LRN 6:30AM Newscast

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says many property owners and drivers are seeing a drop in insurance premiums, but rates for commercial auto insurance continue to go up…:
Cut 10 (12) “still going up”
He blames high settlements in court with those payouts being passed down to premiums, and more legal reform is needed to address that issue.

State Police say a St. Charles Parish man was attacked by an alligator when trying to evade officers during a DWI stop. Trooper Kyle Wagner says when 40-year-old Victor Rivas was pulled over on I-310 for suspected drunk driving, he jumped off the elevated road into the swamp below and was attacked by the gator:
Cut 5 (09) “of a drone”
Rivas is charged with DWI and resisting an officer.

Northwest High School football star Markez Davis committed to LSU’s 2027 recruiting class yesterday. Kace Kieschnick reports…:
Cut 3 (32) “I’m Kace Kieschnick”

An East Baton Rouge Parish woman is suing the parents of a 13-year-old boy who’s accused of spray-painting racist graffiti on her garage door last month. Ryan Thompson, Carolyn Morrison-Howard’s lawyer, says his client has been intimidated for a while…:
Cut 14 (06) “…a repeated act.”
The boy was arrested and was booked into juvenile detention on several charges, including hate crimes.

LRN AM Newscall June 9

A DWI suspect runs from law enforcement and almost becomes an alligator’s late night snack. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Private drivers are seeing relief when it comes to insurance rates, but that’s not the case for commercial drivers. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Northwest High School football star Markez Davis committed to LSU’s 2027 recruiting class yesterday. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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A St. Charles Parish man went to great lengths to escape police, including jumping into alligator-infested waters. State Police Trooper Kyle Wagner says during a DWI traffic stop on I-310 early Sunday morning, 40-year-old Victor Rivas ran from the vehicle and jumped off the elevated roadway into the swamp below.

Cut 4 (06) “…evade us again.”

Rivas ran into a swampy area, which apparently was a really dumb move on his part. Wagner says Rivas was attacked by an alligator.

Cut 5 (09) “…of a drone.”

Rivas is charged with DWI and resisting an officer. Additional warrants were obtained for hit and run and careless operation in connection with the earlier crash in Jefferson Parish that led to the traffic stop. Wagner says before jail, Rivas had to be taken to a hospital.

Cut 6 (06) “…both his arms.”

No word on whether LSP is recruiting the alligator for its maritime K9 unit.

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Assumption Parish is offering students the option to take 100-percent of their classes online. The Assumption Parish Schools Virtual Academy will also offer dual enrollment opportunities for homeschooled students. Assumption Parish Superintendent John Barthelemy says some families prefer a non-traditional education.

Cut 7 (09) “…their voices heard.”

Barthelemy says some students have requested remote learning for medical reasons, while others prefer to avoid added social stressors. He says online learning offers flexibility to address the needs of individual families.

Cut 8 (07) “…on their needs.”

As enrolled members of the Assumption Parish School system, students will still be allowed to participate in school clubs, sports and events. Barthelemy says providing traditional social and athletic experiences to students was a priority.

Cut 9 (11)  “…for my kid.”

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Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says many property owners and drivers are seeing a drop in insurance premiums, but rates for commercial auto insurance continue to go up. Temple says that’s because those polices carry higher limits.

Cut 10 (12) “…still going up.”

Temple says one legislative proposal that could help bring down commercial auto rates is a General Damage Cap bill. He says a person’s medical bills and the cost to repair a damage vehicle would still be covered, but a person involved in a car wreck could not recover damages that are not quantifiable.

Cut 11 (07) “…cap on that.”

Temple says 17 other states have a General Damage Cap law, including Mississippi.

Temple says there were several bills in the recently completed legislative session that could have helped bring down commercial auto insurance rates, but they didn’t pass. Including a measure by Shreveport Representative Michael Melerine that said expert witnesses brought in to testify in a trial can only receive a fee for payment.

Cut 12 (11) “…have to say.”

The House approved that bill, but it was never heard in the Senate

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An East Baton Rouge Parish woman is suing the parents of a 13-year-old boy who’s accused of spray-painting racist graffiti on her garage door last month. Ryan Thompson, the attorney who’s representing Carolyn Morrison-Howard, who’s Black, says the boy went to great lengths to racially intimidate her.

Cut 13 (15)  “…as other individuals.”

The boy and his parents live directly across the street from Morrison-Howard in Zachary; as such, Thompson says she no longer feels safe in her own neighborhood.

Cut 14 (06) “…a repeated act.”

The boy was arrested and was booked into juvenile detention on several charges, including hate crimes. Thompson says what happened last month was actually the culmination of a pattern of racially-motivated acts of vandalism towards Morrison-Howard, including puncturing the tires of her caregiver’s vehicle and etching a swastika into the caregiver’s vehicle.

Cut 15 (10) “…community is safe.”

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After losing five-star edge rusher commit Jaiden Bryant to Miami last week, LSU added a flurry of talent to its 2027 class. The Tigers replaced Bryant with five-star pass rusher K.J. Green. The Georgia native is the second-ranked edge rusher in the class and had 18 sacks and 40 tackles for loss last season. Andre Champagne of 247Sports says the 6-4, 230-pounder is an elite pass rusher.

Cut 16 (10) “…edges to do.”

LSU also earned a commitment from three-star running back Brennan Lacey over the weekend. Lacey is a 6-foot-1, 187-pound speedster out of Frisco, Texas who has been shooting up recruiting boards. Champagne says the only reason he’s only a three-star is that he started his high school career as a wide receiver.

Cut 17 (17)  “…in the offense.”

Four-star wide receiver Cade Cooper committed to the Tigers yesterday. The 6-3, 192-pound receiver is the tenth-ranked prospect in the state of Pennsylvania. Champagne says he’ll bring some unique traits to a packed receiver room.

Cut 18 (19) “…able to flourish.”

LSU’s 2027 class of eight commits now ranks 22nd in rivals’ industry rankings.

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The Tigers kept three-star Northwest High School cornerback Markez Davis in the boot. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound prospect announced his commitment to LSU yesterday. Northwest Head Coach Chris Edwards says he’s been a game-changer for the Raiders.

Cut 19 (18) “…off from there.”

Edwards says Davis’s junior high coach told him he would change the Northwest program one day when he was in sixth grade. Edwards has been the Raiders’ head coach for 13 years and is an Opelousas native, and he says he can’t remember another Power Four commit from the school.

Cut 20 (15) “…for the program.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast

A new law signed by Governor Landry will require prisons, jails and other correctional facilities to notify the public whenever a violent inmate is inadvertently released. While it was not an inadvertent release, New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry was prompted to author the bill by last year’s jailbreak at the Orleans Parish Jail, in which the public wasn’t notified until about ten hours after ten inmates broke free.

Cut 4 (11) “…address the situation.”

Louisiana ranks 48th for child well-being in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2026 Kids Count Data Book. Chief Data and Impact Officer at the Agenda For Children, Teresa Falgoust, says one out of five children in Louisiana live in a high-poverty neighborhood, which is one reason why the state ranks so low, but it’s not all bad news…

Cut 12 (10) “…stunning progress.”

If you need some extra cash, why not volunteer to be a poll commissioner? The Secretary of State’s Office needs poll commissioners for the June 27th runoff election and the November 3rd general election. Secretary Nancy Landry says poll workers are essential in keeping elections running smoothly in the state.

Cut 9 (09)  “…here in Louisiana.”

After losing five-star edge rusher commit Jaiden Bryant to Miami last week, LSU added a flurry of talent to its 2027 class. The Tigers replaced Bryant with five-star pass rusher KJ Green. The Georgia native is the second-ranked edge rusher in the nation and had 18 sacks and 40 tackles for loss last season. Andre Champagne of 247Sports says the 6-4, 230-pounder is an elite pass rusher.

Cut 16 (11) “…edges to do.”

 

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The commitments keep on rolling in for Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers. Four-star wide receiver Cade Cooper and three-star cornerback Markez Davis announced their commitments today. Davis is a 6-3, 180-pound DB out of Northwest High School in Opelousas. Cooper is the tenth-ranked prospect in Pennsylvania and will add length to the receiver room with his 6-foot-3, 192-pound frame.

The commitments come after LSU received verbal pledges from five-star edge rusher KJ Green and three-star running back Brennan Lacey yesterday. The four new additions double the size of LSU’s 2027 class, which now ranks 22nd in rivals’ industry rankings.

The field for the Men’s College World Series is officially set after Alabama took down St. John’s 7-2 and Oklahoma beat Kansas 13-2 this afternoon. They’ll join Georgia and Texas in an all-SEC half of the College World Series bracket while West Virginia, Troy, UNC, and Ole Miss make up the other.

It’s been 30 years to the day since Warren Morris’s legendary two-run walk-off homer clinched LSU’s 1996 College World Series final win over Miami. The Tigers trailed 7-3 in the game before tying it at 7-all in the eighth. The Hurricanes took back the lead in the top of the ninth and were three outs away from a national title. Down again, with wind blowing in and Miami All-American closer Robbie Morrison on the mound, things were looking bleak for the Tigers, but Morris says he never wavered.

Cut 8 (12) “…of destiny.”

The home run capped off an 8-and-0 postseason run to LSU’s third College World Series title.

Louisiana Tech closer Thomas Allen was named a second-team freshman All-American by the NCBWA. The Benton-native posted a 5-and-3 record with 5 saves in 19 appearances this season. He struck out 49 batters and walked 15 in 48-and-a-third with a 3.54 ERA.

 

4:30 LRN Newscast

If you need some extra cash this summer or this fall, why not volunteer to be a poll commissioner? They’re needed for the June 27th and November 3rd elections. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says poll commissioners can earn up to 200 dollars a day, and commissioners in charge can earn up to 350 dollars a day.

Cut 10 (12) “…in your community.” 

Louisiana gets a very low ranking in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2026 Kids Count Data Book, ranking 48th for overall well-being. That includes a number-49 ranking for the health of its children. Teresa Falgoust, the Chief Data and Impact Officer at the Agenda For Children, says it’s concerning to see an increase in the percentage of low-birthweight children.

Cut 13 (10) “…11.6 percent.”

It was 30 years today when Warren Morris delivered the shot heard around the world – or at least around Baton Rouge. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Further proof that it’s not a good idea to run from the cops – a St. Charles Parish man runs into a swamp after being pulled over for a DWI and is almost eaten alive by an alligator. Fortunately, 40-year-old Victor Rivas was able to fend off the alligator, but he wasn’t able to fend off State Police. He was eventually captured and taken into custody.

3:30 LRN Newscast

Starting August 1st, prisons, jails and other correctional facilities will be required to immediately notify the public whenever a violent inmate is inadvertently let out. That’s due to a new law Governor Landry signed last month that was authored by New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry, who said there had been several instances when it took hours for these facilities to issue bulletins about escaped inmates.

Cut 3 (04) “…we needed this.”

While it was not an inadvertent release, Landry was prompted to author the bill by last year’s jailbreak at the Orleans Parish Jail, in which the public wasn’t notified until about ten hours after ten inmates broke free.

Secretary of State Nancy Landry says they need more election commissioners.  Landry says if you are looking for some extra cash and interested in working at a voting precinct on election day, you can apply at your parish Clerk of Court’s office. Landry says there are some requirements in order to be a poll commissioner…

Cut 11 (14) “….to vote yet”

More information is on the Secretary of State’s website.

 

Louisiana ranks 48th for child well-being in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2026 Kids Count Data Book. But it’s not all bad news. Chief Data and Impact Officer at the Agenda For Children, Teresa Falgoust, says Louisiana ranks 35th in education and it’s score in the area of education improved by more than any other state…

Cut 14 (09) “…on time”

The state department of education announced today that literacy screener results showed a 16.5 percentage-point increase in students reading on or above grade level from the beginning to the end of the school year.

Thirty years ago today, one of the greatest moments in College World Series history took place when Warren Morris hit a home run over the right field wall to give LSU a 9-8 win over Miami to win the national championship in 1996….

Cut 6 (12) “….seen him”

The walk-off home run is still the only one in the College World Series Championship game.

LRN PM Newscall June 8

It’s been 30 years to the day since Warren Morris delivered his legendary swing in the 1996 College World Series championship against Miami. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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The Secretary of State puts out the help wanted sign for poll commissioners. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Starting August 1st, prisons, jails and other correctional facilities will be required to immediately notify the public whenever a violent inmate is inadvertently let out. That’s due to a new law Governor Landry signed last month that was authored by New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry, who said there had been several instances when it took hours for these facilities to issue bulletins about escaped inmates.

Cut 3 (04) “…we needed this.”

While it was not an inadvertent release, Landry was prompted to author the bill by last year’s jailbreak at the Orleans Parish Jail, in which the public wasn’t notified until about ten hours after ten inmates broke free. Landry wanted to be sure whatever was in her bill was something that would be able to be adhered to.

Cut 4 (11) “…address the situation.”

For instance, Landry offered an amendment to narrow the scope of her bill, limiting the notification requirement to the inadvertent release of an inmate charged with or convicted of a violent crime.

Cut 5 (11) “…knows right away.”

Landry’s bill sailed through the legislature without a dissenting vote at any stage.

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Today is the 30th anniversary of one of the most iconic moments in LSU baseball and College World Series history. In the 1996 College World Series championship against Miami, the Tigers were down 8-7, with two outs and a runner on third, when second baseman Warren Morris stepped up to the plate. Morris roped a two-run walk-off homer over the right field wall to win the Tigers’ third national championship.

Cut 6 (12) “…seen him.”

The walk-off home run is still the only one in the College World Series Championship game. Morris was batting ninth in the lineup after returning from a wrist surgery just over two weeks before the NCAA tournament. Morris hadn’t hit a home run all season, but he says he told coach Skip Bertman something was different that day.

Cut 7 (12) “…all year.”

LSU trailed 7-3 in the game before tying it in the eighth. The Hurricanes took back the lead in the top of the ninth and were three outs away from a national title. Down again, with wind blowing in and Miami All-American closer Robbie Morrison on the mound, things were looking bleak for the Tigers, but Morris says he never wavered.

Cut 8 (12) “…of destiny.”

The walk-off capped off an 8-and-0 postseason run to a College World Series title.

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If you need some extra cash this summer or this fall, why not volunteer to be a poll commissioner? The Secretary of State’s Office needs poll commissioners for the June 27th runoff election and the November 3rd general election. Secretary Nancy Landry says poll workers are essential in keeping elections running smoothly in the state.

Cut 9 (09)  “…here in Louisiana.”

Landry says poll commissioners can earn up to 200 dollars a day, and commissioners in charge can earn up to 350 dollars a day.

Cut 10 (12) “…in your community.” 

Landry says there are some requirements in order to be a poll commissioner.

Cut 11 (14) “…to vote yet.”

More information is on the Secretary of State’s website.

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Louisiana ranks 48th for child well-being in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2026 Kids Count Data Book. Chief Data and Impact Officer at the Agenda For Children, Teresa Falgoust, says one out of five children in Louisiana live in high-poverty neighborhood, which is one reason why the state ranks so low, but it’s not all bad news…

Cut 12 (10) “…stunning progress.” 

Louisiana also ranks 49th for the health of its children. Falgoust says it’s concerning to see an increase in the percentage of low-birthweight children…

Cut 13 (10) “…11.6 percent.”

Falgoust says Louisiana progressed in education, where its score improved by 83 points, more than other state…

Cut 14 (09) “…on time.”

2:30 LRN Newscast

U-N-O is just one month away from becoming LSU New Orleans. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 26 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Secretary of State Nancy Landry is looking for more citizens to work at voting locations on election day. Landry says poll commissioners can earn up to 200 dollars a day, and commissioners in charge can earn up to 350 dollars a day.

Cut 10 (12) “…in your community.”

More information is on the Secretary of State’s website.

 

Starting August 1st, prisons, jails and other correctional facilities will be required to notify the public whenever a violent inmate is mistakenly let out. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry’s legislation also extends to those individuals who are in jail on charges of a violent crime…

Cut 5 (11) “…knows right away”

Landry’s bill sailed through the legislature and was signed by the governor.

Do you remember what you were doing 30 years ago today. If you are an LSU fan, you were screaming at the top of your lungs after Warren Morris hit a dramatic two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth to beat Miami in the 1996 College World Series National Championship game…

Cut 8 (12) “…of destiny”

1:30 LRN Newscast

If you need some extra cash this summer or this fall, why not volunteer to be a poll commissioner? The Secretary of State’s Office needs poll commissioners for the June 27th runoff election and the November 3rd general election. Secretary Nancy Landry says poll workers are essential in keeping elections running smoothly in the state.

Cut 9 (09)  “…here in Louisiana.”

Under legislation recently signed by Governor Landry, jails will be required to immediately notify the public when it releases a violent inmate by mistake. The bill’s author, New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry, wanted to be sure whatever was in her bill was something that would be able to be adhered to.

Cut 4 (11) “…address the situation.”

It’s been 30 years to the day since Warren Morris delivered his legendary swing in the 1996 College World Series championship against Miami. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Students in Assumption Parish will have the option to take all of their classes online through the Assumption Parish Schools Virtual Academy, starting this fall. Those students will still be full-fledged enrollees, so they will be able to participate in sports and clubs like everyone else.

12:30 LRN Newscast

The Secretary of State puts out the help-wanted sign for poll commissioners. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Former LSU pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis’s historic streak of 40 straight victories came to an end Sunday at the Diamond League Meet in Stockholm, Sweden. Duplantis holds the current world record of 20 feet-8-and-a-half inches, but he failed to clear any more than the 19 feet-four-and-a-quarter mark set by Australia’s Kurtis Marschall.

Louisiana ranks 48th for child well-being in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2026 Kids Count Data Book. Chief Data and Impact Officer at the Agenda For Children, Teresa Falgoust, says one out of five children in Louisiana live in high-poverty neighborhood, which is one reason why the state ranks so low, but it’s not all bad news…

Cut 12 (10) “…stunning progress.”

It’s the 30th anniversary of the most famous moment in LSU baseball history- Warren Morris’s walk-off home run in the 1996 College World Series Championship. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Morris blasted a two-run shot after not hitting a home run all season. Morris returned from wrist surgery two weeks before the start of the tournament but told coach Skip Bertman something was different that day.

Cut 7 (12) “…all year.”