As the size of the Meta data center in Richland Parish grows, so do concerns over how much it could cost utility ratepayers. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Veteran running back Alvin Kamara will indeed be a Saint this season. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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A man and a woman from Houma are behind bars, charged with sexually assaulting children.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landry said this week that New Orleans is no longer important to Louisiana as it once was. But Stephen Barnes, the director of the Kathleen Blanco Public Policy Center at UL Lafayette, says the New Orleans region has more influence on the state’s economy than any other metro area in the state.

Cut 4 (12) “…state tax revenues.”

New Orleans does not have the population or the number of jobs it had pre-Hurricane Katrina. But Barnes says New Orleans is still a huge driver and has the largest concentration of economic activity in the state. Barnes says that’s why it’s still important that the state makes sure that New Orleans succeeds.

Cut 5 (05) “…our state grow.”

Landry made his comment that New Orleans is not as important as it once was at the announcement of Meta’s 50-billion-dollar investment into the Richland Parish A-I data center. Barnes says the data center is great, but…

Cut 6 (11) “…the state economy.”

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As the Meta data center in Richland Parish grows, so do concerns over whether utility ratepayers will be stuck with the bill. Alaina DiLaura with the group Alliance for Affordable Energy says she doesn’t exactly trust Meta and Entergy when they say they will cover all the costs of the electricity needed to power the massive facility.

Cut 7 (10) “…shifted to residents.”

Governor Landry responded to that claim by saying unlike Louisiana, other states were not prepared for the infrastructure demands of such a large data center. DiLaura also notes that the contract between Meta and Entergy does not cover the lifespan of the gas plants they’re building.

Cut 8 (11) “…beyond 20 years.”

Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis, whose city is one parish to the west of the data center, says he’s confident that Meta and Entergy will keep their end of the bargain and not stick ratepayers with the bill.

Cut 9 (08)  “…State of Louisiana.”

Mayor Ellis says Meta and Entergy keeping their promises is essential for future data center projects, which he says are huge economic drivers, especially in rural areas.

Cut 10 (12) “…future power generation.”

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Saints running back Alvin Kamara is finalizing a restructured deal to take a pay cut to stay in New Orleans. The 30-year-old had jaded back-and-forth with the front office regarding his future after the Saints signed free-agent running back Travis Etienne (AY-chan). Nola.com’s Matt Paras (“Paris”) says in an offseason where the Saints lost Taysom Hill and Demario Davis, it’s good to see a veteran star return.

Cut 11 (10) “…people are happy.”

Injuries and offensive struggles have limited the once-explosive running back in recent years. Paras says he expects Etienne to step into more of a leading role in the backfield but hopes the offense finds ways for Kamara to contribute.

Cut 12 (12) “…that skill set.”

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A man and woman from Houma are arrested on allegations of physically and sexually abusing children. Investigators with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office say 57-year-old Thomas Tucker the Third is the perpetrator and is behind bars on more than 600-thousand dollars bond. Deputy Blake Tabor says Tucker is facing a slew of charges.

Cut 13 (09)  “…two counts.”

Tabor says what’s especially disturbing is that Tucker passed himself off as someone who children could trust and confide in.

Cut 14 (10) “…of Society Ministries.”

In addition, detectives say 47-year-old Sharotta Lewis witnessed the abuse and failed to report it. She was arrested on charges similar to the ones Tucker is facing, and she’s also being held on more than 600-thousand dollars bond. Tabor says this remains an active investigation.

Cut 15 (09) “…to come forward.”

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Grambling is picked to finish second in the SWAC West in the conference preseason poll behind defending champs Prairie View A&M. Third-year head coach Mickey Joseph says he tried to lead a balanced attack when he arrived at Grambling, but now he knows the team’s identity.

Cut 16 (15) “…want to bang.”

Grambling is coming off a 7-and-5 season last year. Two of the Tigers’ four SWAC losses came by just one point. Offensive lineman Alexander Vigil says the G-men need to play complementary football to win close games.

Cut 17 (16) “…the other team.”

Southern, meanwhile, is fifth in the preseason poll after a 2-and-10 season last year. The Jaguars welcomed Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk as the program’s new head coach. Faulk says it was perfect timing that he was looking to be a coach, and the Jaguars needed one.

Cut 18 (20) “…happen than Louisiana.”

Defensive back Herman Brister is a preseason All-SWAC first-team selection. He says he expects this year’s group to be a different team with Faulk at the helm.

Cut 19 (16) “…off the field.”

It’s a complete role reversal. Four years ago, the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make Daylight Saving Time permanent, passed unanimously in the Senate, only to have it not heard in the House. This week, that same bill passed overwhelmingly in the House; and Congresswoman Julia Letlow, who voted in favor of it, acknowledges it faces an uncertain future in the Senate.

Cut 13 (05) “…so we’ll see.” 

The search is on to find the source of the parasite causing an outbreak of explosive diarrhea. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says this national outbreak suggests there is a domestic cause – it’s almost always caused by contaminated fresh produce.

Cut 4 (09) “…types of items.”

Sokol recommends thoroughly washing all produce and washing your hands before and after handling it. 

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux says don’t read too much into a cryptic post by 50 Cent, when he said he might have to pull back on the Red River project. Arceneaux says the rapper, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, has already invested millions of dollars in revitalizing downtown Shreveport, and the big question is whether he will actually run the Red River District.

Cut 8 (12) “…couple of spots.”

LSU is retiring the Ruston Rifle’s jersey this season. Bert Jones’ number 7 is going up on the south end zone facade during the November 14th game against Texas. Jones says playing in Death Valley was unforgettable.

Cut 10 (12) “…special time.”

What a difference four years make. In 2022, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make Daylight Saving Time permanent, only to have that bill stall in the House. Now, four years later, the House passed that same bill, sending it to the Senate where it meets an uncertain fate. Julia Letlow was among the representatives who voted in favor of it, doing so after polling her constituents.

Cut 12 (08) “…on this one.” 

The Louisiana Department of Health has reported 36 cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic intestinal infection causing explosive diarrhea. Louisiana is just one of 30 states that have reported cases of the infection. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says the CDC and FDA are working to find the source of the outbreak.

Cut 3 (12) “…resolve the outbreak.”

Former LSU All-American quarterback Bert Jones will have his jersey retired in Tiger Stadium. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Drew Hanson. He’s the U.S. marshal who was shot and killed while trying to serve a warrant on a fugitive in Alexandria this week. Currently, the campaign has raised more than 85-thousand dollars of its 110-thousand-dollar goal. The 36-year-old Hanson leaves behind a wife and two kids.

The search is on to find the source of the parasite causing an outbreak of explosive diarrhea. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says this national outbreak suggests there is a domestic cause – it’s almost always caused by contaminated fresh produce.

Cut 4 (09) “…types of items.”

Could 50 Cent’s investment in Shreveport be in jeopardy? The rapper, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, posted a cryptic message on Instagram, saying, in his words, some people in Shreveport don’t want things to get better, and he’s going to have to pull back on the Red River, referring to the entertainment production district he’s seeking to create. Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux says he’s not concerned about 50 Cent’s overall commitment to the city.

Cut 6 (11) “…on everything else.”

The number of non-farm jobs in Louisiana has topped 2.01 million for the first time in state history.  Adam Knapp, the CEO of Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says while the construction boom has boosted employment, he’s concerned Louisiana ranks among the lowest in the South for new business applications since 2019.

Cut 12 (10) “…a faster rate.”

A new law going into effect August 1st adjusts minimum lengths and increases catch limits for black bass and crappie in portions of the Atchafalaya Basin. Ryan Montegue with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the law will allow LDWF officials to monitor the fishing quality in the area closely.

Cut 15 (12) “…benefit the fishery.”

A deputy U.S. marshal was killed in a shooting in Alexandria this week. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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More people than ever are working in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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SWAC Media Day kicks off in Birmingham, Alabama, today. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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If you live in Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany or Terrebonne parishes and your property sustained damage from Tropical Storm Arthur, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance. Nate Custer with FEMA says while the deadline to apply for assistance isn’t until late next month, you shouldn’t procrastinate.

Cut 4 (11) “…happened to you.”

Custer says once you register, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment.

Cut 5 (11) “…to your property.”

Ten days after that, you’ll get a letter either via email or snail mail explaining the decision and, if approved, the amount of the assistance. Custer says have your bank account information handy, because the assistance is paid in the form of direct deposit.

Cut 6 (08) “…the postal service.”

There should be plenty of money to go around – the four parishes have been approved for eight-million dollars in FEMA assistance. To register, either download the FEMA app, go to disaster assistance-dot-gov or call 800-621-3362.

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Teachers in Richland Parish say the Meta data center is already providing benefits and will continue to do so once it’s fully built out. Sarah Morris, who teaches third and fourth grade at Holly Ridge Elementary School, says the technology associated with it is boosting student achievement.

Cut 7 (07) “…kids love it.”

Morris says the data center is allowing students to learn valuable skills that many adults couldn’t even think of grasping.

Cut 8 (11) “…learn about it.”

Morris says having the Meta data center will help set up Richland Parish students for successful careers.

Cut 9 (12)  “…with their career.”

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The number of non-farm jobs in Louisiana has topped 2.01 million for the first time in state history. That’s according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Adam Knapp, the CEO of Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says it’s a major milestone, driven largely by growth in the construction industry.

Cut 10 (12) “…the capital region.”

Knapp says Monroe posted the fastest job growth of any metro area, fueled by construction of Meta’s 50-billion-dollar data center in Richland Parish. He says six of the state’s ten metro areas added jobs, while Houma and Shreveport are among the four that lost jobs.

Cut 11 (10) “…the coming year”

While the construction boom has boosted employment, Knapp says he’s concerned Louisiana ranks among the lowest in the South for new business applications since 2019.

Cut 12 (10) “…a faster rate.”

Knapp says the construction jobs are temporary. He says if new firms do not form behind the megaprojects, the boom risks leaving little residue.

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A new law going into effect August 1st sets a minimum length limit of 12 inches and a daily creel limit of five for black bass and a minimum length of eight inches and a 25-fish daily limit for crappie in portions of the Atchafalaya Basin. Ryan Montegue with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the law hopes to improve fishing in the area.

Cut 13 (09)  “…catch larger fish.”

The law affects portions of the Atchafalaya Basin and nearby waterways in south-central Louisiana. Montegue says waterways outside of the designated area will abide by the previous regulations.

Cut 14 (08) “…of ten fish.”

Montegue says the law will allow LDWF officials to Montier the fishing quality in the area closely.

Cut 15 (12) “…benefit the fishery.”

For a map of the effected area visit the LDWF website.

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The Sun Belt conference kicks of media days in New Orleans today. UL Lafayette was picked to finish second in the West division in the preseason coaches’ poll. Fifth-yar head coach Michael Desormeaux returns starting quarterback Lunch Winfield, who Locked on Sun Belt podcast host Dave Schultz says will be key to the Cajuns’ success.

Cut 16 (19) “…couple of years.”

Louisiana Tech finished fourth in the poll in its first season in the Sun Belt. The Bulldogs have another fifth-year head coach in Sonny Cumbie, who brings back two starting quarterbacks from last season in Blake Baker and Trey Kukuk. Tech finished last year 8-and-5 with an Independence Bowl win over Coastal Carolina, and Schultz expects them to compete right away.

Cut 17 (14) “…that preseason poll.”

ULM came last in the poll, where they finished after going 1-and-7 in conference play last season. Third-year head coach Bryant Vincent brings back starting quarterback Aidan Armenta and three of his top four targets; but after two seasons of disappointment in Monroe, Schultz says it’s make-or-break for the Warhawks this season.

Cut 18 (15) “…the Sun Belt.”

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SWAC Media Day kicks off in Birmingham, Alabama, today. One of the biggest storylines in the conference is the new head coach of the Southern Jaguars: NFL legend Marshall Faulk. SWAC TV play-by-play announcer Santoria Black has high expectations for the Jaguars, but he says fans may need to wait before they dub Faulk the next Coach Prime.

Cut 19 (19) “…he’s just not.”

Defensive back Herman Brister and wide receiver Cameron Jefferson will join Faulk at Media Day.

Grambling finished 7-and-5 last season and 4-and-4 in conference play. Black says Mickey Joseph’s Tigers have some big questions to answer, but their five home games this season make them a team to watch.

Cut 20 (17) “…have a shot.”

The Tigers will be represented by offensive lineman Alexander Vigil and linebacker Marcellius Johnson.

A political rift is heating up between Governor Landry and New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno. It started when Moreno and other city officials pushed back against a new law that combined the city’s civil and criminal district courts. Landry noted that Orleans Parish was the only one with two separate district courts.

Cut 10 (13) “…rest of the state.” 

Moreno responded by saying the focus should always be to strive for every city and every parish to reach their fullest potential.

Teachers in Richland Parish are living the good life. Thanks to tax revenues from the new Meta data center, teachers there are getting a bonus of up to FIFTY-THOUSAND DOLLARS! Mangum High School head football coach Scott Wilcher says that’s a huge help to him and his family.

Cut 5 (09) “…along right now.”

Deputies in St. John the Baptist Parish rescued four people from a car that crashed into a canal off the side of I-10. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

A deputy U.S. marshal was killed in a shooting in Alexandria yesterday afternoon. It happened as Deputy Marshal Drew Hanson was attempting to serve an arrest warrant on 48-year-old Clarence Frazier Jr. The U.S. Marshals Service says Frazier was ultimately taken into custody. The FBI is leading the investigation into Hanson’s death.

The under-construction Meta data center in Richland Parish is paying dividends for teachers in a huge way – literally. The increased tax revenues from the project have led to teachers receiving a bonus this year of up to – listen to this number – FIFTY-THOUSAND DOLLARS! Holly Ridge Elementary School teacher Sarah Morris says the jaw-dropping bonus makes life a lot easier for her and her fellow teachers.

Cut 4 (11) “…a great way.”

In the latest back and forth between state leaders and the city of New Orleans, Governor Jeff Landry says the Crescent City is no longer a key to the success of Louisiana. Landry says New Orleans is not the economic driver it once was.

Cut 9 (09)  “…fate of New Orleans.”

Tragedy in Ponchatoula as a three-year-old boy died in a hot car late last week. Police Chief Bry (“bree”) Layrisson says police responded after the vehicle owner found Jahcari James locked inside.

Cut 12 (10) “…just fell asleep.” 

Chief Layrisson says this is merely a tragic accident; and while the investigation is ongoing, he does not expect any criminal charges to be filed.

St. John the Baptist Parish sheriff’s deputies rescued four people from a car that crashed into a canal off of I-10 early Monday morning. The two adults and two children were taken to a New Orleans-area hospital, and Sheriff Mike Tregre says he has not received any negative news on their health. He hopes they can one day meet the deputies under better circumstances.

Cut 8 (09) “…that night.”

The Meta data center in Richland Parish is paying off quite handsomely for schoolteachers there – literally. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Deputies in St. John the Baptist Parish rescued four people from a car that crashed into a canal off the side of I-10. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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The under-construction Meta data center in Richland Parish is paying dividends for teachers in a huge way – literally. The increased tax revenues from the project have led to teachers receiving a bonus this year of up to – listen to this number – FIFTY-THOUSAND DOLLARS! Holly Ridge Elementary School teacher Sarah Morris says she’s shocked by the enormity of the bonus.

Cut 3 (07) “…of this sort.”

Morris, who teaches third and fourth grade, says the jaw-dropping bonus makes life a lot easier for her and her fellow teachers.

Cut 4 (11) “…a great way.”

Mangum High School head football coach Scott Wilcher says the bonus is a huge help to him and his family.

Cut 5 (09) “…along right now.”

The bonuses are part of an overall investment in the Richland Parish region of more than 50-billion dollars.

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St. John the Baptist Parish sheriff’s deputies rescued four people from a car that crashed into a canal off of I-10 early Monday morning. Sheriff Mike Tregre says the deputies were nearby for another crash and were directed to the partially submerged vehicle.

Cut 6 (10) “..out of the vehicle.”

The crash occurred around 1 a.m. near the Spencer Chauvin Memorial Bridge. Tregre says the deputies acted immediately and it was just their human reaction to jump into the canal and pull them out.

Cut 7 (08) “…proud of them.”

State Police is investigating the cause of the crash. The two adults and two children in the car were taken to New Orleans area hospitals, and Tregre says he has not received any negative news on their health. He says he hopes they can one day meet the deputies under better circumstances.

Cut 8 (09) “…that night.”

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In the latest back and forth between state leaders and the city of New Orleans, Governor Jeff Landry says the Crescent City is no longer a key to the success of Louisiana. Landry says New Orleans is not the economic driver it once was.

Cut 9 (09)  “…fate of New Orleans.”

Landry made that statement to reporters following a press conference where Meta announced it is committing more than 50-billion dollars to its Richland Parish Data Center project. Landry says Meta’s investment brings the total invested in Louisiana by businesses to 150-billion dollars since he took office in 2024.

A political rift started growing between Governor Landry and newly elected New Orleans Helena Moreno, when Moreno and other city officials pushed back against a new law that combined the city’s civil and criminal district courts. Landry points out Orleans Parish was the only parish in the state with two separate district courts and they should be treated like every other parish.

Cut 10 (13) “…rest of the state.”

Moreno responded to Landry’s latest comments by saying the focus should always be to strive for every city, every town and every parish to reach their fullest potential.

The mayor is asking for a face-to-face meeting with the governor to go over the city’s finances. New Orleans is strapped for cash which is forcing Moreno to furlough employees and delay projects. Landry says he’ll meet with the mayor, but he says one important condition needs to be met.

Cut 11 (07) “…a discussion.”

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Tragedy in Ponchatoula as a three-year-old boy died in a hot car late last week. Police Chief Bry (“bree”) Layrisson says police responded after the vehicle owner found Jahcari James locked inside.

Cut 12 (10) “…just fell asleep.”

Chief Layrisson says this is merely a tragic accident; and while the investigation is ongoing, he does not expect any criminal charges to be filed.

Cut 13 (08) “…any foul play.”

Layrisson says family members attempted life-saving measures on the little boy until first responders arrived; but given the time he was inside, it was hopeless.

Cut 14 (06) “…the heat exhaustion.”

Governor Landry says he’ll accept New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno’s invitation for an in-person meeting to discuss the city’s finances. But Landry says one important condition needs to be met.

Cut 11 (07) “…a discussion.”

New Orleans is strapped for cash which is forcing Moreno to furlough employees and delay projects.

A three-year-old Ponchatoula boy is dead after apparently locking himself inside a vehicle last Friday afternoon. Investigators say Jahcari James walked out of his home and climbed into the unlocked vehicle. He was locked inside for more than 45 minutes before family members were able to get him out. Ponchatoula Police Chief Bry Layrisson says this appears to be a tragic accident, and he does not expect any criminal charges to be filed.

Cut 13 (08) “…any foul play.”

Deputies in St. John the Baptist Parish rescued four people from a car that crashed into a canal off the side of I-10. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

A deputy U.S. marshal was killed in a shooting in Alexandria yesterday afternoon. It happened as the marshal was attempting to serve an arrest warrant on a fugitive. The U.S. Marshals Service says the suspect was ultimately taken into custody. The FBI is leading the investigation into the marshal’s death.

A political rift is heating up between Governor Landry and New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno. It started when Moreno and other city officials pushed back against a new law that combined the city’s civil and criminal district courts. Landry noted that Orleans Parish was the only one with two separate district courts.

Cut 10 (13) “…rest of the state.” 

Moreno responded by saying the focus should always be to strive for every city and every parish to reach their fullest potential.

The increased tax revenue from the under-construction Meta data center in Richland Parish is leading to teachers there receiving a bonus this year of up to – listen to this number – FIFTY-THOUSAND DOLLARS! Holly Ridge Elementary School teacher Sarah Morris says she’s shocked by the enormity of the bonus.

Cut 3 (07) “…of this sort.”

St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputies rescued four people from a car that crashed into a canal off of I-10 early Monday morning. Sheriff Mike Tregre says the deputies were nearby for another crash and were directed to the partially submerged vehicle.

Cut 6 (10) “..out of the vehicle.”

Tragedy in Ponchatoula as a three-year-old boy died in a hot car late last week. Police Chief Bry (“bree”) Layrisson says police responded after the vehicle owner found Jahcari James locked inside.

Cut 12 (10) “…just fell asleep.” 

Chief Layrisson says this is merely a tragic accident; and while the investigation is ongoing, he does not expect any criminal charges to be filed.