WWNO skyline header graphic
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Local Newscast
Hear the latest from the WWNO/WRKF Newsroom.

The Light Switch

"The Light Switch" is a weekly podcast on Louisiana politics hosted by Louisiana lluminator Editor-in-Chief Greg LaRose and produced by WWNO/WRKF News Director Ryan Vasquez.

Ways To Subscribe
Latest Episodes
  • There are nearly 20 bills in the Louisiana Legislature dealing with artificial intelligence, covering lots of ground. One thing they have in common is that most have been put on the shelf because President Donald Trump wants the federal government to handle AI regulation. We hear from lobbyists from both sides of the issue.
  • Gov. Jeff Landry is cheering a brand new rating that shows Louisiana has some of the cheapest electricity prices in the country. Is that reflected in your monthly bill? We talk with a consumer advocate who's looked at the numbers and explains whether there’s any relief in sight.
  • There’s a possibility a Louisiana lawsuit could force abortion pills off the market at least temporarily, perhaps permanently. One organization says — regardless of the outcome of this case — abortion drugs will continue to be available. We explore what could lie ahead on the reproductive health care horizon in Louisiana and nationally.
  • If you’re looking for work in Louisiana, there are plenty of opportunities in the plumbing profession. But you’re looking at thousands of hours of on-the-job training before you actually get your license. Plumbers say the years of hands-on, supervised training are critical because the work involves public health and safety. But one state lawmaker wants to create a fast-track for future plumbers to fill a skilled worker shortage
  • The agency that responds to to child abuse in Louisiana faces an uncertain future. One state lawmaker has proposed shutting down the department if there's not dramatic change. How did we get here? We explore that in this episode. Plus, we have news on hunting and the latest effort to remove fluoride from our drinking water.
  • The 2026 legislative session is under way, and we have a look at two issues where Gov. Jeff Landry should expect a fight, even with his fellow Republicans. We also have an interview with the leader of one of the state’s most powerful lobbying groups, and single out a bill you should be following.
  • This year’s congressional midterm elections in Louisiana are the first in decades using closed party primaries — except they’re not really closed. And that’s been a sticking point for some politicians. This week, we hear from two Republican state officials who are on opposite sides of the debate over whether closed party primaries are here to stay — or one and done after this year.
  • Louisiana officials have put new rules in place for what you can buy with SNAP benefits, what we often call food stamps. These are big changes, not just for consumers but for the grocery stores where they shop. The Louisiana Department of Health handles SNAP benefits, and we’ll hear from its leader about what you can and can’t buy— and the reasons for all the change.
  • There's been so much change at LSU: A new president, a new chancellor and, pretty soon, an old school with a new name, LSU New Orleans. Plus, there's the reorganization of the entire LSU System. We’ll talk with a key university administrator about what’s next in the school's quest to achieve elite academic status.
  • Louisiana restaurants have to let diners know when they are serving imported seafood, and they can’t use terms like "Cajun" on "Creole" if it describes such menu items. State officials are starting to get serious about enforcing this law, and we have a first look at how many restaurants have been cited and fined for violating the rules.