6:30 LRN Newscast

Hurricane Beryl has moved past Jamaica and has its eyes set on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Beryl is a Category Three storm, but weakening is expected today. Forecasters are calling for Beryl to enter the southern Gulf of Mexico on Saturday as a tropical storm and make a final landfall as a Category one hurricane early next week near the Texas-Mexico border.

Governor Jeff Landry has announced Jay Grymes as the first State Climatologist to serve under Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

It’s Fourth of July and that means a lot of people popping off their own fireworks tonight. President of the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association Tracey Normand says be sure you are not violating any local ordinances. Normand says drinking and driving is not a good idea; drinking and lighting an explosive is a worse idea.
Cut 6 (10) “…our digits.”

It’s a big tourism weekend for New Orleans as Essence Festival gets underway today. The annual musical festival started in 1995 in New Orleans to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Essence Magazine. New Orleans and Company spokesperson Kelly Schulz says now Essence Fest is celebrating 30 years. Schulz says the July-August issue of Essence Magazine is a love letter to New Orleans…
cut 14 (12) “…well beyond”
Usher and Janet Jackson will perform at Essence Festival this weekend.

16:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU pitcher Thatcher Hurd has entered the transfer portal. Hunt Palmer with ESPN Baton Rouge explains it’s not a big loss for the Tigers as Hurd is expected to be a high draft pick later this month and sign with a Major League Baseball team…
cut 20 (10″ to the table”
MLB-dot-com ranks Hurd as the 114th best prospect.

LSU shortstop Ryan Kucherak has also entered the transfer portal. He was ranked as the second best high school shortstop in Arizona by Perfect Game, but barely saw the field last year.

There’s been a lot of talk about Texas A-and-M infielder Kaeden Kent transferring to LSU, but Kent announced today he’s returning to the Aggies.

Louisiana Tech announced today that associate head coach Mitch Gaspard is retiring after five years with the Bulldogs. Gaspard is also a former head coach at Alabama and Northwestern State.

Former LSU star Angel Reese is a WNBA All-Star. This news comes after he was just named the WNBA Rookie of the Money for June. Reese leads the league in rebounds and she also averages 13 points a game. Reese got emotional about the honor following the Chicago Sky’s 85-77 win over the Atlanta Dream last night…
cut 19 (12) “….believed”
Reese was fifth in the WNBA All-Star fan voting with 381,518 votes. Caitlin Clark was number one with 700,735 votes.

Recreational red snapper season will be weekends-only after a brief close in the season from July 7 to 12. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Director of Marine Fisheries Chris Schieble (shee-ble) there have been similar pauses in the past couple of years and he urges anglers to remember this is nothing new or drastic.
Cut 15 (11) “…adjustments.”
The season runs until Labor Day.

LRN PM Newscall

Governor Jeff Landry announces an extension to Operation Lone Star which means engineers from the Louisiana National Guard will deploy to the Texas-Mexico border on July 15th. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (30) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A federal judge has ordered Angola to quickly correct what they called “glaring deficiencies of their heat-related policies” for inmates who work on the Farm Line.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Governor Jeff Landry announces the extension of Operation Lone Star which will involve the deployment of Louisiana National Guard engineers on July 15th to the southern border. LANG spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel Collins says they will support Texas with border security.

Cut 3 (09) “…on the border.”

Operation Lone Star began in March when the state sent 50 Louisiana National Guard soldiers for 30 days at a time to the Texas border.

Collins says the engineers will assist in constructing barriers, roads, and other critical infrastructure to enhance border security.

Cut 4 (08) “…able to do.”

Collins says this move reflects the state’s commitment to collaborating with Texas in addressing border security issues and highlights the growing scope of Operation Lone Star.

Cut 5 (08)  “…respond to that.”

The Landy Administration says it will cost the state 800-thousand dollars to deploy the National Guard engineers to Texas and that’s how much money is left from the initial allocation for the operation.

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Fourth of July means BBQs and fireworks but its not always great time for pets. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Communication Manager Ginger Gutner has some advice for what you can do for your pets.

Cut 6 (09) “…good idea.”

Gutner says if you know your pet will be anxious because of fireworks contact your vet and discuss what you can do to help alleviate that…

Cut 7 (09) “…muffled..”

Another reminder is if you have a dog that isn’t afraid of fireworks they can think it’s a toy and could get injured from getting too close. Gutner says if they are outside keep them on a leash and…

Cut 8 (08)  “…they recommend.”

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Angola has been ordered to improve conditions for inmates who are required to work on the farm line. Federal Judge Brian Jackson told the prison to quickly correct what he called “glaring deficiencies of their heat-related policies.” Promise of Justice Initiative Legal Director Colin Reingold…

Cut 9 (10) “…the farm line.”

The ruling stopped short of granting a request to stop the farm line entirely, but Reingold says the state has been given a seven-day deadline to submit proposed remedies due to the inhumane conditions.

Cut 10 (12) “…extremely dangerous.”

The ruling comes after eight incarcerated men requested a preliminary injunction and a temporary restraining order to stop the farm line when the heat index reaches or exceeds 88 degrees. Reingold says a trial date is scheduled for late September.

Cut 11 (06) ” …to end.”

Reingold says as many as 50 inmates work on the farm line at one time and the farm line is separate from other agriculture work programs at the penitentiary.

The State Department of Corrections says the work conducted on the farm line is in accordance with constitutional and industrial standards and they plan to appeal the ruling to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

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Hurricane Beryl remains a Category 4 as it barrels towards Jamaica and Central America. Newly appointed state climatologist Jay Grymes says Beryl is expected to turn towards the Gulf early next week, but tells Louisianans not to worry.

Cut 12 (11) “… (x2) Louisiana.” 

Beryl is expected to hit the Texas-Mexico border as a tropical storm on Monday, far southwest of Louisiana. With such an active hurricane season ahead of us, Grymes says it’s better to start preparing for a storm that does hit us instead of worrying about one that won’t.

cut  13 (12) “…season.” 

Though Louisiana shouldn’t be battered by a hurricane this time, Beryl is the earliest major hurricane ever to form and the only one in June, well ahead of peak hurricane season. Grymes says we’re not nearly out of the woods yet.

Cut  14 (12) “…named storm.” 

2:30 LRN Newscast

A federal judge is giving Angola seven days to adjust their policies so prisoners on the Farm Line can receive shade, rest, sunscreen and water when working in hot conditions. The ruling comes after eight incarcerated men requested a preliminary injunction and a temporary restraining order to stop the farm line when the heat index reaches or exceeds 88 degrees. Promise of Justice Imitative Legal Director Colin Reingold says a trial date is scheduled for late September.
Cut 11 (06) ” …to end.”
The Department of Corrections argued the working conditions for the prisoners on the farm met industry standards.

The eye of Hurricane Beryl is approaching Jamaica. Louisiana’s new state climatologist Jay Grymes says the major hurricane will get into the southern of Gulf of Mexico this weekend, but Louisiana residents do not have to worry…
cut 12 (11) “…for Louisiana”
A final landfall for Beryl is expected near the Texas-Mexico border.
Governor Jeff Landry announces an extension to Operation Lone Star which means engineers from the Louisiana National Guard will deploy to the Texas-Mexico border on July 15th.
Cut 1 (30) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

Starting tomorrow a permit or training will no longer be required to conceal carry a gun for non-felon adults. New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez says State Police will continue to provide handgun training…
cut 27 (09) “…firearm

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU pitcher Thatcher Hurd has entered the transfer portal. Hunt Palmer with ESPN Baton Rouge says it’s unlikely that Hurd would be on the team next season as he’s expected to be a high draft pick in the Major League Baseball draft in a couple of weeks.
cut 20 (10″ to the table”
MLB-dot-com ranks Hurd as the 114th best prospect.

Backup Shortstop Ryan Kucherak also entered the transfer portal. He was one of the top shortstops in Arizona coming out of high school, but barely played his freshman season at LSU.

Former LSU star Angel Reese is a WNBA All-Star as a rookie. Reese got emotional as she talked about the achievement…
cut 19 (12) “…believed”
Reese is averaging 13 points a game and close to 12 rebounds a contest. She leads the WNBA in rebounds per game. Reese also has 11 straight double-doubles and she’s one away from tying Candace Parker’s record for consecutive double-doubles.

The Recreational red snapper season will be weekends-only through Labor Day weekend after a brief close to the season from July 7th to the 12th. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Director of Marine Fisheries Chris Schieble (shee-ble) says these changes are an attempt to slow an above-average catching season.
Cut 13 (08) “…Labor Day weekend.”
55% of allocated red snapper have been caught since the season opened on April 15th.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana will become the 29th state tomorrow to allow non-felon adults to conceal carry a gun without a permit and without training. There are concerns this law will result in more gun violence, but New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez believes his legislation will reduce the number of shootings…
cut 12 (07) “…their actions”
Miguez says Louisiana State Police is still offering handgun training.

AAA predicts that nearly 71 million Americans will travel during the Fourth of July holiday marking the highest travel volume for this period on record. This figure includes road trips, air travel, and other forms of transportation. Road trips are expected to be especially popular. AAA spokesperson Nick Chabberia…
cut 4 (07) “…July 7th.”
Chabberia says an estimated 5.7 million people will fly this Fourth of July holiday that’s a seven-percent increase over last year.

LSU climatologist Barry Keim says the dome of high pressure that’s helping to bake Louisiana is also keeping Hurricane Beryl from making a turn towards the northern Gulf Coast. Jamacia is taking a big hit from the Cat 4 storm today and Friday Beryl is expected to make landfall on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Keim says most of the model runs have Beryl making a final landfall near the Texas-Mexico border…
Cut 29 (06) “..forecast.”

University Medical Center New Orleans has launched a new program called the Healthy Brain Aging Initiative. Chair of the Tulane Neurology Department Demetrius Maraganore says for a person suffering from cognitive decline, the Healthy Brain Aging Initiative is the place to get treatment…
cut 9 (10) “….dementia”
You can find more information at lcmchealth-dot-org.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Beginning tomorrow non-felons over the age of 18 can carry a concealed handgun without a permit in Louisiana. New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez who authored the legislation says it’s a historic moment in Louisiana.
Cut 10 (08) “…violent criminals.”
Miguez says the same rules apply when influenced by alcohol, it’s against the law to possess a gun while intoxicated.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has announced the recreational Red Snapper season will close July 7th and reopen on July 12th and then it will be weekends-only through the Labor Day weekend. LDWF Director of Marine Fisheries Chris Schieble says they want to make sure there’s enough red snapper in state waters through Labor Day…
cut 14 (08) “…like this”
55% of allocated red snapper have been caught since the season opened April 15th.

The University Medical Center New Orleans has launched its Healthy Brain Aging Initiative. Dr. Demetrius Maraganore (mare-a-gan-or-ee) with the Tulane Department of Neurology says the initiative will help reduce the number of people living with Alzheimer’s in the U.S., which is predicted to triple by 2050.
Cut 7 (12) “…specifically.”
Maragnore says the Healthy Brain Aging Initiative will provide care for a person who is at a greater risk for Alzheimer’s and related dementias and also provide care for a person with symptoms of memory decline and also Parkinson’s patients. Go to l-c-m-c health-dot-org for more information.

AAA expects nearly 71-million people will travel over the Fourth of July weekend, a five percent increase over last year and an eight-percent increase from 2019. AAA spokesperson Nick Chabberia expects 60-million will drive to their destination and five-point-seven million people will fly, despite higher airfares…
cut 6 (06) “…over year”
The average price for a domestic roundtrip ticket is $800.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana’s permitless conceal carry law goes into effect tomorrow. Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

New Orleans Police have arrested three teenagers for the fatal shooting of a 43-year-old Slidell woman who was gunned down in her vehicle while parked in the French Quarter early Sunday morning. Kristie Thibodeaux gave tours as an employee of Crawl New Orleans. Detectives say the shooting came as the teens were engaged in a robbery spree.

University Medical Center New Orleans has launched its Healthy Brain Aging Initiative. Doctor Demetrius Maraganore says the facility can treat individuals with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, it can also conduct tests on a person who has a family history of brain disorders…
cut 8 (11) “…Alzheimer’s”
For more information visit the University Medical Center New Orleans website.

If you are planning on doing some driving this Fourth of July weekend, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.05. AAA spokesperson Nick Chabberia…
cut 5 (08) “…the country”
Gas prices are about the same as they were last year.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Tuesday was the final day for LSU Tigers baseball players to enter the transfer portal and two of them decided to get in, including right-handed pitcher Thatcher Hurd. Hurd was the Tigers opening day starter in 2024 but struggled through most of the year and ended up with a 6.55 ERA.

MLB-dot-com ranks him as the 114th best prospect in this month’s Major League Baseball draft. ESPN 104-5 in Baton Rouge sports talk show host Hunt Palmer says getting in the portal gives Hurd options in case he falls in the draft or the signing bonus is not what he’s looking for…
cut 20 (20) “…to do”
Backup Shortstop Ryan Kucherak also entered the transfer portal. He was one of the top shortstops in Arizona coming out of high school, but barely played his freshman season at LSU.

Former LSU star Angel Reese is a WNBA All-Star as a rookie. Reese got emotional as she talked about the achievement with reporters…
cut 19 (12) “…believed”
Reese is averaging 13 points a game and close to 12 rebounds a contest. She leads the WNBA in rebounds per game. Reese also has 11 straight double-doubles and she’s one away from tying Candace Parker’s record for consecutive double-doubles.

Former LSU baseball stars Dylan Crews and Tre Morgan will play in the MLB All-Star Futures game on July 13th at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Crews was promoted to Triple-A a couple of weeks ago and he’s hitting .259 with two home runs and seven RBIs for Rochester. Morgan was a third round pick of the Tampa Bay Rays last year and the talented first baseman is hitting .340 with four home runs and 34 RBIs in A Ball.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Starting tomorrow, Louisiana adults who do not have a felony conviction are allowed to conceal carry a gun without a permit. The author of the new law, New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez says all the same restrictions, obligations, and responsibilities under constitutional carry still apply as they do for when you need a permit to conceal carry…
cut 11 (12) “…official stop”
Louisiana will become the 29th state to allow permitless carry of a concealed weapon.

The Recreational red snapper season will be weekends-only through Labor Day weekend after a brief close to the season from July 7th to the 12th. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Director of Marine Fisheries Chris Schieble (shee-ble) says these changes are an attempt to slow an above-average catching season.
Cut 13 (08) “…Labor Day weekend.”
55% of allocated red snapper have been caught since the season opened on April 15th.

Nearly 71 million Americans are expected to travel during the Fourth of July holiday marking the highest travel volume for this period on record according to AAA.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Jamaica is not a place you want to be this Fourth of July weekend. Hurricane Beryl is unleashing 145-mile per hour winds on the island today. Beryl is expected to lose strength as it eyes a Friday landfall on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The National Hurricane Center believes Beryl will remerge in the southern Gulf of Mexico and make landfall early next week as a hurricane or tropical storm near the Mexico-Texas border.