9:30 LRN Newscast

The NFL draft is tonight, and former LSU and Neville football star Will Campbell is expected to be one of the first names called…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The chancellor at LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport, David Guzick, has resigned. Last September, LSU board member Esperanza Moran called for his dismissal at a board meeting, which raises speculation he could lose his job, despite having the support of LSU System president William Tate, who praised Guzick for getting the medical school removed from probation.

A new report says Louisiana has fully regained the jobs it lost from the COVID-19 pandemic. That is from the Leaders for a Better Louisiana and their First Quarter 2025 Economic Dashboard. CEO of Leaders for a Better Louisiana, Adam Knapp, says they have seen a growth in jobs in healthcare, education, and government, but slower expansion in high growth sectors like logistics, finance and technology. He says Louisiana continues to lag behind most Southern states in long-term job growth and new business formation…

Cut 8 (08) “…after those”

Jazz Fest gets underway today at the Fairgrounds Racecourse in New Orleans. Jazz Fest Producer and Director Quint Davis says it’s not just about the music at Jazz Fest, it’s also about the food…

Cut 6 (09) “….a buttered bun”

8:30 LRN Newscast

Leaders for Better Louisiana say the state has finally recovered all the jobs it lost from the COVID-pandemic. That’s according to their First Quarter 2025 Economic Dashboard. And Leaders for Better Louisiana CEO Adam Knapp says the state has also reversed years of population decline, buoyed by a surge in international migration. He attributes this to Louisiana’s lower cost of living…

Cut 9 (08) “….dollar spends further”

Tonight is the NFL draft, and several mock drafts have the New England Patriots selecting former LSU and Neville football star Will Campbell with the fourth overall pick. The Monroe native told KNOE-TV sports he has no problem with re-locating to the northeast.

Cut 11 (14) “…get to work.”

The Saints have the ninth overall pick in tonight’s draft.

The biggest music festival in Louisiana opens today. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

And there’s also Festival International in downtown Lafayette. The five-day festival got underway yesterday. But Lafayette has been hit with heavy rainfall this morning. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says more than half a foot of rain fell in a number of spots and high-water retrievals are being reported in multiple parishes.

7:30 LRN Newscast

A new report shows Louisiana has more jobs than it did before the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s according to the First Quarter 2025 Economic Dashboard by Leaders for a Better Louisiana. CEO Adam Knapp says the report notes a 1.1-percent increase in jobs over the past year and a 2.2-percent rise over two years, with 41-hundred more jobs than in February 2020.

Cut 7 (05) “…what we lost.”

Knapp says the growth in jobs can be found in healthcare, education and government.

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival gets underway today at the Fair Grounds Race Course. Jazz Fest producer Quint Davis says the festival has something for everyone’s musical tastes…

Cut 5 (12) “…you can get”

Jazz Fest runs this weekend and next weekend too.

The House Civil Law Committee has approved legislation that would limit contingency fees, which is the money a lawyer can make from lawsuits. Under Lafayette Republican Troy Hebert’s proposal, the contingency fees would be limited to 10-percent on the first 15-thousand dollars in damages, if the lawyer wins the case. Greenwell Springs Republican Lauren Ventrella expressed some reservations but ultimately voted in favor.

Cut 15 (07) “…free-market economy.

The measure passed on a 10 to 2 vote and heads to the full house for more consideration.

The 2025 NFL draft is tonight, and former LSU and Neville High football star Will Campbell is in Green Bay to hear his name called early in the first round…

Cut 12 (09) “…be there”

That audio is courtesy of KNOE-TV sports. Campbell was a dominant offensive tackle for the Tigers and several mock drafts have the Patriots taking Campbell with the fourth overall pick.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Tonight is the NFL draft and several mock drafts have the New England Patriots selecting former LSU and Neville football star Will Campbell with the fourth overall pick. The Monroe native told KNOE-TV sports he has no problem re-locating to the northeast.

Cut 11 (14) “…get to work.”

After Campbell is selected, the next LSU Tiger that could be drafted is tight end Mason Taylor. Draft analyst and WWL Radio sports talk show Mike Detillier says Taylor is an excellent pass catcher but still has to work on his blocking.

Cut 17 (18)  “…second round pick.”

Saints GM Mickey Loomis did not provide any additional information on starting quarterback Derek Carr’s injured shoulder that reportedly could cost him his 2025 season. Loomis says they are still seeking clarity on the Q-B’s injury. The Saints have the ninth overall pick in tonight’s draft.

The Zurich Classic gets underway today at the TPC at Louisiana in Avondale, which is just outside of New Orleans. Masters champ Rory Mcilroy and Shane Lowry are the defending champs in the unique two-man event. Also, Zurich has extended its sponsorship of the PGA Tour event in New Orleans through 2030.

LSU men’s basketball point guard Curtis Givens has entered the transfer portal after averaging five points as freshman.

In baseball…the Cajuns defeated Nicholls six to two as Conor Higgs hit his 13th home run. Southeastern Louisiana lost to 22nd ranked Southern Miss five to four. ULM and Louisiana Tech were rained out.

6:30 LRN Newscast

A new report says Louisiana has fully regained the jobs it lost from the COVID-19 pandemic. That is from the Leaders for a Better Louisiana and their First Quarter 2025 Economic Dashboard. CEO of Leaders for a Better Louisiana, Adam Knapp, says they have seen a growth in jobs in healthcare, education, and government, but slower expansion in high growth sectors like logistics, finance and technology. He says Louisiana continues to lag behind most Southern states in long-term job growth and new business formation…

Cut 8 (08) “…after those”

Knapp says the 2025 legislative session can provide further momentum for the state.

Former LSU and Neville High football star Will Campbell will find out where he will be working tonight for possibly the next decade as he’s expected to hear his name called in the first round of tonight’s NFL draft. Campbell told KNOE-TV sports that he’s eager to find out where he’ll start his professional career.

Cut 10 (08) “…for it.”

Several mock drafts have the Patriots selecting Campbell with the fourth overall pick.

The House Civil Law Committee advanced a bill that would cap lawyer contingency fees to ten-percent of the first 15-thousand dollars in damages in a lawsuit. Lafayette Republican Troy Hebert is sponsoring the bill.

Cut 13 (05)  “…first 15-thousand.”

Hebert says he filed the bill after his daughter was involved in a minor crash that resulted in no injuries and almost no property damage. But a year later he was hit with a lawsuit seeking 15-thousand dollars in damages. Hebert says a limit on legal fees would discourage lawyers from pushing to get quick settlements.

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis did not provide much of an update on quarterback Derek Carr’s situation when he met with the media yesterday. Loomis says they are still trying to determine the significance of Carr’s shoulder injury.

Cut 18 (09)  “…to you.”

The Saints have the ninth overall pick in tonight’s draft. They are not expected to select a quarterback with that pick, but they could make a trade to get a second first round pick and that’s when they’ll select a quarterback.

LRN AM Newscall April 24

The biggest music festival in Louisiana opens today. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

_____________________________________________

Leaders for a Better Louisiana’s first quarter 2025 Economic Dashboard shows the state has more jobs than it did before the COVID-19 pandemic. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

The NFL draft is tonight, and former LSU and Neville football star Will Campbell is expected to be one of the first names called. Andrew Greenstein has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________________________

The biggest musical festival in the state opens today. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival runs from Thursday through Sunday this week and next week. Producer and Director Quint Davis says it’s a never-ending celebration of Louisiana music.

Cut 4 (08) “…all the bands.”

Davis says while the festival celebrates Louisiana jazz music, the music is by no means limited to jazz.

Cut 5 (12) “…you can get.”

Other big-name artists taking the stage during the eight-day festival include the Dave Matthews Band, Santana and John Fogerty. Davis says, of course, no festival in New Orleans would ever be complete without some world-class Louisiana cuisine.

Cut 6 (13) “…a buttered bun.”

This year, Louisiana residents get a discount on their admission tickets. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course. It runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.

______________________________________________________

For the first time in five years, Louisiana has more jobs than it did before the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s according to the First Quarter 2025 Economic Dashboard by Leaders for a Better Louisiana. CEO Adam Knapp says the report notes a 1.1-percent increase in jobs over the past year and a 2.2-percent rise over two years, with 41-hundred more jobs than in February 2020.

Cut 7 (05) “…what we lost.”

Wages have risen 19-percent in four years, slightly below the Southern average. Better Louisiana calls this a major milestone, though Knapp stresses that the state still trails most Southern states in long-term job growth.  Knapp says Louisiana created a new strategic plan for each sector in the state.

Cut 8 (08) “…go after those.”

Business growth and residential construction lag behind regional averages, but population growth returned in 2024, especially in Baton Rouge and Lafayette.  Knapp attributes this to Louisiana’s lower cost of living.

Cut 9 (08)  “…dollar spends further.”

_____________________________________________________

Former LSU and Neville High football star Will Campbell will become the second Tiger offensive lineman to be selected in the first round of the NFL draft tonight. Campbell was a three-year starter at left tackle for LSU and he told KNOE-TV sports that he’s eager to find out where he’ll start his professional career.

Cut 10 (08) “…for it.”

Alan Faneca is the only other former LSU offensive lineman selected in the first round when he was the 26th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Several mock drafts have the New England Patriots selecting Campbell with the fourth overall pick. The Monroe native told KNOE-TV sports he has no problem re-locating to the northeast.

Cut 11 (14) “…get to work.”

The NFL draft will begin at 7 tonight, and it’s taking place in Green Bay. Campbell is one of 12 potential first round picks who are at the draft and will likely get a hug from Commissioner Roger Goodell after he’s selected.

Cut 12 (10) “…going to be there.”

The audio is from KNOE-TV sports.

________________________________________________________

The House Civil Law Committee advanced a bill that would cap lawyer contingency fees to ten-percent of the first 15-thousand dollars in damages in a lawsuit. Lafayette Republican Troy Hebert is sponsoring the bill.

Cut 13 (05)  “…first 15-thousand.”

Hebert says his motivation stemmed from when his daughter was involved in a minor crash that resulted in no injuries and almost no property damage, but a year later was hit with a lawsuit seeking 15-thousand dollars in damages. Despite trying to convince his insurer to fight the claim, he ultimately chose to pay the 15-thousand dollars to settle the case. Hebert says it was nothing but a get-rich-quick scheme by the other driver’s attorney, and his bill would put a stop to that.

Cut 14 (12) “…a small sum.”

Greenwell Spring Republican Lauren Ventrella expressed some reservations but ultimately voted in favor.

Cut 15 (07) “…free-market economy.”

Any amounts above 15-thousand would not be regulated. The vote was ten-to-two, along party lines.

________________________________________________________

Several LSU Tigers are expected to be selected during the seven-round draft. Draft expert and WWL Sports Talk Show Mike Detillier expects former St. James star and Tigers edge rusher Sai’vion Jones will be a mid round selection.

Cut 16 (16) “…fourth round selection.”

Jones had solid senior season at LSU with 40 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks.

Mason Taylor played for three seasons at LSU and left Baton Rouge as the Tigers all-time leading receiver for a tight end in receptions and yards. Detillier says Taylor is an excellent pass catcher and still has to work on his blocking.

Cut 17 (18)  “…second round pick.”

__________________________________________________________

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis did not provide much of an update on quarterback Derek Carr’s situation when he met with the media yesterday. Loomis says they are still trying to determine the significance of Carr’s shoulder injury.

Cut 18 (09)  “…to you.”

The Saints have the ninth overall pick and could take a quarterback at that time or early in second round, since Carr’s future with the organization appears to be cloudy. But Loomis says Carr’s injury does not impact their draft strategy.

Cut 19 (19) “…our roster.”

The Saints are expected to take an offensive or defensive linemen with the ninth overall pick. Loomis would not show his cards when he met with reporters yesterday, only to say…

Cut 20 (20) “….8 to 10 years.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

The House Civil Law Committee advanced a bill that would cap lawyer contingency fees to ten-percent of the first 15-thousand dollars in damages in a lawsuit. Lafayette Republican Troy Hebert says his motivation stems from when his daughter was involved in a minor crash that resulted in no injuries and almost no property damage, but a year later was hit with a lawsuit seeking 15-thousand dollars in damages. Hebert says it was nothing but a get-rich-quick scheme by the other driver’s attorney, and his bill would put a stop to that.

Cut 14 (12) “…a small sum.”

Greenwell Springs Republican Lauren Ventrella expressed some reservations but ultimately voted in favor.

Cut 15 (07) “…free-market economy.”

Any amounts above 15-thousand would not be regulated. The vote was ten-to-two, along party lines.

Governor Landry issued an executive order, establishing the French Quarter Terrorism Attack Memorial Commission. The commission would recommend and facilitate the creation of a permanent memorial to honor the victims of the terrorist attack early New Year’s Day, in which 14 innocent people celebrating the arrival of the new year were killed. In a statement, Landry said the senseless act shattered lives and has shaken the state, and the memorial would ensure that the victims will never be forgotten. The commission will deliver its recommendations to the governor within one year.

Former Louisiana House Speaker Bubba Henry has passed away at the age of 89. He led the House in the 1970s and was instrumental in the writing of Louisiana’s current constitution in 1973. Henry also served as a top adviser to former governor Dave Treen for four years.  Following that job, he spent decades as a lobbyist at the Legislature for decades.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis confirmed starting quarterback Derek Carr has a shoulder injury and they are waiting on Clarity. In his pre-draft press conference, Loomis refused to answer any other questions about Carr. Loomis did say they are picking up the fifth-year option on wide receiver Chris Olave, which keeps him with the Black and Gold through 2026. But they are NOT exercising their option on right tackle Trevor Penning, so he’ll be a free agent after this season.

Former LSU and Neville High football star Will Campbell will become the second Tiger offensive lineman to be selected in the first round of the NFL draft tonight. Campbell was a three-year starter at left tackle for LSU and he told KNOE-TV sports that he’s eager to find out where he’ll start his professional career…

Cut 10 (09) “…for it.”

Alan Faneca is the only other former LSU offensive lineman selected in the first round when he was the 26th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

A historic win for the Northwestern State Baseball team last night as they defeated LSU 13 to 3 in Alex Box Stadium. Demons head coach Chris Bertrand says it’s a great victory for their program…

Cut 5 (14) “…unbelievable team”

It’s the first time LSU has been run ruled by a non conference opponent at Alex Box Stadium.

The Pelicans new executive vice president of basketball operations, Joe Dumars, believes he can build a winner in New Orleans. During his introductory news conference yesterday afternoon, Dumars was asked if he’s been told that he has to keep Willie Green as the head coach…

Cut 17 (16)  “…nothing like that.”

Dumars also did not give an indication on what the future holds for the often injured Zion Williamson.

4:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Department of Health launches a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal deaths from accidental drug overdoses. LDH Deputy Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says at the start of the Landry administration, there were only three residential treatment sites for mothers with substance use disorders. He says he wants to up that number to eight by the end of next year. Croughan says that’s not the only goal of Project MOM.

Cut 11 (09) “…care they deserve.”

Police in Ruston are looking for a man who shot a man to death Easter Sunday. Investigators say 23-year-old Zyheim Butcher killed 30-year-old Deontrell Hunter outside a barbershop. Police Chief Eric Watson says the shooting ruined what had been a peaceful Easter Sunday at Mayfield Park.

Cut 13 (07)  “…that is unfortunate.”

With a 140-thousand-dollar grant from the State, Jefferson Parish is launching a “Grand Isle Jewels” premium oyster campaign to promote off-bottom oysters.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A woman and her nephew are charged with child abuse in Crowley after a two-year-old suffers several injuries, including two broken arms. Police say 19-year-old Xavier Vincent hurt the toddler as he was watching the child. They say the child’s mother, 34-year-old Jessica Chavers, neglected to properly supervise the child and failed to report the abuse. Vincent and Chavers are booked into the Acadia Parish Jail.

15:30 LRN Newscast

Police in Ruston are looking for a man who shot a man to death Easter Sunday. Investigators say 23-year-old Zyheim Butcher shot 30-year-old Deontrell Hunter to death outside a barbershop. Police Chief Eric Watson says they were at Mayfield Park earlier in the day with other family members.

Cut 12 (08) “…escalated into gunshots.”

Butcher is facing four charges, including second-degree murder.

Jefferson Parish officials are using a 140-thousand dollar grant from the Louisiana Economic Development Department to promote Grand Isle’s off-bottom oysters into high-end markets. JEDCO CEO Jerry Bologna hopes Grand Isle will become a national model for innovation in oyster farming and seafood branding.

Cut 8 (08) “…premium seafood products.”

 

The Louisiana Department of Health launches a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal deaths from accidental drug overdoses.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis spoke today ahead of the NFL draft tomorrow night. It’s the first time Loomis has spoke since news broke that quarterback Derek Carr could miss the season with an injury to his shoulder. Loomis did not shine anymore light on the situation…

Cut 20 (09) “…back to you”