A new report finds that Louisiana’s job growth rate is ranked third fastest in the South for 2025. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”
____________________________________________
A major milestone for the Amtrak Mardi Gras line, and it reached it much earlier than expected. Andre Champagne reports.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”
____________________________________________
A program allowing library card holders to obtain a free pass to visit a state park or historic site expands statewide. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
______________________________________________
A report from Leaders for a Better Louisiana finds that Louisiana is doing well in creating jobs and lowering crime. Better Louisiana CEO Adam Knapp says based on state and federal data, Louisiana ranks third among Southern states for job growth, adding nearly 23-thousand jobs last year. Knapp says all large Louisiana metros and two smaller metros saw year-over-year growth.
Cut 4 (06) “…all seeing growth.”
Knapp says the fastest regional growth rates were in Slidell, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles and Monroe. He says Meta’s data center construction is fueling Monroe, and St. Tammany Parish is experiencing strong population growth.
The state’s job growth surpassed both Texas and Florida by percentage. South Carolina and North Carolina were the only two southern states to outperform Louisiana’s job growth.
Knapp says health and social assistance is leading the growth in new jobs, and employment in construction has been steadily growing since last August.
Cut 5 (09) “…over the place.”
When it comes to crime, Knapp says Louisiana’s homicide rate dropped 59-percent from 2021 to 2025, the third largest decline among peer states.
Cut 6 (11) “…pretty big drop.”
_____________________________________________________________
When Amtrak’s Mardi Gras service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, started last August, officials were anticipating that 75-thousand people would climb on board in the first year. We’re eight months in, and it has already welcomed its 100-thousandth passenger! Walt Leger, the president and CEO of New Orleans and Company, says it’s a milestone beyond anyone’s expectations.
Cut 7 (09) “…a tremendous feat.”
Leger says the fact that the line includes stops in places which, like New Orleans and Mobile, are exciting walkable destinations like Biloxi and Gulfport, Mississippi, has increased interest in the line.
Cut 8 (07) “…access our community.”
Leger says the success of the Mardi Gras line could ultimately result in a population boom in New Orleans and all other cities which have stops.
Cut 9 (08) “…creates more accessibility.”
There are future plans to extend the Mardi Gras line further west to Baton Rouge.
_________________________________________________________
The Check Out Louisiana program has expanded statewide. Through a partnership between the State Library and Louisiana State Parks, library card holders can check out a free day pass to any of Louisiana’s 21 state parks and 14 historic sites. State Librarian Meg Placke (PLACK-ee) says the pilot program that they launched in October of 2024 with 19 library systems was a huge success.
Cut 10 (11) “…across the state.”
There are only a limited number of passes available, and they are distributed among the library systems in proportion with the populations they serve. Placke says each library system sets its own rules on how they can be obtained.
Cut 11 (08) “…to your library.”
Placke says along with the free passes, library card holders can also check out a Geaux Explore backpack, which contains various items designed to enhance their visit.
Cut 12 (09) “…the Louisiana wildlife.”
For more information, you can visit Check Out Louisiana-dot-org.
_________________________________________________________
Two people have been arrested for killing a three-year-old four years ago. Baton Rouge Police have charged 22-year-old Jayden Davis and a juvenile for first degree murder in the killing of Devin Page Jr., who was fatally shot while sleeping in his home in April of 2022. His grandmother, Cathy Toliver, is overcome with emotion that justice is finally being served.
Cut 13 (12) “…process of healing.”
A shooting in the street resulted in 30 bullet holes on the outside of the house where Page lived. East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards says the arrests send a signal to anyone who is thinking about committing violent crime in the state’s capital city.
Cut 14 (11) “…to get you.”
Davis was arrested in California, while the juvenile was already in the East Baton Rouge Parish prison for unrelated homicides. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore commended the work of everyone involved in the case.
Cut 15 (08) “…come to today.”
________________________________________________________
LSU wraps up spring football this week. The Tigers’ offense struggled for most of the spring but has started to find its rhythm over the past few practices. Coach Lane Kiffin says he’s seen significant improvement from the quarterback group in the last week.
Cut 16 (16) “…progression’s really good.”
Lane Kiffin has been open about his commitment to a healthy lifestyle, as he avoids alcohol and works out regularly. He’s emphasized to his coaching staff the importance of staying in shape and has recently taken an active role in helping them improve their health at the facility.
Cut 17 (16) “…long he lives.”
Kiffin also says that putting in work at the facility and staying in shape shows players that the coaches are holding themselves to the same standard.
It’s been nearly five months since Kiffin arrived in Baton Rouge. He says he’s gotten to know the city much better and is falling in love with it.
Cut 18 (11) “…so it’s unique.”
______________________________________________________
LSU football received a verbal commitment Monday night from four-star athlete Braylon Calais (COL-ay) out of Cecilia High School. Calais, who grew up as a huge LSU fan, says he is excited to join what he believes is a special program being built by the new coaching staff.
Cut 19 (10) “…part of it.”
Calais is the fourth commitment in LSU’s 2027 recruiting class. He joins four-star quarterback Peyton “Pop” Houston out of Shreveport, whom Calais says played a major role in his decision to join the Tigers.
Cut 20 (06) “…be a blessing.”