LRN PM Newscall August 26

The SEC passed a rule banning former pros from returning to college sports, but Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says it will not end the legal chaos. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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With SpaceX planning to launch rockets in coastal Vermilion Parish, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette says it can help build the state’s space economy. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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SEC presidents unanimously approved a policy to ban former professional football and basketball players from returning to play for a member school. This rule blocks LSU from signing ex-NFL commits Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, as well as basketball signee RJ Luis, who all received Baton Rouge court rulings allowing their return. Tiger Rag executive editor Todd Horne expects more lawsuits now targeting the SEC.

Cut 3 (13) “…we’ve learned that.”

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has been given unlimited authority to enforce the rule, and schools face severe consequences. Horne, though, says that power could still be limited.

Cut 4 (11) “…state of Louisiana.”

A hearing in the case that gave Wright and Harris temporary eligibility will be held on Monday. The athletes’ legal representatives have already suggested legal action against the SEC. Horne says, at the end of the day, the SEC is just a conference.

Cut 5 (14) “…N-C-double-A.”

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The University of Louisiana at Lafayette says it is prepared to power Louisiana’s space future with the announcement that SpaceX will build a 100-billion-dollar rocket launching facility in coastal Vermilion Parish. University President Dr. Ramesh Kolluru says UL-Lafayette is positioned to educate the workforce.

Cut 6 (10) “…are project managers.”

SpaceX is expected to hire three thousand permanent employees, and founder Elon Musk believes the number of SpaceX workers could grow to ten thousand at the Louisiana Starbase site. Kolluru says university researchers can also advance technologies that support space exploration.

Cut 7 (12) “…workforce development needs.”

Kolluru says he envisions the University serving as an anchor for an emerging space and innovation corridor connecting Lafayette and the Vermilion coast.

Cut 8 (12) “…and its operation.”

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A Lake Charles police corporal is recognized for his work in talking a potentially suicidal man down from the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Deputy Chief Larry Moss says on August 13th, they got a call about a man sitting on a bridge truss beyond the safety railing – and that’s when Corporal Dakota Baccigalopi (boss-uh-GAHL-uh-pee) went into action.

Cut 9 (09)  “…very professional.”

Deputy Chief Moss says through Baccigalopi’s efforts, the ordeal came to an end without further incident.

Cut 10 (13) “…get some help.”

The crest of the Calcasieu River Bridge is about 150 feet above the water, and Moss says it’s chilling just to look at the footage, let alone actually to be on top of the swaying bridge that high above the water.

Cut 11 (08) “…at that point.”

Police Chief Shawn Caldwell recognized Corporal Baccigalopi’s heroism by presenting him with a certificate of recognition and the Chief’s Challenge Coin.

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Meta agrees to pay 17-billion dollars to Louisiana and 46 other states to settle a lawsuit over teen social media addiction. The states claimed that Meta plays a significant role in the youth mental health crisis by creating features that keep teens addicted while misleading the public about them. Meta Chief Legal Officer C.J. Mahoney says Meta has agreed to make a series of changes.

Cut 12 (12) “…our whole industry.”

Mahoney says that framework will only work with the cooperation from all its peers.

Cut 13 (11) “…framework right away.”

Louisiana will receive more than 180-million dollars over the next nine years in its portion of the settlement.

 

1:30 LRN Newscast

SEC presidents unanimously approved a policy to ban former professional football and basketball players from returning to play for a member school. This rule blocks LSU from signing ex-NFL commits Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, as well as basketball signee RJ Luis. Tiger Rag executive editor Todd Horne expects more lawsuits now targeting the SEC.

Cut 3 (13) “…we’ve learned that.”

Meta agrees to pay 17-billion dollars to Louisiana and 46 other states to settle a lawsuit over teen social media addiction. Meta Chief Legal Officer C.J. Mahoney says Meta has agreed to make a series of changes.

Cut 12 (12) “…our whole industry.” 

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette says it is prepared to power Louisiana’s space future with the announcement that SpaceX will build a 100-billion-dollar rocket launching facility in coastal Vermilion Parish. University President Dr. Ramesh Kolluru says UL Lafayette is positioned to educate the workforce.

Cut 6 (09) “…project managers.”

SpaceX is expected to hire three thousand permanent employees, and founder Elon Musk believes that number could grow to ten thousand.

A Lake Charles police corporal is recognized for his work in talking a potentially suicidal man down from the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Deputy Chief Larry Moss says on August 13th, they got a call about a man sitting on a bridge truss beyond the safety railing – and that’s when Corporal Dakota Baccigalopi (boss-uh-GAHL-uh-pee) went into action.

Cut 9 (09)  “…very professional.”

11:30 LRN Newscast

SpaceX plans to build the largest rocket launching facility in the world on roughly 125-thousand acres near Pecan Island in Vermilion Parish. The 100-billion-dollar spaceport will bring thousands of jobs to Acadiana. SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell says once operational, SpaceX will launch multiple rockets a day, but it will also take steps towards protecting the coast.

Cut 13 (09)  “…projects start immediately.”

As the world mourns the passing of Dolly Parton, we’re hearing from a Natchitoches woman who served as her local stand-in when she was in that city filming “Steel Magnolias” in the summer of 1988. Jacque (“jackie”) Horton says Dolly may have been one of the biggest celebrities on the planet back then, but you wouldn’t have known it by spending time with her.

Cut 10 (07) “…most beautiful woman.”

An emotional celebration of life ceremony in Baton Rouge for legendary LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (38) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Meta agrees to pay 17-billion dollars to Louisiana and 46 other states to settle a lawsuit over teen social media addiction. The states claimed that Meta plays a significant role in the youth mental health crisis by creating features that keep teens addicted while misleading the public about them.

10:30 LRN Newscast

An emotional celebration of life in Baton Rouge for legendary LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 88. Ben McDonald was a star pitcher for Bertman from 1986 until 1989 and recalled seeing Bertman in the hospital shortly before his passing.

Cut 8 (16) “…see Coach Bertman.”

There were some scary moments during the celebration as Governor Landry, East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards and other dignitaries had to be evacuated due to a social media threat. LSU campus police say 18-year-old Devriana Thomas posted an image on Instagram from the Student Union during the ceremony, threatening to shoot up the school. Police say Thomas told them she was upset because she couldn’t get a package from the student union.

SpaceX says it will take steps towards protecting the Louisiana coast as it builds its 125-thousand-acre launch facility in Vermilion Parish. SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell says another of its initiatives is to rebuild the marshlands.

Cut 15 (09) “…coast has lost.”

The 100-billion-dollar spaceport will bring thousands of jobs to Acadiana.

As we remember the life and career of Dolly Parton, we look back to the summer of 1988 when she was in Natchitoches filming “Steel Magnolias.” During the filming, each cast member had his or her own RV. Jacque (“jackie”) Horton, who was Dolly’s local stand-in, remembers that those responsible for locating the cast members probably could have done a better job with Dolly’s initial location.

Cut 12 (12) “…little more recluse.”

9:30 LRN Newscast

Former players, coaches, administrators and the LSU community joined the family of Skip Bertman in celebrating the life of the legendary baseball coach and athletic director, who died August 14th at the age of 88. LSU’s current athletic director, Verge Ausberry, paid tribute to his predecessor, using the nickname he had given himself, playing off his Jewish faith.

Cut 9 (11)  “…the chosen one.”

The controversy surrounding the state Republican Party’s endorsement of Blake Miguez over Rick Edmonds could culminate in a re-vote. Tyler Bridges, a political reporter with The Advocate, says an endorsement from the state Republican party means a huge advantage for the candidate getting that nod.

Cut 5 (10) “…congressional district race.”

SpaceX announces plans to launch from coastal Louisiana in Vermilion Parish and the aerospace manufacturer also wants to protect the state’s coastline. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Players who hope to play for LSU after signing professional contracts can now pretty much forget it. The SEC has unanimously passed a new rule stating that anyone who has signed a contract with the NFL, the NBA or the WNBA cannot play for any of its member institutions. The new rule gives Commissioner Greg Sankey the power to impose penalties on violators.

LRN AM Newscall August 26

An emotional celebration of life ceremony in Baton Rouge for legendary LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (38) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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As the world remembers Dolly Parton, we’re hearing from a Natchitoches woman who served as her local stand-in as she was in town filming a major motion picture. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (51) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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SpaceX announces plans to launch from coastal Louisiana in Vermilion Parish and the aerospace manufacturer also wants to protect the state’s coastline. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Sunday’s endorsement of Blake Miguez in the district six race for U.S. Congress might not be the last word in that contest. The executive committee’s decision raised some eyebrows within Republican circles. Tyler Bridges, a political reporter with The Advocate,” says the nod came after more members of the state Republican central committee chose to back Miguez’s most prominent GOP opponent, Rick Edmonds.

Cut 4 (06) “…Louisiana Republican Party.”

Bridges says an endorsement from the state Republican party means a huge advantage for the candidate getting that nod.

Cut 5 (10) “…congressional district race.”

Bridges says Governor Landry has also expressed outrage over the decision, and it’s possible that the infighting could lead to a re-vote.

Cut 6 (06) “…of both candidates.”

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Former players, coaches, administrators and the LSU community joined the family of Skip Bertman in celebrating the life of the legendary baseball coach and athletic director, who died August 14th at the age of 88. LSU’s current head baseball coach, Jay Johnson, noted that Bertman was in Omaha for both times he led the team to the national championship, and he told a story of what Bertman told him before the second game against Coastal Carolina in the 2025 championship series.

Cut 7 (12) “…better win today.”

Ben McDonald was a star pitcher for Bertman from 1986 until 1989 and recalled seeing Bertman in the hospital shortly before his passing.

Cut 8 (16) “…see Coach Bertman.”

LSU’s current athletic director, Verge Ausberry – who played football for LSU while Bertman was coaching the baseball team – paid tribute to his predecessor, using the nickname he had given himself, playing off his Jewish faith.

Cut 9 (11)  “…the chosen one.”

__________________________________________

As the world mourns the passing of Dolly Parton, we’re hearing from a Natchitoches woman who served as her local stand-in when she was in that city filming “Steel Magnolias” in the summer of 1988. Jacque (“jackie”) Horton says Dolly may have been one of the biggest celebrities on the planet back then, but you wouldn’t have known it by spending time with her.

Cut 10 (07) “…most beautiful woman.”

Horton says Dolly made everyone around her feel important, including learning people’s names.

Cut 11 (08) “…lots of us.”

During the filming of “Steel Magnolias” in Natchitoches, each cast member had his or her own RV. Horton remembers that those responsible for locating the cast members probably could have done a better job with Dolly’s initial location.

Cut 12 (12) “…little more recluse.”

But Dolly thoroughly enjoyed her time in Natchitoches, so much so that she joined the Northwestern State marching band in a rendition of her hit song “9 to 5” to the delight of the Demons crowd.

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SpaceX plans to build the largest rocket launching facility in the world on roughly 125-thousand acres near Pecan Island in Vermilion Parish. The 100-billion-dollar spaceport will bring thousands of jobs to Acadiana. SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell says once operational, SpaceX will launch multiple rockets a day, but it will also take steps towards protecting the coast.

Cut 13 (09)  “…projects start immediately.”

Shotwell says in Vermilion Parish, the coastline is eroding between three and 23 feet per year. She says part of their mission in Louisiana is to protect and restore the coast.

Cut 14 (10) “…and wildlife conservation”

Shotwell says another of its initiatives is to rebuild the marshlands.

Cut 15 (09) “…coast has lost.”

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LSU welcomed 12 newcomers to the 13-man wide receiver room this offseason. Florida transfer Tre Wilson was the highest-rated transfer addition to the room. He says he’s enjoyed building chemistry with quarterback Sam Leavitt, who is one of the smartest football players he’s met.

Cut 16 (16) “…of the receivers.”

Wilson was a five-star recruit out of high school and totaled 538 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman for the Gators. His career was derailed by a hip surgery that limited him to four games in 2024 and a high ankle sprain that cut last season short. He says all he can do is learn from it.

Cut 17 (16) “…go with it.”

There are nine new transfers in the receiver room, and players and coaches have not confirmed a top target to emerge. Wilson will likely be in the initial top four, but he says the competition is still wide open.

Cut 18 (11) “…watch for sure.”

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The Saints added a pair of former Raiders this week. New Orleans made a trade with the 49ers for running back Zamir White as injuries piled up in the backfield. White says he was shocked by the trade, but he has had a good time with the team so far and is excited to compete for a roster spot.

Cut 19 (13) “…grateful for it.”

New Orleans also signed two-time All-Pro kicker Daniel Carlson to compete with Tannar Hudson and Charlie Smyth. Carlson, whose family is living in Auburn, says he’d been in contact with New Orleans throughout the offseason.

Cut 20 (15) “…the season’s going.”

Both will have a chance to win a place on the roster in the final preseason game against the Cowboys Friday night.

 

5:30 LRN Newscast

It had been rumored for days; now, those rumors can be put to rest – SpaceX is building a 100-billion dollar launch facility on Louisiana’s coast in Vermilion Parish. It will be capable of supporting thousands of launches annually. Governor Landry says this is a pivotal moment for Louisiana.

Cut 13 (10) “…lasting prosperity.”

SpaceX expects the historic project to create at least three-thousand new jobs, if not thousands more. SpaceX president and chief operating officer Gwynne Shotwell says 60 to 80-percent of the new hires at its Texas base are local, and it plans to do that in Louisiana as well. She says a wide variety of skills will be needed.

Cut 11 (12) “…Spaceport.”

The Louisiana Republican Party’s endorsement of Blake Miguez in the sixth congressional district race is raising some eyebrows. Miguez’s most formidable GOP opponent in that race, Rick Edmonds, says the committee acted in defiance of the state central committee, saying he had the backing of more of those members than Miguez.

Cut 8 (07) “…lot of anger.”

Despite signing two NBA and G-League contracts, LSU signee RJ Luis is being allowed to return to college basketball. This, following a preliminary injunction granted by a Baton Rouge judge. Luis’ attorney, Elliot Abrams, tells WBRZ this decision is not the death of the NCAA.

Cut 4 (11) “…to reason.”

3:30 LRN Newscast

SpaceX announces plans to build its largest rocket launching facility along the coast of Vermilion Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (45) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

SpaceX is planning a series of town halls in the near future to answer questions from residents.

The Louisiana Republican Party makes its pick in the sixth congressional district race, and that’s raising some eyebrows. On Sunday, the executive committee endorsed Blake Miguez, who says he’s humbled to have the state party’s backing.

Cut 6 (07) “…congressional district six.”

But Miguez’s most formidable GOP opponent, Rick Edmonds, says the executive committee made the selection despite the fact that he got more support from the state GOP central committee.

A Baton Rouge judge grants LSU basketball signee RJ Luis a preliminary injunction allowing him to return to college basketball after signing two NBA and G League contracts. One of Luis’ attorneys, Elliot Abrams, told WBRZ in Baton Rouge that the NCAA is now essentially a professional sports league.

Cut 3 (12) “…cries wolf.”

1:30 LRN Newscast

It had been rumored for days; now, those rumors can be put to rest – SpaceX is building a 100-billion dollar launch facility on Louisiana’s coast in Vermilion Parish. It will be capable of supporting thousands of launches annually. Governor Landry says this is a pivotal moment for Louisiana.

Cut 13 (10) “…lasting prosperity.”

SpaceX expects the historic project to create at least three-thousand new jobs, if not thousands more. SpaceX president and chief operating officer Gwynne Shotwell says 60 to 80-percent of the new hires at its Texas base are local, and it plans to do that in Louisiana as well. She says a wide variety of skills will be needed.

Cut 11 (12) “…Spaceport.”

The Louisiana Republican Party endorses Blake Miguez in the sixth congressional district race.

Cut 7 (09) “…Democrat to Republican.” 

But Miguez’s main GOP opponent, Rick Edmonds, says the executive committee made its choice after a majority of the central committee members picked him instead. Still, Edmonds says he’s confident in his campaign.

Cut 9 (05)  “…Democrat or otherwise.”

Despite having previously signed an NBA contract, LSU signee RJ Luis is granted a preliminary injunction to return to college basketball. One of Luis’ attorneys, Tony Clayton, told WBRZ he shared an emotional embrace with him after the ruling.

Cut 5 (07) “…kid’s shoulder.”

The NCAA is likely to appeal the decision, and the SEC could take action to rule Luis ineligible.

12:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Landry and SpaceX announce plans to build a 100-billion dollar spaceport on Louisiana’s coast in Vermilion Parish that will be capable of supporting thousands of launches annually. SpaceX president and chief operating officer Gwynne Shotwell says this spaceport will become the largest in the world.

Cut 10 (11) “..probably an airport.” 

Despite signing two NBA and G-League contracts, LSU signee RJ Luis is being allowed to return to college basketball. This, following a temporary injunction granted by a Baton Rouge judge. Luis’ attorney, Elliot Abrams, tells WBRZ this decision is not the death of the NCAA.

Cut 4 (11) “…to reason.”

The Louisiana Republican Party makes its pick in the sixth congressional district race, and some within the GOP ranks are not taking too kindly to that. On Sunday, the executive committee endorsed Blake Miguez, who says he’s humbled to have the state party’s backing.

Cut 6 (07) “…congressional district six.”

Miguez’s most formidable Republican opponent in the district six race, Rick Edmonds, is not taking too kindly to the committee’s Sunday endorsement. Edmonds says the committee acted in defiance of the sixth district central committee, saying he had the backing of more of those members than Miguez.

Cut 8 (07) “…lot of anger.”

Governor Landry is reportedly among those upset by the executive committee’s decision.

The celebration of life ceremony for legendary LSU head baseball coach and athletic director Skip Bertman will be at seven this evening at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center at LSU.