Author Archives: Kace Kieschnick

06.05.26
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3:30 LRN Newscast

The Hammond Police Department has named a suspect vehicle in yesterday morning’s shooting at a Hammond gas station. The car is a white 4-door Honda Civic carjacked in Pike County, Mississippi, three days ago. No suspects have been identified as the two masked individuals who shot from the vehicle.

The U.S. Senate runoffs are rapidly approaching, and a key deadline is right around the corner. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

You won’t need a license to fish in Louisiana this weekend because it’s the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ free fishing weekend. If you’re not sure where to go, LDWF has stocked ponds across the state that are freshly filled. LDWF Biologist Joshua Porter encourages new anglers and families to visit one of these sites for the best chance of bringing home something to fry.

Cut 8 (06) “…adult channel catfish.”

A full list of all 17 sites, as well as fishing tips and recipes, can be found on the LDWF website.

The first bill Governor Landry has vetoed this year is Senate Bill 125 by Lafayette Democrat Gerald Boudreaux. The bill would have increased the maximum compensation to those who had been wrongfully incarcerated.

Cut 12 (11) “…to 600-thousand.”

Landry’s veto letter stated the bill failed to ensure that the process is fair, accountable and protected against abuse.

06.05.26
by

12:30 LRN Newscast

The U.S. Senate runoffs are rapidly approaching, and a key deadline is right around the corner. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (3) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

LDWF Biologist Joshua Porter says this weekend is Free Fishing Weekend in Louisiana

Cut 6 (08) “…fishing license.”

The first bill Governor Landry has vetoed this year is Senate Bill 125 by Lafayette Democrat Gerald Boudreaux. It’s a bill that would have increased the maximum compensation to those who had been wrongfully incarcerated.

Cut 12 (11) “…to 600-thousand.”

The 76th Louisiana Peach Festival is tomorrow in downtown Ruston. This year’s peach fest was jeopardized by a mid-march freeze that dropped lows to 22 degrees, killing a significant amount of local farmers’ peach crop. Experience Ruston President Tori Davis says farmers worked to bring in extra peaches from South Carolina to make sure there would be enough for the festivities.

Cut 11 (13) “…local farmers.”

06.05.26
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

Jay Johnson is starting to make moves in the transfer portal. The Tigers landed commitments from Texas State shortstop Dawson Park and Gonzaga right-hander Landon Hood. Hood won W-C-C freshman of the year, striking out 78 batters in 54-and-a-third and picking up 5 saves. The 6-3, 200-pounder features a two-pitch combination with an upper-90s fastball and upper-70s changeup. Park was a defensive ace for the Bobcats and led the team with 52 RBIs and 13 homers before parting ways with the team due to an on-field dispute in early May. He hit .301 this season and posted a .957 fielding percentage.

Park is exactly the type of versatile defender ESPN Baton Rouge Radio’s Hunt Palmer says the Tigers will keep looking to add.

Cut 17 (16)  “…in the portal.”

LSU baseball added one infielder and lost another. Freshman Ethan Clauss was rated the No. 37 high school shortstop in his class by Perfect Game, but he entered the portal after playing in just 11 games this season.

The LSU women’s basketball team will visit UNC December 2 in the SEC-ACC challenge. Both teams are coming off sweet 16 appearances. It will be the second straight road trip in the challenge for the Lady Tigers, who took down Duke at Cameron Indoor last year. LSU is undefeated in the three seasons of the challenge.

Will Wade and the LSU men will host Wake Forest on December 1. The Demon Deacons were 18-and-17 last year.

The NCAA Super Regionals are already underway as Cal Poly opens the weekend against West Virginia. UNC hosts USC at 2:00, Little Rock and Troy face off at 4:00, and Ole Miss visits Auburn at 7:00.

Game 2 of the NBA Finals also tips off tonight at 7:30. The Spurs will look to bounce back against the Knicks after losing their first finals opener in franchise history.

06.04.26
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU hosted numerous top football recruits in the class of 2027 over the weekend. In addition to the number one overall prospect and top receiver in the class, five-star athlete Xavier Sabb, four-star edge rusher Abraham Sesay, and three-stars Adryan Cole and Markez Davis all made visits. While Lane Kiffin’s staff certainly has the money to compete for the nation’s top recruits, Andre Champagne with 247Sports says it’s the culture at LSU and the connection with the staff recruits have raved about.

Cut 18 (15) “…him this weekend.”

Coach O also pitched in with Jay Johnson’s staff this week. He helped host Northwestern State left-handed pitcher Brody Tosclair on a visit this week. The Thibodaux native entered the portal after winning Southland Freshman of the Year with the Demons. He pitched 38 innings with a 1.89 ERA and 55 strikeouts before injuring his elbow.

Gameday on LSU campus might look and smell a little different after a law signed by Governor Landry increases penalties for marijuana use near schools. State Representative Gabe Firment says the bill hopes to restore a family-friendly tailgating atmosphere.

Cut 3 (09) “…good time.”

LSU men’s basketball is already loading up on marquee non-conference matchups next season. The Tigers are scheduled to take on Gonzaga in Spokane, Washington November 14. It will be the first-ever matchup between the Tigers and Bulldogs. LSU will also compete in the Palm Springs Classic alongside SMU, Arizona State and USC.

A pair of former Louisiana college baseball stars faced off in the majors last night. Former Cajun Spencer Arrighetti’s Astros took the 11-9 win over Paul Skenes and the Pirates. Neither starter made it out the fifth inning, but it was Skenes who left the game with the lead, allowing three runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts. Arrighetti allowed four runs on six hits with three strikeouts, but the Astros snatched a win with a six-spot in the bottom of the eighth.

06.04.26
by

3:30 LRN Newscast

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office announced a new Drone as First Responder program. When a 911 call comes in, the new real-time crime center can launch drones directly to the scene. The fleet features two drones that can break glass to enter a building and allow deputies to negotiate with suspects remotely. Sheriff Marc Mashaw says the program transforms emergency response and community protection.

Cut 10 (13) “…different description.”

Biologists with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife have been working to restore a critical fish habitat on Toledo Bend. Crews have spent two weeks planting native eelgrass. Biologist Manager Villis Dowden says some early attempts to plant eelgrass in past years did not succeed, because of several challenges, including strong wave action, so they are using more sheltered planting areas…

Cut 13 (08) “…planting.”

The vehicle inspection sticker is officially replaced January 1st, but Governor Landry has already told State Police not to issue citations for expired stickers. The author of the bill eliminating the stickers, Larry Bagley, says one byproduct of the law is putting counterfeiters out of business.

Cut 8 (11) “…the parking lot.”

The stickers will be replaced by QR Codes.

Governor Landry signed a bill increasing the penalties for marijuana use on college campuses and near schools in hopes of promoting a family-friendly atmosphere on college football gamedays. Opponents of the bill argue it does nothing to address alcohol use on campus, especially that done by underage students. Representative Gabe Firment’s answer is simple — consuming alcohol in a school zone is not illegal— marijuana use is.

Cut 5 (09) “…to enforce.”

06.04.26
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2:30 LRN Newscast

Even though the new law doesn’t take effect until January 1st, your days of schlepping to a vehicle inspection station are over. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Unit detectives have arrested a Prairieville 37-year-old in connection with the May 18 drowning death of a three-year-old. Babysitter Joann Johnson is charged with one count of Negligent Homicide after leaving the boy unsupervised as he fell into a backyard pool.

Those caught smoking marijuana in school zones now face up to a year in jail and a one-thousand-dollar fine, thanks to a new law signed by Governor Landry. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment says smoking marijuana within two thousand feet of campuses and schools was already illegal in Louisiana. He says his bill does not create any new crimes.

Cut 4 (10) “…the penalties.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologists believe they are making progress in restoring a critical fish habitat on Toledo Bend. LDWF Biologist Manager Villis Dowden says over the past two weeks crews have stocked 110 containers of native eelgrass which can provide critical habitat for juvenile fish….

Cut 12 (07) “…wildlife species.”

From 2015 to 2017, Bassmaster Magazine ranked Toledo Bend as the best bass lake in the nation.

06.04.26
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU lost a commitment from five-star edge rusher Jaiden Bryant last night. The fourth-ranked edge prospect in the country flipped to Miami and shut down his recruitment. LSU’s 2027 class now has just four commits and is ranked 26th in Rivals Industry Ranking.

The Tigers did make headway with other top recruits over the weekend. Brother Martin five-star Easton Royal is the number one receiver prospect in the country. He’s committed to Texas, but Andre Champagne of 247Sports told Tiger Rag Radio LSU is all in on flipping him, and it won’t just come down to money.

Cut 16 (18) “…in his heart.”

LSU also hosted five-star edge rusher Jalen Brewster, five-star athlete Xavier Sabb, four-star edge Abraham Sesay, and three-stars Adryan Cole and Markez Davis.

Saints All-Pro running back Alvin Kamara did something yesterday that he hasn’t since 2019— show up to OTA’s. The 30-year-old typically preps for the season with his trainer in Miami, but he chose to return to New Orleans early. The Saints signed running back Travis Etienne in free agency, and Head coach Kellen Moore and GM Mickey Loomis have repeatedly said they are still evaluating the roster. Kamara says he’s not a part of those decisions.

Cut 14 (12) “…to be here.”

Kamara said there is no bad blood between him and the organization or his new backfield partner.

The Knicks took game one of the NBA finals last night in San Antonio. The 105-95 win is the first loss in the first game of the finals for the Spurs in franchise history. New York trailed by as much as 14 in the second half. An 11-0 run behind a 30-point performance from star point guard Jalen Brunson was enough to shut the door on the Spurs.

06.03.26
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints running back Alvin Kamara unexpectedly reported for OTAs today. Fans have questioned whether Kamara would be in New Orleans this season after the Saints signed free agent Travis Etienne and restructured his contract. Kamara says he was lying in bed in Miami last night when he decided to catch a 10 p.m. flight to New Orleans

Cut 19 (16) “…little smile.”

Head coach Kellen Moore and GM Mickey Loomis have avoided questions cementing Kamara’s spot on the roster alongside Etienne. Kamara says he hasn’t been involved in any offseason conversations, and they won’t affect his preparation.

Cut 20 (14) “…they’ll be made.”

The LHSAA is bringing the Boys’ Basketball State Championships back to the CAJUNDOME. Association Assistant Executive Director Karen Hoyt says basketball coaches have been asking to bring the tournament back to Lafayette for years.

Cut 7 (12) “…to fruition.”

NCAA Super Regionals begin Friday. Third-overall seed Georgia is the top team left in the country after number-one UCLA and number-two Georgia Tech were both upset in the regionals. The Bulldogs have appearances in six of the last eight tournaments but haven’t reached Omaha since 2008. Former Tiger and ESPN analyst Todd Walker says this year’s team has something those didn’t — pitching.

Cut 18 (11) “…things done.”

06.03.26
by

2:30 LRN Newscast

Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow pushed for several changes to the Department of Children and Family Services in the legislative session. Barrow says one of the main purposes of her bill is to strengthen communication within the department. She says currently, the stakeholders which investigate child abuse cases haven’t always worked closely together.

Cut 4 (09) “…all the time.”

The LHSAA is bringing the Boys’ Basketball State Championships back to Lafayette. The CAJUNDOME will host the championships for the next two seasons before bidding reopens in 2028. LHSAA Assistant Executive Director Karen Hoyt says basketball coaches have been asking to bring the tournament back to Lafayette for years.

Cut 7 (12) “…to fruition.”

The U.S. Senate heard arguments on the Protect College Sports Act this morning. The bill provides a framework of antitrust exemption, athlete protections and eligibility clarity to give control back to the NCAA in the NIL era. USA Today’s Blake Toppmeyer says SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has begged Congress to step in, but is now changing his tune in a joint statement with the Big Ten against the bill.

Cut 9 (10)  “…very much”

The conferences are against pooling media rights with other leagues as proposed in the bill.

Drivers are starting to feel some relief at the gas pumps. The big question is, how long will this downward trend continue? Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says gasoline prices have dropped about 17 cents over the last week.

Cut 12 (06) “…$3.81 a gallon.”

06.03.26
by

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Senate is holding a hearing on the Protect College Sports Act today. The bill attempts to “fix” college sports, return power to the NCAA and regulate NIL. USA Today’s Blake Toppmeyer says the SEC and Big Ten have reversed course on legislation.

Cut 20 (19) “…like this.”

Their primary issue is the proposed pooling of media rights in college sports. Toppmeyer says the two richest leagues don’t want to share that revenue.

Brother Martin five-star, Easton Royal, canceled visits to Ole Miss and Tennessee after a visit to Baton Rouge this weekend. Royal is committed to Texas, but LSU and Florida are leading the effort to flip the number one receiver in the 2027 class.

Franklin Parish High School four-star running back Trey Martin announced his three finalists are LSU, Florida and Ole Miss.

It was a historic regional round of the NCAA tournament. Little Rock and St. John’s became the first two four-seeds to advance in one tournament, and three-seeds Troy and Cal Poly also won their regionals. Former LSU star and ESPN analyst Todd Walker says the upsets defy logic.

Cut 16 (17) “…of the game.”

The Boys’ Basketball State Championships are returning to Lafayette after 12 years in Lake Charles, the LHSAA announced yesterday. Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission President Ben Berthelot says the community set the standard for the event when it hosted from 1997 to 2011.

Cut 19 (06) “…support it.”

The State Wrestling Championship is also moving to New Orleans, and the Powerlifting Championships are headed to West Monroe.