In the special session on tax reform, lawmakers have a long way to go, and a short time to get there. Part of Governor Landry’s plan involved ending tax breaks on certain sectors, like the state’s film industry. The film industry has vehemently pushed back on that, and LaPolitics publisher Jeremy Alford says that seems to have struck a chord with those in the State Senate.

Cut 12 (07) “…in the industry.”

The special session must end by six p-m Monday.

Senator Bill Cassidy will serve as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee during the 119th Congress. Cassidy addressed Health Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose controversial views on public health topics like fluoride in drinking water have sparked significant debate.

Cut 5 (13) “…it is safe.” 

Tulane University researchers are working on a vaccine aimed at reducing the spread of whooping cough. Lead study author Lisa Morici (mo-REE-see) says this is a nasal vaccine.

Cut 14 (14) “…a needle delivery.”

Morici says the new vaccine combines the traditional pertussis antigens with an innovative adjuvant that boosts the body’s immune response, specifically in the respiratory tract. Morici’s study is published in the journal npj Vaccines.

A massive AI data center could be coming to North Louisiana. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and others, is planning the five-billion-dollar project in Richland Parish near Monroe, and it would create as many as 500 jobs with an average salary of 82-thousand dollars. If approved, the data center could be up and running in about three years.