Will Wade will again be LSU’s men’s basketball coach four years after being fired for recruiting violations and though fans are expected to be happy with the leadership change, the move will come at a significant cost for LSU. Matt McMahon and his staff’s buyout is expected to total around 11-million dollars but Tiger Rag Editor Glen 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 has signed a seven-year deal that will pay him four-million dollars in his first season and is expected to have a roster budget exceeding 12-million dollars.

New graphics from the National Hurricane Center this year will include risks to inland areas as well as coastal areas. Deputy Director Jamie Rhome says they will be done with alternating diagonal blue and pink lines within the affected area.

Cut 11 (06) “…the cone itself.”

A former sheriff of Rapides Parish will be laid to rest today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Universities could permanently ban a student organization if a hazing incident results in a student’s death. Laws passed after the 2017 death of LSU student Max Gruver, who died from alcohol poisoning while pledging at a fraternity were directed at individuals. Chairman of the Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Task Force, Jason Hughes, says this legislation would apply to the entire student organization. Southern University student, Caleb Wilson died in 2025 after he was repeatedly punched in the chest during an off-campus fraternity hazing ritual.

Cut 8 (08) “…be in vain.”

Under legislation heading to the House floor, fraternities and sororities could be permanently banned if a hazing incident takes the life of a student. It’s in response to the death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson, who died after he was repeatedly punched in the chest during an off-campus fraternity hazing ritual. 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. This proposed bill is aimed at organizations including teams, clubs, and bands. Baton Rouge Representative Vanessa LaFleur’s legislation would also require organizations to report hazing incidents to the university. Caleb’s mother, Urania Wilson, says she does not want to see another mother go through this kind of tragedy.

Cut 9 (08)  “…needs to happen.”

The National Hurricane Center has new graphics to more clearly show risks and projections of coming storms including warnings and watches for not only coastal areas but inland areas as well. Deputy Director Jamie Rhome says because of user feedback, the cone which indicates the projected path of the storm, will show no distinction between the short-range forecast and the long-range forecast.

Cut 12 (10) “…on the eyes.”

Four years after being fired for recruiting violations, Will Wade is back as LSU’s Men’s Basketball coach. Wade was fired in 2022 by then athletic director Scott Woodward. Current LSU AD Verge Ausberry was serving as an assistant athletic director at the time. Tiger Rag editor, Glen Guilbeau, says Ausberry was supportive of Wade and believes his firing wasn’t as significant as many made it out to be.

Cut 15 (12) “…all legal now.”

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.”

The National Hurricane Center has colorful new graphics for this hurricane season designed to give a clearer picture of potential risks for coastal areas and this year, for inland areas. Deputy Director Jamie Rhome says there are also new colors for certain types of warnings.

Cut 11 (11) “…to do that.”

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.”

The funeral for former Rapides Parish sheriff William Earl Hilton is scheduled for noon today at Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria and will be followed by a procession and burial. One of Sheriff Hilton’s contemporaries, Grant Parish Steven McCain, remembers seeing Hilton at the new sheriff school for newly elected sheriffs when Hilton had been re-elected after being out of office for four years.

Cut 5 (07) “…learn something new.”

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.”

The National Hurricane Center is rolling out some new graphics. 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.”

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.”

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.”

A 10-year-old boy who is believed to be autistic is missing from Ouachita Parish. State and Parish officials say Jabari Mackey was last seen around 8:30 Wednesday evening at his home. A statewide Endangered/Missing Child Advisory has been issued. The young boy is 5′3, tall and weighs around 155 pounds. He has shoulder length dreads. He was last seen only wearing shorts. Anyone who believes they have seen Mackey is asked to call the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 329-1200.

There’s lots of speculation that Will Wade could return to Baton Rouge and again coach LSU Men’s Basketball.  Reports that LSU was on the verge of hiring  McNeese AD Heath Schroyer as a senior administrator are now confirmed. McNeese has put out a statement saying Schroyer is indeed going to LSU. Schroyer hired Wade at McNeese in 2023 when LSU President Wade Rousse was president of McNeese. Tiger Rag editor Glenn Guilbeau says Wade’s interest in returning to Baton Rouge also stems from the opportunity to coach the state’s premier program.

Cut 14 (14) “…the Final Four.”

Studies have shown regular physical activity can slow down or prevent Alzheimer’s disease, but new research from a leading expert has found that is not the case. says their study

A study at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center involving 480 participants ages of 60 and 85 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. Dr. Research expert, Dr.Jeffrey Keller…

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

Expansion and Upgrades are in the 20-year Master Plan for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport including a second terminal facility, up to 15 additional gates, an additional parking garage and an improved roadway system. Walt Leger, president of New Orleans and Company, says it’s to improve connectivity and he says even though New Orleans International Airport is in Kenner, the location has its advantages.

Cut 6 (08) “…by bus.”

Before House Bill 691, which provides for the investigation of non-citizens found to be on the state’s voter rolls, advanced out of the House Governmental Affairs Committee, 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.”

The bill, one of Secretary of State Nancy Landry’s election integrity bills, would send voter rolls to the federal government for a citizenship check. Landry says a recent check of the state’s voter rolls through a federal database found hundreds of ineligible voters. The bill now moves to the full House.

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

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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. Schroyer hired Wade at McNeese in 2023. LSU President Wade Rousse, and LSU board chair Lee Mallett also could factor into a potential return to Baton Rouge. Tiger Rag editor Glenn Guilbeau says there likely won’t be any official moves until later next week.

Cut 15 (08) “…to three-million.”

During debate over one of Secretary of State Nancy Landry’s election integrity bills in the House Governmental Affairs Committee, Lake Charles Democrat Wilford Carter accused 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.”

House Bill 691, which provides for the investigation of non-citizens found to be on the state’s voter rolls, advanced to the full House.

We now know what’s in the 20-year Master Plan for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.  Walt Leger, the president of New Orleans and Company, says it includes, a second terminal facility, additional gates, an additional parking garage, and improvement to the roadway system. He says it’s important that they tackle the expansion now.

Cut 5 (10) “…of the trends.”

There’s a good 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.”

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, 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.”

He says the study shows that exercise needs to be combined with medicine, cognitive behavior therapy and social interaction.

House Bill 691, one of Secretary of State Nancy Landry’s election integrity bills advanced out of committee. It provides for the investigation of non-citizens found to be on the state’s voter rolls and 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.”

The 20-year Master Plan for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport has been revealed. It includes 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 of New Orleans and Company, says improving connectivity to other cities in the country and the world will have wide-ranging benefits.

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

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.”

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.”

Over the weekend, NOLA-dot-com published proposed plans for a major upgrade to the Smoothie King Center, the home of the New Orleans Pelicans, aimed at bringing the arena up to modern NBA standards. NOLA-dot-com’s Jeff Duncan says adding more seats to the lower bowl is one of the more significant aspects of the plan.

Cut 13 (14)  “…sit up high.”

Diesel prices have reached an average of $5.00 per gallon in Louisiana, up from $3.25 a month ago. Regular gasoline is averaging $3.59 per gallon today up from $2.52 a month ago, according to AAA. Prices typically rise in the summer months but the situation in Iran has intensified the spike in prices. Some bargain shoppers are joining merchants’ discount clubs or using apps to find the lowest prices.

A Gonzales Republican is proposing that proceedings in the Family Court for East Baton Rouge Parish be live streamed for remote public access. Representative Kathy Edmonston says she’s proposing the bill to bring transparency to the court and under her bill, the only way the cameras can be turned off is by mutual agreement.

Cut 9 (07)  “…the cameras off.”

A bill that would name a planned new Mississippi River bridge south of Baton Rouge after President Trump is heading to the Senate after the House approved an amended version of the bill to say the bridge will only be named after President Trump if the federal government provides a substantial amount of funding for construction by January 20^th, 2029. The author of the legislation, Monroe Representative Michael Echols, says a new bridge is needed to alleviate traffic congestion in the capital city.

Cut 11 (07) “…across that river.”

The full House approved a bill to the name a planned new Mississippi River bridge south of Baton Rouge after President Trump. Monroe Representative Michael Echols says he introduced the legislation to get the President’s attention that another bridge is needed in the Baton Rouge area, and it needs support from the federal government.

Cut 12 (06) “…for 30 years.”

The bill now heads to the Senate for more discussion.

Entergy Louisiana announces money saving programs. Nyka Scott, the vice president of customer service, says Entergy is giving rebates on up to two smart thermostats – and that’s not all.

Cut 5 (12) “…that as well.”

That EV charging credit is for charging your vehicle during off-peak hours. These programs are for Entergy Louisiana customers as Entergy New Orleans customers have separate programs.

Proposed upgrade plans for the Smoothie King Center aimed at bringing the arena up to modern NBA standards were released this weekend. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

A hit and run crash claimed the life of former Rapides Parish Sheriff William Earl Hilton yesterday. The crash occurred just before 1:00 PM and the suspect driver allegedly ran over Hilton who was transported to a hospital by helicopter but succumbed to his injuries.  Authorities say they used spike strips to finally stop the suspect, driving a blue Nissan Moreno at speeds exceeding 100 mph. The incident is still under investigation and Sheriff’s office asked for prayers for the former sheriff’s family, friends, and the RPSO family.