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.

1:30 LRN Sportscast

LDWF agents in Avoyelles Parish rescued 86 people and 20 pets during last week’s historic flooding. Region commander for the area Captain John Volentine says along with trucks and vessels, agents used the department’s two amphibious vehicles to rescue people stranded by the floodwaters.

Cut 4 (12) “…parish like Avoyelles.”

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree battery after attacking a critic at a restaurant near Madisonville. District Attorney Collin Sims says Smith retired as part of the plea deal and can reduce the felony conviction to a misdemeanor if he completes an 18-month treatment program addressing his alcohol issues.

Cut 10 (08) “…that caused it.”

Planned Parenthood is coming back to Louisiana, with the first reopening happening this fall in New Orleans. Emily Wales, the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, says her network took over Louisiana following the closure of the last clinic in the state last September.

Cut 12 (07) “…make that happen.”

Former LSU center Todd McClure is headed to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. After four seasons as a Tiger, McClure was taken by the Falcons in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft. After an ACL injury his rookie season, McClure started 195 games over 14 years in Atlanta and was added to their Ring of Honor in 2022. He says Atlanta was a second home for him.

Cut 8 (11) “…see it now.”

McClure was a first-team All-American at LSU.

12:30 LRN Newscast

In St. Tammany, Randy Smith pleads guilty to attacking a critic of his at a Madisonville restaurant and he also resigns as sheriff. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Louisiana lawmakers approved Governor Landry’s executive order redirecting 168 million dollars in non-instructional public school funding to give stipends to teachers. The order has been blocked by a temporary restraining order following a lawsuit filed last week. A hearing to determine the future of the order will be held Monday.

President Trump is meeting with Republican Senators behind closed doors today. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s interested to hear what he has to say about peace negotiations with Iran. The outgoing U.S. Senator has criticized the peace deal, calling it a foreign policy blunder.

Cut 11 (11) “…Strait of Hormuz.”

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame will welcome a new class of 12 Louisiana sports icons. Former LSU and Atlanta Falcons center Todd McClure is one of the 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.”

The other three Tigers set to be inducted are second baseman Warren Morris, center Sylvia Fowles and basketball coach John Brady.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Former LSU and Atlanta Falcons center Todd McClure will be one of 12 inductees joining the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame this weekend. In 1995, McClure arrived at an LSU program coming off six straight losing seasons. He says playing for the Tigers was a dream come true.

Cut 7 (12) “…anywhere else.”

Construction officially began in New Orleans on the Raising Cane’s 9th Ward Stadium at LCMC Health Field. Stacy Martin, the secretary for the board of Ninth Ward Stadium Incorporated, says they hope to one day add an adjacent track and field complex.

Cut 18 (15) “…work to do.”

Former Ponchatoula High School star Allen Graves was selected 19th overall by the Raptors in the NBA draft last night. Graves led the Green Wave to consecutive D-1 non-select state titles his junior and senior years and was named Louisiana Mr. Basketball. He was the West Coast Conference freshman and sixth man of the year after helping Santa Clara to its first NCAA tournament appearance in 30 years. He says he’ll bring that same winning mentality to Toronto.

Cut 19 (16) “…needs of me.”

Former Newman standout Chris Cenac Jr. was drafted 27th overall by the Celtics. Cenac led the Greenies to a state championship in 2024 and led Houston in rebounds as a freshman this season.

After all the rumors, the Pelicans did not make a move into the first round of the draft last night. They’ll have the 58th overall pick in tonight’s second round.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The NCAA approved the new five-for-five eligibility model. Athletes will now have five seasons of eligibility to be completed within a five-year window that starts either when the athlete enrolls full-time at any college or the first academic year after their 19th birthday. It essentially grants an extra season of eligibility but eliminates medical redshirts and exemptions for other extenuating circumstances. Maternity leave, religious exemptions, and military service are the only exceptions.

Pete Nakos of On3.com reported LSU is one of the frontrunners to land Oregon freshman transfer Angel Laya. The Freshman All-American outfielder hit .296 with 14 home runs and 47 RBIs and recorded no errors in 59 starts. Texas, Texas A&M, and Georgia are the others pursuing the slugger.

Former Tigers pitcher Kade Anderson is leading all of minor league baseball with a 1.02 ERA, .152 batting average allowed and 0.65 WHIP. The 2025 third overall pick is currently 7-and-0 with the Mariners’ Double-A affiliate, the Arkansas Travelers.

LSU Softball signed Notre Dame transfer Mickey Winchell. Winchell is currently the only incoming portal signee for the Tigers who have lost eight transfers after a Super Regional appearance this year. Winchell has one year of eligibility after starting four years in South Bend. She hit .335 and drew 25 walks while striking out only 10 times this season.

Louisiana Tech freshman infielder Casey McCoy announced he’ll be entering the transfer portal. The Dutchtown High product hit .281 with five homers. He recorded a .952 fielding percentage in 51 starts for the Bulldogs.

UL Lafayette received two more football commitments over the weekend. Wylie, Texas native Jabriran Blake plays quarterback now but is being recruited by the Cajuns as a defensive back with a blazing 4.35 40-yard dash. Adarius Hines is a 6-foot-6, 325-pound offensive lineman out of East View, Texas who chose UL over Texas State and North Texas.

Just when you thought it was over, the Brendan Sorsby saga continued today as the NFL declined to hold a supplemental draft this summer. A player has not been taken in a supplemental draft since 2019 and the last one held was in 2023.