By Greg LaRose | Editor-in-Chief
In this week’s episode of our podcast, “The Light Switch,” we preview a task force that begins work soon to update the formula that determines how much state money goes to local public schools. Also, there’s news to share on the River Parishes refinery that’s let harmful waste escape from its property on several occasions going back more than two years — without any consequences from the state. Listen below
Meta is building what would be the world's largest data center in north Louisiana. (Rendering courtesy of Meta)
By Wes Muller
The Louisiana Public Service Commission will decide whether Meta can keep its records on its artificial intelligence data center project secret from the public. Environmental and consumer groups have pressed state utility regulators to require Meta provide more specific information about its investment, how many jobs it will create and how much electricity is needed to power the massive facility taking shape in Richland Parish. Meta insists those details amount to trade secrets, which have required several elected officials, including Gov. Jeff Landry, to sign nondisclosure agreements to protect.
ALSO: Julia Letlow bought Meta stock after signing NDA, records show | Gulf States Newsroom
Gov. Jeff Landry’s administration says a no-bid contract it has encouraged lawmakers to approve would save the state between $40 million and $70 million by locking in discounts on Motorola technology for a decade. (Greg LaRose/LAI)
By Julie O’Donoghue
Louisiana lawmakers will consider a $54 million, no-bid contract for disaster communications services, body-worn and dashboard cameras and other technology state law enforcement agencies use. Gov. Jeff Landry’s administration recommended last month that the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget endorse an exclusive 10-year deal with Motorola to provide all that equipment.
Hailey Allred buckles up her twins in preparation to leave Stanton Healthcare in Meridian, Idaho on Jan. 16, 2026. (Otto Kitsinger for States Newsroom)
By Sofia Resnick and Shalina Chatlani
Some crisis pregnancy centers have been criticized for using deceptive tactics to dissuade or delay women seeking abortion. As part of States Newsroom’s ongoing series, Billion Dollar Baby Bump, reports spoke with former pregnancy center staffers and clients who sought care at the centers. These are some of their stories.
Why does Louisiana see so many people qualify for its elections? Senior Reporter Julie O’Donoghue looks at the fairly minimal standards that candidates have to meet.
By Shalina Chatlani
Since President Donald Trump began his second term with a vow to crack down on illegal immigration, more than a dozen states have enacted laws designed to keep federal agents away from schools. But the Immigration and Customs Enforcement sweeps that have unfolded reveal the limits of state and local authority when it comes to immigration enforcement.
By Louisiana Illuminator
Areas of Louisiana that saw physical damage from Tropical Storm Arthur in June have been given more time to apply for assistance from the Small Business Administration, the agency has announced. It has also extended the impact period from the storm that passed through June 17.
NEWS FROM THE STATES
Half of homeless students were suspended during school year | West Virginia Watch
Crabs overtaking lobsters in warming coastal waters| New Hampshire Bulletin
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