Senator Bill Cassidy has a primary challenger for 2026. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31)“…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

Governor Landry says Facebook and Instagram parent company, Meta, is making the largest investment ever in north Louisiana with construction of a ten-billion dollar artificial intelligence data center in Richland Parish. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

_____________________________________________

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

Cut 3 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_____________________________________________

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.”

Fleming previously represented Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District from 2009 to 2017. During this time, he and eight other Republicans founded the House Freedom Caucus. 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.”

Fleming said while Cassidy’s vote to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial in 2021 was one of the overriding factors leading to his decision to challenge him, that’s not the only reason. Fleming said Cassidy is out of touch with Louisiana voters.

Cut 6 (15) “…none of that.”

A spokesman for the Cassidy campaign released a statement, saying that he thought that Fleming wanted to be state treasurer, but apparently that’s not the case. The spokesman said Fleming wants to get out of Louisiana; and since he couldn’t get a job in the Trump administration, he’s looking for another job in Washington.

_____________________________________________

Facebook and Instagram parent company, Meta, will build a massive 10-ten billion dollar artificial intelligence data center in Rayville in Richland Parish. A project expected to create 500 or more direct jobs. So how did it happen? Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says initial conversations with Meta began soon after Governor Landry took office and ten months later Louisiana won the project…

Cut 7 (11) “…solved the problem.”

Bourgeois says a project of this magnitude usually takes years of negotiations before construction can begin, but talks with Meta only took months to get done. She says to support both the construction and eventual operation of the data center, Louisiana Community and Technical College System has committed 250-thousand dollars in Workforce Rapid Response….

Cut 8 (12) “…executing on that.”

Bourgeois says Louisiana’s Legislature also played a major role in attracting this data center to northeast Louisiana by approving a sales tax rebate bill…

Cut 9 (09)  “…announcements.”

Bourgeois says construction begins immediately and Meta would like to see the facility completely built out in the next three to four years.

_____________________________________________

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.

Cut 11 (08) “…and left behind.”

Carter says while America has come a long way in providing opportunity for minorities, there’s still a long way to go.

Cut 12 (12) “…a fair shake.”

_______________________________________________________

The five-day shopping period from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday delivered promising results for retailers, particularly in e-commerce. U.S. online sales reached 41-billion-dollars. The National Retail Federation (NRF) highlighted a higher-than-expected 197 million shoppers, surpassing initial forecasts by over 13.6 million. LSU Associate Professor of Marketing Dan Rice says the number of shoppers was lower from last year…

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

Rice says online shopping saw significant growth, with Cyber Monday sales hitting 13-billion dollars, up 7-percent year-over-year, and mobile purchases comprising 57-percent of those sales, reflecting a steady shift toward mobile commerce.

Cut 14 (08) “…another errand.”

In-store shopping traffic declined by 2-percent compared to last year, though it outperformed average year-to-date figures.  Rice says in-store retailers are making changes to keep up with online shopping trends…

Cut 15 (12) “…instead of Black Friday.”

_______________________________________________________

McNeese introduces – makes that RE-introduces – Matt Viator (VEE-uh-tore) as its new head football coach. During his introductory news conference, Viator said McNeese is very special to him and to his family.

Cut 16 (09) “…in our heart.”

Viator previously coached the team from 2006 to 2015, racking up 78 wins, four Southland Conference titles and five playoff appearances. But Viator has turned the page from his first stint.

Cut 17 (24) “…the game’s changed.” 

Viator replaces Gary Goff, who was fired after the team finished 6-and-6 this season.

_______________________________________________________

The LSU football team has brought in a top-ten recruiting class, but it could have been a top-five class if five-star recruits Bryce Underwood and Kade Phillips had not decommitted leading up to national signing day. Kelly says money was the factor in why they chose to play elsewhere…

Cut 18 (16)   “…we live in.”

Kelly did not mention the players by name, but basically they received an offer that they couldn’t refuse.

The strength of the class is all of the homegrown talent, like linebacker Dylan Moses from University High in Baton Rouge. Kelly says Moses will have a great experience at LSU and will be awarded financially.

Cut 19 (18) “…financially.”

LSU signed two wide receivers, Phillip Wright from Destrehan and TaRon Francis from Edna Karr. Kelly is excited about Francis’ potential…

Cut 20 (20) “..at LSU.”

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 previously represented Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District from 2009 to 2017. During this time, he and eight other Republicans founded the House Freedom Caucus. After leaving the U.S. House, Fleming served as a Trump advisor before becoming Louisiana state treasurer last year.

Outgoing Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves’ name has surfaced as a possible choice to lead FEMA. Graves says he has spoken to President-elect Trump’s transition team about various positions with the new administration, but FEMA director is not one he’s excited about…

Cut 3 (08) “…that position.” 

Graves believes for FEMA to be effective in responding to disasters, it needs to be a cabinet-level agency and not tucked inside the U-S Department of Homeland Security.

Governor Landry announces a 10-billion dollar investment for a Meta A-I Data Center. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (34) “….I’m Colleen Crain” 

Despite a couple big names defecting from LSU in the days before this, the first day of the early signing period, LSU has inked a few big names in the freshman class of 2025. They include the top two running backs in the state – Harlem Berry of St. Martin’s High School in Metairie and J.T. Lindsey of Alexandria Senior High.

Governor Jeff Landry has announced a Meta, the operator of Facebook and Instagram, will invest $10 billion  dollars to build an Artificial Intelligence Optimized Data Center in Richland Parish near Rayville. Landry says this facility is the largest of more than 20 Meta Data centers…

Cut 14 (08) “…our state.”

Construction begins immediately and Entergy will meet add clean, power efficient power plants to its system to meet growing power demands.

Outgoing Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves’ name has surfaced as a possible choice to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  Graves believes for FEMA to be effective in responding to disasters, it needs to be cabinet level agency and not tucked inside the U-S Department of Homeland Security…

Cut 4 (08) “…of community.”

LSU signs some big names on this, the first day of the early signing period. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming announced his 2026 U.S. Senate run for Bill Cassidy’s seat. A Republican, Fleming previously represented Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District (2009-2017) and served as a Trump advisor before becoming Treasurer in 2023. If successful, he would return to Washington, D.C., continuing his political career.

Facebook parent company Meta announces that it will build an Artificial Intelligence Optimized Data Center in Richland Parish near Rayville. Governor Landry says it’s a game changer for the state.

Cut 13 (14)  “…Louisiana’s landscape.”

The data center is expected to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, as well as thousands of construction jobs.

Outgoing Congressman Garret Graves’ name has surfaced as a possible choice to lead FEMA. Graves says he’s not a fan of FEMA’s structure and wanted to see Donald Trump implement reforms in his first term.

Cut 5 (12) “…Homeland Security.”

Graves will be leaving Congress at the end of his term after not seeking re-election.

A prestigious honor for a fourth grade math teacher in East Baton Rouge Parish, as Ashley Davis is awarded the 3,000th Milken Educator Award. Davis has significantly influenced the school’s inclusion model, creating a supportive environment for general and special education students to thrive.

Cut 10 (15) “…it doesn’t matter.”

Davis was awarded 25-thousand dollars.

LSU scores some big names on National Signing Day. Zach Nagy, the publisher of LSU Tigers on S-I, says LSU signed the number-one cornerback in the state in Aiden Anding of Ruston High School.

Cut 8 (15) “…like Aidan Anding.”

Governor Jeff Landry has announced a landmark $10 billion investment to build the world’s largest Meta Data Center in North Louisiana, marking the largest private investment in the state’s history. This 4-million-square-foot facility, to be in Richland Parish near Rayville, Landry says it’s expected to create thousands of jobs and span over 2,000 acres.

Cut 12 (10) “…technology and innovation.”

Outgoing Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves’ name has surfaced as a possible choice to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Graves says he has spoken to Donald Trump’s transition team about various positions with the new administration, but FEMA director is not one he’s excited about…

Cut 3 (08) “…that position.”

Central Intermediate School’s assembly transformed into a milestone celebration as Ashley Davis, a fourth-grade math teacher, was awarded the 3,000th Milken Educator Award. Founder Lowell Milken presented Davis with the prestigious honor and an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize, praising her dedication to raising academic achievement and fostering a love for learning.

Cut 9 (08)  “…wait what?”

It’s national signing day and LSU has signed the top two running backs in the state. Zach Nagy, the publisher of LSU Tigers on S-I, says the top one is Harlem Berry from St. Martin’s High School in Metairie.  The number-two running back in the state – J.T. Lindsey from Alexandria Senior High School, who he says has blossomed in his senior season.

Cut 7 (11) “…for that program.”

Governor Landry and Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development, Susan Bourgeois announced what is expected to be the largest private capital investment in Louisiana history today. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is building a $10 billion AI data center in Richland Parish.

Cut 12 (10) “…and innovation.”

The the project will bring over 500 direct jobs, 1,000 indirect jobs and 5,000 construction jobs at its peak.

It’s not the job he wants but outgoing Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves’ name has surfaced as a possible choice to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Graves believes for FEMA to be effective in responding to disasters, it needs to be cabinet level agency.

Cut 4 (08) “…of community.”

Despite a couple big names defecting from LSU before the first day of the early signing period today, LSU has inked a few big names in the freshman class of 2025, including the top two running backs in the state. Zach Nagy, the publisher of LSU Tigers on S-I, says the top one is Harlem Berry from St. Martin High School in Metairie, whom he calls the best running back LSU has signed since Leonard Fournette.

Cut 6 (10) “…down the field.”

Nagy says LSU also signed the number two running back in the state – J.T. Lindsey of Alexandria High School

Ashley Davis, a fourth-grade math teacher at Central Intermediate School, has been awarded the 3,000th Milken Educator Award. Beyond her classroom success, Davis mentors fellow teachers, leads professional learning communities, and serves on the Instructional Leadership Team.

Cut 11 (13) “…form of teaching.”

Governor Jeff Landry is in Rayville along with Louisiana Economic Development Secretary,  to make a major economic development announcement. Meta is building a 5 billion dollar AI facility in Richland Parish The Facility will bring hundre5-billion-dollare state. Entergy will need to build 3 new power plant plants to provide energy for the project expected to bring in even more jobs. The project is projected to provide a significant boost to Louisiana’s economy.

Garret Graves is in his final days as a U-S Representative for Louisiana’s Sixth Congressional District. The Baton Rouge Republican’s name has surfaced as a possible choice to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but Graves says he’s not a fan of FEMA’s structure and wanted to see Trump implement reforms to it in his first term

Cut 5 (12) “…Homeland Security.”

It’s Official. McNeese welcomes Matt Viator (VEE-uh-tore) back as its new head football coach. Viator previously coached the team from 2006 to 2015, racking up 78 wins, four Southland Conference titles and five playoff appearances. Jim Gazzolo with the American Press in Lake Charles says this is a great rehire for the school but says the second time around might not be a carbon copy of Viator’s first stint.

Cut 17 (14) “…of recreate it.” 

Central Intermediate School’s assembly transformed into a milestone celebration as Ashley Davis, a fourth-grade math teacher, was awarded the 3,000th Milken Educator Award. Founder Lowell Milken presented Davis with the prestigious honor and an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize, praising her dedication to raising academic achievement and fostering a love for learning.

Cut 9 (08)  “…wait what?”

Outgoing Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves’ name has surfaced as a possible choice to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Graves says he has spoken to Donald Trump’s transition team about various positions with the new administration, but FEMA director is not one he’s excited about…

Cut 3 (08) “…that position.”

He says he’s not a fan of FEMA’s structure and wanted to see Trump implement reforms in his first term. Graves believes for FEMA to be effective in responding to disasters, it needs to be cabinet level agency and not tucked inside the U-S Department of Homeland Security

Senator Bill Cassidy is urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to bring the Social Security Fairness Act up for a vote.

Cut 13 (15)  “…it weeks ago.”

The legislation would eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset, which lawmakers from both parties say unfairly cuts Social Security benefits for those who work in the public sector.

This year many Louisiana students are missing out on financial aid for college due to incomplete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (27)“…I’m Sean Richardson.”

St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office investigators were baffled when an Opelousas mother turned herself in to authorities telling them that she physically and sexually abused her children, both under the age of 4 years citing extreme stress stemming from a divorce. There were no outstanding arrest warrants for 31-year-old Kiersten White who is now charged with indecent behavior with juveniles, first degree rape, sexual battery, and cruelty to juveniles.

Cut 9 (10)  “…to have happened.”

Major Mark LeBlanc (le-BLAH) says the kids’ injuries are minor, and that they should make a full recovery.

A St. Landry Parish woman is under arrest for allegedly sexually assaulting her own children. 31-year-old Keirsten White is facing four charges in connection with the abuse of her two kids, both of whom are under four years old. Major Mark LeBlanc (le-BLAH) with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office says investigators were baffled when White turned herself in. 

Cut 7 (13) “…this particular situation.”

LeBlanc says the kids’ injuries are minor, and that they should make a full recovery.

Senator Bill Cassidy is urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to bring the Social Security Fairness Act up for a vote.

Cut 14 (05) “…for a vote.”

The legislation would eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset, which lawmakers from both parties say unfairly cut Social Security benefits for those who work in the public sector.

Many Louisiana students are missing out on financial aid for college due to incomplete FAFSA forms. It’s a national trend exacerbated last year by glitches in the application’s rollout. Ebony Holmes with the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance says despite that, Louisiana is doing relatively well.

Cut 6 (09) “…national average.”

Today is Signing Day in college football. Matthew Brune covers LSU football for The Bengal Tiger and says LSU has signed a pair of top linebackers.

Cut 12 (14) “…in the class.”

Running back Harlem Berry out of St. Martin’s High School in Metairie has also signed. In all, Brune says LSU will have one of the ten best freshman classes of 2025.

Senator Bill Cassidy is urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to bring the Social Security Fairness act for a vote. Cassidy says in the waning days of the 118th Congress, the Senate is focused too much on legislation that means less to the American people.

Cut 15 (13) “…legislation that matters.”

Schumer has considered attaching the act to the budget bill. Cassidy said he would still support it if that’s indeed what happens.

A Texas-based wing restaurant that’s been a staple in the LSU community for more than two decades is no more. Both Pluckers locations in Baton Rouge, including the one near the LSU campus, abruptly closed earlier this week. The franchisee cited upgrade costs as the reason to shut them down. They were the only locations outside the State of Texas.

A lottery player in St. Mary Parish is now a millionaire. The lucky player matched all five regular balls in the November 26th Mega Millions drawing but missed the MegaBall. Adding the Megaplier, that brings the prize to three-million dollars.

This year many Louisiana students are missing out on financial aid for college due to incomplete FAFSA forms. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (27)“…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Today is Signing Day in college football. Matthew Brune covers LSU football for The Bengal Tiger and says the days leading up to signing day haven’t been the easiest in program history.

Cut 10 (12) “…Gorman in Nevada.”

Still, Brune says LSU is expected to sign one of the top ten freshman classes of 2025.