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.

Tulane University researchers are working on a nasal vaccine aimed at reducing the spread of whooping cough. Lead study author Lisa Morici (mo-REE-see) says while current vaccines are effective at preventing whooping cough, they fail to clear the bacteria from the upper respiratory tract, allowing even vaccinated people to spread the disease. The vaccine she and her team are working on aims to address this.

Cut 15 (10) “…from the animals.”

Morici’s study is published in the journal npj Vaccines.

Louisiana Workforce Commission showed sustained growth, with seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs reaching 1.9 million in October 2024. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

We now know the names of the two young men shot and killed during a second line parade in New Orleans on Sunday. They were 21-year-old Rasean Carter and 19-year-old Malachi Jackson. They were killed in the second of two separate shootings at the Nine Times second line. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says the two shootings were unrelated.

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.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission showed sustained growth, with seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs reaching 1.9 million last month.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_____________________________________________

The clock is ticking on the special session. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

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.”

_____________________________________________

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

Cut 4 (10) “…will take place.”

Cassidy acknowledged these controversies, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based decision-making on public health matters. He stressed that his role as HELP Committee chairman will prioritize advancing policies rooted in scientific consensus and improving health outcomes nationwide.

Cut 5 (13) “…it is safe.”

As chairman, Cassidy is expected to play a critical role in shaping healthcare reforms, addressing workforce challenges, and overseeing educational initiatives. His leadership could influence debates on contentious issues such as vaccine mandates.

Cut 6 (13) “…on anything else.”

_____________________________________________

Louisiana’s employment figures show sustained growth. Workforce Commission Economist Emily DiPalma says seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs reached 1.9 million last month — up 7,700 from September and 9,500 over the year. Private sector employment also rose to 1.6 million, adding 7,100 jobs monthly and 3,900 annually.

Cut 7 (07) “…to include agriculture.”

This marks 43 consecutive months of year-over-year growth. The number of employed individuals decreased by 5,800 from September, while unemployed individuals increased by 3,600. DiPalma says major job gains over the month included private education and health services, manufacturing and construction…

Cut 8 (12) “…in that sector.”

With the year over year job growth, DiPalma says she doesn’t see exponential growth but instead a steady trend making the forecast for jobs in Louisiana looking bright.

Cut 9 (06)  “…ten-year outlook.”

_____________________________________________

In the special session on tax reform, lawmakers have a long way to go, and a short time to get there. 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 10 (11) “…initially brought up.”

Earlier, the House approved a measure to reduce income taxes to a flat three-percent across the board and to boost the standard deduction. But Alford says if they can’t agree on an accompanying sales tax plan, that income tax plan could be in jeopardy.

Cut 11 (05) “…to carry forward.”

Part of 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 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 next Monday.

_____________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (11)  “…that are susceptible.”

Morici’s findings come at a time when whooping cough cases are on the rise. Whooping cough affects about 24-million people worldwide and primarily affects infants and those with weakened immunity systems. Morici says the best part about this vaccine is that it is injected through the nasal passages.

Cut 14 (14) “…a needle delivery.”

Morici says while current pertussis vaccines are effective at preventing whooping cough, they fail to clear the bacteria from the upper respiratory tract, allowing even vaccinated people to spread the disease. The vaccine she and her team are working on aims to address this.

Cut 15 (10) “…from the animals.”

Morici’s study is published in the journal npj Vaccines.

__________________________________________________

The Louisiana Tech football tam’s celebration of their upset win over Western Kentucky will be cut short as they look ahead to visit Arkansas this weekend. The Razorbacks are led by Boise State transfer quarterback Taylen Green. Bulldogs Head Coach Sonny Cumbie says containing the athletic signal caller will be top priority…

Cut 16  (19)  “…at times.” 

The Bulldogs will depend on the nation’s 12th-ranked defense to slow down the Razorbacks. Linebacker Zach Zimos has been key to the unit’s success since transferring from Arkansas two seasons ago. Cumbie says the team’s second-leading tackler has been a transfer success story…

Cut 17 (19) “…having him.” 

The 4-and-6 Bulldogs need to come away with a win to keep their bowl hopes alive.

__________________________________________________

LSU football coach Brian Kelly is facing scrutiny after a disappointing stretch in his highly anticipated third season in Baton Rouge. After starting 6-and-1 with playoff aspirations, the Tigers have lost three in a row to eliminate themselves from contention. SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum shares many fans’ concern…

Cut 18 (14)   “…what I’m seeing.”

LSU made headlines in 2021 when they hired Brian Kelly just one year removed from a College Football Playoff appearance with Notre Dame. Kelly led the Tigers to back-to-back 10-win seasons his first two years but fell short of playoff expectations. Finebaum says Kelly was the right hire despite recent struggles…

Cut 19 (15) “…in Baton Rouge.”  

Finebaum says Kelly won him and many others over after bouncing back from a 4-and-8 season at Notre Dame in 2016. He went on to five straight double-digit win seasons and two CFP appearances. Finebaum doesn’t expect Kelly to get fired this season but it will take a similar effort to cool down the hot seat…

Cut 20 (15) “…Kelly’s future.”

At the beginning of the special session on tax reform, the state’s film tax credit program was on the chopping block. But Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says there’s an effort to preserve it. Connick says they are looking to lower the amount of credits distributed to film producers each year from 180-million dollars to 125-million dollars…

Cut 3 (07) “…jobs here.” 

Senator Bill Cassidy has been a loud voice in Washington D-C for flood insurance reform, saying premiums are no longer affordable. Cassidy says premiums in Louisiana have increased by 234 percent.

Cut 9 (14)  “…last year.”

Cassidy criticized FEMA, saying it’s creating a program that is going bankrupt.

Starting May 7th, you will need to upgrade your ID to a Real ID in order to board a flight. During a news conference at Baton Rouge Municipal Airport, Dan Casey, the commissioner of the Office of Motor Vehicles, says just a small percentage of those without Real ID would represent a lot of travelers.

Cut 6 (12) “…unable to travel.”

And starting in May, you can fly nonstop between Shreveport and Nashville. Mark Crawford, the airport business and development manager for the Shreveport Airport Authority, says Allegiant Airlines is offering twice-weekly non-stop flights between the two cities on a seasonal basis.

Cut 12 (07) “…things go well.”

The flights begin May 22nd and will be offered Thursdays and Sundays.

If you haven’t updated your driver’s license to a Real ID, time is running out. Andrew Greenstein is at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport with more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________

Two Louisiana high school football teams have been disqualified from the playoffs. Kace Kieschnick tells us why…

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

______________________________________

At the beginning of the special session on tax reform, the state’s film tax credit program was on the chopping block. But Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says there’s an effort to preserve it. Connick says they are looking to lower the amount of credits distributed to film producers each year from 180-million to 125-million dollars…

Cut 3 (07) “…jobs here.”

Governor Landry wants to scale back the film tax credit program and several other tax credits, so the state can afford to lower the state’s income tax rate on individuals. Connick says there has been healthy dialogue between legislators and those in the film industry…

Cut 4 (12) “…fluid over here.”

Film industry leaders have told legislators if the film tax credit program is eliminated, hundreds of jobs will go away. But Connick says these tax credits mostly benefit producers who do not live in Louisiana…

Cut 5 (13) “…and New York.”

The special session must come to a conclude next Monday night.

______________________________________

Starting May 7th, you will need to upgrade your ID to a Real ID in order to board a flight. During a news conference at Baton Rouge Municipal Airport, Dan Casey, the commissioner of the Office of Motor Vehicles, says just a small percentage of those without Real ID would represent a lot of travelers.

Cut 6 (12) “…unable to travel.”

Casey says getting a Real ID is easy. All you need to do is to go to your local OMV office and bring with you a birth certificate or passport and two pieces of mail, and your ID will be upgraded to a Real ID.

Cut 7 (10) “…they meet requirements.”

Casey says Louisiana has a long way to go to get everyone updated to Real ID.

Cut 8 (07) “…are real ID.”

The difference between a regular ID and a Real ID is that Real ID verification records are kept by the state. There is no additional charge to update your ID to a Real ID.

______________________________________

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy has been a loud voice in Washington D-C for flood insurance reform. Cassidy says Risk Rating 2.0 has led to flood insurance premiums that are no longer affordable. He has new numbers on how costly flood insurance has become. Cassidy says premiums in Louisiana have increased by 234 percent.

Cut 9 (14)  “…last year.”

Cassidy criticized FEMA saying its creating a program that is going bankrupt, and he has a plan to make NFIP affordable, accountable, and sustainable…

Cut 10 (06) “…find away forward.”

Cassidy says NFIP has been in desperate need for reform for years and Republicans will have an opportunity to to deliver for the American People next year…

Cut 11 (05) “…next congress.”

______________________________________

Starting in May, you can fly nonstop between Shreveport and Nashville. Mark Crawford, the airport business and development manager for the Shreveport Airport Authority, says Allegiant Airlines is offering twice-weekly non-stop flights between the two cities on a seasonal basis.

Cut 12 (07) “…things go well.”

Crawford says they had been trying to get daily nonstops between Shreveport and Nashville for about eight years due to the demand.

Cut 13 (08)  “…every single day.”

And Crawford says if you plan properly, you can actually get a round-trip flight for less than 100 dollars.

Cut 14 (04) “…for that price”

The flights begin May 22nd and will be offered Thursdays and Sundays.

There’s an effort to preserve film tax credits, which are on the chopping block with the tax reform package. Film industry leaders have told legislators if the film tax credit program is eliminated, hundreds of jobs will go away. But Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says these tax credits mostly benefit producers who do not live in Louisiana…

Cut 5 (13) “…and New York.”

Starting May 7th, you will need to upgrade your ID to a Real ID in order to board a flight. During a news conference at Baton Rouge Municipal Airport, Dan Casey, the commissioner of the Office of Motor Vehicles, says just a small percentage of those without Real ID would represent a lot of travelers.

Cut 6 (12) “…unable to travel.”

Real IDs have a gold star in the upper right-hand corner. There is no additional charge to obtain one.

Governor Landry awards nearly 1.4-billion dollars in grants to bridge the digital divide. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 23 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Is Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal in jeopardy? The House once again delayed a vote on House Bill 9 pushing it to today. That’s the bill that would broaden the sales tax base to include 41 services not currently being taxed. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says the House may be discussing a plan “B” – raising the state sales tax rate from the current 4.45-percent to five-percent.

Cut 4 (11) “…point-four-five.”

If that can’t pass, Landry’s whole plan could go up in smoke.

The fatal shootings during a second line parade in New Orleans disrupted a cultural tradition, leaving residents concerned about safety during public events. Councilman Eugene Green pledged to enhance community safety and strengthen local enforcement strategies.

Cut 9 (09)  “…mostly safe”

Governor Landry awards nearly 1.4-billion dollars to bolster broadband connectivity throughout the state. Veneeth Iyengar (EYE-in-gur), the executive director of Connect L-A, says the vast majority of that money is going to Louisiana-based companies, and the broadband lines they’ll be installing will be buried underground.

Cut 12 (08) “…be built underground”

Iyengar says this funding will create between eight-thousand and ten-thousand new jobs in Louisiana in the next three to four years.

Deer hunting season is temporarily closed in the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area. Shane Granier (gran-YAY) with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says when a tide gauge reaches a certain level, deer hunting is automatically closed.

Cut 13 (13)  “…deer herd.”

Granier says it will reopen when levels drop below 2.5 feet.

Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal is ambitious to say the least, with every component of it needing to work together in order for it to work. And one component of it appears to be a hard sell in the House, potentially putting the whole thing in jeopardy. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

A second line shooting left two dead and 11 injured in the St. Roch (ROCK) neighborhood of New Orleans. City and state officials are saying the shootings disrupted a cultural tradition. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_____________________________________________

Governor Landry awards nearly 1.4-billion dollars in grants to bridge the digital divide. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_____________________________________________

The House has passed much of Governor Landry’s tax reform plan. But one component of it is proving to be a hard sell in the house, and it could derail the whole thing. The House did not vote on House Bill 9 yesterday, pushing it to today. That’s the bill that would broaden the sales tax base to include 41 services not currently being taxed. The vote was previously delayed last week when there was not enough support for it. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says taxing new services appears to be dead, so the House may be discussing a plan “B” – taking the sunsetting point-4-5-percent sales tax and raising it to a full penny.

Cut 4 (11) “…point-four-five.”

Pinsonat says those proposing such a move are saying that people would actually come out even given the reduction of the state personal income tax, which has already passed the House and is being considered by the Senate.

Cut 5 (10) “…tax trade-off.”

Pinsonat says the potential proposal to increase the sales tax would raise the average state sales tax to among the highest in the country.

Cut 6 (07) “…11-cent sales tax.”

As part of House Bill 10, the House voted to make the sunsetting point-4-5-percent sales tax increase permanent, lowering it to point-4-0. That bill has now moved to the Senate, but it could end up being moot if this plan that Pinsonat says could be floated gets approved.

_____________________________________________

City and state officials react to two tragic shootings during a second line in New Orleans’ St. Roch (ROCK) neighborhood, which left two dead and 11 injured this past weekend. New Orleans Councilmember Eugene Green called the incident “heartbreaking” and emphasized the need for collective community efforts to prevent such violence.

Cut 7 (11) “…this crime.”

Green expressed condolences to the victims’ families, vowing to support law enforcement in ensuring justice.

Cut 8 (14) “…deserve justice.”

The shootings disrupted a cultural tradition, leaving residents concerned about safety during public events. Green pledged to enhance community safety and strengthen local enforcement strategies.

Cut 9 (09)  “…mostly safe”

The investigation is ongoing, and the public is encouraged to contact NOPD with tips.

_____________________________________________

Governor Landry has awarded nearly 1.4-billion dollars to bolster broadband connectivity throughout the state. Veneeth Iyengar (EYE-in-gur), the executive director of Connect L-A, says most of that money is staying local.

Cut 10 (07) “…in their communities.”

The money is part of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment – or BEAD – program by way of the state’s Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities – or GUMBO – 2.0 program. Iyengar says two local companies are part of a group that will be getting 450-million dollars in funding.

Cut 11 (06) “…and T-Mobile.”

Together, those three companies comprise the Louisiana Local Fiber Consortium. And Iyengar says most of the lines that the consortium will be building will be underground.

Cut 12 (08) “…be built underground”

And Iyengar says this funding will create between eight-thousand and ten-thousand new jobs in Louisiana in the next three to four years, yielding up to three-billion dollars in GDP growth in Louisiana.

_____________________________________________

Deer hunting season is temporarily closed in the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area, which spans parts of Ascension, Livingston, St. John the Baptist, and St. James parishes, about 25 miles west of New Orleans. Shane Granier (gran-YAY) with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says when a tide gauge reaches a certain level deer hunting is automatically closed.

Cut 13 (13)  “…deer herd.”

The area automatically closes to deer hunting when water levels reach three feet, and Granier says it will reopen when levels drop below two and a half feet.

Cut 14 (12) “…day or two.”

Once reopened, visitors must have a WMA access permit, a senior hunting/fishing license, a Louisiana sportsman’s paradise license, or a lifetime hunting/fishing license. Granier asks hunters to check in with LDWF after harvesting a deer…

Cut 15 (13) “…validate those deer.”

For updates, individuals can check water levels online or contact the Hammond Field Office at 985-543-4777.

__________________________________________________

LSU will be playing for pride the last two weeks of the season after their SEC Championship hopes were dashed in a 27-16 loss to Florida. At 6-and-4 the Tigers have failed to live up to expectations under third-year Head Coach Brian Kelly, but he says three close losses have defined their season…

Cut 16  (20)  “…the job done.” 

After the loss, Kelly took blame for needing to be more involved in play calling. With new helmet communication this season, he says eliminating confusion is key…

Cut 17 (18) “…particular game.” 

The Tigers will be looking ahead to next season and its third-ranked 2025 recruiting class, but LSU is also expecting some key departures. Kelly says his teams need to be built around recruiting talent, but his staff will look to the transfer portal to fill in the gaps…

Cut 18 (12)   “…invested in that.”

__________________________________________________

After losing seven straight, the Saints have won back-to-back games with Interim Head Coach Darren Rizzi. With injuries to offensive weapons, production has come from unlikely sources like hybrid tight end Taysom Hill and veteran wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Rizzi says Scantling, who has over 200 yards and three touchdowns, has been invaluable since starting his first game three weeks ago…

Cut 19 (17) “…the offense.”  

The Black and Gold will enter their bye week at 4-and-7, still in position for a top-10 draft pick but only two games back from the division-leading Falcons. Rizzi says getting healthy will be the first priority but his team needs to stay focused…

Cut 20 (18) “…recovery in.”

Two people are killed and 11 others are hurt in a pair of shootings during a second line parade yesterday afternoon in the St. Roch (ROCK) area of New Orleans.

Cut 3 (07) “…from one another.” 

Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick says the Nine Times Social Aid and Pleasure Club second line parade was allowed to continue after the first shooting since no one in the initial shooting was killed. The two people who were killed were both shot in the second wave of violence. It’s unclear at this time whether the two shootings are connected.

Four people are killed in a mobile home fire in Sulphur, in southwest Louisiana. Assistant Fire Chief Chris Vice says the four victims were all members of the same family.

Cut 10 (08) “…thirty-something years old.”

Vice says investigators have narrowed the possible causes down to three – an electrical issue, a faulty dryer or discarded smoking materials.

It could be a stormy night tonight for much of Louisiana. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Today is the last day to apply for FEMA Disaster assistance associated with losses from Hurricane Francine. Repair estimates are not yet required for those living in nine south Louisiana parishes, but applications must be submitted today to be considered for assistance. FEMA’s hotline is open until 11:00 p.m. this evening. Applications may also be submitted online.

Police in New Orleans are looking for those responsible for a pair of shootings at a second line parade yesterday. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________

Today a cold front will bring isolated showers and thunderstorms this afternoon, followed by a widespread line of storms overnight.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

______________________________________

Two people are killed and 11 others are hurt in a pair of shootings during a Nine Times Social Aid and Pleasure Club second line parade yesterday afternoon in the St. Roch (Rock) area of New Orleans.

Cut 3 (07) “…from one another.”

New Orleans Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick says the second line parade was allowed to continue after the first shooting since no one in the initial shooting was killed. The two people who were killed were both shot in the second wave of violence. Kirkpatrick says the people responsible for the shootings are still on the loose, and police are actively searching for them. She says second line parades are an important part of New Orleans culture.

Cut 4 (10) “…our second lines.”

The two murders bring to 119 the total number of murders in New Orleans this year. Kirkpatrick says, however, that murders are trending way down in the city.

Cut 5 (13) “…we had 192.”

At this time, Kirkpatrick says it’s unclear whether the two shootings are related to one another.

______________________________________

We could be in for a stormy night tonight. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front will bring isolated showers and thunderstorms Monday afternoon, followed by a widespread line of storms overnight.

Cut 6 (09) “…two out of five risk.”

Southeast Louisiana faces the highest storm risk overnight, with damaging winds, possible tornadoes, and heavy rains that could cause flash flooding.  Keim says the area could get up to five inches of rain.

Cut 7 (07) “…but probable .”

Storms will exit Tuesday, bringing clearing skies and a warm afternoon in the low 80s. Cooler air will arrive late Tuesday night, dropping Wednesday morning temperatures to the 40s. The latter half of the week features chilly mornings, highs in the 60s, and sunny, low-humidity conditions. Keim says fall weather fans can look forward to breaking out sweaters as the season finally sets in.

Cut 8 (08) “…next several days.”

______________________________________

Four people are killed in a mobile home fire in Sulphur, in southwest Louisiana. Assistant Fire Chief Chris Vice says the home was heavily involved by the time firefighters arrived early yesterday morning.

Cut 9 (06)  “…a local hospital.”

Vice says the four victims were all members of the same family.

Cut 10 (08) “…thirty-something years old.”

Vice says while the cause of the fire is still unclear, investigators have narrowed the possibilities down to three.

Cut 11 (10) “…discarded smoking materials.”

Vice says firefighters could not confirm the presence of working smoke detectors inside the home. No adjacent properties were damaged.