The bracket for the NCAA baseball tournament is out.

Cut 23 (50) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.

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LSU may be the only Louisiana team vying for a spot in the College World Series, but the Tigers are not the only Louisiana team playing for a national title. LSU Shreveport puts its undefeated record on the line at 8:30 tonight against defending NAIA champion Hope International out of California. The Pilots enter tonight’s game with an incredible record of 55-and-0, and they’re looking to keep the momentum going to add to their all-time consecutive wins record across all levels of four-year collegiate baseball.

In case you’re wondering – and I know you are – the longest winning streak among two-year collegiate baseball is actually within reach of LSU Shreveport. Howard College out of Big Spring, Texas, set the record in 2009 with 57 wins in a row. If the Pilots run the table in the NAIA World Series, they will surpass that mark.

One team that may have a say in that is Loyola University New Orleans. The Wolfpack take on the University of the Cumberlands in an elimination game this afternoon.

Today is Memorial Day, a day in which we honor true American heroes. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says this country owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, including more than 11-thousand Louisianans.

Cut 14 (12) “…we enjoy today.”

Meginley calls this the most important holiday of the year.

This is the time of year when termites rear their ugly head. As such, there are things you need to do to protect your properties. LSU entomology professor Aaron Ashbrook says in Louisiana, there are two types of homes – homes that have termites and homes that will eventually have termites.

Cut 4 (11) “…within the state.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is responding to an overdose crisis in pregnant women with Project M.O.M, which stands for Maternal Overdose Mortality. MOM Program Director Carrie Templeton says in addition to increasing screening and improving access to care, connecting hospital and clinic providers is important for referral to rapid outpatient treatment. She says one valuable resource is the presence of Peer Navigators in some emergency rooms.

Cut 8 (12) “…that’s very popular.”

The patriarch of “Duck Dynasty” has died. Phil Robertson passed away yesterday at the age of 79 following a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. 40 years before “Duck Dynasty” premiered on A-and-E, Robertson founded Duck Commander in 1972. Even before then, Robertson was the starting quarterback for Louisiana Tech. His backup – Terry Bradshaw.

Louisiana has an overdose crisis in pregnant women and the Louisiana Department of Health is responding. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Today is the day that we all pay tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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This is the time of year when termites rear their ugly head. As such, there are things you need to do to protect your properties. LSU entomology professor Aaron Ashbrook says the very best thing you can do to protect your property is to call a professional.

Cut 3 (15) “…able to access.”

Ashbrook says in Louisiana, there are two types of homes – homes that have termites and homes that will eventually have termites.

Cut 4 (11) “…within the state.”

Ashbrook says even though you should leave termite treatment to the professionals, there are things you can do to protect your home from termites.

Cut 5 (10) “…survive and thrive.”

Ashbrook says underground bait stations also go a long way towards protecting your home from termites.

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The Louisiana Department of Health is responding to an overdose crisis in pregnant women with Project M.O.M, which stands for Maternal Overdose Mortality. According to LDH, accidental opioid overdose has been the leading cause of pregnancy-associated death in Louisiana since 2018.

Cut 6 (10) “…but it is.”

MOM Program Director, Carrie Templeton says the goal of the program is to reduce pregnancy-associated overdose deaths by 80% within the next three years.

In the next 90 days Templeton is bringing hospital and community partners together to develop a plan to track data and performance to help develop best practices and pilot programs. She says improving access to care by training and supporting providers in multiple settings is key.

Cut 7 (11) “…earlier on.”

Templeton says the sooner substance use disorder is identified the sooner lifesaving medications like Naloxone and Buprenorphine can be made available.

In addition to increasing screening and improving access to care, connecting hospital and clinic providers is important for referral to rapid outpatient treatment. Templeton says one valuable resource is the presence of Peer Navigators in some emergency rooms.

Cut 8 (12) “…that’s very popular.”

Templeton says there are resources on the MOM website at ldh.la.gov/page/project-mom. There’s link on the page for those who want to get involved labeled “collaborate with us.”

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State tourism officials say you can stay cool and enjoy the outdoors this summer by visiting one of Louisiana’s 21 state parks. Director of State Parks, Brandon Burris, says there are pools, water play grounds and beach swimming available to visitors at no additional charge. Burris says water playgrounds are located at several state parks

Cut 9 (11)  “…we have.”

Burris says the water playgrounds are located at Bogue Chitto, Chicot, Fontainebleau, Jimmie Davis, Lake Bruin, Palmetto Island, Poverty Point Reservoir, St. Bernard and Tickfaw from 8 AM to 8 PM…

Cut 10 (13) “…enjoy themselves.”

Burris says pools are also available at Chemin-A-Haut near Bastrop, Lake D’Arbonne in Farmerville and North Toledo Bend near Zwolle. He says several of their state parks also have beaches with swim areas…

Cut 11 (11) “…family out.”

Burris says if you are still looking to plan a summer getaway, consider a State Park. He says they have great sleeping accommodations

Cut 12 (12) “…over night recreation.”

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Today is Memorial Day, the day that many people consider to be the start of summer – although the solstice is still a few weeks away. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says in his view, this is the most important holiday of the year.

Cut 13 (09)  “…throughout the world.” (4,000 Louisianans died in WWII)

Meginley says this country owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, including more than 11-thousand Louisianans.

Cut 14 (12) “…we enjoy today.”

Meginley says there will be several events throughout the state paying tribute to America’s fallen heroes.

Cut 15 (14) “…acknowledging this day.”

Another jail break – this one in Tangipahoa Parish. 19-year-old Tra’Von Johnson escaped Thursday afternoon as jail workers were cleaning a flooded jail cell. He apparently got out during the very short time that a cell door and an outside door were open simultaneously. Sheriff Gerald Sticker says deputies thought they spotted him Thursday night, but an hours-long search came up empty.

Cut 13 (08)  “…on the loose.”

The House has passed a resolution asking the SEC not to schedule LSU home football games before six p-m in the month of September. Harahan Republican John Illg drafted the resolution after ESPN scheduled LSU’s September 21st home game against UCLA last season for 2:30 in the afternoon – and the heat got the best of many fans. 

Cut 4 (11) “…here in Louisiana.”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is holding another Click It or Ticket it campaign.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

In St. Martin Parish, sheriff’s investigators are looking for an LSU SEC championship ring that was stolen earlier this month. Major Ginny Higgins says the ring was among many items stolen from a home on May 13th.

Cut 9 (06)  “…of this ring.”

Two juveniles have been arrested in the case. They are not believed to be behind any similar burglaries.

Memorial Day weekend is officially underway, and Triple-A says more than 45-million Americans will be traveling domestically. Don Redman with Triple A says the vast majority of people will be traveling by car, with gas prices 45 cents cheaper than last year. He says, however, that gas prices alone usually don’t determine whether people travel.

Cut 9 (12)  “…industry this summer.”

The “Click It or Ticket” campaign ramps up seat belt law enforcement, increasing the likelihood of tickets for unbuckled drivers and passengers. LHSC spokesman Mark Lambert says this high-visibility initiative stresses buckling up to avoid fines and reminds drivers of seat belt safety to reduce crash fatalities.

Cut 6 (06) “…event of a crash.”

The House has passed a resolution asking the SEC not to schedule LSU home football games before six p-m in the month of September. Harahan Republican John Illg drafted the resolution after ESPN scheduled LSU’s September 21st home game against UCLA for 2:30 in the afternoon. The temperature at kickoff was 94 degrees with a heat index of 100, and Illg says that was too much for many fans to overcome. 

Cut 4 (11) “…here in Louisiana.”

The NAIA World Series begins today; and while all the talk is about the 54-and-0 Pilots of LSU Shreveport, they’re not the only Louisiana team playing. Loyola New Orleans is in the NAIA World Series for the first time in program history. The eighth seed faces third-seeded Tennessee Wesleyan. Wolfpack Coach Jeremy Kennedy says his team will have its work cut out for itself.

Cut 12 (06) “…juggernaut as well.”

It’s Memorial Day weekend, and Triple-A is projecting a busy one. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

On the heels of a 139-million-dollar increase in available funds for fiscal year 2026, an effort is now underway to restore 30-million dollars for high-dosage tutoring. Barry Erwin with Leaders for a Better Louisiana says it’s important for student success.

Cut 5 (07) “…those results continue.”

As LSU continues its march towards Omaha and the College World Series, two Louisiana teams will be competing in the NAIA World Series, which starts today in Lewiston, Idaho. The big story has been LSU Shreveport – 54 games, 54 wins. That’s the longest winning streak in all levels of college baseball among four-year schools. The Pilots take on Grand View, out of Iowa, at 11:30 this morning. Head Coach Brad Neffendorf says the way to beat them is not to worry about their opponent’s game, but rather to play their own game.

Cut 11 (07) “…done all year.”

Loyola New Orleans, meanwhile, is in the NAIA World Series for the first time in program history and is the eighth seed. They face Tennessee Wesleyan at three this afternoon, and Coach Jeremy Kennedy says his team will have its work cut out for itself.

Cut 12 (06) “…juggernaut as well.”

Memorial Day weekend is here! And more than 45-million Americans will be heading out of town. Don Redman with Triple-A says the vast majority will be traveling by car, with gas prices 45 cents cheaper than last year. He says, however, that gas prices alone usually don’t determine whether people travel.

Cut 9 (12)  “…industry this summer.”

Leaders for a Better Louisiana is looking to restore 30-million-dollars to fund high-dose tutoring after the discovery of an additional 139-million-dollars in available funds for next year’s budget. That’s a top priority for advocates like Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin to maintain academic progress.

Cut 6 (10) “…a good investment.”

More good news in Louisiana education as the latest Reading Screener shows that grade-level reading proficiency among kids kindergarten through third grade increased by 17-percent. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says this is further testament that the state’s reading strategy is working; and by staying the course, the state can continue to improve.

Cut 15 (16) “…the right direction.”

The number-one ranked LSU baseball team begins play tonight in the SEC Tournament as the Tigers will face 13th seeded Texas A&M. Right fielder Jake Brown says they’ve been waiting for this all year long.

Cut 19 (11) “…this year.”

On the heels of a 139-million-dollar increase in available funds for fiscal year 2026, an effort is now underway to restore 30-million dollars for high-dosage tutoring.  Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Triple-A is projecting a busy travel weekend with more than 45-million Americans traveling domestically for Memorial Day. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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LSU may be the talk of the college baseball world here in Louisiana, but they’re not the only ones playing for a championship. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Leaders for a Better Louisiana is looking to restore 30-million-dollars to fund high-dose tutoring after the discovery of an increase of 139-million-dollars in available funds for next year’s budget. Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin says its crucial to restoring those funds for high-dosage tutoring, previously cut from the budget by the House.

Cut 4 (08) “…for our kids.”

Erwin questioned changing this effective strategy midstream, highlighting its importance for student success.

Cut 5 (07) “…those results continue.”

Lawmakers now face decisions on allocating extra revenue, with tutoring restoration being a top priority for advocates like Erwin to maintain academic progress.

Cut 6 (10) “…a good investment.”

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Memorial Day weekend officially begins today, and Don Redman with Triple-A says more than 45-million Americans will be traveling domestically.

Cut 7 (06) “…traveling for the holidays.”

Triple-A says air travel had a slight two-percent increase from last year, but Redman says the big uptick was in the cruise industry.

Cut 8 (12) “…that’s very popular.”

Redman says the vast majority of people will be traveling by car, with gas prices 45 cents cheaper than last year. Redman says, however, that gas prices alone usually don’t determine whether people travel.

Cut 9 (12)  “…industry this summer.”

In the southern region alone, Triple-A projects nearly 10-million travelers, so drive safely and expect traffic.

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As LSU continues its march towards Omaha and the College World Series, two Louisiana teams will be competing in the NAIA World Series, which starts today in Lewiston, Idaho. The big story has been LSU Shreveport – 54 games, 54 wins. That’s the longest winning streak in all levels of college baseball among four-year schools. Head Coach Brad Neffendorf says it’s an incredible accomplishment, but the job is not done yet.

Cut 10 (06) “…and win one.”

The Pilots can take that first step towards their ultimate goal this morning by beating Grand View, out of Iowa. Coach Neffendorf says the way to beat them is not to worry about their opponent’s game, but rather to play their own game.

Cut 11 (07) “…done all year.”

LSU Shreveport is not the only Louisiana team playing in the World Series. Loyola New Orleans is the tournament’s eighth seed, and they face Tennessee Wesleyan at three this afternoon. Coach Jeremy Kennedy says his team will have its work cut out for itself.

Cut 12 (06) “…juggernaut as well.”

This is the first ever NAIA World Series appearance for the Wolfpack, and Coach Kennedy says the team has persevered all season long.

Cut 13 (07)  “…the job done.”

Like the big one in Omaha, the NAIA World Series is a double-elimination tournament. The champion will be crowned either on May 30th or May 31st.

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More good news in Louisiana education as the school year wraps up. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the latest Reading Screener shows that grade-level reading proficiency among kids kindergarten through third grade increased by 17-percent.

Cut 14 (07) “…at 64-percent.”

Brumley says this is further testament that the state’s reading strategy is working; and by staying the course, the state can continue to improve.

Cut 15 (16) “…the right direction.”

Brumley says a great deal of the credit goes to the teachers.

Cut 16 (06) “…the great state”

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The media had a chance to watch the Saints OTA practice on Thursday and the first-string offensive line looked like this….first round pick Kelvin Banks at left tackle, Trevor Penning at left guard, Erik McCoy at center, Cesar Ruiz at right guard and last year’s starting left tackle, Taliese Fuaga playing right tackle. Coach Kellen Moore says it should be a seamless transition to Fuaga…

Cut 17 (20)  “…easy as it can be”

Saints quarterback Jake Haener will miss the rest of the OTA sessions after suffering an oblique strain.  ESPN’s Adam Schefter says the injury will sideline Haener for multiple weeks, but he should be available for the start of training camp. Moore was asked if the injury is a significant setback for Haener, who is competing for starting quarterback…

Cut 18 (17)  “…continue to build.”

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The number one ranked LSU baseball team begins play tonight in the SEC Tournament as the Tigers will face 13th seeded Texas A&M. Right fielder Jake Brown says they’ve been waiting all year for this event…

Cut 19 (11) “…this year”

LSU will need to win three games to win the SEC Tournament. Coach Jay Johnson wants to make it a memorable weekend…

Cut 20 (19) “…what’s ahead.”

Now that state lawmakers have discovered an additional 139-million dollars in available funds for the next fiscal year, there are calls to restore 30-million dollars for high-dosage tutoring that was previously cut from the budget. Barry Erwin is the chief policy officer for Leaders for a Better Louisiana.

Cut 4 (08) “…going for our kids.”

Erwin questioned changing this effective strategy midstream, highlighting its importance for student success.

Cut 5 (07) “…see those results continue.”

Lawmakers now face decisions on allocating extra revenue, with tutoring restoration being a top priority for advocates like Erwin to maintain academic progress.

Cut 6 (10) “…a good investment.”

High-dosage tutoring may be credited in part with a significant improvement in reading proficiency. In fact, State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the latest Reading Screener shows that grade-level reading proficiency among kids kindergarten through third grade increased by 17-percent.

Cut 14 (07) “…at 64-percent.”

We now know the price tag for moving the University of New Orleans back to the LSU system from the U-L system – 80-million dollars over five years. Whether the legislature can come up with that money remains to be seen. New Orleans Democratic Senator Jimmy Harris’ bill to implement the move has made it through two Senate committees and is expected to come up for a vote in the full Senate next week.

The House has passed a resolution asking the SEC not to schedule LSU home football games before six p-m in the month of September. It comes after several fans were overcome by brutal afternoon heat in their game against UCLA last September 21st.

State Treasurer John Fleming announced that approximately 143-thousand unclaimed property checks, totaling over 34-million dollars, will be mailed next Friday. This follows a data match with the Louisiana Department of Revenue with updated addresses.

Cut 7 (09) “…land next month.”

The Revenue Estimating Conference has recognized an additional 139-million-dollars in funding, which means the state will have more available dollars to plug into next fiscal year’s budget.  Louisiana Policy Institute for Children CEO Libbie Sonnier is urging legislators to use some of the additional revenue to increase funding for early childhood education…

Cut 4 (11) “…child care assistance.”

Livingston Parish once again teamed up with former Dateline NBC correspondent Chris Hansen in an online sex sting. This time, nine men were arrested, including two registered sex offenders and one man who brought a loaded gun to the sting house. Sheriff Jason Ard says the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force set up the operation in March and April, creating a fake social media profile.

Cut 13 (11)  “…an undercover deputy.”

A 15-year-old girl drowns in the Ouachita (wash-uh-TAW) River. The Monroe Police Department says the girl went swimming in the river with her friends when she failed to resurface shortly before seven last night. The department’s dive team responded and pulled her body out of the water. M-P-D is urging you to stay out of the Ouachita River at this time, because water levels are too high to make any activity in the water safe.