Tonight’s the night! Taylor Swift takes the stage at the Superdome for her first of three shows – and she’s giving the city a huge economic jolt. Mark Romig with New Orleans and Company says Swifties from all over the world have been spending money in the city all week long.

Cut 7 (09) “…restaurants and attractions.”

Romig says when they’re not enjoying the shows, they’re enjoying everything New Orleans has to offer.

Louisiana’s public colleges are seeking $142 million in additional state funding for the next fiscal year. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says they are requesting more money because private employers are looking for more qualified workers…

Cut 10 (07) “…employment pipeline.”

The Board of Regents is seeking this additional cash, despite projections the state will have fewer dollars to spend.

Cervical cancer detection and prevention is expanding with a newly approved self-collection method for HPV testing. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

A Lafayette couple is offering free rides to the polls. Chad and Jennifer Landry have been offering free rides to Lafayette residents. Chad Landry says it doesn’t matter which political party they’re affiliated with or which candidates they plan to vote for, he wants to make sure that anyone who wants to vote gets to vote. Early voting runs through Tuesday.