LRN PM Newscall March 3

Last year, Senate President Cameron Henry convened a task force on power. Now, we’re learning some of that task force’s findings. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The second ranked LSU baseball team ended its five game homestand last night with a 13 to 10 loss to Northeastern. Jeff Palermo has a recap…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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We’re learning some findings from a task force on energy created last year by Senate President Cameron Henry. It comes amid a string of data centers, including Meta and Amazon, coming to Louisiana. Henry says while those data centers certainly create jobs and economic impact, they can also drain resources. 

Cut 3 (11) “…businesses as well.”

Henry says among the findings of the task force is that when power companies upgrade their plants, customers foot part of the bill, while the utility companies reap the benefits. (Customers pay the costs of the upgrades; utility companies get 10-percent return on investing the money it gets from those customers.)

Cut 4 (13) “…on that investment.”

Henry says the point of the task force is not to criticize the power companies or the Public Service Commission, which regulates them. 

Cut 5 (13) “…who adjusts those.”

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There was a big spike in gas prices overnight. According to Gasbuddy,com  gas prices are about a dime higher than yesterday as the statewide average is at $2.65. Gasbuddy petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan does not expect the prices will continue to skyrocket…

Cut 6 (07) “…everyday.”

DeHaan is more concerned about diesel prices, which has seen even a greater increase, because the supply of diesel is tighter than regular gasoline…

Cut 7 (12) “…US economy.”

According to gasbuddy.com, the national average price for a gallon of diesel shot up to $3.86.

DeHaan says there are two factors that led to the sudden increase in gasoline. The conflict with Iran and the seasonal change from winter grade gasoline to summer. He’s optimistic prices will peak soon and then come back slowly…

Cut 8 (11) “..in Iran.”

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A citywide boil advisory remains in effect for Shreveport after a water main ruptured over the weekend. The boil advisory could last through the weekend as specialized equipment is needed to establish a temporary fix, which is to bypass the damaged pipe. Mayor Tom Arceneaux tells residents they are working around the clock…

Cut 9 (08)  “…simply.”

The water main that broke was installed in 1979 and the break is under water in Cross Lake. Arceneaux says he remains optimistic the repairs will be completed by Friday…

Cut 10 (10) “…to fix.”

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Governor Landry’s re-election campaign says in a filing with the Louisiana Board of Ethics that it ended 2025 with almost 11-million dollars in cash-on-hand. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he’s not surprised.

Cut 11 (14) “…he’ll raise it.”

The Landry for Louisiana campaign started 2025 with just over four and a half million dollars in cash-on-hand and raised more than seven-million dollars throughout the year. Pinsonat says it’s a testament to the fact that when Landry sets his mind to something, he does it.

Cut 12 (13) “…he’ll raise it.”

Landry’s campaign says his current cash-on-hand is more than twice as much as that of former Governor John Bel Edwards at this point in his first term. Pinsonat says even though the election is more than a year and a half away, he does not expect anyone to seriously challenge Landry.

Cut 13 (14) “…the tax burdens.”

1:30 LRN Newscast

A citywide boil advisory remains in effect for Shreveport after a water main ruptured last weekend. It could last through this weekend as specialized equipment is needed to temporarily bypass the damaged pipe. Mayor Tom Arceneaux tells residents they are working around the clock to restore the water pressure.

Cut 9 (08)  “…simply.”

The ruptured water main is under water in Cross Lake.

We’re learning some of the findings of the task force on energy created last year by Senate President Cameron Henry. He says among them is that when power companies upgrade their plants for things like data centers, customers foot part of the bill, while the utility companies reap the benefits.

Cut 4 (13) “…on that investment.”

The spike in crude oil prices in the wake of the fighting in Iran has led to a spike in gas prices. Here in Louisiana, regular unleaded is now averaging $2.65 a gallon, up a dime in just 24 hours. Gasbuddy petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan is more concerned about diesel prices, because the supply of diesel is tighter than that of regular gasoline.

Cut 7 (12) “…US economy.”

Governor Landry’s re-election campaign says in a filing with the Louisiana Board of Ethics that it ended 2025 with almost 11-million dollars in cash-on-hand. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he’s not surprised.

Cut 11 (14) “…he’ll raise it.”

12:30 LRN Newscast

Did you notice the big jump in gas prices overnight? Patrick DeHaan with gas-buddy-dot-com is not expecting the price of regular gasoline to keep skyrocketing, but diesel prices may even go higher, because there is a low supply of diesel…

cut 7 (12) “….US economy”

A citywide boil advisory remains in effect for Shreveport after a water main ruptured over the weekend. The boil advisory could last through the weekend as specialized equipment is needed to establish a temporary fix, which is to bypass the damaged pipe. Mayor Tom Arceneaux crews are working around the clock…

Cut 9 (08)  “…simply.”

The water main that broke was installed in 1979 and it is under water in Cross Lake.

 

The 2026 legislative session begins next week and there are several bills that would give local governments the ability to decide if carbon capture projects can happen in their area. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

After 43 years with the LSU system, the last eight serving as the chancellor for LSU-Alexandria, chancellor Paul Coreil is retiring. Coriel tried to retire after 30 years at the LSU Ag Center, and he believes this time the retirement will stick…

Cut 12 (07) “…going to have”

Coreil will retire at the end of the academic year.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU baseball is ranked 2nd, but had a clunker last night, falling to Northeastern 13-10. At one point, the Huskies led 10 to nothing. A couple of rough pitching performances for the Tigers as lefty Cooper Williams gave up four runs in the second inning and Zac Cowan’s early season struggles also continued as he allowed four runs in 1.2 innings. LSU is at U-L Lafayette tomorrow.

ULM has won six in a row heading into tonight’s game against Southeastern Louisiana. The Warhawks swept Western Illinois last weekend and senior third baseman Jake Haggard drove in nine runs. Coach Ford Pemperton says Haggard put in the work in the offseason…

Cut 17 (15) “…continue doing it”

 

The sixth-ranked LSU women’s basketball team will have an opportunity to strengthen its case for a number-one seed with a strong showing in the SEC Tournament this week. While the Tigers could improve their NCAA Tournament positioning, head coach Kim Mulkey is not placing significant emphasis on the tournament.

Cut 20 (21) “…conference to postseason.”

LSU’s first game of the tournament will be Friday at 1:30 p.m and they could play Oklahoma, who has won six in a row.

The Sun Belt Tournament gets underway in Pensacola. The Cajuns face Georgia State and ULM will take on Old Dominion.

LSU men’s basketball also in action tonight as they visit a struggling Auburn team.

11:30 LRN Newscast

In the wake of the U.S. and Israel’s attacks on Iran, the price of crude oil has skyrocketed, and that’s leading to a spike in gas prices. According to Gasbuddy.com, gas prices are about a dime higher than yesterday as the statewide average is at $2.65. Gasbuddy petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan does not expect the prices will continue to skyrocket.

Cut 6 (07) “…everyday.”

Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association President Tommy Faucheux says this is why America needs to continue to rely less on international oil and gas supplies.

Cut 14 (11) “…will do that.”

Tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which is located at the southern end of the Persian Gulf, has been significantly disrupted. Twenty-percent of the world’s oil supply passes through that strait.

We’re learning some findings from a task force on energy created last year by Senate President Cameron Henry. It comes amid a string of data centers, including Meta and Amazon, coming to Louisiana. Henry says while those data centers certainly create jobs and economic impact, they can also drain resources. 

Cut 3 (11) “…businesses as well.”

Henry says the task force found that utility companies pass the costs of upgrading their systems onto their customers while getting a ten-percent return on their investment from that money.

A New Orleans Democrat files a bill that would allow for the sale of recreational marijuana. Weed is legal in 24 states, and Representative Candace Newell believes Louisiana should join that growing list.

Cut 5 (12) “…to sustain ourself.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

A bill has been filed for the upcoming legislative session that would allow for the sale of recreational marijuana, but only at a few locations. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell’s legislation would allow for the sale of recreational marijuana by businesses that have a license to dispense medical marijuana, but the recreational weed must be sold at a separate location.

Cut 4 (07) “…recreational can work.” 

Among the hot-button topics in this year’s session is carbon capture – the process of capturing carbon emissions from factories. It’s often paired with sequestration, which involves storing those carbon emissions underground. House Speaker Phillip Devillier is among its supporters.

Cut 9 (10)  “…it safely there.”

DeVillier says he has an open door to listen to concerns people have about it.

Crude Oil prices have surged since the U.S. and Israel’s attacks on Iran began. Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association President Tommy Faucheux says it’s another example of why domestic energy production is so important.

Cut 15 (11) “…down the road.”

LSU-Alexandria Chancellor Dr. Philip Coreil has announced his retirement at the end of the current academic year. Coriel says the one accomplishment that stands out to him the most is rebranding the school to utilize the same colors, fonts and styles as those of the flagship campus in Baton Rouge.

Cut 11 (14) “…State of Louisiana.”

Soon afterwards, all other schools in the LSU system followed suit.

9:30 AM LRN Newscast

Gas prices are climbing in Louisiana. Yesterday the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $2.57 and today it’s $2.71. Crude Oil prices surged above 70 dollars a barrel since the strikes on Iran began. Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association President Tommy Faucheux says it’s not a surprise to see the market respond like this.

Cut 13 (08)  “…more than that.”

Three Northwest Louisiana men have been arrested and accused of online child exploitation. The arrests of 35-year-old Edwin Roberts II, 24-year-old Garret Godejohn, and 35-year-old David Lee Clark are a result of a joint operation hosted by the Natchitoches Parish Sherriff’s Office to identify and arrest those seeking children on online platforms for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The Louisiana Bureau of Investigations, the Shreveport Police, and the Sheriffs’ Offices of Bossier, Ouachita, and Webster Parishes were part of the operation.

Recreational marijuana will be legal in Louisiana if New Orleans Representative Candace Newell’s bill passes in the upcoming legislative session that begins Monday. Newell believes Louisiana should join the 24 other states that have legalized recreational use so the state could benefit from the tax revenue that could be gained, but she is not optimistic her bill will pass.

Cut 6 (10) “…get 53 yes’s.”

Maybe the hottest issue to be debated in the session that begins on Monday is Carbon Capture. Senate President Cameron Henry says the oil and gas industry is a major economic driver for the state, and local governments need to keep that in mind when navigating the issue.

Cut 8 (13) “…chased one away.”

8:30 AM LRN Newscast

A bill that would allow the sale of recreational marijuana has been filed for the upcoming legislative session. Recreational weed is legal in 24 states and bill sponsor, New Orleans Representative Candace Newell believes Louisiana should join that growing list and benefit from the tax revenue that can be gained from the sale of marijuana.

Cut 5 (12) “…to sustain ourself.”

Carbon Capture is expected to be a hot topic in the upcoming session. House Speaker, Phillip Devillier supports carbon capture.

Cut 9 (10)  “…it safely there.”

DeVillier acknowledges people have concerns about carbon capture, and he says he has an open door to listen to those concerns.

The chancellor of LSU-Alexandria announces his retirement. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Crude oil prices are up, above 70 dollars a barrel since strikes on Iran began. The next Gulf lease sale is scheduled for next week and Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association President Tommy Faucheux says this latest conflict in the Middle East is another example on why domestic energy production is so important.

Cut 15 (11) “…down the road.”

7:30 AM LRN Newscast

Crude Oil prices are above 70 dollars a barrel since strikes on Iran began. Tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which is located at the southern end of the Persian Gulf, has been significantly disrupted. Twenty percent of the world’s oil supply passes through that strait. Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association President Tommy Faucheux says this is why America needs to continue to rely less on international oil and gas supplies.

Cut 14 (11) “…will do that.”

More than 40 animals died in a barn fire last night in Scott. The fire destroyed the metal barn. When the Scott Fire Department crews arrived, the barn was fully engulfed in flames and threatening nearby homes but was brought under control in 10 minutes. According to Fire investigators, the cause of the fire was ordinary combustibles placed too close to a heat source. No firefighters or civilians were injured.

A new legislative session is now less than a week away, and one of the big issues lawmakers will be tackling is carbon capture. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

A bill has been filed for the upcoming legislative session that would allow for the sale of recreational marijuana, but only at a few locations. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell’s legislation would allow for the sale by businesses that already have a license to dispense medical marijuana, but the recreational weed must be sold at a separate location.

Cut 4 (07) “…recreational can work.” 

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The second ranked LSU baseball team suffered its second loss of the season last night falling to Northeastern 13 to 10. At one point the Huskies led 10 to nothing as Cooper Williams and Zac Cowan had rough outings on the mound. The bats were also quiet once again for most of the game. The Tigers also committed four errors. Coach Jay Johnson’s team has played 13 games since February 13th and it’s showing

Cut 26 (15) “…this experience”

LSU visits the 8-and-3 Cajuns tomorrow.

College basketball..McNeese dribbled past Nicholls 75 to 65, Northwestern lost 74 to 62 to UTRGV and Southeastern Louisiana upset UNO 82 to 78, but the Lions still miss the Southland Tournament.

 

The ULM baseball team is riding a six-game winning streak, and the Warhawks look to make it seven straight tonight when they host Southeastern at six p.m. ULM scored 34 runs in its three-game sweep over Western Illinois. Coach Ford Pemberton says he likes how his team executed in the batter’s box.

Cut 16 (13) “…miss a beat.”

The Louisiana Tech baseball team looks to bounce back against Arkansas State tonight after being swept by 10th ranked Southern Miss. Coach Lane Burroughs says his team has to forget about the sloppy weekend.

Cut 18 (15)  “…keep getting better.”

First pitch versus the Red Wolves is at 6 PM.