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.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU Tigers have arrived in Houston ahead of Saturday night’s Texas Bowl matchup against the 21st ranked Houston Cougars.

After this game, LSU turns its attention to the transfer portal as players can officially jump in on January 2nd.

Two Ole Miss Rebels LSU Coach Lane Kiffin is sure to target are quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy. Caroline Fenton with Yahoo Sports and Sirius-XM Radio 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.”

Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has led the Saints to three straight victories. Earlier this week, Shough provided some insight on how the relationship is growing between himself and first-year head coach Kellen Moore…

Cut 19 (42) “…good at”

New Orleans is at Tennessee this Sunday for a noon kick-off.

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.”

 

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans season-high five-game winning streak ended in Cleveland last night. The Cavaliers drained 20 3-pointers to beat New Orleans 141 to 199 at Rocket Arena. Pelicans interim coach James Borrego says they didn’t do much defensively…

Cut 26 (12) “…grow from this”

The 8-and-23 Pelicans are back in action on Friday when they play the first of back-to-back home games against the Phoenix Suns.

 

Three NFL games tomorrow. At 3:30 the Vikings host Detroit. Former LSU Star Justin Jefferson needs just 83 yards to eclipse one-thousand yards receiving. It will be the sixth time he’s done that in his six seasons in the NFL. Jefferson needs 27 yards to surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss for the most receiving yards by a player in their first six seasons.

 

Yahoo Sports’ Caroline Fenton reviewed the start of the Lane Kiffin era at LSU on Tiger Rag Radio this week. 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.”

David Frankin has been named the Class One-A Coach of the Year by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. Franklin led Haynesville to its 18th state championship as the Golden Tornado beat Mangham in the Division four non-select state title game.

Haynesville’s Isaiah Washington, who has signed to play at LSU as a defensive back, was named the outstanding defensive player of the year. Ascension Catholic running back Trevin Simon is the Class One-A offensive player of the year after rushing for a state record 3,915 yards and scoring 60 touchdowns for the Bulldogs.

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.”

1:30 LRN Newscast

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

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

It will be a warm and dry Christmas Day. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says the high temperature tomorrow will come close to breaking records…

Cut 28 (08) “…to low 80s”

 

Gas prices are giving drivers a Christmas gift this year as they have not been this low in five years….

Cut 6 (13) “….and a quarter”

That’s Triple-a fuel analyst Don Redman who says despite an increase in gasoline demand over the holidays, supply is strong.

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.”