7:30 AM Newscast

Candidates seeking to replace term-limited New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell can officially qualify today for the October 11th primary. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

ULM has received the final nine million dollars in state funding required to complete the renovation of its Sugar Hall. President Dr. Carrie Castille says once complete Sugar Hall will not only be home to students in many areas of health care, but to community clinics as well.

Cut 6 (10) “…northeast Louisiana.”

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Bill Cassidy may be in for the fight of his political life next April with two prominent Republicans running against him for the party’s nomination in the state’s newly-closed primary election. But Louisiana Democratic Party Executive Director Dadrius (“Darius”) Lanus says if Cassidy survives, that won’t be his only fight next year.

Cut 7 (08) “…run against him.”

Saints owner Gayle Benson and linebacker Demario Davis are part of a delegation in France this week on a relationship-building mission. Senior Vice President of Communications Greg Bensel, who also made the trip, says team execs have taken several trips to France over the years and are making valuable connections.

Cut 14 (14) “…business in Louisiana.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast July 8

I’m Jeanne Burns. This sportscast is brought to you by the Louisiana Department of Health. When gambling is more than a game, no one wins.

SEC Media Days begin Monday in Atlanta and the league has announced that LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, receiver Chris Hilton and linebacker Whit Weeks will join coach Brian Kelly for the unofficial kick-off to the 2025 season.

Haynesville three-sport star Isaiah Washington is one of LSU’s latest commitments for the Class of 2026. Washington won state championships in the 110-meter hurdles and triple jump at the Class 1A outdoor track meet last May. He’s expected to play safety at the next level. Golden Tornado head coach David Franklin says Washington is an outstanding athlete…

Cut 18 (16) “…all the tools”

Washington plays quarterback and defensive back at Haynesville.

Saints owner Gayle Benson and All-Pro linebacker Demario Davis will fly to Paris this week to promote the club’s visibility in France. The state of Louisiana has only had a strong connection with France and a couple of summers ago, the NFL granted the Saints international marketing rights in France. Senior Vice President of Communications for the Saints, Greg Bensel, says team executives have taken several relationship building trips to France over the years…

Cut 14 (14) “…business in Louisiana”

Bensel says the delegation will attend a European League of Football game featuring the Paris Musketeers and the Vienna Vikings. Earlier this year, the Saints announced a strategic partnership with the Muskeeteers.

And watch for it on social media today, the Saints will unveil a new alternate helmet. There’s also reports the Saints will have a new alternate jersey and matching pants this year.

6:30 AM Newscast

The Louisiana Democratic Party says it will make sure the primary will not be Bill Cassidy’s only political fight next year, should he survive it. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Qualifying begins today for the October 11th election and the biggest race in the state is the mayor’s race in New Orleans. Current mayor LaToya Cantrell is term limited and cannot seek a third term. UNO pollster Ed Chervenak expects several candidates will sign up to qualify over the next three days and as it stands now, four of them have a shot.

Cut 10 (07) “…from running.”

———–

ULM has received the final nine million dollars in state funding required to complete the renovation of its Sugar Hall. Sugar Hall was opened in 1971 to house ULM’s College of Pharmacy before moving to the Bienville Campus in 2005. President Dr. Carrie Castille says Sugar Hall is ingrained in Louisiana healthcare.

Cut 4 (12) “…sciences programs.”

A delegation from the Saints, including owner Gayle Benson and linebacker Demario Davis, is on a relationship-building mission in France this week. Also among the delegation is Senior Vice President of Communications Greg Bensel; he says they will be launching flag football this Sunday with their European League of Football counterparts, the Paris Musketeers.

Cut 13 (07)  “…in the NFL.”

LRN AM Newscall July 9

The Louisiana Democratic Party says it will make sure the primary will not be Bill Cassidy’s only political fight next year, should he survive it. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

____________________________________________

Candidates seeking to replace term-limited New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell can officially qualify today for the October 11th primary. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

A delegation representing the Saints is visiting France this week. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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ULM has received the final nine million dollars in state funding required to complete the renovation of its Sugar Hall. Sugar Hall was opened in 1971 to house ULM’s College of Pharmacy before moving to the Bienville Campus in 2005. President Dr. Carrie Castille says Sugar Hall is ingrained in Louisiana healthcare.

Cut 4 (12) “…sciences programs.”

The renovation is scheduled to finish in the summer of 2026. Castille says the new-and-improved Sugar Hall will host occupational therapy, medical laboratory science, speech pathology and other College of Health Science programs.

Cut 5 (12) “…workforce development.”

Castille says the facility will also function as community clinics for the school’s occupational therapy, speech-language, and dental hygiene programs.

Cut 6 (10) “…northeast Louisiana.”

________________________________________________________

Bill Cassidy may be in for the fight of his political life next April with two prominent Republicans running against him for the party’s nomination in the state’s newly-closed primary election. But Louisiana Democratic Party Executive Director Dadrius (“Darius”) Lanus says if Cassidy survives, that won’t be his only fight next year.

Cut 7 (08) “…run against him.”

State Treasurer John Fleming and State Senator Blake Miguez have both announced primary challenges against Cassidy, with each citing his vote to convict then-former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial following the January 6th attack at the Capitol. Lanus says no matter how much Cassidy bows to Trump now that he’s President again, the damage is done, and it’s irreparable.

Cut 8 (09) “…it didn’t work.”

Lanus says with the passage of what Republicans call the Big Beautiful Bill and what Democrats call the Big Ugly Bill, the gloves are off, and Democrats are coming out fighting in the midterms next year.

Cut 9 (08)  “…House Speaker Johnson.”

While Louisiana currently has two Republicans in the Senate, it wasn’t too long ago that Louisiana had a Democrat in the Senate. Mary Landrieu served in the Senate until the start of 2015, when she was unseated by Cassidy. Louisiana, in fact, was represented by two Democrats as recently as the start of 2005,when David Vitter became the state’s first Republican senator since 1883.

(Note: 1883 is not a typo.)

________________________________________________________

Qualifying begins today for the October 11th election and the biggest race in the state is the mayor’s race in New Orleans. Current mayor LaToya Cantrell is term limited and cannot seek a third term. UNO pollster Ed Chervenak expects several candidates will sign up to qualify over the next three days and as it stands now, four of them have a shot.

Cut 10 (07) “…from running.”

Former Orleans Parish Criminal Court Judge Arthur Hunter, New Orleans City Council president Helena Moreno, city councilor Oliver Thomas and state senator Royce Duplessis have the highest name recognition. Chervenak says two polls have been conducted on the race and Moreno is the favorite.

Cut 11 (13) “..through the campaign.”

Duplessis announced his entrance into the race less than two weeks ago. He has been an outspoken state lawmaker since 2019 and Chervenak says Duplessis can use his experience as a legislator to his advantage.

Cut 12 (12) “…right now.”

________________________________________________________

A delegation from the Saints, including owner Gayle Benson and linebacker Demario Davis, is on a relationship-building mission in France this week. Also among the delegation is Senior Vice President of Communications Greg Bensel; he says they will be launching flag football this Sunday with their European League of Football counterparts, the Paris Musketeers.

Cut 13 (07)  “…in the NFL.”

With the heavy French influence on both New Orleans and Louisiana, it’s only fitting that the NFL granted the Saints international marketing rights to France. Bensel says team executives have taken several relationship-building trips to France over the years.

Cut 14 (14) “…business in Louisiana.”

Bensel says of course, the Saints are using this trip to grow the game of American football in France.

Cut 15 (10) “…it more popular.”

The Paris Musketeers, by the way, have a direct lineage to the Saints. Their head coach is Jack Del Rio, who started his NFL career with the Saints, playing for them for two seasons.

________________________________________________________

Haynesville safety and quarterback Isaiah Washington announced his commitment to LSU July 4th. The three-star prospect chose the Tigers over Arkansas, Tulane and Louisiana Tech. Haynesville football coach David Franklin says Washington will be an elite athlete in the LSU secondary.

Cut 16 (13) “…room to grow.”

Washington is the number 23 prospect in Louisiana and the third-ranked safety in the state. Franklin says the Golden Hurricane had an opening at quarterback Washington’s freshman year.

Cut 17 (19)  “…leader now.”

Washington joins the 2026 LSU recruiting class currently ranked eighth in the nation and featuring two five-star and nine four-star commits. Franklin says he’s had a lot of great athletes come through his program, but not all are built the same.

Cut 18 (16)  “…all the tools.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

The United Cajun Navy is helping with the search and rescue operation in the Texas Hill Country, where at least 110 people have been killed in flash floods. Vice President Brian Trascher says they will remain there until officials say they have everything under control.

Cut 8 (15) “…easier on us.”

As of this morning, United Cajun Navy searchers have recovered 11 bodies.

The United Way of Southwest Louisiana is responding to the disaster through its UnitedGulf disaster relief campaign. Volunteer Coordinator Ashley Norman says they don’t need any supplies there; the very best thing you can donate right now is money. By doing so, you’re not creating additional logistical headaches.

Cut 10 (06) “…of the area.”

Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi says St. Gabriel police officer Devin Boutte was under investigation and had a relationship with his suspected killer. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Get ready for a new look for the Saints tomorrow, as the team will be unveiling a new alternate helmet. Will it be white? Will it be the original shade of old gold? Or will it be something completely zany? Well, likely not the latter, but we’ll all find out tomorrow. A new alternate uniform will also be unveiled sometime before training camp.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU left-hander Kade Anderson was named the top male athlete in Louisiana this year. The Madisonville native earned the Allstate Sugar Bowl James J. Corbett award after leading Division One in strikeouts this season and helping the Tigers to an eighth national championship. Anderson was also ranked as the number one prospect in the MLB Draft by ESPN analyst Kiley McDaniel. McDaniel says he still expects Anderson to go number one in Sunday’s draft after the Nationals fired their president of baseball operations, Mike Rizzo, and manager Dave Martinez Sunday.

Cut  19 (09) “…to Anderson.”

LSU announced senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, senior wide receiver Chris Hilton, and junior linebacker Whit Weeks will represent the Tigers along with head coach Brian Kelly at SEC Football Media Days July 14.

Locked On Sun Belt Podcast host Dave Schultz says Louisiana Tech still doesn’t have the votes to join the league, but Commissioner Keith Gill has invested significant political capital to convince Sun Belt schools to approve to Bulldogs.

Cut 20 (19) “…the conference.”

The report comes weeks after ULM discontinued its women’s tennis program to cut costs. The Warhawks currently sponsor the minimum required 16 programs to be a D1 FBS school.

Sun Belt Football Media Days will kick off in New Orleans with the West Division July 22. The Ragin’ Cajuns will be represented by offensive lineman Jax Herrington, safety Tyree Skipper and head coach Michael Desormeaux. Joining second-year ULM head coach Bryant Vincent will be tight end Nate Sullivan Jr. and linebacker Billy Pullen.

4:30 PM LRN Newscast

St. Gabriel police captain Devin Boutte was found stabbed to death in his home Sunday morning. Authorities report the officer had an on-and-off domestic relationship with the suspect and was under investigation for corruption. 25-year-old Warren Mitchell III admitted to stabbing Boutte multiple times. Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi says the suspect sold drugs for Boutte.

LSU head coach Jay Johnson was named D! Baseball Coach of the Year after winning his second national championship in Baton Rouge. It is his second time receiving the honor after earning the same award from the American Baseball Coaches Association in June. Johnson is the fastest coach to win two national titles with a program after taking home two trophies in four years at LSU.

Cut 3 (11) “…doing together.”

The United Cajun Navy is in the Texas Hill Country helping with search and rescue efforts following the catastrophic flash flooding that has so far killed 108 people. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The United Way of Southwest Louisiana is responding to the disaster through its UnitedGulf disaster relief campaign. Volunteer Coordinator Ashley Norman says the very best thing you can donate right now is money.

Cut 9 (09)  “…of logistical work.”

To donate, text UNITEDGULF to 40403 or visit unitedwayswla.org/unitedgulf

3:30 PM LRN Newscast

The United Cajun Navy is in Texas helping with the search and rescue operation in the Texas Hill Country, where more than 100 people have been killed in flash floods. So far, United Cajun Navy searchers have found 11 bodies. Vice President Brian Trascher…

Cut 7 (12) “…to be there”

The United Way of Southwest Louisiana Volunteer Coordinator Ashley Norman says the best way to help is to give cash and it’s easy with their UnitedGulf disaster relief campaign.

Cut 11 (10) “…slash-united-gulf.”

(Text UNITEDGULF to 40403 or visit unitedwayswla.org/unitedgulf)

St. Gabriel police captain Devin Boutte was found stabbed to death in his home Sunday morning and reportedly had an on-and-off domestic relationship with his accused killer, 25-year-old Warren Mitchell III. Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi says the vicious attack occurred while Boutte was sleeping, and the entire situation is tragic.

Cut 5 (14) “…that person.”

Participating in Operation Dry Water, LDWF arrested 19 people for DWI over the Fourth of July weekend. Two of those arrested were involved in boating accidents. 40-year-old Sean Blanchard of White Castle is accused of DWI and reckless operation after authorities say he struck a dock and fled the scene in Lake Verret. When located, Blanchard required medical treatment.  Also in Lake Verret, 43-year-old Darrell Borne was arrested and charged when he allegedly lost control of his vessel, ejected himself and his passenger, leaving the vessel to ramp up on a barge.

LRN PM Newscall July 8

Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi says slain St. Gabriel Officer Devin Boutte was under investigation and had a relationship with his suspected killer. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

___________________________________________________

The United Cajun Navy is in the Texas Hill Country helping with search and rescue efforts following the catastrophic flash flooding that has so far killed 108 people. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

St. Gabriel police captain Devin Boutte was found stabbed to death in his home Sunday morning. Authorities report the officer had an on-and-off domestic relationship with the suspect and was under investigation for corruption. 25-year-old Warren Mitchell III admitted to stabbing Boutte multiple times. Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi says the suspect sold drugs for Boutte.

Cut 3 (11) “…doing together.”

Crystal meth and other drugs were found inside the home. Stassi brought allegations of corruption to the Attorney General’s Office, which began their investigation just ten days before the murder.  Stassi says the investigation was slowed.

Cut 4 (12) “…end result.”

Mitchell is facing charges of second-degree murder as the homicide investigation is still ongoing. Stassi says the vicious attack occurred while Boutte was sleeping, and the entire situation is tragic.

Cut 5 (14) “…that person.”

________________________________________________

The United Cajun Navy is helping with the search and rescue operation in the Texas Hill Country, where more than 100 people have been killed in flash floods. So far, United Cajun Navy searchers have found 11 bodies. Vice President Brian Trascher says they have sent people with very specific backgrounds to the scene.

Cut 6 (14) “…kind of experience.”

Trascher says rain in the area has subsided; and thus, the rivers are fairly calm. 

Cut 7 (12) “…to be there.”

Trascher says the United Cajun Navy will remain in Texas until officials there say they have everything under control.

Cut 8 (15) “…easier on us.”

Overall, the death toll has reached 108. Five campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for.

________________________________________________

The United Way of Southwest Louisiana is responding to the disaster through its UnitedGulf disaster relief campaign. Volunteer Coordinator Ashley Norman says the very best thing you can donate right now is money.

Cut 9 (09)  “…of logistical work.”

Norman says furthermore, by donating cash, you’re not creating additional logistical headaches.

Cut 10 (06) “…of the area.”

Norman says if you’d like to help out in this effort, it’s very easy.

Cut 11 (10) “…slash-united-gulf.”

(Text UNITEDGULF to 40403 or visit unitedwayswla.org/unitedgulf)

2:30 PM LRN Newscast

Crystal meth and other drugs were found inside the home of St. Gabriel police captain Devin Boutte who was found stabbed to death in his home Sunday morning. Authorities report the officer had an on-and-off domestic relationship with his accused killer; 25-year-old Warren Mitchell III and Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi says Boutte was under investigation for corruption. The Attorney General’s Office began their investigation just ten days before the murder.  Stassi says the investigation was slowed.

Cut 4 (12) “…end result.”

In Slidell, a 6-year-old child had to be airlifted to a trauma New Orleans hospital after the family’s pit bull attacked the child Monday afternoon. The animal had been temporarily chained in the back yard at the time of the attack. Slidell police who responded to the incident are asking for prayers for the child. Slidell Animal Control has taken possession of the dog as the investigation continues.

The United Cajun Navy is in the Texas Hill Country helping with search and rescue efforts following the catastrophic flash flooding that has so far killed 108 people. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The United Way of Southwest Louisiana is also responding through its UnitedGulf disaster relief campaign. Volunteer Coordinator Ashley Norman says those wanting to help should donate cash rather than supplies that could create logistical challenges.

Cut 10 (06) “…of the area.”