11:40 LRN Sportscast

Former five-star LSU defensive tackle Dominick McKinley made headlines for all the wrong reasons during the start of preseason practice. McKinley got reps with the second and third teams at times, but head coach Lane Kiffin says he has really turned his camp around.

Cut 17 (15) “…with our ones.”

Former LSU National Pitcher of the Year and Most Outstanding Player of the 2025 College World Series, Kade Anderson, will make his major league debut with the Mariners tomorrow. Anderson is baseball’s top pitching prospect after posting a 10-and-1 record with a 1.06 ERA and 135 strikeouts in Double-A this season.

ESPN College Gameday announced it will be coming to Oxford for Lane Kiffin’s return to Ole Miss when LSU takes on the Rebels September 19. It will be the Tigers’ second Gameday appearance in the first three weeks of the season after LSU hosts the show during their September 5 season opener against Clemson.

The U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals has granted the NCAA’s stay request against the ruling giving all class of 2022 athletes a fifth year of eligibility. Any athletes looking to return are now ineligible until an expedited appeal hearing unless they have been granted another state-level injunction or temporary restraining order like the one issued by a Baton Rouge judge on Wednesday.

Former LSU forward Amiya Joyner was one of the players named in that order and is entering the transfer portal. Joyner led the Lady Tigers with 7.5 rebounds a night and scored 9.2 points per game.

Louisiana Tech running back Andrew Burnette was also included in the ruling and is back practicing with the Bulldogs. Burnette led the team with nine rushing touchdowns last year and took 95 carries for 491 yards.

Former LSU defensive end Jack Pyburn and a trio of former Ole Miss football players were also granted the TRO.

Other plaintiffs in the case are LSU soccer player Jazmin Ferguson and basketball player Rashad King, McNeese defensive lineman Keenan Landry and basketball player Peitok Machar, Northwestern State first baseman Thomas Marsala and Tulane men’s basketball player Percy Daniels.

11:30 LRN Newscast

August has been a very dry month throughout Louisiana. Whereas the state averages five inches of rainfall in August; this year, the state has averaged only seven-tenths of an inch. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says two things are at play – El Nino and a lot of high pressure in the Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 4 (12) “…Gulf into Louisiana.”

Volunteers at Louisiana’s 988 Helpline get an increase in the volume of calls and texts coming in during periods of brutally hot weather conditions. Sherrod Crespo with Via Link, the nonprofit which operates the 988 Helpline, says the fact that people normally get less sleep in hot conditions has a lot to do with it.

Cut 13 (13)  “…the crisis line.”

The Louisiana Department of Education announces that physical education classes will be designed to get students moving. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

September 5th won’t be the only time a game featuring LSU will be the featured matchup on ESPN’s College Gameday. Two weeks later, Rece Davis and the crew will be in Oxford, Mississippi, for the highly-anticipated matchup between LSU and Ole Miss. It will be Lane Kiffin’s first game in Oxford since leaving Ole Miss for LSU.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Starting next school year, physical education classes in Louisiana public schools will put greater emphasis on getting students moving. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says these fitness-based standards equip students with knowledge and skills they will use the rest of their lives to remain active…

Cut 4 (10) “…and heart health.”

Brumley says the old standards asked students to name a skill, the revised standards ask them to demonstrate skills.

 

Hunters For the Hungry is encouraging those of you who hunt to clean out your freezers this Sunday to prepare for the upcoming season and feed those in need. Executive Director Julie Gunewald says simply visit clean-out-your-freezer-dot-com to find out where you can drop off your frozen food.

Cut 8 (07) “…to accept ’em.”

Nearly 18,5000 pounds of frozen goods were collected from Clean Out Your Freezer Day last year.

 

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has unveiled the design of Louisiana’s float that will roll in the 138th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California on New Year’s Day. A musical entertainer rides on the float and performs and this year it’s award-winning jazz vocalist and songwriter Robin Barnes of New Orleans, who will perform her hit song “SongBird of New Orleans…

Cut 12 (10) “…coming to Louisiana”

The 2027 parade marks the sixth time since 2022 the Louisiana Office of Tourism will sponsor a float in the iconic event.

What a difference a couple months make in Louisiana. Whereas May and June were marked by torrential rains throughout the state, August is a completely different story. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says this month has been almost completely devoid of rain throughout the state.

Cut 3 (09) “…way.way behind”

Keim says two things are contributing to this unusually dry August, El Nino and  a high-pressure system in the Gulf which is pumping hot air into Louisiana.

9:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Office of Tourism unveils a new marketing campaign aimed at out-of-state tourists. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

LSU national champion pitcher Kade Anderson earned his call-up to the Majors. The lefty hurler makes his major league debut for the Mariners against the Cubs at 6:15. Anderson is the top pitching prospect in baseball and has a 10-and-1 record with a 1.06 ERA and 135 strikeouts in Double-A this season.

Next year, Louisiana public schools will roll out revised physical education standards that emphasize learning and demonstrating fundamental moving skills, not just identifying them. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the skills will build on one another from kindergarten through 12th grade. He says they are designed not only to get students involved in physical activity.

Cut 6 (09) “…their social relationships.”

Brumley hopes classes will give students physical activity skills that will stay with the long into life and help prevent health issues like heart disease and diabetes.

The Louisiana 988 Helpline sees an uptick in the number of calls and texts during periods of intense heat. Sherrod Crespo with Via Link, the nonprofit that operates the 988 Helpline, encourages people struggling with their mental health this summer to reach out. She says the people at the 988 Helpline are compassionate people who are there to help.

Cut 15 (07) “…carry anything alone.”

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

Louisiana’s Department of Education has a new plan to get students moving. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

This Sunday is “Clean Out your Freezer” Day.  Hunters for the Hungry Executive Director Jule Grunewald says they collected nearly 18,5000 pounds of frozen goods this time last year to feed those in need and they hope to surpass that this year.

Cut 9 (09)  “…many hot meals.”
For drop off locations visit, clean-out-your-freezer.com
——————-
Volunteers at Louisiana’s 988 Helpline get an increase in the volume of calls and texts coming in during periods of brutally hot weather conditions, like we’re seeing now. Sherrod Crespo with Via Link, the nonprofit which operates the 988 Helpline, says if the heat is affecting your mental health to the point that you’re considering harming yourself or others, you should reach out for help, regardless of the circumstances.

Cut 14 (09) “…very much is.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism announced a new marketing campaign to attract more out of state tourists.  Nungesser says the goal of the campaign, dubbed, “Every Moment Feeds Your Soul,” is to highlight the unique things in Louisiana that you don’t get to do anywhere else.

Cut 11 (08) “…in the state.”

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

During extended heatwaves like what we’re in right now, Louisiana’s 988 Helpline experiences an uptick in calls and texts. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Hunters For the Hungry is encouraging those of you who hunt to clean out your freezers this Sunday to prepare for the upcoming season and feed those in need. Executive Director Julie Guenewald  says simply visit clean-out-your-freezer-dot-com to find out where you can drop off your frozen food.

Cut 8 (07) “…to accept ’em.”

————————

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism unveiled their marketing campaign for out-of-state tourism. Nungesser says the campaign, which was unveiled during the Louisiana Travel Summit in New Orleans, is called “Every Moment Feeds Your Soul.”

Cut 10 (11) “…world to Louisiana.”

Physical education classes in Louisiana public schools will put a greater emphasis on getting students moving beginning next school year. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the old standards asked students to identify or name a skill. The new standards require them to actually demonstrate those skills.

Cut 5 (14) “…to do it.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU is a little over two weeks away from its season opener versus Clemson on September 5th. Head coach Lane Kiffin says quarterback Sam Leavitt did not look like himself in the spring as he recovered from his foot surgery, but he’s been impressive in preseason camp.

Cut 16 (16) “…plays around him.”

Kade Anderson was the ace of LSU’s staff in 2025 as the Tigers won their eighth national championship and on Saturday night he will make his major league debut against the Chicago Cubs. The Seattle Mariners are calling the 22-year-old left-hander up from the minor leagues, where he has dominated. He’s 10-1 with a 1.06 ERA at Double-A Arkansas.

 

The Saints held their final preseason joint practice against the Rams yesterday. Receiver Chris Olave sat out, as it was a rest day, so head coach Kellen Moore says it was a good opportunity for quarterback Tyler Shough to face a great defense without his top target.

Cut 19 (14) “…led by Tyler.”

The Saints play the Rams in their second preseason game tomorrow at 3 p.m. Moore did not name a starting quarterback, but Zach Wilson got snaps with the second team over Spencer Rattler yesterday.

Earlier this week the Saints had a fight-filled practice with the Cowboys. The NFL fined both franchises 500-thousand dollars.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has filed an affidavit letter to East Baton Rouge Judge Ronald Johnson urging him not to allow basketball player RJ Luis to play for the LSU Tigers because he has signed a professional contract with two NBA teams. Luis’s hearing seeking another year of eligibility is Monday.

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

Louisiana Tourism officials are launching a new marketing campaign aimed at out-of-state tourists. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Starting next school year, physical education classes in Louisiana public schools will put a greater emphasis on getting students moving. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the program will help help students stay active long after graduation.

Cut 4 (10) “…and heart health.”

———————–

Louisiana’s 988 Helpline see an increase in the number of calls and texts coming in during periods of brutally hot weather conditions, like we’re seeing now. Sherrod Crespo with Via Link, the nonprofit which operates the 988 Helpline, says the fact that people normally get less sleep in hot conditions has a lot to do with it.

Cut 13 (13)  “…the crisis line.”

Sunday is Clean Out Your Freezer Day. Hunters For The Hungry is encouraging those of you who hunt to make room in your freezer for the upcoming hunting season by removing wild game and fish out of your freezer and donating it to a local food bank. Julie Grunewald is the executive director for Hunters for the Hungry.

Cut 7 (07) “…want to donate.”

For details on drop off locations, visit cleanoutyourfreezer.com

LRN AM Newscall August 21

The Louisiana Department of Education announces that physical education classes will be designed to get students moving. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

The Louisiana Office of Tourism unveils a new marketing campaign aimed at out-of-state tourists. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

During extended heatwaves like what we’re in right now, Louisiana’s 988 Helpline experiences an uptick in calls and texts. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

___________________________________________________

Starting next school year, physical education classes in Louisiana public schools will put a greater emphasis on getting students moving. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says educators and stakeholders developed the revised standards which will focus on fundamental movement skills students can use to stay active long after graduation.

Cut 4 (10) “…and heart health.”

Brumley says the old standards asked students to identify or name a skill. The new standards require them to actually demonstrate those skills.

Cut 5 (14) “…to do it.”

Brumley says the skills will build on one another from kindergarten through 12th grade. He says the new standards are designed not only to get students involved in physical activity, but also to help them understand the benefits, including better health and social relationships.

Cut 6 (09) “…their social relationships.”

__________________________________________

Sunday is Clean Out Your Freezer Day. Hunters For The Hungry is encouraging those of you who hunt to make room in your freezer for the upcoming hunting season by removing wild game and fish out of your freezer and donating it to a local food bank. Julie Grunewald is the executive director for Hunters for the Hungry.

Cut 7 (07) “…want to donate.”

Grunewald encourages you to visit clean-out-your-freezer-dot-com to find out where you can bring your frozen food so that it can be distributed to food banks, shelters and public kitchens.

Cut 8 (07) “…to accept ’em.”

Grunewald says they collected nearly 18,5000 pounds of frozen goods from Clean Out Your Freezer Day last year. She says the goal is to surpass that number this year. She says this is one of the best days of the year for food banks.

Cut 9 (09)  “…many hot meals.”

__________________________________________

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism unveil their marketing campaign for out-of-state tourism. Nungesser says the campaign, which was unveiled during the Louisiana Travel Summit in New Orleans, is entitled “Every Moment Feeds Your Soul.”

Cut 10 (11) “…world to Louisiana.”

The marketing campaign will include a mixture of traditional media, as well as social media and influencers. Nungesser says the goal is to highlight the unique things in Louisiana that you don’t get to do anywhere else.

Cut 11 (08) “…in the state.”

They also unveiled the theme and float for Louisiana’s entry in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, on New Year’s Day. The float is called “Bienvenue en Louisiana,” or “Welcome to Louisiana” when translated to English. It features a gigantic pelican surrounded by Mardi Gras colors and other Louisiana staples like alligators and crawfish. Louisiana’s prior entries have also included musical performances; Nungesser says this one will be no different.

Cut 12 (10) “…coming to Louisiana.”

________________________________________________

Volunteers at Louisiana’s 988 Helpline get an increase in the volume of calls and texts coming in during periods of brutally hot weather conditions. Sherrod Crespo with Via Link, the nonprofit which operates the 988 Helpline, says the fact that people normally get less sleep in hot conditions has a lot to do with it.

Cut 13 (13)  “…the crisis line.”

Crespo says if the heat is affecting your mental health to the point that you’re considering harming yourself or others, you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out for help, regardless of the circumstances.

Cut 14 (09) “…very much is.”

Crespo says the people at the 988 helpline are compassionate people who are there to help.

Cut 15 (07) “…carry anything alone.”

____________________________________________

LSU is just two weeks away from its season opener versus Clemson on September 5th. Head coach Lane Kiffin says quarterback Sam Leavitt did not look like himself as he recovered from his foot surgery in the spring, but he has reminded him what he can do during fall camp.

Cut 16 (16) “…plays around him.”

Former five-star defensive tackle Dominick McKinley made headlines for all the wrong reasons during the start of preseason practice. McKinley got reps with the second and third teams at times, but Kiffin says he has really turned his camp around.

Cut 17 (15) “…with our ones.”

Kiffin says he continues to be very satisfied with the starting defense, especially Ole Miss transfer edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen.

Cut 18 (19) “…get him down.”

Umanmielen had nine sacks as a Rebel last season.

_________________________________________

The Saints held their final preseason joint practice against the Rams yesterday. Wide receiver Chris Olave sat out the practice on a rest day, so head coach Kellen Moore says it was a good opportunity for quarterback Tyler Shough to face a great defense without his top target.

Cut 19 (14) “…led by Tyler.”

The Saints play the Rams in their second preseason game tomorrow at 3 p.m. Moore did not name a starting quarterback for the game.

Starting cornerback Quincy Riley went down with a groin injury on Tuesday. The next man up is free agent signing Martin Emerson Jr., who is coming off an Achilles injury that ended his time with the Browns. Saints corner Kool-Aid McKinstry says he has done a good job learning the scheme quickly.

Cut 20 (13) “…player for sure.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast

After a child was infected by a brain-eating amoeba while swimming in Lake Claiborne, Louisiana health officials are advising you to protect yourself when swimming in fresh water. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

DCFS tells a Senate committee the number of child deaths this year is on pace to surpass that of last year. It says abuse or neglect has played a role in 25 child deaths so far this year, compared to 29 in all of last year.

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office arrests a former substitute teacher for allegedly triggering false active shooter alerts. Investigators say 58-year-old Lytonja (luh-TAHN-jah) Barfield used the school district’s emergency management system to falsely report six active shooter alerts at various schools. Corporal Vincent Jackson says it was easy for the school board to determine who was triggering those false alarms.

Cut 10 (07) “…to those schools.” 

The lottery for the first-ever recreational alligator hunting season is now open. LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth says you will have plenty of chances to score a tag.

Cut 4 (11) “…ten-thousand opportunities statewide.”