6:30 LRN Newscast

On the first day of the legislative session, Governor Jeff Landry offered up his ideas on how to lower auto insurance rates. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

There will be another attempt in this legislative session to ban the use of speed cameras that issue tickets for driving above the posted speed limit. Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey on why he opposes them…

Cut 5 (06) “…allow for that”

Cathey’s legislation says any traffic camera or speed limit enforcement device used for the purpose of issuing citations by mail is malfeasance in office.

The debate on tort reform legislation designed to lower auto insurance rates begins today in the House Civil Law Committee. The first bill on the agenda is a medial transparency bill by Slidell Representative Brian Glorioso. The legislation would allow defendants to put an expert witness on the stand to challenge a doctor’s bill.

Also on the agenda today is House Bill 431 by Baton Rouge Representative Emily Chenevert. Her legislation would make it harder for big payouts when distributing blame in a wreck where several drivers are at fault.

But well-known personal injury attorney, Morris Bart, says in the past, the passage of tort reform laws has not brought down auto insurance premiums and Governor Jeff Landry agrees with that…

Cut 10 (10) “…didn’t go down”

LRN AM Newscall April 15

We’re hearing from the injury lawyer who Governor Landry called out by name when he announced his insurance reform plan last week. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Six parishes are participating in a USDA-funded pilot project to promote healthier food choices among SNAP recipients. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The six parishes are Ascension, LaSalle, Sabine, Tangipahoa, Webster, and West Carroll.

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On the first day of the legislative session, Governor Jeff Landry offered up his ideas on how to lower auto insurance rates. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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If at first you don’t succeed – try, try again. That’s what Monroe State Senator Stewart Cathey will be doing in this legislative session. He has filed a bill that would ban speed cameras in the state. Cathay says this is something that everyone should agree on.

Cut 4 (07) “…the speed cameras.”

Cathey says speed cameras are unconstitutional.

Cut 5 (06) “…allow for that.”

Cities say the speed cameras are a way to make the roads safer. But Cathey says they’re nothing but a money grab as evidenced by one particular Richland Parish community.

Cut 6 (12) “…franchise fees combined.”

Cathey says he believes his bill has a chance to succeed this time around, saying he at least has the votes to advance it out of committee. Cathey says if it doesn’t pass, he has a backup bill that would dedicate 100-percent of speed camera revenues to the sheriff’s department for juvenile rehabilitation programs, giving cities none of that money. This way, it will be clear what the actual motivation is behind the speed cameras.

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Six parishes in Louisiana are participating in a USDA-funded pilot project to promote healthier food choices among SNAP recipients. The six are Ascension, LaSalle, Sabine, Tangipahoa, Webster, and West Carroll. DCFS Assistant Secretary for Family Support Sammy Guillory says recipients will receive a 30-cent bonus for every dollar spent on fresh fruits and vegetables at 13 designated Walmart stores, with a maximum monthly bonus of 25 dollars.

Cut 7 (07) “…state on anything.”

Louisiana is one of three states selected for the USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s Electronic Healthy Incentives Project. Guillory says the pilot launched yesterday and will run for six to nine months.

Cut 8 (11) “…bonus benefits.”

Guillory says no sign-up is needed to participate, and the initiative aims to improve both nutrition and financial well-being.

Cut 9 (07)  “…just eat healthier.”

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When Governor Landry announced his auto insurance reform plan last week, he mentioned that he wanted to rein in the ability of injury lawyers to advertise. In doing so, he called out Morris Bart by name, saying he was as sick of Morris Bart as he was of the lizard, referring to the Geico gecko. Bart points out that no state has ever passed a tort reform law that reduced insurance premiums.

Cut 10 (14) “…didn’t go down.”

Bart said he’s afraid that the only people who are going to suffer from any insurance reform will be the ratepayers.

Cut 11 (14) “…of their rights.”

Bart says he was taken aback by Landry calling him out by name during his news conference, but he says he’s used to being the poster child given how much advertising he does.

Cut 12 (09) “…Gordon McKernan.”

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Governor Landry kicked off the 2025 legislative session by presenting his plan to lawmakers on how to reduce auto insurance rates. Key proposals of the governor’s auto insurance reform package include restricting attorney advertising, bringing medical transparency to the collateral source rule and making lawyers and their clients prove their injuries were the result of the car accident…

Cut 13 (13)  “…injured victims.”

Landry says the state also needs to strengthen its no-pay-no-play law, which would make it harder for uninsured drivers to receive money after an accident…

Cut 14 (14) “…100-thousand dollars”

Auto insurance reform is the top issue facing legislators this session. But the governor is also pushing lawmakers to approve legislation that is part of the Make America Healthy Again agenda, which would eliminate toxins from school lunches…

Cut 15 (11) “…processed meals.”

Another top priority for the governor in this session is reorganizing the Department of Transportation.

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Fresh off getting swept by Auburn over the weekend, LSU returns home to face arguably the hottest team in Division One college baseball. McNeese is currently 26-and-5 – 11-and-4 in the Southland Conference – and is riding a 12-game winning streak — the longest current winning streak in the nation. Head Coach Justin Hill says he’s astounded by his team’s success.

Cut 16 (22) “…well for us.”

Hill says his coaching staff has put the Cowboys in a position to be successful.

Cut 17 (14)  “…as a coach.”

Hill especially singles out the play of senior outfielder Conner Westenburg, using a famous quote by Reggie Jackson to describe what he means to the team.

Cut 18 (23)  “…of the team.”

First pitch at Alex Box Stadium is 6:30.

5:30 LRN Newscast

On the first day of the legislative session, Governor Jeff Landry offered up his ideas on how to lower auto insurance rates. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

When Landry unveiled his auto insurance reform plan last week, he called out injury lawyer Morris Bart by name. Bart says he’s used to being the poster child given how much advertising he does.

Cut 12 (09) “…Gordon McKernan.”

If at first you don’t succeed – try, try again. That’s what Monroe State Senator Stewart Cathey will be doing in this legislative session. He has filed a bill that would ban speed cameras in the state, calling them unconstitutional.

Cut 5 (06) “…allow for that.”

Cities say the speed cameras are a way to make the roads safer. But Cathey says they’re nothing but a money grab as evidenced by one Richland Parish community.

Cut 6 (12) “…franchise fees combined.”

Cathey says if a ban doesn’t pass, he has a backup bill that would dedicate 100-percent of speed camera revenues to the sheriff’s department for juvenile rehabilitation programs, giving cities none of that money. This way, it will be clear what the actual motivation is behind the speed cameras.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

In his hometown of Thibodaux, there is mourning as former LSU star wide receiver Kyren Lacy is remembered. Authorities in the Houston area say Lacy took his own life on Saturday night during a police chase. He became an All-SEC performer at LSU and Lacy’s former high school football coach at Thibodaux High, Chris Dugas (Doo-gah) says Lacy played football and basketball and helped Thibodaux win a state championship in boys basketball in 2019…

Cut 12 (09) “…leader on the team.”

Lacy concentrated on basketball in his first couple of years at Thibodaux, but Dugas helped convince him that he could be a standout wide receiver, with his six-foot-two size and his speed and ability to catch passes. He had a sensational senior season with 54 catches for 864 yards and 18 touchdowns.

David Griffin is out as the Pelicans’ executive director of basketball operations. Owner Gayle Benson announced the move this morning after the Pels suffered through an injury plagued season that saw them finish with the second worst winning percentage in franchise history. Head Coach Willie Green is safe – for now. Jake Madison, the host of the Locked On Pelicans podcast, says the decision to keep or fire Green may ultimately be in the hands of whoever Griffin’s successor is.

Cut 10 (07) “…of the roster.”

Shreveport native and McNeese basketball legend Joe Dumars has reportedly emerged as the front-runner to replace Griffin. Dumars is currently heading NBA basketball ops. Following Sunday’s loss to Oklahoma City, Green appreciated the positive attitude the players kept throughout the season….

Cut 16 (14) “..we can improve”

4:30 PM Newscast

Former star LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy is dead at the age of 24 and for those who know him personally, today is a difficult day. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A Casino employee and a patron have been arrested, and both have been charged with one count each of Theft between $5,000 and $25,000.  The Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division says 49-year-old Margaret Lake allegedly helped 23-year-old Ahmond Junius place several late wagers while she was working as a Roulette Dealer at Caesars in New Orleans. The case remains active. The two are accused of stealing more than $10,000.

The deadline to file your federal taxes is midnight tomorrow night. If you’re among those waiting until the last minute to get your taxes done, CPA Jerry Schreiber with the accounting firm Schreiber and Schreiber says, get organized.

Cut 5 (11) “…the return.”

David Griffin is out as the New Orleans Pelicans’ executive director of basketball operations. Griffin’s firing comes one day after the Pels wrapped up an injury-riddled 21-and-61 season. Jake Madison, the host of the Locked On Pelicans podcast, says his firing is a clear message from Pelicans’ ownership.

Cut 9 (11)  “…needed to happen.”

3:30 PM Newscast

We’re learning details of the final moments of former LSU star wide receiver Kyren Lacy from law enforcement in the Houston area. Deputy Thomas Gilliland with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office says it started when Lacy’s sister called 911 late Saturday night.

Cut 14 (10) “…into the ground.”

He says Lacy drove off and later deputies tried to pull him over but after several miles Lacy crashed into a curb. Officers found him deceased of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

In his hometown of Thibodaux there is mourning. Lacy’s former high school football coach at Thibodeaux High School Chris Dugas (Doo-gah)…

Cut 13 (09)  “…part of your family.”

Lacy spent his first two years of college football at U-L Lafayette. He led the Cajuns in receiving his freshman season and helped them win a Sun Belt title in 2021. He transferred to LSU after 2021 and in his senior season he caught 58 passes for 866 yards and an SEC high nine touchdown passes. He was preparing for the NFL draft, but he was also facing negligent homicide charge for a fatal wreck that State Police say he caused in December in Lafourche Parish on Highway 20.

Weekend Festivals were rocked by two shootings. In New Orleans, shots rang out as crowds were leaving the French Quarter Festival.

Cut 3 (12) “…this subject.”

NOPD Captain Samuel Palumbo says four people were injured. Police have not identified the person arrested. The shooting victims were transported to the hospital, and they are expected to be okay.

Saturday night in Ponchatoula, two people were hurt in a shooting at the Strawberry Festival. Neither of those injuries are life-threatening. Police in Ponchatoula say they hope to make arrests soon.

An improperly restrained toddler died in a vehicle crash in Richland Parish Sunday afternoon. Troopers with Louisiana State Police say 1-year-old Amella Kyles who was in the back seat died as a result of injuries sustained when a vehicle driven by 27-year-old Shanice Kyles went off the Hwy 80 and struck a tree. Shanice, who was properly restrained and another child also improperly restrained in the back seat sustained minor injuries. Driver impairment is not suspected. The accident remains under investigation.

LRN PM Newscall

Tomorrow is tax day and here are some tips for those who haven’t filed their returns yet.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Former star LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy is dead at the age of 24 and for those who know him personally, today is a difficult day. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Four people were shot during a shooting last night in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter. NOPD Captain Samuel Palumbo says gunfire rang out as crowds were leaving the French Quarter Festival…

Cut 3 (12) “…this subject” 

New Orleans Police has not identified the person arrested. The shooting victims were transported to the hospital and they are expected to be ok. Palumbo says there was plenty of law enforcement in the area when the shooting took place…

Cut 4 (12) “…chooses to do this” 

The four people wounded are expected to be okay. The person apprehended has not been identified.

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The deadline to file your federal taxes is midnight tomorrow night. If you’re among those waiting until the last minute to get your taxes done, CPA Jerry Schreiber with the accounting firm Schreiber and Schreiber says, get organized.

Cut 5 (11) “…the return.”

Schreiber says there are several options to file online, like free file on the IRS website and other commercial filing software…

Cut 6 (11) “…complexity of the return.”

If you can’t make tomorrow night’s deadline, Schreiber says file an extension to avoid getting penalized.

Cut 7 (12) “…oenalties and interest.”

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The fallout from the Pelicans’ awful season is underway. Less than 24 hours after wrapping up a 21-and-61 campaign, the Pelicans have fired David Griffin as executive director of basketball operations. Griffin had served in that role for six years, almost to the day. Jake Madison, the host of the Locked On Pelicans podcast, says this move was not unexpected.

Cut 8 (17) “…sort of thing.”

Madison says Griffin’s firing is a clear message from Pelicans ownership.

Cut 9 (11)  “…needed to happen.”

One big question-mark at this time is the status of Head Coach Willie Green. Madison says that decision may ultimately be in the hands of whoever Griffin’s successor is.

Cut 10 (07) “…of the roster.”

The roster was the big issue for the Pelicans this season, with the team losing a whopping 369 man games to injury. 25 players suited up for the Pelicans this season, and Coach Green started 46 different starting lineups in the 82-game season.

Shreveport native and McNeese basketball legend has reportedly emerged as the front-runner to replace Griffin. Dumars is currently heading NBA basketball ops.

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It is a tough day in Thibodaux as they remember Kyren Lacy, a two-sport star in high school who went on to become an All-SEC performer at LSU. Authorities in the Houston area say Lacy took his own life on Saturday night during a police chase. Harris County Sheriff deputies say they found Lacy dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Lacy’s former high school football coach Chris Dugas (Doo-gah)…

Cut 11 (12) “…I knew.”

Dugas was the head coach at Thibodaux High when Lacy played football and basketball at the Lafourche Parish school. Dugas says Lacy helped Thibodaux win a state championship in boys basketball in 2019 and was a late bloomer as a football star…

Cut 12 (09) “…leader on the team.”

Lacy concentrated on basketball in his first couple of years at Thibodaux, but Dugas helped convince him that he could be a standout wide receiver, with his six-foot-two size and his speed and ability to catch passes. He had a sensational senior season with 54 catches for 864 yards and 18 touchdowns. Dugas says it’s very sad to see Lacy dead at the age of 24…

Cut 13 (09)  “…part of your family.”

Lacy spent his first two years of college football at U-L Lafayette. He led the Cajuns in receiving his freshman season and helped them win a Sun Belt title in 2021. He transferred to LSU after the 2021 campaign and in his senior season he caught 58 passes for 866 yards and an SEC high nine touchdown passes.

He was preparing for the NFL draft, but he was also facing negligent homicide charge for a fatal wreck that State Police say he caused in December in Lafourche Parish on Highway 20.

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We’re learning details of the final moments of former LSU star wide receiver Kyren Lacy from law enforcement in the Houston area. Senior Deputy Thomas Gilliland with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office says it started when Lacy’s sister called 911 late Saturday night.

Cut 14 (10) “…into the ground.”

Gilliland says Lacy drove off in a Dodge Charger, and deputies found him a short time later and tried pulling him over. But Lacy would not stop and instead led deputies on a pursuit that lasted several miles before Lacy crashed into a curb.

Cut 15 (12) “…deceased on scene.”

Gilliland says bodycam footage proves that no deputies discharged their weapons during the pursuit that did not reach extraordinary speeds.

2:30 PM Newscast

In his hometown of Thibodaux, there is morning as Kyren Lacy is remembered. Authorities in the Houston area say Lacy took his own life on Saturday night during a police chase. He became an All-SEC performer at LSU and Lacy’s former high school football coach at Thibodaux High, Chris Dugas (Doo-gah) says Lacy played football and basketball and helped Thibodaux win a state championship in boys basketball in 2019…

Cut 12 (09) “…leader on the team.”

A Casino employee and patron have been arrested and both have been charged with one count each of Theft between $5,000 and $25,000.  Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division says 49-year-old Margaret Lake allegedly helped 23-year-old Ahmond Junius place several late wagers while she was working as a Roulette Dealer at Caesars in New Orleans. The case remains active. The two are accused of stealing more than $10,000.

The tax deadline is approaching fast, and here is some tips for those who haven’t filed their returns yet.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Violence interrupted weekend festivals. Two people were shot Saturday at the Strawberry Festival in Ponchatoula and Four people were shot last night near the closing of French Quarter Fest in New Orleans. NOPD Captain Samuel Palumbo says there was plenty of law enforcement in the area…

Cut 4 (12) “…chooses to do this” 

Victims in both shooting were transported to hospitals and fortunately, all are expected to be okay.

1:30 LRN Newscast

Former star LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy is dead at the age of 24 and for those who know him personally, today is a difficult day. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Two weekend festivals, two shootings. In New Orleans, someone opened fire as the French Quarter Festival was wrapping up. Four people were injured; none of their injuries are life-threatening. The previous night in Ponchatoula, shots rang out at the Strawberry Festival. Two people were hurt; again, injuries not life-threatening.

Cut 23 (06) “…Beat The Clock.”

And for those of you who have yet to file your federal taxes, it really is time to Beat The Clock. The deadline to do so is tomorrow at midnight. CPA Jerry Schreiber with the accounting firm Schreiber and Schreiber says if you can’t make the deadline, file an extension to avoid getting penalized.

Cut 7 (12) “…penalties and interest.”

David Griffin is out as the Pelicans’ executive director of basketball operations. Head Coach Willie Green is safe – for now. Jake Madison, the host of the Locked On Pelicans podcast, says the decision to keep or fire Green may ultimately be in the hands of whoever Griffin’s successor is.

Cut 10 (07) “…of the roster.”

12:30 LRN Newscast

It’s a tough day in Thibodaux as they are remembering Kyren Lacy, a two-sport star in high school who went on to become an All-SEC performer at LSU. Houston authorities say Lacy shot himself to death Saturday night during a police chase. Lacy’s former high school football coach Chris Dugas (Doo-gah)…

Cut 11 (12) “…I knew.”

David Griffin is out as the New Orleans Pelicans’ executive director of basketball operations. Griffin’s firing comes one day after the Pels wrapped up an injury-riddled 21-and-61 season. Jake Madison, the host of the Locked On Pelicans podcast, says his firing is a clear message from Pelicans ownership.

Cut 9 (11)  “…needed to happen.”

If you haven’t filed your federal taxes yet, you’re now in an all-out game of Beat The Clock. The deadline to file is midnight tomorrow night. CPA Jerry Schreiber with the accounting firm Schreiber and Schreiber, says there are several options to file online, like free file on the IRS website and other commercial filing software…

Cut 6 (11) “…complexity of the return.”

While tomorrow may be the deadline to file your federal taxes, you still have some time to file your state taxes. That deadline is not until May 15th.