Hurricane season starts a week from Monday. NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs says now is the time to start preparing.

Cut 14 (09) “…more at ready-dot-gov.”

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

Four years after ending service out of Alexandria, United Airlines makes its grand return to England Airpark today. England Airpark Executive Director Ralph Hennessy says the resumption of twice-daily service to and from Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston will be very convenient for business travelers.

Cut 4 (11) “…the same day.”

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

LSU is proving this spring that you can indeed go home again. The latest fired head coach LSU is welcoming back is Ed Orgeron, as Lane Kiffin has added him 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.”

LSU baseball’s national title defense was a major dud, and their season came to a merciful end last night with a 3-1 loss to Auburn in the SEC Tournament. Head Coach Jay Johnson says the loss is really hard on the 12 seniors on the team.

Cut 10 (11) “…the game.”

The House Governmental Affairs Committee is debating Louisiana’s congressional map at this hour. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat expects a lengthy hearing, with dozens of people expected to testify in opposition of the map that would likely result in five Republicans and one Democrat in Louisiana’s House delegation starting in 2027.

Cut 14 (06) “…Democrats are not.”

A prominent Democratic political strategist says while he expects the Republican Senate nominee to ultimately be elected, the general election should be closer than expected. James Carville says if the Democratic nominee can make it interesting, that could set the party up for success in the future – possibly as early as next year in the governor’s race, as Jeff Landry seeks re-election.

Cut 9 (10)  “…he is not.”

NOAA 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.” 

Forecasters, however, 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 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.”

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

A New Orleans-area lawmaker’s effort to prevent a governor from serving more than two consecutive terms continues to make its way through the legislative process. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The general election in Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race is going to be a Republican blowout, right? One prominent Democratic strategist says, not so fast. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The House Governmental Affairs Committee begins debate this morning on the proposed congressional map that eliminates one of the state’s two majority Black districts. Joe Gallinaro has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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The House-approved constitutional amendment that prohibits a governor from serving more than two consecutive terms is headed to the Senate floor. The Senate Governmental Affairs committee approved the measure on a party-line five to three vote, with Democrats voting against it. New Orleans Democratic Senator Royce Duplessis is not 100-percent behind term limits.

Cut 4 (08) “…people to decide.”

There are Democrats concerned this legislation is aimed at John Bel Edwards, even though it would also apply to Republican Bobby Jindal. If it passes, neither would be allowed to run for governor again.

Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham says he authored the legislation in response to what happened with two governors who in the last 100 years served more than two terms, Earl K. Long and Edwin Edwards.

Cut 5 (08) “…a federal facility.”

Under current law, governors may not serve more than two consecutive terms, but they can run for a third non-consecutive term after sitting out four years. Bayham likes new leaders and fresh ideas occupying the governor’s mansion.

Cut 6 (11) “…able to run.”

Bayham says nine other states have similar term limits. If the measure passes the Senate with a two-thirds vote, the proposed amendment will be placed on the November 3rd ballot.

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Political analysts almost unanimously believe that whoever wins the Republican Senate runoff between Julia Letlow and John Fleming will trounce the Democratic nominee. Democratic political strategist James Carville, however, says not so fast – while he says the Democratic nominee likely will not win, the margin will be a lot closer than what’s expected, possibly in the single digits. Carville says for starters, Black voters turned out in droves for the primary.

Cut 7 (10) “…it was 25.”

Carville says Democrats had a very strong turnout in the primary, despite Democrats being greatly outspent.

Cut 8 (10) “…that’s stunning.”

Carville says if the Democratic nominee can make it interesting, that could set the party up for success in the future – possibly as early as next year in the governor’s race, as Jeff Landry seeks re-election – assuming he survives the recall effort against him.

Cut 9 (10)  “…he is not.”

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Bill Cassidy may have lost his bid for re-election, but he’s by no means packing it in. He still has plenty of things on his to-do list in his seven months remaining in the U.S. Senate. For starters, Cassidy wants to fix Social Security.

Cut 10 (10) “…people are receiving.”

Cassidy, who’s a medical doctor by trade, is also working on health care legislation in the time he has left.

Cut 11 (07) “…to accomplish that.”

Cassidy is also working on a bill aimed at holding China accountable for polluting the United States.

Cut 12 (13) “…of all worlds.”

Cassidy says other legislation that he wanted to get to, including a plan to rebuild the coastline in a way that pays for itself and flood insurance reform, will have to be passed off to another Senator in the next Congress.

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Debate on a congressional map that reduces the number of majority Black districts from two to one shifts over to the House today as the Governmental Affairs committee discusses the Senate-approved map. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Democrats do not have enough votes to stop the so-called 5-1 map from passing.

Cut 13 (07)  “…favor of Republicans.”

Current Democratic Congressman Cleo Fields is expected to lose his seat if this new map becomes law.

Pinsonat expects a lengthy hearing, with dozens of people expected to testify in opposition of the map that would likely result in five Republicans and one Democrat in Louisiana’s House delegation starting in 2027.

Cut 14 (06) “…Democrats are not.”

Racial tensions have been high at the state capitol ever since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the current map with two majority Black districts, and Republicans began pushing a new map with one Black majority district. Pinsonat expects emotional testimony and possible outbursts that would result in the meeting being paused until emotions subside.

Cut 15 (11) “…what it is.”

__________________________________________

McNeese baseball is two wins away from reaching the NCAA Tournament for a seventh time in program history as the Cowboys begin a best-of-three Southland Conference championship series against Lamar tonight in Beaumont. The Cowboys are the fifth seed and are led by longtime coach Justin Hill, who’s excited for a shot at beating Lamar and advancing.

Cut 16 (06) “…to score points.”

Pitching is the name of the game in postseason play. Hill says the Cowboys have one of the better pitchers in the Southland in Eric Nachtsheim.

Cut 17 (18) “…a good start.”

Lamar is McNeese’s biggest rival, and Hill says it’s fun to match up with the Cardinals in a high-stakes series.

Cut 18 (14)  “…for the league.”

Lamar took two of three from McNeese earlier this season. First pitch tonight is at six.

The House-approved constitutional amendment that prohibits a governor from serving more than two consecutive terms is headed to the Senate floor. The Senate Governmental Affairs committee approved the measure on a party-line five to three vote, with Democrats voting against it. New Orleans Democratic Senator Royce Duplessis is not 100-percent behind term limits.

Cut 4 (10) “…to decide.”

There are Democrats concerned this legislation is aimed at John Bel Edwards, even though it would also apply to Republican Bobby Jindal. If it passes, neither would be allowed to run for governor again.

Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham says he authored the legislation in response to what happened with Louisiana’s two governors that served more than two terms, Earl K. Long and Edwin Edwards. 

Cut 5 (09) “…federal facility.”

Debate on a congressional map that reduces the number of majority Black districts from two to one shifts over to the House today as the Governmental Affairs committee discusses the Senate-approved map. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Democrats do not have enough votes to stop the so-called 5-1 map from passing. 

Cut 13 (07)  “…Republicans.”

Racial tensions have been high at the Capitol ever since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the current map with two majority Black districts and Republicans began pushing a new map with one Black Majority District. Pinsonat expects a lengthy hearing, with dozens of people expected to testify in opposition of the map that would likely result in five Republicans and one Democrat in Louisiana’s House delegation starting in 2027.

Cut 14 (05) “…are not.”

Current Democratic Congressman Cleo Fields is expected to lose his seat if this new map becomes law.

Governor Jeff Landry has been in Greenland this week to make as many friends as possible, according to what he told a Danish media outlet. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Well, five months ago, we didn’t get a White Christmas, so a wet Memorial Day may have to do. The National Weather Service says much of Louisiana could get an entire month’s worth of rainfall over the next five to seven days. Furthermore, it says all the rainfall will not come with any threat of severe weather.

LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade is taking heat for reportedly signing a player who previously signed an NBA contract. 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) “…not played.”

If Congressman Cleo Fields has any say, he would urge Luis to stay away. That’s because he and the rest of the Congressional Black Caucus are urging athletes to avoid playing for schools in states which are diluting the power of Black voters through redistricting. Fields says Black athletes being recruited by SEC schools, including LSU, need to think twice.

Cut 9 (14)  “…very good question.”

Congressman Cleo Fields is urging Black athletes to avoid signing with schools in states where legislatures are disenfranchising Black voters. Fields says with the Supreme Court watering down the 1965 Voting Rights Act, we’re perilously close to going right back to an ugly time in American history, where Southern states went to great lengths to deny Blacks the right to vote.

Cut 11 (09) “…made billions for.”

LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade is taking heat for reportedly signing a player who previously signed an NBA contract. Former St. John’s star R.J. Luis (“Louis”) signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz after going undrafted. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau doesn’t blame Wade for trying to stretch the rules.

Cut 7 (10) “…mad at Wade?”

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 wants a closer relationship with the autonomous Danish territory for national security purposes and to have access to the island’s minerals. Landry says it’s a good thing that the U.S. has an interest in Greenland.

Cut 3 (13) “…ask themselves.”

Landry attended the Future Greenland trade fair in Nuuk that included a seminar on understanding the United States. Landry met with Greenland’s prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and said the meeting went well. Nielsen told a Danish TV station that his courtesy meeting with Landry took place with mutual respect and in a positive atmosphere. But he made it known that the Greenlandic people are not for sale and self-determination is non-negotiable.

Governor Landry has been in Greenland this week to make as many friends as possible, according to what he told a Danish media outlet. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Well, five months ago, we didn’t get a White Christmas, so a wet Memorial Day may have to do. The National Weather Service says much of Louisiana could get an entire month’s worth of rainfall over the next five to seven days. Furthermore, it says all the rainfall will not come with any threat of severe weather.

Congressman Cleo Fields is joining the rest of the Congressional Black Caucus and the NAACP in urging Black athletes to boycott states which are redistricting Blacks out of Congress. Fields says it makes no sense for Black athletes to represent states that want to treat them as second-class citizens off the field.

Cut 10 (10) “…Tuesday through Friday.”

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) “…not played.”

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.

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.

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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.