Just seven weeks to go before the closed party primary elections. Radio talk show host Moon Griffon is curious to see what kind of turnout we’ll see in the primary and in the June runoff. He says voters are not used to big elections in the spring, and it’s a busy time of the year.

Cut 13 (10) “…way it is.”

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approves legislation to create the Office of Health and Nutrition within the Louisiana Department of Health. Covington Senator Patrick McMath says the state needs a single office to coordinate programs that could get Louisiana residents eating better and exercising more.

Cut 8 (14) “…across the state.”

Details are out on men’s basketball coach Will Wade’s new seven-year contract with LSU. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

A trio of bills aiming to crack down on misrepresenting imported shrimp advance in the legislature. One would require restaurants and other retailers to retain all records of seafood purchases for at least six months, one would empower the agriculture commissioner to seize and destroy imported seafood found to be in violation of state laws, and one would impose fines of up to 15-thousand dollars for mislabeled seafood.

We are 50 days away from the May 16th party primary election. The U-S Senate Republican Primary is getting the most attention, but the 5th Congressional District G-O-P primary is also very competitive. Radio talk show host Moon Griffon says it’s hard to judge who is the front-runner to replace Julia Letlow.

Cut 11 (08) “…play yet.”

Thanks to broadening its horizons into the world of live sports, Netflix is raising its subscription prices. Depending on the tier, your monthly bill will go up by one or two dollars. Haggai Davis, the host of the TechGumbo radio show and podcast, says this likely will not be the last price increase for Netflix in the near term.

Cut 4 (09) “…raising their rates.”

This is the second price increase for Netflix in less than two years.

Details are out on LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade’s new seven-year contract. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

A trio of bills aiming to crack down on misrepresenting imported shrimp advance in the legislature. One would require restaurants and other retailers to retain all records of seafood purchases for at least six months, one would empower the agriculture commissioner to seize and destroy imported seafood found to be in violation of state laws, and one would impose fines of up to 15-thousand dollars for mislabeled seafood.

If you’re a Netflix subscriber, be prepared to fork over a little more money, with all plans increasing by one or two dollars a month, depending on the tier. Haggai Davis, the host of the TechGumbo radio show and podcast, says the biggest reason is that Netflix is now starting to show live sports.

Cut 3 (09) “…whenever they’re ready.”

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approves legislation to create the Office of Health and Nutrition within the Louisiana Department of Health. Covington Senator Patrick McMath says the state needs a single office to coordinate programs that could get Louisiana residents eating better and exercising more.

Cut 8 (14) “…across the state.”

The LSU women’s basketball team takes on Duke in the Sacramento 2 Region semifinals at nine tonight. The Lady Tigers boast the nation’s top scoring offense, averaging 108.5 points per game in the postseason. Head Coach Kim Mulkey credits her team’s depth for its high-scoring success.

Cut 7 (14) “…freedom to score.”

Will Wade is returning to Baton Rouge as LSU’s men’s basketball coach four years after being fired for recruiting violations. Tiger Rag magazine editor Glenn Guilbeau says the fan base is ready to “Boot Up” again – or, perhaps, “Re-boot Up.”

Cut 13 (12)  “…was their guy.”

Former Rapides Parish Sheriff William Hilton, who was run over and killed Monday afternoon, is being laid to rest today. His funeral is at noon at Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria. The sanctuary has a capacity of 23-hundred people, and Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain says it’s very likely that many more than that will show up.

Cut 6 (07) “…hold 1,300 people.”

The National Hurricane Center is rolling out new graphics for this year’s hurricane season. In years past, watches and warnings would only be indicated along the coastal regions. But Deputy Director Jamie Rhome says starting this year, those warnings are now being shown inland as well, color-coded based on the type of watch or warning.

Cut 11 (06) “…the cone itself.”

Speaking of the cone, this year, there will be no distinction between the short-range and long-range forecasts.

Fraternities and sororities could be banned permanently from campus if a member of their organization dies in a hazing incident. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Entergy Louisiana and Meta announce a new agreement that they say will save customers two-billion dollars over the next 20 years. Under the agreement, Meta is making a series of contributions aimed at lowering energy costs to customers near its data centers. Those savings are in addition to the previously announced savings of 650-million dollars.

The former sheriff of Rapides Parish who was run over and killed this week will be laid to rest today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Fraternities and sororities could be banned permanently from campus if a member of their organization dies in a hazing incident. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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In one of the rarest stories in college basketball history, Will Wade is returning to Baton Rouge to coach LSU nearly four years after being fired. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The former Rapides Parish sheriff who was run over and killed Monday afternoon will be laid to rest today. The funeral service for William Earl Hilton is at noon at Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria, and that will be followed by a procession and burial. One of Sheriff Hilton’s contemporaries, Grant Parish Steven McCain, says if he could sum up Hilton in one word, it would be “legend.”

Cut 4 (06) “…as he could.”

Sheriff McCain remembers when he saw Hilton at the new sheriff school that all newly-elected sheriffs are required to attend – he was elected for the first time, and Hilton was re-elected after being out of office for four years after previously serving 16.

Cut 5 (07) “…learn something new.”

Calvary Baptist Church’s sanctuary has a capacity of 23-hundred people, and McCain says it’s very likely that many more than that will show up.

Cut 6 (07) “…13-hundred people.”

____________________________________________________

Universities could permanently ban a student organization if a hazing incident results in a student’s death under legislation heading to the House floor. The proposal is in response to the death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson, who died in 2025 after he was repeatedly punched in the chest during an off-campus fraternity hazing ritual. Caleb’s mother, Urania Wilson, spoke to the House Education Committee.

Cut 7 (10) “…not have been.”

Laws were passed after the 2017 death of LSU student Max Gruver, who died from alcohol poisoning while pledging at a fraternity, but those laws were directed at the individuals involved. Jason Hughes, the chairman of the Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Task Force, says this legislation would apply to the entire fraternity, sorority, sports team, club, band or any student organization.

Cut 8 (08) “…be in vain.”

Baton Rouge Representative Vanessa LaFleur’s legislation would also require organizations to report hazing incidents to the university. Urania Wilson says she does not want to see another mother go through this.

Cut 9 (08)  “…needs to happen.”

________________________________________________________

The National Hurricane Center is rolling out some new graphics for this year’s hurricane season. Whereas in years past watches and warnings were only indicated in coastal areas, this year, they will be shown in inland areas as well. Deputy Director Jamie Rhome says there are also new colors for certain types of warnings, including one for a simultaneous tropical storm warning and hurricane watch.

Cut 10 (11) “…to do that.”

That’s done with alternating diagonal blue and pink lines within the affected area. Rhome says whereas those watch and warning areas were previously shown in coastal areas, this year, they’re shown inland as well.

Cut 11 (06) “…the cone itself.”

The cone indicates the projected path of the storm, and Rhome says this year, there will be no distinction between the short-range forecast and the long-range forecast – and that’s due to user feedback.

Cut 12 (10) “…on the eyes.”

_________________________________________________

Will Wade is returning to Baton Rouge as LSU’s men’s basketball coach four years after being fired for recruiting violations.Wade has signed a seven-year deal that will pay him four-million dollars in his first season. He’s also expected to have a roster budget exceeding 12-million dollars. Tiger Rag magazine editor Glenn Guilbeau  says the fan base is ready to “Boot Up” again….

Cut 13 (12)  “…was their guy.”

Although fans will be glad with the leadership change, the move will come at a significant cost for LSU. McMahon and his staff’s buyout is expected to total around 11-million dollars. While the move will put LSU Athletics in a tight financial position, Guilbeau says the program will find a way to raise enough money to continue operating at full capacity.

Cut 14 (13) “…program had gone.”

Wade was fired by then-athletic director Scott Woodward in 2022. Current LSU AD Verge Ausberry was serving as an assistant athletic director at the time Wade was fired. Guilbeau says Ausberry was very supportive of Wade and believes his firing wasn’t as significant as many made it out to be.

Cut 15 (12) “…all legal now.”

_______________________________________________________

Junior offensive tackle Jordan Seaton spoke to the media for the first time yesterday since transferring to LSU. Seaton, who was rated as the top offensive lineman in the transfer portal, says his decision to come to Baton Rouge factored into how professional the program is run.

Cut 16 (13) “…is not enough.”

Last summer, Seaton trained with former LSU and current Patriots left tackle Will Campbell. Seaton says seeing Campbell’s mindset toward football played a key role in his decision to end up in Baton Rouge.

Cut 17 (16)  “…to do that.”

______________________________________________________

With starting pitcher Cooper Moore sidelined for the next two to three weeks due to triceps soreness in his throwing arm, LSU will need to find another arm to start for the third game against Kentucky this weekend. Coach Jay Johnson hasn’t named a third starter, but the ability to pitch extended innings will factor into the decision.

Cut 18 (11)  “…do it differently.”

Sophomore right-hander Casan Evans will start tonight, and sophomore William Schmidt will start tomorrow.

Senior first baseman Zach Yorke is coming off a much-needed breakout performance against Louisiana Tech as he heads into this weekend’s series against 19th-ranked Kentucky. Yorke hit two home runs against the Bulldogs after striking out four times in last Friday’s game against Oklahoma. Coach Johnson says the two homers  should boost Yorke’s confidence.

Cut 19 (12) “…him towards that.”

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ULM introduced Ryan Cross as its new men’s basketball coach yesterday. Cross spent eight seasons as a Warhawk assistant before spending the last six years as an assistant at U-A-B. He says his teams will pride themselves on pushing the floor and dominating in the post.

Cut 20 (16) “…collectively, you win.”

A resolution taking aim at those running for Congress in a district where he or she does not live fails in the legislature. Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey’s resolution was directed at Blake Miguez, who’s running in District 5, even though his home in New Iberia is nowhere close to the district’s boundaries. He argued for his resolution before the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee.

Cut 10 (07) “…significantly outside.”

Cathey also announced his candidacy for the seat but dropped out after Trump endorsed Miguez. Houma Senator Mike Fesi did not feel comfortable passing a resolution in Louisiana when there are 25 members of the U-S House of Representatives who do not live in the district they represent.

Cut 12 (07) “…figure out.”

The committee reported the resolution without action, which technically kills the measure for the session.

Universities could permanently ban a student organization if a hazing incident results in a student’s death under legislation heading to the House floor. The proposal is in response to the death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson, who died in 2025 after he was repeatedly punched in the chest during an off-campus fraternity hazing ritual. Caleb’s mother, Urania Wilson, spoke to the House Education Committee.

Cut 7 (10) “…not have been.”

In 2017, laws were passed after the alcohol poisoning death of LSU student Max Gruver, who died from fraternity hazing. Those laws were directed at the individuals. Jason Hughes, the chairman of the Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Task Force, says this legislation would apply to the entire fraternity, sorority, sports team, club, band or any student organization.

Cut 8 (07) “…be in vain.”

Boot Up Louisiana! Or, perhaps, Re-Boot Up Louisiana! Will Wade is returning to LSU to lead the men’s basketball program again. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

But wait, there’s more! ULM introduces Ryan Cross as its new men’s basketball coach. Cross says the ULM program is one that he has personal sweat equity invested.

Cut 13 (09) “…off the mat.”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee kills a resolution that would have required those running for Congress to live in the district they’re running in. It was brought up for debate by Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey, who had previously announced his candidacy for the fifth congressional district and dropped out after President Trump endorsed Blake Miguez, who lives in New Iberia, which is quite a distance away.

Cut 9 (12)  “…wanted.”

LSU will soon be launching a bachelor’s degree program in artificial intelligence. The four-year program is the first of its kind in Louisiana. James Ghawaly (guh-WALL-ee), an assistant professor of science and engineering at LSU, says it’s starting in just a few months. 

Cut 8 (12) “…fall of 2027.”

Cut 23 (02) “He’s back!”

He’s back all right – four years after being fired for recruiting violations, Will Wade is returning for a second stint as LSU’s head men’s basketball coach. Speculation came to a head when former McNeese Athletic Director Heath Schroyer joined LSU as Senior Deputy AD. Jim Gazzolo covers McNeese athletics for the American Press and says that was the catalyst behind Wade’s return to Baton Rouge.

Cut 3 (04) “…trust.”

LSU isn’t the only Louisiana school making a move with its men’s basketball program, as ULM has introduced Ryan Cross as its new men’s basketball coach. Cross led UAB to four postseason appearances in his six seasons there and says he hopes Northeast Louisiana will rally around his program.

Cut 14 (10) “…about.”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee effectively kills a resolution that would have required those running for U.S. congress to live in the district they’re running in. Houma Senator Mike Fesi did not feel comfortable passing a resolution in Louisiana when there are 25 members of the U-S House of Representatives who do not live in the district they represent.

Cut 12 (07) “…figure out.”

LSU will soon be launching a bachelor’s degree program in artificial intelligence. Assistant Professor of Science and Engineering James Ghawaly (guh-WALL-ee) says students will learn how to build new A-I technologies from the ground up, and they will also learn how to detect whether video content was created using A-I.

Cut 7 (13) “…generated versus genuine.”

Boot Up Louisiana! Or, perhaps, Re-Boot Up Louisiana! Will Wade is returning to LSU to lead the men’s basketball program again. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

But wait, there’s more! ULM introduces Ryan Cross as its new men’s basketball coach. Cross says the ULM program is one that he has personal sweat equity invested.

Cut 13 (09) “…off the mat.”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee kills a resolution that would have required those running for Congress to live in the district they’re running in. It was brought up for debate by Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey.

Cut 9 (12)  “…not necessarily wanted.”

Cathey had announced his candidacy for the fifth congressional district but dropped out after President Trump endorsed Blake Miguez, who lives in New Iberia, which is quite a distance from the district’s boundaries and who his resolution was aimed at. While Cathey pointed out that state legislators need to live in the district they represent, Houma Senator Mike Fesi says the rules are different for U.S. representatives.

Cut 11 (06) “…this start.”

The committee reported the resolution without action, which technically kills the measure for the session.

Cut 23 (02) (fade and use as bed)

For Will Wade, it feels good to be reunited with LSU. Wade is returning to Baton Rouge as LSU’s men’s basketball coach four years after being fired for recruiting violations. With that, LSU has fired Matt McMahon after leading the Tigers to an overall record of 60-and-70, including just 17 wins in the SEC, and no NCAA Tournament appearances.

The speculation of a Will Wade reunion heated up when Heath Schroyer left his post as McNeese athletic director for a job at LSU as Senior Deputy AD. Schroyer hired Wade at McNeese a year after Wade was fired from LSU. Jim Gazzolo covers McNeese athletics for the American Press and says what Schroyer did at McNeese is remarkable.

Cut 5 (15) “…Schroyer.”

A resolution taking aim at those running for Congress in a district where he or she does not live fails in the legislature. Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey’s resolution was directed at Blake Miguez, who’s running in District 5, even though his home in New Iberia is nowhere close to the district’s boundaries. The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee reported the resolution without action, which technically kills the measure for the session.

Cut 10 (07) “…significantly outside.”

LSU will soon be launching a bachelor’s degree program in artificial intelligence. The four-year program is the first of its kind in Louisiana. James Ghawaly (guh-WALL-ee), an assistant professor of science and engineering at LSU, says this degree program goes well beyond simply how to use A-I.

Cut 6 (12) “…of A-I assistance.”