8:30 AM LRN Newscast

The Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana, or A+PEL (“AY-pel”), is working to clear up what it says are misconceptions about Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16th ballot. There’s been some chatter that some money in the funds that would be retired under this amendment is intended for things like early childhood programs and classroom initiatives. A+PEL Executive Director Dr. Keith Courville says it’s actually not being used at all.

Cut 8 (06) “…teachers a raise.”

It’s said to be the first-ever A-I political ad in Louisiana history.  It was produced by a political action committee to highlight Republican Rick Edmonds who’s one of four candidates competing in the May 16th primary.  Lionel Rainey with The Louisiana First Victory Fund says the commercial is one of only a handful of such adds to run in a congressional race nationwide; so it should get the attention of voters.

Cut 11 (11) “…in the ad.”

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Louisiana’s film industry is celebrating the four Oscars won by “Sinners.” Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

A forest in Winn parish yesterday burned thousands of acres and forced some 250 residents to evacuate.  But crews managed to get the fire contained before bedtime last night. Winnfield Fire Chief Brian Montgomery said the fire started just after noon.  Thankfully no homes were lost and no injuries reported.

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

A political action committee that supports fifth district Republican congressional candidate Rick Edmonds says it’s produced what it claims is the first-ever A-I political ad in the state’s history. Lionel Rainey with The Louisiana First Victory Fund says the commercial features four A-I generated characters that are worried about Edmonds’ conservative platform.

Cut 10 (05) “…where he stands.”

The McNeese men’s basketball team is looking to shock college basketball today with an upset over fifth-seeded Vanderbilt today in the NCAA Tournament.  Senior guard D.J. Richards says the Cowboys are solely focused on surviving and advancing.

Cut 14 (13) “…care of itself.”

Gametime is set for 2 pm.

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The Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana is clearing up what it says are misconceptions about Amendment 3, which would give teachers in Louisiana a permanent pay raise. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana’s film industry is celebrating after a movie, filmed in and around New Orleans won four Oscars on Sunday.  “Sinners” was nominated for 16 Oscars, which is a new record for a single film. Film Louisiana President Jason Waggenspack says that kind of haul is going to be a major boost to what’s already a very robust film industry in the state.

Cut 5 (12) “…the same thing.”

 

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

Coming soon to a television in Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District — the state’s first 100-percent A-I generated political advertisement. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Louisiana’s film industry is celebrating after “Sinners,” which was filmed in and around New Orleans, won four Oscars, including Michael B. Jordan for Best Actor. Film Louisiana President Jason Waggenspack says it reinforces the fact that Louisiana is a great place to shoot a major feature film.

Cut 4 (09) “…best caterers here.”

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The Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana, or A+PEL (“AY-pel”), is working to clear up what it says are misconceptions about Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16th ballot. A+PEL Executive Director Dr. Keith Courville says Amendment 3 would pay down debt within the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana to fund permanent pay raises for teachers of at least 2,250 dollars.

Cut 7 (08) “…to teacher pay.”

The McNeese men’s basketball team aims for an upset in the NCAA Tournament as it faces fifth-seeded Vanderbilt this afternoon. The Cowboys rank second in the nation in turnovers forced, averaging nearly 17 per game, and coach Bill Armstrong says his team will look to frustrate the Commodores on defense.

Cut 13 (13)  “…teams as well.”

Tip off is set for 2:25.

11:30 AM LRN Newscast

Election security is the theme of the Secretary of State’s office’s legislative package for 2026. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

In college baseball, the LSU Tigers rallied from a six-run deficit to take a 12-10 lead only to give up three runs in the ninth inning.  They lost to Vanderbilt 13 to 12. The Ragin Cajuns dropped their Sun Belt opener losing three to two to South Alabama. ULM beat Texas State 12 to 6.

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The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issues a Declaration of Emergency for Ouachita Parish and portions of all six surrounding parishes. Deer Program Manager Jonathan Bordelon says it comes after a deer tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease.

Cut 6 (07) “…Deer Area Two.”

As the first day of spring approaches, crawfish prices are starting to come down. Laney King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, has the latest statewide averages. ($4.15/lb. live; $6.83/lb. boiled)

Cut 9 (07)  “…for boiled crawfish.”

King says that’s down 35 cents and 50 cents, respectively, from the last two weeks – and that’s due to increased competition.

10:30 AM LRN Newscast

The Secretary of State’s Office is pushing three bills in the current legislative session focused on election security.  House Bill 547 by Metairie Republican Polly Thomas would prohibit taking pictures of voter registration information in precinct registers. Secretary Landry says this is to protect those who haven’t voted yet from intimidation.

Cut 4 (11) “…who had voted.”

House Bill 691 would check the state’s voter rolls against the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements program to identify potential non-citizens.

New Saints running back Travis Etienne (AY-chan) is excited to be back home to play for the team he greq up watching. He says being able to play for his home-state team is a dream come true.

Cut 12 (13) “…in this moment.”

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The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issues a Declaration of Emergency for Ouachita Parish and portions of all six surrounding parishes after a deer there tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease. The declaration puts some limits on baiting, feeding and exporting of certain deer parts.  While there’s no evidence that humans can contract any illness from a deer infected with CWD, Deer Program Manager Jonathan Bordelon says we should all do what we can to keep the meat of an infected deer out of your kitchen.

Cut 8 (09) “…abundance of caution.”

If crawfish is on your plan for the weekend, there’s good news, prices are starting to come down.  That’s according Laney King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App.  She says prices for live crawfish are down about 35 cents and for boiled the price is down 50 cents from two weeks ago, even though it’s a slow time for crawfish farmers.

Cut 11 (08) “…prices industry-wide.”

9:30 AM LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office announces a trio of bills for its 2026 legislative package, and they focus on election security. House Bill 691 by New Iberia Republican Beau Beaullieu would check the state’s voter rolls against the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements program to identify potential non-citizens. Secretary Nancy Landry recent check of the state’s voter rolls turned up non-citizens who had cast ballots.

Cut 3 (10) “…an eligible voter.”

A deer in Ouachita parish has tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease. Now Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has issued a Declaration of Emergency for Ouachita Parish and portions of all six surrounding parishes. Deer Program Manager Jonathan Bordelon says the restrictions involved are meant to contain the disease to protect the deer population.

Cut 7 (05) “…fatal in deer.”

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New Saints running back Travis Etienne (AY-chan) spoke on his decision to come back to his home state on Friday. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Crawfish prices are starting to come down. Laney King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, says prices are about $4.15 for live crawfish and $6.83 for boiled crawfish.  King says that’s down 35 cents and 50 cents, respectively, from the last two weeks – and that’s due to increased competition.

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

Election security is the theme of the Secretary of State’s office’s legislative package for 2026. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

In college baseball, the LSU Tigers rallied from a six-run deficit to take a 12-10 lead only to give up three runs in the ninth inning.  They lost to Vanderbilt 13 to 12. The Ragin Cajuns dropped their Sun Belt opener losing three to two to South Alabama. ULM beat Texas State 12 to 6.

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The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issues a Declaration of Emergency for Ouachita Parish and portions of all six surrounding parishes. Deer Program Manager Jonathan Bordelon says it comes after a deer tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease.

Cut 6 (07) “…Deer Area Two.”

As the first day of spring approaches, crawfish prices are starting to come down. Laney King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, has the latest statewide averages. ($4.15/lb. live; $6.83/lb. boiled)

Cut 9 (07)  “…for boiled crawfish.”

King says that’s down 35 cents and 50 cents, respectively, from the last two weeks – and that’s due to increased competition.

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

More good news about auto insurance rates in Louisiana.  Nearly 40 companies have filed rate decreases since the start of last year.  Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says fewer accidents have meant fewer claims.  And Temple says the reforms approved last year that change how auto crashes are handled in civil court haven’t even really had a chance to impact rates yet.

Cut 6 (12) “…them to do.”

Tiger Rag magazine executive editor Todd Horne, who also owns Louisiana Radio Network is one of three journalists suing LSU.   Scott Sternberg is the attorney representing them and says it’s really all about wanting answers about exactly how much public money is being paid to student athletes – and, how much to which ones.

Cut 11 (10) “…do they get?”

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The Savannah Bananas are bringing their special brand of baseball to the Caesars Superdome this weekend. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Why the sudden spike in Northwest Louisiana lately?  That’s what the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy and U.S. Geological Survey are working to determine. Department of Conservation spokesman Patrick Courreges (kuh-RAHZH)

Cut 8 (09) “…supposed to be.”

 

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

Three reporters, including the executive editor for Tiger Rag magazine, who also owns Louisiana Radio Network, are suing LSU for withholding records of payments to athletes. Here’s Andrew Greenstein..

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Nearly 40 companies have filed rate decreases for auto policies since the start of last year. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says customers will see the savings when their policies comes up for renewal, and if your rates don’t drop…

Cut 5 (07) “…my auto insurance”

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The Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy is working with the U.S. Geological Survey to understand why there’s been a sudden spike in earthquake activity in northwest Louisiana. Since a magnitude 4.9 quake last week, there have been a series of other quakes, four in quick succession early Monday. Department spokesman Patrick Courreges (kuh-RAHZH) says one potential cause is what’s called induced seismicity.

Cut 7 (11) “…or faults underground.”

The Savannah Bananas are bringing their special brand of baseball to the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans this weekend. Jay Cicero, the CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says it’s more of a fan focused event for fun — and there’s a game.

Cut 13 (11)  “…it’s pretty special.”

 

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy is working with the U.S. Geological Survey to try to find a cause for all the earthquakes in northwest Louisiana. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (26) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Another water main break flooding streets yesterday in Uptown New Orleans, this time near Tulane University.  Officials say a 30-inch water main ruptured around one yesterday afternoon.  It’s the second major break in the Sewerage and Water Board’s tap water pipes this week and fourth since Jan. 31. Police closed the intersection while crews responded to the flooding, as officials said repairs could take up to 24 hours.

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Tiger Rag magazine executive editor Todd Horne is among a trio of Baton Rouge reporters who are suing LSU for refusing to disclose records of public money it’s paying to student athletes. Piper Hutchinson of Louisiana Illuminator and Chris Nakamoto of WAFB-TV are the other two. They’re being represented by Scott Sternberg, who says while the game may have changed, the law has stayed the same.

Cut 10 (13) “…are being spent.”

More good news about auto insurance rates — since the start of last year, nearly 40 companies have filed rate decreases for private passenger auto policies. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the latest company to do so is Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, which filed a six-percent decrease on its Value Product.

Cut 4 (05) “…that’s a positive”