In an effort to improve health care access in rural Louisiana, the state has launched the Rural Tech Catalyst Fund, which will use more than one billion dollars to expand the health care workforce and strengthen health care technology infrastructure. L-D-H Secretary Bruce Greenstein says they are calling on entrepreneurs, investors, and technology companies to get involved.

Cut 15 (13) “…rural health care.”

Greenstein says more than 100 companies have already expressed interest.

Cleco will provide the power for the new three-point-six billion dollar data center that’s being built near Alexandria. Spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says this is good news for all Cleco customers, because it will not result in rate increases and the investments Cleco will make in grid reliability will benefit all customers…

Cut 12 (10) “…broader customer base”

A new series of studies led by an LSU professor shows that the impact of infertility can follow those who experience it to their workplaces. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Debate will begin later on this morning in the Louisiana House on a new Congressional map that will have one majority minority district, instead of two, which the current map features. Republicans still have to agree on how the districts will be drawn, while Democrats say a lawsuit is likely to contest a map that favors Republicans.

A visit to New Orleans this weekend would be a good idea as the city welcomes historic marine vessels for America’s 250th birthday. The gathering of tall and military ships are known as Sail 250. Mark Romig is with the host committee…:
Cut 4 (07) “…they’re referred to.”
The vessels will be open for free public tours through the weekend.

A new series of studies led by a professor at LSU found the emotional toll of infertility can carry over into the workplace. Michael Johnson with LSU’s EJ Orso College of Business says people experiencing infertility may struggle with self-worth on the job..:
Cut 7 (12) “…their infertility struggles.”
The study suggests employers can help by creating a more understanding and flexible workplace environment.

Cleco is supplying power for the $3.6 billion data center that’ll be built near Alexandria. They say that will result in a stronger power grid for all of its customers without raising rates…:
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A bill is headed to Governor Landry’s desk that would change how voters without a photo ID can cast a ballot. Right now, if you go to the polls without ID, you can sign something with your date of birth and mother’s maiden name. Under the proposed law, voters will have to go to the Office of Registrar of Voters in that parish to cast a conditional ballot with two days to gather the required photo ID documents.

Tall ships have arrived in New Orleans as the city celebrates Americas 250th birthday through the weekend. Joe Gallinaro reports…:
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Joe Gallinaro”

A bill has been sent to Governor Landry’s desk that would create a new survivor-led task force focused on improving protections and support for sexual assault survivors across Louisiana. Lawmakers approved the measure following a recent survey showing one in 10 Louisiana adults experienced sexual violence last year. The task force would work on improving services, training, and survivor resources statewide.

State leaders launch a new initiative aimed at improving rural healthcare. Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Evelyn Griffin says the Rural Tech Catalyst Fund would give rural healthcare providers better tools and partnerships that can result in better care for smaller communities:
Cut 13 (11) “care more efficiently”
State officials say partnership opportunities and program timelines will be announced in the coming months.

Pineville-based utility provider Cleco will provide the power for the 3.6-billion-dollar data center that will be built in the Rapides Parish town of Boyce. Data Centers use an enormous amount of energy, but Cleco spokeswoman Jennifer Cahill says this won’t result in higher bills for other customers:
Cut 11 (08) “the data center”
Applied Digital is expected to provide 200 permanent jobs once it begins initial operations in mid-2027.

Tours start today aboard massive historic marine vessels docked in New Orleans as the city kicks off the Sail 250 celebration with the largest flotilla to ever sail the Mississippi River. Mark Romig is with the Sail 250 host committee…:
Cut 6 (07) “run through Sunday”
It’s all part of celebrating America’s 250th birthday. The ships will make five stops on a tour that wraps up in Boston in July.

A bipartisan bill filed in the US Senate would overhaul several major college sports rules, including transfer policies, athlete eligibility, and coaching moves. The proposal includes a one-time transfer allowance without having to sit out a year, set a five-year eligibility limit, and implement the so-called Lane Kiffin Rule, which would ban coaches from leaving for another school before a season ends. The “Protect College Sports Act” will need 60 votes to pass the Senate.

A new groundbreaking study out of LSU finds infertility can damage an employees sense of self-worth, altering how they see themselves at work and how they behave on the job. Michael Johnson with LSU’s E.J. Ourso College of Business, who lead the study, says this can lead to counterproductive work behaviors…:
Cut 8 (11) “things like that”
He says workplaces can help by encouraging support, understanding, and flexibility for employees dealing with infertility.

Pineville based Cleco has confirmed the company will power the new multi billion dollar AI data center coming to Rapides Parish. Cleco spokeswoman Jennifer Cahill:
Cut 10 (11) “that we serve”
She says large customers like Applied Digital can help lower costs by spreading expenses across a broader customer base.

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, may we suggest checking out some tall ships in New Orleans as part of America’s 250th birthday? Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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A new series of studies led by an LSU professor shows that the impact of infertility can follow those who experience it to their workplaces. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Cleco is supplying power for the three-point-six-billion-dollar data center that will be built near Alexandria, and the power company says it will result in a stronger power grid for all of its customers without raising rates. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, you can perhaps head to the New Orleans riverfront and check out the tall ships in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Mark Romig with the Sail250 host committee says the largest-ever flotilla of tall ships arrives at the Port of New Orleans this morning.

Cut 4 (07) “…they’re referred to.”

Romig says the boats represent not only the U.S., but also several other countries from around the world.

Cut 5 (14) “…U.S. Coast Guard.”

The boats will be docked in various locations throughout the riverfront all weekend long, and Romig says the best thing is it won’t cost you a dime to climb on board.

Cut 6 (07) “…run through Sunday.”

New Orleans is the first of five ports where these tall ships will visit. From there, the tall ships will sail along the Atlantic Coast and will stop in Norfolk, Virginia, and Baltimore before arriving in New York City on the 4th of July. The Sail250 tour makes its final stop in Boston July 11th.

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A new series of studies led by a professor at LSU shows that the impact of infertility follows those who experience it to their jobs. Michael Johnson with LSU’s E.J. Ourso College of Business, says those who experience infertility can question their overall worth and view of themselves, and that can spill into the workplace.

Cut 7 (12) “…their infertility struggles.”

Johnson says that can lead to counterproductive work behaviors.

Cut 8 (11) “…things like that.”

Johnson says there are things that companies can do to help employees whose infertility may be affecting them in the workplace.

Cut 9 (10)  “…out with it.”

Johnson notes that this is not an issue exclusive to women; men can struggle with infertility issues as well. The study is published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior.

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Pineville-based utility provider Cleco will provide the power for the 3.6-billion-dollar data center that will be built in the Rapides Parish town of Boyce. Cleco spokeswoman Jennifer Cahill says the company welcomes Applied Digital to central Louisiana, and it looks forward to meeting its needs.

Cut 10 (11) “…that we serve.”

The massive data center is expected to provide 200 permanent jobs once it begins initial operations in mid-2027.

Data Centers use an enormous amount of energy, but Cahill says that will not result in higher bills for Cleco customers.

Cut 11 (08) “…the data center.”

Cahill says Cleco’s planned investments in grid reliability and new generation infrastructure will benefit all customers.

Cut 12 (10) “…broader customer base.”

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Louisiana will use more than one-billion dollars in federal money over the next five years to improve health care in rural areas through the Rural Tech Catalyst Fund. Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Evelyn Griffin says rural healthcare providers are doing great work with limited resources, but this initiative will provide them with tools and partnerships that can result in better care for the state’s 1.1-million rural residents.

Cut 13 (11)  “…care more efficiently.”

Governor Jeff Landry says one of the major focuses of the Rural Tech Catalyst Fund is expanding workforce capacity.

Cut 14 (14) “…to stay there.”

Landry says the program will also support startup growth and private investment and strengthen health care technology infrastructure. L-D-H Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says they are calling on entrepreneurs, investors, universities and technology companies to get involved.

Cut 15 (13) “…rural health care.”

Greenstein says more than 100 companies have already expressed interest in the program. The companies that apply will be evaluated by both L-D-H and the state’s economic development agency.

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The Ragin Cajuns will face Cincinnati tomorrow night in the opening round of the Starkville Regional. Coach Matt Deggs calls the Bearcats a dynamic baseball team.

Cut 16 (20) “…very well coached.”

Deggs says his team’s do not die attitude has carried them this far and he expects it to continue this weekend.

Cut 17 (18) “…a long time.”

U-L Lafayette played seven games in six days at the Sun Belt Tournament. Deggs is optimistic his team will rebound from the heavy workload.

Cut 18 (17) “…hope we do.”

First pitch tomorrow night is at 6 p-m.

The ability for two-term governors to make another run for the state’s top job after sitting out four years is now in the hands of the voters. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham’s constitutional amendment limiting governors to two lifetime terms will be on the November 3rd ballot. Bayham says prior history has shown that nothing good results when governors keep coming back time and time again.

Cut 3 (09) “…to federal prison.”

Some Democrats expressed concern that Bayham was specifically targeting John Bel Edwards, who would otherwise be eligible to run for re-election next year – although this amendment would also apply to Republican Bobby Jindal. Edwards and Jindal are the only two living former Louisiana governors. Bayham says neither one expressed any concern to him about the amendment.

Cut 5 (07) “…or Governor Edwards.”

Governor Landry signed a bill that expands a program that provides grant dollars for homeowners to pay for fortified roofs on their homes. Landry says this is important legislation because fortified roofs can limit storm damage.

Cut 9 (14)  “…the benefit.”

The measure signed into law by the governor expands the fortified roof program by additional 50-million dollars.

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says they will be distributing more grants this summer and a lottery to receive a grant of up to ten-thousand dollars will begin next week…

Cut 10 (13) “…to homeowners.” 

The Fortified Roof Program has been around since 2023; and since then, 49-hundred homeowners have used it to install fortified roofs.

Governor Jeff Landry signs legislation that adds 50-million dollars to the Fortified Roof Program. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A Hammond police officer finds himself on the other side of the law. The unidentified officer was arrested on allegations involving cockfighting activities, with charges ranging from misusing state computer systems to retaliating against a witness. The officer has been placed on administrative leave.

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, you can perhaps head to the New Orleans riverfront and check out the tall ships in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Mark Romig with the Sail250 host committee says the largest-ever flotilla of tall ships arrives at the Port of New Orleans tomorrow morning.

Cut 23 (07) “…they’re referred to.”

The boats will be docked in various locations along the riverfront and will be open for free tours throughout the weekend.

At the SEC Spring Meetings in Destin, Florida, LSU head football coach Lane Kiffin was asked his thoughts on his highly anticipated return to Oxford when the Tigers play Ole Miss on September 19th. Lane did not take the bait.

Cut 8 (09) “…at it”

In November, voters will get to weigh in on yet another constitutional amendment. This one would limit governors to two lifetime terms. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham says he’s confident that this one will pass, pointing to how the 1995 legislative term limit amendment passed with more than 75-percent of the vote. He says if voters approve this one, it will mark a new day in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (07) “…haunted us.”

Applied Digital Corporation plans to build a 3.6-billion-dollar A-I data center in the Rapides Parish town of Boyce. Public Service Commissioner Jean-Paul Coussan says this is a huge day for Cenla.

Cut 13 (09)  “…we can win.”

The campus will support advanced A-I and cloud computing workloads. Pineville-based Cleco will provide the power to support it.

Governor Jeff Landry signed into law today legislation that provides an additional 50-million dollars for the fortified roof program. The Fortified Roof Program has been around since 2023 and since that time 4,900 homeowners have used the grant program to install fortified roofs. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says another eight thousand plus fortified roofs have been installed on homes that did not use the grant program.

Cut 11 (08) “…their property.”

Temple says another lottery registration opens Monday June 1^st as they have enough money to supply grants of up to ten-thousand dollars to three-thousand households.

Landry says if you go to the Department of Insurance’s website you can learn more about the fortify roof program and how it can lower your insurance premium…

Cut 12 (10) “…fortified roof.”