Author Archives: Kace Kieschnick

07.08.26
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

Ruston High School four-star safety Jayden Anding committed to LSU yesterday. Anding said he chose LSU because he wants to develop under secondary coach Corey Raymond. Matt Belinson, who covers the Bearcats for the Ruston Daily Leader, says Anding was also the latest in a growing line of LSU commits who credited their recruitment to Coach O.

Cut 17 (14) “…have been happening.”

LSU’s 2027 class now holds 16 commitments and ranks 10th nationally by 247Sports. The website listed the Tigers outside the top 60 just one month ago

Former LSU women’s basketball phenom Angel Reese earned her third straight WNBA All-Star selection, each year since being drafted 7th overall in 2024. She is leading the league with nearly 12 rebounds a game and is averaging a career-high nearly 15 points per game.

Former LSU pitcher Paul Skenes earned his first win since May 9th, rebounding from the worst stretch of his young pro career. The Pirates beat the Braves 12-4 last night as Skenes allowed just two runs in six innings. His ERA this season is now 3.58, nearly double that of his first two seasons.

Neville quarterback Parker Robinson committed to Bryant Vincent and the ULM Warhawks. Last season for Neville, Robinson threw for nearly three thousand yards, 21 touchdowns and three interceptions. The only other pledge in ULM’s class is three-star Oklahoma quarterback Kason Delgado.

The Pelicans tip off NBA Summer League in Las Vegas tomorrow against the Timberwolves at 2:30. The New Orleans summer league team is led by assistant coach God Shammgod and features this year’s 58th overall pick, Jaron Pierre and 2025 second-rounder Micah Peavy. The roster includes two New Orleans natives in Pierre and Maryland forward Solomon Washington as well as former McNeese standout Christian Shumate. All-rookie second-team selections Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears are not on the team.

07.08.26
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11:30 LRN Newscast

State Senator Larry Helder passed away unexpectedly of a suspected heart attack suffered at an event last night. The Baton Rouge Democrat was 44 years old. Fellow Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says she is still in disbelief.

Cut 3 (10) “…serving the people.”

Helder was hospitalized with a heart aneurysm in May.

Federal assistance is now available to homeowners and renters in four parishes who suffered damage from Tropical Storm Arthur. Nate Custer with FEMA says those parishes are Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany and Terrebonne.

Cut 6 (10) “…considered for that.”

To apply, either download the FEMA app, go to disaster assistance-dot-gov, or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA.

Louisianians spend a larger portion of their gross income on auto insurance than any other state in the nation, 6.1 percent. Lending Tree insurance analyst Rob Bhatt says there are things you can do to make car insurance more affordable.

Cut 12 (13) “…in an accident.”

LSU received its 16th football recruiting commitment for 2027 in Ruston four-star safety Jayden Anding. Anding announced his decision between LSU and Ole Miss yesterday after postponing his pledge date last week. Matt Belinson with the Ruston Daily Leader says he was always going to be a Tiger.

Cut 16 (13) “…choice for him.”

Jayden’s brother, Aiden Anding, is a sophomore cornerback at LSU.

07.08.26
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9:30 LRN Newscast

Last week, we heard from Julia Letlow after she clinched the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. Now, we’re hearing from her Democratic opponent. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

State Senator Larry Selder passed away at the age of 44 after suffering a suspected heart attack while at an event last night. The Baton Rouge Democrat was hospitalized in May because of a heart condition and was elected to the state senate last year after serving as a representative.

A 528-bed holding facility for migrant families and unaccompanied children is under construction at England Airpark, a former military base in Alexandria. Ralph Hennessy, the executive director of the England Airpark Authority, says the people that will stay at this ICE facility are individuals volunteering to go back home and those who are going back as a family unit.

Cut 4 (06) “…in other ways.”

ICE is calling the Alexandria facility a staging area, not a detention center.

58.8-percent of working-age Louisianians are employed or actively seeking work, a nearly one percent increase from last year. That jump accounts for 33,000 workers and is the best growth rate in the nation. Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen says she suspects many of the new workers are people who weren’t looking for jobs before and grads staying in-state.

Cut 8 (10) “…rolls are shrinking.”

07.07.26
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

Ruston High School four-star safety Jayden Anding plans on being a Tiger. Louisiana’s top-rated safety announced his commitment to LSU over Ole Miss this afternoon. He becomes LSU’s 16th commitment in a class that is ranked ninth nationally by 247Sports. Anding told Rivals YouTube live stream LSU gives him the best opportunity to improve his game.

Cut 19 (15) “…better place.”

A date has been set for LSU basketball’s nonconference clash with Houston. The Tigers will take on the Cougars in the Houston Toyota Center December 13. Houston has made it to the Sweet 16 each of the last seven seasons. Tigers point guard Dedan Thomas Jr. transferred to the Cougars this offseason.

The Saints are three weeks away from the start of training camp. The offense hopes to see improvement in year two under head coach Kellen Moore and quarterback Tyler Shough. Luke Johnson with Nola.com says training camp will bring some answers to a fresh unit.

Cut 16 (14) “…under Kellen Moore.”

The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation is holding one of its big fundraising events, and it’s a chance for one lucky person to win two tickets to hundreds of South Louisiana’s best sporting events. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President Jay Cicero says…

Cut 8 (08) “…men’s and women’s”

To purchase a 100-dollar raffle go to the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation’s website.

07.07.26
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4:30 LRN Newscast

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says this year’s legislative session was a very productive one for his department. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

LSU received its 16th football recruiting commitment for 2027 in Ruston four-star safety Jayden Anding. Anding announced his decision between LSU and Ole Miss this afternoon. The top-rated safety in Louisiana joins five-star tight end Ahmad Hudson as the second Bearcat to commit to LSU’s 2027 class.

Last week, we heard from Julia Letlow after she officially became the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate. Today, we’re hearing from her Democratic opponent. Jamie Davis notes that in both the primary and the runoff, nearly as many Democrats voted for him as the number of Republicans who voted for Letlow – despite Letlow spending more money by far.

Cut 13 (14)  “…tremendous amount different.”

Blood services provider Vitalant is having its worst blood shortage in two years. Barley Juarez with Vitalant Blood Banking says they especially need type “O” blood, especially “O”-negative.

Cut 4 (09) “…can take it.”

“O”-positive donations are also impactful as they can be given to anyone with any positive blood type. There will be several blood drives in the Morgan City, Lafayette and Baton Rouge areas this summer.

07.07.26
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

Saints players report for training camp in just three weeks. This offseason, coordinator Brandon Staley’s defense lost key players Demario Davis and Alontae Taylor. New Orleans welcomed back linebacker Kaden Ellis to replace Davis, and second-year safety Jonas Sanker is expected to fill Taylor’s nickel corner role. NOLA.com’s Luke Johnson says he isn’t sure if they’ll make up for the loss of the veterans.

Cut 18 (12) “…a good team.”

UL Lafayette announced a men’s basketball matchup with LSU this season. The teams will square off in the P-MAC December 22. The Tigers are 36-and-9 all-time against the Cajuns and have won their last eight matchups.

The U.S.’s World Cup run is over after a 4-1 loss to Belgium last night. The Stars and Stripes got behind early and were unable to mount a comeback against the world’s ninth-ranked team. All three host nations were knocked out in the round of 16.

Ruston High School safety Jayden Anding is scheduled to announce his decision between LSU and Ole Miss at 12:30 today. The four-star D-B is the brother of sophomore LSU corner Aiden Anding. He is ranked as the No. 9 prospect in Louisiana and No. 21 safety in the class by 247Sports.

Former LSU star Flau’jae Johnson led the Storm with 23 points in an 82-64 win over the Sparks last night. The rookie added five rebounds, three assists and a steal. She’ll have a rematch with Angel Reese’s Atlanta Dream Thursday night.

Mississippi State transfer infielder Nicholas Frontino committed to Louisiana Tech. The freshman was a top 100 shortstop coming out of high school but failed to make an appearance for the Bulldogs this year.

UL Lafayette landed a commitment from Chipola College transfer pitcher Joey Ervin. Ervin posted an 8-and-1 record in 16 appearances last season with a 5.74 ERA and 58 strikeouts.

Viral McNeese basketball student manager Amir Khan will reunite with Will Wade at LSU. He’ll join the Tigers’ staff in a similar role.

07.07.26
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10:30 LRN Newscast

The head of the New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission says the indictment of Attorney General Liz Murrill is a bad look for the criminal justice system. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A man was arrested after clocking speeds over 140 miles per hour in a high-speed chase across Jefferson Davis Parish yesterday. Jamari Mallery is facing charges of aggravated flight from an officer, reckless operation of a vehicle and driving without a license. Mallery was spotted driving his Infiniti sedan over 100 miles per hour on I-10 and weaving through traffic and fled when officers attempted a traffic stop.

A man was arrested after clocking speeds over 140 miles per hour in a high-speed chase across Jefferson Davis Parish yesterday. Jamari Mallery is facing charges of aggravated flight from an officer, reckless operation of a vehicle and driving without a license after weaving through I-10 traffic at over 100 miles per hour.

Cut 5 (08) “…tourism industry statewide.”

Louisiana students earned record-high LEAP scores in 2026. State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says thanks to the new Freedom Framework social studies standards, Mastery-plus increased among high school students by five points in civics and three points in U.S. history.

Cut 8 (08) “…last few years.”

36-percent of students achieved an overall score of Mastery or Advanced.

07.06.26
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU kicks off its football season against Clemson in less than two months in a rematch of las year’s season opener. After losing to LSU, Clemson finished 7-and-6 last season with a 4-and-4 record in the ACC despite starting the year ranked 4th in the nation. They added 11 new transfers and a 25th-ranked high school class this offseason, but The Advocate’s Jon Blau says he doesn’t know if they quite match up with LSU.

Cut 20 (19) “…at home.”

Four-star Ruston High School safety Jayden Anding is set to announce his commitment tomorrow. The brother of current LSU corner Aiden Anding was scheduled to make the announcement last week before pushing back the date at the last minute. He will decide between LSU and Ole Miss at 12:30.

The U.S. Men’s National Team has a World Cup round-of-16 showdown with Belgium tonight at 7. The Stars and Stripes have already made it a tournament to remember, winning consecutive games for the first time and earning a knockout round victory for the first time since 2002. Louisiana Soccer Association reporter Paul Boron says this team is different than prior U.S. squads.

Cut 16 (16) “…here in America.”

Leading scorer Flo Balogun will be available after FIFA suspended his one-game red card ban

A fallen tree was removed from former LSU baseball coach and Athletic director Skip Bertman’s Baton Rouge home. The tree was uprooted in Bertman’s front yard during thunderstorms yesterday and fell onto his garage, totaling his car. Former players and neighbors came together to assist the Bertman family yesterday, who were all unharmed.

07.06.26
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12:30 LRN Newscast

A Shreveport Police officer was shot and a man was killed in a downtown Shreveport shooting early yesterday morning. Officers responded to a report of four men fighting in an alley off North Spring Street. Eyewitness Tim Huck says the officer was shot while saving another man in the fight.

Cut 7 (12) “..was phenomenal.”

Huck says her bulletproof vest did its job, and her injuries are not life-threatening.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is taking the next steps in building the I-49 Lafayette Connector. Officials signed a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. Deidra Druilhet with the DOTD says it is a required document evaluating the environmental impacts of a project.

Cut 3 (09) “…next phase.”

The authenticity rate of shrimp at New Orleans restaurants has declined in the last year, according to an audit by Sead Consulting that found nine of the 44 restaurants it tested misrepresented the origin of their shrimp. Chief Operating Officer Erin Williams says that contrasts last year’s audit, which found three of the 24 tested establishments misrepresented their origins.

Cut 26 (07) “…were misrepresented.”

The funeral of legendary former Southern baseball coach Roger Cador will be held on campus in the Mini-Dome tonight. Cador passed away at the age of 74 last week after fighting brain cancer. Dan Canevari coached with Cador for three years and says he became an instant friend.

Cut 13 (14)  “…human being.”

The Funeral will be held at 6 p.m., with public viewing available at 3:00.

07.06.26
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

The funeral of legendary former Southern baseball coach and player Roger Cador will be held in the F.G. Clark Activity Center at  6:00 this evening with public viewing available at 3:00. Dan Canevari coached with Cador for three years. He says the coach never had a bad day.

Cut 15 (11) “…every single day.”

The U.S. Men’s National Team has a World Cup round of 16 showdown with Belgium tonight. Despite receiving a red card in the previous match, leading scorer Flo Balogun will be available after FIFA suspended the controversial penalty. Louisiana Soccer Association reporter Paul Boron says fans and analysts around the world disagreed with the original call.

Cut 17 (14) “…any good on it.”

The LSU Tigers are two months away from their season opener against Clemson September 5. It’s the same matchup as the first game of last year’s campaign, but there will be a lot of new faces. The Tigers are, of course, now led by head coach Lane Kiffin, and Clemson brought back former coordinator Chad Morris to run the offense. The Advocate’s John Blau, who covered Clemson for six years, says two high-powered offenses will go head-to-head.

Cut 19 (16) “…these offenses.”

Former LSU pitcher Paul Skenes was named to his third straight All-Star Game. Skenes is posting a 3.62 ERA with 119 strikeouts in 97 innings.

LSU landed a commitment from Oregon outfielder Angel Laya. ESPN’s 15th-ranked portal prospect hit .296 with 14 homers and 47RBIs as a freshman this season.