11:30 LRN Newscast

As fast as the price of gasoline is rising, the price of diesel is soaring as fast as an 18-wheeler speeding down a six-percent grade hill after losing its brakes. Some stations are selling diesel for more than five dollars a gallon. Dr. Walter Lane, the chairman of the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at UNO, says that’s going to make nearly everything you buy more expensive.

Cut 4 (09) “…comes by truck.”

Gonzales Representative Kathy Edmonston is proposing that proceedings in the Family Court for East Baton Rouge Parish be live-streamed for remote public access. Since family court almost always involves children in one way or another; there can be privacy issues. Edmonston says as such, she will likely be amending her bill accordingly.

Cut 8 (12) “…the general public.”

The Louisiana House approves a bill to name a proposed new bridge in Baton Rouge after President Trump, but only if there’s a strong financial commitment from the federal government. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Tragedy in Rapides Parish as former Sheriff William Hilton is killed in a hit-and-run. Hilton served as sheriff for 16 years, from 1992 until 2008. Deputies eventually had to use spike strips to stop the suspect vehicle and arrest the suspect. William Hilton was 80 years old.

10:30 LRN Newscast

If you think gasoline prices are high, get a load of diesel fuel prices! Some truck stops are selling diesel at more than five dollars a gallon. Dr. Walter Lane, the chairman of the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at UNO, says even if you don’t commute to and from work via semi truck, you will feel the effects.

Cut 3 (08) “…comes by truck.”

Lane says the more it takes to keep 18-wheelers fueled, the more the goods they transport will end up costing us

This past weekend, we got a glimpse of what a renovated Smoothie King Center will look like, thanks to reporting from NOLA.com and the Advocate. A major emphasis will be more seats in the lower bowl. NOLA-dot-com’s Jeff Duncan says the Pelicans also want to upgrade fan amenities and hospitality areas, including grab-and-go concessions, VIP club lounges, an upper-level party deck, and bunker suites. Duncan says other NBA venues have similar features.

Cut 14 (12) “…in the past.”

Duncan says the Pelicans can pay for the renovations by using money the franchise will soon likely receive by the NBA adding two new teams.

The House approved a bill to name a new Mississippi River bridge after President Trump.  The state is looking at building a bridge south of Baton Rouge in Iberville Parish with a three-billion-dollar price tag. Livonia Representative Jeremy Lacombe says if naming the bridge after the President helps bring home the federal dollars to build it, he’s all for it.

Cut 10 (11) “…host of issues.”

Lacombe amended the bill to say the bridge will only be named after President Trump if the federal government provides a substantial amount of funding,

 

The Louisiana Public Service Commission has approved what they call demand response programs that can lead to Entergy Louisiana customers saving money and also helping to reduce the strain on the electricity grid. The three new programs for residents include the smart thermostat program, an electric vehicle charging program and a battery storage program. Entergy Louisiana vice president of customer service, Nyka Scott, says for those who have solar panels, the battery storage program will compensate customers for using their stored solar energy to support the grid during peaks…

Cu 6 (10) “…on our system”

9:30 AM LRN Newscast

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 20th, 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.”

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

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.

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

A proposed bill would live-stream East Baton Rouge Parish Family Court proceedings. Representative Kathy Edmonston says she’s proposing the bill to bring transparency to the court. Edmonston says she is aware of privacy concerns involving children and she will likely amend her bill to protect juveniles…

Cut 8 (12) “…the general public.”

The bill only applies to the Family Court for East Baton Rouge Parish, since it’s the only constitutionally mandated family court in the state.

The House approved a bill to name a new Mississippi River bridge after President Trump.  The state is looking at building a bridge south of Baton Rouge in Iberville Parish with a three-billion-dollar price tag. Livonia Representative Jeremy Lacombe says if naming the bridge after the President helps bring home the federal dollars to build it, he’s all for it.

Cut 10 (11) “…host of issues.”

If you’re an Entergy Louisiana customer, you will soon have three new ways to take a load off the power grid – and to save yourself some money. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

At LSU pro day, in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier looked like the Nussmeier from the 2024 season when he threw for four thousand yards. Nussmeier was zipping the ball and completed 69 of his 72 passes. Nuss was hampered by an abdominal injury last season, which he suffered on the second day of training camp. He says he had to learn how to throw the football correctly in a short period of time before competing in the Senior Bowl on January 31st

`         Cut 16 (15) “…ground up again.”

 

In college baseball tonight…LSU hosts Louisiana Tech. Both teams are coming off a series in which they lost. The Ragin Cajuns, who were swept by Texas State, will try to get back in the win column tonight when they host Southeastern. ULM hosts Northwestern State.

_________________________________________________________

This past weekend, we got a glimpse of what a renovated Smoothie King Center will look like, thanks to reporting from NOLA.com and the Advocate. A major emphasis will be more seats in the lower bowl. NOLA-dot-com’s Jeff Duncan says the Pelicans also want to upgrade fan amenities and hospitality areas, including grab-and-go concessions, VIP club lounges, an upper-level party deck, and bunker suites. Duncan says other NBA venues have similar features.

Cut 14 (12) “…in the past.”

Two new teams, one in Las Vegas, the other in Seattle, could be joining the NBA, and the expansion fees that each NBA franchise will get can help pay for the renovations.

Ruston’s Ahmad Hudson has been named the Gatorade Player of the Year in boys’ basketball. Hudson averaged 20 points and 14 rebounds for the Bearkats, who finished as a runner-up in Division One non-select to Zachary.

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

Entergy Louisiana customers will soon have three new ways to save money. Nyka Scott, the vice president of customer service at Entergy Louisiana, says those who install smart thermostats can turn the temperature up by a degree or two during peak hours. She says by doing so, they can take a huge strain off the grid, creating a win-win situation.

Cut 4 (05) “…reliable as well.”

Scott says Entergy is giving rebates on up to two smart thermostats

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 if approved, it would be the most extensive renovation to the Smoothie King Center since it opened in 1999. He expects the Pelicans to use the 400 to 500-million dollars they could receive from the two new NBA franchises to help pay for the renovations.

Cut 15 (07) “…Pelicans’ front office.”

The Louisiana House approves a bill to name a proposed new bridge in Baton Rouge after President Trump, but only if there’s a strong financial commitment from the federal government. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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.

Cut 7 (07) “…bringing the bill.”

LRN AM Newscall March 24

If you’re an Entergy Louisiana customer, you will soon have three new ways to take a load off the power grid – and to save yourself some money. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

The Louisiana House approves a bill to name a proposed new bridge in Baton Rouge after President Trump, but only if there’s a strong financial commitment from the federal government. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

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.”

______________________________________________

Entergy Louisiana customers will soon have three new ways to save money. Nyka Scott, the vice president of customer service at Entergy Louisiana, says those who install smart thermostats can turn the temperature up by a degree or two during peak hours. She says by doing so, they can take a huge strain off the grid, creating a win-win situation.

Cut 4 (05) “…reliable as well.”

Scott 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, which during the summertime is outside the hours of two and eight p-m. Scott says there are also incentives for those with solar panels as well.

Cut 6 (10) “…on our system.”

Scott says these programs could also reduce carbon emissions, since they may save Entergy from having to build another gas power plant to provide power. These programs do not apply to Entergy New Orleans customers; they have their own programs.

____________________________________________________

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.

Cut 7 (07) “…bringing the bill.”

Family court almost always involves children in one way or another; and with that, there can be privacy issues. Edmonston says she is aware of those concerns and will likely amend her bill to protect juveniles…

Cut 8 (12) “…the general public.”

Edmonston says under her bill, the only way the cameras can be turned off is by mutual agreement.

Cut 9 (07)  “…the cameras off.”

Edmonston’s bill only applies to the Family Court for East Baton Rouge Parish, because that’s the only constitutionally-mandated family court in the state.

________________________________________________________

The full House approves a bill that could lead to the naming of a new Baton Rouge bridge over the Mississippi River after President Trump.  The state is looking at building a bridge south of Baton Rouge in Iberville Parish and the cost could be three-billion dollars. Livonia Representative Jeremy Lacombe says if naming the bridge after the President helps bring home the federal dollars to build the bridge, he’s all for it.

Cut 10 (11) “…host of issues.”

Lacombe amended 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 and if such funding is provided prior to January 20th, 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.”

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 supports from the federal government.

Cut 12 (06) “…for 30 years.”

No one spoke out in opposition. Th measure passed on a party-line vote, 68-26. It heads to the Louisiana Senate for more discussion.

_________________________________________________

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.”

Duncan says the Pelicans also want to upgrade fan amenities and hospitality areas designed to enhance the game-day experience, including grab-and-go concession markets, VIP club lounges, new sideline clubs, an upper-level party deck and bunker suites. Duncan noted that the proposed renovations would bring the arena in line with many other NBA venues that already feature similar features.

Cut 14 (12) “…in the past.”

If the proposed renovations are approved, it would be the most extensive renovation that has been done to the Smoothie King Center since it opened in 1999. Duncan expects the Pelicans to use the 400 to 500-million dollars they could receive from the two new NBA franchises to help pay for the renovations.

Cut 15 (07) “…Pelicans’ front office.”

_______________________________________________________

At LSU pro day, in front of NFL scouts, coaches and executives, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier looked like the Nussmeier from the 2024 season when he threw for four-thousand yards. Nussmeier was zipping the ball and completed 69 of his 72 passes. Nuss was hampered by an abdomen injury last season, suffered on the second day of training camp. He says he had to learn how to throw the football correctly in a short period of time before competing in the Senior Bowl on January 31st

Cut 16 (15) “…ground up again.”

Nussmeier’s injury contributed to an underwhelming performance on offense and it also hurt his draft stock. The Lake Charles native says the experience will only make him better…

Cut 17 (14)  “…the next level.”

Projected first round draft pick and cornerback Mansoor Delane ran a very fast 4.35. Linebacker Harold Perkins had a 35-inch vetical leap and broad jump of 10 feet and four inches. Linebacker West Weeks ran a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. Receiver and kick returner Barion Brown is expected to be a late-round pick, but Brown is just grateful for the opportunity…

Cut 18 (15)  “…for this moment.” 

The NFL draft is April 23rd to the 25th.

_____________________________

5:30 LRN Newscast/Legislative Report

The full House approves a bill that could lead to the naming of a new Baton Rouge bridge over the Mississippi River after President Trump.  The state is looking at building a bridge south of Baton Rouge in Iberville Parish and the cost could be three-billion dollars. Livonia Representative Jeremy Lacombe says if naming the bridge after the President helps bring home the federal dollars to build the bridge, he’s all for it…

Cut 10 (11) “…host of issues.”

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.”

No one spoke out in opposition. The measure passed on a party-line vote, 68-26. It now advances to the Senate.

A bill that would require Louisiana driver’s licenses to display a symbol indicating one’s citizenship status clears a House committee and moves to the full House for further discussion. The bill by Haughton Representative Dodie Horton would require the OMV to place an image of an eagle in flight on the licenses of those who are confirmed to be U.S. citizens.

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.

Cut 7 (07) “…bringing the bill.”

Family court almost always involves children in one way or another; and with that, there can be privacy issues. Edmonston says she is aware of those concerns and will likely be amending her bill as originally filed to address them. The Family Court for East Baton Rouge Parish is the only constitutionally-mandated family court in the state.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU baseball dropped its second consecutive SEC series to begin conference play, and the Tigers also lost one of their weekend starting pitchers to injury. Cooper Moore had to leave Friday’s loss to Oklahoma with an arm injury. Coach Jay Johnson says an MRI showed inflammation, and so they will let that calm down…

Cut 17 (24)  “…best case scenario.”

LSU hosts Louisiana Tech tomorrow night.

Tomorrow, the UL-Lafayette baseball team will look to get back in the win column against Southeastern after being swept by Texas State over the weekend.

Following a road series loss to South Alabama, ULM will also aim to bounce back when they host Northwestern State Demons tomorrow night at 6 p.m.

Over 15 football players participated in LSU’s Pro Day workout on Monday, but the headline performer was cornerback Mansoor Delane. Delane, who did not run the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, clocked a 4.35 today, strengthening his case as a top-ten draft pick.

Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier looked sharp at Pro Day, completing 69 of 72 passes with his father, Doug – offensive coordinator for the Saints – in attendance.

Even though the job’s not done for the LSU Lady Tigers –it is the end of the road in Baton Rouge for one the greatest players in program history. Yesterday’s blowout win over Texas Tech marked the final game at the P-MAC for senior guard Flau’Jae Johnson. Tears welled up throughout the building when Coach Kim Mulkey took her out of the game early in the fourth quarter with LSU leading by 50. Mulkey said after the game that even though she could have left after last year, Flau’Jae chose to stay and finish what she started in Baton Rouge.

Cut 12 (06) “…even know about.”