12:30 LRN Newscast

We’re getting first-hand reaction from those who were at the White House Correspondents Association dinner Saturday night when a gunman tried to storm in and open fire. House Speaker Mike Johnson was in attendance. With Vice President Vance also there, that meant the top two people in the presidential order of succession were in the same room at the same time. Speaker Johnson tells KEEL radio that may be untenable moving forward.

Cut 4 (07) “…society.”

The northern parishes could be in for some severe weather later today. National Weather Service senior meteorologist Jason Hansford says high winds, isolated thunderstorms and damaging hail are possible.

Cut 12 (12) “…of the state.”

Hansford says the rainfall will not be close to being enough to get the state out of the drought.

Former Louisiana high school football star and current Southern running back Trey Holly will not face jail time for his role in a February 2024 shooting in Farmerville that wounded two people. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A Baton Rouge woman is raising money to establish a scholarship fund in memory of Martha Odom. She’s the 17-year-old Lafayette girl who was killed in the crossfire at the Mall of Louisiana last week. So far, Holly Caplan’s GoFundMe campaign has raised almost six-thousand dollars.

5:30 LRN Newscast

Police in Baton Rouge have arrested a teenager in connection with Thursday’s shooting at the Mall of Louisiana in which a 17-year-old girl was killed. Police Chief T.J. Morse says he’s confident that 17-year-old Markell Lee is one of the shooters.

Cut 13 (09) “…known residence.”

Police are searching for a second suspect. Four other people were detained shortly after the shooting but were later released.

The Louisiana Department of Health this week confirmed a case of measles in the New Orleans area. LDH says the patient is a child who became exposed during international travel and was partially vaccinated. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says those who are *fully* vaccinated are 97-percent protected from measles for life. 

Cut 10 (09) “…transmit to others.”

It’s another big weekend of festivals and Festival International is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Andre Champagne has more…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The NFL Draft continues this weekend with the remaining rounds. The Saints will look to bolster their draft class, which is headlined by Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, who they took Thursday night with their first round selection, the eighth overall.

4:30 LRN Newscast

Authorities have arrested one individual and are searching for a second person who was involved in Thursday’s mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana that killed a 17-year-old girl from Lafayette Parish. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The owner of the Bossier City home where the man who killed eight kids last Sunday died is now facing federal firearms charges. The Justice Department says 54-year-old Michael Mayence had several firearms inside the home while being subject to a domestic violence injunction.

The Louisiana Department of Health this week confirmed a case of measles in the New Orleans area. LDH says on April 17th while infected, the patient visited the Target and Walmart stores in Kenner. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says if you were in either store that day, closely monitor yourself for any symptoms.

Cut 9 (13)  “…the rash appears.”

The Louisiana Federation of Teachers is supporting Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16th ballot. President Larry Carter says giving teachers a permanent 2,250-dollar pay raise is part of its efforts to get their salaries to the Southern Regional Average, which is critical in ensuring a quality teacher in every classroom.

Cut 8 (10) “…students.”

3:30 LRN Newscast

Baton Rouge Police have arrested a 17-year-old and are searching for a second suspect in yesterday’s fatal shooting at the Mall of Louisiana that claimed the life of 17-year-old Martha Odom and wounded five others. Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse says the teen in police custody is Markell Lee.

Cut 12 (07) “…a weapon.”

Morse says four other people who were detained shortly after the shooting have been released.

The Louisiana Department of Health this week confirmed a case of measles in the New Orleans area. LDH says on April 17th while infected, the patient visited the Target and Walmart stores in Kenner. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says if you were in either one on that day, you should double-check your MMR vaccine history.

Cut 11 (11) “…for a vaccine.”

Two of the state’s largest teacher unions are supporting Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16th ballot. That would make a current two-thousand-dollar stipend for teachers permanent. Louisiana Federation of Teachers president Larry Carter says it could go away if the state needs to reduce revenue due to tough budget times.

Cut 7 (10) “…permanently.”

The Louisiana Association of Educators also supports Amendment 3.

If you’re a fan of music from all around the world, Lafayette is the place to be this weekend, as this is Festival International weekend. Jesse Guidry, the vice president of communications at Lafayette Travel, says Festival International is one of Lafayette’s biggest tourist attractions every year, and visitors do more than attend the festival.

Cut 4 (05) “…around Lafayette.”

More than 50 countries are represented, and over 500 musicians are at this weekend’s cultural celebration.

2:30 LRN Newscast

We now know the name of the 17-year-old who died in yesterday’s shooting at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge. Martha Odom attended Ascension Episcopal School in Lafayette. Two of her classmates were injured in the shooting; they were innocent bystanders as an argument between two groups escalated into gunfire. Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse says five people have been arrested.

Cut 13 (09)  “…charge people involved.”

Two of the state’s largest teacher unions are supporting Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16th ballot. Louisiana Federation of Teachers president Larry Carter says the measure would provide a permanent salary increase for educators and school employees.

Cut 6 (10) “…permanent pay.”

The Louisiana Association of Educators is also in favor of Constitutional Amendment 3.

The Louisiana Department of Health this week confirmed a case of measles in the New Orleans area. LDH says the patient is a child who became exposed during international travel and was partially vaccinated. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says those who are *fully* vaccinated are 97-percent protected from measles for life. 

Cut 10 (09) “…transmit to others.”

If you want to listen to music from around the world, Festival International in downtown Lafayette is the place to do it this weekend. Jesse Guidry, the vice president of communications at Lafayette Travel, says over 50 countries are represented and over 500 musicians are at this weekend’s cultural celebration.

Cut 3 (08) “…to behold.”

Festival International is one of Lafayette’s biggest tourist attractions every year.

11:30 LRN Newscast

The teenager killed in yesterday’s shooting at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge is identified as 17-year-old Martha Odom. She attended Ascension Episcopal School in Lafayette. She was shot in the chest, and two of her classmates were among five wounded. FMOL Health President Chuck Spicer:

Cut 11 (10) “…we lost one.”

Baton Rouge Police will hold a news conference at two this afternoon to update the investigation.

Legislation to mandate five-day school weeks, with exceptions, is now just one House vote away from landing on Governor Landry’s desk. It comes amid a string of school districts, including East Feliciana, which are moving to four-day school weeks. East Feliciana Superintendent Keisha Netterville says the length of the school week should be determined by local officials.

Cut 9 (09)  “…to the work.”

If you’re a fan of music from all around the world, Lafayette is the place to be this weekend, as this is Festival International weekend. Jesse Guidry, the vice president of communications at Lafayette Travel, says Festival International is one of Lafayette’s biggest tourist attractions every year, and visitors do more than attend the festival.

Cut 4 (05) “…around Lafayette.”

More than 50 countries are represented, and over 500 musicians are at this weekend’s cultural celebration.

The Saints used the eighth overall pick in the NFL Draft to select Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. Tyson says he can’t wait to team up with Chris Olave to give Tyler Shough an added target.

Cut 16 (06) “…to be ugly.”

In nine games with the Sun Devils last season, Tyson caught 61 passes for 711 yards and eight touchdowns. The draft continues at six this evening with the second round, in which the Saints have the tenth pick.

10:30 LRN Newscast

We now know the name of the 17-year-old who died in yesterday’s shooting at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge. Martha Odom attended Ascension Episcopal School in Lafayette. Two of her classmates were injured in the shooting; they were innocent bystanders as an argument between two groups escalated into gunfire. Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse says five people have been arrested.

Cut 13 (09)  “…charge people involved.”

A measure to crack down on marijuana use near school facilities advances to the Senate. Gabe Firment’s bill would increase the penalty for smoking marijuana within two-thousand feet of a school facility to up to a year in prison and up to a one-thousand dollar fine. Denise Marcelle took issue with the fact that this bill comes amid an increasing push to decriminalize marijuana.

Cut 6 (09) “…in other states.”

If you want to listen to music from around the world, Festival International in downtown Lafayette is the place to do it this weekend. Jesse Guidry, the Vice President of Communications at Lafayette Travel, says over 50 countries are represented and over 500 musicians are at this weekend’s cultural celebration…

Cut 3 (08) “…to behold.”

The Saints selected Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson with the eighth overall pick in the NFL Draft. While an explosive receiver, Tyson does have a history of injuries. Tyson says he will work extra hard to stay healthy as he takes the leap to the next level.

Cut 15 (15) “…best shot possible.”

The second round begins at six this evening; the Saints have the tenth pick.

9:30 LRN Newscast

The second fatal mass shooting this week in Louisiana erupted at the Mall of Louisiana yesterday afternoon. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The owner of the Bossier City home where the man who killed eight kids last Sunday died is now facing federal firearms charges. The Justice Department says 54-year-old Michael Mayence had several firearms inside the home while being subject to a domestic violence injunction.

A bill seeking to put an end to the trend of rural school districts moving to a four-day school week is now just one House vote away from landing on Governor Landry’s desk. The House Education Committee approved the Senate-passed bill on a 10-to-3 vote. Jennifer Thornton, the principal of Slaughter Elementary School in East Feliciana Parish, urged the committee to vote against it, saying teachers approve of the four-day week.

Cut 10 (08) “…sacrificing instructional quality.”

“With the eighth pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the New Orleans Saints select Jordyn Tyson, wide receiver, Arizona State.” In nine games with the Sun Devils last season, Tyson caught 61 passes for 711 yards and eight touchdowns. Tyson says he will add a lot to the Saints this season.

Cut 14 (11) “…story came from.”

LRN AM Newscall April 24

A bill aiming to crack down on marijuana use near schools advances to the Senate. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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House Education approves a Senate-passed bill that’s attempting to stop the growing number of school systems moving to a four-day school week. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

The second fatal mass shooting this week in Louisiana erupted at the Mall of Louisiana yesterday afternoon. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________________

A measure to crack down on marijuana use near school facilities advances to the Senate. The full House passed Pollack Representative Gabe Firment’s bill on a vote of 59-to-34. It would increase the penalty for smoking marijuana within two-thousand feet of a school facility to up to a year in prison and a fine of up to one-thousand dollars. Firment said marijuana use near schools is getting out of control.

Cut 4 (11) “…little meaningful consequence.”

Marrero Representative Kyle Green expressed concerns that some people’s homes are located within that two-thousand-foot zone and, thus people who live there may face serious criminal charges for something they do in their own homes.

Cut 5 (11) “…law enforcement officer.”

Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle took issue with the fact that this bill comes amid an increasing push to decriminalize marijuana.

Cut 6 (09) “…in other states.”

_____________________________________________________________

A bill seeking to put an end to the trend of rural school districts moving to a four-day school week continues to advance at the state capitol. The House Education Committee has approved the Senate-passed bill. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says it’s better for students and families if kids are at school five-days a week.

Cut 7 (05) “…back on Monday.”

Mizell says there are 17 school districts with four-day school weeks. She says adding hours to a school day so that they can have a three-day weekend is not leading to better learning.

Cut 8 (05) “…in the afternoon.”

East Feliciana is moving to a four-day school week next fall. Superintendent Keisha Netterville says the length of the school week should be determined by local officials.

Cut 9 (09)  “…to the work.”

Slaughter Elementary Principal Jennifer Thornton says teachers approve of the four-day week.

Cut 10 (08) “…sacrificing instructional quality.”

The House Education Committee approved Mizell’s measure on a 10-to-3 vote, and it heads to the House floor for final passage. Her proposal does allow for a school system to move to a four-day school week if it’s an “A” graded school system.

___________________________________________

A teenager is dead and five others are wounded following a shootout next to the food court at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge. Most of the victims were taken to Our Lady of the Lake. FMOL Health President Chuck Spicer:

Cut 11 (10) “…we lost one.”

Sources say the person who died from his injuries was a 17-year-old. Three of the victims are seniors at Ascension Episcopal High School in Lafayette Parish. Authorities say they were innocent bystanders.

Baton Rouge police chief T.J. Morse says at 1:22 yesterday afternoon, two groups of people got into an argument, and that’s when gunfire erupted.

Cut 12 (12) “…the cross fire.”

Morse says five people have been taken into custody.

Cut 13 (09)  “…charge people involved.”

Five of the victims were taken to Our Lady of the Lake. The aforementioned 17-year-old passed away, and the other four are in stable condition. The sixth victim suffered minor injuries.

___________________________________________________

“With the eighth pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the New Orleans Saints select Jordyn Tyson, wide receiver, Arizona State.” In nine games with the Sun Devils last season, Tyson caught 61 passes for 711 yards and eight touchdowns. Tyson says he will add a lot to the Saints this season.

Cut 14 (11) “…story came from.”

Tyson, however, does have a history of injuries, including tearing his ACL, MCL and PCL in 2022 which also cost him the entire 2023 season, breaking his collarbone in 2024 and suffering hamstring issues last season. Tyson says he will work extra hard to stay healthy as he takes the leap to the Saints and the NFL.

Cut 15 (15) “…best shot possible.”

Tyson says he can’t wait to team up with Chris Olave to give Tyler Shough an added target.

Cut 16 (06) “…to be ugly.”

The draft continues at six this evening with the second round, in which the Saints have the tenth pick.

__________________________________________________________

The LSU baseball team will look to turn its season around starting this afternoon as the Tigers travel to Starkville for a three-game series against 15th-ranked Mississippi State. Coach Jay Johnson says the Bulldogs present another tough test for his team.

Cut 17 (10)  “…to be awesome.”

LSU has not missed the NCAA Tournament since 2011. As the Tigers fight to stay in the postseason hunt, Johnson says he’s told his team it comes down to playing better if they want to turn the season around and remain competing in late May.

Cut 18 (19)  “…how we play.”

First pitch has been moved up to 3 p-m because of the potential of severe weather in Starkville tonight.

_________________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech baseball opens a pivotal three-game home series against Missouri State tonight. The Bears rank second in Conference USA and 11th nationally with 76 home runs and counting. Head coach Lane Burroughs says his team must do a good job of limiting the long ball this weekend.

Cut 19 (10) “…play good baseball.”

With just four series remaining, Louisiana Tech sits fifth in the Conference USA standings at 11-and-7 in league play. Burroughs says the Bulldogs will need to start playing their best baseball this weekend to put themselves in a strong position heading into the postseason, especially with a tough stretch still ahead.

Cut 20 (12) “…presented to us.”

First pitch in Ruston is set for 6 p.m.

 

6:30 LRN Special Report

A teenager is dead and five others are wounded following a shootout next to the food court at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge. Most of the victims were taken to Our Lady of the Lake. President of FMOL Health Chuck Spicer…

Cut 11 (10) “…we lost one.”

Sources say the person who died from his injuries was 17 years old. Lafayette TV stations are reporting that three victims are seniors at Ascension Episcopal School in Lafayette Parish.

Investigators say at 1:22 this afternoon, two groups got into an argument, and that’s when gunfire erupted. East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards says thanks to the public’s help, five people were taken into custody.

Cut 13 (06)  “..God bless you.”

Drought conditions continue to worsen in Louisiana.

Cut 3 (12) “…as extreme drought.”

State Climatologist Jay Grymes says most of north Louisiana and much of southeast Louisiana is in extreme drought. There is the potential for severe weather in north Louisiana tomorrow night.

The LSU Board of Supervisors approved a contract for athletic director Verge Ausberry, who was promoted to the job in November after Scott Woodward was fired. Ausberry is from New Iberia. He played linebacker for LSU from 1986 to 1990, winning two SEC championships. He was also a two-year captain on defense. Ausberry says his best job at LSU was his first job, as he served as an academic advisor for student-athletes.

Cut 23 (07) “…the proudest moment.”