11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade is facing criticism for reportedly signing a player who previously signed an NBA contract. Former St. John’s star and Big East Player of the Year R-J Luis (Louis) signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz after going undrafted. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says there’s a good chance the NCAA will say Luis is ineligible, but LSU can challenge that ruling in court…

Cut 6 (10) “…or not.”

NCAA Charlie Baker has previously said the NCAA will not grant eligibility to any athlete who has signed an NBA contract, including a two-way contract. National college basketball reporter Jeff Goodman said on his “Field of 68” podcast that Wade is making a mockery of college basketball.

 

The LSU baseball team gets to play one more game as the Tigers defeated Oklahoma six to two last night. William Schmidt was the scheduled starting pitcher for LSU, but he did not pitch, because of back stiffness. Grant Fontenot got the start and Gavin Guidry and Deven Sheerin came out of the bullpen as the three pitchers held the Sooners to just six hits. It might have been Guidry’s last game as an LSU pitcher…

Cut 20 (18) “anyways”

Tonight could be LSU’s last game of the season as the Tigers host Sixth ranked Auburn in a game that will likely start after 8 PM.

The Pelicans announce they are playing two games overseas in the regular season next year. New Orleans will face San Antonio on January 14th in Paris and will also play the Spurs in Manchester, England on January 17th.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Landry had a spirited exchange with reporters as he’s visiting Greenland as part of his side hustle as special envoy to that island nation. Landry attended the Future Greenland trade fair in Nuuk that included a seminar on understanding the United States. Landry was asked about coming to Greenland without an invitation.

Cut 4 (11) “…been great.”

Without ever having to face Louisiana voters ever again, Senator Bill Cassidy seems to have suddenly found his voice to criticize President Trump. Cassidy says spending a billion dollars of taxpayer money on a ballroom where the East Wing of the White House used to be is ridiculous.

Cut 7 (12) “…and health care.”

Legislation that attempts to put a stop to hazing on Louisiana college campuses is nearing final legislative passage. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Cut 23 (fade after 2 seconds and use as bed)

Last night, it was the LSU baseball team that was “Stayin’ Alive,” beating Oklahoma in the first round of the SEC Tournament, 6-2. It doesn’t get any easier for the Tigers – they face the number-six team in the nation, Auburn, tonight. LSU needs to win the SEC Tournament in order to make the NCAA Tournament.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Landry had a spirited exchange with reporters in Greenland, where he’s visiting as part of his job as President Trump’s special envoy to the island nation. The president is seeking control of the autonomous Danish territory for national security purposes in the Arctic. Landry says it’s a good thing that the U.S. has an interest in Greenland.

Cut 3 (13) “…ask themselves.”

The Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act is close to final legislative passage. If a death of a student results from hazing, the organization involved would be banned from campus forever. Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux said this legislation could prevent another hazing death.

Cut 6 (09) “…move forward.”

Senator Bill Cassidy is not mincing words when it comes to President Trump’s 1.7-billion-dollar “anti-weaponization” fund that would, among other things, provide cash awards to January 6th rioters using taxpayer money. Cassidy says he cannot imagine the American people being too happy about this.

Cut 9 (11)  “…in on it.”

LSU President Wade Rousse says he spends a quarter of his time as the leader of the LSU system dealing with athletics, and he’s urging Congress to approve legislation to get the cost escalation under control. Rousse says defining what a college athlete is would be a good start.

Cut 10 (09) “…very, very helpful.”

Rousse says transfer portal rules need to be in place, and he wants an independent body to establish a salary cap per sport.

9:30 LRN Newscast

An effort to recall Governor Landry is underway, and Republicans are doing what they can to thwart it. The recall petition was filed after Landry halted the U.S. House elections after the U-S Supreme Court ruled the current Congressional map is an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. Desiree Morrison is one of the leaders behind the recall effort, and we spoke with her at a location where signatures are being collected….

Cut 13 (07)  “…more to come.”

The Louisiana Republican Party has its own campaign touting Landry’s accomplishments. Cory Dennis is with the Louisiana GOP…

Cut 16 (09) “…country.”

Dennis says crime is also down, and auto insurance rates have also declined for many policyholders.

 

The LSU baseball team kept its season alive last night with a six to two win over Oklahoma. The Tigers will play Auburn tonight in the SEC Tournament. The Ragin Cajuns will face Coastal Carolina this afternoon after run-ruling Marshall yesterday in the Sun Belt Tournament.

Meanwhile, LSU System president Doctor Wade Rousse wants to see Congress or the NCAA enact rules and regulations that will slow down player movement from one school to another…

Cut 11 (08) “…sit a year”

LSU coach Will Wade is making waves in college basketball again. Wade has received a commitment from a player who signed a contract to play for the Utah Jazz and then was traded to the Boston Celtics. Former St. John star R-J Luis never played in a professional game, and it appears LSU will attempt to see if he has one more year of eligibility.

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

With a recall effort against Governor Landry picking up steam, Louisiana Republicans are working to stop the momentum. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Senator Bill Cassidy ’s time is slamming the deal President Trump reached with the Justice Department, that dismissed his ten-billion-dollar lawsuit against the IRS in exchange for establishing a more than 1.7-billion-dollar anti-weaponization fund.

Cut 8 (08) “…precedent for this.”

————————

The Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act is close to final legislative passage. Wilson died in a hazing incident in February 2025 when he was repeatedly punched in the stomach while pledging for Omega Psi Phi fraternity on the Southern University Campus. Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux says the proposed law requires schools to provide information about the dangers of hazing.

Cut 5 (14) “…anonymous reporting options.”

LSU President Wade Rousse is urging Congress to approve legislation to get the cost escalation of college athletics under control. Rousse says they need to define what a college athlete is, put some transfer portal rules in place, create an independent body to establish a salary cap per sport.

Cut 12 (05) “…this under control.”

 

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

An effort to recall Governor Landry seems to be picking up some steam after the governor halted the U.S. House election to redraw the map following the Supreme Court ruling. Desiree Morrison is one of the leaders behind the recall effort who says the word is rapidly spreading throughout the state.

Cut 14 (10) “…what we’re doing.”

Organizers will need just over 500-thousand valid signatures by October 31st to get the issue before voters – something Louisiana Republican Party Executive Director Cory Dennis says will not happen.

Cut 15 (09) “…leadership can accomplish.”

With his days in Washington now numbered, the proverbial shackles are off Bill Cassidy and he’s speaking out. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act is close to final legislative passage…just 15 months after Wilson’s tragic death early last year. Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux presented the bill with Wilson’s parents watching.

Cut 4 (11) “…be here today.”


6:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU baseball team’s season is still alive as the Tigers defeated Oklahoma six to two in the opening round of the SEC Tournament. William Schmidt did not start on the mound because of back stiffness, but Grant Fontenot, Gavin Guidry, and Deven Sheerin combined to limit the Sooners to six hits, and they struck out 13. LSU faces sixth ranked Auburn tonight.

 

LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade continues to stock his roster with professional players. Italian pro Saliou Niang (sah-LYOO NYANG rhymes with sang) has reportedly committed to the Tigers. The 22-year-old Niang is a six-foot-six forward who averaged nine points this season.

 

Wade has also signed former Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis, who starred at St. John’s, averaging 17 points and seven rebounds a game during the 2024-25 season. He signed a contract with the Boston Celtics last year. Luis did not play in a professional game, but may need a judge to rule him eligible to play at LSU.

 

The Cajuns took care of business in the opening round of the Sun Belt Tournament by run-ruling Marshall 11 to 1 yesterday. U-L Lafayette tied a season-high with 15 hits as Noah Lewis had four hits, including a home run and three runs driven in. The Cajuns move into the double-elimination round of the tournament and will play Coastal Carolina at 12:30 today.

 

Louisiana Tech takes on Sam Houston in the Conference USA Tournament at 9 AM. Good pitching matchup as Declan Dahl will go for the Bulldogs. He was named the Conference USA Newcomer of the Year. The Bearcats will send Ryan Peterson to the hill, he has 102 strikeouts on the season.

 

Southern brings a 15-game winning streak into the SWAC Tournament. The Jaguars will play Jackson State at 3 PM in Birmingham. Southern’s K-J White has been named the league’s top hitter. He is hitting 4-23. Grambling is a five-seed and will face fourth seeded Alabama State at noon.

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

An effort to recall Governor Landry is gaining headway in Louisiana, and Republicans are doing what they can to thwart it. Organizers were spurred to launch the recall effort after Landry halted the U.S. House election to redraw the map following the Supreme Court ruling. Desiree Morrison is one of the leaders behind the recall effort; she says people are showing up in droves to add their signatures.

Cut 13 (07)  “…more to come.”

Republicans say they’re don’t think the recall effort will succeed and they’ve launched a social media campaign to tout the Governor’s accomplishments.

Not that he may never have to face Louisiana voters ever again, Senator Bill Cassidy seems to have found his voice when it comes to President Trump. Cassidy says spending a billion dollars of taxpayer money on a ballroom where the East Wing of the White House used to be is ridiculous.

Cut 7 (12) “…and health care.”

———————

Legislation that attempts to put a stop to hazing on Louisiana college campuses is nearing final legislative passage. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

LSU President Wade Rousse says he spends a quarter of his time as the leader of the LSU system dealing with athletics, and he’s urging Congress to approve legislation to get the cost escalation under control. Rousse says defining what a college athlete is would be a good start.

Cut 10 (09) “…very, very helpful.”

 

LRN AM Newscall May 20

Legislation that attempts to put a stop to hazing on Louisiana college campuses is nearing final legislative passage. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

With his days in Washington now numbered, the proverbial shackles are off Bill Cassidy, and he has seemed to have found a new sense of freedom. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

With a recall effort against Governor Landry picking up steam, Louisiana Republicans are working to stop the momentum. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

______________________________________________

The Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act is close to final legislative passage. Wilson died in a hazing incident in February 2025 when he was repeatedly punched in the stomach while pledging for Omega Psi Phi fraternity on the Southern University Campus. Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux presented the bill on the Senate floor with Wilson’s parents watching.

Cut 4 (11) “…be here today.”

If Governor Landry signs the legislation into law, it would take effect for the 2027-28 school year and will apply to fraternities, sororities and any other organization on campus including athletic teams and bands. Boudreaux says the proposed law requires schools to provide information about the dangers of hazing.

Cut 5 (14) “…anonymous reporting options.”

If a death of a student results from hazing, the organization involved would be banned from campus forever. And any school that violates the Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act would not be allowed to seek funding for construction projects from the Bond Commission for two years.  Boudreaux told the Senate this legislation could prevent another hazing death.

Cut 6 (09) “…we move forward.”

The Senate approved the legislation 37-0, and the measure goes back to the House for approval of House changes. The anti-hazing law has already received unanimous support from the House.

______________________________________________

Without ever having to face Louisiana voters ever again, Senator Bill Cassidy seems to have suddenly found his voice to criticize President Trump. Cassidy says spending a billion dollars of taxpayer money on a ballroom where the East Wing of the White House used to be is ridiculous.

Cut 7 (12) “…and health care.”

Cassidy also slammed the deal Trump reached with the Justice Department, in which he dismissed his ten-billion-dollar lawsuit against the IRS in exchange for establishing a 1.776-billion-dollar anti-weaponization fund. Part of that taxpayer money could go to people who stormed the Capitol on January 6th, 2021.

Cut 8 (08) “…precedent for this.”

Cassidy says he would expect a great deal of backlash from the American people over this development.

Cut 9 (11)  “…in on it.”

_________________________________________

LSU President Wade Rousse says he spends a quarter of his time as the leader of the LSU system dealing with athletics, and he’s urging Congress to approve legislation to get the cost escalation under control. Rousse says defining what a college athlete is would be a good start.

Cut 10 (09) “…very, very helpful.”

Rousse says transfer portal rules also need to be in place.

Cut 11 (08) “…out a year.”

Rousse says he also wants an independent body to establish a salary cap per sport.

Cut 12 (05) “…this under control.”

Rousse was hopeful the U.S. House would take up the SCORE Act this week. The SCORE Act would provide uniform rules for NIL and revenue-sharing in college athletics. But the bill was pulled from the agenda after the Congressional Black Caucus dropped its support for the bill over the attacks on the Voting Rights Act.

_________________________________________

An effort to recall Governor Landry is gaining headway in Louisiana, and Republicans are doing what they can to thwart it. Organizers were spurred to launch the recall effort after Landry halted the U.S. House election to redraw the map following the Supreme Court ruling. Desiree Morrison is one of the leaders behind the recall effort; she says people are showing up in droves to add their signatures.

Cut 13 (07)  “…more to come.”

Morrison says the word is rapidly spreading throughout the state.

Cut 14 (10) “…what we’re doing.”

Organizers will need just over 500-thousand valid signatures by October 31st to get the issue before voters – something that Louisiana Republican Party Executive Director Cory Dennis says will not happen.

Cut 15 (09) “…leadership can accomplish.”

Dennis says they’re doing that by launching a social media campaign to tout Governor Landry’s accomplishments in office.

Cut 16 (10) “…throughout the country”

Those same organizers have also launched a recall effort against Attorney General Liz Murrill and against East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards.

5:30 LRN Newscast/Legislative Report

With the failure of Amendment Three at the ballot box over the weekend, the fate of teacher pay is now in the hands of the legislature. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh says he doubts that the legislature will be able to give teachers another stipend for the next fiscal year, since education funding is now about 500-million dollars in the hole.

Cut 3 (09) “…amendment not passing.”

The Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act is close to final legislative passage. Wilson died in a hazing incident in February 2025 when he was repeatedly punched in the stomach while pledging for Omega Psi Phi fraternity at Southern University. Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux presented the bill on the Senate floor with Wilson’s parents watching.

Cut 4 (11) “…here today.”

An effort to recall Governor Landry is picking up steam, and Republicans are doing what they can to slow the momentum. Organizers were spurred to launch the effort after Landry halted the U.S. House election to redraw the congressional map following the Supreme Court ruling. Desiree Morrison, who’s one of the leaders behind the effort, says word is rapidly spreading throughout the state.

Cut 14 (10) “…what we’re doing.”

Louisiana Republican Party Executive Director Cory Dennis says the party is countering the effort by launching a social media campaign to tout Governor Landry’s accomplishments in office.

Cut 16 (10) “…throughout the country”

Organizers will need just over 500-thousand valid signatures by October 31st to get the issue before voters.