The police superintendent in New Orleans is assuring people that the city is safe following the second deadly mass shooting in a five-day span. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Landry had some choice words about the massive coastal restoration project. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Collen Crain.”

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As the proposed five-billion-dollar Meta A-I Data Center near Monroe gets closer to final approval, it is receiving some pushback. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The police superintendent in New Orleans is assuring people that the city is safe following the second deadly mass shooting in a five-day span. Yesterday, one person was killed and three others were hurt in what investigators say was a targeted shooting in the French Quarter. Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says while violence usually picks up during the holiday season, murders are still down in New Orleans compared to last year.

Cut 4 (10) “…us to nine.”

Kirkpatrick says, however, that she’s still concerned about the recent uptick in violence.

Cut 5 (10) “…were last year.”

The latest shooting happened at the intersection of Iberville and Royal, just one block south of Bourbon Street and, thus, from all the tourists. Kirkpatrick has a message for tourists visiting the French Quarter.

Cut 6 (07) “…not look random.”

A suspect is in custody in connection with yesterday afternoon’s shooting.

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Governor Landry had some choice words about the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project. Speaking before the Senate Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee, Landry said the project would cost the state a lot of money.

Cut 7 (15) “…the whole coast.”

Landry said it would also destroy Coastal Louisiana’s culture.

Cut 8 (14) “…to oyster fish.”

Amanda Moore, the senior director of the gulf program for the National Wildlife Federation, disagrees with Landry’s assertion that the project would destroy the culture of Coastal Louisiana.

Cut 9 (14)  “…of Coastal Louisiana.”

And Moore says without the project, communities along the coast would be more vulnerable.

Cut 10 (13) “…from storm surge.”

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Meta cleared its first hurdle Wednesday on moving forward with its five-billion-dollar A-I Data Center in Richland Parish.  The Alliance for Affordable Energy, though, has voiced concerns about the project.  Executive Director Logan Burke argues that the facility contradicts the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels and could impose significant costs on Louisiana ratepayers.

Cut 11 (11) “…it isn’t necessary.”

Entergy claims the data center would bring jobs and economic benefits to the region, but critics like Burke highlight the potential for increased electricity bills if costs are not absorbed by Meta. Alternatives, such as renewable energy with battery storage, are being sidelined in favor of the gas plant. Burke stresses that prioritizing clean energy could better serve both the climate and residents.

Cut 12 (13) “…in our state.”

The controversy underscores tensions around energy infrastructure in Louisiana, with advocates like Burke pushing for transparency and renewable energy solutions in state energy planning.

Cut 13 (09)  “…the opinions are.”

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They’re not on LSU’s football schedule, but the Tigers lost to Michigan last night. The nation’s top recruit for next season, quarterback Bryce Underwood, has decommitted from LSU and will instead play for the Wolverines. Todd Horne, the vice president and executive editor of Tiger Rag magazine, says Underwood’s move came down to just one thing – money.

Cut 14 (10) “…next four years.”

Underwood was at LSU’s game against Alabama earlier this month – a game in which LSU got hammered, 42-13, with fans throwing debris on the field at one point in the game, drawing a hefty fine from the SEC. Horne says nothing about that game was a factor in Underwood’s decision.

Cut 15 (08) “…it’s just money.”

The early signing period is less than two weeks away.

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LSU will host Vanderbilt tomorrow as they look to bounce back from a three-game losing streak. Head Coach Brian Kelly says his team and coaching staff have been just as disappointed as Tiger fans, but his team is committed to playing better…

Cut 16 (17) “…Vanderbilt team.”

From second half meltdowns to turnover problems and red zone inefficiency, the LSU offense has struggled to put points on the board like they did the first six weeks of the season. Kelly says they need to connect on open deep balls…

Cut 17 (17) “…our scoring” 

The Commodores have exceeded expectations this season and clinched their first bowl appearance since 2018. Vandy Head Coach Clark Lea isn’t banking on the Tigers’ struggles to continue….

Cut 18 (19)   “…hostile environment.”

Kickoff in Tiger Stadium is at 6:45

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UL-Monroe will hope to earn the school’s second ever bowl berth and first appearance since 2012 with a win at Arkansas St tomorrow. The Warhawks exceeded early expectations starting the season 5-and-1 under first-year Head Coach Bryant Vincent, but four straight losses leave ULM’s postseason hopes uncertain. Vincent says the 6-and-4 Red Wolves will be a challenge…

Cut 19 (17) “…physical game.”  

Vincent says his team is remaining positive, even amid a four-game skid.

Cut 20 (16) “…front of us.”

Kickoff is at 2:00.

For the second time in five days, there has been a deadly shooting in broad daylight in New Orleans. The latest one happened this afternoon in the French Quarter, just one block south of Bourbon Street. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says this was not a random shooting.

Cut 15 (13) “…a confirmed homicide.” (One killed, three others injured)

Kirkpatrick says a person of interest is in custody.

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter is sleeping outside tonight to draw attention to youth homelessness in the city, the state and the country. Congressman Carter is participating in the Covenant House Sleep Out tonight.

Cut 6 (09) “…issue of homelessness.”

Louisiana voters will decide on four constitutional amendments in a Dec. 7 election, two of the amendments address legislative budgeting.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Researchers at LSU are developing a hand-held device to better detect cancer cells during surgery. It’s called SafeMargin, and the purpose of the device is to quickly detect a clean margin during cancer surgeries. The team, led by electrical engineering associate professor Dr. Jian Xu (JAN ZHOO), hopes to bring it to market by the end of the decade.

The Louisiana Senate is expected to vote on the tax reform bills that made it through the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee. The committee kept the income tax plan at a flat three-percent, but it restored the historic preservation and film tax credits, and they inserted an option for local governments to tax pharmaceuticals. Committee Chairman Franklin Foil, a Republican, says tax reform is always a tricky thing to accomplish.

Cut 4 (07) “…run their cities.”

Democrat Jay Luneau says he proposed a bill to make corporate tax credits non-refundable.

Cut 7 (11) “…back to you.”

The biggest question is regarding sales taxes. One idea is to add fewer services to the sales tax base and raise the state sales tax to up to five-percent. The special session must end Monday evening.

For the third year in a row, Louisiana’s statewide school performance score has increased, and it is now at its highest level under the current scoring system. State Superintendent Cade Brumley says the state is clearly going in the right direction.

Cut 11 (07) “…keep pushing forward.”

Brumley says the steady rise is a testament to the work of everyone involved.

A five-billion-dollar artificial intelligence data center that Facebook parent company Meta is planning in Holly Ridge, near Monroe, would be a huge economic boost to the region. Economist Loren Scott described the project as transformative for northeastern Louisiana.

Cut 8 (06) “…real game changer.”

Meta chose the area due to its location out of the hurricane zone, available land and electricity. The data center would create up to 500 jobs, many of which would pay in six figures, and it could be up and running in three years.

The State Senate is slated to vote on pieces of Governor Landry’s tax reform plan that made it out of the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee. The biggest question, though, is regarding sales taxes. Committee Chairman Franklin Foil says one idea is to add fewer services to the sales tax base and raise the state sales tax to up to five-percent.

Cut 23 (06) “…those small adjustments.”

Democrat Jay Luneau says raising sales taxes is not a guarantee that any revenue loss would be made up.

Cut 24 (06) “…in the past.”

For the third year in a row, Louisiana’s statewide school performance score has increased, and it is now at its highest level under the current scoring system. State Superintendent Cade Brumley says it’s a testament to the work of everyone involved.

Cut 13 (12)  “…teachers are doing.”

A five-billion-dollar artificial intelligence data center that Facebook parent company Meta is planning in Holly Ridge, near Monroe, would be a huge economic boost to the region. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Baton Rouge General Hospital ranks in the top ten nationwide for fewest return days following a heart attack. Chief Medical Officer Keith Kellum says the hospital places a strong emphasis on physical therapy following a heart attack.

Cut 16 (08) “…with heart conditions.”

The State Senate is slated to vote on several pieces of Governor Landry’s tax reform plan. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A five-billion-dollar artificial intelligence data center that Facebook parent company Meta is planning in Holly Ridge, near Monroe, would be a huge economic boost to the region. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Louisiana continues rising in the national rankings of K-through-12 education. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana Senate is expected to vote on the tax reform bills that made it through the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee. The committee kept the income tax plan at a flat three-percent, but it restored the historic preservation and film tax credits, and they inserted an option for local governments to tax pharmaceuticals. Committee Chairman Franklin Foil, a Republican, says tax reform is always a tricky thing to accomplish.

Cut 4 (07) “…run their cities.”

Sales taxes appear to be the big sticking point to the whole plan, and Foil says there are two options on the table.

Cut 5 (12) “…make everything work.”

If they go the latter route, the state sales tax rate being floated is five-percent. Democrat Jay Luneau says he has concerns about raising sales taxes, which are already among the highest in the nation.

Cut 6 (11) “…clean it up.”

Luneau says he proposed a bill to make corporate tax credits non-refundable.

Cut 7 (11) “…back to you.”

The special session must end by six Monday evening.

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A five-billion-dollar artificial intelligence data center that Facebook parent company Meta is planning in Holly Ridge, near Monroe, would be a huge economic boost to the region. Meta chose the area due to its location out of the hurricane zone, available land and electricity. Economist Loren Scott described the project as transformative for northeastern Louisiana.

Cut 8 (06) “…real game changer.”

The planned data center will occupy the state-owned 1,440-acre Franklin Farms Megasite. Scott says the big reason behind selecting Richland Parish is electricity…

Cut 9 (11)  “…user they are.”

Scott says the one of the biggest impacts the data center will bring is job growth, with the average salary will be around 130-thousand dollars and the ripple effect will be felt to the much needed community of Richland Parish.

Cut 10 (09) “…shot in the arm.”

Entergy plans to build three natural gas power plants at a cost of 3.2 billion dollars to support the A.I. data centers.

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For the third year in a row, Louisiana’s statewide school performance score has increased, and it is now at its highest level under the current scoring system. State Superintendent Cade Brumley says the state is clearly going in the right direction.

Cut 11 (07) “…keep pushing forward.”

In the U.S. News and World Report states ranking, Louisiana has earned its highest national ranking ever, moving up from 46th to 40th, so Brumley says the job isn’t even close to being done yet.

Cut 12 (06) “…work to do.”

According to the nation’s report card, Louisiana 4th graders led the country in reading growth, and economically disadvantaged 4th graders moved from 42nd all the way to 11th. Brumley says the steady rise in school performance is a testament to the work of everyone involved.

Cut 13 (12)  “…teachers are doing.”

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A tremendous achievement for Baton Rouge General Hospital, as it ranks in the top ten nationwide for fewest return days following a heart attack. Chief Medical Officer Keith Kellum says when it comes to the heart, time is muscle.

Cut 14 (08) “…may be necessary.”

Kellum says the hospital also goes to great lengths on the back end to set patients up for success when they leave the hospital.

Cut 15 (05) “…leave the hospital.”

And Kellum says the hospital places a strong emphasis on physical therapy following a heart attack.

Cut 16 (08) “…with heart conditions.”

Baton Rouge General’s ranking is based on data collected by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

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The River Bell Classic is tonight in Thibodaux as Nicholls hosts Southeastern Louisiana at 6 PM. The all-time series is tied at 17. Lions Coach Frank Scelfo says it’s a game fans of the respective schools look forward to each year…

Cut 17 (17) “…about it” 

Nicholls is 4-and-7, while S-L-U is 6-and-5 and need to win for a chance at making the F-C-S playoffs

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The Ragin Cajuns will host Troy on Saturday. U-L Lafayette is 5-and-1 and looking to stay in first place in the Sun Belt West and move another step towards clinching the division championship. Troy is 3-and-7 overall, but Coach Michael Desormeaux says the Trojans have won their last two games…

Cut 18 (18)   “…work for them.”

Kick off is at 4 PM.

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LSU Coach Brian Kelly is getting a lot of the blame for the Tigers’ current three-game losing streak. But LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell says it’s the players who are not getting the job done. He says self-inflicted wounds and not finishing games are the biggest problems…

Cut 19 (20) “…football games.”  

Campbell says the team is disappointed the Tigers will not play in the SEC Championship game, but it’s important to finish the season strong…

Cut 20 (20) “…job done.”

Outgoing Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says he’s pleased with President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet choices, even though he was passed over for Transportation Secretary in favor of Sean Duffy.  Graves conveyed optimism about Trump’s leadership and his dedication to Louisiana’s interests, particularly in energy policy and economic growth.

Cut 11 (09) “…gonna make change.”

About 40 championship rings have been stolen from legendary LSU gymnastics coach D-D Breaux’s office, and university police are actively searching for them. Breaux says the rings that were stolen dated as far back as the 1980s.

Cut 5 (09) “…in that case.”

Breaux retired as coach in 2020 and still works for the university in an ambassador role. So far, police have no suspects.

Facebook parent Meta is planning to build a 5-billion dollar artificial intelligence center near Monroe. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Luke Letlow will be immortalized with a post office in Rayville bearing his name. Letlow was elected to represent Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District in 2020 but died of COVID just five days before he was to be sworn in. The designation passed the Senate last night and now awaits a signature from President Biden to make it official.

About 40 championship rings have been stolen from legendary LSU gymnastics coach D-D Breaux’s office, and university police are actively searching for them. Breaux says the rings that were stolen dated as far back as the 1980s.

Cut 5 (09) “…in that case.”

Breaux retired as coach in 2020 and still works for the university in an ambassador role.

While Congressman Garret Graves was considered for Transportation Secretary, the role went to Sean Duffy. Graves expressed support for Duffy and their collaboration. He highlighted President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet selections as a sign of significant change.

Cut 9 (09)  “…us from Mexico.”

Graves conveyed optimism about Trump’s leadership and his dedication to Louisiana’s interests.

Facebook parent Meta is planning to build a 5-billion dollar artificial intelligence center near Monroe. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Luke Letlow will be immortalized with a post office in Rayville bearing his name. Letlow died of COVID at the end of 2020, just five days before he was to be sworn into the House of Representatives. Senator Bill Cassidy says Letlow’s story shows the impact COVID had on our state…

Cut 13 (11)  “…with that I yield.”

LSU Police are looking for whoever stole dozens of gymnastics championship rings. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Facebook parent Meta is planning to build a 5-billion dollar artificial intelligence center near Monroe. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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LSU Police are looking for whoever stole approximately 40 championship rings from legendary gymnastics coach D-D Breaux’s. Breaux retired as coach in 2020 and still works for the university in an ambassador role. She says she normally keeps her door locked when she leaves for the day; but one day earlier this month, she didn’t. She says she first realized that something was amiss when a news article she kept on top of the case of rings was moved.

Cut 3 (09) “…of this case.”

Breaux says whoever stole the rings was apparently only after the rings and nothing else.

Cut 4 (14) “…took my rings.”

Breaux says the rings that were stolen dated as far back as the 1980s and were for individual events. She says she still has the team championship rings she won.

Cut 5 (09) “…in that case.”

The value of each ring stolen is believed to be more than three-thousand dollars. So far, university police have no suspects.

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Facebook parent company Meta is planning to build a five-billion-dollar artificial intelligence data center near Monroe in Richland Parish. Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says this would be huge…

Cut 6 (06) “…comes true.”

The facility would employ as many as 500 people with an average salary of 82-thousand dollars. Campbell says northeast Louisiana is one of the poorest areas in the country…

Cut 7 (12) “…about it.”

Campbell sits on the Public Service Commission. The P-S-C will have to approve the construction of three new natural gas power plants that would supply power to the A-I facility. Campbell says he’ll do what he can to make sure the project becomes a reality, because northeast Louisiana needs the jobs.

Cut 8 (08) “…in poverty.”

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While Congressman Garret Graves was considered for Transportation Secretary, the role went to Sean Duffy. Graves expressed support for Duffy and their collaboration. He highlighted Trump’s cabinet selections as a sign of significant change, emphasizing the administration’s focus on inflation, infrastructure, energy, and stressed addressing illegal immigration.

Cut 9 (09)  “…us from Mexico.”

Graves criticized the Biden administration’s energy policies, particularly the lack of new energy production areas, which he claims disproportionately impacts Louisiana. He anticipates that Trump will open areas like the Gulf of Mexico for production.

Cut 10 (11) “…begin future production.”

Graves conveyed optimism about Trump’s leadership and his dedication to Louisiana’s interests, particularly in energy policy and economic growth.

Cut 11 (09) “…gonna make change.”

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The U.S. Senate has passed a bill by Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy to rename the U.S. Postal Service facility in Rayville, as the “Luke Letlow Post Office Building.” Cassidy says the legislation honors Luke Letlow, a Louisiana native, elected in 2020 to represent the state’s 5th Congressional District, who died of COVID-19 complications five days before taking office.

Cut 12 (11) “…fellow Americans.”

Cassidy praised Letlow’s dedication to improving lives in Louisiana, and Letlow’s story shows the impact  COVID had on our state…

Cut 13 (11)  “…with that I yield.”

Facebook parent company Meta is planning to build a five-billion-dollar artificial intelligence data center near Monroe in Richland Parish. The facility would employ as many as 500 people with an average salary of 82-thousand dollars. Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says northeast Louisiana is one of the poorest areas in the country…

Cut 7 (12) “…about it.”

Congressman Garret Graves says President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet selections are a sign of significant change, particularly in energy policy. Graves anticipates that Trump will open areas like the Gulf of Mexico for production.

Cut 10 (11) “…begin future production.”

LSU Police are looking for whoever stole approximately 40 championship rings from legendary gymnastics coach D-D Breaux’s offic. Breaux retired as coach in 2020 and still works for the university in an ambassador role. She says she normally keeps her door locked when she leaves for the day; but one day earlier this month, she didn’t. She says she first realized that something was amiss when a news article she kept on top of the case of rings was moved.

Cut 3 (09) “…of this case.” 

The value of each ring stolen is believed to be more than three-thousand dollars. So far, police have no suspects.

And now, a look at today’s commodities.

Time is running out on the special session on tax reform. The biggest sticking point involves sales taxes, with House members now considering just adding 19 services to the sales tax base instead of the 41 originally proposed by Governor Landry. LaPolitics publisher Jeremy Alford says it looks like lawmakers are making some headway.

Cut 23 (11) “…initially brought up.”

Alford says if the House can’t agree on a sales tax plan, the entire tax reform plan could be in jeopardy.

While Congressman Garret Graves was considered for Transportation Secretary, the role went to Sean Duffy. Graves expressed support for Duffy and their collaboration. He highlighted Trump’s cabinet selections as a sign of significant change.

Cut 9 (09)  “…us from Mexico.”

Researchers at Tulane University are working on a nasal vaccine aimed at curbing the spread of whooping cough. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Luke Letlow will be immortalized with a post office in Rayville bearing his name. Letlow was elected to represent Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District in 2020 but died of COVID just five days before he was to be sworn in. The designation passed the Senate last night and now awaits a signature from President Biden to make it official.