11:30 LRN Newscast

Legendary LSU baseball coach and Athletic Director Skip Bertman died at the age of 88 early this morning. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (40) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Elon Musk’s private jet landed at Lafayette Regional Airport fueling the rumors that Space X is planning to build a rocket-launching spaceport in coastal Vermilion Parish near Pecan Island. A helicopter was also seen flying over Pecan Island after Musk’s private jet touched down in Lafayette.

 

Louisiana is losing film industry jobs at an alarming rate. A new report from Giggster says since 2024 Louisiana had the highest percentage of decline in film industry jobs.  IATSE (eye-AT-zee) Local 478 Business Agent Simonette Berry says we’re not just competing against California and Georgia anymore.

Cut 14 (09) “…60-percent incentive.”

At one time, Louisiana offered one of the best film tax incentives the world.

Amid the cyclospora outbreak, restaurants – especially those which specialize in salads – are going the extra mile to reassure diners that their produce is safe. Scott Henderson, CEO of Lafayette-based Salad Station, says whereas the lettuce responsible for the outbreak was imported from Mexico, his company’s lettuce is not imported from any foreign country.

Cut 10 (08) “…is always domestic.”

10:30 LRN Newsccast

Another Louisiana sports icon has left us. Legendary LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman passed away early this morning at the age of 88. Bertman took an LSU baseball program with very little fan interest and made it a dynasty as the Tigers won five national championships in the 1990s. Tiger Rag Editor Glen Guilbeau wrote Bertman’s biography, Everything Matters in Baseball…

Cut 5 (08) “…in Louisiana”

Bertman also served as LSU’s athletics director from 2001 to 2008.

LSU cornerback DJ Pickett has said he’s not changing his number, he’s wearing number five, despite Heisman Trophy quarterback Jayden Daniel’s disapproval. Koki Riley of the Advocate spoke with Pickett’s dad and the family appreciates Lane Kiffin sticking by them and honoring LSU’s promise he would wear number five, but there’s also disappointment.

Cut 9 (08)  “…the first place.”

 

The cyclospora (SIGH-kloh-SPOR-uh) outbreak has resulted in some people avoiding lettuce. That’s not good for Scott Henderson’s business, who is the CEO of the Lafayette-based Salad Station. Henderson says the company has been in close contact with all of its suppliers throughout the entire ordeal.

Cut 11 (09) “…tracing it back.”

Henderson says the lettuce responsible for the outbreak was imported from Mexico and the Salad Station gets its lettuce from the U-S producers.

A new report from Giggster says Louisiana had its highest percentage of a decline in film industry jobs since 2024, at more than 32-percent.  IATSE (eye-AT-zee) Local 478 Business Agent Simonette Berry says to remain competitive in the film arena, Louisiana needs to do what it can to keep pace with the film tax credits that other states and other countries are offering

Cut 15 (09) “…years in advance.”

9:30 LRN Newscast

LSU legend Skip Bertman passed away early this morning at the age of 88. Bertman led LSU Baseball to five College World Series titles and 11 trips to Omaha and hired four national championship-winning coaches as Athletic Director. Former LSU pitcher Ben McDonald says Bertman transformed LSU into the greatest baseball program in the country.

Cut 3 (10) “…game of baseball.”

Bertman was a master tactician, marketer and motivator. He revolutionized LSU athletics fundraising and changed every part of LSU baseball for the better. Most importantly, he cared deeply about his players. Tiger Rag Editor and author of Bertman’s biography Glenn Guilbeau says ex-LSU outfielder Rich Cordani confirmed just that.

Cut 6 (10) “…were his sons.”

The Ochsner Transplant Institute has performed ten thousand transplants since 1970. Institute Director Dr. Ari Cohen says the program has grown exponentially in recent years, striving to stay on the cutting edge with robotic-assisted kidney transplants and pediatric heart and living-donor lung transplants. He says there are still over 100-thousand people across the country and two-thousand Louisianians waiting for a life-saving transplant.

Cut 5 (11) “…alive and well.”

Like many restaurant owners, the co-founder and CEO of Lafayette-based Salad Station, Scott Henderson, is reassuring diners that all the produce they serve is cyclospora-free. He says despite heightened communication with customers, sales have been down since the outbreak started, and he’s afraid of another consequence.

Cut 12 (07) “…impacts on health.”

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

Sad news as the legendary architect of LSU baseball—Stanley “Skip” Bertman has died.  Bertman passed away early this morning at the Baton Rouge General with his daughters by his side. Beloved by his players and fans, the legendary Bertman won five national championships and seven Southeastern Conference titles during his 18 years leading the Tigers.  Skip Bertman was 88 years old.

The Ochsner Transplant Institute performed its ten-thousandth organ transplant, a first for Louisiana.  Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

———————–

LSU cornerback D.J. Pickett does not have any intention of changing his number-five jersey despite backlash from former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels.The Advocate’s Koki Riley spoke with Pickett’s father who says LSU promised he could have the number… as the number five has become a standard for Pickett and his ten siblings since his oldest brother Jaylen wore it at Eastern Michigan.

Cut 8 (12) “…point of pride.”

Louisiana is losing film industry jobs at an alarming rate. Citing numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a new report from Giggster says Louisiana had the highest percentage of decline in film industry jobs since 2024 at more than 32-percent.IATSE (eye-AT-zee) Local 478 Business Agent Simonette Berry says Louisiana is in danger of losing a good chunk of what it had worked hard to build.

Cut 13 (13)  “…infrastructure already here.”

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

Heartbreaking news for Louisiana and the world of baseball as legendary baseball coach Skip Bertman passes away at the age of 88.  Bertman took a program that had very little interest on the LSU campus and produced five national championships in the 1990s. After his Hall of Fame coaching career, he served as athletic director in the 2000s, where he hired Les Miles and Paul Mainieri, both of them went on to win championships.

LSU sophomore cornerback D.J. Pickett will not be changing his number five despite the reaction from Heisman-winning QB Jayden Daniels. Here’s Jeff Palermo.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

_____________________

Amid the cyclospora outbreak, restaurants – especially those which specialize in salads – are going the extra mile to reassure diners that the produce they serve is safe. Scott Henderson, the co-founder and CEO of Lafayette-based Salad Station, says whereas the lettuce responsible for the outbreak was imported from Mexico, his company’s lettuce is not imported from any foreign country.

Cut 10 (08) “…is always domestic.”

The Ochsner Transplant Institute completed its ten-thousandth organ transplant dating back to the Gulf South’s first heart transplant in 1970. That milestone puts the institute among the top 40 transplant centers in the country; and Institute Director Dr. Ari Cohen says it is a deeply personal vocation.

Cut 4 (11) “…with us lifelong.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Very sad news to report this morning as legendary LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman has passed away at the age of 88. Bertman took a program that had very little interest on the LSU campus and produced five national championships in the 1990s. After his Hall of Fame coaching career, he served as athletic director in the 2000s, where he hired Les Miles and Paul Mainieri, both of them went on to win championships.

Sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett says he will wear the number five jersey despite a cease and desist letter sent by Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels is upset another LSU player is wearing the number he wore.

So why is number five so important to Pickett? Koki Riley of the Advocate says Pickett and his ten siblings have worn the number five, since his oldest brother Jaylen wore it at Eastern Michigan…

Cut 8 (12) “….point of pride”

 

The Saints will have a walk-through today in the Superdome ahead of their preseason opener tomorrow afternoon against the Jacksonville Jaguars. New Orleans held a joint practice with the Jags yesterday. It was a good day for quarterback Tyler Shough who completed 25 of 34 passes with four touchdowns. But rookie receiver Jordan Tyson left practice early with a lower body injury, but the injury is believed to be minor.

LSU football coach Lane Kiffin is known as someone who likes to go for it on fourth down. Kiffin says you are seeing more coaches being aggressive on fourth down…

Cut 17 (19) “…time to change”

LSU receiver Winnie Watkins was not at practice for a third consecutive day yesterday. Kiffin says he does not comment on individual injuries during the preseason, but said he hopes he’ll return soon.

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

One of the most influential figures in the history of college sports has died. Stanley “Skip” Bertman, the legendary architect of LSU baseball passed away early this morning at the Baton Rouge General with his daughters by his side.  Bertman, who was beloved by his players and fans, won five national championships and seven Southeastern Conference titles during his 18 years leading the Tigers.  Skip Bertman was 88 years old.

LSU cornerback D.J. Pickett plans to keep his number five jersey despite backlash from former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, who last wore the number. The Advocate’s Koki Riley spoke with Pickett’s father and says if anyone is backing down, it will be the Daniels camp.

Cut 7 (12) “…this whole thing.”

Riley says number five has become a standard for Pickett and his ten siblings since his oldest brother Jaylen wore it at Eastern Michigan.

——————————

Restaurants are going the extra mile these days to ensure their produce is safe amid the cyclospora outbreak. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana is losing film industry jobs at an alarming rate. A new report from Giggster says Louisiana had the highest percentage of decline in film industry jobs since 2024.  IATSE (eye-AT-zee) Local 478 Business Agent Simonette Berry says we’re not just competing against California and Georgia anymore.

Cut 14 (09) “…60-percent incentive.”

LRN AM Newscall August 14

The Ochsner Transplant Institute performed its ten-thousandth organ transplant, becoming the only transplant center in Louisiana to reach the milestone. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

LSU sophomore cornerback D.J. Pickett will not be changing his number five amidst a controversy with Heisman-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Restaurants – especially those which specialize in salads – are going the extra mile to ensure their produce is safe amid the cyclospora outbreak. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

The Ochsner Transplant Institute completed its ten-thousandth organ transplant dating back to the Gulf South’s first heart transplant in 1970. That milestone puts the institute among the top 40 transplant centers in the country; and Institute Director Dr. Ari Cohen says it is a deeply personal vocation.

Cut 4 (11) “…with us lifelong.”

Cohen says the transplant program has grown exponentially in recent years, striving to stay on the cutting edge with robotic-assisted kidney transplants and pediatric heart and living-donor lung transplants. He says there are still over 100-thousand people across the country and two-thousand Louisianians waiting for a life-saving transplant.

Cut 5 (11) “…alive and well.”

Cohen says becoming an organ donor is a selfless act that can help save a life.

Cut 6 (13) “…supposed to live.”

________________________________________________

LSU cornerback D.J. Pickett does not have any intention of changing his number-five jersey despite backlash from former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, who last wore the number. The Advocate’s Koki Riley spoke with Pickett’s father and says if anyone is backing down, it will be the Daniels camp.

Cut 7 (12) “…this whole thing.”

Pickett became the first Tiger to wear the number of a previous LSU Heisman-winner when he switched his number from three to five last week. Riley says LSU promised he could have the number when he asked all of the schools recruiting him if it was available. Riley says number five has become a standard for Pickett and his ten siblings since his oldest brother Jaylen wore it at Eastern Michigan.

Cut 8 (12) “…point of pride.”

Riley says the number is important to Pickett, but he still stuck around through a season at LSU and a coaching change while wearing number three. He says the Pickett family has appreciated Lane Kiffin’s willingness to stick by them and honor LSU’s promise but is upset by the situation it has left the sophomore in.

Cut 9 (08)  “…the first place.”

________________________________________________

Amid the cyclospora outbreak, restaurants – especially those which specialize in salads – are going the extra mile to reassure diners that the produce they serve is safe. Scott Henderson, the co-founder and CEO of Lafayette-based Salad Station, says whereas the lettuce responsible for the outbreak was imported from Mexico, his company’s lettuce is not imported from any foreign country.

Cut 10 (08) “…is always domestic.”

Henderson says the company has been in close contact with all of its suppliers throughout the entire ordeal.

Cut 11 (09) “…tracing it back.”

Henderson also notes that none of the lettuce or any of the other ingredients arrive at the stores pre-cut – everything is cut in the open, in clear view of the customers. He says despite heightened communication with customers, sales have been down since the outbreak started, and he’s afraid of another consequence.

Cut 12 (07) “…impacts on health.”

________________________________________________

Louisiana is losing film industry jobs at an alarming rate. Citing numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a new report from Giggster says Louisiana had the highest percentage of decline in film industry jobs since 2024 at more than 32-percent, and it had the fourth most total job losses from 2024 to 2025. IATSE (eye-AT-zee) Local 478 Business Agent Simonette Berry says Louisiana is in danger of losing a good chunk of what it had worked hard to build up in recent years.

Cut 13 (13)  “…infrastructure already here.”

Berry says with many countries offering aggressive tax incentives, Louisiana is not just competing with California and Georgia anymore.

Cut 14 (09) “…60-percent incentive.”

Berry says in order to remain competitive in the film arena, Louisiana needs to do what it can to keep pace with the tax credits that other states and other countries are offering to lure these jobs away.

Cut 15 (09) “…years in advance.”

____________________________________________

LSU coach Lane Kiffin says his team still has not started tackling, but he’s liked what he’s seen so far during fall camp.

Cut 16 (10) “…and playing physical.”

The Tigers hold their first scrimmage of preseason practice tomorrow. The team put on full pads for the first time this week, and Kiffin says there is a lot more work to be done.

Kiffin and coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. are known for their aggressive play calling, especially on fourth down. Kiffin says his teams have led the trend of going for it on fourth down more often, and they’re starting to see that replicated across the country.

Cut 17 (19) “…time to change.”

___________________________________________________

LSU left tackle Jordan Seaton was a five-star addition out of the transfer portal this offseason. He has gotten a lot of practice reps against two more top transfer additions — edge rushers Princewill Umanmielen and Jordan Ross. He says they compliment each other well.

Cut 18 (13) “..honest every day.”

The Tigers ranked bottom in the SEC in both rushing yards and touchdowns last season. Seaton says changing that is a top priority.

Cut 19 (14) “…on my stance.”

Coach Lane Kiffin’s 2025 Ole Miss team led the league in rushing touchdowns and was second in total rushing yards.

___________________________________________________

The Saints kick off their preseason versus the Jaguars tomorrow. Former LSU receiver Barion Brown has been one of the stars of training camp, and he’ll play a big role as both a pass catcher and returner with the starters out tomorrow. Receiver Chris Olave says Brown reminds him a lot of former Saint Rashid Shaheed.

Cut 20 (13) “…and his future.”

Kickoff in the Superdome is at three p.m.

 

5:30 LRN Newscast

An attorney for LSU Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU asking the school to stop using his name, image and likeness after the Tigers issued his number-five jersey to sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says has a point…

Cut 9 (11)  “…strong argument.”

Coach Lane Kiffin said Pickett was promised the number five by the  previous coaching staff during his recruitment, and he wanted to honor that promise.

 

A former police officer accused of plotting a mass shooting at Jazz Fest back in April is a free man after a grand jury declines to indict him. 45-year-old Christopher Gillum was released from jail on June 30th after Attorney General Liz Murrill dropped the charges against him. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says while Gillum is off the hook for now, that doesn’t mean he’s completely out of the woods.

Cut 5 (13) “…jury for rec

 

The Louisiana Public Service Commission will not require Meta to provide exact numbers on how many people will work at the AI data center in Richland Parish and how much energy it will use. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A 69 year old Opelousas man is dead after police say he was attacked by two dogs early yesterday morning. Authorities say Horace Brooks was walking down South Court Street just after midnight when Kimberly Faulk arrived home with her dogs.  Authorities say Faulk’s been charged with negligent homicide.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett addressed the cease-and-desist letter former LSU Heisman-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels’ attorney sent LSU after he felt disrespected the team gave his old number five to Pickett.

Cut 21(09)  “…so that’s all.”

No other LSU player has worn the number of a Heisman-winning Tiger. Coach Lane Kiffin stood by his comments last week that he felt he owed the number to Pickett after it was promised to him by the previous coaching staff. Daniels said in an Instagram post that he is focused on Commanders training camp and he hopes his team and LSU can resolve everything privately.

Eighth-overall pick Jordyn Tyson left the Saints’ joint practice with the Jaguars early with a lower-body injury. New-Orleans-dot-football reported rumors it was a hamstring injury that did not seem severe, but head coach Kellen Moore said the team would know more soon. Tyson jogged off under his own power. The wide receiver dealt with a hamstring injury leading up to and after the draft.

LSU coach Lane Kiffin said transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt has settled into his role with the team. He said Leavitt was excited to show his teammates what he could do when he returned from injury.

Cut 22 (08) “…quarterback position.”

LSU wide receiver Winston Watkins was not seen at a third straight practice session open to media. Kiffin says he does not comment on individual injuries, but Watkins was having a good camp and they hope he returns soon.

Saints head coach Kellen Moore said Tyler Shough had a positive day during the team’s practice with Jacksonville. Shough says he is building a special connection with receiver Chris Olave.

Cut 20 (08) “…top notch.”

The Pelicans announced their schedule for this season. New Orleans tips off the season October 21 at home against the Pacers. Their two games against the Spurs in Europe are their only nationally televised games.