2:30 LRN Newscast

The closed party primaries are over; and thus, the race for the U.S. Senate moves to the general election phase. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

So, what’s next for John Fleming following the loss? LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow says the 74-year-old will continue working as State Treasurer and will likely seek re-election next year…

Cut 12 (05) “…stature.”

Recovery efforts are underway in Avoyelles Parish following the historic flooding two weeks ago.  Joey Frank, the director of the Avoyelles Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says they’re winding down the emergency supply distribution centers.

Cut 5 (10) “…and in Dupont.”

Over 15-hundred households in the Parish have reported flood damage. The state urges any homeowners who have not already done so to report damages to damage-dot-la-dot-gov.

The Manning Passing Academy brought some of the top college quarterbacks in the nation to Thibodaux this weekend, including Texas quarterback Arch Manning. Manning will return to his home state November 14 as the Tigers host the Longhorns. The New Orleans native says he’s looking forward to playing in Death Valley.

Cut 18 (08) “…we’re excited.”

It is the first meeting between the schools since 2019.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Four-star outfielder Nathaneal Davis is withdrawing his name from the MLB Draft and heading to LSU. ESPN ranked the Orlando native as the number 125 prospect in the draft. He was projected to get second-round money.

The Pelicans welcomed second-round pick Jaron Pierre today. The St. Augustine alum averaged over 17 points a game and shot 37-percent from three with SMU this season and was the Conference USA Player of the Year with Jacksonville State in 2025. He said he knew he had a good chance of staying in New Orleans.

Cut 17 (17) “…was unbelievable.”

UL-Lafayette outfielder Jayce Lacava is transferring to Western Kentucky. Lacava hit .250 in just 10 appearances for the Cajuns this season.

LSU quarterback commit Peyton Houston continues to impress, winning 247Sports’ offensive MVP at Nike’s The Opening Finals this weekend. Houston led Team Southwest, which also featured Franklin Parish LSU commit Trey Martin and Brother Martin receiver Easton Royal, to the finals of the 7-on-7 tournament while leading the event with over 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Royal, a five-star Texas commit, also praised Houston on social media. Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning attended the Manning Passing Academy this weekend. The New Orleans native says he’s been involved in recruiting the fellow Crescent City standout.

Cut 19 (17) “…he does next.”

LSU and Florida are still fighting to flip Royal.

LRN AM Newscall June 29

Researchers at LSU Health Shreveport are finding new ways to prevent heat-related illness in high school athletes. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Governor Landry has used his line-item veto power to slash 12-million dollars from three budget bills. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Republican and Democratic voters have nominated their candidates for U.S. Senate. Andrew Greenstein is at Julia Letlow’s watch party with details.

Cut 3 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU Health Shreveport Associate Professor Dr. Cory Coehoorn (KOO-horn) received a grant of over 200-thousand dollars to research heat-related illness in high school athletes. The study will work with around 100 football players around the state. Coehoorn says the goal is to use A-I and machine learning to predict internal temperatures.

Cut 4 (13) “…it even starts.”

Coehoorn says heat-related illness is a major problem for high school athletes, especially in the south, and heat-related deaths are steadily rising. He says football players in particular are susceptible due to their pads and equipment.

Cut 5 (11) “…gear prevents that.”

While early morning and late evening practices that avoid the highest temperatures can certainly help, Coehoorn says it’s a blanket solution. He says every athlete reacts to heat differently.

Cut 6 (09) “…a detrimental state.”

While the technology is being developed, Coehoorn recommends coaches let athletes acclimate themselves to the heat, ensure they stay hydrated and provide ample rest.

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Governor Landry vetoed 78 projects from three budget bills, slashing more than 12-million dollars from the state’s budget in the process. Melinda Deslatte with the Public Affairs Research Council says her organization’s concerns about these projects are not about the projects themselves, but rather how they were added to the budget.

Cut 7 (14) “…statewide holistic basis.”

Deslatte points out that unlike last year, when Landry’s vetoes were aimed at his fellow Republicans, namely those who voted against his signature insurance reform measure, this year’s vetoes were aimed at Democratic districts.

Cut 8 (10) “…area as well.”

Unlike other vetoes that Landry issued, which were accompanied by letters explaining his reasons for those vetoes, Landry’s letter only listed the line items he was vetoing and offered no explanation. Deslatte says that leaves people to speculate that Landry only did this for political retaliation; and if that’s indeed the case, Landry would by no means be the first governor to take this approach.

Cut 9 (13)  “…political party affiliation.”

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U-S Representative Julia Letlow took a major step on Saturday night to becoming the next U-S Senator for Louisiana as she won the Republican Party primary runoff in the senate race. Letlow received 57-percent of the vote to defeat State Treasurer John Fleming…

Cut 10 (12) “..win this thing.”   (cheering) 

Letlow, who hails from the Monroe area has served in the U-S House since 2021. She won a special election after her husband, Luke Letlow, died from COVID complications days before he was set to be sworn in as the Representative for the 5th Congressional District. Letlow is on the verge of replacing outgoing Senator Bill Cassidy…

Cut 11 (15) “…all of you.”    (cheering)

There was some thought that Fleming had the momentum heading into Saturday’s election, but LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Fleming could not overcome President Trump’s endorsement of the Congresswoman…

Cut 12 (10) “…begin with.”

Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Letlow will likely win easily on November third…

Cut 13 (08)  “…United States Senate.”

Letlow’s main competition on November third will be Tensas Parish crop farmer Jamie Davis, who easily won the Democratic Party nomination, receiving 80-percent of the vote to defeat Gary Crockett. Davis says his grassroots campaign is just getting started…

Cut 14 (13) “…ground up.”  (woo-hoo) 

Davis says Letlow has voted for policies that have made it harder on Louisiana families…

Cut 15 (15) “…as for a promotion.”

Letlow’s supporters are excited about her big win on Saturday night…

Cut 16 (15) “…for her.”

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LSU women’s basketball great Sylvia Fowles was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame this weekend. Fowles helped the Lady Tigers to four straight Final Fours, averaging a double-double and being named SEC and National Defensive Player of the Year and a three-time All-American along the way. The Florida native says it was head coach Sue Gunter who brought her to Baton Rouge.

Cut 17 (18) “…you want.”

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The Manning Passing Academy brought some of the top college quarterbacks in the nation to Thibodaux this weekend. Texas quarterback Arch Manning will return to his home state November 14 as the Tigers host the Longhorns. The New Orleans native says he’s looking forward to playing in Death Valley.

Cut 18 (08) “…we’re excited.”

Like Manning, Texas received another commitment from a top-rated Crescent City prospect in five-star Brother Martin receiver Easton Royal. Royal committed to the Longhorns in November, but Florida and LSU are still fighting to flip the playmaker. Manning says that he’s been involved in Royal’s recruitment.

Cut 19 (17) “…he does next.”

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was also at the camp. There may be no game on the 2026 college football schedule more highly anticipated than Lane Kiffin and LSU’s trip to Ole Miss. Chambliss says he can’t wait for that gameday atmosphere.

Cut 20 (13) “…win that day.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Five-star Sam Houston offensive lineman Albert Simien committed to Notre Dame. He chose the Irish over LSU, Ole Miss and Texas A&M. Simien announced his commitment on ESPN.

Cut 20 (10) “…the program.”

Simien is a top-five prospect in Louisiana and one of the nation’s highest-rated interior offensive linemen.

Former St. Thomas More baseball star Tanner Hornback is returning to Lafayette. The infielder has spent the last two seasons with UT-Tyler and is transferring to UL-Lafayette. He started all 63 games and hit .356 with 43 RBIs.

Nicholls basketball coach Tevon Saddler will leave the Colonels to become the new head coach for the NBA G League’s Capital City Go-Go. Saddler led Nicholls to back-to-back winning seasons. With the departure of the head coach, the transfer portal has reopened for the Colonels roster.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of fame welcomes its 2026 class this weekend. Former Northwestern State and Bossier Parish Community College coach Mike McConathy is the winningest college basketball coach in state history. He was also a standout point guard at Louisiana Tech. In 2006, he led the Demons to an NCAA tournament upset win over 15th-ranked Iowa. He says that team was built on the ones that came before it.

Cut 10 (10) “…how to win.”

Former Florien coach Dewain Strother is the second-winningest high school girls basketball coach in the nation. He led the Lady Black Cats to six state championships and 21 Final Fours. Strother says he was blessed by talented players.

Cut 11 (13) “…that I love.”

3:30 LRN Newscast

A state park in Calcasieu Parish will undergo a multi-year restoration. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Lake Charles five-star offensive lineman Albert Simien announced his commitment to Notre Dame live on ESPN today. The top-ranked o-lineman in the state faked out a packed Sam Houston gym with an LSU hat before switching to Ole Miss and finally landing on the Irish. 247Sports ranks Simeon third at his position nationwide.

Jefferson Parish officials and Loop Linen Service broke ground on a 25-million-dollar project to keep the family-owned company in the parish. Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission Executive Director Jerry Bologna says the location near the intersection of U.S. 90 and Louisiana Highway 18 had lots of green space but lacked required infrastructure. He says the project also includes half-a-million-dollars from the state and 350-thousand-dollas from the parish council.

Cut 5 (07) “…future development.”

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame inducts its 2026 class tomorrow night. Former Florien coach Dewain Strother is the second-winningest high school girls basketball coach in the nation. Strother says he was blessed by talented players.

Cut 11 (13) “…that I love.”

12:30 LRN Newscast

Jefferson Parish officials and Loop Linen Service broke ground on a 25-million-dollar project to keep the family-owned company in the parish. Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission Executive Director Jerry Bologna says Loop Linen had outgrown their previous facilities and was looking to move. He says retaining these businesses is key to economic development.

Cut 3 (11) “…support them.”

Sam Houston Jones State Park in Calcasieu Parish will be undergoing a major restoration after sustaining significant damage from Hurricane Laura and other storms. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says Woodside Energy is exclusively funding the project, committing five-million dollars for the restoration.

Cut 8 (13) “…State of Louisiana.”

The race to represent the Republican Party in the 2026 U-S Senate election comes to an end Saturday night as the primary runoff between Julia Letlow and John Fleming will be decided. Negative ads have been prominent in this campaign as the two sides try to distinguish themselves as the more conservative candidate. Letlow has continuously pointed out that she has the endorsement of President Trump…

Cut 12 (12) “…desperate ads.”

Fleming says Letlow supported DEI initiatives during her interview to become president of ULM. Letlow, however, says she is anti-DEI and that is why she authored the Parents Bill of Rights Act. Flemming says that act did not pass, and there’s very little Letlow can point since she was elected to the US House of Representatives in 2021…

Cut 14 (10) “..into law.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame 2026 induction ceremony is tomorrow night in Natchitoches. Former LSU second baseman Warren Morris is one of the inductees. Morris, of course, blasted the iconic walk-off homer to win the 1996 College World Series. He says he was as shocked as anyone.

Cut 19 (19) “…so many teammates.”

Also being inducted are Saints wide receiver Joe Horn, Tigers center Todd McClure, LSU basketball coach John Brady and Lady Tigers center Sylvia Fowles.

Former LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson dropped 28 points, nine rebounds and three steals in the Storm’s 99-88 win over the Liberty last night. Her career night helped snap an 11-game losing streak.

Nicholls men’s basketball coach Tevon Saddler is heading to the NBA G League. Saddler was named head coach of the Wizards’ G League affiliate, Capital City Go-Go. He’s led the Colonels to a 54-and-46 record in three seasons as head coach and is coming off back-to-back 20-win seasons. The 31-year-old becomes the second-youngest G League coach.

LSU softball transfer Tori Edwards committed to Florida yesterday. The former SEC Freshman of the Year. She hit .284 with 45 RBIs this season. The Tigers and Gators are scheduled to face off the third week of the 2027 season.

Sam Houston five-star offensive lineman Albert Simien is set to announce his commitment today. The 6-4, 280-pound prospect is a top-20 recruit nationwide and has offers from LSU, Notre Dame, Nebraska Texas A&M and more. His decision will be broadcast on ESPN around 1 p.m.

Michigan guard Elliot Cadeau announced he’ll be staying with the Wolverines. When the transfer portal reopened for the Michigan roster after the departure of head coach Dusty May, LSU was reportedly interested in last year’s Final Four MVP.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Brother Martin five-star receiver Easton Royal took his final official visit to Texas this past weekend after trips to LSU and Florida. TigerBait-dot-com’s Preston Guy says Lane Kiffin will have to open up the LSU pocketbook if he wants to flip the nation’s top receiver.

Cut 17 (17) “…high school players.”

He believes LSU is starting to approach Texas’s NIL offer, and a flip is likely if the Tigers can remain competitive.

The SEC released the home and away schedule for LSU men’s basketball. The Tigers have home and away games against Auburn, Arkansas and Texas A&M. Will Wade’s squad will host Florida, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Vanderbilt take road trips to Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Missouri and Oklahoma.

Calvary Baptist was named the 2026 national high school champions by MaxPreps-dot-com. The Lady Cavaliers earned their sixth state title in a row with a 37-and-1 record this season.

The Shrine on Airline will undergo a 30-million-dollar transformation into a venue hosting high school football, soccer, concerts and more. Construction is scheduled to be completed June of next year.

Former Ragin’ Cajuns utility player Miki Watts is transferring to ULM. She appeared in 24 games this season, hitting .325 with 10 RBIS in only 40 at-bats. She’ll join a Warhawk team that went 38-and-20 this season and finished first in the Sun Belt with a 19-and-5 conference record.

The U.S. Men’s National Team will play its final World Cup group stage game tonight against Turkey. The U.S. has already clinched first in the group and will likely play Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32. Manager Mauricio Pochettino likely won’t risk playing four starters with yellow cards. Kickoff in LA is scheduled for 9 p.m.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU is building momentum in its effort to flip Texas wide receiver commit Easton Royal. The Brother Martin product is the top receiver in the nation and committed to the Longhorns in November. Tigerbait-dot-com’s Preston Guy says the Tigers’ pursuit of Louisiana’s top prospect has ramped up since Lane Kiffin arrived in Baton Rouge.

Cut 16 (13) “…’til signing day.”

The Shrine on Airline is receiving a 30-million-dollar renovation to convert the baseball stadium into a multi-use venue. The renovation will add a football field and visitor sideline seating for the first time. Director of the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission, Jerry Bologna, says it will host John Curtis and Catholic League football games.

Cut 7 (11) “…view the game.”

The NCAA is introducing a new five-for-five eligibility model, granting athletes five years to play up to five seasons and effectively eliminating redshirts. That window starts either when the athlete initially enrolls in college or turns 19, whichever is first. Hunt Palmer of ESPN Radio in Baton Rouge says the new rule will be a positive for college athletics.

Cut 19 (17) “…to play basketball.”

Former LSU center Naz Reid was traded to the Hornets in exchange for All-Star Guard LaMelo Ball. The Timberwolves also sent a 2033 first and a slew of second-round picks.

Former Tigers pitcher Gage Jump was lights out again last night, allowing just three hits and a walk in five innings. With nine Ks, Jump struck out half of the batters he faced in his sixth major league start. He’s posting a 2.04 ERA with 35 strikeouts and 10 walks on the season.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Brother Martin wide receiver Easton Royal finished his official visits this weekend with a trip to Texas. The Longhorns commit is the top receiver in the class, and LSU and Florida have led the charge to flip his commitment. Tigerbait.com’s Preston Guy says the Tigers are building momentum.

Cut 19 (18) “…enticed with.”

Guy says the Texas visit was largely business. While LSU’s NIL offer may not be as much as the Longhorns’, he believes it’s getting closer.

The Tigers are making headway on flipping another Texas commit. Four-star safety Greedy James committed to the Longhorns nearly seven months ago, but both 247Sports and On3.com have switched their predictions to LSU. 2-4-7 ranks him as the number five safety in the country and the 11th overall prospect in the Lone Star State.

Former LSU head coach Brian Kelly is headed to the broadcast booth. Kelly signed a deal with CBS Sports as a color analyst, mostly calling Mountain West football games this season. He will also be on their weekday studio show, Inside College Football.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame will welcome a new class of 12 Louisiana sports icons this weekend. Former LSU and Atlanta Falcons center Todd McClure is one of four Tigers to be honored. A Baton Rouge native, McClure says he’s honored to join such a special group.

Cut 6 (11) “…truly humbled.”

McClure was a four-year starter at LSU and a first-team All-American. He’s joined by former Saints wide receiver and Falcons teammate Joe Horn in the 2026 class.

The Pelicans did not trade into the first round of the NBA draft despite reports that forward Trey Murphy may want out of New Orleans. The Pels hold the 58th overall pick in tonight’s second round.