Aclara Resources Inc. announced a $277 million investment to construct the first U.S. heavy rare earth separation facility at the Port of Vinton in Calcasieu Parish, bringing nearly 600 new job opportunities.

Orion Engineers + Constructors is relocating its corporate headquarters from Theodore, Alabama, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The move involves a $5+ million investment, the creation of 50 new direct jobs with an average annual salary of $100,000, and a total estimated job impact of 111 in the Capital Region. Louisiana offered incentives including the Quality Jobs program to secure the project.

Louisiana, led by Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB), has joined the Greatest American Cleanup to help remove 25 billion pieces of litter nationally by July 4, 2026. Citizens are encouraged to participate through KLB programs like Get Down & Cleanup and Love the Boot Week. New Orleans will also host the Keep America Beautiful (KAB) National Summit in February 2026.

ARCO Executive Director Roma Kidd is retiring after 44 years of leadership, during which she greatly expanded programs and advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Early voting for the November 15 Open General/Orleans Municipal Parochial General Election in Louisiana will take place from Saturday, November 1 through Saturday, November 8 (excluding Sunday, Nov. 2), from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Voters can cast ballots at their parish Registrar of Voters Office or designated locations, and are reminded to bring an ID.

In Greece, fewer babies means difficult decisions, especially on remote islands where low birth rates are forcing some schools to close and raising questions about the future of island culture.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in eastern Cuba near the city of Chivirico early Wednesday as a Category 3 storm after pummeling Jamaica.

North Korea said Wednesday its recent test-firings of sea-to-surface cruise missiles were successful, in another display of its growing military capabilities as U.S. President Donald Trump visits South Korea.