For the first time ever, Louisiana will have a recreational alligator hunting season. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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For the next five days, listen to the radio or watch TV at your own risk. Andrew Greenstein explains why.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU has tied a program high for the most SEC losses in one season. Jeff Palermo has the story.

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While commercial alligator hunting has been legal in Louisiana for quite some time, recreational alligator hunting is now legal for the first time, now that Governor Landry has signed Senate Bill 244 into law. The bill’s author is Franklin Senator Robert Allain, who notes that Louisiana’s alligator population has now topped three-million, and there aren’t enough commercial alligator hunters to get it under control.

Cut 4 (14) “…along the way.”

Allain says that growing alligator population has led to alligators appearing in places they’re not supposed to be in, including neighborhoods.

Cut 5 (14) “…contact with them.”

People may be surprised to learn that alligators can run as fast as 15 miles an hour.

Allain says recreational alligator hunting tags will be awarded through a lottery system.

Cut 6 (08) “…get two tags.”

The recreational alligator hunting season period will be announced at a later date.

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Over the next five days, watch TV or listen to the radio at your own risk. That’s because you’ll be bombarded with some of the dirtiest campaign ads in the Republican U.S. Senate race, with the primary election Saturday. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Bill Cassidy, John Fleming and Julia Letlow are pulling out all the stops to get their messages out to avoid finishing in last place.

Cut 7 (09) “…margin of error.”

Cross says the three are going negative, because history has shown that negative campaigning works. And he says in this instance, the mission for all three is to put distance between their opponents and President Trump.

Cut 8 (11) “…to your side.”

That’s a taller task when it comes to attacking Julia Letlow, since she has Trump’s endorsement. Cross says in his time following national politics, he has never seen anything like Trump’s influence in elections.

Cut 9 (07)  “…in the past.”

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The LSU baseball team is creating the wrong kind of history one season removed from winning the program’s eighth national championship. With three regular season games to go, the Tigers have suffered 18 losses in SEC play, which matches the most conference losses in program history. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says a lot has gone wrong, but the lack of development from pitchers returning from last year’s team really sticks out.

Cut 10 (11) “…was last year.”

Guilbeau says injuries have also been an issue.

Cut 11 (10) “…with multiple injuries.”

Starting pitcher Cooper Moore also got hurt in March and never returned. Friday night starter Casan Evans missed a couple of weekends due to arm soreness. Guilbeau says for LSU to get back to being a national contender again, the pitching has to improve dramatically.

Cut 12 (08) “…offensive players too.”

Center fielder Derek Curiel, shortstop Steven Milam and right fielder Jake Brown are expected to turn pro after they are selected in the Major League Baseball draft in July.

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The 2026 Louisiana black bear hunting season will take place from December 5th to the 20th; and this year, bear hunting will be allowed in all seven of the state’s black bear management areas. LDWF Large Carnivore Program Manager John Hanks says 42 tags will be tentatively issued for the hunt.

Cut 13 (08) “…for a lottery.”

The lottery for the 2026 season will begin in late July.

Louisiana held its first black bear hunting season in more than 35 years in December of 2024. That year, 10 bears were harvested. Sixteen were harvested last year; and Hanks says with the black bear population continuing to thrive, they’ve decided to open it up even more.

Cut 14 (09) “…we’re expanding more.”

Bear area specific population estimates and vital rate data are used to determine the number of bear harvest permits to be issued. Cubs and females are not legal to harvest. Hanks says nearly half of the tags that will be issued will be for Bear Management Area Four. Hanks says that’s where they are seeing the most interest in a bear hunting season, in northeast Louisiana.

Cut 15 (11) “…excited about it.”

A 300-pound plus bear can provide about 200 plates of food. Bear fat can be used for baking, cooking, making candles and waterproofing boots.

State Senator Jay Morris of West Monroe is accused of using a derogatory word towards Black people at a racially charged Senate Committee meeting last Friday. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (45) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Well, Jerry Reed might be chagrined to learn that it is now legal to recreationally hunt alligators in Louisiana, thanks to Governor Landry signing Senate Bill 244 into law. The bill’s author is Franklin Senator Robert Allain, who notes that Louisiana’s alligator population has now topped three-million, and there aren’t enough commercial alligator hunters to get it under control.

Cut 4 (14) “…along the way.”

Allain says that growing alligator population has led to alligators appearing in places they’re not supposed to be in, including neighborhoods.

Cut 5 (14) “…contact with them.”

West Monroe Senator Jay Morris is accused of using a racially insensitive word during the redistricting debate last Friday. The video from media members is inconclusive on whether Morris said the word “Boy” when confronting audience members who he said were talking loudly during the debate, making it hard for him to concentrate and answer questions.

Senate Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Caleb Kleinpeter says he spoke with several news organizations who were covering the tense committee meeting and none of them heard Morris use the word “Boy.”

Cut 8 (04) “…debunked that.”

But State Democratic Party Executive Director Dadrius Lanus says he knows what he heard.

Cut 9 (04)  “…he said”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee will meet again on Wednesday. It’s expected it will approve a map that eliminates one, if not both, Black Majority districts from the state’s Congressional map.

Two teens were killed in a crash in Concordia Parish, and the teen driving the SUV is under arrest. Investigators say early yesterday morning, 18-year-old Gregory Steele of Vidalia lost control of the SUV and drove it off the roadway, causing it to overturn. Steele suffered minor injuries, but 19-year-old Jacob Bonnette of Vidalia and 17-year-old Michelle Baity of Natchez, Mississippi, were killed. State Police Trooper Casey Wallace says alcohol appears to have been a factor.

Cut 13 (08) “…the traffic violations.”

Another 18-year-old suffered moderate injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Wallace says none of the four were restrained. 

Soaring gas prices will likely not put a dent in Memorial Day travel, with a record 39-million people expected to hit the road. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says that’s because people had already made their plans before the war in Iran began.

Cut 10 (05) “…already baked in.”

The early voting numbers released by the Secretary of State’s office paint a startling picture. Of the nearly quarter-million ballots cast in the seven days of early voting, Democrats outnumbered Republicans by nearly 45-hundred. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says three factors especially motivated Democrats to show up to the polls.

Cut 3 (13) “…contentious redistricting hearings.”

Those hearings really got heated when West Monroe Senator Jay Morris allegedly used a racially derogatory term. State Democratic Party Executive Director Dadrius Lanus says Morris called him “boy” when telling him to shut up. Senate Governmental Affairs Chairman Caleb Kleinpeter told reporters he does not believe Morris directed that word towards Black people.

Cut 7 (08) “…saying.” 

Two teens were killed in a crash in Concordia Parish early Mother’s Day morning, and the teen driving the SUV is under arrest. State Police Trooper Casey Wallace says investigators believe 18-year-old Gregory Steele of Vidalia was impaired when he lost control of the SUV and rolled it over.

Cut 14 (05) “…report finalize that.” 

19-year-old Jacob Bonnette of Vidalia and 17-year-old Michelle Baity of Natchez, Mississippi, were killed. Steele and another 18-year-old were injured. None of the four were restrained.

Soaring gasoline prices won’t be keeping drivers off the roads this Memorial Day weekend, with more than 39-million people expected to venture more than 50 miles from home. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says the bigger concern is high gasoline prices putting a huge dent into holiday travel late in the year.

Cut 12 (08) “…the discretionary income.”

Two people connected with last month’s mass shooting in Shreveport where a gunman killed eight children have been indicted by a federal grand jury. U-S Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, Zachary Keller, says one of men indicted is Charles Ford. It’s believed the gun Shamar Elkins used on April 19^th belonged to Ford…

Cut 9 (06)  “…shooting”

We’ll see multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms this Mother’s Day weekend as a weak front has stalled near the coast and it’s interacting with a very moist air mass. LSU Health climatologist Barry Keim says multiple inches of rain are possible…

Cut 3 (11) “…welcome the rain.”

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WalletHub is out with its rankings of the best and worst states for working mothers. Andrew Greenstein reports to find Louisiana on the list, look to the very bottom.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee held a lengthy and sometimes contentious meeting on TODAY over proposed Congressional maps to replace the current one struck down by the U-S Supreme Court. New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis thinks New Orleans and Baton Rouge should each have a majority black district.

Cut 12 (09) “…preferred candidates.”

Public discussion is underway on drawing up a new Congressional District map. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (38) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

We’re getting word of an explosion at a refinery in Chalmette. The explosion at Chalmette Refining happened just before one this afternoon. While it shook several nearby businesses, there are no reports of any injuries. This happened less than a year after the explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland.
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It’s shaping up to be a stormy Mother’s Day weekend. This, as a weak front has stalled near the coast, and that front is interacting with a very moist air mass. LSU Health climatologist Barry Keim says there’s a chance for high winds and hail, and we can’t rule out the possibility of a tornado. He says while excessive rainfall is possible in southeast Louisiana, the rest of the state will be dodging rain drops.

Cut 5 (10) “…through the weekend.”

A new WalletHub study shows Louisiana is unfortunately the worst state for working moms. The study ranked the 50 states and the District of Columbia on professional opportunities, child care and work-life balance. Analyst Chip Lupo says in order for Louisiana to dig out of the basement in these rankings, it’s going to need to create a business climate that’s better for work overall, using Florida as an example.

Cut 8 (06) “…your engine.”

The Louisiana Senate has responded to last month’s fatal mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana by passing legislation that would result in a death penalty charge the next time a gunman fires their gun at a crowd of people and kills someone. Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh added an amendment to a House-approved bill that expands the definition of first-degree murder to such a situation…

Cut 10 (10) “…upon that person.”

Tomorrow, the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee will begin public hearings on a new legislative map. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says when all is said and done, Louisiana will likely send an additional Republican to Washington next year.

Cut 7 (09) “…safe Democratic district.”

A proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to limit a governor to no more than two elected terms receives approval from the House after failing to get the necessary 70 votes on the first two tries. Jeff Palermo has more.

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A bill that provides for easy cancellation of automatic renewal subscriptions continues to make its way through the legislature, as the Senate Commerce Committee advanced the House-approved bill.

It took three tries, but Chalmette Representative Mike Bayham finally advanced his constitutional amendment to limit governors to two lifetime terms. The House passed it yesterday with 73 votes, three more than the 70 needed. Covington Representative Mark Wright, who was one of the 25 who voted no, does not see how capping a governor to two lifetime terms will actually help the state.

Cut 6 (10) “…I can’t agree.”

A ULM political science professor says the newly-launched recall effort against Governor Landry has almost no chance in succeeding. Pearson Cross says in his view, there are valid reasons to recall an elected official, and nothing that Landry has done rises to that level.

Cut 14 (10) “…apply to Landry.”

A tornado watch is in effect for much of central Louisiana until 11 tonight. National Weather Service Meteorologist Brandon Thorne says tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail are among the threats – however, he says this won’t exactly be a super-soaker.

Cut 12 (10) “…half an inch.”

Cleco says work is underway on the largest grid resiliency investment in the power company’s history.  Cleco spokeswoman Brooke Buford says they have crews replacing electric equipment, moving certain segments of the system underground and reinforcing utility poles.

Cut 8 (09) “…need replacement.”

Buford says these projects will reduce storm-related costs and will result in fewer outages and faster restoration times.

A proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to limit a governor to no more than two elected terms receives approval from the House after failing to get the necessary 70 votes on the first two tries. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Cleco says it has started the largest grid resiliency investment in the power company’s history. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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A proposal to limit the number of total terms a governor can serve to two; finally receives House approval. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham’s proposed constitutional amendment failed to secure the necessary 70 votes on the first two tries. Yesterday, it got 73 votes as Bayham made the case a Louisiana governor should not be able to come back if he or she has already served eight years…

Cut 3 (10) “…in the United States.”

Covington Representative Mark Wright is one of 25 House members who voted against the amendment that needs a two-thirds vote in each house. Wright questioned why this proposal is only directed towards the governor.

Cut 4 (08) “…you name it.”

Bayham says voters support term limits. He says term limits went into effect for state lawmakers starting in 2007, and it’s resulted in a better state legislative body.

Cut 5 (12) “…of Louisiana.”

Only two governors in Louisiana’s history have served more than two elected terms — Edwin Edwards and Earl K Long. Wright does not see how capping a governor to no more than two terms will actually help the state.

Cut 6 (10) “…I can’t agree.”

The measure heads to the Senate for further debate. It will also need a two-thirds vote to pass there, and then it will head to the voters for their approval.

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Cleco says work is underway on the largest grid resiliency investment in the power company’s history. Cleco spokeswoman Brooke Buford says this is a five-year plan that includes over 550 projects.

Cut 7 (10) “…flood plains.”

Buford says these projects will reduce storm-related costs, and also result in fewer outages and faster restoration times. She says they have crews replacing electric equipment, moving certain segments of the system underground and reinforcing utility poles.

Cut 8 (09) “…need replacement.”

Buford says they’ve identified more than 700 utility poles for maintenance or replacement in St. Tammany Parish, Eunice, Jeanerette, New Iberia and Pineville. She says customers can keep track of their resiliency efforts.

Cut 9 (09)  “…your area”

Buford says Cleco is the only Louisiana utility to meet or exceed the Public Service Commission standards for each of the last 27 years.

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A tornado watch is in effect for much of central Louisiana until 11 tonight. National Weather Service Meteorologist Brandon Thorne says the threat will increase later this afternoon in central and south Louisiana.

Cut 10 (09) “…start to develop.”

Thorne says it will be a little later in the day before the severe weather reaches areas near New Orleans.

Cut 11 (08) “…as tomorrow morning.”

Thorne says tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail are among the threats – however, he says this won’t exactly be a super-soaker.

Cut 12 (10) “…half an inch.”

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A ULM political science professor says the newly-launched recall effort against Governor Landry has almost no chance in succeeding. Pearson Cross says first of all, the bar is set way too high, with verified signatures from 20-percent of all registered voters statewide needed by October 31st. He says that’s why of all the recall efforts launched through the years, the only ones which have made it onto the ballot have been much more local in nature.

Cut 13 (08) “…seeing that statewide.”

Cross says in his view, there are valid reasons to recall an elected official, and nothing that Landry has done rises to that level.

Cut 14 (10) “…apply to Landry.”

Cross says even if you use unpopular actions or policies as a reason to launch a recall effort, recent history will suggest that like all other prior efforts to recall governors, this one will go nowhere.

Cut 15 (06) “…petition went nowhere.”

A ULM political science professor says the newly-launched recall effort against Governor Landry has almost no chance in succeeding. Pearson Cross says the bar is set way too high, with verified signatures from 20-percent of all registered voters statewide needed by October 31st. He says that’s why throughout history, most recall efforts which have made it onto the ballot have been much more local in nature.

Cut 13 (08) “…seeing that statewide.”

It’s another potential severe weather day in Louisiana, with tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail possible. National Weather Service Meteorologist Brandon Thorne says the threat will increase later this afternoon in central and south Louisiana, and it will be a little later in the day before it reaches areas near New Orleans.

Cut 11 (08) “…as tomorrow morning.”

A proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to limit a governor to no more than two elected terms receives approval from the House after failing to get the necessary 70 votes on the first two tries. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Southern University’s search for a new president will take longer than planned. The school had originally hoped to have a list of recommended candidates by May 12th, with the new president installed by July 1st. The school says that timeline is being extended.