6:30 LRN Newscast

One of the biggest conversations coming out of the tax cuts and spending bill that President Trump just signed is the fate of rural hospitals. Democrats in Louisiana say 33 rural hospitals across the state will close because of cuts to Medicaid. During a press conference at Louisiana Democratic Party headquarters, Rustin Loyd, a nurse from Hammond and a former hospital administrator, says those closures will cost lives.

Cut 10 (06) “…of these cuts.”

But Mark Ballard, who covered the hearings on Capitol Hill for The Advocate, told Jim Engster on Talk Louisiana that one important thing to note is that the Medicaid cuts don’t happen for another two to three years, and hospitals and medical providers are confident that they can get Congress to reconsider those cuts before they take effect.

Cut 12 (08) “…the state treasurer.”

 

In an interview on KEEL Radio in Shreveport, Republican state senator Alan Seabaugh calls Governor Jeff Landry a huge disappointment…

Cut 5 (11) “…huge disappointment”

Seabaugh’s relationship with Landry began to deteriorate last year with the redistricting session and it escalated this year with Landry using line veto power to take away funding for four projects in Sebaugh’s district. Landry also called out Sebaugh in a bill signing ceremony for not being present for a committee vote on a bill to reign in lawyer advertising.

On Sunday night, Madisonville’s Kade Anderson is expected to be the number one pick in the Major League Baseball Draft. D-1 Baseball-dot-com’s Aaron Fitt says Anderson, who won 12 games for the national champion Tigers this year, was the best pitcher in college baseball in 2025…

Cut 14 (13) “…even harder”

LRN PM Newscall July 10

One of the nation’s top football recruits, five-star defensive lineman Lamar Brown from University High committed to the Tigers, live on ESPN 2…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kace Keischnick”

This morning it was announced the 83-year-old Paul McCartney will perform at the Smoothie King Center on October 29th. NOLA-dot-com entertainment reporter Keith Spera says McCartney’s voice is still great and the musicians around him are a Band on the Run…

Cut 4 (11) “….first time”

 

Two people, not wearing seatbelts, were killed in a head-on crash Tuesday night on Louisiana Highway 17 in Richland Parish…

Cut 7 (13) “..they collide

State Trooper Ryan Davis says 28-year-old Billie Myers of Oak Grove and 59-year-old James Washington of Epps were not buckled up when an 18-year-old driver crossed the centerline for reasons still under investigation and slammed into Myers and Washington’s vehicle.

A long overdue honor for a Louisiana military hero who was killed in action more than eight decades ago. Marine Private First Class Harry LeBert was killed in 1944 during World War Two. Louisiana V-A Secretary Charlton Meginley says LeBert was interred last week at the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery.

Cut 26 (10) “…was finally home.”

2:30 LRN Newscast

One of the nation’s top football recruits, five-star defensive lineman Lamar Brown from University High committed to the Tigers, live on ESPN 2…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kace Keischnick”

This morning it was announced the 83-year-old Paul McCartney will perform at the Smoothie King Center on October 29th. NOLA-dot-com entertainment reporter Keith Spera says McCartney’s voice is still great and the musicians around him are a Band on the Run…

Cut 4 (11) “….first time”

Two people, not wearing seatbelts, were killed in a head-on crash Tuesday night on Louisiana Highway 17 in Richland Parish…

Cut 7 (13) “..they collide

State Trooper Ryan Davis says 28-year-old Billie Myers of Oak Grove and 59-year-old James Washington of Epps were not buckled up when an 18-year-old driver crossed the centerline for reasons still under investigation and slammed into Myers and Washington’s vehicle.

A long overdue honor for a Louisiana military hero who was killed in action more than eight decades ago. Marine Private First Class Harry LeBert was killed in 1944 during World War Two. Louisiana V-A Secretary Charlton Meginley says LeBert was interred last week at the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery.

Cut 26 (10) “…was finally home.”

8:30 LRN Newscast

An Iranian woman taken by ICE from her New Orleans home last month is back home. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Iconic musical performer Paul McCartney will begin his “Get Back” tour in the United States in late September and one of his stops will be the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on October 29th. The presale for tickets will begin next Tuesday and tickets for the general public will be available a week from Friday.

 

The FEMA Review Council met in New Orleans yesterday. Governor Jeff Landry says It’s a panel set up by President Trump to create an agency that prioritizes efficiency over bureaucracy when a natural disaster strikes. Landry says there’s way too much red tape involved with FEMA when it comes to distributing recovery dollars

Cut 8 (12) “…in 2020”

A long overdue honor for a Louisiana military hero who was killed in action more than eight decades ago. Marine Private First Class Harry LeBert was killed in June of 1944 during World War Two. However, Louisiana V-A Secretary Charlton Meginley says his remains went unidentified for many years.

Cut 4 (08) “…World War Two.”

LeBert’s remains were transferred to the Philippines in the 1950s; and three years ago, they were transferred again to Hawaii, where forensic scientists conducted DNA testing. With 95-percent of LeBert’s remains intact, that helped scientists conclusively put LeBert’s name with the body.

7:30 LRN Newscast

The FEMA Review Council, which is looking to make major reforms to the federal disaster response agency, held its second meeting in New Orleans. Last month, President Trump said he wanted to phase out FEMA after the current hurricane season. Governor Jeff Landry, who attended yesterday’s meeting, says the President’s goal is to have a competent and functional agency whether that’s FEMA or something else.

Cut 7 (10) “…that need”

Colorado State updated its long term hurricane forecast and they are now calling for 16 named storms and eight hurricanes, one less in each category than their previous forecast. Lead researcher Phil Klotzbach says we are still looking at an active hurricane season…

Cut 12 (13) “…hurricane season”

 

Cotton was once Louisiana’s biggest crop as far as number of acres planted. But Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says high production costs have made it difficult for cotton growers to make a profit. Strain says less than 100-thousand acres of cotton could be planted this year…

Cut 22 (09) “…by soybeans”

After 81 years since he was killed in World War Two, Private First Class Harry LeBert was finally laid to rest in Louisiana as he was interred at southwest Louisiana veteran’s cemetery. State Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says it took advances in forensic science to identify Lebert who’s remains spent decades in the Philippines. Meginley says while the LeBert family finally got closure countless others are waiting.

Cut 6 (09) “…to be identified.”

LRN Sportscast 6:45

One of the top high school football prospects in the state will announce today where he plans to attend college. University High’s Lamar Brown is rated as a five-star defensive lineman and Zach Nagy of SI on LSU says Brown has narrowed his decision to two schools…

Cut 20  (13) “….and versatility”

Brown’s decision will be televised by ESPN Two at 12:15.

Former LSU star D-J LeMahieu’s time with the Yankees has ended as New York has designated the two-time batting champion for assignment. The Yankees still ow LeMahieu 22-million dollars through 2026. The 36-year-old is hitting .266 with homers and he’s batting a variety of injuries.

 

The Pelicans tip off Summer League action in Las Vegas today at 2:30 against the Timberwolves. The New Orleans summer league roster is headlined by first-round duo Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, and last year’s first-rounder Yves Missi. Former McNeese forward Christian Shumate is on the team and played against Fears in high school.

Cut 16 (15) “…in the future.”

Fears was the seventh overall pick from the University of Oklahoma.

The host of the Locked on Sun Belt podcast, Dave Schultz, says momentum has shifted to Louisiana Tech joining the Sun Belt to replace Texas State. Schultz previously reported that schools in the East Division do not like the idea of three schools from Louisiana in the Sun Belt. But Schultz says Commissioner Keith Gill is really pushing for Tech to leave Conference USA and join the Sun Belt.

 

6:30 LRN Newscast

Iranian Donna Kashanian (ka-SHAHN-ee-in) is back at her New Orleans home after she was taken into custody by ICE agents on June 22nd while gardening. Kashanian first came to the U-S in 1978 on a student visa and was allowed to stay in the U-S-A  to check in with immigration officials, and she never failed to do so. Kashanian got married in 1990 and the couple have a daughter. New Orleans state Representative Stephanie Hilferty says now that the 64-year-old is back home, she wants to make sure she stays home…

Cut 15 (06) “….attorney on that”

Colorado State University researchers have decreased their hurricane season forecast. C-S-U is now predicting 16 named storms, eight hurricanes and three major hurricanes, one less than their initial prediction for each category. Lead researcher Phil Klotzbach credits wind shear in the Caribbean.

Cut 10 (10) “…the reduction.”

We are still looking at an above average season.

Two people, not wearing seatbelts, were killed in a head-on crash Tuesday night on Louisiana Highway 17 in Richland Parish. State Police says 28-year-old Billie Myers of Oak Grove and 59-year-old James Washington of Epps were not buckled up when an 18-year-old driver crossed the centerline for reasons still under investigation and slammed into Myers and Washington’s vehicle.

A long overdue honor for a Louisiana military hero killed in action eight decades ago. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

4:30 LRN Newscast

Cotton was once Louisiana’s biggest crop as far as number of acres planted. But Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says high production costs have made it difficult for cotton growers to make a profit. Strain says less than 100-thousand acres of cotton could be planted this year…

Cut 14 (09) “…by soybeans”

President Trump’s budget bill phases out tax credits for energy companies that invest in projects that produce solar and wind power. Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis says this will raise electricity prices. The director of LSU’s Center for Energy Studies, Doctor Greg Upton says it’s possible, but not in the short term…

Cut 4 (11) “…period of time.”

New solar and wind energy projects can still receive the tax credit, but construction needs to start in the next year.

In an effort to grow the Louisiana Democratic Party, executive director Dadrius Lanus, says party officials plan to visit rural parishes…

Cut 10 (06) “…rural parishes”

Lanus says that includes parishes that lean Republican. He says the tour will be called “Fight for Our Lives.”

One of the top high school football prospects in the state will announce tomorrow where he plans to attend college. University High’s Lamar Brown is rated as a five-star defensive lineman and Zach Nagy of SI on LSU says Brown has narrowed his decision to two schools…

Cut 7 (13) “….and versatility”

Brown’s decision will be televised by ESPN Two at 12:15.

LRN PM Newscall July 9

The Saints traded in black and gold for white and gold with a new alternate helmet released today. Kace Kieschnick has more

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

___________________________________________________

Cotton used to be Louisiana’s top agricultural commodity, but this year the state is expected to produce its smallest cotton crop ever. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________________

President Trump’s budget bill phases out wind and solar power tax credits created during the Biden Administration. These tax credits help energy companies pay for projects that produce solar and wind energy. Director of LSU’s Center for Energy Studies, Doctor Greg Upton, says without this federal subsidy, ratepayers will pick up more of the cost, but the impact is several years away…

Cut 3 (09) “…the facility.”

New solar and wind energy projects can still receive the tax credit, but construction needs to start in the next year to qualify.

Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis has said the bill signed into law by the President last week will raise electricity prices. Upton says it’s possible, but not in the short term…

Cut 4 (11) “…period of time.”

There are 14 utility-scale solar farms in Louisiana, five of these farms were built last year. The Advocate reports there are at least five utility-scale wind projects in development in Louisiana.

Upton says less than one percent of the electricity in Louisiana comes from solar and wind and that percentage will likely not grow as a result

Cut 5 (07) “…that speed.”

________________________________________________

University Lab two-way lineman Lamar Brown is set to make his commitment at 12:15 p.m. tomorrow. Zach Nagy of SI on LSU says the five-star is the number one-ranked athlete in the class of 2026.

Cut 6 (11) “…offensive lineman.”

Brown is a top ten recruit according to most outlets and ESPN’s top overall prospect. Nagy says the Cub will have his pick of schools, but he’s narrowed down his list.

Cut 7 (13) “…and versatility.”

Brown canceled his official visit to LSU following his trip to College Station. Nagy says he’s been a top priority for the Tigers’ staff, who currently have two D-line commits in the 2026 class.

Cut 8 (14) “…and he knows it.”

On3.com gives LSU an 86% chance to land the blue chip while 247Sports gives the nod to Texas A&M with a 75% chance.

________________________________________________

Louisiana Democrats say they plan on making inroads ahead of the midterm elections by launching what they call the “Fight For Our Lives.” State Party Executive Director Dadrius (“Darius”) Lanus says that involves reaching out to people from outside the party.

Cut 9 (09)  “…that we build.”

Lanus says that also means traveling to parishes that have historically tilted very far towards the Republicans.

Cut 10 (06) “…to rural parishes.”

Lanus points out that so far, the strategy has worked. He notes that Lake Charles has just elected its first Black mayor in history, with independent Marshall Simien unseating Republican incumbent Nic Hunter. He also noted that DeRidder, in Beauregard Parish, elected its first Black mayor in Democrat Michael Harris. Lanus says the Louisiana Democratic Party can become a better party by Louisiana becoming a better state.

Cut 11 (10) “…slash-united-gulf.”

________________________________________________

For decades cotton was king. But this year the Louisiana cotton crop is expected to be the smallest in history. State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says input costs to produce cotton has gone up and the price farmers can get for cotton has gone down from two dollars a pound in the mid-1800s

Cut 12 (12) “…what’s going on.”

Soybeans is Louisiana’s largest crop, followed by corn and rice. The number of cotton gins has also declined from 56 in 2001 to 15 today. Strain says farmers will not spend time growing a crop that’s hard to turn a profit

Cut 13 (05)  “…other crops.”

Strain says less than 100-thousand acres of cotton could be planted this year.

Cut 14 (09) “…by soybeans.”

LRN Newscast 2:30

Cotton used to be Louisiana’s top agricultural commodity, but this year the state is expected to produce its smallest cotton crop ever. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Colorado State has revised its hurricane forecast and they are now calling for one less named storm and one less hurricane. The C-S-U forecast team is predicting 16 named storms, eight hurricanes and three major hurricanes. There have been three named storms this year, all of them have been tropical storms.

President Trump’s budget bill phases out wind and solar power tax credits created during the Biden Administration. These tax credits help energy companies pay for projects that produce solar and wind energy. Director of LSU’s Center for Energy Studies, Doctor Greg Upton, says less than one percent of the electricity in Louisiana comes from solar and wind and that percentage will likely not grow as a result

Cut 5 (07) “…that speed.”

One of the top high school football prospects in the state will announce tomorrow where he plans to attend college. University High’s Lamar Brown is rated as a five-star defensive lineman and Zach Nagy of SI on LSU says Brown has narrowed his decision to two schools…

Cut 7 (13) “….and versatility”

Brown canceled his official visit to LSU following his trip to College Station.