11:40 LRN Sportscast July 5

Former LSU All-American and Toronto Blue Jays Pitcher Kevin Gausman was named to the American League All-Star team. Gausman has a 3.04 ERA and leads the American League in strikeouts with 146. It will be the second all-star appearance of his 11-year career after making the 2021 All-star game as a member of the Giants.

More accolades coming in for the 2023 National Champion LSU Baseball team. It’s another one that doesn’t come as a surprise as Tiger junior centerfielder Dylan Crews has been named one of three outfielders on this year’s American Baseball Coaches Association Gold Glove team for NCAA Division I. Crews finished the season with a perfect fielding percentage committing no errors in 171 chances.

Saints tight end Foster Moreau announced Monday on Twitter that his cancer is in full remission. This comes some three months after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma following a physical with the Saints while he was visiting the team in free agency. That’s when he found out. Moreau says it was a tumultuous few months, but this news is a blessing, and he thanks everyone who sent their thoughts and prayers.

The Pelicans will tip-off their summer league stint in Vegas this Friday against the Timberwolves. The pels summer league team will feature two veterans from last year’s squad Dyson daniels and EJ Liddell. Daniels was the number 8 pick in the 2022 draft and averaged 18 minutes a game over 59 appearances last year. Liddel, the 41st pick out of Ohio St. showed promise in the off-season before suffering a season ending ACL injury in last year’s summer league tournament. Also headlining the group is this year’s 14th overall pick Jordan Hawkins. Hawkins won a national championship with UCONN this year and will help the pels improve as one of the best shooters in this year’s draft. New Orleans will play at least 5 games with a chance at a 6th if they were to make the tournament finals.

New Orleans has been one of several teams to call Portland about Damian Lillard. The pels’ young roster and war chest of future draft picks give the team enough ammunition to trade for the all-star, but reports say Dame only wants to play for Miami. Lillard doesn’t have a trade clause in his contract but he’s unlikely to go anywhere else. After the pelicans signed Cody Zeller, however, they passed the salary tax threshold and could be looking to make a trade to cut costs. Insiders are reporting there are a number of teams looking to be a part of a three team trade with the Heat and Trailblazers and the Pelicans could be one of them.

 

9:30 LRN Newscast

The waiting list for seniors and in-home services should start to dwindle due to legislation passed in the most recent session. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

KSLA in Shreveport is reporting a 4th of July mass shooting at a block party that has claimed the lives of 3 people and wounded several others. Shreveport PD is still on the scene. We’ll have more on this as it develops.

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed anti-LGBTQ legislation and there’s growing speculation whether state lawmakers will seek to override his vetoes.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat believes majorities of Republican lawmakers will choose to come back to the Capitol…:

Cut 9 (11)  “…not the Republicans.”

The bills passed with two-thirds majority votes in both chambers…

Scorching temperatures could limit the yields for some of the state’s key crops, like rice. Louisiana Rice Specialist Ronnie Levy (Lee-Vee) with the LSU Ag Center says the full impact the heat has had on the rice crop won’t be known until harvest which hasn’t started yet. He says there are advantages to the hot, dry weather…:

Cut 5 (09)   “as well”

Levy says the bigger concern is the impact drought conditions have on other crops like soybeans, sugarcane, and corn.

 

 

08:30 LRN Newscast, July 5th

Now that Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed anti-LGBTQ bills, there’s growing speculation that lawmakers will return to Baton Rouge for a veto override session. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat believes majorities of GOP lawmakers will choose to come back to the Capitol…:
Cut 9 (11) “not the Republicans”

3 people are dead and several others are injured following a reported mass shooting at a 4th of July party last night in Shreveport. News outlets are reporting cops had a difficult time getting to victims on the scene due to how many cars were on the street for the gathering. Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact Crimestoppers. This is a developing situation.

Rice yields this year could be negatively affected by the hot, dry summer. Brooke Thorington reports…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

A DeSoto Parish man has been convicted for a second time in the 2010 killing of 12 year old Justin Bloxom of Stonewall. The initial conviction of 47 year old Brian Horn was vacated following a ruling by the Louisiana Supreme Court. The Vernon Parish jury that found Horn guilty of first degree murder Tuesday will move into the penalty phase today.

07:30 LRN Newscast, July 5th

The Governor has vetoed three bills seen by some as “anti-LGBT.” Will that trigger a veto override session or not? Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

A July 4th mass shooting at a block party in Shreveport has claimed the lives of 3 people and wounded several others, according to reports. A councilwoman has told news outlets that she learned the shooter or shooters just showed up to the party and started firing. This is a developing story.

The boycott on Bud Light and other Anheuser-Busch beer is reportedly to blame for the closure of the Ardagh Glass Packaging Plant in Lincoln Parish. Last month the Mayor of the small village of Simsboro where the plant is located said the news of the closure and subsequent laying off of 245 employees came as a complete shock. The nationwide boycott is over Bud Light’s promotion of a controversial transgender influencer.

Governor John Bel Edwards signed into law a bill to establish a funding source dedicated to keeping older adults in their homes for as long as possible. Under the measure, 12 percent of any excess state revenue will be directed toward the Community Options Waiver Trust Fund.
CUT 10 (11) “nursing home care”
That’s AARP Advocacy Director Andrew Muhl who says this is a major milestone for seniors.

06:45 LRN Sportscast, July 5th

Saints tight end Foster Moreau is in “full remission” after four months of treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma. The 26-year-old received the stage 2 diagnosis in March during a Saints physical. New Orleans then signed the former Jesuit High and LSU player to a three-year contract worth a reported $12 million, including $8 million in guaranteed money.

LSU junior centerfielder Dylan Crews has been named one of three outfielders on the 2023 American Baseball Coaches Association Gold Glove team for NCAA Division I. Crews finished the season with a perfect fielding percentage, committing no errors in 171 chances. He led LSU to the 2023 College World Series title and captured the Golden Spikes Award, batting .426 with 16 doubles, two triples, 18 homers, 70 RBI and 100 runs.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission pickleball injuries could cost Americans close to $400 million in medical costs this year. LSU Health New Orleans Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Christopher Marrero says pickleball resembles tennis, but players use paddles to hit a plastic ball and it doesn’t require as much running…:
Cut 13 (11) “overuse injuries, etc.”
The Sports and Fitness Industry Association trade group says pickleball has grown from 3.5 million players in 2019 to 8.9 million in 2022.

LSU gymnast and Instagram influencer Olivia Dunne revealed during a recent podcast interview that she once received over $500,000 for a single sponsored post to social media. Dunne’s NIL valuation is already reportedly second among all college athletes at $3.3 million. She has over 4 million followers on IG and over 7 million on TikTok.

06:30 LRN Newscast, July 5th

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed anti-LGBTQ bills, triggering speculation as to whether state lawmakers will return to Baton Rouge for an override session. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat thinks the legislature will want to reverse the vetoes, and the pressure will be on the Governor to avert that…:
Cut 7 (05) “two-thirds majority”
A veto override session is automatic unless enough House & Senate members vote – in writing – not to reconvene.

The hot and dry summer we’ve been experiencing is likely to limit the yields for some of the state’s key crops, like rice. Louisiana Rice Specialist Ronnie Levy (Lee-Vee) with the LSU Ag Center says if planted late in the season, the heat may have affected anything flowering now:
Cut 4 (09) “critical stages”
He says the bigger concern is drought conditions that may impact soybeans, corn and sugarcane.

The waiting list for seniors and in-home services should start to dwindle due to legislation passed in the most recent session. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

KSLA in Shreveport is reporting 3 people are dead and at least 6 are injured following a shooting at a 4th of July block party. Shreveport PD is still on the scene. We’ll have more on this as it develops.

AM LRN Newscall July 5

Rice yields this year could be negatively affected by the hot, dry summer. Brooke Thorington reports…:

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

The Governor has vetoed three bills seen by some as “anti-LGBT.” Will that trigger a veto override session or not? Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

_______________________________________________

The waiting list for seniors and in-home services should start to dwindle due to legislation passed in the most recent session. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

The hot and dry summer we’ve been experiencing is likely to limit the yields for some of the state’s key crops, like rice. Louisiana Rice Specialist Ronnie Levy (Lee-Vee) with the LSU Ag Center says if planted late in the season, anything flowering now could affect pollination:

Cut 4 (09)  “critical stages”

Levy says the full impact the heat has had on the rice crop won’t be known until harvest which hasn’t started yet. He says there are advantages to the hot, dry weather…:

Cut 5 (09)   “as well”

Levy says the bigger concern is the impact drought conditions have on other crops like soybeans, sugarcane and corn. But thankfully it’s not a statewide issue…:

Cut 6 (10)  “on those crops”

________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed anti-LGBTQ bills, triggering speculation as to whether state lawmakers will or will not seek to override his vetoes. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat thinks lawmakers will seek to come back to Baton Rouge to reverse the vetoes, and the pressure will be on the Governor to avert that…:

Cut 7 (05) “…two-thirds majority.”

Pinsonat says the bills vetoed were about limiting the use of “preferred pronouns”, banning discussion of sexual topics with students, and banning certain transgender medical procedures for minors. He calls them hot-button social issues for conservatives who want to be re-elected. He reminds us the bills passed with two-thirds majority votes in both chambers…:

Cut 8 (08) “…overriding a veto.’”

A veto override session is automatic unless enough House & Senate members vote – in writing - not to return to Baton Rouge. Pinsonat believes majorities of Republican lawmakers will choose to come back to the Capitol…:

Cut 9 (11)  “…not the Republicans.”

____________________________________________

The governor has signed legislation to create a trust fund for in-home services for seniors. When the state has a budget surplus, Louisiana AARP Advocacy Director Andrew Muhl says 12 percent will go towards the Community Options Waiver Trust Fund.

Cut 10 (11) “…nursing home care.”

Muhl says it’s a milestone for seniors and the funding is crucial as the population of older adults expands over the next ten years. He says it’s ideal for seniors who have difficulty with daily tasks that want to remain in their homes.

Cut 11 (07)  “…independent.”

There’s a great demand for the program, Muhl says as many as 8,000 older adults in Louisiana are waiting to receive such services with wait times as long as 10 years. He says the trust fund will help change that…

Cut 12 (08)    “…that list.” 

Muhl says whenever the Revenue Estimating Committee recognizes excess funds 12-percent will be placed in the trust fund.

_______________________________________________

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission pickleball injuries could cost Americans close to $400 million in medical costs this year. LSU Health New Orleans Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Christopher Marrero says pickleball resembles tennis, but players use paddles to hit a plastic ball and it doesn’t require as much running.

Cut 13 (11) “…overuse injuries, etc.”  

The study says the majority of pickleball injuries are sprains, strains, and fractures and the average age of the player is 60 or older.  Marrero says pickleball exploded during the pandemic and analysts say it will cause 67-thousand ER visits in the US this year alone.

Cut 14 (11)  “…playing pickleball”

So, before you try to take on the most popular growing sport in the country, Marrero says to always stretch your muscles beforehand and use common sense, don’t try to overplay when you’re starting out.

Cut 15 (07)  “…injuries.”

The Sports and Fitness Industry Association trade group says pickleball has grown from 3.5 million players in 2019 to 8.9 million in 2022.

_______________________________________________

 

Cut 16 (10) “…successful campaign.”

 

Cut 17 (17) “…came here.”

Cut 18 (19) “…2023 (applause).” 

 

Cut 19 (22) “…bunt play” 

 

Cut 20 (20)  “…have fun”  

 

1:30 LRN Newscast July 4

Caddo Parish Sheriff’s deputies are investigating an early morning stabbing of a 77-year-old Keithville woman and the suspect is her 25-year-old granddaughter.  Authorities say they were notified before 4 o’clock this morning that an elderly woman with multiple stab wounds walked into Ochsner LSU Health. The suspect was apprehended at a nearby truck stop in Keithville.

LSU Pitcher Paul Skenes set an SEC record with 209 strikeouts this season, but he won’t only be remembered in the record books. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Most of the state is finally seeing some relief from the scorching hot temperatures prompting an end to excessive heat warnings and we return to “normal” summer conditions…

Cut 3 (06)  “….few degrees.”

That’s State Climatologist Barry Keim who says there is a chance for scattered thundershowers for the rest of the week which will also contribute to keeping temperatures in the low 90s.

 

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is urging you to play it safe with your fireworks show this 4th of July. Spokeswoman Ashley Rodrigue says the safest bet is to let professionals handle it…:

Cut 12 (12)    “…our opinion.” 
Regulations for setting off fireworks vary by municipality so be sure it’s allowed in your area before planning your own show.

2:30 LRN Newscast July 4

We’ve all been talking about just how hot it’s been the last two weeks and State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’re about to get some relief.

Cut 4 (10)  “…couple of weeks.”

He says the humidity will still be higher than normal though so in some parts of the state it will feel like triple-digit temperatures.

The accolades keep for the 2023 National Champion LSU Baseball team just keep coming. Pitcher Paul Skenes has received many honors including first-team All-American and D-1 Baseball’s National Player of the Year. He says it still hasn’t set in…:

Cut 6 (12)  “…good though.”
On Tuesday Dylan Crews was named one of three outfielders to receive this year’s Gold Glove Award.

While the price of our 4th of July cookout went down 3% over last year on average nationally, it went up in The Bayou State. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says the average price for a party of 10 in the southern region, which runs from Texas to South Carolina, is up about $2.00 to $66.43…:

Cut 9 (11)  “…the country.”
But fortunately, gas prices are much lower this Independence Day with the statewide average for a gallon of regular at $3.07, which is $1.28 lower than this time last year.

If you’re going to put on your own fireworks show this 4th of July, the State Fire Marshal’s Office is out with its yearly safety reminders. Spokeswoman Ashley Rodrigue…:

Cut 13 (12) “fire easily”

12:30 LRN Newscast July 4

Temperatures will return to normal for this time of year which is hot but not as hot as it has been. State Climatologist Barry Keim says humidity levels will continue to run higher than normal, so parts of the state will have heat indices between 100 – 110 in the afternoon.

Cut 5 (12)   “…oppressive out there.”

By the weekend temperatures will climb back to the upper 90s.

The College World Series Champion LSU Baseball team isn’t done winning, three players have been named first-time All-Americans. One of the three is Paul Skenes, and when he reflects on the season and their incredible CWS run, he says there’s no doubt who the best team in baseball is…

Cut 7 (14) “…dang cool.”

The average price for your 4th of July cookout has increased from last year. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says the average price for a cookout for ten folks in the southern region is up about $2.00 to $66.43. He says the national average last year was the highest-ever average in the American Farm Bureau’s 10-year history of the survey.

Cut 10 (09) “…bit more.”

And it’s not the 4th of July without fireworks and the State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind you to never let kids handle explosives. Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says that goes for sparklers also.

Cut 14 (13)  “…can’t see.”

And always make sure your fireworks are watered down before you dispose of them.