The Alliance for Affordable Energy has concerns about an agreement between Meta and Entergy that they say protects ratepayers from rate hikes due to energy needed to power Meta’s data center. Executive Director Logan Burke says a signed agreement is a good start, but the thing that ratepayers really need to be put at ease is a set of guardrails put up by the Public Service Commission, just like what’s been done elsewhere.

Cut 11 (12) “…on ratepayers’ backs.”

Of a more immediate concern – gas prices. Triple-A says the statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.63. Gas Buddy-dot-com petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan says it can all be traced back to the war with Iran.

Cut 12 (09) “…threat of attack.”

Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley’s effort to eliminate the need for an inspection sticker received approval from the House Transportation Committee. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Also advancing – a bill requiring the OMV to add an image of a flying eagle to the driver’s license of a verified U.S. citizen. It passed in the full House 71-29. While many say the citizenship symbol is one of pride, opponents say it opens up those who don’t have it for harassment. The bill now moves to the Senate.

In just one month, gasoline prices have soared by a dollar across all grades – by almost two for diesel. Gas Buddy-dot-com petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan says it’s unknown when they’ll come back down. He says the best we can do until then is to strive for fuel efficiency.

Cut 14 (05) “…bit slower.”

The Alliance for Affordable Energy has some concerns about the deal Entergy and Meta signed to power Meta’s new data center in Richland Parish. Under the deal, Meta would pay the entire cost for Entergy to build seven new power plants. Logan Burke, the executive director of the Alliance for Affordable Energy, says if it turns out that Meta doesn’t need all that power, ratepayers would be left holding the bag.

Cut 10 (12) “…of those costs.”

Under legislation that has advanced to the full House, inspection stickers would be out, and QR codes would be in. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley says the only information those QR codes would provide to law enforcement would be the VIN.

Cut 6 (10) “…instead of 10.”

Emissions testing will still be required for residents living in the Baton Rouge area because of a federal air quality order under the Clean Air Act.

Using a casino theme to capture people’s attention, the group Restore The Mississippi Delta is out with a new ad campaign touting the benefits of reconnecting the Mississippi River to coastal wetlands. Campaign Director Simone Maloz hopes it will convince lawmakers to reach out to those who live near the coast to learn what’s important to them.

Cut 5 (09) “…in their future.”

Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley’s effort to eliminate the need for an inspection sticker received approval from the House Transportation Committee. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Alliance for Affordable Energy is weighing in on the deal between Entergy and Meta that they say will save customers more than two-billion dollars. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The group Restore The Mississippi Delta is out with a new ad campaign touting the benefits of reconnecting the Mississippi River to coastal wetlands. The digital and streaming ads feature a casino theme that notes that by canceling two major sediment diversion projects, Governor Landry is putting people’s livelihoods at risk.

Cut 3 (09) “…everyone loses.”

Campaign Director Simone Maloz says the ad campaign is intended to get the word out to Landry and other members of the administration and the legislature that these diversion projects are what people want.

Cut 4 (10) “…diversions last year.”

Maloz says she hopes the ad campaign will convince lawmakers to reach out to stakeholders to learn what’s important to them.

Cut 5 (09) “…in their future.”

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The House Transportation Committee approves legislation that would end the requirement for motorists to get an inspection sticker. Instead of an inspection sticker, owners of personal vehicles would have a QR code sticker on their windshield that would provide law enforcement with the vehicle’s identification number. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley is the author of the legislation.

Cut 6 (10) “…instead of 10.”

Emissions testing will still be required for residents living in the Baton Rouge area because of a federal air quality order under the Clean Air Act.

During the committee discussion, legislators had questions about what the QR code would reveal. Office of Motor Vehicles Director Bryan Adams says the QR code will display only VIN information.

Cut 7 (09) “…so forth.”

Bagley says the QR code makes it easier for law enforcement system to enter the vehicle’s VIN information into their system during a traffic stop. Bagley says the annual cost for the VIN sticker is six dollars, which is cheaper and not as time consuming as having to get an inspection sticker.

Cut 8 (07) “…little cheaper”

The measure, which has the support of Governor Landry, heads to the House floor for more discussion.

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We’re getting reaction from the Alliance for Affordable Energy on Entergy’s agreement with Meta that they say will deliver more than two-billion dollars in savings to customers over the next 20 years. As part of the agreement, Entergy will build seven new natural gas-fueled power plants, all paid for by Meta. Executive Director Logan Burke says that’s a lot of risk.

Cut 9 (11)  “…all their costs.”

Burke says the issue is that these investments last a lot longer than 20 years; and furthermore, ratepayers would be left holding the bag if it turns out that Mets doesn’t need all that power from those seven gas-powered plants.

Cut 10 (12) “…of those costs.”

Burke says a signed agreement between Entergy and Meta is a good start, but the thing that ratepayers really need to be put at ease is a set of guardrails put up by the Public Service Commission, just like what’s been done elsewhere.

Cut 11 (12) “…on ratepayers’ backs.”

____________________________________________

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has surpassed four dollars for the first time since August 2022. According to Triple-A, the statewide average is slightly lower at $3.63. The price at the pump has increased by more than a dollar in just one month. Gas Buddy-dot-com’s petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan says it can all be traced back to the war with Iran.

Cut 12 (09) “…threat of attack.”

Diesel prices have skyrocketed even further since the conflict with Iran began. AAA says the statewide average for a gallon of diesel is up to $5.12 — that’s a $1.80 increase in a month. DeHaan on why diesel prices have escalated faster than regular gas…

Cut 13 (10) “…the country.”

DeHaan says it’s unknown when gas prices will fall back down. He says the best a driver can do to reduce gas costs is to strive for fuel efficiency.

Cut 14 (05) “…bit slower.”

If you’ve felt nauseous after filling your gas tank lately, you’re in good company. Gasoline prices have skyrocketed over the last month since the start of the war in Iran, with regular unleaded averaging $3.63 a gallon. Gas buddy dot com petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan says if you think that’s bad, the average price of diesel has soared to $5.12 a gallon!

Cut 13 (10) “…the country.”

The group Restore The Mississippi Delta released a casino-themed ad campaign touting the benefits of reconnecting the Mississippi River to coastal wetlands. Campaign Director Simone Maloz says it’s intended to get the word out to Governor Landry and other lawmakers that the diversion projects that they cancelled are what people who live along the coast want.

Cut 4 (10) “…diversions last year.”

Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley’s effort to eliminate the need for an inspection sticker gets the O-K from the House Transportation Committee. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Also advancing – a bill requiring the OMV to add an image of a flying eagle to the driver’s license of a verified U.S. citizen. It passed in the full House 71-29. While many say the citizenship symbol is one of pride, opponents say it opens up those who don’t have it for harassment. The bill now moves to the Senate.

The House Transportation Committee advances legislation that would replace the inspection sticker with a QR code. During the committee discussion, legislators had questions about what the QR code would reveal. OMV Director Bryan Adams says the QR code will only reveal to law enforcement officers the VIN.

Cut 7 (09) “…so forth.”

Emissions testing will still be required for residents living in the Baton Rouge area because of a federal air quality order under the Clean Air Act.

And when you go to fill up, you’re continuing to pay up the nose at the pump. Triple-A says the statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.63, up more than a dollar in one month. Gas Buddy-dot-com petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan says it can all be traced back to the war with Iran…

Cut 12 (09) “…threat of attack.”

The national average is more than four dollars a gallon.

The group Restore The Mississippi Delta is out with a new ad campaign touting the benefits of reconnecting the Mississippi River to coastal wetlands. The digital and streaming ads feature a casino theme that notes that by canceling two major sediment diversion projects, Governor Landry is putting people’s livelihoods at risk.

Cut 3 (09) “…everyone loses.”

We’re getting reaction from the Alliance for Affordable Energy on Entergy’s agreement with Meta that they say will deliver more than two-billion dollars in savings to customers over the next 20 years. As part of the agreement, Entergy will build seven new natural gas-fueled power plants, all paid for by Meta. Executive Director Logan Burke says that’s a lot of risk.

Cut 9 (11)  “…all their costs.”

The House Transportation Committee approves legislation that would end the requirement to get an inspection sticker. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley says instead, vehicle owners would have a QR code sticker placed on their windshield that would provide law enforcement with the VIN.

Cut 6 (10) “…instead of 10.”

That bill advances to the full House, as does a bill requiring both people in an in-person conversation to know if they’re being recorded. Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel says it’s intended to protect those who do not expect to be recorded while in public, so there are exceptions for those who have no reasonable expectation of privacy, such as elected officials or law enforcement officers.

Cut 14 (11) “…and law enforcement.”

Entergy Louisiana will build an additional seven new natural-gas fueled power plants to supply the energy needed for Meta’s massive data center it’s building in Richland Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

And now, we’re getting reaction from the Alliance for Affordable Energy on this latest development. The alliance says it’s an unprecedented ask and that it’s having trouble verifying claims about billions of dollars in benefits. It goes on to say there are decades of expenses tied into these gas plants.

An effort to move Louisiana to a centralized sales tax system is dead for the session. Lafayette Representative Josh Carlson brought his legislation up for discussion in the House Ways and Means Committee and made the argument that it is difficult for small business owners in particular, to deal with multiple tax collectors…

Cut 4 (10) “…efficiently.”

The House Civil Law Committee advances a bill that would require both people in an in-person conversation to know if they are being recorded. Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel says there’s been a growing trend in which influencers wearing smart glasses approach women and record them without their knowledge, and those clips end up getting posted onto social media.

Cut 13 (11)  “…broadcast to millions.”

A Gretna representative’s bill seeking to make it easier to cancel unwanted subscriptions advances to the full House. Vincent Cox says he’s heard from many frustrated constituents on this issue, including some who just give up and end up paying the monthly subscription fee for something they don’t use.

Cut 10 (11) “…out of it.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser opposes an effort to name a new I-10 Mississippi River bridge in the Baton Rouge area after President Trump. Nungesser says he has a problem with naming a public structure after a living person.

Cut 6 (12) “…in Baton Rouge.”

Nungesser spoke with Jim Engster on “Talk Louisiana” on WRKF in Baton Rouge.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser opposes an effort to name a new I-10 Mississippi River bridge in the Baton Rouge area after President Donald Trump. The bill working its way through the legislature was authored by Michael Echols. Nungesser believes it’s a way for him to get attention for his congressional campaign.

Cut 8 (10) “…be doing.”

A Gretna representative’s bill seeking to make it easier to cancel unwanted subscriptions advances to the full House. Vincent Cox’s “click to cancel” bill passed unanimously in the House Commerce Committee this morning. Cox says it’s often an unnecessarily tedious process to cancel subscriptions.

Cut 9 (10)  “…click to cancel.”

Cox says some people get so frustrated that they give up and just pay for the subscription.

Coming soon to LSU Alexandria – three-year bachelor’s degree programs. Liz Beard, the vice chancellor of academic affairs at LSU-A, says these new programs, which will initially be offered in two fields, still combine a comprehensive general education curriculum with a specialized curriculum like most other degree programs.

Cut 3 (11) “…or three years.”

Will Wade’s four-year exile from LSU is over, as he was re-introduced as the school’s men’s basketball coach. Wade was fired in 2022 for committing NCAA recruiting violations. He rebuilt his career by winning two Southland Conference Championships at McNeese and just took North Carolina State to the NCAA Tournament. Wade says he’s not looking back; he’s looking forward to winning a lot of games at LSU.

Cut 13 (10) “…(cheering)”

A bill aiming to make it easier to cancel unwanted subscriptions advances to the full House. During discussion in the House Commerce Committee, it was brought up that there could be issues with state-to-state reciprocity. Peter Robins-Brown, the executive director of Louisiana Progress, said he knows that can be tricky, but he hopes this bill can be one step towards more broad legislation.

Cut 11 (12) “…framework on this.”

Four years after telling him not to let the door hit him on the way out, LSU welcomes Will Wade back as men’s basketball coach with open arms. At a press conference at the P-MAC complete with pyrotechnics, Wade said he returned because of familiarity and his love for the state and LSU.

Cut 14 (09) “…every night.”

LSU-Alexandria will soon offer three-year bachelor’s degree programs. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Another earthquake rocks the region. The latest one happened last night in the Gulf of Mexico about 175 miles south-southeast of New Orleans. The U.S. Geological Survey says it registered a magnitude 3.9. It comes on the heels of several earthquakes in northeast Louisiana this month, including a magnitude 4.9 near Edgefield.

Legislation to create the Office of Health and Nutrition within the Louisiana Department of Health advances to the full Senate. Covington Senator Patrick McMath says the office would not be an additional cost, but it could help lower health care costs in the future as Louisiana has some of the highest rates of chronic disease in the country.

Cut 9 (14)  “…productivity.”

We are just seven weeks away from the May 16th party primary election. The U-S Senate Republican Primary is getting the most attention, but the 5th Congressional District G-O-P primary is also very competitive. Radio talk show host Moon Griffon says it’s hard to judge who is the front-runner to replace Julia Letlow…

Cut 11 (08) “…play yet.”

If you’re a Netflix subscriber, be prepared to fork over a little more money. The premium and standard plans each increase by two dollars a month to $26.99 and $19.99 respectively, while the ad-supported plan goes up a dollar to $8.99. Haggai Davis, the host of the TechGumbo radio show and podcast, says the biggest reason is that Netflix is now starting to show live sports.

Cut 3 (09) “…whenever they’re ready.”

The increased prices are in effect immediately for new subscribers, and they will roll out over time for existing subscribers.

Entergy Louisiana and Meta announce a new agreement that they say will save customers two-billion dollars over the next 20 years. Under the agreement, Meta is making a series of contributions aimed at lowering energy costs to customers near its data centers. Those savings are in addition to the previously announced savings of 650-million dollars.