Author Archives: Kace Kieschnick

07.02.26
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU flipped four-star defensive back Greedy James from Texas. 247Sports ranks the  Manvel, Texas, native as a top-five safety in the class, but the Tigers are reportedly looking to use him as a corner.

The LSU staff is working hard to flip a few more top recruits. Five-star defensive lineman Jalen Brewster is the top-rated prospect in the class, and he’s been committed to Texas Tech since October. The 6-3, 300-pound athletic freak can have an immediate impact wherever he ends up. Geaux247’s Andre Champagne says LSU is all-in on trying to flip him.

Cut 18 (13) “…or no one.”

Memorial services for former Southern baseball coach Roger Cador will be held Monday at 6 p.m. in the Mini-Dome. Doors will be open to the public from 3 to 6. Cador passed away earlier this week at the age of 74 after a bout with brain cancer.

LSU will compete in the Live Like Lou College Baseball Classic alongside Arizona State, Iowa and Oregon State in Las Vegas. The weekend tournament is scheduled March 5th through the 7th and will feature a round-robin format with two games a day. The Tigers will stay an extra day to take on UNLV in a single game March 8.

LSU softball signed a pair of twins out the transfer portal in Mackenzie and Madison Pickens. Mackenzie played second base for Ole Miss this season and hit .271 with 43 RBIs and a team-high 52 runs scored. Madison was an All-ACC and second-team All-American outfielder with Louisville this year after setting a school record with a ,457 batting average with 74 RBIs and 11 homers.

Matchups have been announced for the first round of the Mac-Sun Belt challenge on November 2. On the men’s side, ULL hosts Akron, ULM welcomes Central Michigan and Kent State visits LA Tech. For the women, the Techsters travel to Toledo, and the Warhawks head to Ohio. A second round of games will be announced in January.

07.02.26
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1:30 LRN Newscast

With the Fourth of July all but here, the Louisiana Department of Health is urging you to make an extra effort to keep your kids safe in the water. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A 7-year-old girl in Addis died following a domestic disturbance last night. Police responded to reports of an unresponsive child and rushed her to the local children’s hospital. Detectives learned a physical altercation had taken place just before the medical emergency. A woman was also injured in the incident, and a man believed to be involved has been identified.

New Orleans is gearing up for a big Fourth of July weekend. The Essence Festival of Culture begins tomorrow, and Mary Beth Romig with New Orleans and Company says it will kick off in a most historic way.

Cut 12 (09) “…of the festival.”

Also headlining the festival are Cardi B, Latto, Brandy and Monica, Patti LaBelle and more.

The American Farm Bureau Federation found that the average ten-person Fourth of July cookout with all the fixings will cost around 7.38-per-person this year. That cost is actually down from last year’s survey when adjusted for inflation. Farm Bureau economist Faith Parum says the most expensive items in the meal are the meats. Two pounds of beef will run you around 14-dollars.

Cut 7 (11) “..beef high.”

07.02.26
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12:30 LRN Newscast

Your Fourth of July cookout may be slightly more expensive than last year, according to a survey done by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The study found the average cookout basket with summer staples like cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, strawberries, potato salad and more to feed 10 people costs around 73-dollars-and-82-cents, a four-percent increase from last year. Federation Economist Faith Parum says that’s a pretty standard rise.

Cut 6 (11) “…that inflation.”

Louisiana has a new King of Seafood, Lafayette chef Kris Allen. The Executive Chef at Pamplona Tapas Bar and Restaurant won the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off earlier this week. His career began at New Orleans restaurant Stella!, and he says Louisiana seafood is the best to cook with.

Cut 4 (09) “…second to none.”

Many families will be spending time around the pool this Fourth of July weekend. The Louisiana Department of Health is urging you to make an extra effort in keeping everyone safe. Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says you can never take too many precautions, especially with kids.

Cut 9 (09)  “…kids every minute.”

Triple-A projects more than 61-million travelers to hit the road nationwide this Fourth of July Weekend. Gas prices are at a four-year high for this time of year, coming in at 3.46-a-gallon in Louisiana, but Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says that won’t deter travelers.

Cut 28 (09) “…it’s still high.”

Triple-A says if you haven’t left already, you can expect heavy traffic in the afternoon and early evening hours. If you’re heading out tomorrow, try to leave before 11 a.m. to avoid the most congestion.

07.02.26
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

Jay Johnson added South Florida pitcher Kaden Smith out of the portal yesterday. The righty posted a 4.24 ERA in 46-and-two-thirds innings for the Bulls. The 6-2, 190-pound Florida native hurls a fastball touching 97 and struck out 52 batters.

After a slow start to the cycle, LSU has been hot on the recruiting trail and is targeting some key flips. Brother Martin five-star wideout Easton Royal is still committed to Texas, but he hasn’t shut the door on his recruitment. Geaux247’s Andre Champagne says his final decision will come down to the wire and he’ll consider more than just who offers the most money.

Cut 17 (17) “…the entire class.”

Four-star Texas DB commit Greedy James will make his decision between the Longhorns, LSU and Notre Dame this afternoon.

Former LSU star Paul Skenes had perhaps the worst outing of his young career last night, giving up a career-high seven earned runs in a 10-6 loss to the Phillies. Skenes pitched just four innings and allowed six hits, two homers and walked two batters. His season ERA is up to 3.62, and the Pirates have now lost in Skenes’ last nine starts.

LA Tech picked up a pair of in-state transfer commits yesterday. McNeese righty reliever Elliott Burrows pitched 27 innings his redshirt freshman season, striking out 32 batters with a 3.67 ERA. Nicholls junior Keegan Giger started 50 games at second base for the Colonels, batting .297 with six homers and 40 RBIs.

Tech softball landed a commitment from Michigan State sophomore pitcher Jacey Shuler. Shuler started 22 games this season and posted a 5.25 ERA with 49 strikeouts.

Former UL Lafayette pitcher Julianne Tipton is transferring to East Tennessee State. Tipton appeared in 23 games for the Cajuns and recorded a 3.78 ERA with 29 Ks.

07.01.26
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

Former Southern baseball coach Roger Cador passed away at the age of 74 after a bout with brain cancer. In 33 years leading the Jaguars, Cador helped transform the program into an HBCU powerhouse. Southern Board of Supervisors Chair Tony Clayton says the school will open the Mini-Dome to honor Cador Monday.

Cut 5 (11) “…our children.”

LSU missed out on four-star D-B Brandon Sherrard, who committed to Texas today, but Geaux247’s Andre Champagne says that could reopen the door for four-star Longhorns commit Greedy James.

Cut 19 (16) “…watch out for.”

Former LSU pitcher Kade Andersson and Anthony Eyanson were named to the American League MLB All-Star Futures Game roster. In Double-A, Anderson is 8-and-0 in 13 starts with 99 strikeouts and a 1.22 ERA. Eyanson has struck out 64 batters and posted a 1.07 ERA in 12 starts.

UL Lafayette catcher Colt Brown was named a first-team Freshman All-American by D1Baseball. Brown hit .324 with eight homers and 53 RBI. He was also a member of the Perfect Game Freshman All-American second team.

Louisiana Tech signed South Carolina transfer Jack Reynolds. The redshirt senior infielder appeared in just 17 games for the Gamecocks this season.

Starting tomorrow, the red snapper bag limit will be increased to five fish per person for the Fourth of July weekend. LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth says he hopes it will encourage families to get out on the water.

Cut 6 (12) “…that we have.”

07.01.26
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3:30 LRN Newscast

Attorney General Liz Murrill is under investigation by an Orleans Parish grand jury. Earlier this year, Murrill sent letters to Mayor Helena Moreno, five city council members and Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams, threatening to remove them from their offices over a special election for a newly-merged clerk of criminal and civil courts. Murrill said she stands by the letters she wrote.

Cut 13 (12) “…think is appropriate.”

The number of Republican voters in the state has surpassed the number of registered Democrats for the first time in Louisiana’s modern history, according to a monthly report from the Secretary of State’s office. John Couvillon of JMC Analytics and polling says the number of registered no-party voters is 820-thousand and growing.

Cut 10 (08) “…Independents.”

Former Southern baseball coach and player Roger Cador passed away yesterday. The New Roads native led the Jaguars baseball program for 33 years and transformed Southern baseball into an HBCU powerhouse. Southern Board of Supervisors Chair Tony Clayton says he asked Cador one day how he could recruit the nation’s top prospects like Golden Spikes winner Rickie Weeks.

Cut 4 (11) “…still is.”

LDWF announced a special increase of the red snapper bag limit to five per person for the Fourth of July weekend. The declaration of emergency will be in effect tomorrow through this Sunday before reverting back to the normal four-fish limit. LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth says he hopes fishing is on the agenda for your Independence Day weekend.

Cut 8 (12) “…out there.”

07.01.26
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

Legendary former Southern University Baseball coach Roger Cador passed away of brain cancer at the age of 74 yesterday. Chair of the Southern Board of Supervisors Tony Clayton says Cador brought global attention to Southern, and he asked him one day how he could bring top recruits like Golden Spikes Award-winner Rickie Weeks to Baton Rouge.

Cut 4 (11) “…still is.”

Today could be the start of a big week in LSU recruiting. Four-star corner Brandon Sherrard chose Texas over the Tigers, but that could give LSU a better shot at flipping current Longhorns defensive back commit Greedy James. He’ll announce his commitment tomorrow.

Ruston High safety Jayden Anding was scheduled to make his verbal pledge today but decided to push it back. Anding is the brother of current Tiger Aiden Anding and will likely choose between LSU and Ole Miss. Athlete Tae Walden Jr. will announce his commitment today. Walden is Rivals’ third-ranked athlete in the class and will have his pick of the nation’s top programs at 2:30.

Louisiana Tech became the newest member of the Sun Belt Conference today, replacing PAC-12-bound Texas State. Tech Athletic Director Ryan Ivey expects to compete for conference championships right away and welcomes the pressure of a new conference.

Cut 10 (09) “…compete moving forward.”

The Sun Belt sent a school to the College Football Playoff last year and had back-to-back College World Series appearances. Ivey says football season ticket sales are already up 150-thousand-dollars.

The U.S. Men’s National Team plays its first World Cup knockout stage game tonight against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Stars and Stripes went 2-and-1 in the group stage, with the lone loss coming in a meaningless match against Turkey, in which four starters sat. U.S. star Christian Pulisic will make his return to the starting lineup. Kickoff in San Francisco is at 7:00.

Former UL Lafayette pitcher Cowan Alfonso is transferring to LSU-Shreveport. Alfonso pitched only an inning-and-a-third for the Cajuns this season after transferring in from Louisiana Christian.

07.01.26
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11:30 LRN Newscast

Legendary former Southern University Baseball coach Roger Cador passed away of brain cancer at the age of 74 yesterday. Cador led the Jaguars baseball team for 33 years after taking over in 1984. Chair of the Southern Board of Supervisors Tony Clayton says he was an ambassador for the school and the first line of defense between kids and the real world.

Cut 3 (09) “…young men.”

A year after its invitation, Louisiana Tech officially joined the Sun Belt. The Bulldogs join in-state rivals ULM and UL-Lafayette in the conference. Both schools advocated for Tech to join the conference due to decreased travel costs and the renewal of historic rivalries. Louisiana Tech Athletic Director Ryan Ivey says they’re already seeing the impacts.

Cut 11 (12) “…of the schedule.”

A West Monroe man who spent 27 years on death row for the convicted murder of his ex-girlfriend’s toddler in 1993 has been released. Jimmie Duncan’s conviction was reversed by the Louisiana Supreme Court, and now prosecutors must decide to retry or dismiss the case. Duncan’s attorney Ann Ferebee says prosecutors are now on the clock.

Cut 14 (10) “…they tell us.”

Justices upheld a lower court’s decision to toss out Duncan’s 1998 conviction citing flawed forensic practices used to convict him.

The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office has released body cam footage that shows Reverend Tony Spell calling his neighbor’s son a slur, days after the pastor was arrested in the beating of the 20 year old man. Two days following that widely publicized incident deputies say they were called out on a noise complaint by the neighbor because Spell was mowing his lawn at 4am. That’s when words were exchanged and caught on tape.

06.30.26
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

A former LSU running back is arrested for allegedly causing a crash that killed two people. Baton Rouge Police Corporal Sondra Watts says 39-year-old Richard Murphy was driving recklessly back on June 14th when he ran a red light and killed 94-year-old Robert Tarver

Cut 12 (10) “…miles per hour.”

The 2007 national champion is facing two counts of vehicular homicide, reckless operation of a vehicle, driving while intoxicated and driving with a suspended license.

LSU has two Walter Camp Preseason All-Americans. Tight end Trey’Dez Green was named to the first team while offensive tackle Jordan Seaton earned second-team honors.

Rivals Summer Signing Day is tomorrow, and several top recruits will announce their commitments. The Tigers are finalists for a trio of four-stars: Ruston High safety Jayden Anding, Texas cornerback Brandon Sherrard and Tennessee athlete Tae Walden Jr.

Louisiana Tech makes its official move to the Sun Belt tomorrow after months of negotiations and legal battles. After years of weeknight Conference USA matchups, the Bulldogs will host six Saturday football games for the first time since 2017 this season. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says visiting fans will have a major impact on the community.

Cut 9 (12)  “…part of it.”

The Bulldogs host rivals ULL October 10 and Southern Miss November 14. They’ll visit ULM October 17.

Former Diamond Dogs infielder Casey McCoy announced he’d be transferring to Georgia. The Dutchtown High product started 51 games as a true freshman, averaging .281 at the plate with 28 RBIS and five homers.

North Caddo High School alum Robert Williams signed a three-year, 44-million-dollar extension with the Trailblazers. The center is entering his ninth NBA and fourth in Portland.

06.30.26
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3:30 LRN Newscast

A former LSU running back is arrested on vehicular homicide charges for allegedly causing a crash that killed two people earlier this month. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Former LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet was sentenced to 27 months in a minimum-security federal facility. In March, he pleaded guilty to his role in a kickback scheme. He will also have to pay a 40-thousand-dollar fine.

A new law signed by Governor Landry means motorists driving uninsured out-of-state vehicles in Louisiana risk getting them impounded, the same consequences faced by Louisiana vehicles without insurance. Author of the Act, Pollock Representative Gabe Firment says it will help lower auto insurance rates.

Cut 5 (13) “…for Louisiana drivers.”

Louisiana Tech becomes an official member of the Sun Belt Conference tomorrow. The LA Tech football team traveled nearly 8,000 miles last season, but Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says, with the Sun Belt’s regionality, those days are over.

Cut 10 (09) “…or wherever.”

The Bulldogs will join the Sun Belt West division with in-state rivals UL Lafayette and ULM, as well as nearby neighbors Arkansas State and Southern Miss.