The Public Service Commission could vote today to approve an Entergy plant that would power a Meta data center in northeast Louisiana.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

There’s the possibility we could see a special session this fall on redistricting. House Speaker Phillip DeVillier has told House members to keep their schedules open for late October, early November. The US Supreme Court will re-hear arguments on the constitutionality of Louisiana’s current congressional map on October 15^th, but it’s unclear when the court will make a ruling.

Smoking is down across the country…and here in Louisiana.  In fact, in 2023, fewer than .  16-percent of Louisiana adults surveyed admitted that they smoke. That’s down almost eight points in ten years. But Chrishelle Stipe with the Louisiana Public Health Institute says other smoking alternatives, like vaping, are on the rise.

Cut 10 (12) “…people stay healthy.”

He may be living the good life in Miami, but former LSU head football coach Ed Orgeron says he wants to return to the sidelines. Orgeron told Tiger Rag Radio that now that his sons have started their coaching careers, he’s getting the itch to coach again.

Cut 3 (14) “…and compete again.”

LSU fired Orgeron in 2021 and he received a 17-million-dollar buyout– half of which ultimately went to his ex-wife. The payments end at the end of 2025.

The Public Service Commission is meeting at this hour, and it may decide whether to approve a power plant that Entergy is looking to build in northeast Louisiana that would power a massive Meta data center. The Alliance for Affordable Energy is asking the commission to hold off on voting on it until October. Executive Director Logan Burke says the project will benefit one company, while everyone else gets to pay for it.

Cut 4 (13) “…in North Louisiana.”

But Commissioner Mike Francis says most stakeholders appear to be on board with the plan, so there’s no sense in delaying the inevitable. Francis says Louisianans already benefit from some of the lowest energy costs in the country.

Cut 7 (08) “…in the country.”

Crews are making good progress on the Backbone Fire in the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area in Natchitoches Parish. Jim Caldwell with the U.S. Forest Service says as of yesterday evening, the 24-hundred-acre fire was just under 60-percent contained.

Cut 11 (11) “…soon be out.”

Caldwell says there are no homes or structures threatened, and no one has been forced to evacuate.

Just like across the rest of the country, smoking continues to be on the decline in Louisiana. In 2023, less than 16-percent of Louisiana adults surveyed admitted that they smoke. Chrishelle Stipe with the Louisiana Public Health Institute says, however, that other tobacco use is on the rise – especially among younger people.

Cut 9 (11)  “…electronic cigarette use.”

Crews are making some real progress on that Backbone Fire in the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area in Natchitoches Parish. Jim Caldwell with the U.S. Forest Service says the 24-hundred-acre fire was just under 60-percent contained as of last night.  Caldwell, says there are no homes or structures threatened, and no one has been forced to evacuate.

Cut 12 (12) “…within that wilderness.”

Smoking is down across the country…and that goes for Louisiana as well. In 2023, the latest year that data is available, fewer than 16-percent of Louisiana adults surveyed admitted they smoke. That’s down almost eight points from a decade ago. Chrishelle Stipe with the Louisiana Public Health Institute says it’s a sign that messaging about the dangers of smoking is working.

Cut 8 (08) “…across the state.”

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Just a few days left to get yourself a raffle ticket that could win you season tickets to all of the major sports teams in Louisiana. Andre Champagne has details.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

In Shreveport, a Blanchard man accused of murdering his mother while slept in bed, has been indicted.  19 year old Connor Lyons is charged with second degree murder in the stabbing death of 55 year old Lara Lyons on May 23^rd.  Lyons is in the Caddo Correctional Center on a two million dollar bond.

If you’re a sports fan, you may want to get  your shot at a raffle The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation is doing soon.  The grand prize winner will get two season tickets to 17 different events. Jay Cicero, the president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports says the raffle helps bring so many special sporting moments to the state.

Cut 15 (13) “…to Louisiana.”

The drawing is set for Sunday.

Smoking is down across the country…and here in Louisiana.  In fact, in 2023, fewer than .  16-percent of Louisiana adults surveyed admitted that they smoke. That’s down almost eight points in ten years. But Chrishelle Stipe with the Louisiana Public Health Institute says other smoking alternatives, like vaping, are on the rise.

Cut 10 (12) “…people stay healthy.”

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Officials say crews fighting that Backbone fire in Natchitoches Parish that started August 3^rd, are making real progress.  As of last night, it was 60 percent contained.  Jim Caldwell with the U.S. Forest Service says fire personnel remain on the scene and are working to achieve full containment.

Cut 13 (13)  “…very good situation.”

Authorities believe it was a lightning strike that started the fire.

The Public Service Commission may decide today whether to approve a power plant that Entergy is looking to build in northeast Louisiana that would power a massive Meta data center. The project has garnered a fair share of controversy. The Alliance for Affordable Executive Director Logan Burke says the Entergy power plant for the Meta data center has both short-term and long-term risks.

Cut 6 (14) “…ever asked for.”

But Commissioner Mike Francis has said Louisianans already benefit from some of the lowest energy costs in the country

The Public Service Commission could vote today to approve an Entergy plant that would power a Meta data center in northeast Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
It appears smoking is still on the decline in Louisiana down 10 percent in 2023 from a decade ago, according to those surveyed.  But Chrishelle Stipe with the Louisiana Public Health Institute says while cigarette smoking is down, other tobacco use is on the rise – especially among younger people.

Cut 9 (11)  “…electronic cigarette use.”

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The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation launched its Premier Season Ticket raffle earlier this summer. The raffle offers one lucky fan the chance to win tickets to over 500 of South Louisiana’s top sporting events. Jay Cicero, the president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, says the proceeds will help the foundation continue to host major events around the state.

Cut 14 (12) “…of Louisiana.”

The grand prize winner will receive two season tickets to 17 different eventsThe drawing is set for Sunday.  Go to the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation’s website to purchase a raffle ticket.

And hey, mark your calendars.  LSU women’s basketball will host Kim Mulkey’s alma mater Louisiana Tech in New Orleans on December 13^th in the first game of a doubleheader. The LSU men will take on SMU in the second game.

The good news – smoking is down in Louisiana. The bad news – alternatives are up. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

In Natchitoches Prish, crews are making good progress on the Backbone Fire in the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area.  Jim Caldwell with the U.S. Forest Service says as of yesterday evening, the 24-hundred-acre fire was just under 60-percent contained.

Cut 11 (11) “…soon be out.”

The fire started on August 3rd, and it’s believed to have been caused by a lightning strike.

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The Public Service Commission may decide today whether to approve a power plant that Entergy is looking to build in northeast Louisiana that would power a massive Meta data center. The project has garnered a fair share of controversy. The Alliance for Affordable Energy is asking the commission to hold off on voting until October. Executive Director Logan Burke says the project will benefit one company, while everyone else gets to pay for it.

Cut 4 (13) “…in North Louisiana.”

But Commissioner Mike Francis says most stakeholders appear to be on board with the plan, so there’s no sense in delaying the inevitable. Francis says having the Meta data center will benefit everyone in the long run.

Cut 5 (09) “…for Entergy ratepayers.”

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is taking public input on a proposal that would prohibit the rehabilitation of injured coyotes. Farmers and ranchers support the rule change because they say coyotes will prey on cattle, but Dr. Mark Mitchell, a professor of zoological medicine at the LSU Vet school, says there’s a benefit to taking in injured coyotes, bringing them back to health and releasing them back to the wild.

Cut 9 (10)  “…these animals.”

Bitcoin mining company Hut 8 has broken ground on a massive 2.5-billion-dollar artificial intelligence data center in West Feliciana Parish. Parish President Kenny Havard says this will be an economic game-changer – not just for the parish, but for the entire region.

Cut 3 (09) “…the people here.”

LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey will face her alma mater in a game that will be played in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Crews are making good progress on the Backbone Fire in the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area in Natchitoches Parish. The U.S. Forest Service says the 24-hundred-acre fire is currently just under 60-percent contained. There are no homes or structures threatened, and no one has been forced to evacuate. The fire is believed to have been caused by a lightning strike earlier this month.