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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

Tourism officials are hailing Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport’s Master Plan. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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New Research out of LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Center finds that improving heart health might not be enough to protect against Alzheimer’s disease. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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There is a serious possibility that Will Wade could return to Baton Rouge as LSU’s basketball coach. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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City and regional leaders unveil the 20-year Master Plan for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. They include the construction of a second terminal facility, as many as 15 additional gates, an additional parking garage and an improved roadway system. Walt Leger, the president and CEO of New Orleans and Company, says all this is to improve connectivity to other cities in the country and the world, which will have wide-ranging benefits.

Cut 4 (11) “…and retention standpoint.”

Leger says it’s very important that they tackle this expansion now instead of waiting until it’s too late.

Cut 5 (10) “…of the trends.”

Leger says even though New Orleans International Airport is actually in Kenner, its location actually works to its advantage.

Cut 6 (08) “…by bus.”

The Master Plan also includes the redevelopment of the airport’s south campus.

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Studies have shown regular physical activity can slow down or prevent Alzheimer’s disease, but new research from a leading expert at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center has found that is not the case. Dr. Jeffrey Keller says their study found that exercise and aggressive cardiovascular risk reduction successfully improved heart health, but did NOT produce measurable cognitive benefits in older adults at risk for Alzheimer’s.

Cut 7 (04) “…on out there.”

The study involved 480 participants between the ages of 60 and 85. The participants had hypertension and a family history of dementia and subjective cognitive decline. Keller says they spent 24 months seeing if exercise and-or blood pressure medicine could improve cognitive function, and they found out it did not.

Cut 8 (14) “…therapy and socialization.”

Keller believes exercise is beneficial for anyone; but this study illustrates that to prevent dementia, exercise needs to be combined with medicine, cognitive behavior therapy and social interaction.

Cut 9 (12)  “…or two things.”

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One of Secretary of State Nancy Landry’s election integrity bills advances to the next step. House Bill 691, which provides for the investigation of non-citizens found to be on the state’s voter rolls, advances out of the House Governmental Affairs Committee on a party-line 9-to-7 vote and moves to the full House. Landry says a recent check of the state’s voter rolls through a federal database found hundreds of ineligible voters.

Cut 10 (13) “…many for me.”

Lake Charles Democrat Wilford Carter accuses Landry of working to deny people the right to vote by sending the voter rolls to the federal government for a citizenship check. He says there’s a more practical solution, especially given the very small number of ineligible voters found.

Cut 11 (14) “…right to vote.”

Debate got a little tense between Shreveport Democrat Joy Walters and the Committee Chairman, New Iberia Republican Beau Beaullieu.

Cut 12 (27) “…a political firestorm.”

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Speculation that Will Wade could return as the Tigers’ men’s basketball coach has gained steam after multiple reports say LSU is working to hire McNeese AD Heath Schroyer as a senior administrator. Tiger Rag editor Glenn Guilbeau says that Wade’s familiarity with LSU President Wade Rousse, new LSU board chair Lee Mallett, and Schroyer — who all have ties to the Lake Charles area — could factor into a potential return to Baton Rouge.

Cut 13 (09)  “…sweetening the pot.”

Schroyer hired Wade at McNeese in 2023. Tiger Rag Magazine had this story back on March 13th.

Guilbeau says Wade’s interest in returning to Baton Rouge stems from the opportunity to coach the state’s premier program.

Cut 14 (14) “…the Final Four.”

But Guilbeau notes that there likely won’t be any official moves until later next week.

Cut 15 (08) “…to three-million.”

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The second-seeded LSU Lady Tigers are preparing for a Sweet 16 rematch against third-seeded Duke. In LSU’s 93-77 win over the Blue Devils in December, LSU allowed Duke to shoot 50-percent from the field. LSU assistant coach Joe Schwartz says that despite the team’s recent offensive production, the Tigers must continue to set the tone on defense.

Cut 16 (16) “…the defensive end.”

Duke jumped out to an early 14-to-nothing lead against LSU in the opening minutes of their December matchup in Durham. Schwartz says the Tigers need to get off to a better start in Sacramento this time around.

Cut 17 (17)  “…you away early.”

Since Duke lost to LSU, it has won 21 of its last 23 games. The Blue Devils have also improved on the defensive end, allowing only 55.7 points per game since giving up 93 to the Tigers. Schwartz says the Tigers will have to do several things to advance to the Elite Eight on Sunday.

Cut 18 (13)  “…to be aggressive.”

Legislation that would allow the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to ban those who harass collegiate athletes from placing bets in the state advances to the full Senate. Leesville Senator Mike Reese says a recent ESPN report found that one in three high profile college athletes receive abusive messages from bettors.

Cut 3 (08) “…those tournaments.”

Reese is the author of the legislation, and he noted that female athletes are harassed more than male athletes. He says Ohio and West Virginia have already passed this law and the NCAA is encouraging more states to do the same.

Cut 4 (09) “…place bets.”

Reese says many of these threats are related to prop bets, which Louisiana has already prohibited on college contests.

One of Secretary of State Nancy Landry’s election integrity bills advances to the next step. House Bill 691, which provides for the investigation of non-citizens found to be on the state’s voter rolls, advances out of the House Governmental Affairs Committee on a party-line 9-to-7 vote and moves to the full House. Landry says a recent check of the state’s voter rolls through a federal database found hundreds of ineligible voters.

Cut 10 (13) “…many for me.”

Lake Charles Democrat Wilford Carter accuses Landry of working to deny people the right to vote by sending the voter rolls to the federal government for a citizenship check.

Cut 11 (14) “…right to vote.”

Senator John Kennedy says he feels everyone’s pain when it comes to soaring gasoline prices. The spike started at the beginning of this month in the wake of the U.S. military action in Iran, which choked off the Strait of Hormuz in response. Kennedy says by closing that waterway, Iran is only hurting itself in the long run. 

Cut 6 (10) “…them the most.”

Lawmakers advance a bill that would allow the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to establish a rule banning those who harass college athletes from placing sports bets in the state. Leesville Senator Mike Reese presented evidence to a Senate committee that female athletes are harassed more than their male counterparts.

Cut 5 (07) “…other sports.”

Reese says Ohio and West Virginia have already passed this law and the NCAA is encouraging more states to do the same.

Senator Bill Cassidy says no to an invitation to debate his two biggest challengers during Moon Griffon’s statewide radio talk show. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Saints owner Gayle Benson and New Orleans Archbishop James Checchio were at the Vatican this week meeting with Pope Leo the 14th. Among other things, they discussed the historic St. Louis Cathedral during their 35-minute conversation, gaining his permission to name the rectory after him and his family.

Bill Cassidy says no to a radio debate with Julia Letlow and John Fleming moderated by Moon Griffon. When Cassidy was elected to his second Senate term in 2020, he refused to debate Democrat and at that time Shreveport mayor Adrian Perkins. In an interview on KEEL Radio in Shreveport, Cassidy said the circumstances were different back then.

Cut 10 (08) “…different elections.”

Legislation that would allow the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to ban those who harass collegiate athletes from placing bets in the state advances to the full Senate. Leesville Senator Mike Reese says a recent ESPN report found that one in three high profile college athletes receive abusive messages from bettors.

Cut 3 (08) “…those tournaments.”

Reese says evidence shows that female athletes are harassed more than male athletes.

Senator John Kennedy says he understands the frustration behind the soaring gas prices in the wake of the U.S.-led war in Iran. He says when those prices will start to come down from the stratosphere and return to normal is anyone’s guess.

Cut 8 (09) “…back to normal.”

Regular unleaded is currently averaging $3.59 a gallon in Louisiana.

And if gas prices don’t make you feel miserable, oak pollen certainly will. That’s because this is the time of year when it’s most prevalent, leading to much suffering among allergy sufferers. Ochsner Health Immunologist Dr. John Carlson says treatments are as close as your local CVS or Walgreens.

Cut 12 (10) “…will work great.”