Author Archives: Kace Kieschnick

08.18.26
by

9:30 LRN Newscast

Today is the one-year anniversary of the opening of the Amtrak Mardi Gras line connecting New Orleans to Mobile. New Orleans and Company President and CEO Walt Leger says the fact that you don’t need a car to get around New Orleans makes taking the line for a day or weekend trip to the city very easy.

Cut 6 (13) “…in the Riverfront.”

Louisiana State Police cited 26 commercial truckers for driving in the left lane along the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge last week. The operation came after police received several complaints about truckers violating the 23-year-old law preventing them from passing or driving in the left lane on the bridge. Renee Amar, the executive director of the LMTA, says the state law is in place to protect drivers and prevent traffic delays.

Cut 11 (09) “…every other day.”

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has launched a study to examine the impact caring for a spouse or partner with dementia has on physical and mental health. A-F-A spokesman Chris Schneider says this is a groundbreaking study because most of the research on Alzheimer’s is to benefit the person suffering from this disease. He says there’s very little research to help the more than 11-million Americans who serve as caregivers to a loved one living with dementia.

Cut 15 (13) “…that caregivers face.”

Saints’ eighth-overall draft pick, wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, will be sidelined for the next two months with a right hamstring strain suffered in practice last week. Head coach Kellen Moore said the injury is unrelated to the hamstring strain that ended his final season at Arizona State early and hampered him through the draft process. If Tyson does return in the two-month timetable, he could be back for New Orleans’ week six game at the Giants.

08.17.26
by

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU is number 11 in the preseason AP Poll. The Tigers land right behind Oklahoma at 10, Ole Miss at nine and Texas A&M at eight. Texas is their highest-ranked opponent coming in at number five, and their week one game with Clemson will not be ranked, as the Tigers just miss out on the top 25. Coach Lane Kiffin says it’s hard to put much stock in the poll.

Cut 20 (13) “…figure it out.”

Southeastern Louisiana was ranked 20th in the American Football Coaches Association FCS Coaches Top 25. The Lions have ended the season as a ranked team in five of the last seven years, including last year when they were 19th. Reigning Southland Conference champion Stephen F Austin at 13 and Lamar at 21 are the only other Southland teams in the top 25.

LSU held its first scrimmage of the fall Saturday. Coach Lane Kiffin says coaches got a good look at the physicality and conditioning of the team with 170 total plays. He says the pass rush was strong, quarterback Sam Leavitt moved well to avoid it and running back Harlem Berry had a long touchdown run. Kiffin says the biggest growth he’s seen in camp so far has been in attitude

Cut 19 (17) “…big difference.”

Former LSU forward Trendon Watford inked a one-year 2.9-million-dollar deal with the Pelicans. Watford played in 53 games with the 76ers last season and averaged a little more than six points, three rebounds and two assists a game.

Former LSU safety Jamal Adams was placed on season-ending injured reserve after suffering a knee injury in the Vikings’ preseason opener Saturday. The 30-year-old signed with Minnesota just before the start of training camp.

08.17.26
by

4:30 LRN Newscast

If your spouse or partner has dementia, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America wants to hear from you. A-F-A spokesperson Chris Schneider says they’ve launched a groundbreaking national research study to examine the impact caring for a spouse or partner with dementia has on physical and mental health…

Cut 13 (08)  “…all about.”

One of the objectives of new LSU system president Dr. Wade Rousse is to make the university system more accessible to more students. One way he’s working to accomplish this is by creating a more connected system through its regional campuses.

Cut 3 (13) “…very, very happy.”

He says those regional campuses also provide a good starting point for students who might not initially meet the requirements for the Baton Rouge campus.

The LHSAA will hold Cheer and Dance team state championships for the first time in over a decade this winter. Louisiana High School Coaches Association Director Jessica Barber says the 2026 Louisiana High School Cheer and Dance Championships will take place November 30th and December 1st at the Lake Charles Event Center, featuring competitions across multiple styles…

Cut 7 (12) “..as well”

The LDWF closed the private recreational Red Snapper season as the state approached its statewide quota. There is disappointment among some anglers the Red Snapper season ended in August, but LDWF assistant secretary Ryan Montague says this year’s Red Snapper season has been a great success thanks to active state management through LA Creel…

Cut 10 (06) “…of fish.”

08.17.26
by

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU was ranked number 11 in the preseason AP Poll. The Tigers will not host a ranked matchup week one against Clemson after Dabo Swinney’s Tigers were left out of the rankings for the first time since 2011. LSU has five preseason ranked opponents on the 2026 slate: Fifth-ranked Texas, number eight Texas A-and-M, ninth-ranked Ole Miss, number 13 Alabama and Tennessee at number 20. Ohio State topped the rankings, followed by Oregon, Georgia and Notre Dame.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony for Coach Skip Bertman, open to the public, will be held next Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the PMAC. Dan Canevari, who served on Bertman’s coaching staff at LSU, says Bertman was an incredible influence on so many people, whether they were baseball players or not.

Cut 6 (08) “…I’ve ever known.”

The Pelicans signed former LSU forward Trendon Watford to a one-year 2.9-million-dollar deal. Watford averaged over six points, three rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes a game in 53 appearances with the 76ers last season.

The Saints lost their preseason opener to Jacksonville on Saturday 24-20, but 27-year-old Zach Wilson made a case that he should be the backup quarterback to Tyler Shough. The former number two pick, who is entering his sixth season, threw for 145 yards and a touchdown…

Cut 19 (13) “…happens, happens.”

With redshirt freshman Jhase Thomas challenging Tamarcus Cooley for the starting spot, LSU could see two new starting safeties in the secondary. Defensive coordinator Blake Baker says the group was a concern heading into camp, but they have grown a lot.

Cut 18 (19) “..two weeks ago.”

08.17.26
by

9:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges president Richard Nelson has a plan to expand opportunities for students seeking an associate’s degree to meet Louisiana’s growing workforce needs. Jeanne Burns has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

LSU will host a Celebration of Life Ceremony for legendary Tigers baseball coach Skip Bertman August 25th at 7 p.m. in the PMAC. The memorial is open to the public, and doors open at 6 p.m. Family, former players and coaching staff will hold a private service before the event.

Entergy VP of Business Operations Laura Beauchamp says Louisiana construction job opportunities are nearing their peak with massive projects across the state like Meta’s Richland Parish data center, which also includes 10 new power plants. She says nearly all of Entergy’s work is done by Louisiana contractors, and they’ve asked Meta to make that a priority as well.

Cut 13 (13)  “…local families.”

Ten years after median barriers trapped flood waters on I-12, stranding drivers for hours, DOTD will soon begin work to retrofit those barriers. Brooke Goodrich with DOTD says the 6.4-million-dollar project will involve modifying sections of the existing concrete barrier system.

Cut 14 (12) “…a federal roadway.”

08.14.26
by

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU legend Skip Bertman passed away at the age of 88. The celebrated baseball coach and Athletic Director led the Tigers to five College World Series titles and hired four national-championship-winning head coaches as A-D. He produced 41 players who reached Major League Baseball. One of them was Todd Walker, who ended up in the College Baseball Hall of Fame. Walker remembers he was a little intimidated by Bertman when he showed up on campus as a freshman after LSU won the 1991 national championship. He says he never knew his relationship with Skip would grow immensely…

Cut 7 (15) “..just incredible”

Saints head coach Kellen Moore confirmed rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson’s hamstring injury is not related to any previous injuries, but it could impact his week one availability. The eighth-overall pick missed portions of the pre-draft process and was limited this summer as he recovered from a hamstring strain.

LSU left tackle Jordan Seaton was a five-star addition out of the transfer portal this offseason. The Tigers ranked bottom in the SEC in both rushing yards and touchdowns last season. Seaton says changing that is a top priority.

Cut 19 (14) “…on my stance.”

Quarterback Spencer Rattler will get the start in the Saints’ preseason opener versus the Jaguars. He says he’s been able to play more freely this offseason without the pressure of a quarterback competition.

Cut 20 (12) “…throughout these games.

Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has been suspended eight games by the NFL following his arrest on domestic violence charges in February. Atlanta will also be without linebacker Jalon Walker when they visit the Saints in week four.

08.14.26
by

4:30 LRN Newscast

A Louisiana sports legend, LSU baseball coach and AD Skip Bertman passed away at the age of 88. Author of his biography, Everything Matters in Baseball, Glenn Guilbeau says Bertman had the Midas touch as Athletic Director, and as a coach, he cared deeply about his players.

Cut 6 (10) “…were his sons.”

Bertman created one of the greatest dynasties in college sports, winning five national championships.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission heard from several citizens this week concerned their energy bills will go up as a result of Meta’s 50-billion-dollar AI data center in Richland Parish. Governor Jeff Landry was a guest on WRKF’s Talk Louisiana and says Meta is paying for its own power use, and their investment will improve the electric grid’s resiliency…

Cut 15 (11) “…what it is.”

The Attorney General’s office launched a new website with resources for athletes, agents, schools and families on the state’s new N-I-L and athlete agent laws. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A Louisiana state plane linked to Governor Jeff Landry flew into McAllen, Texas, near SpaceX’s Starbase launch site. Elon Musk’s private jet touched down in Lafayette yesterday, adding fuel to rumors of a deal to bring a SpaceX launch site to coastal Vermilion Parish.

08.14.26
by

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Legendary LSU baseball coach and Athletic Director Skip Bertman died at the age of 88 early this morning. Bertman led the Tigers to 11 College World Series appearances and five titles in 18 seasons. Ex-LSU pitcher Ben McDonald says Father Time is undefeated, but so is Bertman’s legacy.

Cut 3 (10) “…game of baseball.”

McDonald says Bertman was years ahead of his peers as a tactician, marketer and motivator.

Cut 4 (13) “…he was best at.”

He also says Bertman loved his players. Glenn Guilbeau authored Bertman’s biography, and says it was a special relationship.

Cut 6 (10) “…were his sons.”

LSU football coach Lane Kiffin says his team still has not started tackling, but he’s liked what he’s seen so far during fall camp.

Cut 16 (10) “…and playing physical.”

The Saints kick off their preseason versus the Jaguars tomorrow. Former LSU receiver Barion Brown could play a big role as both a pass catcher and returner with the starters out. Receiver Chris Olave says Brown reminds him a lot of former Saint Rashid Shaheed.

Cut 20 (13) “…and his future.”

LSU corner DJ Pickett has no plans to change his jersey from number five despite Jayden Daniels’ disapproval. The Advocate’s Koki Riley says the Pickett family is digging their heels in.

Cut 9 (08)  “…the first place.”

08.14.26
by

9:30 LRN Newscast

LSU legend Skip Bertman passed away early this morning at the age of 88. Bertman led LSU Baseball to five College World Series titles and 11 trips to Omaha and hired four national championship-winning coaches as Athletic Director. Former LSU pitcher Ben McDonald says Bertman transformed LSU into the greatest baseball program in the country.

Cut 3 (10) “…game of baseball.”

Bertman was a master tactician, marketer and motivator. He revolutionized LSU athletics fundraising and changed every part of LSU baseball for the better. Most importantly, he cared deeply about his players. Tiger Rag Editor and author of Bertman’s biography Glenn Guilbeau says ex-LSU outfielder Rich Cordani confirmed just that.

Cut 6 (10) “…were his sons.”

The Ochsner Transplant Institute has performed ten thousand transplants since 1970. Institute Director Dr. Ari Cohen says the program has grown exponentially in recent years, striving to stay on the cutting edge with robotic-assisted kidney transplants and pediatric heart and living-donor lung transplants. He says there are still over 100-thousand people across the country and two-thousand Louisianians waiting for a life-saving transplant.

Cut 5 (11) “…alive and well.”

Like many restaurant owners, the co-founder and CEO of Lafayette-based Salad Station, Scott Henderson, is reassuring diners that all the produce they serve is cyclospora-free. He says despite heightened communication with customers, sales have been down since the outbreak started, and he’s afraid of another consequence.

Cut 12 (07) “…impacts on health.”

08.13.26
by

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett addressed the cease-and-desist letter former LSU Heisman-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels’ attorney sent LSU after he felt disrespected the team gave his old number five to Pickett.

Cut 21(09)  “…so that’s all.”

No other LSU player has worn the number of a Heisman-winning Tiger. Coach Lane Kiffin stood by his comments last week that he felt he owed the number to Pickett after it was promised to him by the previous coaching staff. Daniels said in an Instagram post that he is focused on Commanders training camp and he hopes his team and LSU can resolve everything privately.

Eighth-overall pick Jordyn Tyson left the Saints’ joint practice with the Jaguars early with a lower-body injury. New-Orleans-dot-football reported rumors it was a hamstring injury that did not seem severe, but head coach Kellen Moore said the team would know more soon. Tyson jogged off under his own power. The wide receiver dealt with a hamstring injury leading up to and after the draft.

LSU coach Lane Kiffin said transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt has settled into his role with the team. He said Leavitt was excited to show his teammates what he could do when he returned from injury.

Cut 22 (08) “…quarterback position.”

LSU wide receiver Winston Watkins was not seen at a third straight practice session open to media. Kiffin says he does not comment on individual injuries, but Watkins was having a good camp and they hope he returns soon.

Saints head coach Kellen Moore said Tyler Shough had a positive day during the team’s practice with Jacksonville. Shough says he is building a special connection with receiver Chris Olave.

Cut 20 (08) “…top notch.”

The Pelicans announced their schedule for this season. New Orleans tips off the season October 21 at home against the Pacers. Their two games against the Spurs in Europe are their only nationally televised games.