When you’re enjoying this holiday weekend, make sure you bring your umbrella, because it’s going to be a wet one. In fact, some areas could see as much as 15 inches of rain over the next seven days! Chanelle Stigger, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says a stationary frontal system over the Southern Plains is helping to produce all of this rain.

Cut 10 (11) “…continuation of moisture”

On the roadways, Memorial Day weekend can only mean one thing – Click It Or Ticket! Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says statistics show that not wearing your seatbelt has deadly consequences.

Cut 8 (10) “…not buckled up.”

If you get pulled over for not wearing your seatbelt, the consequence is a 50-dollar fine.

A memorial service takes place Saturday in Lake Charles for hall of fame football coach Bobby Keasler. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Louisiana Tech has played its last Conference USA game ever – a 6-0 loss to Liberty in the conference baseball tournament. Tech finished with a 33-25 record, and Coach Lane Burroughs says they have to be better as the Dogs move to the Sun Belt next year.

This Memorial Day weekend is going to be a wet one. Chanelle Stigger, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says rain chances are higher tomorrow and Sunday, and they drop off for Monday – just in time for your backyard barbecue. She says the clouds and rain will ultimately make it more comfortable to be outside once it does dry out.

Cut 11 (08) “…actually near average.”

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Memorial Day or graduation, how about with one of Louisiana’s most famous delicacies? Laney King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, says crawfish prices this holiday weekend are averaging $2.99 a pound for live crawfish and $5.50 a pound for boiled crawfish.

Cut 3 (07) “…in the season.”

King says get them while you can – this is likely the last weekend you’ll be able to enjoy crawfish this year.

Memorial Day weekend means another Click It Or Ticket enforcement operation on Louisiana’s roadways. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says if avoiding the 50-dollar ticket isn’t enough of an incentive for you to wear your seatbelt, being able to survive a crash should be.

Cut 7 (09) “…a serious crash.”

A memorial service takes place tomorrow for a McNeese State legend. Family, former players, friends, and Cowboy fans will pay their final respects to Bobby Keasler, who died earlier this month at the age of 80. McNeese Sports Information Director Matthew Bonnette says Keasler turned the McNeese football program into a winner after some lean years.

Cut 12 (12) “…what he’s done.”

If you’re looking to satisfy your craving for crawfish one last time this year, this is the perfect weekend to do so. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A memorial service takes place Saturday in Lake Charles for hall of fame football coach Bobby Keasler. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Memorial Day or graduation, how about with one of Louisiana’s most famous delicacies? Laney King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, says crawfish prices this holiday weekend are averaging $2.99 a pound for live crawfish and $5.50 a pound for boiled crawfish.

Cut 3 (07) “…in the season.”

King says besides Memorial Day and graduations, there’s another big reason you should treat yourself to those tiny tasty crustaceans this weekend.

Cut 4 (10) “…prices are right.”

King says if you need that crawfish fix after this weekend and it cannot wait until after Mardi Gras next year, good luck.

Cut 5 (08) “…your favorite spot.”

Not to mention, once the calendar flips to June, the crawfish just doesn’t taste as good. Due to the much warmer weather, their shells get hard, and that results in much tougher meat.

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It’s Memorial Day weekend; and on the roadways, that can only mean one thing – Click It Or Ticket! Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says law enforcement is putting an extra emphasis on looking for people not wearing their seatbelts from now through June 1st.

Cut 6 (13) “…wearing their seatbelts.”

According to Triple-A, more than 39-million people will be hitting the road this holiday weekend. Fischer says if avoiding the 50-dollar ticket isn’t enough of an incentive for you to wear your seatbelt, being able to survive a crash should be.

Cut 7 (09) “…a serious crash.”

Fischer says statistics show that not wearing your seatbelt has deadly consequences.

Cut 8 (10) “…not buckled up.”

In Louisiana, you can be pulled over just for not wearing your seatbelt; you do not need to be committing a moving violation to be subject to a seatbelt fine.

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It will be a wet Memorial Day weekend as the state is stuck in a rainy weather pattern that will stick around into next week. Chanelle Stigger, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says we are looking at some impressive rain totals for the next week.

Cut 9 (08)  “…next seven days.”

Stigger says a stationary frontal system over the Southern Plains is helping to produce all of this rain.

Cut 10 (11) “…continuation of moisture.”

Stigger says rain chances are higher on Saturday and Sunday and they drop off for Monday. She says the clouds and rain will ultimately make it more comfortable to be outside once it does dry out.

Cut 11 (08) “…actually near average.”

Most of Louisiana can expect three to six inches of rain through Tuesday.

______________________________________________________

A memorial service takes place Saturday for a McNeese State legend. Family, former players, friends, and Cowboy fans will pay their final respects to Bobby Keasler, who died earlier this month at the age of 80. McNeese Sports Information Director Matthew Bonnette says Keasler turned the McNeese football program into a winner after some lean years.

Cut 12 (12) “…what he’s done.”

Keasler guided McNeese to four Southland Conference championships from 1991 to 1997. In 1997, he took the Cowboys to the Division One-Double-A national championship game. Bonnette says Keasler coached 53 first-team All-Southland players and 16 first-team All-Americans.

Cut 13 (07) “…listened to him.”

Keasler was an outstanding three-sport athlete at New Iberia High School and began his coaching career in New Iberia at the middle and high school levels. He became head coach at McNeese State. His coaching career concluded with three seasons at U-L-M. Bonnette says Keasler’s death is a tremendous loss for the entire state.

Cut 14 (07) “…fantastic human being.”

The memorial service will take place at Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles at 1 p-m. Public viewing is from 10 a-m to 1 p-m.

When you’re enjoying this holiday weekend, make sure you bring your umbrella, because it’s going to be a wet one. In fact, some areas could see as much as 15 inches of rain over the next seven days! Chanelle Stigger, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says a stationary frontal system over the Southern Plains is helping to produce all of this rain.

Cut 10 (11) “…of moisture”

Now, don’t let all this rain keep you from going out to your favorite crawfish spot this weekend. Laney King, the co-founder of the Crawfish App, says that’s because after this weekend, if your crawfish fix cannot wait until after Mardi Gras next year, good luck.

Cut 5 (08) “…your favorite spot.”

Fortunately, crawfish prices are down 50 cents over the last week.

A memorial service takes place Saturday in Lake Charles for hall of fame former coach Bobby Keasler. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

As for McNeese’s baseball team’s quest for the NCAA Tournament, the Cowboys will need to win two in a row to gain an automatic berth. McNeese lost to Lamar last and will need to beat the Cardinals tonight and tomorrow to win the Southland tournament and earn that automatic bid.

This Memorial Day weekend is going to be a wet one. Chanelle Stigger, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says rain chances are higher on Saturday and Sunday, and they drop off for Monday – just in time for your backyard barbecue. She says the clouds and rain will ultimately make it more comfortable to be outside once it does dry out.

Cut 11 (10) “…near average.”

On the roadways, not only does that mean use your wipers and turn your headlights on, it also means Click It Or Ticket! Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says law enforcement is putting an extra emphasis on looking for people not wearing their seatbelts from now through June 1st.

Cut 6 (13) “…wearing their seatbelts.”

Despite strong opposition from Black lawmakers, the House Governmental Affairs Committee approved a Congressional map with one majority-minority district. West Monroe Senator Jay Morris’ measure would most likely result in five Republicans and one Democrat representing Louisiana in the U.S. House of Representatives, upsetting Black lawmakers who want two majority-minority districts.

Cut 27 (11) “…white or Black.”

Baton Rouge Senator Denise Marcelle says having a congressional map where a Democrat can win only one of the six districts is unfair, considering a third of the state’s population is Black.

Cut 23 (08) “…egregious to me.”

The map was amended during committee discussion that changes some of the political boundaries; so if it’s approved by the full House, the measure will go back to the State Senate for approval of House changes.

Another long day of debate over a new congressional map; and despite strong opposition from Black lawmakers, the Republican-led legislature is poised to pass a map with one majority-minority district. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (38) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The debate wasn’t without some infighting among Republicans, however, as they discussed an amendment that moved Morehouse, Lincoln and Jackson parishes from District 5 to District 4.

It will be a wet Memorial Day weekend as the state is stuck in a rainy weather pattern that will stick around into next week. National Weather Service Meteorologist Chanelle Stigger in Lake Charles says we are looking at some impressive rain totals for the next week.

Cut 9 (09)  “…seven days.”

Stigger says as far as this weekend goes, rain chances will be higher on Saturday and Sunday.

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Memorial Day or graduation, how about with one of Louisiana’s most famous delicacies? Laney King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, says crawfish prices this holiday weekend are averaging $2.99 a pound for live crawfish and $5.50 a pound for boiled crawfish.

Cut 3 (07) “…in the season.”

King says get them while you can – this is likely the last weekend you’ll be able to enjoy crawfish this year.

The debate in the House Governmental Affairs Committee over a congressional map with one majority-minority district has been going on all day. West Monroe Senator Jay Morris’ measure would most likely result in five Republicans and one Democrat representing Louisiana in the U.S. House of Representatives, upsetting Black lawmakers who want two majority-minority districts.

Cut 4 (12) “…white or Black.”

Baton Rouge Senator Denise Marcelle asked Morris why should Republicans have such a huge advantage in determining who represents the state in Congress when only a third of the registered voters are registered Republican.

Cut 5 (12) “…in Congress.”

The map was amended, so it would need to go back to the Senate once approved by the House.

A Senate committee approves a budget that takes into account a revenue shortfall of 104-million dollars. Senate Finance Chairman Glen Womack says this means additional dollars for school vouchers and education operation costs had to be cut.

Cut 8 (11) “…M-F-P.”

But Womack says the K-through-12 education funding formula is fully funded and there is 420-million dollars for early childhood education.

The end of inspection stickers in Louisiana is now just Governor Landry’s expected signature away from becoming official. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley, who authored House Bill 1085, says that ten-dollar inspection sticker will be replaced with a six-dollar QR code that you place on your windshield.

Cut 10 (05) “…color, I think.”

And that information can only be read by special equipment available to law enforcement.

Hurricane season begins a week from Monday, and the National Weather Service is predicting a below-average one this year, with between eight and 14 named storms, including three to six hurricanes. Director Ken Graham says history has proven, however, that a below-average season prediction does not reduce the risk of a devastating storm ravaging the coast.

Cut 13 (08) “…storm as well.”

After a four-year absence, United Airlines returned to Alexandria today. England Airpark Executive Director Ralph Hennessy says United is offering non-stop service to and from Houston.

Cut 3 (07) “…back to Alexandria.”

United had stopped service to Alexandria in 2022 due to an industry-wide pilot shortage coming out of the COVID pandemic. The first flight from IAH arrived at 2:50 this afternoon, greeted with a water cannon salute and other fanfare. 

Cut 23 (02) “He’s back!”

Ed Orgeron is back at LSU! The former Tigers’ head football coach is returning as an assistant. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Another employee at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center has been arrested. The latest one is correctional officer De’Ja Lee, who’s accused of having sex with an inmate. Lee has been fired from Elayn Hunt and was booked into the Iberville Parish Jail on one count of malfeasance in office.

The National Weather Service is expecting a below-average hurricane season this year, with between eight and 14 named storms, including three to six hurricanes. NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs says a certain weather pattern is the key factor behind this forecast.

Cut 12 (09) “…moderate to strong.” 

Officials say just because they’re predicting a below-average season, that does not reduce the risk of a devastating storm ravaging the coast.

After a four-year absence, United resumes service out of Alexandria today, with twice-daily non-stop flights to and from Houston. England Airpark Executive Director Ralph Hennessy says the best part about flying out of a regional airport like AEX is you won’t have to arrive two hours before departure. 

Cut 5 (11) “…15-minute time frame.”

Cut 23 (fade and use as bed after 5 seconds)

The party’s over for LSU baseball this season. The Tigers’ season ended last night with a 3-1 loss to Auburn, ending one of the worst title defenses in college baseball history. Head Coach Jay Johnson hopes the program grows from this difficult season.

Cut 11 (11) “…there is too.”

The party is starting up again in Baton Rouge, however, for Ed Orgeron, who becomes the latest fired head coach to be welcomed back to LSU with open arms. Lane Kiffin has added Orgeron to his staff as the special assistant to recruiting and defense. WWL Radio Sports Talk show host Mike Detillier says his longtime friend got the itch to coach again last fall.

Cut 7 (11) “…about that too.”

Former Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron is returning as an assistant coach at LSU. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Hurricane season starts a week from Monday. What kind of season can we expect this year? Andrew Greenstein has some insight.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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After a four-year absence, United Airlines returns to Alexandria today. England Airpark Executive Director Ralph Hennessy says United is offering non-stop service to and from Houston.

Cut 3 (07) “…back to Alexandria.”

United had stopped service to Alexandria in 2022 due to an industry-wide pilot shortage coming out of the COVID pandemic. Hennessy says the resumption of twice-daily service to and from Bush Intercontinental Airport will be very convenient for business travelers.

Cut 4 (11) “…the same day.”

Hennessy says the best part about flying out of a regional airport like AEX is you won’t have to arrive two hours before departure.

Cut 5 (11) “…15-minute time frame.”

The first flight from IAH arrives at around three this afternoon. It will be greeted with fanfare, including a water cannon salute.

__________________________________________

Ed Orgeron is back coaching at LSU again! Head coach Lane Kiffin has added the former Tigers head coach to his staff as the special assistant to recruiting and defense. WWL Radio Sports Talk show host and longtime friend of Orgeron, Mike Detillier, says Coach O has been wanting to return to LSU for several months.

Cut 6 (11) “…for him.”

The 64-year-old from LaRose was the head coach at LSU from 2016 to 2021 and put together one of the greatest college football teams ever in 2019, when the Tigers went 15-0 and won the national championship. But two years later, he was fired and has been out of coaching ever since. Detillier says Orgeron got the itch to coach again last fall.

Cut 7 (11) “…about that too.”

Orgeron has been known as one of the best defensive line coaches in college football, and Detillier says Kiffin knows outstanding D-line play is critical to winning championships.

Cut 8 (11) “…first round picks.”

This is will be the fourth time that Kiffin and Orgeron have been on the same staff together — twice at USC and once at Tennessee 2009.  Orgeron’s base salary is 100-thousand dollars, and it runs through January 2027.

_____________________________________________________________

A very disappointing 2026 LSU baseball season ended last night with a 3-1 loss to Auburn in the SEC Tournament. The Tigers were ranked in the top two nationally before the season, but they finish with just 10 wins in the SEC and out of the NCAA Tournament. Head Coach Jay Johnson says to say that it was a tough season is putting it very mildly.

Cut 9 (09)  “…stings.”

Johnson says the loss is really hard on the 12 seniors on the team.

Cut 10 (11) “…the game.”

Johnson hopes the program grows from this difficult season.

Cut 11 (11) “…too.”

When you include the two SEC Tournament games, the Tigers’ league record was 10-22. Overall, LSU finished with a record of 30-and-28 — one of the worst follow-up seasons ever to a national championship season. Two teams suffered losing seasons the season after winning it all, and both are from the SEC — Mississippi State in 2022 and Ole Miss in 2023.

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The National Weather Service is expecting a below-average hurricane season this year, with between eight and 14 named storms, including three to six hurricanes. NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs says a certain weather pattern is the key factor behind this forecast.

Cut 12 (09) “…moderate to strong.”

National Weather Service Director Ken Graham says history has proven that a below-average season prediction does not reduce the risk of a devastating storm ravaging the coast.

Cut 13 (08) “…storm as well.”

Jacobs says now is the time to start preparing for hurricane season, which starts a week from Monday.

Cut 14 (09) “…more at ready-dot-gov.”

Last year, there were 13 named storms, including five hurricanes. No named storm made landfall in the United States.