It took ten months of talks, but Facebook and Instagram parent company, Meta, is set to build a massive 10-ten billion dollar A-I data center in Richland Parish.  State Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois.

Cut 7 (11) “…solved the problem.”

That project is expected to create 500 or more direct jobs.

197 million people shopped online and in stores from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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State Treasurer John Fleming has announced he’ll run against Senator Bill Cassidy in 2026. Fleming represented Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District from 2009 to 2017. After leaving the U.S. House, Fleming served as a Trump advisor before becoming Louisiana state treasurer last year. Fleming says he would bring a new voice to the Senate.

Cut 5 (13) “…senator like me.”

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter has become the first vice chair of the Congressional Black Caucus for the upcoming 119th Congress. Carter says he’s honored to be chosen for the second-most senior position in caucus leadership and looks forward to being the voice of people who have historically been marginalized.

Cut 11 (08) “…and left behind.”

Governor Jeff Landry says Facebook and Instagram parent company, Meta, is making the largest investment ever in north Louisiana with a ten-billion dollar A-I data center in Richland Parish. Here’s Jeff Palermo.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The five-day shopping period from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday reached the 41 billion dollar mark this year for online sales. The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports there were more shoppers than expected this year.  But LSU Associate Professor of Marketing Dan rice says it’s that’s down from last year.

Cut 13 (10)  “…197 million this year.”

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Senator Bill Cassidy has a primary challenger for his seat in 2026. State Treasurer John Fleming announced that he will be running for Cassidy’s seat. Fleming said one of his main priorities should he be elected to the Senate in 2026 is the southern border.

Cut 4 (10) “…and the like.”

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter is elected first vice chair of the Congressional Black Caucus for the upcoming 119th Congress. Carter says he’s honored to be tapped for the second-most senior position in caucus leadership.

Cut 10 (06) “…opportunity to serve.”

Carter says he looks forward to being the voice of people who have historically been marginalized.

We all know the holiday season can be a difficult time…marked for many by stress, loneliness and depression at a time when everyone expects us all to be cheerful.  Experts recommend setting realistic expectations and focusing on connection instead of perfection. LSU Medical Center Trauma Psychologist Sandy Hyatt.

Cut 8 (08) “…isolated and low.”

Today is Giving Tuesday in Louisiana, a day for individuals, businesses, and organizations to unite in addressing community needs and driving positive change. United Way Southeast Louisiana CEO Michael Williamson says it’s amazing to see how many people are willing to give.

Cut 12 (14) “…helps accomplish that.”

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The Ragin Cajuns are gearing up to host the Sun Belt Championship game on Saturday night. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The worst fears regarding Saints utility man Taysom Hill’s knee injury are confirmed. He has a torn ACL and will miss the rest of the season. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi…

Cut 15 (13) “…step up.”

Today is Giving Tuesday in Louisiana, encouraging residents across the state to support charitable causes and engage in acts of generosity. Taking place on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, United Way Southeast Louisiana CEO Michael Williamson says Giving Tuesday provides a chance for all of us to unite to address community needs and drive positive change.

Cut 10 (15) “…make that happen.”

Speaking of change, some aspects of the Louisiana’s new tax reform package needs voter approval and that election is set for March 29th. Steven Procopio, the president of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, says citizens will vote on what is essentially a rewrite of the tax and spending section of the state constitution.

Cut 4 (10) “…rainy day fund.”

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The Holidays should be a time for joy and happiness, but for many it’s a difficult time marked by stress, loneliness, and depression. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…Sean Richardson.”

An 87 year old grandmother is dead and fie others are inured after an explosion in Avondale yesterday.  According to investigators, the explosion happened after a construction truck ruptured a nearby gas line.  87 year old Delores Gabriel died in the fire.  Five other family members, including a two year old and a four year old, were treated for burn-related injuries.

Some aspects of Louisiana’s new tax reform plan will require voter approval.  And that’ll be on the ballot in March.  Here’s Andrew Greenstein.

Cut 1 (33)“…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, has released its annual list of the most popular baby names for 2024.   Vice President of Marketing and Communications Laurel Burgos says leading the list for boys is a name that’s been very popular for the last few years…

Cut 13 (05)  “…top of the boys list.”

The most popular names for girls, Amelia, Charlotte and Olivia.

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The holiday season can be a difficult time for many, marked by stress, loneliness, and depression. Common triggers include societal expectations of cheerfulness, financial pressures, unrealistic ideals, grief, and seasonal affective disorder. LSU Medical Center Trauma Psychologist Sandy Hyatt …

Cut 7 (08) “…much time with.”

Today is Giving Tuesday in Louisiana, so be on the lookout for ways you can help those in need. Nonprofits, schools, and faith-based organizations across the state participate organizing fundraisers, volunteer events, and awareness campaigns. United Way Southeast Louisiana CEO Michael Williamson says donating just a little can make a big difference.

Cut 11 (16) “…14-dollar impact.”

Louisiana’s lung cancer survival rate is 5 percent lower than the national average.  Here’s Sean Richardson.

Cut 2 (34) “…Sean Richardson.”

A Shreveport woman is hospitalized after authorities say a man stabbed her in the head.  It happened over the weekend in the 24-hundred block of David Raines Road.  Police say the woman was dropping off her children at the man’s home when the incident happened. He’s in jail.  She’s expected to make a full recovery.

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This holiday shopping season is as short as possible after Thanksgiving came late this year. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says shoppers are having to adjust…many of them buying more on line, to save time.

Cut 6 (11) “…their purchasing power.”

The Saints fell to 4-and-8 after a 21-14 loss to the Rams at home yesterday. New Orleans had a chance to win or tie the game on a fourth down inside the Rams’ 10-yard line with under two minutes to go but came up short. Coach Darren Rizzi

Cut 15 (18) “…they should be.”

Thanksgiving is barely over, but it’s already late in the holiday shopping season.  Here’s Andrew Greenstein.

Cut 1 (35)“…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

It’ was a busy and sadly, violent weekend in the Crescent City with 11 people shot in six separate shootings.  In all two men and a toddler were killed, eight other people were injured.  NOPD reports three of the six shooting incidents happened on Canal street.
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The nonprofit Tax Foundation says changes lawmakers made to Louisiana’s tax code in the recent special session should improve the state’s business climate.   Senior policy analyst at the Tax Foundation, Manish Batt says it will allow Louisiana to better compete with other states.

Cut 11 (13) “…that problem.”

Governor Landry  is thrilled about the the tax reform package, but New Orleans Democratic Representative Mandie Landry says a reduction to personal income taxes, combined with a higher sales tax, is a wash for most taxpayers …

Cut 14 (16) “…going up.”

The nonprofit Tax Foundation says changes made to improve Louisiana’s tax code by lawmakers during the special session will move the Bayou State out of the bottom in their rankings for tax codes. Senior policy analyst at the Tax Foundation, Manish Batt, says the tax reform package waiting for the governor’s signature should improve the state’s Business climate…

Cut 10 (10) “…already have.”

But not everyone is as optimistic.   State Representative Mandie Landry, a Democrat from New Orleans, says she doesn’t believe the changes will lead to business growth.

Cut 13 (12)  “…hasn’t happened”

Louisiana’s income tax rate will go down beginning January 1^st, while the state sales tax will go up five cents at the start of the new year.

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One of the worst states in the nation for lung cancer survival is Louisiana, with a survival rate of 23-percent, significantly below the national average of 28-percent. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…Sean Richardson.”

Since Thanksgiving fell on the latest date possible, it’s let to the shortest Christmas shopping season possible. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says retailers started their Black Friday deals early this year…

Cut 4 (07) “…some next week.”

The nonprofit Tax Foundation applauds the changes Louisiana lawmakers have made to the state’s tax code. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A violent weekend in the Crescent City with 11 people shot in six separate shootings.  In all two men and a toddler were killed, eight other people were injured.  NOPD reports three of the six shooting incidents happened on Canal street.

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This year, the shortened calendar means less time to shop for that perfect Christmas present.  That’s because Thanksgiving fell so late this year. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says the short shopping season is forcing shoppers to adjust their behavior.

Cut 5 (18) “…to get back.”

Louisiana ranks among the worst in the nation for lung cancer survival, with a survival rate 5 percent lower than the national average.  American Lung Association Director of Advocacy Eric Weinzettle says contributing factors include low rates of lung cancer screening and surgical treatment and more smokers.

Cut 7 (10) “…here in Louisiana.”

If holiday shopping is on your to-do list today, don’t forget to make sure local businesses are on your list.  Today’s Small Business Saturday. Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, reminds us all that small businesses are the backbone of our communities.

Cut 9 (10)  “…kids’ sporting event.”

Speaking of shopping, the National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts shoppers will spend more this year than they did last year. Experts say the balance between online and in-store shopping continues to blur, with convenience and accessibility playing a big role. .  LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says retailers are focusing on seamless shopping experiences using technology like AI and data analytics to attract and retain customers.

Cut 6 (07) “…of sales”

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LSU will close out the regular season against Oklahoma tomorrow night, they’re hoping for a win on senior night. Kave Kieschnick has more…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The world’s tallest Christmas tree structure is back again this year in Stonewall.  The “Spirit of DeSoto” Christmas tree structure was unveiled last year, but this year’s lighting ceremony is bigger and better. The event kicks off at five behind Stonwall Government Plaza on Highway 171.  The 300 foot radio communications tower “tree” lighting is set for 6:30.