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.

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.”

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

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”