10:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry wants lawmakers to approve legislation that would give the governor the ability to recommend the removal of a judge that is failing to do their job…

Cut 4 (16) “….they are incompetent”

During his State of the State address, Landry told the story of a tourist who was killed in 2024 in New Orleans by a juvenile who was supposed to be under court supervision.

During his 54-minute legislative speech, Landry also called on lawmakers to increase the funding for the Louisiana Gator Program. There are concerns about the voucher program becoming unaffordable if they open it up to more children, but Landry doesn’t see it that way…

Cut 6 (08) “…controlling the cost”

 

St Landry Parish Sheriff deputes conducted a raid over the weekend on a cockfighting event near Opelousas. The organizer was arrested and 70 roosters were seized. There was an effort earlier this year by a group of people in St. Landry Parish to make cockfighting illegal, but Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says it remains against the law to hold or participate in a cockfight…

Cut 12 (11) “…tolerate it”

The 13th ranked LSU baseball team is back in action tonight, trying to break out of an offensive slump. The Tigers team batting average of .291 is third worst in the SEC. Coach Jay Johnson says LSU’s hitters need to get back to the plate discline that helped them start the season winning their first eight games…

Cut 17 (12) “…you need baserunners”

LSU hosts Creighton at 6:30.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry hits on crime, education and inspection stickers in his rundown of legislative priorities for the 2026 legislative session.

Cut 1 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The governor also used the State of State address to push for the passage of Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May ballot. He says the amendment would pay down debt within the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana so the state can afford a permanent 22-hundred dollar pay increase for teachers.

 

The group Louisiana Progress is supporting a package of bills that could reduce costs for Louisiana families…

Cut 8 (10) “…health care costs”

That’s Louisiana Progress director Peter Robbins-Brown, who says they support legislation that would prohibit hospitals from collecting debt when they are found not to be transparent with their pricing.

The Saints were active on the first day of the NFL free agency period. The two biggest additions were running back Travis Etienne and veteran offensive guard David Edwards. Matt Paras of The Advocate says both players help address the issues with the run game..

Cut 13 (11)  “…Saints this offseason.”

The Saints also signed Noah Fant, who caught 34 passes with the Bengals last season.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry says it is time to retire the inspection sticker. In his State of the State address, Landry says he supports a bill, which would eliminate the need for Louisiana residents to get an inspection sticker for non-commercial vehicles…

Cut 5 (14) “…only six dollars”

The governor says the QR code can provide instant information to law enforcement about the vehicle.

The group Louisiana Progress is urging lawmakers to pass legislation that would lower the costs for Louisiana families. Executive director Peter Robins-Brown says they are pushing legislation to reduce the fines for someone who allows their auto insurance to lapse and they also want the state to stop referring insurance-lapse debts to the state Office of Debt Recovery…

Cut 9 (08) “….collection fee”

 

The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a 36-year-old man and seized 70 roosters after conducting a raid on a cockfighting event near Opelousas.  John Lachapelle is facing serious felony charges, including cockfighting, possession of schedule two drugs and illegal carrying of weapons. Sheirff Bobby Guidroz says it took a large team of deputies to carry out the raid.

Cut 11 (08) “…whole lot different.”

Guidroz says drugs, guns and cash were also seized at the event.

The Saints were active on the opening day of free agency as they signed former Jacksonville running back Travis Etienne from Jennings, offensive guard David Edwards, tight end Noah Fant and veteran punter Ryan Wright, who averaged 44.5 yards a punt last season with the Vikings, fourth best in the NFL. Matt Paras of the Advocate, says Wright looks to be the right move…

Cut 15 (10) “….to solve it”

Linebacker Demario Davis has signed with the Jets and cornerback Alontae Taylor has signed with the Titans.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry laid out his legislative priorities for the 2026 session that got underway on Monday. Landry, who pushed tough-on-crime legislation in his first year in office, would now like lawmakers to approve a measure that allows the governor to recommend the removal of judges.

Cut 4 (16) “…they are incompetent!”

Landry used the murder of Jacob Carter as evidence that the legislature needs to pass this proposed constitutional amendment. The out-of-state tourist was killed by a juvenile during a robbery in the French Quarter in 2024. The teenager wore an electronic ankle monitor, but the battery was dead when he repeatedly shot Carter in the back.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill criticized the juvenile court judges in New Orleans for not making sure the ankle monitor was working.

 

One of the best running backs in Louisiana high school football history is returning to his home state to play for the Saints. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The Saint Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested dozens of people after deputies received word of a cockfight in progress near Opelousas…

Cut 10 (08) “…were participating”

Sheriff Bobby Guidroz has identified 36-year-old John Eddie Lachapelle as the principal organizer of the cockfight event and he faces numerous charges.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints were active on the opening day of free agency as they signed running back Travis Etienne from Jennings, offensive guard David Edwards, tight end Noah Fant and veteran punter Ryan Wright, who averaged 44.5 yards a punt last season with the Vikings, fourth best in the NFL. Matt Paras of the Advocate, says Wright looks to be the right move…

Cut 15 (10) “….to solve it”

Linebacker Demario Davis has signed with the Jets and cornerback Alontae Taylor has signed with the Titans.

Former LSU star Paul Skenes threw four shutout innings and struck out seven as the US defeated Mexico five to three in the World Baseball Classic.

ULM has fired head men’s basketball coach Phil Cunningham after one season.

And Nicholls and UNO were eliminated in the Southland tournament.

_______________________________

The 13th ranked LSU baseball team looks to get out of its offensive slump tonight as the Tigers host Creighton in their last game before SEC play. LSU had a total of nine hits in losses to  Sacramento State on Saturday and Sunday. Coach Jay Johnson wants his hitters to string together quality at-bats.

Cut 16 (10) “…couldn’t sustain anything.”

The UL-Lafayette baseball team is coming off a series win against Dallas Baptist. The Cajuns will play five games at home this week, starting with Texas Rio Grande Valley tonight. Head Coach Matt Deggs says his team has to do these things well to remain successful.

Cut 18 (18)  “…three-run game.”

U-L Lafayette is ranked 12th in the RPI.

6:30 LRN Newscast

The 2026 legislative session is off and running. Governor Jeff Landry delivered his State of the State address yesterday. Despite Senate President Cameron Henry’s opposition to increasing funding for the state’s education voucher program known as LA GATOR, Landry called on legislators to strengthen it. Henry has expressed concern about the program becoming unaffordable, but Landry does not see it that way.

Cut 6 (08) “…controlling the cost.”

Landry’s budget proposal calls for the state funding for LA GATOR to double from $44 million to $88 million.

The group Louisiana Progress is working with lawmakers on what it calls its “affordability agenda.” Executive Director Peter Robins-Brown says the costs of essentials are spiraling out of control.

Cut 7 (11) “…five, six years.”

Among the bills they are pushing, include lower fines for letting car insurance lapse, restrictions on imposing hidden fees on purchases and making it easier for people to cancel online subscriptions.

A huge cockfighting bust in St. Landry Parish. Andrew Greenstein has the details…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

After eight years with the Saints, 37-year-old linebacker Demario Davis is moving on as he’s reportedly signed a two-year deal with the Jets. Matt Paras of the Advocate says Davis will be hard to replace…

Cut 14 (09) “…bigger role”

And the Saints have signed former Jennings star and Jacksonville running back Travis Etienne.

LRN PM Newscall March 9

If you’re planning on flying out of New Orleans this week, plan ahead – far ahead. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Plastic crows are the latest instrument used in the effort to smuggle drugs and tobacco into the Federal Prison in Grant Parish. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

____________________________________________

If you’re planning on flying out of New Orleans this week, plan on arriving at Louis Armstrong International Airport at least three hours before your scheduled departure. That’s because the line at the TSA checkpoint is very long. Deputy Aviation Director Erin Burns says this comes as several TSA agents are out because of the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security.

Cut 3 (06) “…six lanes open.”

Burns says the line is so long that it extends all the way to the parking garage at times; and if it wasn’t for the dedicated airport staff and the understanding traveling public, that could make for a very chaotic scene.

Cut 4 (09) “…efficiently as possible.”

____________________________________________

The longer you wait to fill up your gas tank, the more money you’ll end up paying. That’s because gas prices continue to climb amid the fighting in Iran. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says the average price of regular unleaded has soared 55 cents over the last month. ($2.50 a month ago to $3.05, with much of the increase over the past week)

Cut 5 (10) “…the past week.”

Redman says the jump in gas prices is not because the war is causing a drop in oil production; rather, it’s because it’s cutting off a major shipping lane in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing tankers to find a different route to North America.

Cut 6 (08) “…start falling down.”

Redman says exactly when gas prices will start moving the other direction is anyone’s guess; so for the time being, he says consider this the new normal.

____________________________________________

Uptown New Orleans has been dealing with a series of water main breaks in recent months. The latest happened overnight, when a 48-inch main ruptured. Councilwoman Aimee McCarron visited a woman who lives at the intersection of where it happened.

Cut 7 (11) “…be flooded too.”

In all, McCarron estimates at least a dozen homes in that area that have sustained similar flooding. Kaitlyn Tymrak, the interim general superintendent of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans, says a boil water advisory has been issued for much of the East Bank of New Orleans, including some of the most heavily populated and visited areas.

Cut 8 (10) “…New Orleans East.”

________________________________________________

Two women from Texas have been arrested after allegedly using plastic crows to smuggle drugs, cell phones and tobacco into a federal prison located in Grant Parish. Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain says the suspects used a drone to drop the plastic crows filled with contraband onto the grounds of the Federal Prison…

Cut 9 (04)  “…didn’t work.”

Thirty-eight-year-old Melanie Jean Worthington and 41-year-old Kassy Marie Cole have been arrested on multiple drug charges. McCain says they used plastic crows to get methamphetamine, THC, synthetic marijuana, tobacco and cell phones into the prison…

Cut 10 (08) “…the sky.”

McCain says when authorities tracked down Worthington and Cole, they were in possession of the plastic crows that were dropped into the prison. The sheriff says ten people have been arrested this year for trying to smuggle drugs into the Federal Prison in Grant Parish. He says last year two men used a cannon to get meth and tobacco into the prison…

Cut 11 (08) “…get caught.”

McCain says these two women admitted to being paid 40-thousand dollars to smuggle in the contraband.

_______________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry delivered his State of the State address on the opening day of the legislative session. The Republican from St. Martin Parish used the opportunity to tout the successes of his administration, including 100-billion dollars in economic development projects…

Cut 12 (13) “…competes.”

Landry says since he took office, the state has announced more than 124-thousand new private-sector jobs.

The governor is also pleased to see auto insurance rates coming down…

Cut 13 (10) “…go back up.”

Landry says the state has also made strides in improving literacy…

Cut 14 (14) “…math and reading.”

3:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry delivered his State of the State address on the opening day of the legislative session. The Republican from St. Martin Parish used the opportunity to tout the successes of his administration, including 100-billion dollars in economic development projects…

Cut 12 (13) “…competes”

Landry says since he took office, the state has announced more than 124-thousand new private-sector jobs.

The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested two women from Texas for allegedly using plastic crows to smuggle drugs and cell phones into the federal prison in Pollock….

Cut 10 (10) “…sky”

Sheriff Steven McCain says the two women were paid 40-thousand dollars to smuggle the drugs into the prison, but their creativity did not pay off.

 

If you’re planning on flying out of New Orleans this week, plan ahead…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

And if you are driving, you’ll notice the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline has now surpassed three-dollars. Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman…

Cut 5 (10) “….the past week”

12:30 LRN Newscast

If you’re planning on flying out of New Orleans this week, plan ahead – far ahead. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Also in New Orleans, a water main busted in uptown New Orleans and most of the East Bank is under a precautional boil water advisory…

Cut 8 (10) “…New Orleans East”

That’s Kaitlyn Tymrak with the Sewerage and Water Board.

 

The longer you wait to fill up your gas tank, the more money you’ll end up paying. That’s because gas prices continue to climb amid the fighting in Iran. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says the average price of regular unleaded has soared 55 cents over the last month. ($2.50 a month ago to $3.05, with much of the increase over the past week)

Cut 5 (10) “…the past week.”

Redman says the jump in gas prices is not because the war is causing a drop in oil production; rather, it’s because it’s cutting off a major shipping lane.

The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested two women from Texas for allegedly using plastic crows to smuggle drugs and cell phones into the federal prison in Pollock….

Cut 10 (10) “…sky”

Sheriff Steven McCain says the two women were paid 40-thousand dollars to smuggle the drugs into the prison, but their creativity did not pay off.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU hit six home runs on Friday night in a run-rule win over Sacramento State, but had just nine hits total on Saturday and Sunday, and dropped the nonconference weekend series with the Hornets, dropping to 13th in the Baseball America poll.

 

The Cajuns took two of three from Dallas Baptist, ULM lost its series with UT  Arlington, Louisiana Tech won its series over South Alabama, and Nicholls has won five in a row.

LSU women’s basketball’s losing streak versus South Carolina is up to 19 in a row after losing to the Gamecocks in the semifinals of the SEC Tournament 83 to 77. Coach Kim Mulkey…

Cut 16 (20) “…do it”

LSU will likely be a two-seed in the NCAA Tournament.

 

The Lady Techsters finished the regular season by winning 17 in a row. La Tech begins play in the Conference USA Tournament on Wednesday.

The regular season ended for the LSU men’s basketball team with a triple overtime loss to Texas A-and-M on Saturday. The Tigers went 3-15 in league play. Coach Matt McMahon says he accepts his share of the blame for another losing season in conference play, but he still feels good about the future if given another chance…

Cut 18 (18)  “…moving forward.”

LSU will play Kentucky in the opening round of the SEC Tournament on Wednesday.

The Southland Tournament got underway yesterday with UNO beating HCU 73 to 60, Nicholls knocking off Northwestern State. The Privateers play Corpus Christi tonight and the Colonels face third-seeded UTRGV.