7:30 LRN Newscast

An 18-year-old was killed in a mass shooting that occurred during the early morning hours on Sunday in Natchitoches. Latravion Stallworth was pronounced dead at the scene. Three of the other five victims were treated and released, while two other victims remained hospitalized. No arrests have been made.

Looking ahead to the April election, it will be a big ballot, with Congressional Primary races, including U-S Senate, and there will also be five constitutional amendments.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

 

As a result of legislation approved in the recently completed legislative session, mobile device app stores will be required starting in July 2026 to verify the age of the user before the app can be downloaded. Louisiana Family Forum executive director Gene Mills says they know that the legislation does not violate the First Amendment, because a 2023 law passed in Louisiana requiring porn sites to verify the age of the user has been ruled constitutional…

Cut 9 (09) “…upheld 6 to 3”

The Audubon Aquarium Rescue in New Orleans has released three sea turtles back into the Gulf of Mexico after undergoing extensive care. Stranding and Rehab coordinator Gabriela Harlamert says one of the sea turtles, named Francois, was found weak and dehydrated and spent two years at their facility…

Cut 5 (14) “…itself up”

6:45 LRN sportscast

Former LSU Baseball All-Americans are headed back to the Major League Baseball All-Star game. Paul Skenes is going for the second consecutive year as Skenes has been dominant again this year. The right-hander has an ERA of 1.94 and has struck out 125 in 116 innings.

Skenes is just 4-and-7, because he has been hurt by a lack of support. Pittsburgh failed to score a run in his start on Sunday in Seattle as the Mariners beat the Pirates one to nothing.

Alex Bregman is heading to the All-Star game for the third time in his career. Bregman is in his first season with the Red Sox and is hitting .299 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs. But Bregman has not played since May 23rd because of a quadriceps injury, so it’s unlikely he’ll play in the All-Star game in Atlanta on July 15th.

 

Former LSU star Angel Reese is a WNBA All-Star for a second straight season. Reese leads the league with 12.6 rebounds a game and she’s also averaging 12 points a contest. Reese ranks fifth in the WNBA in steals per game.

Former McNeese Cowboy Christian Shumate is on the Pelicans Summer-League Team. Shumate helped lead McNeese to two straight NCAA Tournament appearances. Former LSU center Will Baker is also on the Pels summer-team which will begin play on Thursday against Minnesota.

Fourth of July was a good holiday for the LSU football program. The Tigers received two verbal commitments for the Class of 2026, including one from one of the top safeties in the state.

Haynesville’s Isaiah Washington is a three-star safety, who has helped the Golden Tornado reach the state championship game in back-to-back seasons as a quarterback and a defensive back. Washington’s stock rose after winning the 110-meter hurdles and the triple jump at the outdoor state track championships in May.

LSU also received a commitment from Mississippi offensive tackle Bryson Cooley. He’s a four-star prospect out of West Johnson High School in Laurel, Mississippi, which is near Hattiesburg. He’s a big dude at 6-foot-6, 315 pounds.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Landry signed the App Store Accountability Act, requiring app stores to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent before allowing minors under 18 to download apps or make in-app purchases. Louisiana Family Forum Director Gene Mills says when minors download apps, they enter into a contractual term of service.

Cut 7 (10) “…download that app.”

This new law takes effect July 1st 2026.

The Trump Administration has made the decision to withhold seven billion dollars in education grants, 109-million dollars was targeted for K-through-12 schools in Louisiana. Executive director of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, Michael Faulk, says the funding pause not only hurts kids, but adults counting on extra income…

Cut 11 (08) “..coaches’

The U-S Education Department says it holding back the money so a review can be conducted on the grant programs.

Three sea turtles have been released into the Gulf of Mexico after rehabilitation by the Audubon Aquarium Rescue in New Orleans. Jeanne Burns has the story…

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

Over the weekend 12 firefighters from Louisiana went to Texas to support ongoing emergency efforts in response to the catastrophic flooding that’s left at least 80 dead in Central Texas. The State Fire Marshal’s Office says this team brings specialized training and equipment to conduct swift water rescue and Urban Search and Rescue operations under the most challenging conditions.

LRN AM Newscall July 7

Three sea turtles have been released into the Gulf of Mexico after rehabilitation by Audubon Aquarium Rescue in New Orleans. Jeanne Burns has the story…

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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Governor Jeff Landry recently signed the App Store Accountability Act, requiring app stores to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Looking ahead to the April election, it will be a big ballot, with Congressional Primary races, including U-S Senate, and there will also be five constitutional amendments.  Jeanne Burns has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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Three sea turtles have been released into the Gulf of Mexico after rehabilitation by Audubon Aquarium Rescue in New Orleans. Stranding and Rehab Coordinator Gabriela Harlamert says two critically endangered Kemp’s ridley turtles, Libra and Dorado, were rescued after cold-stunning in New England and treated in New Orleans.

Cut 4 (11) “…into the Gulf.”

Francois, a 227-pound loggerhead found weak and dehydrated in Louisiana, also returned to the Gulf after nearly two years of care.  Harlamert says Francois had buoyancy issues…

Cut 5 (14) “…cleared itself up.”

Harlamert says the two Kemp’s turtles were originally set to be released earlier, but had some long-term effects from the cold-stunned

Cut 6 (07) “…more T-L-C.”

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Governor Jeff Landry recently signed the App Store Accountability Act, requiring app stores to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent before allowing minors under 18 to download apps or make in-app purchases. Louisiana Family Forum Director Gene Mills says many don’t realize that when minors download apps, they are entering into a contractual terms of service.

Cut 7 (10) “…download that app.”

Mills says the law mandates that features like “Ask to Buy” be enabled by default for minors, and app stores must share users’ age categories with developers.

Cut 8 (14) “…transactional decision.”

The bipartisan legislation aims to enhance parental oversight and child safety online, following earlier failed attempts to regulate app store practices. Mills says the idea of age verification was pioneered here in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (13)  “…upheld 6 to 3.”

The law will take effect July 1, 2026

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Louisiana public schools are waiting for more information after the U-S Department of Education told individual states it’s withholding nearly seven-billion dollars in education grants. Executive Director of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, Michael Faulk, says schools were planning to use this money pay for tutoring, after school programs, summer activities and professional development of teachers…

Cut 10 (08) “…the cuts”

The Learning Policy Institute estimates Louisiana could lose out on more than 109-million dollars in federal K-through-12 education funding. Faulk says the funding pause not only hurts children, but adults who were counting on extra income…

Cut 11 (08) “…coaches.”

Faulk says the funding freeze caught school systems off guard as their fiscal years began on July 1st

Cut 12 (12) “…for this.”

Congress approved the grant funding earlier this year, but the U-S Education Department said it holding back the money so a review can be conducted on the grant programs. No timeline was given on when the review would be completed.

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Remnants of Constitutional Amendment Two that failed to receive voter approval last November will re-appear on the April 18th ballot because of legislation approved in the 2025 legislative session. Amendment Two would have paid down teachers’ retirement debt to make a two-thousand-dollar teacher stipend permanent. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says on the April ballot, teacher pay is a stand-alone measure

Cut 13 (13)  “…bit of a raise.”

A constitutional amendment on the inventory tax is the other constitutional amendment part of Amendment Two last November . Procopoio says it would give parish governments the option of not charging an inventory tax, which business leaders hate, but parishes count on it for local revenue…

Cut 14 (10) “…want to do.”

The April ballot will also include constitutional amendments that would give the Legislature the ability to remove positions from civil service protection, raise the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75, and an amendment that would establish a school system for St. George in East Baton Rouge Parish. Procopio says the whole state will vote on this amendment, and it must pass statewide and in East Baton Rouge Parish.

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11:30 AM Newscast

President Trump has signed the Big, Beautiful Bill into law.  Andrew Greenstein explains why it’s still so controversial.

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Emergency crews responded to reports of a shooting in Shreveport yesterday. It happened just before 230 yesterday. Shreveport Police say a 32-year-old woman was shot while driving on I-20 near the I-220 ramp. We’re told the woman was taken to the hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries. So far there’s no word on a suspect.
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Police in Lake Charles shoot and kill a man who they say opened fire on them. Police Chief Shawn Caldwell says officers responded after a driver called 911 to say that someone was pointing a gun at traffic.

Cut 15 (07) “…shot at her.”

Chief Caldwell says the suspect fired on several other officers, who returned fire.  Louisiana State Police have taken over the investigation.

Louisiana law enforcement is participating in “The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says the campaign promotes safety on the roadway.

Cut 11 (10) “…drinking and driving.”

10:30 AM Newscast

Law enforcement will be out in numbers this weekend looking for impaired drivers for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Colleen Crain has the story.

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A tragic accident claimed the life of a two-year-old boy in Baton Rouge this week, when he ran in front of a moving car.  Amber Rollins, the director of kids and car safety, says there’s been an increase in these kinds of tragedies.

Cut 5 (07) “…trucks and SUV’s.”

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President Trump signed the Big, Beautiful Bill into law yesterday.  Congress debated the bill for months, with a new requirement to Medicaid being a big point of contention. It requires those who are able to work to do so in order to receive benefits. Congressman Steve Scalise.

Cut 8 (08) “…jobs, Mr. Speaker.”

But Democrats say the 900-billion dollars Medicaid will lose will leave 17 million Americans without health care coverage.  Reagan Carter, the director of health and policy and governmental affairs at the Louisiana Primary Care Association, says that will have a ripple effect on health care centers.

Cut 9 (08)  “…end up closing.”

9:30 AM Newscast

A two-year-old boy was run over in a driveway and killed earlier this week in Baton Rouge. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Emergency crews responded to reports of a shooting in Shreveport yesterday. It happened just before 230 yesterday. Shreveport Police say a 32-year-old woman was shot while driving on I-20 near the I-220 ramp. We’re told the woman was taken to the hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries. So far there’s no word on a suspect.

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President Donald Trump took part of his July 4th holiday to sign the Big, Beautiful Bill into law. That, after months of debate in congress.  One of the biggest points of contention related to Medicaid. Congressman Steve Scalise noted that under the new requirements, those who are able to work will now be required to do so in order to receive Medicaid benefits.

Cut 7 (09) “…playing video games.”

LDWF agents are participating in Operation Dry Water this weekend, targeting impaired boating. Lieutenant Garrett Kimbal says the campaign is part of a national effort, and it aims to reduce boating under the influence during the busy Fourth of July weekend.

Cut 13 (11)  “…last year.”

8:30 AM Newscast

After months of fierce debate, President Trump has signed the Big, Beautiful Bill.  Andrew Greenstein explains.

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A tragic accident claimed the life of a two-year-old boy in Baton Rouge earlier this week.  According to investigators, the child ran in front of a moving car, leading to the collision. Amber Rollins, the director of kids and car safety, says it’s called a front-over that happens in driveways and parking lots.

Cut 4 (11) “…of the vehicle.”

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Louisiana law enforcement is participating in “The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, targeting impaired driving during the Fourth of July holiday. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says the campaign promotes safety on the roadway.

Cut 11 (10) “…drinking and driving.”

Police in Lake Charles shoot and kill a man who they say opened fire on them. Police Chief Shawn Caldwell says officers responded after a driver called 911 to say that someone was pointing a gun at traffic.

Cut 15 (07) “…shot at her.”

Chief Caldwell says the suspect fired on several other officers, who returned fire.  Louisiana State Police have taken over the investigation

7:30 LRN Sportscast

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.

Fourth of July was a good holiday for the LSU football program. The Tigers received two verbal commitments for the Class of 2026, including one from one of the top safeties in the state.

Haynesville’s Isaiah Washington is a four-star safety, who has helped the Golden Tornado reach the state championship game in back-to-back seasons as a quarterback and a defensive back. Washington’s stock rose after winning the 110-meter hurdles and the trip jump at the state track championship in May.

LSU also received a commitment from Mississippi offensive tackle Bryson Cooley. He’s a four-star prospect out of West Johnson High School in Laurel, Mississippi. Cooley also had an offer from Ole Miss and he’s the second offensive lineman from Mississippi in the Class of 2026. Emanuel Tucker is the other one.

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The Houston Astros handed the Dodgers their worst loss ever in Los Angeles as the Astros defeated the defending World Series champs 18 to 1. Jose Altuve hit two home runs and Victor Caratini hit a grand slam for Houston, who has a seven-game lead over Seattle for first place in the A-L West.

There were also fireworks at Wrigley Field yesterday as the Chicago Cubs hit a franchise-record eight home runs in a single game to defeat the struggling St. Louis Cardinals 11 to 3. Michael Busch blasted three home runs and Pete Crow Armstrong hit two home runs for the Cubs, who lead the N-L Central by four games over Milwaukee.

The pitchers and reserves for the All-Star team will be announced tomorrow. Former LSU star Paul Skenes should make the team for a second straight year despite a losing record. Skenes is 4-and-7 with a 2.03 ERA and has 115 strikeouts in 111 innings.

2:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana law enforcement is participating in “The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, targeting impaired driving during the Fourth of July holiday. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says the campaign promotes safety on the roadway.

Cut 11 (10) “…drinking and driving.”

From the roadway to the waterway — LDWF agents will participate in Operation Dry Water this weekend, targeting impaired boating. Between 2020 and 2024, there were 96 boating fatalities in Louisiana, with alcohol being a factor in 21 of those. A DWI on the water in Louisiana carries the same penalties as on the road. Lt. Garrett  Kimbal encourages people to practice responsible boating this weekend.

Cut 14 (09) “…boating class.”

After months of fierce debate, Congress has sent the Big, Beautiful Bill to President Trump’s desk. Andrew Greenstein explains.

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Police in Lake Charles shoot and kill a man who they say opened fire on them. Police Chief Shawn Caldwell says after shooting at a second officer, the man ran into a residential neighborhood and barricaded himself inside a shed. A standoff ensued.

Cut 16 (10) “…firing at them.”

Louisiana State Police has taken over the investigation. No officers were hurt; all officers who opened fire are placed on paid administrative leave, as per standard operating procedure, during the investigation.