17:30 LRN Newscast

The 2024 legislative session is underway and insurance reform is a major focus. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says reducing regulations will result in more insurers writing policies in the state…
CUT 27 (12) “…affordability”
Temple supports legislation that allows insurers to adjust rates without his approval. He also wants to end the three year rule, which prohibits home insurers from dropping a customer that’s been policy holder for more than three years.

Legislation banning importing, ownership, and trafficking of sex dolls that resemble children has been approved by a Senate committee. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says Homeland Security contacted her about such activity…
Cut 9 (06) “…arrest anybody.”

In 2022, the Louisiana Legislature passed a law that limits the publicizing of mug shots by law enforcement agencies. It’s illegal for a sheriff’s department to release an offender’s mugshot who commits non-violent or minor crimes. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh says that law was approved with good intentions, but it’s confusing for law enforcement agencies…
cut 12 (12) “…decision”
Seabaugh’s bill would allow for all mugshots to become public, which concerns Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow…
cut 13 (13) “…going forward”
Despite Barrow’s opposition the bill heads to the Senate floor.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

A new NFL league year got underway today and the Saints announced the signing of free agent linebacker Willie Gay, who won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs. In four seasons in Kansas City, Gay had 233 tackles, five sacks, four interceptions, 19 passes defensed, two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. New Orleans also announced they’ve resigned fullback Adam Prentice. He’ll complete with Zander Horvath for a roster spot.

And the Saints have officially ended their relationship with Michael Thomas. It goes down as a post June 1st cut, so his cap hit will be spread out over the next two seasons.

The Pelicans have won four in a row and they begin a three game homestand tonight by hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs are in third place in the Eastern Conference and they have a 19-11 record on the road.

Louisiana Tech is the two seed in the Conference USA Tournament and they’ll face Middle Tennessee tonight in Huntsville, Alabama. The Bulldogs just beat the Blue Raiders in Ruston to close out the regular season.

Grambling is the top seed in the SWAC Tournament and they’ll take on Alabama State tonight at 8:30. Southern is the four seed and they’ll face Bethune Cookman tomorrow night.

We know there will be at least one Louisiana team in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. McNeese and Nicholls are facing each other in the Southland Tournament Championship game. The winner gets an automatic invite to the Big Dance. It was one year ago today that Will Wade was introduced as the new head coach of the Cowboys.

The LSU men’s basketball team begins play in the SEC Tournament tomorrow. The Tigers are the eighth seed and will face ninth seeded Mississippi State. The Tigers lost to the Bulldogs by 20 points in the regular season and Coach Matt McMahon says the offense didn’t play well…
cut 19 (14) “…from the floor”
Tip time from Nashville is at Noon.

16:30 LRN Newscast

Legislation that would allow law enforcement to once again make public the booking photos of adults charged with crimes is making its way to the Senate floor. A law passed in 2022 prevents the release of mug shots of suspects accused of non-violent or minor offenses. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh says the 2022 law is hurting law enforcement…
Cut 11 (10) “…law enforcement”
Seabaugh says the 2022 law was approved with good intentions, but there is confusion over what can and can’t be released,

Sarah Whittington with the Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana says mug shots can cause damage for suspects who later found innocent…
Cut 14 (10) “..good character”
Senate Judiciary C Committee approved the bill.

If you missed getting tickets for Taylor Swift’s soldout October 26th show at the Superdome, Brooke Thorington has more on how you can win a pair and help “Mastermind” Ochsner Health’s Neuroscience Institute.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Covington Senator Patrick McMath is proposing to rename a portion of the Highway 11 bridge in St Tammany Parish as the Jimmy Buffett Changes in Latitude Memorial Crossing. The Senate Transportation Committee endorsed the proposal today

3:30 LRN Newscast March 13

Trooper Jacob Pucheu (pee-shoe) says 61-year-old Ronald Britt, a Lafayette truck driver, was charged with negligent homicide for speeding during the super fog event on I-55 last year.

Cut 6  (11) “…Mrs. Fleming” 

The massive 168 vehicle pileup killed seven people. Britt is facing several charges.

Republican Senator Beth Mizell legislation that would prohibit possession, import, and ownership of child sex dolls that resembles children 12 years old and younger passed out of committee Tuesday. Mizell says Homeland Security was became concerned about trafficking after receiving a package with a childlike doll inside.

Cut 8 (13) “…in Metairie.” 

And while nine other states already have such laws, Mizell says legislation does not exist in Louisiana to allow law enforcement to take individuals into custody.

Booking mug shots of suspects charged in non-violent or minor crimes would once again become available under legislation heading to the Senate floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The Tangipahoa Sheriff Office has arrested 26-year-old Cameron McKnight in connection with several sex crimes. Last month, authorities received a complaint of alleged indecent behavior between McKnight, a former educator, and students. Detectives substantiated allegation and obtained a warrant for McKnight’s arrest. He was charged with several offenses including indecent behavior with juveniles. The investigation is ongoing.

 

LRN PM Newscall March 13

If you missed getting tickets for Taylor Swift’s soldout October 26th show at the Superdome, Brooke Thorington has more on how you can win a pair and help “Mastermind” Ochsner Health’s Neuroscience Institute.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

Booking mug shots of suspects charged in non-violent or minor crimes would once again become available under legislation heading to the Senate floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

______________________________________

Ochsner Health is raffling off two tickets to see Taylor Swift and raise money for their Neuroscience Institute. Assistant VP of Philanthropy Lucy King says the winner will receive two suite tickets for the October 26th sold-out show at the Superdome. And like Taylor, King says the neuroscience facilty is one of a kind.

Cut 3 (09) “…and Atlanta.”  

So, if it’s among your “Wildest Dreams” to see Taylor in “Style,” King says don’t “Shake Off” this opportunity.

Cut 4 (10) “…Four Seasons Hotel.” 

King says they’ve already broken ground on the Debra H. and Robert J. Patrick Neuroscience Center in New Orleans and like Taylor, music will play a “Mastermind” role in the treatment of neurological disorders.

Cut 5 (12) “…and care.”

The $100 raffle tickets can be purchased at ochsner.org/eras. The deadline to purchase tickets is just before “Midnight” on April 7th and the winner will be drawn on April 8th.

____________________________________________

State Police has charged a Lafayette truck driver with negligent homicide for driving too fast during the super fog event on I-55 last October. Trooper Jacob Pucheu (pee-shoe) says  61-year-old Ronald Britt’s truck was part of a  massive chain reaction crash that involved 168 vehicles and seven deaths, including 60-year-old James Fleming…

Cut 6  (11) “…Mrs. Fleming” 

Pucheu says Britt is facing several charges…

Cut 7 (11) “…traffic violations”  

Britt was booked into the St. John Parish Correctional Center earlier this week.

The pileup occurred in St. John the Baptist Parish on October 23rd during super fog conditions, a combination smoke from marsh fires and foggy conditions.

_____________________________________________________

Legislation banning importing, ownership, and trafficking of child sex dolls that resembles children 12 years and younger passed out of committee Tuesday. Bill’s author, Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell explains Homeland Security contacted her about trafficking after receiving a package with a label describing it as a mannequin.

Cut 8 (13) “…in Metairie.” 

And while nine other states already have such laws, Mizell says legislation does not exist in Louisiana to allow law enforcement to take individuals into custody.

Cut 9 (06) “…arrest anybody.” 

Mizell says some companies create dolls based on the likeness of real children. She says her legislation could help prevent assaults on children by pedophiles or potential abusers.

Cut 10 (11) “…these dolls.”

The bill now heads to the Senate floor.

__________________________________________________________________

Legislation that would allow law enforcement to once again make public the booking photos of adults charged with crimes is making its way to the Senate floor. A law passed in 2022 prevents the release of mug shots of suspects accused of non-violent or minor offenses. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh says the 2022 law is hurting law enforcement…

Cut 11 (10) “…law enforcement”

Seabaugh says the 2022 law was approved with good intentions, but there is confusion over what can and can’t be released, so some law enforcement agencies are not making any mug shots available.

Cut 12 (12)  “..that decision.”

The Senate Judiciary C Committee approved Seabaugh’s bill. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow was the only no vote. Barrow says once a mug shot goes public, it never goes away and it change and alter a person’s life…

Cut 13 (13) “…going forward.”  

Sarah Whittington with the Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana says mug shots can cause damage for suspects who later found innocent…

Cut  14 (10) “..good character”

2:30 LRN Newscast March 13

A law passed in 2022 that prevents the release of mug shots of suspects accused of non-violent or minor offenses is once again making its way to the Senate floor. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow was the only no vote. Barrow says once a mug shot goes public, it never goes away and it change and alter a person’s life…

Cut 13 (13) “…going forward.”  

Legislation banning trafficking, importing, and ownership of child sex dolls that resembles children 12 years and younger passed out of committee Tuesday. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell, the bill’s author, says some companies create dolls based on the likeness of real children. She says her legislation could help prevent assaults on children by pedophiles or potential abusers.

Cut 10 (11) “…these dolls.”

The bill now heads to the Senate floor.

Taylor Swift’s fans have another chance to score a golden ticket to her sold out October 26th show at the Superdome. Brooke Thorington has more on how you can win a pair and help “Mastermind” Ochsner Health’s Neuroscience Institute.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

61-year-old Ronald Britt, a Lafayette commercial truck driver, has been charged with negligent homicide in connection to the super fog pile up on I-55 involving 168 vehicles and seven deaths in St. John the Baptist parish last October. Britt was speeding when he crashed into the back of a vehicle resulting in a chain reaction crash.

 

 

1:30 LRN Newscast March 13

Legislation that would allow law enforcement to once again make public the booking photos of adults charged with crimes is making its way to the Senate floor. A law passed in 2022 prevents the release of mug shots of suspects accused of non-violent or minor offenses. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh says the 2022 law is hurting law enforcement…

Cut 11 (10) “…law enforcement”

Seabaugh says the 2022 law was approved with good intentions, but there is confusion over what can and can’t be released,

Sarah Whittington with the Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana says mug shots can cause damage for suspects who later found innocent…

Cut  14 (10) “..good character”

Senate Judiciary C Committee approved the bill.

Legislation banning importing, ownership, and trafficking of sex dolls that resemble children passed out of committee Tuesday. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says Homeland Security contacted her about such activity because there aren’t laws in Louisiana to allow law enforcement to take these individuals into custody.

Cut 9 (06) “…arrest anybody.” 

Ochsner Health is raffling off two tickets to see Taylor Swift and raise money for their Neuroscience Institute. Assistant VP of Philanthropy Lucy King says if it’s among your “Wildest Dreams” to see Taylor in “Style,”  don’t “Shake Off” this opportunity.

Cut 4 (10) “…Four Seasons Hotel.” 

You have until “Midnight” April 7th to purchase the $100 raffle tickets at Ochsner.org backslash eras.

12:30 LRN Newscast March 13

State Police have charged 61-year-old Lafayette truckdriver Ronald Britt with negligent homicide for driving too fast during the super fog event on I-55 last October that caused a massive pileup and killed seven people. Trooper Jacob Pucheu (pee-shoe) says Britt faces several charges…

Cut 7 (11) “…traffic violations”  

 

Legislation banning importing, ownership, and trafficking of sex dolls that resemble children passed out of committee Tuesday. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says Homeland Security contacted her about such trafficking after receiving a package with a label describing it as a mannequin.

Cut 8 (13) “…in Metairie.” 

 

A bill is heading to the Senate floor to toughen penalties against porch pirates. It will give judges the authority to sentence a thief to 60 days if they steal packages from several homes. Major Willie Stewart with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office says it’s a big problem.

Cut 13 (11)  “…at a time”

 

Ochsner Health is raffling off two tickets to see Taylor Swift and raise money for their Neuroscience Institute. Assistant VP of Philanthropy Lucy King says the winner will receive two suite tickets for the October 26th sold-out show at the Superdome. And like Taylor, the neuroscience center is one of a kind.

Cut 3 (09) “…and Atlanta.”  

The $100 raffle tickets can be purchased at oschner.org/eras. The deadline to purchase tickets is just before “Midnight” April 7th .

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Jameis Winston and the Saints will be heading in different directions this season as Winston signed a one year deal with the Browns. The veteran backup came to New Orleans in 2020 to learn from Sean Payton and Drew Brees, but a season ending knee injury in 2021 and back injury in 2022 limited his potential according to the Saints Locked On Podcast Host Ross Jackson.

Cut 17 (19) “… he will be missed.”

The Saints became active in the new league year as they signed former Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay to a one-year 5 million dollar deal.

In college basketball news, Nicholls and McNeese will play in the Southland Conference final today at 4 pm on ESPN2. McNeese defeated Lamar 76 to 57 to win their semifinal game and Nicholls defeated Texas A&M Corpus Christi 81 to 73.

LSU baseball was able to defeat North Dakota State 6 to 1 with Catcher Brady Neal playing Right Field. The move allowed Neal to get in the lineup in an outfield offense that hasn’t produced many runs this season. Neal got on base in all four of his at bats helping the Tigers to their 6 run performance and the Tigers and Bison will play again today at 4 pm.

In other college baseball news, ULM barely lost to Ole Miss 5 to 3 after the Rebels had a two run ninth inning and Northwestern State snapped it’s five game losing streak by beating Louisiana Tech 11 to 5 yesterday.

And LSU Softball had a big night yesterday as the Lady Tigers defeated the Longhorns 7 to 4. The win has LSU on a 23 game win streak heading into their series against Ole Miss this weekend and LSU Head Coach Beth Torina says that the Rebels will present a challenge for the Tigers.

Cut 20 (16) “… negated.”

The Tigers will host the Rebels Friday with the first pitch at 6 pm

 

11:30 LRN Newscast

Major changes could be coming to the state’s constitution as Governor Landry is looking to take items out of the constitution and put them into state law. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says legislators are unable to make many changes to the state’s tax code without voter approval…
cut 12 (12) “…they did”
A bill calling for a constitutional convention has yet to be filed.

State Police has charged a Lafayette truck driver with negligent homicide for driving too fast during the super fog event on I-55 last October. Trooper Jacob Pucheu (pee-shoe) says 61-year-old Ronald Britt’s truck was part of a massive chain reaction crash that involved 168 vehicles and seven deaths, including 60-year-old James Fleming…
Cut 6 (11) “…Mrs. Fleming”
Pucheu says Britt is facing several charges.

Insurance reform will be a major focus during this regular session. Teiko Foxx looks at a couple of proposals the new Insurance Commissioner is pushing for…
cut 2 (33) “….I’m Teiko Foxx”

What about auto insurance rates? Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot tells the USA Today Network that there is legislation filed for the regular session that can help reduce rates. The bills are in the area of tort reform. But Real Reform Louisiana says those bills strip victims rights and fatten industry profits.