LRN PM Newscall March 13

Election security is the theme of the Secretary of State’s office’s legislative package for 2026. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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New Saints running back Travis Etienne (AY-chan) spoke on his decision to come back to his home state on Friday. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office announces a trio of bills for its 2026 legislative package, and they focus on election security. House Bill 691 by New Iberia Republican Beau Beaullieu would check the state’s voter rolls against the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements program to identify potential non-citizens. Secretary Nancy Landry says a recent check of the state’s voter rolls turned up non-citizens who had cast ballots.

Cut 3 (10) “…an eligible voter.”

House Bill 547 by Metairie Republican Polly Thomas would prohibit taking pictures of voter registration information in precinct registers. Secretary Landry says this is to protect those who haven’t voted yet from intimidation.

Cut 4 (11) “…who had voted.”

Senate Bill 319 by Shreveport Republican Thomas Pressly would list specific forms of ID that people can use to verify their identities at the polling place. Landry says this closes a loophole in the current law.

Cut 5 (13) “…with a signature.”

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The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issues a Declaration of Emergency for Ouachita Parish and portions of all six surrounding parishes. Deer Program Manager Jonathan Bordelon says it comes after a deer tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease.

Cut 6 (07) “…Deer Area Two.”

Bordelon says it’s the first confirmed case of CWD in Ouachita Parish, and the parish is the fourth where CWD has been confirmed. During the Declaration of Emergency, baiting and feeding is restricted within the affected area, and the export of certain deer parts outside the affected area is prohibited. Bordelon says this is to prevent the spread of the disease, which would be nothing short of devastating to the deer population.

Cut 7 (05) “…fatal in deer.”

Bordelon says while there’s no evidence that humans can contract any illness from a deer infected with CWD, they should still take extra precautions – including keeping the meat of an infected deer out of your kitchen.

Cut 8 (09) “…abundance of caution.”

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As the first day of spring approaches, crawfish prices are starting to come down. Laney King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, has the latest statewide averages. ($4.15/lb. live; $6.83/lb. boiled)

Cut 9 (07)  “…for boiled crawfish.”

King says that’s down 35 cents and 50 cents, respectively, from the last two weeks – and that’s due to increased competition.

Cut 10 (13) “…is great news.”

King says the drop in retail prices comes despite a slow time for crawfish farmers.

Cut 11 (08) “…prices industry-wide.”

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Jennings native and former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne (AY-chan) is back in his home state to play for the Saints. Etienne grew up a Saints fan and remembers going to his grandparents’ house every Sunday to watch the black and gold. He says being able to play for his home-state team is a dream come true.

Cut 12 (13) “…in this moment.”

Etienne remembers watching the Saints win Super Bowl 44 and says he’s excited about the opportunity to help bring New Orleans back to its winning ways.

Cut 13 (12) “…limit for us.”

Last season, the Saints’ rushing offense ranked 28th in the NFL. Etienne says he’s looking forward to helping change that in Kellen Moore’s offensive system, which features a wide variety of running plays.

Cut 14 (12) “…what you want.”

 

1:30 PM LRN Newscast

Election security is the theme of the Secretary of State’s office’s legislative package for 2026. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Gas Prices might be going up but crawfish prices are coming down. Crawfish App founder, Laney King say the price has dropped 35 cents for live and 50 cents for boiled mudbugs over the last two weeks.

Cut 10 (13) “…is great news.”

A confirmed case of chronic wasting disease, the first in Ouachita Parish has prompted the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to issue a Declaration of Emergency for Ouachita Parish and portions of all six surrounding parishes. Deer Program Manager Jonathan Bordelon says during the Declaration, baiting and feeding is restricted within the affected area, and the export of certain deer parts outside the affected area is prohibited to prevent the spread of the devastating deer disease.

Cut 7 (05) “…fatal in deer.”

While there’s no evidence humans can contract the illness from deer, but Bordelon says you should keep meat from infected deer out of your kitchen.

Jennings native and former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne (AY-Chan) grew up a Saints fan and now he is one. Last season, the Saints’ rushing offense ranked 28th in the NFL. Etienne says he’s looking forward to helping change that in Kellen Moore’s offensive system, which features a wide variety of running plays.

Cut 14 (10) “…that’s what you want.”

12:30 LRN Newscast

The legislative package of the Secretary of State’s office for 2026 consists of three bills pertaining to election security. Senate Bill 319 by Thomas Pressly would list specific forms of ID that people can use to verify their identities at the polling place. Secretary Nancy Landry says this closes a loophole in the current law.

Cut 5 (13) “…with a signature.”

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issues a Declaration of Emergency for Ouachita Parish and portions of all six surrounding parishes. Deer Program Manager Jonathan Bordelon says it comes after a deer tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease.

Cut 6 (07) “…Deer Area Two.”

Ouachita Parish is the fourth parish where CWD has been detected since 2022.

As the first day of spring approaches, crawfish prices are starting to come down. Laney King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, has the latest statewide averages. ($4.15/lb. live; $6.83/lb. boiled)

Cut 9 (07)  “…for boiled crawfish.”

That’s down 35 cents and 50 cents, respectively, from the last two weeks – and King that’s due to increased competition.

Jennings native and former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne (AY-chan) is back in his home state to play for the Saints. Etienne grew up a Saints fan and remembers going to his grandparents’ house every Sunday to watch the black and gold. He says the opportunity to play for his home-state team means everything to him.

Cut 12 (15) “…limit for us.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Tiger Rag magazine executive editor Todd Horne is among a trio of Baton Rouge reporters suing LSU for refusing to disclose the direct payments LSU started making to student athletes this fiscal year. The attorney for the plaintiffs, Scott Sternberg, says while the game may have changed, the law has stayed the same.

Cut 10 (13) “…are being spent.”

LSU claims those records are exempt from public disclosure due to federal student privacy law. Louisiana Radio Network’s owner also owns Tiger Rag.

The 13th ranked LSU baseball team begins SEC play tonight at Vanderbilt. The Commodores are throwing Connor Fennell. Former LSU star and ESPN college baseball analyst Todd Walker on Fennell…

Cut 20 (09) “….type of thing”

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The Saints have brought back 30-year-old linebacker Kaden Elliss on a three-year deal. Elliss has led the Falcons in tackles the last two seasons, and he was a team captain. Before he was a Dirty Bird, he played for the Saints in 2022 and had a career-high seven sacks. Coach Kellen Moore says it’s hard for offensive coaches to game-plan against Elliss.

Cut 18 (20)  “…really good situation.”

No NCAA Tournament for the McNeese women’s basketball team. The top seeded Cowgirls lost to Stephen F Austin in the Southland Tournament Championship game yesterday.

The Lady Techsters will play Liberty in the Conference USA semifinals at 5:30 PM.

 

And five champions will be crowned at the boys basketball tournament in Lake Charles.

11:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office’s legislative package consists of three bills pertaining to election security. Among them is House Bill 547 by Polly Thomas, which would prohibit taking pictures of voter registration information in precinct registers. Secretary Nancy Landry says this is to protect those who haven’t voted yet from intimidation.

Cut 4 (11) “…who had voted.”

The executive editor of Tiger Rag magazine is among three Baton Rouge reporters suing LSU for withholding information on public money being paid to student athletes. Their attorney, Scott Sternberg, says they want to know how much public money is going to the student athletes – and, specifically, how much to which ones.

Cut 11 (10) “…do they get?”

The Savannah Bananas are bringing their special brand of baseball to the Caesars Superdome this weekend. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

McNeese has already punched its ticket to the NCAA tournament. Will any other Louisiana teams join them in the big dance? Louisiana Tech is taking on Missouri State in the Conference USA semifinals at this hour, and Southern takes on Florida A&M in the SWAC semifinal this evening.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Tiger Rag magazine executive editor Todd Horne is among a trio of Baton Rouge reporters who are suing LSU for refusing to disclose records of public money it’s paying to student athletes. Their attorney, Scott Sternberg, says they want to know how much public money is going to the student athletes – and, specifically, how much to which ones.

Cut 11 (10) “…do they get?”

The owner of Tiger Rag also owns Louisiana Radio Network.

Since the start of 2025, almost 40 insurance companies have filed for rate decreases for private passenger auto policies. Commissioner Tim Temple says customers of the companies that have filed for rate decreases will see the savings when their policy comes up for renewal, and if their rates don’t drop…

Cut 5 (07) “…my auto insurance”

The Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy is working with the U.S. Geological Survey to try to find a cause for all the earthquakes in northwest Louisiana. Joe Gallinaro reports. 

Cut 1 (26) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

The Savannah Bananas bring their brand of baseball to the Superdome this weekend! The Superdome is not exactly set up for baseball. But Jay Cicero, the CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says when they started playing in football stadiums, the idea was born.

Cut 15 (09) “…right field porch.”

9:30 LRN Newscast

Tiger Rag magazine executive editor Todd Horne is among a trio of Baton Rouge reporters who are suing LSU for refusing to disclose records of public money it’s paying to student athletes. Their lawyer, Scott Sternberg, makes it clear that this lawsuit is only about public money.

Cut 12 (05) “…to see that (2x).”

Tiger Rag and LRN share the same owner. Piper Hutchinson of Louisiana Illuminator and Chris Nakamoto of WAFB-TV are the other two plaintiffs.

The Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy is working with the U.S. Geological Survey to figure out why there’s been a sudden spike in earthquake activity in northwest Louisiana. Department spokesman Patrick Courreges (kuh-RAHZH) says wastewater injection may be to blame; and while nothing unusual has been found yet, agents are still looking.

Cut 9 (11)  “…find a cause.”

Since the start of last year, nearly 40 insurance companies have filed rate decreases for private passenger auto policies. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the latest company to do so is Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, who filed a six-percent decrease on its Value Product.

Cut 4 (06) “…that’s a positive.”

The Savannah Bananas baseball team invades the Superdome this weekend! There will be a two-hour game with the fan-focused event tomorrow and Sunday. Jay Cicero, the CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says tickets are by lottery, and New Orleans locals who have found it impossible to get tickets in other cities are happy to find them here.

Cut 14 (13) “…to watch them.”

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

More good news about auto insurance rates in Louisiana.  Nearly 40 companies have filed rate decreases since the start of last year.  Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says fewer accidents have meant fewer claims.  And Temple says the reforms approved last year that change how auto crashes are handled in civil court haven’t even really had a chance to impact rates yet.

Cut 6 (12) “…them to do.”

Tiger Rag magazine executive editor Todd Horne, who also owns Louisiana Radio Network is one of three journalists suing LSU.   Scott Sternberg is the attorney representing them and says it’s really all about wanting answers about exactly how much public money is being paid to student athletes – and, how much to which ones.

Cut 11 (10) “…do they get?”

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The Savannah Bananas are bringing their special brand of baseball to the Caesars Superdome this weekend. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Why the sudden spike in Northwest Louisiana lately?  That’s what the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy and U.S. Geological Survey are working to determine. Department of Conservation spokesman Patrick Courreges (kuh-RAHZH)

Cut 8 (09) “…supposed to be.”

 

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

Three reporters, including the executive editor for Tiger Rag magazine, who also owns Louisiana Radio Network, are suing LSU for withholding records of payments to athletes. Here’s Andrew Greenstein..

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Nearly 40 companies have filed rate decreases for auto policies since the start of last year. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says customers will see the savings when their policies comes up for renewal, and if your rates don’t drop…

Cut 5 (07) “…my auto insurance”

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The Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy is working with the U.S. Geological Survey to understand why there’s been a sudden spike in earthquake activity in northwest Louisiana. Since a magnitude 4.9 quake last week, there have been a series of other quakes, four in quick succession early Monday. Department spokesman Patrick Courreges (kuh-RAHZH) says one potential cause is what’s called induced seismicity.

Cut 7 (11) “…or faults underground.”

The Savannah Bananas are bringing their special brand of baseball to the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans this weekend. Jay Cicero, the CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says it’s more of a fan focused event for fun — and there’s a game.

Cut 13 (11)  “…it’s pretty special.”

 

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The executive editor of Tiger Rag Magazine, Todd Horne, along with two other reporters have filed a lawsuit seeking information on the revenue sharing deals that LSU has with its student athletes….

Cut 11 (10) “…do they get”

That’s attorney Scott Sternberg who represents the plaintiffs. Sternberg says these are public dollars and who gets what, should be public information. LSU claims those records are exempt from public disclosure due to federal student privacy law.  L-R-N and Tiger Rag have the same owner.

The McNeese women’s basketball team’s 21-game winning streak came to an end yesterday as the Cowgirls lost to Stephen F Austin71-59  in the Southland Tournament Championship game. So no NCAA Tournament for the McNeese women.

La Tech and Southern men’s basketball teams advanced in their tournaments. And will play in the semis today.

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Several of the new Saints players met with the media on Thursday, including new starting left guard David Edwards, who signed a four-year, 61-million dollar deal with the Black and Gold. Edwards was on Buffalo last season and he says he watched some film on New Orleans while scouting another team late last season, and what he saw caught his eye.

Cut 17 (19)  “…feel really good.”

The 13th ranked LSU Tigers begin SEC play tonight against Vanderbilt. Both teams have struggled in the non-conference.

At the Boys basketball tournament, there are five state championship games today….Lincoln Prep versus Southern Lab, Gibsland Coleman against Pleasant Hill, Ferriday versus East Iberville. Zwolle against Lacassine and Wossman takes on Brusly.