3:30 LRN Newscast

Gun fire erupted early this afternoon at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge as two groups of people got into an argument near the food court and started shooting at each other. Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse says multiple people were shot…

Cut 12 (06) “…private vehicle”

Morse could not provide any details on the conditions of the individuals wounded during the mass shooting. A law enforcement source has told LRN that two people are in critical condition.

This is the second mass shooting in Louisiana in the last week. Eight children were killed in Shreveport on Sunday when the father of seven of the children killed his kids and a nephew execution style.

And in Florida…authorities apprehended a North Carolina man who was traveling to Louisiana to carry out a mass shooting at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival got underway. Okaloosa County Sheriff deputies recovered a handgun and about 200 rounds of ammunition from his hotel room in Destin, Florida.

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. He says his best job at LSU was his first job, as he served as an academic advisor for student-athletes.

Cut 11 (07) “…the proudest moment.”

Updated LRN PM Newscall with sound on the mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana

Law enforcement foils a North Carolina man’s alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at Jazz Fest. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The drought in Louisiana is getting worse. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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If you’re not in the greater Baton Rouge area or in Cameron Parish, you’re in an area experiencing drought. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the latest Louisiana Drought Monitor shows drought conditions getting worse.

Cut 3 (12) “…as extreme drought.”

This is a far cry from one year ago today, when none of the state was in any drought condition, and Grymes says this is the worst drought the state has experienced since 2023. And everywhere you go, you can start to see the devastating effects.

Cut 4 (14) “…of Louisiana agriculture.”

Grymes says in order to turn things around at this point, we need to see two to four weeks of steady wet weather, and that could start soon – emphasis on “could.”

Cut 5 (12) “…drought gas pedal.”

Grymes says northern Louisiana should prepare for occasional strong-to-severe thunderstorms tomorrow night.

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If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. That’s what Harahan Representative John Illg is doing with legislation to ban outdoor balloon releases. Last year, his bill to create a new law to ban the intentional release of balloons sailed through the legislature, only to have Governor Landry veto it, saying it would be unenforceable. At the Love The Boot Week kickoff event, Illg says that’s no reason not to have a law on the books.

Cut 6 (07) “…against the law.”

So this time, Illg’s bill adds intentional balloon releases to the state’s existing law against intentional littering. This year’s bill, House Bill 851, has already passed in the House and is just one Senate vote away from landing on Landry’s desk. Illg says he learned last year that his proposed balloon release ban would not only reduce litter, but it would also protect the state’s livestock.

Cut 7 (11) “…all these farmers.”

Illg says passing a law at the state level is all well and good, assuming it can gain Landry’s signature this time, but a state law doesn’t go far enough.

Cut 8 (10) “…end up here.”

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The LSU Board of Supervisors has approved a new contract for Athletic Director Verge Ausberry. Ausberry will receive 1.5-million dollars by the end of 2027, and his eight-million-dollar deal runs through 2030. The former linebacker and now A-D addressed the LSU Board of Supervisors before his new contract was approved.

Cut 9 (07)  “…be athletic director.”

Ausberry was named athletic director shortly after Scott Woodward was ousted last November. Since then, he’s hired football coach Lane Kiffin and men’s basketball coach Will Wade. Ausberry says it’s an honor to lead the LSU athletics department.

Cut 10 (06) “…me than anything.”

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. He says his best job at LSU was his first job, as he served as an academic advisor for student-athletes.

Cut 11 (07) “…the proudest moment.”

The LSU Board also approved new contracts for Senior Deputy A-D Heath Schroyer, football general manager Billy Glasscock, and men’s basketball coach Will Wade and his assistants.

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Gun fire erupted early this afternoon at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge as two groups of people got into an argument near the food court and started shooting at each other. Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse says multiple people were shot…

Cut 12 (06) “…private vehicle.”

Morse could not provide any details on the conditions of the individuals wounded during the mass shooting. He says there is urgency in trying to apprehend the shooters…

Cut 13 (13) “…groups of people.”

This is the second mass shooting in Louisiana in the last week. Eight children were killed in Shreveport on Sunday when the father of seven of the children killed his kids and a nephew execution style. Morse says they have a good idea on what happened inside the Mall of Louisiana at about 1:22 this afternoon…

Cut 14 (07) “…at each other.”

1:30 LRN Newscast

Jazz Fest is underway at the Fair Grounds Race Track in New Orleans. Over in Florida, authorities arrested a North Carolina man who allegedly planned to carry out a mass shooting at Jazz Fest. His family claims he was seeking to harm Black People.

State and local officials are thankful law enforcement caught Christopher Gillum of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Meanwhile spirits are high at Jazz Fest, where they are celebrating the island nation of Jamaica…

Cut 12 (11) “….arts and crafts”

That’s Jazz Fest Producer Quint Davis.

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. That’s what Harahan Representative John Illg is doing with legislation to ban outdoor balloon releases. Last year, his bill to create a new law to ban the intentional release of balloons sailed through the legislature, only to have Governor Landry veto it, saying it would be unenforceable. At the Love The Boot Week kickoff event, Illg says that’s no reason not to have a law on the books.

Cut 6 (07) “…against the law.”

So this time, Illg’s bill adds intentional balloon releases to the state’s existing law against intentional littering.

 

The LSU Board of Supervisors has approved a new contract for athletic director Verge Ausberry. Ausberry will receive one-point-five million dollars by the end of 2027 and his eight-million-dollar deal runs through 2030. The former linebacker now A-D addressed the LSU Board of Supervisors before his new contract was approved…

Cut 9 (09)  “…athletic director”

The Saints will look to make a splash in this year’s NFL Draft, much like they did last season. New Orleans has eight picks, including the number-eight overall selection in tonight’s first round. One name that has appeared in several mock drafts is LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. G-M Mickey Loomis, who attended Delane’s pro day at LSU, says the All-American is uber-talented.

Cut 16 (10) “…get taken high.”

12:30 LRN Newscast

Law enforcement foils a North Carolina man’s alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at Jazz Fest. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Pineville Police Department says they found evidence that a Chinese restaurant on Cottingham Expressway had a dead deer in their kitchen. Officers also found deer carcass in the restaurant’s freezer that was supposed to be served to customers. The Louisiana Department of Health and Wildlife and Fisheries is investigating.

 

State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the latest update from the US drought monitor shows more than 90-percent of the state is in drought and better than half of the state is in extreme drought. Most of north Louisiana and much of southeast Louisiana is in extreme drought. Grymes says we need to see two to four weeks of steady wet weather, and that could start soon…

Cut 5 (12) “…drought gas pedal.”

Grymes says northern Louisiana should prepare for occasional strong-to-severe thunderstorms tomorrow night.

Tonight is the NFL draft. Former LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane is expected to be a top ten pick. Mike Detillier of WWL Radio Mike Detillier expects former LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to be drafted tomorrow night…

Cut 14 (14) “…in this draft class”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Tonight is the NFL draft and the Saints have the eighth overall selection. There are several players the Black and Gold are considering  and they are Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate, edge rushers Rueben Bain Junior from Miami and David Bailey from Texas Tech. LSU cornerback Mansoor Delanne is also a possibility as he’s expected to be a top ten pick.

Former LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will not be drafted in the first round, but he’s expected to be selected tomorrow in the second or third round. NFL Draft expert Mike Detillier of WWL Radio says Nussmeier struggled in 2025 because of an injury, but when healthy he does a lot of things well.

Cut 13 (15)  “…he’s got that.”

Former LSU safety AJ Haulcy is also expected to be a second round pick.

 

UL Lafayette football will wrap up spring practice with a game Saturday. Head coach Michael Desormeaux says he wants his team to take full advantage of the work they’ll have the opportunity to get in.

Cut 18 (10)  “…in the summer.”

The LSU Board of Supervisors has approved a new contract for athletic director Verge Ausberry. Ausberry would receive one-point-five million by the end of 2027 and it would increase by 100-thousand dollars each year. The deal runs through 2030. Proposals to increase ticket and parking prices for LSU men’s and women’s basketball are also on the agenda.

The Zurich Classic gets underway today at the TPC Louisiana in Avondale. Shane Lowry, Matt Fitzpatrick and Brooks Koepka are some of the big names in the 148-man field.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Authorities in Florida say they have arrested a man from North Carolina who was planning to carry out a mass shooting at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, which starts today. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Christopher Gillum of Chapel Hill. Officials say 200 rounds of ammo was found in his hotel room in Destin, Florida. We will have more on this story as it develops.

Meanwhile, the 2026 Jazz Fest gets underway today at the Fairgrounds Race Track. Rod Stewart, the Eagles and Stevie Nicks are among this year’s headliners….

Cut 11 (10) “…special thing”

That’s Jazz Fest Producer Quint Davis Five-thousand musicians will perform on 14 stages over the course of eight days. The fest runs from Thursday to Sunday to this weekend and next.

And over in Lafayette, Festival International is underway as that five day free festival brings in musicians from around the world.

 

A solemn moment on the House floor yesterday as Shreveport Representative Tammy Phelps reflected on Sunday’s mass shooting in Shreveport where a gunman killed seven of his children and one of his nephews. First Lady Sharon Landry’s foundation, Love One Louisiana, will cover the funeral costs and Phelps is appreciative of the gesture…

Cut 6 (06) “….you so much”

Several former LSU football standouts are set to hear their names called as the NFL Draft begins tonight. Andre Champagne takes a look at who could come off the board early….

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

It’s draft day as the first round of the NFL draft is tonight. The Saints have the eighth overall pick and WWL Radio’s Mike Detillier says there is a chance the Black and Gold will use that pick to take former LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane…

Cut 15 (14) “…out wide”

Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier will not be with the team during the draft. He’ll be with his son, former LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who is expected to be drafted on Friday night. Saints G-M Mickey Loomis has no problem with Doug Nussmeier being with his son…

Cut 17 (13) “>..value his input

 

The LSU football team will be back on this morning as spring practice is winding down. A big question mark going into next season will be the Tigers running game. Tigerbait’s Preston Guy says LSU has struggled to run the ball during the scrimmages…

Cut 29 (17) “…as a receiver”

Wisconsin transfer Dilin Jones has also had a good spring and has been getting snaps with the first team.

In college baseball…Nicholls defeated Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi six to one as Caston Thompson hit his 12th home run. This game actually started on March 6th in Corpus Christi, but it had to be restarted from the first inning due to an appeal won by the Islanders. Nicholls is now 14 and 10 in Southland play.

5:30 LRN Newscast

An effort to prevent someone from serving as governor for three or more terms failed to get enough votes in the Louisiana House. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham’s proposed constitutional amendment needed 70 votes, but it  only got 67 votes. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry likes the proposal…

Cut 28 (05) “…thanks”

The constitution currently only allows a person to serve two consecutive terms. But if former governors Bobby Jindal or John Bel Edwards wanted to run for governor next year, they could. But Bayham says…

Cut 29 (10)
No one spoke in opposition. Bayham can bring the measure up for another vote to see if he can get the 70 votes to send the proposal to the Senate.

 

The Louisiana House approves legislation that would allow public universities to keep private how they spend revenue share dollars with their athletes. The measure passed 91 to 4. Revenue share dollars is public money. It includes tax dollars from sports betting. If the legislation is approved, the public will not see how much money athletes are getting directly from the university and how much a sports program is receiving. Supporters have cited safety concerns for the athlete if fans know how much the players are getting paid, and it would cause a competitive disadvantage. Opponents say this is public money and the public has a right to see how it is spent.

There was no discussion on the bill before it was passed to the Senate. But the bill’s author Tehmi Chassion says media members that have filed a lawsuit seeking to see the revenue share dollar allocations have received death threats and he says that’s not right…

Cut 26 (16) “…don’t’ deserve that”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU wraps up spring football this week. The Tigers’ offense struggled for most of the spring but has started to find its rhythm over the past few practices. Coach Lane Kiffin says he’s seen significant improvement from the quarterback group in the last week.

Cut 16 (16) “…progression’s really good.”

LSU football received a verbal commitment Monday night from four-star athlete Braylon Calais (COL-ay) out of Cecilia High School. Calais, who grew up as a huge LSU fan, says he is excited to join what he believes is a special program being built by the new coaching staff.

Cut 19 (10) “…part of it.”

The LSU baseball team earned a ten-to-seven victory over UNO last night to get back in the win column after three straight losses. Freshman William Patrick from Monroe will have an opportunity to play in right field now that Jake Brown is out for the season with a broken hamate bone in his wrist. Patrick started for Brown in right field in last night’s win and had an RBI double. Patrick on the advice he got from Brown…

Cut 12 (16) “…up to him.”

ULM picked up a much-needed win last night after defeating Northwestern State 4-1. The Demons have now dropped six straight. The Warhawks will host James Madison this weekend.

Louisiana Tech dropped a 4-3 midweek contest to McNeese State last night. The Bulldogs left 15 runners on in the loss. Tech will host Missouri State this weekend.

4:30 LRN Newscast

A recent poll on the 5th district Congressional Republican Primary finds that more than half of the likely voters surveyed had not heard of any of the four candidates. New Orleans-based pollster Greg Rigamer surveyed 600 likely voters. Blake Miguez lead the poll with 20 percent, followed by Rick Edmonds with 13-percent, Michael Echols 10-percent and Misti Cordell with three-percent. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the winner of this election may come down to who has the most money.

Cut 11 (13) “…just don’t know”

Rigamer conducted the survey that was paid for by business lobbyist Alton Ashy.

proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to limit a governor to just two terms fails to get enough votes to pass in the Louisiana House. Belle Chasse Representative Mike Bayham’s measure needed 70 votes to pass, it got 67. He can bring the measure up for a vote again.

 

It’s Love the Boot week and the Louisiana Department of Transportation is using the opportunity to get the word out about the Sponsor A Highway program. DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet says companies can pay a third party to keep clean a section of highway and the sponsors get road signs with their logos on them…

Cut 5 (13) “….congested areas”

LSU freshman baseball player William Patrick from Monroe will have an opportunity to play in right field now that Jake Brown is out for the season with a broken hamate bone in his wrist. Patrick started for Brown in last night’s 10-7 win over UNO and had an RBI double — but not before he got some valuable advice from Brown.

Cut 12 (15) “…up to him.”

LSU begins a series versus Mississippi State Friday night.