people sick with the flu.

Cut 10 (07) “…illness criteria.”

Dr. Janese says the number of people testing positive for the flu is staggering.

Cut 11 (05) “…only trending upward.”

Janese says this is the time of year when flu activity tends to increase.

Cut 12 (08) “…home for Christmas.”

Nationwide, the CDC says about 4.6-million people across the country have become sick with the flu, including almost 50-thousand hospitalizations and about two-thousand deaths.

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The Public Service Commissioner who spearheaded a new policy that streamlines the process for large projects like data centers to access the energy they need is clearing up some misconceptions about the new policy. The policy states that utilities looking to build infrastructure to power those projects no longer have to prove that the generation is the cheapest and most reliable on the market. The Alliance for Affordable Energy says residential customers will see their utility bills skyrocket as a result, but Commissioner J.P. Coussan says that’s not true.

Cut 13 (09)  “…on this deal.”

Coussan says there are still safeguards in place to keep utility costs from spiraling out of control.

Cut 14 (08) “…the best cost.”

Coussan says the new policy is not a rubber stamp for utility companies to charge what they want to charge in order to expedite these big projects.

Cut 15 (10) “…of this project.”

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Yahoo Sports’ Caroline Fenton reviewed the start of the Lane Kiffin era at LSU on Tiger Rag Radio. She says it was always a home run hire, but she’s still been impressed by his enthusiasm to embrace the program and the all-star coaching staff he’s put together.

Cut 16 (16) “…could be better.”

One of Kiffin’s claims to fame is how effectively he’s used the transfer portal to build his roster in Oxford. Fenton says finding players in the portal and bringing in former players from Ole Miss can be a recipe for instant success.

Cut 17 (19)  “…why not?”

Two Rebels Kiffin is sure to target are quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy. Fenton says with Harlem Berry and Caden Durham already on the roster and a nearly two-million-dollar NIL offer in Oxford, Kiffin may not be able to persuade Lacy despite their connection.

Cut 18 (20)  “…room already.”