9:30 AM LRN Newscast

Lafayette Representative Josh Carlson withdrew his legislation to move Louisiana to a centralized sales tax system. He brought the bill because he says it’s difficult for small business owners to deal with multiple tax collectors. 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 in a state operated system.

Cut 6 (08) “…from these collections.”

 

Insurance brokers are urging homeowners to consider a fortified roof. Beth Swanson, an analyst with insurance comparison website The Zebra, says beginning 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 and if your roof doesn’t rise to the level of basic fortification, you may still get a discount on your homeowners insurance.

Cut 8 (09) “…policy for that.”

 

Entergy Louisiana has reached an agreement with Meta to build seven new natural gas-powered plants, plus new transmission lines and nuclear power updates. There are concerns that the large amount of power Meta’s data center coming to Richland Parish will need will raise rates for utility customers. Entergy President Phillip May says that won’t 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.”

 

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.”

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

Insurance brokers are encouraging homeowners to consider a fortified roof. Beth Swanson, an analyst with insurance comparison website The Zebra, says insurance companies offer substantial discounts for homes with the roofs and they cover their replacement.

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

Meta has agrees 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 A-I data center coming to Richland Parish. Entergy President Phillip May says Meta is also investing 140-million dollars for energy efficiency initiatives for vulnerable customers and providing support for additional solar power plants.

Cut 12 (10) “…of this contract.”

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

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.”

A bill that would require both people in an in-person conversation to know if they are being recorded has passed out of committee. Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel says some influencers wearing smart glasses approach women and record them without their knowledge, then post the footage online without their knowledge or consent. She says if her bill becomes law, those who violate it would face criminal charges and substantial civil penalties.

Cut 15 (07) “…a civil action.”

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

An effort to move Louisiana to a centralized sales tax system is dead for the session. Lafayette Representative Josh Carlson withdrew the bill because of opposition from local governments who are concerned that a centralized sales tax system operated 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.”

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 the bill is intended to protect those who don’t expect it to be recorded while in public.

Cut 14 (11) “…and law enforcement.”

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

With hurricane season two months away, insurance companies are urging people to consider a fortified roof. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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 there’s enough electricity to power the A-I data center coming to Richland Parish. Entergy President Phillip May says the agreement will help keep electricity rates affordable.

Cut 10 (12) “…top of that.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast March 31

The Will Wade era, part two, is underway as it took just one press conference from “The General” to get the LSU fan base excited about men’s basketball again. Wade brought the energy during his re-introduction presser inside the Maravich Center…

Cut 19 (09) “…have down here.”

Tiger Rag is reporting that Wade will have a couple of former head coaches on his staff, including former LSU Tiger star and head coach Johnny Jones, who will leave his job at Texas Southern. Also, Wade is expected to hire former Mississippi State head coach Rick Stansbury.

In baseball tonight…LSU will host crosstown foe Southern at 6:30. Tiger second baseman Seth Dardar is the co-SEC Hitter of the Week, as he had six hits, including four doubles and a home run in the series win over Kentucky.

______________________________________________

At the NFL owners meetings, Saints coach Kellen Moore was asked about running back Alvin Kamara’s role on the team now that the team signed one-thousand-yard rusher Travis Etienne (Ay-Chan). Moore says Kamara is on the roster, and he can envision using both Kamara and Etienne.

Another major topic for the Saints this offseason is whether they will extend 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.

Cajuns athletics director Bryan Maggard has added a major responsibility as he’s been named to the College Football Playoff selection committee. Maggard will be one of 13 individuals who will select the 12 teams that make the C-F-P.

6:30 AM LRN Newscast

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, to deal with multiple tax collectors.

Cut 4 (09) “…it more 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.”

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

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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.”

LRN AM Newscall March 31

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.”

____________________________________________

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.”

____________________________________________

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.”

______________________________________________

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.”

____________________________________________________

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.”

________________________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________________

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.

_______________________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________________

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.

5:30 LRN Newscast/Legislative Report

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.

4:30 LRN Newscast

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)”

3:30 LRN Newscast

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.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Will Wade returned to the Maravich Center today, four years after he was fired at LSU for committing NCAA recruiting violations that would not be considered violations in today’s world of college athletics. Wade helped three teams reach the NCAA Tournament in his first run as head coach and plans to win at a high level in his second go around…

Cut  13 (10) “…immediately”

Happy times for LSU men’s basketball, but sad times for the Lady Tigers who lost to Duke on a buzzer beater in the Sweet 16 round. Mikayla Williams is still looking for a trip to the Final Four…

Cut 18 (17) “…Final Four”

Also in the postgame, Kim Mulkey shot down rumors that she is retiring.

 

Big win for the LSU baseball team on Sunday as the Tigers rallied back from a seven-run deficit to beat Kentucky 17 to 10. West Monroe’s John Pearson got the Tigers back in the game with a grand slam in the third inning. Pearson is getting regular starts at third base and Coach Jay Johnson says he’s earned it…

Cut 30 (15) “…good at-bats”

Seth Dardar also had a big weekend and was named the SEC Co-Player of the Week. The Mandeville native hit a three-run homer to give the Tigers lead for good on Sunday. It was one of Dardar’s six hits for the series and he also had four doubles.

Northwestern State is tied for first place in the Southland with Lamar. The Demons Thomas Marsala was name Southland Hitter of the Week today. The Senior from Monroe hit two home runs last week and is second in the Southland home runs with eight.