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

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Meta, Facebook’s parent company, is reportedly planning to build a multi-billion dollar artificial data center near Holly Ridge in Richland Parish. The five billion dollar project would reportedly mean 500 jobs. For the project to become a reality, the Public Service Commission would have to approve three new natural gas power plants, which would provide power to the facility.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state added 77-hundred jobs in October. L-W-C Economist Emily DiPalma says construction, private education and health services and manufacturing showed the largest gains over the month and Dipalma expects those industries to keep adding jobs…

Cut 9 (06) “….ten year outlook”

The Houma market added 500 jobs over the last month, 300 additional jobs for Lafayette and Shreveport, but Monroe lost 200 jobs.

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.”

Negotiations continue at the State Capitol on a tax plan that would lead to lower income taxes, but higher sales taxes. The Landry Administration originally sought to tax 41 services that are currently not taxed, but La-Politics Publisher Jeremy Alford says that list has been pared down to 19 services…

Cut 10 (11) “….initially brought up”

Spa services, computer software installation and repair, cable and satellite services and car washes would be taxed.

Starting May 7^th you’ll need a REAL ID or you’ll need a passport or some other federally acceptable document to fly domestically. Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Dan Casey says most Louisiana residents do not have a REAL Id…

Cut 30 (07) “…are real ID”

Casey urges Louisiana residents to visit their local OMV office to upgrade their current driver’s license or state ID to a real ID, if you have not done so already.

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.

Robert F Kennedy Junior is a controversial pick to lead the U-S Department of Health and Human Services and the coming Republican-held Senate will ultimately decide whether to confirm him. Cassidy will serve as chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in the next Congress. Cassidy on the confirmation process…

Cut 4 (10) “….will take place”

Cassidy says his role as HELP Committee Chairman will prioritize advancing policies rooted in scientific consensus.

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.”

At the beginning of the special session on tax reform, the state’s film tax credit program was on the chopping block. But Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says there’s an effort to preserve it. Connick says they are looking to lower the amount of credits distributed to film producers each year from 180-million dollars to 125-million dollars…

Cut 3 (07) “…jobs here.” 

Senator Bill Cassidy has been a loud voice in Washington D-C for flood insurance reform, saying premiums are no longer affordable. Cassidy says premiums in Louisiana have increased by 234 percent.

Cut 9 (14)  “…last year.”

Cassidy criticized FEMA, saying it’s creating a program that is going bankrupt.

Starting May 7th, you will need to upgrade your ID to a Real ID in order to board a flight. During a news conference at Baton Rouge Municipal Airport, Dan Casey, the commissioner of the Office of Motor Vehicles, says just a small percentage of those without Real ID would represent a lot of travelers.

Cut 6 (12) “…unable to travel.”

And starting in May, you can fly nonstop between Shreveport and Nashville. Mark Crawford, the airport business and development manager for the Shreveport Airport Authority, says Allegiant Airlines is offering twice-weekly non-stop flights between the two cities on a seasonal basis.

Cut 12 (07) “…things go well.”

The flights begin May 22nd and will be offered Thursdays and Sundays.

Starting May 7th, you will need a Real ID to board a flight. Dan Casey, the commissioner of the Office of Motor Vehicles, says getting a Real ID is easy at your local OMV office. A birth certificate or passport and two pieces of mail, are needed to obtain a Real ID.

Cut 7 (10) “…they meet requirements.”

With Real IDs, verification records will be kept by the state. There is no additional charge to update your ID to a Real ID.

Starting in May, nonstop flights between Shreveport and Nashville will begin. Mark Crawford, the airport business and development manager for the Shreveport Airport Authority, says Allegiant Airlines will begin a trial run offering the flights on Thursdays and Sundays. And he says if you plan properly, you can get a round-trip flight for less than 100 dollars.

Cut 14 (04) “…for that price”

The flights begin May 22nd

Two Louisiana high school football teams have been disqualified from the playoffs. Kace Kieschnick tells us why…

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

There’s an effort to preserve film tax credits, which are being threatened in Governor Landry’s tax reform package. Film industry leaders have told legislators if the film tax credit program is eliminated, hundreds of jobs will go away. But Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says these tax credits mostly benefit producers who do not live in Louisiana…

Cut 5 (13) “…and New York.”

Governor Landry wants to scale back the film tax credit program and several other tax credits, to make up revenue from cuts in other parts of his tax plan that would lower the income tax rate. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says there has been healthy dialogue between legislators and those in the film industry…

Cut 4 (12) “…fluid over here.”

The special session must conclude by Monday night.

Senator Bill Cassidy has been a loud voice in Washington D-C for flood insurance reform. He says NFIP has been in desperate need of reform for years and Republicans will have an opportunity to deliver for the American People next year…

Cut 11 (05) “…next congress.”

Nonstop flights between Shreveport and Nashville are coming in May. Mark Crawford, the airport business and development manager for the Shreveport Airport Authority, says they had been trying to get daily nonstops between the two for about eight years.

Cut 13 (08)  “…every single day.”

Allegiant Airlines is offering twice-weekly non-stop flights on Thursdays and Sundays on a seasonal basis. The trial flights begin May 22nd.

Louisiana Hwy 15 through the tiny Village of Baskin has been named “Lainey Wilson Highway” honoring the Baskin native and Country Music Association Award Winner. The Country Superstar was on hand Saturday as Northeast Louisiana Music Trail markers were dedicated to her musical beginnings. Also present was Lt. Gov. Nungesser who named her Louisiana Music Ambassador in 2022 the same year she was named New Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year. In 2023 she was named Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year.

At the beginning of the special session on tax reform, the state’s film tax credit program was on the chopping block. But Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says there’s an effort to preserve it. Connick says they are looking to lower the credit distributed to film producers each year from 180 million to 125-million dollars…

Cut 3 (07) “…jobs here.”

Governor Landry wants to scale back the film tax credit program and several other tax credits, to make up the difference in revenue if the state lowers the income tax rate

Senator Bill Cassidy is calling for flood insurance reform saying premiums that have increased by 234 percent are no longer affordable. He says FEMA is creating a program that is going bankrupt, but he says he has a plan to make the Nation Flood Insurance Program affordable, accountable, and sustainable…

Cut 10 (06) “…find away forward.”

If you haven’t updated your driver’s license to a Real ID, time is running out. Andrew Greenstein is at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport with more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Starting in May, you can fly nonstop between Shreveport and Nashville. Mark Crawford, the airport business and development manager for the Shreveport Airport Authority, says Allegiant Airlines is offering twice-weekly non-stop flights between the two cities on a seasonal basis.

Cut 12 (07) “…things go well.”

Crawford says they had been trying to get this service for about eight years.

If you haven’t updated your driver’s license to a Real ID, time is running out. Andrew Greenstein is at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport with more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Two Louisiana high school football teams have been disqualified from the playoffs. Kace Kieschnick tells us why…

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

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At the beginning of the special session on tax reform, the state’s film tax credit program was on the chopping block. But Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says there’s an effort to preserve it. Connick says they are looking to lower the amount of credits distributed to film producers each year from 180-million to 125-million dollars…

Cut 3 (07) “…jobs here.”

Governor Landry wants to scale back the film tax credit program and several other tax credits, so the state can afford to lower the state’s income tax rate on individuals. Connick says there has been healthy dialogue between legislators and those in the film industry…

Cut 4 (12) “…fluid over here.”

Film industry leaders have told legislators if the film tax credit program is eliminated, hundreds of jobs will go away. But Connick says these tax credits mostly benefit producers who do not live in Louisiana…

Cut 5 (13) “…and New York.”

The special session must come to a conclude next Monday night.

______________________________________

Starting May 7th, you will need to upgrade your ID to a Real ID in order to board a flight. During a news conference at Baton Rouge Municipal Airport, Dan Casey, the commissioner of the Office of Motor Vehicles, says just a small percentage of those without Real ID would represent a lot of travelers.

Cut 6 (12) “…unable to travel.”

Casey says getting a Real ID is easy. All you need to do is to go to your local OMV office and bring with you a birth certificate or passport and two pieces of mail, and your ID will be upgraded to a Real ID.

Cut 7 (10) “…they meet requirements.”

Casey says Louisiana has a long way to go to get everyone updated to Real ID.

Cut 8 (07) “…are real ID.”

The difference between a regular ID and a Real ID is that Real ID verification records are kept by the state. There is no additional charge to update your ID to a Real ID.

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Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy has been a loud voice in Washington D-C for flood insurance reform. Cassidy says Risk Rating 2.0 has led to flood insurance premiums that are no longer affordable. He has new numbers on how costly flood insurance has become. Cassidy says premiums in Louisiana have increased by 234 percent.

Cut 9 (14)  “…last year.”

Cassidy criticized FEMA saying its creating a program that is going bankrupt, and he has a plan to make NFIP affordable, accountable, and sustainable…

Cut 10 (06) “…find away forward.”

Cassidy says NFIP has been in desperate need for reform for years and Republicans will have an opportunity to to deliver for the American People next year…

Cut 11 (05) “…next congress.”

______________________________________

Starting in May, you can fly nonstop between Shreveport and Nashville. Mark Crawford, the airport business and development manager for the Shreveport Airport Authority, says Allegiant Airlines is offering twice-weekly non-stop flights between the two cities on a seasonal basis.

Cut 12 (07) “…things go well.”

Crawford says they had been trying to get daily nonstops between Shreveport and Nashville for about eight years due to the demand.

Cut 13 (08)  “…every single day.”

And Crawford says if you plan properly, you can actually get a round-trip flight for less than 100 dollars.

Cut 14 (04) “…for that price”

The flights begin May 22nd and will be offered Thursdays and Sundays.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy has been a loud voice in Washington D-C for the need for flood insurance reform. Cassidy says Risk Rating 2.0 has led to flood insurance premiums that are no longer affordable. He has new numbers on how costly flood insurance has become. Cassidy says premiums Louisiana residents are paying have increased by 234 percent.

Cut 9 (14)  “…last year.”

Cassidy says he has a plan to make NFIP affordable, accountable, and sustainable

We are less than six months away from the Real ID deadline. Starting May 7^th, in order to fly domestically, you’ll need a REAL ID or you’ll need to present a passport or some other federally acceptable document. Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Dan Casey says most Louisiana residents do not have a REAL Id…

Cut 8 (07) “…are real ID”

Casey urges Louisiana residents to visit their local OMV office to upgrade their current driver’s license or state ID to a real ID, if you have not done so already.

Two Louisiana high school football teams have been disqualified from the playoffs. Kace Kieschnick tells us why…

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

There was speculation Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves could be President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Transportation Secretary. But Trump has nominated former Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy for that post.

Starting next May, Allegiant Airlines will fly direct from Shreveport to Nashville on Thursdays and Sundays.

There’s an effort to preserve film tax credits, which are on the chopping block with the tax reform package. Film industry leaders have told legislators if the film tax credit program is eliminated, hundreds of jobs will go away. But Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says these tax credits mostly benefit producers who do not live in Louisiana…

Cut 5 (13) “…and New York.”

Starting May 7th, you will need to upgrade your ID to a Real ID in order to board a flight. During a news conference at Baton Rouge Municipal Airport, Dan Casey, the commissioner of the Office of Motor Vehicles, says just a small percentage of those without Real ID would represent a lot of travelers.

Cut 6 (12) “…unable to travel.”

Real IDs have a gold star in the upper right-hand corner. There is no additional charge to obtain one.

Governor Landry awards nearly 1.4-billion dollars in grants to bridge the digital divide. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 23 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”