 BY DOUG GRAHAM | Staff writer Gov. Jeff Landry says the 4-million-square-foot data center planned for northeast Louisiana will position the state "as a leader in the world of technology." The project is one of the largest private investments in the state's history. The $10 billion facility, planned for 2,250 acres outside Holly Ridge, will be about the size of 70 football fields. The governor says it will deliver a critical boost to the local economy and put Louisiana on the map as global tech companies seek out places for new investments. Read what the project will mean as far as jobs and infrastructure.
Ashley Davis, who teaches fourth grade math inclusion at Central Intermediate School, has been named the 3,000th winner of the Milken Educator Award, which comes with $25,000 cash, no strings attached. She learned of the honor during a surprise ceremony Wednesday at the school. Davis, who also coaches T-ball, softball, basketball and soccer, says teaching "is a great profession." “It's rewarding and it's just a great place to be.” Read more about her special day.
Ascension Parish School Board President Taft Kleinpeter says holding a prayer before board meetings is a long-standing custom and that no one has ever raised a concern about it. Now, a nonprofit advocacy group says a parent has submitted a complaint, and it is asking to board to take steps to stop the practice, saying it violates the First Amendment. Read more about the issue. | 
