The so-called miracle drug for diabetes that also helps with weight loss is in short supply. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards continues to invest in the future of Louisianians in a recent trip. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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After leaving his job as Secretary of DOTD last week, will Dr. Shawn Wilson announce he’s running for Governor soon? More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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A request to add nearly 225 megawatts of solar power to its generation mix was filed by Entergy Louisiana with Louisiana Public Service Commission.  The approval includes the purchase, construction, and operation of new solar power resources. Entergy Louisiana Resource Planning Director, Laura Beauchamp says two projects to supplement solar energy have been selected.

Cut 4 (08)  “…Ouachita Parish.”

The demand for renewable energy and clean power is growing. Beauchamp says customers and the economy will benefit under this proposal.

Cut 5 (08) “…solar resources.”

Entergy Louisiana currently has approximately 280 megawatts of renewable resources. Beauchamp is optimistic PSC will move in the right direction.

Cut 6 (08)  “…these resources.” 

PSC is scheduled to meet on March 15th.

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The diabetes medication Ozempic has been making headlines recently, some say it’s a miracle drug for weight loss and it’s on the FDA medication list of shortages. Director of Bariatric Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans, Dr. Catherine Hudson says many patients take the medication for diabetes and others for weight loss.

Cut 7 (09) “…for both.”

Hudson says Ozempic and similar medications target gut hormones and since she’s been treating obesity, these new medications are real game changers. As for shortages of Ozempic and others like it, Hudson says it’s a supply chain issue…

Cut 8 (09) “…this medication.”

She says physicians should only prescribe Ozempic and medications that are FDA approved for patients that truly need it to treat obesity and or diabetes. Hudson says some refuse to see and treat obesity as a disease and another hurdle is insurance providers refusing coverage for the medications.

Cut 9 (11)  “…for weight loss.”

The medications are not ideal for those who’ve had pancreatitis or been diagnosed with or family history of thyroid cancer.

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Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards is in Asia this week to reinforce economic development and trade ties. Edwards is accompanied by LA Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson, LED’s Office of International Commerce, as well as members of the governor’s staff. The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Eric Holl, says this trip is essential for the state’s economic growth.

Cut 10 (09)  “…in Louisiana.”

The total value of goods imported into Louisiana from Japan last year was nearly $524 million.

Cut 11 (09)  “…four-thousand jobs.”

Edwards will engage in meetings with major companies currently invested in the state and future partners.

Cut 12 (05) “…paying jobs.”

Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to return this weekend.

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After officially leaving his job at the state Department of Transportation Saturday, speculation is building that Secretary Shawn Wilson will announce he is running for Governor this fall – perhaps as early as today. Wilson’s entry would make him the only widely-known Democrat candidate in the race thus far. UL-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says Wilson’s greatest obstacle at this point is statewide name recognition…:

Cut 13 (12) “…running for governor.” 

Still, Stockley feels Wilson’s possible entry will definitely impact the dynamics of the race, as his running will mean less chance that another Republican candidate will make a November runoff. Stockley says, if Wilson does officially enter the race for governor, he is committing to a lot of hard work ahead…:

Cut 14 (10)  “…fundraising.”

Wilson stepped down from his job as head of DOTD last week. Political insiders say an announcement on the fall election could come as early as today. Seen as the frontrunner, Attorney General Jeff Landry has over $5-million in campaign money, and a political action committee with almost $2-million to put behind him. Stockley says Wilson’s entry will shake things up, but his success depends on how he campaigns..:

Cut 15 (12)  “…rest of the field.”

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Cut  16 (11)  “…that really need it.” 

Cut 17 (15) “…match that.” 

Cut 18 (19) “…for us.”

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Cut 19 (20) “…that building.”

Cut 20 (18)  “…this tournament.” 

Lawyers for New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell are expected to take legal action after the number of signatures needed to trigger a recall election of the mayor has been decreased. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin reached an agreement with the NoLaToya campaign on a number of signatures after it was determined there are about 25-thousand inactive voters on the Orleans Parish voter rolls. Cantrell says recall effort is now an attempt to disenfranchise Black voters. Ardoin says that is not true…:

CUT 04(12)      “…be changed.”

The recall now needs only about 45-thousand confirmed signatures to go to the Governor. Organizers says they have over 49-thousand.

Governor John Bel Edwards is overseas for a weeklong series of meetings with business leader and policymaker to assist with foreign trade investments. Edwards departed Friday and it’s Louisiana’s first trade mission to Asia.

Crawfish season is here, and prices are starting to look favorable for the delicious mudbugs.  Crawfish app co-founder Laney King says you can use the free app to find the best prices on crawfish…:

CUT 07(08)      “…ten friends.”

More than 16 hundred vendors across the state are listed on the Crawfish App, and it’s a free download.

State Police have opened up an area of their website and social media presence to make it easy for you to give them feedback. Complaints, compliments or concerns. Trooper Melissa Matey says there are several positive interactions that troopers have with the public and this new link gives them the ability to share those stories with their supervisors and the department.

Cut 15 (06) “…contact us.”

You can find the link on LSP.org or their Twitter and Facebook pages.

Lawyers for New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell are expected to take legal action after the number of signatures needed to trigger a recall election of the mayor has been decreased. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin reached an agreement with the NoLaToya campaign after it was determined there are about 25-thousand inactive voters on the Orleans Parish voter rolls.

Cut 3 (10) “…we did that 

The number of verified signatures needed is now just 45 thousand, it was more than 49-thousand. If verified by March 22 a recall election would be held in October.

As the search for Nathan Millard, the Georgia man who’s been missing over a week now, continues, now the United Cajun Navy is also assisting. TexasEquuSearch is also retracing the 42-year-old contractors steps looking for clues in his disappearance. BRPD is still treating it as a missing persons case but say they haven’t ruled out foul play.

Tax reforms were on the lips of the four Republican candidates for governor at Thursday’s Louisiana Association of Business & Industry event. A.G. Jeff Landry says the state’s tax code is hurting more than helping, and surrounding states have either eliminated, don’t have, or have reduced their state income tax…:

CUT 11(10)      “…about that.”

Another GOP candidate, Slidell state Senator Sharon Hewitt says the state has complicated structures in the tax code, and to level the playing field there are lots of exemptions and credits…:

CUT 12(11)      “…to be successful.”

Also at that meeting Mandeville state Representative Richard Nelson and State Treasurer John Schroder. All agree tax reform is needed.

The process of certifying signatures collected in the effort to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is underway. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The United Cajun Navy is conducting and search this morning for the Georgia man who went missing in Baton Rouge last week. They are holding an outreach and downtown cleanup event until Four this afternoon searching for Nathan Millard. Volunteers are meeting at the Watermark Hotel. Police are still treating this as a missing persons case, and say they haven’t ruled out foul play.

State Police launch a new feature on their website that lets you interact directly, with complaints, praise, feedback, or concerns. Trooper Melissa Matey says go online to “LSP.org” and look for the Compliments/Complaints tab. You can also get there via social media…:

Cut 14  (10)      “…internal affairs personnel.”

Crawfish season is here, and prices are starting to look favorable for those delicious mudbugs. The crawfish industry is seeing a solid supply of good-sized crawfish. Co-Founder of The Crawfish App, Laney King

Cut 6 (09)  “…last year” 

As supply increases, prices are expected to continue to come down over the next few months.

The four republican candidates for governor spoke of tax reforms during a forum at the annual meeting the Louisiana Association of Business & Industry in Baton Rouge this week. State Treasurer John Schroder says the state needs to compete with others who’ve lowered or eliminated state income taxes…:

CUT 09  (08)        “…18 years.”

Another candidate, Mandeville state Rep. Richard Nelson, says ending state income tax will help stem the outmigration of people and businesses…:

CUT 10  (11)        “…they’re successful.”

Slidell state Senator Sharon Hewitt and Attorney General Jeff Landry were also there. They too agree that tax reforms are sorely needed. The state’s open primary election comes up October 14^th.

A St. Gabriel cop is under arrest; accused of shooting and killing his estranged wife’s new man. Deputies in East Baton Rouge Parish say 27-year-old Andre Reddit broke into the woman’s home, where he found the victim, 26-year-old Dylan Martin. That’s where the trouble began. When officers arrived they found Martin dying from multiple gunshots. Reddit is now charged with second-degree murder, stalking and obstruction of justice. His Bond is set at $275-thousand.

Have you tried downloading the Crawfish app, to get the latest and lowest prices for mudbugs? That’s what it’s called; simply “the Crawfish App.” Co-founder Laney King says the season is shaping up for a solid supply of good-sized crawfish, and prices are starting to stabilize…:

CUT 08  (06)        “…great news.”

Over 1650 vendors across the state are listed on the Crawfish App, and it’s a free download.

Lawyers for New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell are expected to take legal action after the number of signatures needed to trigger a recall election of the mayor has been decreased. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin reached an agreement with the NoLaToya campaign on a number of signatures after it was determined there are about 25-thousand inactive voters on the Orleans Parish voter rolls. Ardoin explains why keeping an accurate voter count is tough in Orleans…:

CUT 05(09)      “…after them.”

The NoLaToya campaign is not saying how many signatures they collected. They now need about 45-thousand. Ardoin believes the verification count will be very close.

State Police open up their website and social media to public comment, complain, praise…general input. Trooper Melissa Matey says you can find that link at “LSP.org”…:

CUT 13(09)      “…those concerns.”

You can also interact on their Facebook or Instagram.

A Livingston Parish contractor has been convicted of fraud for taking money from multiple victims of Hurricane Ida, but not completing the agreed-upon work. 30-year-old Jeffry Dale Hebert was sentenced to 20 years in prison for taking tens of thousands of dollars from numerous victims.

Crawfish season is starting to heat up. What can you expect by way of size, price and availability? Teiko Foxx has more…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Foxx.”

Tax reforms were on the lips of the four Republican candidates for governor at yesterday’s Louisiana Association of Business & Industry event. A.G. Jeff Landry says the state’s tax code is hurting more than helping, and surrounding states have either eliminated, don’t have, or have reduced their state income tax…:

CUT 11(10)      “…about that.”

Another GOP candidate, Slidell state Senator Sharon Hewitt says the state has complicated structures in the tax code, and to level the playing field there are lots of exemptions and credits…:

CUT 12(11)      “…to be successful.”

Also at that meeting Mandeville state Representative Richard Nelson and State Treasurer John Schroder. All agree tax reform is needed.

The process of certifying signatures collected in the effort to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is underway. Jeff Palermo has more…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Palermo.”

State Police have opened up an area of their website and social media presence to make it easy for you give them feedback. Complaints, compliments…whatever. Trooper Melissa Matey says they want the public’s input..:

Cut 15  (06)      “…contact us.”

LSP.org or on Facebook and Instagram.

Lawyers for New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell are expected to take legal action after the number of signatures needed to trigger a recall election of the mayor has been decreased. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin reached an agreement with the NoLaToya campaign on a number of signatures after it was determined there are about 25-thousand inactive voters on the Orleans Parish voter rolls. Cantrell says recall effort is now an attempt to disenfranchise Black voters. Ardoin says that is not true…:

CUT 04(12)      “…be changed.”

The recall now needs only about 45-thousand confirmed signatures to go to the Governor. Organizers says they have over 49-thousand.

Crawfish season is here, and prices are starting to look favorable for the delicious mudbugs.  Crawfish app co-founder Laney King says you can use the free app to find the best prices on crawdads…:

CUT 07(08)      “…ten friends.”

State Police launch a new feature on their website that lets you interact directly, with complaints, praise, feedback or reports of criminal activity. Trooper Melissa Matey says go online to “LSP.org” and look for Compliments/Complaints. You can also get there via social media…:

Cut 14  (10)      “…internal affairs personnel.”

Shreveport Police arrest a man they say was giving tattoos with a license…to minors. 22-year-old Alejandro Reyes is alleged to have tattooed at least three juvenile females without the permission of their parents. Tattooing or piercing a minor is a state crime, and Reyes faces three counts for now. The investigation is ongoing.

Enjoy a day or two of somewhat cooler weather across the state. Afternoon highs should be reaching back into the 80’s by Sunday.

Tax reform was among the topics that Republican candidates for governor addressed at the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry’s annual meeting. Treasurer John Schroder says the state needs to compete with surrounding states that have either eliminated, don’t have, or have reduced their income tax…:

CUT 09(08)      “…18 years.”

40% of the state budget is from income tax.  Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says it’s vital for the state to eliminate income tax to keep residents and companies from leaving the state…:

CUT 10(11)      “…they’re successful.”

Slidell state Senator Sharon Hewitt says we have a good system of credits and exemptions, but A.G. Jeff Landry agrees tax reform is called for. The primary election is October 14^th.

Crawfish season is starting to heat up and suppliers are setting trends for consumers. Teiko Foxx has more…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Foxx.”

You can now contact State Police directly via their website with reports, complaints or just feedback. Trooper Melissa Matey says just log on to “LSP.org”…:

CUT 13(09)      “…those concerns.”

The process of certifying signatures collected in the effort to recall New Orleans Mayor of LaToya Cantrell is underway. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The National Weather Service says one tornado touched down in Caddo Parish last night, damaging approximately 20 homes and several businesses. One minor injury was reported in Webster Parish and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is working with local government and assessing damage.

Drugmaker Eli Lilly says they will greatly reduce the cost of many older types of insulin to treat diabetes. Lilly says for those with health insurance or Medicare, their monthly cost should be no more than $35. Dr. Daniel Hsia (pronounce: SHAW), with the LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge…

Cut 15 (10)  “…don’t have insurance.”

And the company says they will also make savings cards available for those who do not have health coverage.

Crawfish season is here, and prices are starting to look favorable for those delicious mudbugs. The crawfish industry is seeing a solid supply of good-sized crawfish. Co-Founder of The Crawfish App, Laney King

Cut 6 (09)  “…last year” 

As supply increases, prices are expected to continue to come down over the next few months.