House Speaker Mike Johnson describes the tense moments that occurred at the White House Correspondents Dinner. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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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.”

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House Speaker Mike Johnson was on KEEL Radio in Shreveport this morning recounting his experience on Saturday night when he was rushed away when an armed man tried to gain access to the ballroom where they were holding the White House Correspondents Association dinner. Johnson is grateful law enforcement and first responders acted quickly…

Cut 3 (10) “…shots fired.”

Authorities say 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California exchanged gunfire with law enforcement as he tried to rush past security checkpoint. He was allegedly armed with multiple guns and knives.  Inside the ballroom were President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, along with Johnson who’s next in the presidential succession….

Cut 4 (07) “…society.”

NBC News is reporting Allen, who is a teacher in California and an engineer, sent a note to family members that it was his duty to attack Trump Administration officials. Johnson says Allen was radicalized..

Cut 5 (11) “…very dangerous.”

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Former Louisiana high school football star Trey Holly has avoided jail time by entering a no contest plea. Holly was accused of illegal use of a weapon and aggravated criminal damage to property for a 2024 shooting that took place in his hometown of Farmerville that wounded two people. Holly’s attorney, Mike Small, says Holly did not plead guilty to anything…

Cut 6 (05) “…didn’t do it.”

Small, says he had a decent shot at acquittal, but it would have been a gamble…

Cut 7 (09) “..or probation.”

Holly was sentenced to one year probation and a one-thousand dollar fine and he’ll continue playing football for Southern. Small says after satisfactory completion of his probation, he can file a motion to have the conviction tossed out and the prosecution dismissed…

Cut 8 (12) “..guilty”

Small wishes this case was resolved sooner. Holly was set to stand trial last summer, but because the air conditioning system went down at the courthouse in Farmerville, the trial date was pushed to this April.

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Quick thinking by Lafayette Police after Festival International had wrapped up Saturday night may have prevented a much more serious situation. Sergeant Robin Green says a large crowd had gathered after the music had wrapped up, and an argument broke out between two groups. 

Cut 9 (11)  “…incident from occurring.”

Sergeant Green says the officer’s tactics must have worked, because that got 19-year-old Jai’Quan Pierre of Crowley to back off.

Cut 10 (10) “…Parish Correctional Center.”

Green says Pierre is facing three charges.

Cut 11 (08) “…terrorizing-slash-menacing.”

No one was hurt during the incident. The officer who discharged the duty weapon has been placed on routine paid administrative leave while the investigation is being conducted.

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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.”

Over the next seven days, north and central Louisiana could get at least three inches of rain, with areas south of there to the I-10/I-12 corridor getting between two and three inches. Hansford says while that rain is very much needed, it won’t be nearly enough to get the state out of the drought.

Cut 13 (09) “…end the drought.”

Hansford says it’s almost certain that the drought will last the entire summer.

Cut 14 (10) “…of last year.”

While the Republican Senate candidates can’t agree on holding a debate, the Democratic candidates all got together for a debate in Baton Rouge. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Forty-four years after a 16-year-old girl was killed, her alleged killers have finally been arrested. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landy is fed up with violent crime and continues to blame judges for not imposing the proper punishment on young offenders. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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While the Republican candidates for U.S. Senate cannot decide when or where to hold a debate, the three Democratic candidates held a debate in Baton Rouge. Jamie Davis, Gary Crockett and Nick Albares spent 45 minutes answering questions on a wide variety of topics. On the topic of health care, Albares said he would undo certain provisions of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” that he says were structured to make the next Congress look bad.

Cut 4 (12) “…January 1st, 2027.”

On affordability, Davis said he would more than double the minimum wage, which has been $7.25 an hour since July of 2009.

Cut 5 (12) “…somewhere around $17.50.”

All three took aim at the Trump administration’s immigration policies, with Crockett noting a stark difference between Trump and prior administrations.

Cut 6 (10) “…everyone deserves dignity.”

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A bill heading to the House floor seeks to give the governor and statewide elected officials a significant pay raise. Harahan Representative John Illg is proposing that the governor’s salary be 35 percent of the average base pay for Louisiana’s university system presidents, and for other statewide elected officials, it would be 30 percent…

Cut 7 (08) “…make.”

Currently, the governor makes 130 thousand dollars a year. Other statewide elected officials are making 115-thousand dollars. Illg says the salaries for statewide elected officials have not been raised in 20 years….

Cut 8 (08) “…the boss.”

Under Illg’s measure. The governor would see his salary increase by 52-thousand dollars to a little more than 182-thousand dollars a year. The other statewide elected officials would increase by 41-thousand dollars to 156-thousand dollars. The pay hikes will take effect with the next term, which starts in 2028.

Illg says by tying the pay of the governor and statewide elected officials with university system president pay, the legislature will never have to take a vote on it again….

Cut 9 (05)  “…again.”

Illg is also proposing a daily stipend of 178 dollars for lawmakers when they travel outside the district for legislative work outside of the legislative session. The House Governmental Affairs Committee unanimously approved the bill and it still needs full House and Senate approval.

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Forty-four years after 16-year-old Roxanne Sharp was raped and murdered in Covington,  State Police have arrested four men in connection with that murder. Trooper Marc Gremillion says the February 1982 murder remained unsolved for decades, until Charles Dowdy’s podcast “Who Killed Roxanne” spurred interest in the case.

Cut 10 (08) “…have moved away.”

Gremillion says that renewed interest helped investigators generate new leads and ultimately led them to four men – three of whom were 20 and the other one 18 at the time of the murder.

Cut 11 (13) “…second-degree murder.”

Perry Taylor and Carlos Cooper were already behind bars on unrelated charges. Billy Williams was arrested in Covington, and Darrell Spell was arrested in Dayton, Ohio. Gremillion says he hopes after all these years, the arrests of the four men brings a sense of closure and healing to Roxanne’s family.

Cut 12 (10) “…that were made.”

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Governor Jeff Landry calls last week’s fatal mass shooting at the Louisiana Mall unacceptable and is pointing the finger at parents and the judicial system for the violence that continues to take place involving young people. Landry says the failure of this situation starts at home…

Cut 13 (13)  “…failure list.”

Baton Rouge Police have arrested 17-year-old Markell Lee and charged him with first degree murder and five counts of attempted first-degree murder. Authorities are searching for a second suspected gunman.

Landry is calling on state lawmakers to look at increasing the penalties to make sure violent young criminals are locked up…

Cut 14 (11) “…their lives.”

Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse says Lee has an extensive history in the state’s juvenile court system. Landry continues to make claims that judges in the juvenile court system are not upholding their obligation to ensure justice…

Cut 15 (12) “…was innocent.”

Landry is urging lawmakers to pass legislation that would hold judges accountable if they fail to impose the appropriate punishment on a convicted felon.

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LSU sophomore wide receiver Winston Watkins is one of four players who followed coach Lane Kiffin to Baton Rouge from Ole Miss. Watkins says that he and Kiffin have had a special bond since he recruited him in high school, which led to his decision to play for the Tigers.

Cut 16 (14) “…the good move for me.”

As a freshman at Ole Miss, Watkins caught 26 passes for 373 yards and a touchdown. Now that he’s at LSU, Watkins says he’s aiming to make a significant leap in year two and put the nation on notice.

Cut 17 (18)  “…of the world at LSU.”

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Three of the eight Saints draft picks were receivers as they provided starting quarterback Tyler Shough with more options in the passing. In the first round, New Orleans took Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State, and in the fourth round, they made an interesting pick in six-foot-three Bryce Lane from North Dakota State. General Manager Mickey Loomis…

Cut 18 (20)  “…to Chris .”

In the sixth round, the Saints took former LSU wide receiver Barion Brown, who is estatic he’s staying in the Boot…

Cut 19 (18) “…let’s do it.”

Former LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier said he had to wait what seemed like forever as his name was not called until the seventh round. But he’s going to a championship organization as the Chiefs selected the Lake Charles native. Nussmeier is fired up to learn from head coach Andy Reid and superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes…

Cut 20 (12) “…grateful for.”

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.”

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Authorities have arrested one individual and 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.”

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

Cut 3 (08) “…to behold.”

Guidry 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.”

Guidry says Festival International is not just a music festival…

Cut 5 (10) “…arts and craft.”

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Two of the state’s largest teacher unions are supporting Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16^th 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.”

Educators and school employees are already currently receiving most of this money. But Carter says it’s a stipend and could go away if the state needs to reduce revenue due to tough budget times.

Cut 7 (10) “..permanently.”

Constitutional Amendment 3 would mean teachers would receive a permanent salary increase of $2,250 and school employees would get $1,125 dollars. The permanent pay raise would come from the dissolving of three education trust funds and the money from those funds would pay down teacher retirement debt, creating a savings to pay teachers.

Carter says this is part of LFT’s efforts to get educators’ salaries to the Southern Regional Average, which is critical in ensuring a quality teacher in every classroom…

Cut 8 (10) “…students.”

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

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The Louisiana Department of Health this week confirmed a case of measles in the New Orleans area. All we know about the patient is that the patient is a child who became exposed during international travel. LDH says on April 17th while infected, the patient visited the Kenner Target and Walmart stores. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says if you were at either store that day, closely monitor yourself for any symptoms.

Cut 9 (13)  “…the rash appears.”

LDH says the patient was partially vaccinated. The recommendation is two doses of the MMR vaccine for children and one dose for adults. Sokol says those who get those recommended doses are 97-percent protected from measles for life. 

Cut 10 (09) “…transmit to others.”

Sokol says especially if you were in the Target or Walmart in Kenner last Friday, you should double-check your MMR vaccine history.

Cut 11 (11) “…for a vaccine.”

This is the first measles case reported in Louisiana this year. Last year, there were three cases.

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

Cut 12 (07) “… a weapon.”

Morse says four other people who were detained shortly after the shooting have been released. He says they are confident Lee was one of the shooters…

Cut 13 (09) “…known residence.”

Morse says Lee has an extensive criminal history in the juvenile court system. Police have released an image of the second person they are looking for in the hopes the public can help identify that person.

The 17-year-old girl who was fatally shot has been identified as Martha Odom. She attended Ascension Episcopal High School in Youngsville. Odom loved ballet, writing and Doctor Pepper. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore grieves for her family…

Cut 14 (04) “…them home.”

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.”

A new report finds that Louisiana’s job growth rate is ranked third fastest in the South for 2025. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A major milestone for the Amtrak Mardi Gras line, and it reached it much earlier than expected. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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A program allowing library card holders to obtain a free pass to visit a state park or historic site expands statewide. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A report from Leaders for a Better Louisiana finds that Louisiana is doing well in creating jobs and lowering crime. Better Louisiana CEO Adam Knapp says based on state and federal data, Louisiana ranks third among Southern states for job growth, adding nearly 23-thousand jobs last year. Knapp says all large Louisiana metros and two smaller metros saw year-over-year growth.

Cut 4 (06) “…all seeing growth.”

Knapp says the fastest regional growth rates were in Slidell, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles and Monroe. He says Meta’s data center construction is fueling Monroe, and St. Tammany Parish is experiencing strong population growth.

The state’s job growth surpassed both Texas and Florida by percentage. South Carolina and North Carolina were the only two southern states to outperform Louisiana’s job growth.

Knapp says health and social assistance is leading the growth in new jobs, and employment in construction has been steadily growing since last August.

Cut 5 (09) “…over the place.”

When it comes to crime, Knapp says Louisiana’s homicide rate dropped 59-percent from 2021 to 2025, the third largest decline among peer states.

Cut 6 (11) “…pretty big drop.”

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When Amtrak’s Mardi Gras service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, started last August, officials were anticipating that 75-thousand people would climb on board in the first year. We’re eight months in, and it has already welcomed its 100-thousandth passenger! Walt Leger, the president and CEO of New Orleans and Company, says it’s a milestone beyond anyone’s expectations.

Cut 7 (09) “…a tremendous feat.”

Leger says the fact that the line includes stops in places which, like New Orleans and Mobile, are exciting walkable destinations like Biloxi and Gulfport, Mississippi, has increased interest in the line.

Cut 8 (07) “…access our community.”

Leger says the success of the Mardi Gras line could ultimately result in a population boom in New Orleans and all other cities which have stops.

Cut 9 (08)  “…creates more accessibility.”

There are future plans to extend the Mardi Gras line further west to Baton Rouge.

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The Check Out Louisiana program has expanded statewide. Through a partnership between the State Library and Louisiana State Parks, library card holders can check out a free day pass to any of Louisiana’s 21 state parks and 14 historic sites. State Librarian Meg Placke (PLACK-ee) says the pilot program that they launched in October of 2024 with 19 library systems was a huge success.

Cut 10 (11) “…across the state.”

There are only a limited number of passes available, and they are distributed among the library systems in proportion with the populations they serve. Placke says each library system sets its own rules on how they can be obtained. 

Cut 11 (08) “…to your library.”

Placke says along with the free passes, library card holders can also check out a Geaux Explore backpack, which contains various items designed to enhance their visit.

Cut 12 (09) “…the Louisiana wildlife.”

For more information, you can visit Check Out Louisiana-dot-org.

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Two people have been arrested for killing a three-year-old four years ago. Baton Rouge Police have charged 22-year-old Jayden Davis and a juvenile for first degree murder in the killing of Devin Page Jr., who was fatally shot while sleeping in his home in April of 2022. His grandmother, Cathy Toliver, is overcome with emotion that justice is finally being served.

Cut 13 (12)  “…process of healing.”

A shooting in the street resulted in 30 bullet holes on the outside of the house where Page lived. East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards says the arrests send a signal to anyone who is thinking about committing violent crime in the state’s capital city.

Cut 14 (11) “…to get you.”

Davis was arrested in California, while the juvenile was already in the East Baton Rouge Parish prison for unrelated homicides. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore commended the work of everyone involved in the case.

Cut 15 (08) “…come to today.”

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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.”

Lane Kiffin has been open about his commitment to a healthy lifestyle, as he avoids alcohol and works out regularly. He’s emphasized to his coaching staff the importance of staying in shape and has recently taken an active role in helping them improve their health at the facility.

Cut 17 (16)  “…long he lives.”

Kiffin also says that putting in work at the facility and staying in shape shows players that the coaches are holding themselves to the same standard.

It’s been nearly five months since Kiffin arrived in Baton Rouge. He says he’s gotten to know the city much better and is falling in love with it.

Cut 18 (11)  “…so it’s unique.”

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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.”

Calais is the fourth commitment in LSU’s 2027 recruiting class. He joins four-star quarterback Peyton “Pop” Houston out of Shreveport, whom Calais says played a major role in his decision to join the Tigers.

Cut 20 (06) “…be a blessing.”

With the killer in Sunday’s mass shooting in Shreveport showing all the signs of mental health issues, the Louisiana Department of Health is urging you to prioritize your emotional well-being. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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It’s National Work Zone Awareness Week and State Police are asking drivers to do their part to prevent crashes in work zones. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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An examination of the Facebook profile of the Shreveport man who killed his seven children and a nephew Sunday morning shows that he had been struggling with mental health. In light of that, the Louisiana Department of Health is urging you to prioritize your mental health by using Louisiana 988. Holly Howat, the interim assistant secretary of the office of behavioral health, says it’s not just for suicide prevention – it’s for all types of emotional distress.

Cut 3 (09) “…care they need.”

Howat says if you’re experiencing emotional issues, the very worst thing you can do is to keep it bottled up inside – you need to reach out to a family member, a trusted friend or to Louisiana 988.

Cut 4 (12) “…and gets worse.”

Howat says it’s important to know the warning signs of mental stress.

Cut 5 (13) “…take care of.”

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A devastating blow to an LSU baseball team that’s already teetering as right fielder Jake Brown, is done for the season with a broken hamate bone. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says LSU’s offense is already struggling and now they will play the rest of the season without one of its best players…

Cut 6 (10) “…national championship.”

Brown, who is from Sulphur, has started every game this season in right field. Guilbeau says coach Jay Johnson might turn to a freshman, William Patrick from Monroe…

Cut 7 (13) “…in the SEC.”

LSU has lost six straight SEC games, and they are not even on the bubble to make the NCAA Tournament. The injury news does not stop with Brown, Guilbeau says starting pitcher Cooper Moore is also out for the season

Cut 8 (08) “…elbow.”

Moore is 3-3 with a 3.38 ERA and Coach Jay Johnson says Moore is expected to return to LSU next year and pitch for the Tigers.

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It is National Work Zone Awareness Week and this year’s theme is “Safe actions save lives.” Louisiana Department of Transportation Secretary Glenn Ledet says every driver has a responsibility to slow down, stay alert, and make safe decisions behind the wheel while driving through a construction zone…

Cut 9 (11)  “…work zones.”

Ledet says motorists can stay informed about upcoming work zones by signing up for email and text alerts through MYDOTD and 511LA

Cut 10 (13) “…coming up.”

In Louisiana, 13 people were killed in work zones in 2024. State Police Superintendent, Colonel Robert Hodges, says a moment of inattention in a work zone can change lives forever…

Cut 11 (10) “…work zone.”

DOTD encourages the public to participate in Go Orange Day tomorrow by wearing orange to show support for work zone safety and raise awareness about the risks faced by roadway workers.

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Louisiana’s U.S. House delegation expressed its collective sympathy to the families of the victims of Sunday’s mass murder in Shreveport. House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed the tragedy on the House floor with Cleo Fields, Clay Higgins and Steve Scalise by his side.

Cut 12 (10) “…senseless, unspeakable evil.”

The location where the shooting took place is in Fields’ congressional district. Fields echoed Johnson’s sentiments in his own floor speech.

Cut 13 (07) “…this unimaginable grief.”

We’re getting updated information on yesterday’s tragedy in Shreveport. Andrew Greenstein got an updated timeline on the mass shooting that killed eight children.

Cut 1 (51) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU gymnastics just missed out on winning its second national championship on Saturday. Jeff Palermo reports the Tigers plan to be in the hunt again next year for a natty…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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We’re getting updated information on yesterday’s tragedy in Shreveport, in which eight children were shot dead in the country’s worst mass murder in more than two years. Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith told a news conference late this morning that the two women who were injured during the shooting spree are both still alive.

Cut 3 (08) “…hospital and recovering.”

The victim in the first house was the girlfriend of the shooter, 31-year-old Shamar Elkins. Elkins took the three kids he shared with her from that home and went to his wife’s home about a half mile away. His five other kids, along with one of their cousins, were at that house. Once there, Elkins shot and killed eight kids, ranging in age from three to 11 years old. Smith said the sister of Elkins’ wife climbed onto the roof with two of the kids in an attempt to escape.

Cut 4 (06) “…in stable condition.”

The other child did not make it off the roof and was shot dead. Smith says while Elkins was the father of all eight victims, the children were split between two women.

Cut 5 (09) “…lives were taken.”

The women identified their children to the Caddo Parish coroner’s office. Smith says investigators were able to quickly link the two scenes together.

Cut 6 (10) “…and both parties.”

Smith says the shooting stemmed from an argument between Elkins and his wife. The two were apparently going through a divorce and, in fact, had been scheduled to appear in court today.

This tragedy is bringing the issue of domestic violence to the forefront. State Senator Sam Jenkins, whose district includes the location where the shootings took place, says the legislature addresses domestic violence every session. But in light of what happened yesterday, now is the time for lawmakers from both parties to come together to come up with common-sense solutions to the crisis.

Cut 7 (11) “…at every level.”

City councilman Grayson Boucher (BOO-churr) says for those who are in situations where there’s domestic violence, no matter if you’re a child or an adult, there are ways to get out.

Cut 8 (13) “…your school counselor.”

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Governor Jeff Landry accuses the two male Republican candidates in the U-S Senate race as not being “southerly.”  Landry, who is supporting Julia Letlow in the U-S Senate Republican primary, says the attack ads against the Congresswoman from Incumbent Billy Cassidy and Treasurer John Fleming are crossing the line…

Cut 9 (07)  “…Southerly.”

Landry made the comments during an interview with Jim Engster on WRKF’s “Talk Louisiana.”

Letlow, who has the endorsement of President Trump, has called herself the true conservative in the race. Landry says the narratives that the other two candidates are using to describe Letlow are false…

Cut 10 (05) “…disingenious.”

The governor says he’s impressed Letlow continues to do well in the race, despite the negative ads against her…

Cut 11 (10) “…to tell you.”

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The LSU gymnastics team nearly won its second national championship in three years on Saturday, but Oklahoma performed extremely well on the floor to edge the Tigers by percentage points on Saturday in Fort Worth, Texas. Coach Jay Clark says it was a heck of an effort by his team…

Cut 12 (10) “…was not.”

It was the Tigers’ fourth runner-up finish in program history, while Oklahoma won its eighth national championship.  Clark says Oklahoma is the gold standard, but LSU is not going away…

Cut 13 (07) “…next year.”

It was a historic season for Kailin Chio, who got 13 perfect 10s, including one on the vault on Saturday. Chio will return next season along with 85-percent of the scoring from this year’s squad…

Cut 14 (12) “…this year.”

The House Education Committee votes down a bill that would have removed the requirement that students receive the meningitis vaccine. Colleen Crain has the story

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Woodside Energy has contracted with a Louisiana company that will design and construct four new tugboats at a shipyard in Belle Chasse. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The House Education Committee votes down an attempt to remove the meningitis vaccine from the list of shots a student 11 years or older is required to receive. Houma Republican Beryl Amedee authored the legislation and says parents should have the final say on whether their child receives this vaccine…

Cut 3 (12) “…mandate”

The CDC says meningococcal disease has increased sharply since 2001, and Baton Rouge pediatrician Doctor Mikki Bouquet (Boo-tay) says just last month there was a deadly outbreak in the U-K…

Cut 4 (11) “…kids died”

Amedee pressed Bouquet about possible side effects from receiving the meningitis vaccine…

Cut 5 (06) “…very effective.”

Meningococcal disease leads to meningitis, which is inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, and it can also produce blood infections. Up to 15-percent of the cases can be fatal. It can also cause longterm health impacts like blindness and deafness. Doctor Bouquet on what the meningitis vaccine does…

Cut 6 (10) “…very effective.”

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After finishing second in Thursday’s NCAA Semifinals, LSU gymnastics will look to capture its second national championship in three seasons on Saturday. Head coach Jay Clark says Thursday’s performance wasn’t the Tigers’ best, but the team plans to move on and refocus ahead of the national title meet.

Cut 7 (12) “…do the thing.”

LSU’s bars and beam set almost cost the team its spot in the national championship. Sophomore Kailin Chio says the team will use Thursday’s performance as a learning experience heading into Saturday’s meet.

Cut 8 (04) “…throw out the bad.”

The Tigers will compete against top-seeded Oklahoma, third-seeded Florida and 15th-seeded Minnesota at 3 p.m.

Sophomore Kaliya Lincoln says in order to reach another pinnacle, the Tigers must continue to rely on what they’ve done all season.

Cut 9 (10)  “…no matter what.”

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New Orleans is scheduled to host LIV Golf in June – but rumors are swirling that the circuit might not survive until then. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is reportedly on the verge of cutting funding for LIV Golf, putting its future in jeopardy. LIV Golf has eight tournaments remaining this year, including at New Orleans City Park June 25th through the 28th. State Senate President Cameron Henry says the state has allocated seven-million dollars to the tournament.

Cut 10 (05) “…for the tournament.”

Henry says of that seven-million dollars, the state has spent three-million of it.

Cut 11 (08) “…to use that.”

Henry says the state has already given LIV Golf one-million of its five-million-dollar hosting fee.

Cut 12 (06) “…chase it down.”

The CEO of LIV Golf says it has enough money to finish out the rest of the 2026 season. Whether that actually happens remains to be seen.

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A shipyard in Belle Chasse will build four new tugboats for Woodside Energy, who is building a 17-billion-dollar LNG terminal in Calcasieu Parish. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says this is what they want to see, a business operating in one part of the state, providing jobs and opportunity in another area of the state…

Cut 13 (09) “…supposed to work.”

Woodside Energy has awarded a services contract worth more than 300 million dollars with Green Tug Towing. The tugboats will be built at C-and-C Marine and Repair in Plaquemines Parish. Bourgeois says Governor Landry encourages Louisiana businesses to do business with other Louisiana companies…

Cut 14 (06) “…and workforce.”

Bourgeois says the investment will include significant upgrades to the warehouse, including four new shipping docks. The Green Tug Towing contract will result in 70 direct local jobs and 30 indirect roles. Bourgeois says the state has an online business database called Source Louisiana, which connects Louisiana companies to contract and vendor opportunities…

Cut 15 (06) “…C-and-C.”

The tugs will provide towing services for LNG tankers at the Louisiana LNG terminal.

The LSU gymnastics team looks to punch its ticket to the Final Four today for the second time in three seasons today. Andre Champagne has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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A measure that seeks to lift the deer feeding bans in response to chronic wasting disease in deer is heading to the House floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Patrick McMath wants to dismantle the heavily criticized Department of Children and Family Services and he’s proposed legislation to do it. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The LSU gymnastics team will look to punch its ticket to the Final Four for the first time since 2024 after falling short last season in Fort Worth.,Texas. The Tigers take the floor today in Session I of the NCAA Semifinals. Head coach Jay Clark says the team should feel confident heading into the meet, having been ranked No. 2 all season.

Cut 4 (12) “…get after it.”

LSU’s philosophy for reaching the top is simple: control what you can and stay true to what’s worked all season. Sophomore Lexi Zeiss…

Cut 5 (07) “…our best.”

Clark says it will be crucial for the Tigers to be the best version of themselves in order to earn a chance to compete for their second national championship in three seasons.

Cut 6 (11) “…perfect is.”

LSU will compete at 3:30. The other three schools in their session are Florida, Georgia and Stanford.

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The state’s Public Service Commission has approved Entergy Louisiana’s request to expediate the approval process on the power company’s plan to build seven new gas power plants and other investments to power Meta’s data center in Richland Parish. The four to one vote means the P-S-C will vote in December on Entergy’s power plan proposal. Commissioner Jean-Paul Coussan says that’s plenty of time to review Entergy’s plan

Cut 7 (05) “…in Louisiana.”

An executive order signed by Governor Landry last December opened the door for large projects like data centers to go through a fast tracked approval process.  Commissioner Eric Skrmetta says the “Lightning Initiative” is doable…

Cut 8 (16) “…on this”

Since Entergy Louisiana’s application is fast-tracked, a formal recommendation from an administrative judge will be skipped. Alaina DiLaura from the Alliance for Affordable Energy argued that due diligence is needed..

Cut 9 (11)  “…period of time.”

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The House Natural Resources Committee approves a resolution that would remove the deer feeding bans that are in place where chronic wasting disease has been found. Hunter Nation Chair Rock Bordelon, who owns deer hunting land in Avoyelles Parish, says the feeding bans in other states have not slowed the spread of C-W-D…

Cut 10 (04) “…feeders”

There have been about 50 confirmed cases of C-W-D in deer, with most of the those cases concentrated in Tensas Parish. It’s also been detected in Concordia, Catahoula and Ouachita.

In an effort to control the spread of C-W-D, a fatal disease for deer, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries has imposed feeding and baiting bans in all or part of 18 parishes, mostly in northeastern Louisiana.

Avid hunter and rock ‘n’ roll legend Ted Nugent testified in favor of the legislation. He recorded a video for members of the Natural Resources Committee to hear

Cut 11 (11) “…heritage.”

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick is the author of the resolution. He says feeding bans are affecting people’s hunting rights. And supporters of the legislation also point out that there has not been a single case of CWD being transmitted to humans.

But LDWF’s Deer Program Manager Johnathan Bordelon, no relation to Rock Bordelon, says the feeding bans are one way they can slow the spread of CWD…

Cut 12 (10) “…congregate deer.”

The measure heads to the full House for more discussion.

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Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Patrick McMath unveils his plan to fix the state agency responsible for child welfare. The Department of Children and Family Services has been criticized for not preventing child deaths after they were alerted about dangers in the home. McMath wants to move many of the functions of D-C-F-S within the Department of Health and put State Police in charge of handling child abuse reports…

Cut 13 (10)  “..now dead.”

McMath’s legislation would also put the Attorney General’s office in charge of making sure parents are making their court-ordered support payments.

The proposal is 111 pages long so members of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee will spend the next week going over the major changes. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau is one of several lawmaker displeased with f D-C-F-S’s inability to protect abused and neglected children.

Cut 14 (04) “…terrible outcomes.”

Luneau’s biggest concern with the proposal is funding and workforce to do the job. McMath says current employees of D-C-F-S would not lose their jobs, instead they would be transferred into L-D-H and that agency’s new name will be the Louisiana Department of Health and Human Services…

Cut 15 (12) “…in funding.”

The Advocate asked Governor Landry about McMath’s plan, and he told the news organization that he’s frustrated with the proposal because no one talked with him about it. He questioned the idea of having State Police handling the child abuse hotline and how that would cost the state.

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The LSU baseball team finds itself in a tough spot midway through SEC play. The Tigers have just six conference wins and likely need 13 or 14 to secure a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Former LSU standout shortstop and two-time World Series champion Ryan Theriot says several factors are holding the team back from reaching its full potential.

Cut 16 (19) “…grinded-out at-bats.”

Over the past three years, Jay Johnson has dominated the transfer portal with key additions like Paul Skenes, Tommy White, and Anthony Eyanson. This season, however, LSU’s transfers haven’t panned out as well, and Theriot says the program will need consistent financial support moving forward to find better players in the future.

Cut 17 (19)  “…who can pay the most money?.”

One of the biggest surprises this season has been the inconsistency of sophomore pitcher Casan Evans. After a dominant freshman campaign, the Friday-night starter has struggled to hit his stride. Theriot says more experience will benefit Evans in the long run.

Cut 18 (14)  “…expect him to get better.” 

Amazon is purchasing a satellite communications company based in Covington for 11.6 billion dollars. Joe Gallinaro has the details

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Governor Landry is urging Louisiana voters to vote “Yes” for Constitutional Amendment Three on the May 16^th ballot. Andre Champagne has the story..

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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State Police is looking for a driver who struck and killed a bicyclist in St. Tammany Parish. The crash claimed the life of 24-year-old Rodrigo Ornelas Junior of Folsom. Trooper Marc Gremillion says the incident occurred at around 12:30 AM on Sunday on Louisiana Highway 40 in Folsom….

Cut 3 (05) “…fled the scene.”

Ornelas Junior was not wearing a helmet but was dressed in light-colored clothing. He died at a local hospital. Gremillion says Troopers are looking for a dark-colored sedan or small SUV that struck Orlenas and they need the public’s help…

Cut 4 (08) “…unfortunate death.”

Gremillion says anyone with information is urged to contact State Police…

Cut 5 (13) “…8-0-7″

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The 22nd-ranked LSU softball team no-hit UL Lafayette in its 8-0 run-rule win last night. The Cajuns fell to .500 on the season, and head coach Alyson Habetz, who also played at UL from 1990-95, was revved up after the embarrassing loss.

Cut 6 (13) “make them care more.”

The Cajuns find themselves in jeopardy of missing the postseason for the second straight year. Habetz says her team can still get to where it wants to be, but it will take a complete turnaround.

Cut 7 (12) “…we have to make it happen.”

The Cajuns look to bounce back this weekend as they host Coastal Carolina.

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The Louisiana Tech baseball team picked up its seventh straight win on Tuesday night after beating Little Rock nine to three. Just two weeks ago, the Bulldogs had lost eight in a row, but head coach Lane Burroughs says the team has gotten its swagger back.

Cut 8 (15) “…get out of their way.”

Now that the Bulldogs have won seven straight, they head into this weekend’s series with a bigger target on their backs. Burroughs says his team just needs to stay humble and hungry going into their three-game series at Kennesaw State.

Cut 9 (12)  “…fun to coach.”

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Amazon is purchasing a Louisiana satellite communications company for nearly 12-billion dollars. President and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc, Michael Hecht, says it’s great news for Covington-based Globalstar…

Cut 10 (10) “… Amazon Leo.”

Globalstar is the primary satellite link for Apple’s iPhone emergency SOS features. In a news release, Amazon says it plans to use Globalstar’s network to enable smartphone users to connect directly to a network of thousands of satellites for voice and data service.

Hecht says Globalstar relocated to the Northshore from California in 2010 and they are now a Louisiana success story…

Cut 11 (09) “…in Louisiana.”

Hecht says news that Amazon has bought a satellite communications company based in St. Tammany Parish broadens Louisiana’s brand for those companies considering doing business in Louisiana…

Cut 12 (07) “…innovative companies”

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Governor Jeff Landry is making the rounds on local talk shows touting his support for Constitutional Amendment Three on the May 16^th ballot. Amendment Three eliminates three education trust funds and use the money contained in those funds to pay down retirement debt, which will give public school teachers and support workers a permanent raise…

Cut 13 (12) “…tax reform.”

The three education funds that would be dissolved contain about two billion dollars according to the Legislative Fiscal Office. Landry says the money from those funds can be used to pay down a debt of seven billion dollars with the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana…

Cut 14 (09) “…two years.”

In 2023, the Louisiana Legislature provided teachers with a stipend of two-thousand dollars and school support workers with a one-thousand-dollar stipend. The legislature has paid for those stipends ever since, but Landry say passage of Amendment Three makes those temporary pay raises permanent…

Cut 15 (08) “…is permanent.”

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell opposes Amendment Three, He says one of the trust funds has paid out millions for classroom needs over the last 25 years.