11:30 LRN Newscast

When it comes to the high price of auto insurance, Governor Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple are pointing their fingers – not at the insurance companies or trial lawyers, but at one another. When he announced the 20 insurance reform bills he’s supporting, Temple noted that he has not had a conversation with Landry about the issue in a long time. 

Cut 3 (11) “…for property reform.” 

Amid the bickering, trucking companies are urging the legislature to take aim at frivolous lawsuits that they say are driving up the cost of insurance. Jake Minner, the director at Bengal Transportation Services in Ascension Parish, says his company has been hit with very costly frivolous lawsuits.

Cut 25 (10) “…that they’re injured.”

When the legislative session opens Monday, the legislature will be considering at least seven bills designed to strengthen elections in the state. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says one of them, Senate Bill 109, is a constitutional amendment that would prohibit foreign funding of a political campaign, whether for or against a candidate or a ballot measure.

Cut 7 (14) “…against a candidate.”

Spring has arrived, and so has prime fishing season! To celebrate, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries invites you to a free Get Out & Fish! event tomorrow from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Turner’s Pond in Minden. LDWF Biologist Danica Williams says no boat, no experience — no problem.

Cut 14 (12) “…that for you.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

The legislative session begins on Monday and a major priority for legislators is to lower auto insurance rates. Jake Minner, the director at Bengal Transportation Services in Ascension Parish, says his company’s insurance rates have soared from six-thousand dollars per truck per year to 23 thousand –

Cut 5 (08) “…ever seen it.”

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says legal reform is needed that would make it harder for people involved in accidents to sue and win big money settlements.

Governor Landry says since Amendment 2 did not pass, it’s back to the drawing board for preserving teacher pay at its current level. Senate President Cameron Henry says he’s hopeful that as the budget makes its way through the legislative process, dollars will emerge to keep teacher pay where it is.

Cut 30 (08) “…to do.”

Amendment 2 would have transformed a stipend into a permanent pay increase.

State Representative Larry Bagley has announced his candidacy for Public Service Commission. The republican from DeSoto Parish wants to serve the same district that Foster Campbell represents. Campbell is term limited and will leave office at the end of 2026. Bagley on what he’ll bring to the P-S-C…

Cut 11 (07) “…here in the state”

Bagley says he will ramp up his campaign after the 2025 legislative session.

Secretary of State Nancy Landry is supporting a package of bills that she says will improve election integrity. Louisiana recently moved up to number two in an election integrity report. Landry is advocating for the passage of Senate Bill 90 which would prohibit wagering on the outcome of an election, which Landry says is already banned in 30 states…

Cut 8 (09) “….of an election”

Landry also supports a constitutional amendment that would prohibit foreign funding of a political campaign, whether for or against a candidate or a ballot measure.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Trucking companies are urging the legislature to do something about commercial vehicle insurance rates that they say are spiraling out of control. Governor Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple say one big driver of the soaring insurance rates is frivolous lawsuits. Jake Minner, the director at Bengal Transportation Services in Ascension Parish, says his company has been hit with very costly frivolous lawsuits.

Cut 4 (10) “…that they’re injured.”

Governor Jeff Landry said at a Wednesday press conference that Louisiana’s Insurance Commissioner should have the authority to prohibit any rates deemed excessive. But at a press conference yesterday in Ascension Parish, Temple says he already has that power…

Cut 26 (08) “…exercise it”

Temple also said Landry’s claim that insurers can conceal information that he needs to regulate them is also wrong.

 

When the legislative session begins Monday, the legislature will considerg several bills to strengthen election integrity….

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The weather will be excellent for outdoor activities this weekend and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries  is in the process of stocking 17 locations with adult-sized Channel Catfish as part of its Get Out and Fish campaign…

Cut 15 (07) “…cooking and eating”

That’s LDWF Biologist Danica Williams. For more information go to LDWF’s website.

8:30 LRN Newscast

A fiscal legislative session begins Monday, but there are dozens of bills that will be heard that attempt to lower Louisiana’s sky high auto insurance rates. Jared Varnado, the owner of Varnado and Sons Towing in Denham Springs, says his insurance premium increased 30-percent this year…

Cut 6 (07) “…truck per year.”

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple has heard the concerns and he says legal reform is desperately needed…

Cut 30 (19) “…many other states”

Temple is supporting 20 different insurance reform bills, many of them are direct against trial lawyers. Governor Landry auto insurance reform agenda is a more balanced approach, between the trial lawyers and the insurance companies.

LDWF is hosting the free Get out and Fish event this Saturday. at Turner’s Pond in Minden.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell’s time as a member of the P-S-C will end at the end of 2026 as he’s term limited. The first announced candidate for his seat is Republican state representative Larry Bagley from DeSoto Parish…

Cut 10 (11) “….life in Louisiana”

 

7:30 LRN Newscast

The legislative session begins on Monday and a major priority for legislators is to pass legislation to lower auto insurance rates. Jake Minner, the director at Bengal Transportation Services in Ascension Parish, says his company’s insurance rates have soared from six-thousand dollars per truck per year to 23 thousand – increasing almost nine times the rate of inflation.

Cut 5 (08) “…ever seen it.”

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is advocating for the passage of tort reform legislation that would make it harder for people involved in accidents to sue and win big money settlements…

Cut 28 (08) “…twice to litgate”

Temple is pushing legislation directed towards trial lawyers, while Governor Jeff Landry blames both attorneys and insurance companies for Louisiana’s high auto insurance rates.

Secretary of State Nancy Landry is supporting a package of bills this session that she says will improve election integrity. One of those bills would boost election commissioner pay…

Cut 9 (16) “….little bit more”

Landry says commissioners generally earn 200 dollars per day, which could last up to 16 hours. House Bill 223 would boost commissioners’ pay by 50 dollars across the board

Spring has arrived and so has prime fishing season! The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is stocking adult channel catfish at 17 sites statewide, all to be stocked by next Tuesday. LDWF Biologist Danica Williams says “Get out and Fish” is for everyone to enjoy.

Cut 13 (07)  “…nice big catfish.”

To view the full stocking schedule and find a location near you go to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The third ranked LSU baseball team begins an SEC series tonight at ninth ranked Auburn and the Tigers will see a familiar face on the mound. Auburn’s Friday night starter, Sam Dutton, is a former LSU Tiger. Coach Jay Johnson says there are no hard feeling that Dutton left LSU…

Cut 19 (17) “…by that”

Kade Anderson will start for LSU. The sophomore left-hander is coming off a complete game shutout where he struck out 14 and threw 135 pitches.

In other action this weekend, the Ragin Cajuns are at ULM. Louisiana Tech is at Middle Tennessee. McNeese takes a nine-game winning streak to UIW, Southeastern is at A-and-M Corpus Christi and Northwestern State is at Southland leader Houston Christian.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

English golfer Justin Rose is the leader after the first round of the Masters. Rose shot a 65, seven-under par and leads a host golfers by 3 shots, including 2024 Masters champ Scott Schefler. Former LSU golfer Sam Burns shot a one-over 73 and is in good shape to make the cut.

The Pelicans only had eight players available last night and lost to the Bucks 136 to 111 in their final road game of the season. New Orleans hosts Miami tonight and Sunday they host Oklahoma City in the regular season finale.

ULM football wrapped spring football last night. Coach Bryant Vincent says 90-percent of his roster participated in spring practice. Last year it was only 40-percent, so he’s feeling good about year two in Monroe…

Cut 29 (18) “…right direction”

6:30 LRN Newscast

Trucking companies are pleading with the legislature to do something about soaring vehicle insurance rates. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The helicopter that broke apart in midair and crashed in the Hudson River in New York yesterday killing all six people aboard is registered with Meridian Helicopters LLC in Broussard near Lafayette. A family of Spanish tourists, including three children, plus the pilot were killed.

When the legislative session begins Monday, the legislature will consider at least seven bills designed to strengthen elections in the state. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says one of them, Senate Bill 109, is a constitutional amendment that would prohibit foreign funding of a political campaign, whether for or against a candidate or a ballot measure.

Cut 7 (14) “…against a candidate.”

Landry says ten states have enacted such a ban.

Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley has announced he’s running for the Public Service Commission. The DeSoto Parish Republican is seeking to replace Democrat Foster Campbell, who is term limited and 2026 will be his last year in office. While Bagley has announced his candidacy, his main priority is the 2025 legislative session…

Cut 12 (10) “…representative seat”

LRN AM Newscall April 11

Trucking companies are pleading with the legislature to do something about soaring vehicle insurance rates. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The legislature will be considering several bills to strengthen elections in the state. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

____________________________________________

LDWF is hosting the free Get out and Fish event this Saturday. at Turner’s Pond in Minden.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

______________________________________________________

Trucking companies are urging the legislature to do something about commercial vehicle insurance rates that are spiraling out of control. Governor Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple say one big driver of the soaring insurance rates is frivolous lawsuits. Jake Minner, the director at Bengal Transportation Services in Ascension Parish, says his company has been hit with very costly frivolous lawsuits.

Cut 4 (10) “…that they’re injured.”

Minner says his company’s insurance rates have soared from six-thousand dollars per truck per year to 23-thousand – increasing almost nine times the rate of inflation.

Cut 5 (08) “…ever seen it.”

Jared Varnado, the owner of Varnado and Sons Towing in Denham Springs, says his insurance premium increased 30-percent this year, which amounts to a lot of money.

Cut 6 (07) “…truck per year.”

Varnado is the third generation owner of the company and says he’d like to pass it down to the fourth generation; but if insurance rates continue in the direction they’re going, that will be, in his words, only a fantasy.

______________________________________________________

The legislature will be considering at least seven bills designed to strengthen elections in the state. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says one of them, Senate Bill 109, is a constitutional amendment that would prohibit foreign funding of a political campaign, whether for or against a candidate or a ballot measure.

Cut 7 (14) “…against a candidate.”

Landry says ten states have enacted such a ban. Senate Bill 90 would prohibit wagering on the outcome of an election, which Landry says is already banned in 30 states.

Cut 8 (09) “…of an election.”

Landry says House Bill 223 would boost election commissioner pay.

Cut 9 (16)  “…little bit more.”

Landry says commissioners generally earn 200 dollars per day, which could last up to 16 hours. House Bill 223 would boost commissioners pay by 50 dollars across the board.

______________________________________________________

State Representative Larry Bagley from DeSoto Parish has officially announced his candidacy for Public Service Commissioner in the 2026 race. Known for his pragmatic leadership and commitment to fiscal responsibility, Bagley brings over a decade of legislative experience to the table. Bagley says he’s been a server all his life.

Cut 10 (11) “…life in Louisiana.”

Bagley is a Republican and says he’s running to ensure public utilities serve the people, not special interests. His campaign promises a focus on accountability, sustainable energy planning, and protecting consumers from rising costs.

Cut 11 (07) “…here in the state.”

Bagley says he won’t ramp up his campaign until after the 2025 legislative session because he wants to give all his attention to what the voters elected him to do.

Cut 12 (10) “…representative seat.”

Bagley is seeking to replace Fifth District Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell, who is term limited.

______________________________________________________

Spring has arrived, and so has prime fishing season! The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is stocking adult channel catfish at 17 sites statewide, all to be stocked by next Tuesday. LDWF Biologist Danica Williams says “Get out and Fish” is for everyone to enjoy.

Cut 13 (07)  “…nice big catfish.”

To celebrate, LDWF invites families to a free Get Out & Fish! event tomorrow from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Turner’s Pond in Minden. Williams says no boat, no experience — no problem.

Cut 14 (12) “…that for you.”

Anglers 18 and up need a Louisiana fishing license.  Every license helps fund fishing access, education, and conservation through the Sport Fish Restoration Program. Williams says the ponds will be stocked with catfish big enough to fill you up.

Cut 15 (07) “…cooking and eating.”

______________________________________________________

LSU football will hold an open practice tomorrow in Tiger Stadium as spring practice is winding down. The Tigers return only one starter on the offensive line, and that’s center DJ Chester. Chester has been the first team center throughout spring practice despite competition from former Virginia Tech center Braelin Moore. Chester says he feels much more comfortable at center this season…

Cut 16 (13) “…again.”

On the defensive line, former Alexandria Senior High star Jacobian Guillory is back practicing in full pads after  suffering a season ending Achilles injury seven months ago. Guillory says the rehab has been difficult, but he’s feeling good now…

Cut 17 (19) “…feet are.”

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The third ranked LSU baseball team goes after its tenth straight win tonight when they visit Auburn. The Tigers rank sixth in the country in batting average and they are doing it with a line-up that looks a little different every night. Jake Brown, Ethan Frey, and Josh Pearson are sharing playing time in right field and designated hitter. Coach Jay Johnson credits how they were raised for their selfless attitude…

Cut 18 (20) “…shook.”

LSU enters the game with a 31-3 record, 10-2 in the SEC. Auburn is ranked 9th in the country. They are 23-10 overall, 6-6 in the SEC. Auburn’s Friday night starter is former LSU pitcher Sam Dutton, who has emerged as the War Eagles ace. He’ll start tonight opposite of LSU’s Kade Anderson. Dutton transferred after last season and Johnson says there are no hard feelings that he left LSU.

Cut 19 (17) “..by that.” 

Former Auburn Tiger Chris Stanfield has found success at LSU batting in the nine-hole and playing terrific center field. Stanfield is looking forward to seeing his old teammates…

Cut 20 (15) “…for LSU.”

First pitch is at 6 p.m.

5:30 LRN Newscast

Insurance reform will be the overwhelming biggest issue in the legislative session that begins Monday. In a news conference in Ascension Parish, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple announced his support for 20 bills, all filed by Republicans, designed to address the soaring cost of auto insurance.

Cut 12 (14) “…families and businesses.”

Governor Landry says since Amendment 2 did not pass, it’s back to the drawing board for preserving teacher pay at its current level. Senate President Cameron Henry says he’s hopeful that as the budget makes its way through the legislative process, dollars will emerge to keep teacher pay where it is.

Cut 8 (08) “…to do.”

Amendment 2 would have transformed a stipend into a permanent pay increase.

A New Orleans Democrat files a bill that would require all college freshmen and college students joining a Greek organization to complete a one-hour anti-hazing course. Delisha Boyd dubs her bill the Caleb Wilson Act, after the Southern University student who died in a hazing incident in February. Three men are facing charges.

Cut 4 (12) “…join those organizations.”

St. Tammany Parish’s no-kill animal shelter is in “mayday” mode due to extreme overcrowding. Animal Shelter Director Rob Bremer says overcrowding could lead to dog fights, disease, and compromised animal welfare.

Cut 10 (09) “…stressed out.”

Bremer says the shelter is waiving adoption fees for dogs that have been there over six months.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The NFL draft begins two weeks from tonight. ESPN’s Mel Kiper has New England taking former LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell with the fourth overall pick. Kiper has the Saints selecting a quarterback in the first round, Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders with the ninth overall selection.

The LSU men’s basketball program has signed five players out of the transfer portal and according to 247sports.com, it’s the fourth best transfer portal class in the country. Coach Matt McMahon said on Tiger Rag Radio they still might add one more player…

Cut 18 (18) “….Dedan Thomas”

Thomas is ranked as the fifth best point guard in the portal after averaging 15 points and four assists a game at UNLV last season.

 

The LSU baseball team takes its nine-game winning streak to the Plains where they’ll face Auburn in a three-game series starting tomorrow night. Kade Anderson will likely get the start tomorrow as the sophomore left-hander is coming off a 14-strikeout, complete game performance last week against Oklahoma. Coach Jay Johnson thinks the world of Anderson…

Cut 30 (22) “…really positive”

First pitch tomorrow is at 6 PM.

Louisiana Tech has won 12 of its last 16 and they are in first place in Conference USA. The Bulldogs open a series tomorrow night at Middle Tennessee.

McNeese has also won nine in a row after beating Houston last night. The Cowboys open a series at UIW tomorrow. The Cardinals are just two and 16 in Southland play.