With hurricane season now just two months away, insurance companies are urging you to consider putting on a fortified roof. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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New LSU coach Will Wade has already brought excitement back to the men’s basketball program. Andre Champagne has more on what Wade had to say at an entertaining introductory press conference.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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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 (09) “…it more efficiently.”

Carlson voluntarily withdrew the bill for consideration because of opposition from local governments who are concerned that a centralized sales tax system run by the state would result in fewer tax dollars for local services. Carlson argues they are already missing out on tax revenue, especially from small out of state online retailers.

Cut 5 (09) “…of the complexity.”

Monroe Representative Michael Echols told Carlson that when he brings his bill back up for another vote, there needs to be a mechanism in the legislation to make sure local governments do not lose out on revenue.

Cut 6 (08) “…from these collections.”

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With hurricane season just two months away, insurance brokers are urging you to consider putting a fortified roof on your home. Beth Swanson, an analyst with insurance comparison website The Zebra, notes that starting July 1st, insurers will be required to give discounts for homes with fortified roofs; and depending on where you live and the level of fortification, those discounts can be substantial.

Cut 7 (08) “…that they can.”

Swanson says even if your roof doesn’t rise to the level of basic fortification, you can still get a discount on your homeowners insurance if you use certain materials in building your roof.

Cut 8 (09) “…policy for that.”

Swanson says once you put a fortified roof on your house, your insurance company will ensure that you will always have a fortified roof on your house.

Cut 9 (11)  “…to fortified standards.”

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Entergy Louisiana has reached an agreement with Meta to build seven new natural gas-powered plants, plus new transmission lines and nuclear power updates, so that there’s enough electricity to power the massive A-I data center under construction in Richland Parish. Entergy President and CEO Phillip May says the agreement will help keep electricity rates affordable.

Cut 10 (12) “…top of that.”

There are concerns that Meta’s need for a huge amount of power will raise rates for utility customers. May says that will not be the case, and the technology giant is taking steps to make sure low income individuals can pay their bills.

Cut 11 (14) “…provide them assistance.”

May says Meta is also investing 140-million dollars for energy efficiency initiatives for vulnerable customers and providing support for additional solar power plants. May says the project represents a significant opportunity to strengthen grid reliability.

Cut 12 (10) “…of this contract.”

When the Meta project was first announced, Entergy said it would build two natural gas turbines and a third power plant in the Baton Rouge area. Plans to build seven more natural gas powered plants are on top of the original plans.

The Public Service Commission still has to approve this plan for new gas and solar plants.

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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.”

Schlegel says this bill is 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.”

Schlegel says if her bill becomes law, those who violate it would not only face criminal charges, but they would also open themselves up to substantial civil penalties.

Cut 15 (07) “…a civil action.”

There are also exceptions for public meetings, emergencies, or situations where footage could capture evidence of a crime.

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Saints head coach Kellen Moore spoke to the media at the 2026 NFL owners meeting yesterday, addressing Alvin Kamara’s future for the first time since New Orleans signed Travis Etienne (AY-chan). Moore says he expects Kamara to remain in the running back room in 2026 and believes the entire group of backs can complement each other well.

Cut 16 (10) “…develop this team.”

Another major topic for the Saints this offseason is whether they will extend wide receiver Chris Olave to keep him in New Orleans long-term. Moore says the front office is engaged in ongoing conversations with Olave, noting that several factors go into negotiating a long-term deal.

Cut 17 (16)  “…about his future.

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Will Wade was formally introduced as LSU’s new men’s basketball coach during an entertaining press conference yesterday. Wade says strong alignment and prior working relationships with current LSU president Wade Rousse and incoming senior deputy AD Heath Stroyer will help him build on the success he had at McNeese and elevate it in Baton Rouge.

Cut 18 (17)  “…a national force.” 

Wade says his teams at LSU will have a dedicated identity.

Cut 19 (09) “…have down here.”

Wade left North Carolina State after just one season in Raleigh. He says he stopped worrying about public perception long ago and is now embracing the “villain” role in college basketball after making the move to return to Baton Rouge.

Cut 20 (11) “…mistake about that.”

Wade said that he plans to attack the transfer portal when it opens April 6th.

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

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Will Wade is back and intends to quickly transform the LSU men’s basketball program into a winner. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Coming soon to LSU Alexandria – three-year bachelor’s degree programs. This, after the Board of Regents approved the state’s first accelerated bachelor’s degree programs for specialized workforce-focused degrees. 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.”

Beard says these accelerated degree programs are in high-demand fields, allowing LSU-A to graduate students faster so that they can fill those jobs faster.

Cut 4 (08) “…pharmaceuticals, biotech.”

Beard says one of the first two accelerated bachelor’s degree programs at LSU-A are in information technology and in bioinformatics. (Cut is of Beard talking about bioinformatics)

Cut 5 (13) “…well with that.”

The new three-year accelerated degree programs are slated to begin as early as this fall.

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

Cut 6 (12) “…in Baton Rouge.”

Nungesser made this comment during an interview with Jim Engster on “Talk Louisiana” on WRKF in Baton Rouge.

Monroe Representative Michael Echols is the author of the House-approved bill that is awaiting debate in the Senate. Echols says if Louisiana passes a law that says the new Mississippi River Bridge will be named after the current president, it raises the chances that the federal government will fully fund the bridge. Despite Echols reasoning, Nungesser does not like the idea…

Cut 7 (07) “…not in favor of it.”

The proposal passed the House on a 68-26 vote. It includes an amendment that says if the federal government does not pay for most of the cost of the projected three-billion dollar bridge, it will not be named after the current president. Nungesser believes the proposal is a way for the author to get attention for his congressional campaign…

Cut 8 (10) “…be doing.”

There is a state law that says naming public buildings in honor of a living person is prohibited. But Echols says you can still pass a law mandating that a public building or structure can be named after a living official.

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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 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.”

During discussion, it was brought up that there could be issues with state-to-state reciprocity, such as when someone downloads a subscription app in a different state and looks to cancel it in Louisiana. Peter Robins-Brown, the executive director of Louisiana Progress, says he knows that can be tricky and there’s no easy solution to it, but he hopes this bill can be one step towards more broad legislation.

Cut 11 (12) “…framework on this.”

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Former LSU coach Will Wade was re-introduced today as the new head men’s basketball coach. “The General” received a warm welcome back from university officials and the hundreds of Tiger fans in attendance at the Maravich Center. Wade, who led LSU to three NCAA Tournament appearances in five seasons, wants to do even bigger things the second time around…

Cut 12 (12) “…make history.”

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)”

Wade leaves North Carolina State after one season. He says he returned because of familiarity and his love for the state and SU….

Cut 14 (09) “…every night.”

Wade will begin building next year’s roster when the transfer portal window opens on April 7^th.

The House Ways and Means Committee is expected to debate today whether Louisiana should have a centralized sales tax collection. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A state representative has a plan to boost teacher pay to the regional average. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The LSU women’s basketball team’s season ended earlier than most had expected, but Kim Mulkey says her coaching career is not over. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Today the House Ways and Means Committee will discuss a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the state to implement a centralized system for collecting local sales and use taxes. The Tax Foundation says the proposal is sound tax policy. Manish Batt (Bot) is the Vice President of State Tax Policy at the Tax Foundation…

Cut 4 (11) “…sales taxes.”

Bhatt says Louisiana remains a national outlier in lacking central collection and administration of its sales taxes. But the Police Jury Association of Louisiana opposes the legislation as they are concerned this legislation will result in a drop in local sales tax revenue. But Bhatt says a centralized sales tax system would still be the best method for everyone

Cut 5 (09) “…the system.”

Bhatt says because Louisiana’s sales tax system is one of the most complex in the country, state and local governments could be missing out on tax revenue…

Cut 6 (06) “…compliance.”

The House Ways and Means Committee meets at 9 AM.

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Researchers at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center publish the first set of data from its RURAL Heart and Lung study. Lead Researcher Dr. Stephanie Broyles says the study gathered data in Assumption Parish.

Cut 7 (10) “…education level.”

Dr. Broyles says in cases where they saw differences, education levels, not income or age, stood out the most – but not in the way that people might expect.

Cut 8 (08) “…in lower education.”

The data book for Assumption Parish is out now. Dr. Broyles’ team also collected data in Franklin Parish, and she says it was very important that that parish be included in the study.

Cut 9 (07)  “…in the U.S.”

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A state lawmaker is looking to boost teacher pay to align with the regional average. Monroe Representative Michael Echols’ Teacher Pay Modernization Act would gradually increase teacher pay throughout the state until it reaches the Southern regional average.

Cut 10 (09) “…about 25-percent.”

Echols says the state would need to come up with somewhere between 200-million and 600-million dollars to accomplish this. Echols says one element of that involves finding cost-cutting opportunities within the public sector, including the elimination of job positions.

Cut 11 (08) “…that regional average.”

Echols says a lot of the cost-cutting could be mitigated if voters approve Constitutional Amendment Three in the May 16th election.

Cut 12 (09) “…in teachers’ pay.”

Louisiana teachers earn just under 60-thousand dollars a year on average, about 12-thousand dollars short of the national average. Echols’ bill will be considered by the House Education Committee.

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The LSU baseball rallied from seven runs down to beat Kentucky 17-10 to win its first SEC series and improve to 4-and-5 in conference play. The offense had one of its best days of the season. Derek Curiel was 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs…

Cut 13 (13)  “…last out”

John Pearson got the Tigers back in the game with a grand slam in the third inning. Seth Dardar hit a three-run home run in the sixth to give LSU the lead. Dardar flipped his bat way in the air and was fired up as he circled the bases

Cut 14 (10) “…world to me.”

This would have been a bad loss for the Tigers, who were in jeopardy of losing their third consecutive SEC series and second straight at home. LSU got down 7-0 in the third inning, but Coach Jay Johnson is proud of how the team bounced back…

Cut 15 (14) “…made it happen”

LSU will host Southern tomorrow night and visit Tennessee this weekend.

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Following LSU’s season-ending loss to Duke in the Sweet 16, Hall of Fame coach Kim Mulkey addressed a report that she is retiring. A social media post during the game reported that this was Mulkey’s last game. Mulkey shot the rumor down in the postgame press conference…

Cut 16 (16) “…on social media.”

Friday night was a tough end to a season that had hopes of a Final Four appearance. LSU lost a buzzer-beating shot. Mulkey says it’s never easy to see the season end with a loss…

Cut 17 (20)  “…we had.

LSU will have to replace Flau’jae Johnson, one of the greatest players in the program’s history. But the Lady Tigers return two of their top three scorers in MiLaysia Fulwiley and Mikayla Williams. Williams is expected to return for her senior season, seeking that a coveted trip to the Final Four…

Cut 18 (17)  “…Final Four.” 

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After missing five games last season due to an ankle injury, linebacker Whit Weeks decided he was going to return to LSU for his senior season. Weeks says a big deciding factor in returning was when Blake Baker was retained on Lane Kiffin’s staff.

Cut 19 (10) “…I’m coming back, too.”

Weeks is expected to miss most of spring practice as he continues to recover from an ankle injury that forced him to miss five games in the 2025 season. Weeks says he wishes he could be out there with his team, but wants to prioritize his health.

Cut 20 (09) “…roll into fall camp.”