Author Archives: Kace Kieschnick

07.27.26
by

5:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Department of Education named Alisha Butler as the Louisiana Teacher of the Year at the 20th Annual Educator Excellence Gala. Butler teaches dual enrollment English and intermediate Braille at the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired in Baton Rouge….

Cut 6 (10) “…several years.”

The Louisiana Principal of the Year is Lauren Rentrop at Patterson Junior High in St. Mary Parish.

If you have a state tax refund due to you, time is running out to claim it from the Department of Revenue. Department spokesman Byron Henderson says it sent nearly 23-thousand unclaimed property letters to individual and business taxpayers.

Cut 10 (12) “…state treasurer’s office.”

At least for the first half of this week, you will want to take extra precautions when spending time outdoors. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The LSU and New Orleans Saints football teams will have to brave the heat during preseason camp. Saints players report tomorrow with their first practice Wednesday. The Tigers report next week with a heat index high of 106 when they open practice August 5.

07.27.26
by

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU football players are scheduled to report for practice next Tuesday in the first preseason camp of the Lane Kiffin era.

LSU released the men’s basketball schedule for Will Wade’s first season back in Baton Rouge. LSU tips off the regular season against LSU-NO November 3rd. They also host in-state matchups against La Tech November 9th, ULM November 18th and ULL December 22nd. SEC action tips off January 2nd against South Carolina and concludes February 5th at Missouri.

Top-rated LSU baseball signee Logan Schmidt is deciding between LSU and junior college. Schmidt was not happy with his offer from the Cleveland Guardians after being selected 59th in the MLB draft and did not sign. The left-handed pitcher is considering Golden West College in California so that he can be eligible for next year’s MLB Draft. If he comes to LSU, Schmidt could not return to the draft until 2029.

Former LSU ace Kade Anderson was named Texas League Pitcher of the Week after striking out seven in five perfect innings in a Double-A matchup against Tulsa.

Chiefs offensive coordinator and New Orleans native Eric Bienemy’s wife, Mia Bienemy, was shot at their home in Virginia. The couple’s 27-year-old son Elijah Zion was charged with the shooting. She is in stable condition after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.

LSU coach Lane Kiffin emphasized that he will continue to invest heavily in the transfer portal at LSU, even when not completely rebuilding the roster like he did this offseason. He said programs that have tried to invest in only traditional high school classes have not survived. The most infamous case of this is Dabo Swinney’s Clemson who brought in only five portal players in seven years before adding ten this offseason. Kiffin said freshmen don’t stick around anymore because of playing time or money.

Cut 17 (14) “…have that.”

He proposed a limit on the earnings of incoming freshmen similar to NFL rookie contracts.

07.27.26
by

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Top LSU baseball signee Logan Schmidt is not signing with the Cleveland Guardians. The left-handed pitcher was taken 59th in the MLB Draft but reportedly wanted more than the one-point-seven-million dollars Cleveland could offer him. The number-12 prospect in the country is now deciding between LSU or a junior college that would allow him to re-enter the draft next year.

At SEC Media Days last week, LSU coach Lane Kiffin said his goal at LSU was to combine the top portal classes with elite high school talent. Kiffin has become known as the “Portal King” in college football, and welcomed the number-one class this offseason. He said people need to reframe how they look at transfers.

Cut 16 (11) “…eligibility left.”

He says the structure of college football contracts encourages finding and developing portal talent rather than focusing just on high schoolers who may not stick around but get paid just as much.

LSU announced the 2026-27 men’s basketball schedule. The Tigers open the regular season November 3rd at home against LSU New Orleans. SEC play begins January 2nd when LSU hosts South Carolina. The Tigers have home matchups with Tennessee, Texas, Auburn, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Florida, Texas A&M and Arkansas. The 18-game conference slate concludes February 6th at Missouri.

Saints players report for training camp tomorrow. Vibes are high in New Orleans with second-year head coach Kellen Moore and quarterback Tyler Shough leading the way. The Saints will need both to take the next step this fall if they want to contend in the NFC South. New Orleans welcomed running back Travis Etienne, guard David Edwards and first-round wide receiver Jordyn Tyson this offseason to bolster the offense and figure out whether Shough can be the next franchise quarterback.

Former LSU star Angel Reese played in her third All-Star game this weekend. Reese had no points in just nine minutes, but she did tally five rebounds and four assists, including a pass to the Storm’s Dominique Malonga, who threw down the All-Star Game’s first dunk since Lady Tigers legend Sylvia Fowles. Reese’s Team Coop lost 129 to 122 to Team Spoon.

07.27.26
by

9:30 LRN Newscast

In announcing that he will not seek a second term in his second stint in Congress, Cleo Fields noted that a lot has changed since the first time he served on Capitol Hill, and not for the better. He said when he served in the House for the first time from 1993 until 1997, representatives from opposite parties were actually cordial towards one another.

Cut 10 (09) “…their families together.”

Ochsner Health is partnering with Cognito Therapeutics to develop the Spectris headset, an at-home treatment for Alzheimer’s which uses brain stimulation to help slow the disease. The device is still in clinical trials and has not been approved by the FDA. But Ochsner regional medical director Dr. Richard Zweifler says early results show the therapy may help remove the plaque associated with Alzheimer’s…

Cut 14 (11) “…high quality of life.”

Louisiana’s whooping crane reintroduction project fledged 10 chicks this nesting season, the most ever. Whooping cranes a federally endangered species that was once native to the state but had not lived in the Louisiana wilderness since 1950 before the project began in 2011. LDWF Biologist Sara Zimorski says the department has a history of restoring endangered native species in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (14)  “…the next ones.”

LSU baseball signee Logan Schmidt will not sign with the Cleveland Guardians after being selected 59th overall in the MLB Draft. The lefty pitcher wanted more than the one-point-seven-million Cleveland could pay him. Schmidt is LSU’s top signee and ranked as the number-12 prospect in the country, but he still might not make it to campus. He is reportedly also considering Golden West College, a juco that would allow him to re-enter the draft next year. If he came to LSU he would not be draft-eligible until 2029

07.24.26
by

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU was picked to finish fifth in the SEC in the Preseason Media Poll behind Georgia, Texas, Ole Miss and Texas A-and-M. Many national media members have said it’s national championship or bust for LSU and first-year head coach Lane Kiffin. Kiffin says those types of expectations are why he came to LSU.

Cut 12 (13) “…that does it.”

The Tigers have a tough nine-game SEC schedule for the first time ever this season. The conference added the game for its latest TV deal and to boost strength of schedule, but Kiffin said it will do more harm than good.

Cut 13 (11) “…anyone else.”

Georgia is the only team of the four voted ahead of LSU the Tigers do not play. They also have games against sixth-place Alabama and eighth-place Tennessee.

LSU landed nine players on the preseason All-SEC team, the third most of any school. Tight end Trey’Dez Green, tackle Jordan Seaton, edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen, linebacker Whit Weeks and punter Grant Chadwick are on the first team. Cornerback DJ Pickett and safety Ty Benefield made the second team, and center Braelin Moore and linebacker TJ Dottery are on the third team.

LeBron James is headed to the 76ers. James is signing a two-year, eight-million-dollar contract with a player option in what he called his “last decision.” The 41-year-old said he still wants to chase the feeling of winning another championship. His new home in the Eastern Conference means he will make only one trip to New Orleans in what could be his final season.

Former Cowboys quarterback and CBS analyst Tony Romo was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence in Milwaukee. Romo performed poorly on a field sobriety test, was taken into custody, booked and released.

Four incoming LSU softball freshmen will compete in the 2026 Premier Girls Fastpitch All-American Game. The future Tigers are pitchers Addie Rackley and Ayla Tuua, catcher Karmen Vazquez and outfielder Sydnee Williams.

07.24.26
by

4:30 LRN Newscast

Congressman Cleo Fields’ legislative career seesaw continues. Andrew Greenstein was on hand for a major announcement from the Baton Rouge Democrat…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

LSU landed nine players on the preseason All-SEC team. Tight end Trey’Dez Green, tackle Jordan Seaton, edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen, linebacker Whit Weeks and punter Grant Chadwick are on the first team. Cornerback DJ Pickett and safety Ty Benefield made the second team, and center Braelin Moore and linebacker TJ Dottery are on the third team.

Louisiana farmers suffered an estimated 112-million-dollars in losses during the flooding of Tropical Storm Arthur last month. Avoyelles, St. Landry and Rapides Parishes accounted for 90-percent of total losses. An estimated 22-million dollars in infrastructure was lost in the flooding. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says that makes up 90-percent of all non-crop losses.

Cut 11 (11) “…of fencing.”

LSU was picked to finish fifth in the SEC in this year’s preseason media poll. The Tigers’ defense will be put to the test this season against the fast-paced offenses of Tennessee, Ole Miss, Auburn and Mississippi State. Linebacker Whit Weeks says going against Kiffin’s Tigers’ offense in practice is a big help.

Cut 14 (14) “…than a game.”

07.24.26
by

12:30 LRN Newscast

New Orleans hosts the 22nd Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off tomorrow. Louisiana Seafood King Kris Allen will try to fend off 13 challengers from across the country. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says Allen, who’s the executive chef of Pamplona Tapas Bar and Restaurant in Lafayette, will try to end Louisiana’s title drought.

Cut 3 (10) “…back to Louisiana.”

We got word a few days ago about Cleo Fields’ political future. Friday morning, he made it official.

Cut 6 (08) “…the U.S. Congress.”

Fields said the elimination of subsection two of the Voting Rights Act set in motion a series of events that culminated with the redrawing of his district in a way that would have made re-election impossible. In making his announcement in Baton Rouge, Fields said he will run to fill the remainder of the term of State Senator Larry Selders, who died unexpectedly earlier this month.

Louisiana farmers suffered an estimated 112-million-dollar loss as a result of Tropical Storm Arthur last month. Avoyelles, St. Landry and Rapides Parishes accounted for 90-percent of total losses. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says Avoyelles received 29 inches of rain in less than 24 hours.

Cut 9 (09)  “…excessive moisture.”

The general election candidates for U.S. Senate release their latest campaign finance reports. Julia Letlow is far outraising Jamie Davis, having raised about three times as much money since both launched their campaigns. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan notes that more than three-fourths of Letlow’s 6.2-million dollars in donations have come from the GOP and political action committees.

Cut 7 (14) “…those traditional sources.”

07.24.26
by

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU helped wrap up SEC Media Days in Tampa yesterday. Senior linebacker Whit Weeks could have gone to the NFL Draft after an injury-riddled 2025. Instead, he decided to come back to lead coordinator Blake Baker’s defense back to dominance.

Cut 13 (08)  “…to Baton Rouge.”

Weeks will have a new partner in the middle of the defense to help with that goal. Linebacker TJ Dottery led the SEC with 98 tackles at Ole Miss last season and followed Lane Kiffin to Baton Rouge. Weeks said he loves playing alongside him.

Cut 15 (12) “…to play with.”

LSU kicks off the season at home September 5th against Clemson.

LSU hosts Texas November 14th. It will be the first meeting between the schools since the Tigers’ 45-38 win in Austin in 2019. The Longhorns were supposed to make a return trip as part of that series, but it was postponed by COVID and their move to the SEC. Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning says he’s looking forward to playing in Death Valley.

Cut 17 (07) “…so we’re excited.”

If you want a chance to meet Lane Kiffin and the Tigers before the season starts, NILSU Max is hosting a football meet-and-greet on August 8th. General Admission is 30-dollars for adults and 10-dollars for kids 5-and-under. VIP tickets are 100-dollars and include early access to the event and a picture with Kiffin.

Louisiana Tech will compete in the Round Rock College Baseball Classic with Alabama, Texas Tech and Texas State. The three-day event is scheduled to begin February 26th at Dell Diamond, the home of the Triple-A Round Rock Express.

07.23.26
by

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU football coach Lane Kiffin spoke at the final day of SEC Media Days today. He said he built his roster to win now and in the future, and he came to LSU to combine the best portal classes with the nation’s top freshmen talents.

Cut 19 (17) “…that combination.”

Kiffin dodged having to field many questions about his messy exit from Ole Miss with a 16-minute opening statement. Yesterday, Rebels coach Pete Golding compared the Kiffin situation to having an ex-girlfriend.

Cut 14 (13) “…to a certain degree.”

The Tigers play the Rebels in Oxford September 19.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and Lane Kiffin coached together at USC and Alabama. Sarkisian says Kiffin is a really good, creative coach who’s found success wherever he goes

Cut 20 (15) “…that he’s on.”

Sark and the Longhorns will visit Kiffin in Baton Rouge November 14. It is the first meeting between the two schools since the Tigers beat the Longhorns in Austin in 2019.

LSU hosts Mississippi State on October 17th. Bulldogs coach Jeff Lebby says he’s excited to head to Tiger Stadium.

Cut 21 (16) “…it’s special.”

07.23.26
by

4:30 LRN Newscast

The state takes a huge step towards its goal of making high-speed internet access available to everyone through a new partnership with Starlink. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

The average price of Gas in Louisiana has jumped 14 cents in the last week. The current state average for regular gasoline, according to Triple-A, is around three-dollars-67-cents a gallon. That’s a 26-cent increase compared to a month ago and a 90-cent increase from this time last year.

Lane Kiffin has been on a rare sabbatical from social media use this summer. At SEC Media Days today, he explained his son Knox challenged him to stop using the apps. Kiffin said as people go through life, they often add things, but this break has helped him find the importance of subtraction.

Cut 7 (09) “…refreshing”

Kiffin has made just one post on X since May 11.

Attorney General Liz Murrill and Governor Jeff Landry are not letting go of the dismissed 16-count indictment against Murrill from an Orleans Parish Grand Jury. Landry directed State Police to launch a criminal investigation into the grand jury when it was first announced, but Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says Murrill’s involvement could raise a potential conflict of interest.

Cut 11 (09) “…under those circumstances.”