NCAA GYMNASTICS SEMIFINALS LSU continues quest for title 1C THE
ACADIANA
ADVOCATE
T H E A C A D I A N A A D V O C AT E.C O M
|
T h u r s d ay, a p r i l 16, 2026
Meta seeks power for data center expansion
H
$2.00X
2026 LEGISLATURE
State could dismantle DCFS amid criticism Bill would divide department into different agencies
BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer
cedure, but one that is not binding on the commission. “Only in government is eight months rushed to make a decision,” said Commissioner Jean-Paul Coussan, who voted in favor of Entergy’s requests. The utility said it met requirements for the commission’s “lightning initia- Coussan tive,” a fast-tracked approval process for large projects like data centers designed to reduce red tape. Approved in December, the measure exempts utilities seeking to build new infrastructure from going to the market to prove that the new generation is the cheapest and most reliable option available. Entergy says in its filings that “the ability to deliver speed-to-power and execute on the economic-driven
After years of frustration about child deaths from abuse and neglect in Louisiana, a state lawmaker wants to dismantle the Department of Children and Family Services, moving some of its functions into the health department and others into law enforcement agencies. Sen. Patrick McMath, RCovington, unveiled the plan in Senate Bill 462 during a Wednesday meeting of the Senate health committee, which he chairs. Louisiana faces problems with “child welfare and, in particular, child deaths,” McMath said, and the state’s child welfare apparatus “There is needs “significant, foundaa unique tional” change. opportunity “There is a unique opportunity here and a true desire here and a to fix what is a broken systrue desire tem,” he said. “If we don’t, to fix what children will continue to die is a broken at an unacceptable pace in system. If we Louisiana.” But hours after McMath don’t, children unveiled the plan, Gov. Jeff will continue Landry gave it a frosty reto die at an ception. unacceptable “It’s hard for me to know pace in if I support it or not. Nobody talked to me about it,” Louisiana.” Landry said in a brief interSEN. PATRICK view. “I’m extremely frusMcMATH, trated with the Senate and with Sen. McMath.” R-Covington Louisiana senators have long complained that the child welfare agency isn’t adequately protecting abused and neglected children. They’ve said that too many kids are dying at the hands of caregivers, even after potential dangers were previously flagged to the state. McMath’s proposed overhaul broadly includes three major changes. DCFS would no longer be a standalone cabinet agency. It would become a division in the state’s
ä See META, page 5A
ä See DCFS, page 5A
STAFF FILE PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER
As construction continues on the sprawling Meta data center site in Holly Ridge, plans for a huge expansion are already underway.
Entergy gets OK to speed up approval process to build seven more gas-fired plants for project BY JOSIE ABUGOV
Service Commission would enable Entergy to generate 7,400 megawatts in total for the tech company Plans for a huge expansion of with its 10 gas-fired plants, the Meta’s Louisiana data center took equivalent of over half of all power their first steps before Louisiana it currently produces statewide. It is also requesting electricity regulators 2,500 megawatts of on Wednesday, with 20 Monroe solar and wind enEntergy granted an 20 initial green light for ergy, as well as an an expedited approvHolly Ridge: 61 upgrade to existing nuclear sites. al process to build Site of 165 Four out of the five seven more gas-fired Meta AI elected regulators power plants for the data center 49 Alexandria voted in favor of project. Entergy’s proposal The expansion adds LA. MISS. for an advanced to what was already Miss. River timeline, agreeing expected to be Meta’s to cast a final vote on largest AI data cenBaton 49 Rouge the new power plan ter worldwide, being in December, roughbuilt in northeastern Staff map 10 Louisiana at a cost of ly eight months afsome $27 billion. The ter the utility filed seven new power plants would be in the application. The commissioners addition to three already approved also sided with Entergy to forego a for the project. formal recommendation from an Approval from the state’s Public administrative judge, a typical proStaff writer
Bill to remove elected officials draws opposition
LAFAYETTE PARISH
School Board rescinds vote to close Comeaux Public hearing set for Thursday
BY CLAIRE TAYLOR Staff writer
The Lafayette Parish School Board voted Wednesday evening to rescind a March 12 vote to close Comeaux High School. The vote followed a district court judge’s decision Monday to grant a prelimi-
WEATHER HIGH 84 LOW 66 PAGE 6A
nary injunction against the School Board and school district until an April 29 trial. 15th Judicial Court Judge Valerie Gotch-Garrett prohibited the board and school district from taking action to close the school until the trial. The board voted March 12 to close Comeaux High at the end of the current school year, sending students to
ä See COMEAUX, page 5A
Critics say it could become partisan weapon BY MEGHAN FRIEDMANN Staff writer
STAFF FILE PHOTO
Sen. Jay Morris, R-West Monroe, is sponsoring legislation that would allow the Legislature to unseat an official for ‘malfeasance or gross misconduct.’
State lawmakers could soon use the courts to oust elected officials they believe are guilty of wrongdoing after a bill to give them that power cleared its first hurdle in the Louisiana Legislature on Wednesday. Senate Bill 425 by state Sen. Jay
Business ...................10C Commentary ................3B Nation-World................2A Classified .....................4A Deaths .........................4B Opinion ........................2B Comics-Puzzles .....7C-9C Living............................5C Sports ..........................1C
Morris, R-West Monroe, would allow the Legislature, through a twothirds vote of either the House or the Senate, to pursue a civil suit to unseat an official for “malfeasance or gross misconduct.” In a state government dominated by Republicans, the proposal caught heat from Democrats, who worried it was overly vague and could be used to unfairly target members of their party. SB425 is one of two controversial measures being considered this session that would expand
ä See OFFICIALS, page 6A
101ST yEAR, NO. 290