11:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana’s lone Democrat in the Congressional delegation, Troy Carter, says he’s in full support of President Biden’s re-election bid, despite calls from other Democrats that another candidate should be nominated to face Republican Donald Trump in November. Carter says the President had a bad night, but Trump has had bad days too…
cut 4 (07) “…out of the race”

A legislative hearing is taking place at the state capitol today on a beetle infestation that’s resulted in damage to thousands of pine trees. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says the beetles have weaken trees that were already suffering from last summer’s drought. He says last April a 60-year-old Pineville woman was killed when a tree fell on her home.
Cut 14 (09) “…tree falling.”
Johnson says pesticides do not work on the bark beetles so how to stop them is a big question.

Tropical Storm Beryl claimed the life of a Benton woman Monday after a tree fell on her home. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office Lt. Matt Gaydos (gay-dess) says the damage included downed trees on powerlines, roads, and other structures. The fatality happened in northeast Benton.
Cut 6 (12) “…almost immediately.”
L-D-H says the victim was 31-years-old.

Mark Pierce with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s office says they also received storm damage from Beryl. He says there was notable damage in the Lula community where Beulah Baptist Church appears to be destroyed and damage to several homes.
Cut 8 (12) “…foundation.”
No injuries or fatalities reported in DeSoto.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Due to the state’s infestation of bark beetles in pine trees the House Emergency Beetle Subcommittee is meeting at the capitol today.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Cleanup is underway in northwest Louisiana after severe storms from Tropical Storm Beryl knocked down trees and caused roof damage to numerous structures yesterday. Beryl is responsible for one death in Bossier Parish. A tree fell on a home in Benton, killing a 31-year-old woman.

After a disappointing first debate many Democrats have called for President Joe Biden to step aside for the November presidential election. Louisiana’s only Democratic Congressman Troy Carter had a bad night but that doesn’t mean he’s not fit for office…
Cut 3 (10) “…debate performance.”
The President sent a letter to Congressional Democrats telling them he’s firmly committed to staying in the race and beating Donald Trump.

Louisiana’s 2024 I Voted Stickers have been unveiled, featuring a crawfish named Mark D’Ballot. This year’s sticker was designed by Shreveport artist William Joyce who says he wanted Mark to look more cheerful about casting his ballot to ensure people are enticed to vote and feel proud once they do.
Cut 16 (08) “…and I want to, too.”

9:30 LRN Newscast

A meeting takes place at the state capitol today to discuss the infestation of bark beetles causing damage to Louisiana’s timber industry. Last summer’s drought has made the problem. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says the beetles are killing thousands of trees…
cut 15 (11) “…this problem”

Americans United for the Separation of Church and State has a problem with Louisiana’s new Ten Commandments Law that requires every public school classroom to display the ten commandments. They’ve filed a motion asking a federal judge to block implementation of the law before the start of the school year. Alex Luchenitser says more than four decades ago the U-S Supreme Court overturned a similar law in Kentucky….
cut 12 (07) “….case here”
Supporters of the law say the Ten Commandments are the foundation of many of our laws.

The University of Louisiana System has named three semifinalists to be the next president at Northwestern State. They are Jose Cantu at the University of Colorado, Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Judge James Genovese and Richard Riccardi, who works in higher ed in Massachusetts. Governor Landry is reportedly backing Genovese.

Sean Richardson tells us about Frederick Burgess’s after-school program which offers a range of activities from educational support to physical education to keep young people away from crime and violence.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

8:30 LRN Newscast

President Biden says he has no plans to end his re-election bid after a lackluster debate performance. Biden says his poor showing was due to nerves and difficulty combatting former President Trump’s false claims, not a sign of any mental issues. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan believes Biden should still submit to a neurological exam to assure voters and world leaders…
Cut 21 (12) ” …in the world.”
The president’s physician says Mr. Biden had a detailed neurologic exam in February and there were no findings of neurological disorder.

Opponents to Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law are asking a federal judge to block it before the new school year starts. Associate VP with Americans United for the Separation of Church and State Alex Luchenitser says they are seeking a hearing on July 29th….
cut 11 (12) “…right of parents”
Supporters of the law say the Ten Commandments are part of the foundation of U-S Law.

Louisiana Tech launches a new doctoral program in engineering that will help working professionals improve their management, leadership, engineering and technology principles relevant to their specialization. DETM program coordinator Beth Hegab says the on-line courses will begin in September…
cut 6 (12) “….be the expert”
More information can be found on Louisiana Tech’s website.

Frederick Burgess has been running an after school program called Stop the violence in Alexandria since 2018 but the playing of sports portion of the program is not active because they can no longer use the Charles Hayward Activity Center. Burgess says they need money to use the gym…
cut 8 (05) “…off the streets”
Burgess says he’s already providing hundreds of kids with tutoring and financial literacy, but wants to incorporate sports too and is hoping for donations for his program Stop the Violence.

7:30 LRN Newscast

The House Emergency Beetle Subcommittee is meeting in Baton Rouge today. The drought last summer made pine trees extremely susceptible to beetle infestations. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says they are holding the hearing to discuss ways to combat the issue…
Cut 13 (11) “…undertaking.”
Johnson says the Ips (I.P.S) beetles move from treetop to treetop and in a short time can and have killed many pine trees.

Opponents of Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law are asking a federal judge to block the legislation before a new school year starts. Associate VP with Americans United for the Separation of Church and State Alex Luchenitser (looch-ah-nitz-er) says until the case is decided they want to keep a poster-sized display of the Ten Commandments from going up.
Cut 10 (06) “…the litigation.”
Supporters of the law say the Ten Commandments are not an expression of religion but represent our moral code.

Louisiana Tech has launched a new doctoral program in engineering. It will give students an opportunity to learn technology management, strategic planning and decision analysis, skills crucial for many working professionals…
cut 5 (09) “…doctoral program”
Classes begin in September and DETM Program Coordinator Beth Hegab says the classes are online.

Frederick Burgess has been running an after school program called the Stop the Violence in Alexandria since 2018, but needs funds so that the hundreds of kids he mentors have a gym to play sports…
cut 9 (06) “…get in trouble”
Burgess says he was using the Charles Hayward Activity Center, but he says the gym is wanting money for them to use it. Burgess says his program also offers tutoring and financial literacy.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU superstar gymnast Olivia Dunne has announced she’s coming back for her fifth and final season with the Tigers in 2025. Dunne makes millions of dollars through her NIL deals, but wanted to spend one more season wearing a purple and gold leotard…
cut 20 (20) “….Dunne yet”
Dunne suffered through injuries in 2023, but was healthy in 2024 and was a contributor on floor and bars for the national champion Tigers.

SEC football media days are next week and the Tigers have announced who will join Brian Kelly in Dallas. They are quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, linebacker Harold Perkins and tight end Mason Smith. LSU will be the first team featured at SEC Media days on Monday morning.

Westgate football star Jaboree Antonie will announce on July 20th his commitment. Antoine is considered one of the top cornerbacks in the country and his three finalists are LSU, Florida State and Miami. Antoine recently decommitted from LSU, leaving the Tigers with zero defensive backs for its 2025 class.

Grambling State right-handed pitcher Jeremiah Newman has entered the transfer portal. Newman had one of his better performances in the season against Texas A-and-M in the Regional.

The Pelicans need big guys that can play center and the team has reportedly signed 32-year-old Daniel Theis (Tice) to a one year deal. Theis averaged six points and four rebounds in 59 games for the Los Angeles Clippers. He will compete for Germany in the upcoming Summer Olympics.

LSU gymnast Haleigh Bryant has been named as the top female amateur athlete in Louisiana by the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Bryant won the NCAA individual all-around title in April, becoming the second LSU gymnast to ever do so and her score of 39.7125 helped LSU win a national title.

6:30 LRN Newscast

The center of Beryl is just north of Shreveport and it’s now a tropical depression, but it left a lot of damage across the Ark-La-Tex and power out is for 22-thousand customers in northwest Louisiana. The Louisiana Department of Health reports one storm fatality. A tree fell on a home in Benton, killing a 31-year-old woman.

A group of teenagers from Terrebonne Parish have been arrested, accused of beating up homeless people in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter. Colleen Crain has the details.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

A meeting will be held at the state capitol today to discuss a beetle infestation that’s resulted in damage to thousands of pine trees. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says the beetles weaken trees. He says last April a 60-year-old Pineville woman was killed when a tree fell on her home.
Cut 14 (09) “…tree falling.”
Johnson says the House Emergency Beetle Subcommittee will hear from several entities today, including agriculture officials on how to stop the spread.

Louisiana Tech has launched a new doctoral program in engineering, which will begin accepting students in September. This interdisciplinary Ph.D. program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in academia and industry, emphasizing strong research capabilities across various engineering disciplines. DETM Program Coordinator Beth Hegab says it was time to expand.
Cut 4 (12) “…starting in 2010.”
The program offers flexible scheduling including online classes for working professionals

4:45 LRN Sportscast

He’s only ten starts into his Major League Baseball career, but former LSU star Paul Skenes is already an M-L-B All Star. The big right-hander for the Pirates learned of the achievement after yesterday’s game against the Mets…
cut 16 (09) “…guys”
Former Northwestern State All-American David Fry is also headed to the M-L-B All-star game. Fry is enjoying a breakout season with the Guardians as he’s hitting .305 with eight home runs and 33 RBIs.

Shreveport native Seth Lugo is going to the All-Star game for the first time. The 34-year-old is 11-3 with a 2.21 ERA for the Kansas City Royals this season.

And Skenes’s girlfriend, Olivia Dunne, has announced she’s returning for her final season at LSU. Dunne competed on bars and floor for the Tigers national championship squad last season. Dunne is also one of the highest NIL earners in college athletics.

Next week is SEC Football Media Days. Coach Brian Kelly along with Garrett Nussmeier, Harold Perkins and Mason Taylor will help kick-off the four day even in Dallas on Monday. The Tigers will report for training camp July 31st. September first is the season opener against USC.

The Pelicans need big men and they signed one today. Daniel Theis (Tice) has signed a one year deal with the Pels after playing in 59 games for the Clippers as a backup last season. The 32-year-old averated six points and four rebounds a game and he’ll play for Germany in the Olympics.

Pelicans guard Jose Alvardo helped Puerto Rico clinch a spot in the Olympics. He scored 23 points in a 79-68 win over Lithuania yesterday. It’s the first time the Puerto Rico men’s basketball team has qualified for the Olympics since 2004.

And former LSU basketball player Duop Reath will once again play for team Australia. Reath played for Australia, which won a Bronze medal in 2021.

LRN PM Newscall July 8

This year’s I Voted Stickers have been unveiled and they feature a crawfish in a suit and top hat named Mark D’Ballot. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (29) …I’m Mel Bridges.”

______________________________________

Louisiana was spared the brunt of Beryl, but the Bayou State will experience rain, and the western half of the state is under a tornado watch until 10 PM. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

Louisiana’s 2024 I Voted Stickers have been unveiled, featuring a crawfish sporting a suit and top hat named Mark D’Ballot. This year’s sticker was designed by Shreveport artist William Joyce, who says the sticker is an important and fun project to be part of.

Cut 3 (12) “…ends up mattering.”

Joyce says he wanted to create a sticker that appeals to the satisfaction people feel when they vote, regardless of politics. He even went back and made the crawfish look happier in the final design to ensure people are enticed to vote and feel proud once they do.

Cut 4 (08) “…and I want to, too.”

Joyce has created and worked on several children’s books, TV shows and movies, including multiple Academy Award winners. Despite his impressive resume, he thinks the I Voted stickers are the most important thing he’s ever worked on because the impact is immediate and far-reaching.

Cut 5 (08)  “…what’s the downside?”

The stickers will be handed out to people who vote in the fall election.

_________________________________________________________

Beryl made landfall early this morning as a category 1 hurricane along the Texas coast and has since been downgraded to a tropical storm. While Louisiana was spared the brunt of the storm LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says the Bayou State will have precipitation today as Beryl moves north-northeast.

Cut 6 (11) “…out of this.”

The western half of the state is under a tornado watch until 10 pm.

Keim says a few days ago Beryl’s project path was northeastern Mexico, but the track began to take a turn to the east.

Cut 7 (12) “…days ago.”

Storm surge values are predicted to be less than three feet along Louisiana’s southwestern coast. Keim says that will cause some issues because a three-foot surge is not insignificant.

Cut 8 (11)  “…all that.”

More than two million businesses and homes in Texas are without power.

__________________________________________________________

President Joe Biden has announced he has no plans to step aside as the Democratic presidential nominee after a lackluster debate performance that did little to dispel rumors about alleged cognitive decline. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says despite this, some Democrats are hesitant to rally behind Biden.

Cut 9 (10) “…territory.”

Some Democratic lawmakers have called on Biden to drop out of the presidential race, though they didn’t offer up any nominees. Despite Biden saying he won’t step aside, Hogan thinks it would be beneficial for the Democrats to explore the possibility of having someone else run.

Cut 10 (12) “…all there.”

Biden says his poor debate showing was due to nerves and difficulty combatting former President Trump’s false claims, not a sign of any mental issues. However, Hogan thinks Biden should still submit to a neurological exam to assure voters and world leaders…

Cut 11 (12) ” …in the world.”

Democrats will announce a formal presidential nominee at their National Convention in August.

11:40 LRN sportscast

Three baseball players with ties to Louisiana have been named Major League Baseball All-Stars. Former LSU All-America Paul Skenes has made just ten starts with the Pirates, but he’s been dominant in every one of them and is a National League All-Star team. Shreveport native Seth Lugo is also an All-Star. The veteran right-hander is having the best season of his career in Kansas City. Former Northwestern State All-American David Fry is also headed to the All-Star game. Fry is hitting .305 with eight home runs and 33 RBIs for the Cleveland Guardians.

Edge rusher Damien Shanklin from Indianapolis announced his commitment to the LSU Tigers over the Fourth of July weekend. 2-4-7-sports has Shanklin ranked as the 48th best player in the country out of Warren Central High School. Shanklin chose the Tigers over Alabama and Ohio State. LSU’s 2025 class now features two of the top edge rushers in the country, Shanklin and Jesse Harrold from Tampa.

Former LSU women’s basketball star Angel Reese continues to make W-N-B-A history. She collected her 13th straight double-double last night, passing Hall of Famer Candace Parker for most consecutive double-doubles in W-N-B-A history. The Bayou Barbie had 17 points and 14 rebounds in the Chicago Sky’s 84-71 loss to the Seattle Storm.

Four former Ragin Cajun softball players have made the decision to follow Garry Glasco to Texas Tech. They are the 2024 Sun Belt Player of the Year Mihyia Davis, second-team All Sun Selection Chloe Riassetto, Lauren Allred and Victoria Valdez.

The Pelicans have reportedly signed free agent center Daniel Thies (Tice). The 32-year-old has seven years of NBA experience and last season averaged six points and four rebounds a game for the Clippers. He’ll play for Germany in the Summer Olympics.

Pelicans guard Jose Alvardo has helped Puerto Rico clinch a spot in the Olympics. He scored 23 points in a 79-68 win over Lithuania. It’s the first time Puerto Rico has had a men’s basketball team in the Olympics since 2004.