4:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana turkey hunters had another successful season in 2025, harvesting nearly 36-hundred birds. It’s the second-highest total since harvest reporting began in 2009, just behind last year’s pace. Survey data and hunter feedback will help assess the season, and LDWF Small Game and Wild Turkey Program Manager Cody Cedotal says that will help prepare for next year’s spring season.

Cut 5 (10) “…to the hunt.”

The M.J. Foster Promise Program’s application period is now open. Credentials in industry sectors such as construction, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing and training and logistics could be eligible. LOSFA Scholarship and Grant Director Deborah (Deb-OH-ruh) Paul says the program has a budget of up to $10.5 million each year…

Cut 8 (10) “…enrolling in.”

It’s now do or die time for the LSU Tigers baseball team. With their 10-4 loss to Little Rock last night, the two teams play in a winner-take-all game for the right to advance to the super regionals. First pitch at Alex Box Stadium is eight p-m. Despite playing in their home ballpark, the Tigers are the designated visiting team.

No losing for the LSU-Shreveport Pilots. Friday night, they wrapped up a perfect 59-and-0 season, becoming the first college baseball team ever at any level to go through an entire season undefeated. The Pilots were feted with a party in downtown Shreveport today, and Head Coach Brad Neffendorf credited the alumni over the last 35 years for paving the way.

Cut 14 (17) “…are today.”

3:30 LRN Newscast

The L-A GATOR program is getting much less money than what Governor Landry had asked for. Landry had sought 93.5 million, but Senate Finance decided to dedicate only 43-million dollars. Senate President Cameron Henry says most of the students who are applying for L-A GATOR already attend a private or parochial school…

Cut 10 (10) “…support this.”

The City of Shreveport celebrates the perfect Pilots with a downtown party. House Speaker Mike Johnson interrupted LSU Shreveport’s celebration to invite the champions to visit President Trump at the White House. Head Coach Brad Neffendorf says this is the most impressive thing he’ll ever be a part of, and it’s much bigger than just his team…

Cut 13 (11)  “…(applause).”

It was another great year for turkey hunters in Louisiana. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Some tense moments during a worship service in Bossier City yesterday, as someone at the Bellaire Baptist Church was found to be armed. Bossier City Police responded quickly, and the situation was resolved without any further incident. Security at houses of worship has become a major concern following a series of religiously-motivated terror attacks, including one yesterday in Boulder, Colorado.

2:30 LRN Newscast

With more money in the general fund than originally anticipated, the Senate Finance Committee restores 30-million dollars in high-dosage tutoring for K-12 students in the proposed budget for next fiscal year. Senate President Cameron Henry says the high-dosage tutoring program is showing results…

Cut 9 (08)  “…utilization rate.”

The budget heading to the Senate floor also includes the 199-million dollars for teacher stipends, which means teachers will not receive a drop in pay.

The application period for the M.J. Foster Promise Program is now underway. Recipients are awarded $3,200 per year or up to $6,400 over a three-year period. Grant Director Deborah Paul says funding differs depending on the program…

Cut 7 (13) “…one disbursement.”

LSU Shreveport celebrated a perfect 59-and-0 season and a NAIA World Series championship in downtown Shreveport today. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kiechnick.”

As for the other LSU baseball team, the Tigers are now in a win or go home scenario. After losing last night 10-4, LSU once again plays the sub-.500 Little Rock Trojans. First Pitch at Alex Box Stadium is eight tonight. The winner advances to the super regional; the loser’s season comes to an end.

5:30 LRN Newscast

Hurricane season starts Sunday, and the National Weather Service and NOAA are both prepared to keep people informed at all times with the latest life-saving information. Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm says NOAA is also improving its process in predicting how storms intensify.

Cut 10 (13) “…and underwater gliders.”

The Insurance Council of Louisiana is sounding the alarm on House Bill 148. That’s the bill that Governor Landry signed into law that gives the insurance commissioner the ability to reject rate increases regardless of market conditions. Executive Director Rodney Braxton says the new law makes insurance companies uneasy about what the future looks like.

Cut 6 (09) “…in the future.”

Black bears have been spotted roaming neighborhoods in Baton Rouge, and the Covington and Abita Springs areas of St. Tammany Parish. LDWF Large Carnivore Program Manager John Hanks says while not common, bear sightings in the parish aren’t unusual.

Cut 3 (12) “…place to live.”

Hanks says if you encounter a bear, don’t run and back away slowly. Don’t yell at the bear, but be loud and calm.

Some major allegations levied against Zion Williamson. A woman has sued the Pelicans star, claiming that during their relationship from 2018 to 2023, he repeatedly subjected her to, according to the lawsuit, “sexual, physical, emotional and financial” abuse. Williamson’s legal team says it’s nothing more than an extortion scheme, calling the allegations categorically false.

1:30 LRN Newscast

Hurricane season starts Sunday, and the National Weather Service and NOAA are both prepared to keep people informed at all times with the latest life-saving information. Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm says NOAA is also improving its process in predicting how storms intensify.

Cut 10 (13) “…and underwater gliders.”

The Insurance Council of Louisiana is sounding the alarm on House Bill 148. That’s the bill that Governor Landry signed into law that gives the insurance commissioner the ability to reject rate increases regardless of market conditions. Executive Director Rodney Braxton says the new law makes insurance companies uneasy about what the future looks like.

Cut 6 (09) “…in the future.”

Keep an eye on your “pick-a-nick baskets.” Black bears have been spotted in Baton Rouge and St. Tammany Parish. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Two LSU schools look to make history. The Tigers open their NCAA Baton Rouge regional this afternoon as they take on Little Rock at Alex Box Stadium. And the Pilots of LSU Shreveport can wrap up what is believed to be the first undefeated season at any level of college baseball with a win tonight over Southeastern University of Florida.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Of the six auto insurance reform bills that Governor Landry signed this week, the most contentious is the one that gives the insurance commissioner the authority to reject rate increases regardless of market conditions. It’s a bill that the current insurance commissioner, Tim Temple, opposed. He says with that bill, Louisiana will no longer be a stable, predictable rating regulatory environment.

Cut 6 (10) “…in other states.”

A bill heads to the Senate floor that would require age verification and parental approval for minors to download apps. Jason Saine (“sane”) with Netchoice, who opposes the bill, says the bill is deeply flawed and would likely undermine privacy, fail to effectively protect minors and violate Louisianans’ First Amendment rights…

Cut 10 (13) “…face of these rights.”

Senate Education approves a TOPS bill that creates a new excellence level scholarship for students who score a 31 or higher on their ACT.  Ruston Representative Chris Turner says this will hopefully keep students in the state.

Cut 11 (07) “…been offered that.”

The bill now goes to Senate Finance, because it will cost the state millions of dollars more next fiscal year.

A deceased infant’s body is found mixed in with linens at a cleaning facility in Shreveport. The Shreveport Police Department determined that the body belonged to a baby who was stillborn, arrived from a funeral home in Dallas and was supposed to have been cremated. Corporal Chris Bordelon says the baby’s parents have never been accused of any wrongdoing.

Cut 16 (12) “…the funeral home.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Landry says the package of reform bills he signed this week will ultimately save drivers at least ten-percent on their auto insurance premiums. He also touted the tort reform bills that he signed, saying it will reduce frivolous lawsuits and improve the litigation environment in Louisiana.

Cut 5 (12) “…to the citizens.”

A bill heads to the Senate floor that would require age verification and parental approval for minors to download apps. Meta supports the legislation, but Google opposes it, citing privacy concerns and claiming it would require invasive ID checks. The bill’s author, Mandeville Representative Kim Carver, said in a committee hearing that Apple CEO Tim Cook also voiced opposition in regards to a similar Texas law.

Cut 9 (08)  “…not to sign it.”

A disturbing discovery in Shreveport, as a deceased infant’s body was found mixed in with linens at a cleaning facility. The body arrived at the facility from a funeral home in Dallas. Shreveport Police Corporal Christopher Bordelon says investigators are looking into how the baby’s body ended up in Shreveport.

Cut 14 (13) “…to be cremated.”

The baby’s parents are not implicated in any wrongdoing.

It’s the weekend LSU baseball fans and the team have been waiting for since the season started in February. The Tigers open up NCAA Regional play by hosting Little Rock at 2 p-m. It will be LSU’s first game since last Saturday’s loss to Ole Miss in the SEC Tournament. Coach Jay Johnson says his guys are ready to go.

Cut 17 (08)  “…with our team.”

9:30 LRN Newscast

Among the auto insurance reform bills that Governor Landry signed earlier this week is HB148, which gives the insurance commissioner the authority to reject rate increases regardless of market conditions. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple opposes it, and he says if insurance rates don’t come down by the ten-percent Governor Landry said they will, Landry will point the finger at him.

Cut 7 (10) “…sooner than that.”

A bill heads to the Senate floor that would require age verification and parental approval for minors to download apps. Mandeville Representative Kim Carver’s bill was expanded to include app developers after an amendment was added during discussion in the Senate Commerce Committee.

Cut 8 (13) “…chunk on that.”

NCAA Regional time has arrived for the LSU baseball team. Colleen Crain reports fans are excited, and so is the team.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

“Win today, and we walk together forever.” LSU Shreveport head baseball coach Brad Neffendorf might want to deliver that famous quote from late NHL head coach Fred Shero to his team as they get set to take on Southeastern University of Florida tonight. If the Pilots win, not only will they win the NAIA national championship, but they will wrap up what is believed to be the first perfect season in college baseball at any level.

LRN AM Newscall May 30

The governor is touting the insurance reform bills he signed this week, while the insurance commissioner is blasting one of them. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A bill requiring age verification and parental approval for minors to download apps heads to the Senate. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

NCAA Regional time has arrived for the LSU baseball team. Colleen Crain reports fans are excited, and so is the team.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Governor Landry is touting the six auto insurance reform bills that he signed into law earlier this week. Landry estimates that the package of reform bills will ultimately save drivers at least ten-percent on their auto insurance premiums. Landry said the Department of Insurance made a series of requests in its report to the legislature back in 2020; and this year, the legislature acted on them.

Cut 4 (09) “…on their promises.”

Landry also touted the tort reform bills that he signed, saying it will reduce frivolous lawsuits and improve the litigation environment in Louisiana.

Cut 5 (12) “…to the citizens.”

The one bill that Landry signed that was the most contentious was the one that gives the insurance commissioner the authority to reject rate increases regardless of market conditions. It’s a bill that the current insurance commissioner, Tim Temple, opposed. He says with that bill, Louisiana will no longer be a stable, predictable rating regulatory environment.

Cut 6 (10) “…in other states.”

Temple says if insurance rates don’t come down by the ten-percent Governor Landry said they will, Landry will point the finger at him.

Cut 7 (10) “…sooner than that.”

________________________________________________________

A bill heads to the Senate that would require age verification and parental approval for minors to download apps. Originally, Mandeville Representative Kim Carver’s bill focused on app stores like Apple’s App Store and Google Play; however, the bill was expanded to include app developers after an amendment was added during discussion in the Senate Commerce Committee…

Cut 8 (13) “…chunk on that.”

Meta supports the original bill, arguing it helps parents manage their children’s app use and supports safe, age-appropriate digital experiences. Google, however, opposes the legislation, citing privacy concerns and claiming it would require invasive ID checks. Carver says Apple CEO Tim Cook also voiced opposition in regards to a similar Texas law.

Cut 9 (08)  “…not to sign it.”

Jason Saine (“sane”) with Netchoice, who opposes the bill, says while his company shares Carver’s goal to protect minors, the bill is deeply flawed and would likely undermine privacy, fail to effectively protect minors and violate Louisianans’ First Amendment rights…

Cut 10 (13) “…face of these rights.”

If passed, HB570 would take effect in July 2026.

________________________________________________________

Senate Education approves a TOPS bill that creates a new excellence level scholarship for students who score a 31 or higher on their ACT.  Ruston Representative Chris Turner says this will hopefully keep students in the state.

Cut 11 (07) “…been offered that.”

Turner says the bill also allows some medical and dental school students to qualify.

Cut 12 (08) “…pay it back.”

The excellence level increases the scholarship award amounts for Louisiana students, including a new Excellence award of 12-thousand dollars for high-achieving students.

Cut 13 (04)  “…residence in Louisiana.”

The bill has been approved by the House; and it now goes to Senate Finance, because it will cost the state millions of dollars more next fiscal year.

________________________________________

A disturbing discovery in Shreveport, as a deceased infant’s body was found mixed in with linens at a cleaning facility. The ALSCO Uniforms employee who discovered the body initially believed it to be a doll, and the company was able to determine that the body came from a funeral home in Dallas. Shreveport Police Corporal Christopher Bordelon says investigators are looking into how the baby’s body ended up in Shreveport.

Cut 14 (13) “…to be cremated.”

Corporal Bordelon says there’s no suspicion surrounding the baby’s death.

Cut 15 (07) “…been natural causes.”

Bordelon says the baby’s parents have never been accused of any wrongdoing.

Cut 16 (12) “…the funeral home.”

The baby’s body is now in the custody of the Caddo Parish Coroner, and the Texas Funeral Service Commission has been notified.

__________________________________________________

It’s the weekend LSU baseball fans and the team have been waiting for since the season started in February. The Tigers open up NCAA Regional play by hosting Little Rock at 2 p-m. It will be LSU’s first game since last Saturday’s loss to Ole Miss in the SEC Tournament. Coach Jay Johnson says his guys are ready to go.

Cut 17 (08)  “…with our team.”

LSU went 30-and-5 at home this season. Johnson says playing at home is a real advantage.

Cut 18 (13)  “…advantage of that.”

Johnson treats the regular season like a 56-game playoff, so when the playoffs actually start, his team can handle the added pressure.

Cut 19 (15) “…help this team.”

5:30 LRN Newscast/Legislative Report

Governor Landry is touting the six auto insurance reform bills that he signed into law earlier this week. Landry estimates that the package of reform bills will ultimately save drivers at least ten-percent on their auto insurance premiums. Landry said the Department of Insurance made a series of requests in its report to the legislature back in 2020; and this year, the legislature acted on them.

Cut 4 (09) “…on their promises.”

The one bill that Landry signed that was the most contentious was the one that gives the insurance commissioner the authority to reject rate increases regardless of market conditions. It’s a bill that the current insurance commissioner, Tim Temple, opposed. He says it will destabilize the insurance market; and if insurance rates don’t come down by the ten-percent Landry said they will, Landry will point the finger at him.

Cut 25 (10) “…sooner than that.”

A major monkey wrench in the fight to restrict speed cameras throughout the state. As the legislature continues considering Monroe Republican Senator Stewart Cathey’s bill to do away with the speed cameras, the House passed an amendment to exempt Opelousas from any such rule. The city says its police department does not have the manpower to conduct speed enforcement the traditional way. Cathey says the people of Opelousas should fight back.

Cut 7 (10) “…these speed cameras.”

Fluoride will not be banned in public drinking water systems, as the House Health and Welfare Committee voted down a bill that would have done so. Opponents, including 9-year-old Toby Ramen from Monroe, defended fluoride as safe, effective, and essential for public health.

Cut 11 (13) “…than asthma.”