Let’s start with the Governor’s race. District 6 Congressman Garret Graves says his decision on running for governor is coming very soon. On WBRP 107.3 in Baton Rouge, Graves says there seems to be a desire to have more than just Attorney General Jeff Landry running…:

Cut 04   (08)        “…absolutely extraordinary.”

Graves says now that the U.S. House speaker fight is over, he’ll talk with friends and family and make his decision soon.

Former state Senator Karen Carter Peterson is sentenced to 22 months in prison, after admitting she used more than $140-thousand in her campaign funds – of her own and the Democratic Party’s – to feed a gambling addiction. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says she could have gotten between 41 and 51 months…:

CUT 12(07)      “…applicable guidelines.”

She reports to jail in early March.

Dakota Theriot pled guilty today to killing three people in Livingston Parish during a multi-parish shooting spree four years ago. Among his victims were his girlfriend, her father, and her brother. 21^st Judicial District Attorney Scott Perilloux says the murders were tragic and out-of-the-ordinary for his parish…:

CUT 10 (10)     “…take in.”

Theriot will also face trial for killing his own parents in Ascension Parish the same day.

Shreveport Police seek the hit-and-run driver who fled a Tuesday night accident on Bradshaw Passway that left a woman and child dead. The driver abandoned his vehicle, leaving it in a ditch and did not call authorities to report the crash. Police say the suspect may be armed. A hunt is underway for that driver.

Baton Rouge Police seek the man who stole a food delivery driver’s car while he was at the customer’s door. Crimestoppers in BR will take tips at 344-STOP.

Dakota Theriot plead guilty today to killing three people in Livingston Parish after a multi-parish shooting spree in 2019. He’s also accused of killing his parents in Ascension Parish*. Among his victims were his girlfriend, her father, and her brother. 21^st Judicial District Attorney Scott Perilloux says Theriot’s history of mental illness, and the pandemic delayed his trial.

Cut 9 (11) “…entered into.” 

He’s scheduled to appear in Ascension Parish this afternoon.

The average price for a dozen eggs hit $3.59 in November, up nearly 50 percent from the previous year, and the price for eggs still remains at a historical high. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says we won’t see prices drop significantly until energy, fertilizer, and transportation costs decrease.

Cut 8 (08)  “..these prices” 

Congressman Garret Graves says he’s still looking at running for governor and plans to give it more consideration now that a Speaker of the House has been chosen. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Former New Orleans Senator and Democratic party chair Karen Carter Peterson was sentenced to 22 months after pleading guilty to federal wire fraud charges. Peterson resigned from the state senate last year citing depression and gambling addiction. She was accused of diverting $94 thousand in campaign funds for personal use and $53 thousand in state Democratic Party funds as kickbacks.

The man accused of killing five people during a January 2019 shooting spree that spanned two parishes, has pleaded guilty in a Livingston Parish court to murdering his girlfriend and her parents. Dakota Theriot was 21 when he committed that crime. He is also accused of driving from those murders to Ascension Parish and killing his own parents. Now guilty of three counts of first-degree murder, he’ll serve three consecutive life sentences. He still must stand trial in Ascension.

Which came first? The chicken or the egg? Or the cost? Eggs are among the most-increased prices of standard food items; up over 50-percent in one year. Ag Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says it’s due to an avian flu outbreak, but also supply chain issues and increased costs for production…:

CUT 07(10)      “…packaging costs.”

He says the laying hens lost to avian flu can be replaced, but those costs need to retreat before you or I see lower prices for eggs or poultry.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist Danica Williams says they have begun stocking 17 sites across the Bayou State with Rainbow Trout…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Kieschnick”

…and now time for today’s markets…

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says he’ll make a decision very soon on if he’ll run for governor. Graves was on Mornings with Brian Haldane today and says he’s gotten plenty of encouragement to seek the state’s highest office…:

CUT 03(14)      “…emails from folks.”

What is up with the price of eggs? The national average cost for a dozen hit eggs hit $3.59 in November, up nearly 50-percent from the previous year, and the price for eggs still remains at a historical high. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says a bird flu outbreak is the main reason why eggs are still expensive…:’

Cut 06  (07)      “…egg-laying chickens.”

Strain says we will not see egg prices drop significantly until energy, fertilizer and transportation costs decrease.

Dakota Theriot, the Livingston Parish man who killed five people during a 2019 shooting spree, pleads guilty and will serve three consecutive life sentences.

Former New Orleans state Senator, and former head of the state Democrat Party, Karen Carter Peterson is scheduled for sentencing today, after pleading guilty to federal wire fraud charges last summer.The charge can carry a sentence of up to 20 years, though many don’t believe her punishment will be that harsh.

Emergency additional food stamp benefits for the COVID pandemic are about to end. February will be the last month. Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services Assistant Secretary Shavana Howard says they want to let people know the added benefits are ending February 28^th…:

CUT 14(08)      “…the households.”

She worries many homes will have gotten used to that extra money. She says persons who find they cannot meet their family needs should contact DCFS and talk with a case worker.

Emergency additional food stamp benefits for the COVID pandemic are about to end. February will be the last month. Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services Assistant Secretary Shavana Howard…

Cut 13 (11)  “…as we can.”
She says the benefits can run from an extra $95 a month for food, to over $300 extra; depending on how many are in the home.

LSU gymnastics will have security travel with the team after teenage boys crowded the exit of an arena in Utah hoping to get a glimpse of gymnast and social media star Olivia Dunne. Coach Jay Clark says name, image, and likeness deals help promote athletes to the public, but it also has disadvantages.

Cut 11 (07)  “…with Olivia.”

Dunne is one of the most profitable college athletes when it comes to NIL because of her following on social media.

The American Academy of Pediatrics revises its guidelines for the treatment of childhood obesity. Dr. Amanda Staiano with LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Center says children and adolescents should be offered intensive treatment and once they are teenagers many are eligible for medication and weight loss surgery.

Cut 9 (08)  “…health trajectory.”

The guidelines recommend intervention as early as possible versus a wait-and-see approach.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is stocking 17 sites across the state with adult-size Rainbow Trout for their Get Out & Fish Program. You can find a listing on LDWF’s webpage along with directions, hours of operations, and Biologist Danica Williams in addition to a map they have videos on tips and tricks on catching fish.

Cut 6 (10)  “…something different.” 

The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued new guidelines on how to treat obsetiy among children and adolescents. Doctor Amanda Staiano at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center says the academy is calling on doctors to take a more aggressive approach starting as early as two years old…
cut 8 (12) “…healthier behavior”
Staiano says some of the possible treatments include nutritional counseling, medication and weight loss surgery.

The federal government is putting an end to additional SNAP benefits that were given out because of the COVID pandemic. DCFS Assistant Secretary Shavanna Howard says the added benefits are ending February 28th…
cut 14 (08) “….the households”
Howard says a family of three could see their monthly payment go down 400-dollars in March.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist Danica Williams says over a dozen waterways are being stocked with Rainbow Trout. Kace Kieschnick has more…
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Nobody won last night’s one-point-one billion dollar Mega Millions jackpot, which means Friday night’s drawing will be worth 1.35 billion dollars. That would be the fourth largest lottery jackpot in U-S History and second largest in Mega Millions history.

For the first time in 15 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics issues new guidelines for the treatment of childhood obesity. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The F-A-A says flights can resume after a computer outage prevented planes from taking off this morning. It’s resulted in delays at every airport in the United States. The federal government does not believe this was a cybersecurity attack.

The federal government is putting an end to the SNAP COVID emergency allotments, which has provided families with extra benefits to ease the economic stress during the pandemic. Normal SNAP benefits will return March 1st. DCFS Assistant Secretary Shavana Howard says this may not be a good time for families to have a reduction in monthly SNAP…
cut 15 (09) “….returned to work”
She says persons who find they cannot meet their family needs should contact DCFS and talk with a case worker.

LSU gymnastics coach Jay Clark says they will have security accompany his team when they travel after having issues leaving an arena in Utah last Friday because dozens of teenage boys were clamoring to get a look at gymnast and social media star Olivia Dunne. Clark says it’s his responsibility to ensure his team’s safety….
cut 12 (11) “….precautions”
LSU competes against Kentucky on Friday in Lexington.

Louisiana’s Department of Children & Family Services says emergency additional food stamp benefits for the pandemic end next month. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Former state lawmaker and chairwoman of the Louisiana Democratic Party Karen Carter Peterson is set be sentenced today on a federal wire fraud charge. Peterson faces up to 20 years in prison for using campaign funds to fuel her gambling addiction.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is stocking 17 sites across the state with adult-size Rainbow Trout as part of the department’s Get Out & Fish Program. Fish will be stocked at sites designed for bank fishing and Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist Danica Williams says the program provides a unique opportunity…
Cut 4 (08) “…starts to rise.”
Rainbow Trout are native to rivers and lakes in Western North America, but their rise in popularity as a sport fish has increased stocking programs across the U.S.

LSU gymnastics will have security travel with the team after dozens of teenage boys crowded the exit of an arena in Utah hoping to get a glimpse of gymnast and social media star Olivia Dunne. Dunne is one of the most profitable college atheltes when it comes to NIL because of her following on social media. Coach Jay Clark says name, image, and likeness deals helps promote athletes the public might not know about, it also has disadvantages.
Cut 11 (07) “…with Olivia.”
LSU is at Kentucky on Friday.

Emergency additional food stamp benefits for the COVID pandemic are about to end. The USDA says February will be the final month…
cut 13 (11) “…as we can”
That’s Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services Assistant Secretary Shavana Howard who says the benefits can run from an extra $95 a month for food, to over $300 extra; depending on how many are in the home.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is in the process of stocking 17 sites across the state with Rainbow Trout. LDWF biologist Danica Williams says they stock the fish during the winter months when water temperatures are cool …
cut 5 (06) “…..winter months”
Williams says anglers are encouraged to keep their catch so the trout are harvested before the temperatures rise.

The American Academy of Pediatrics issues its first comprehensive guidelines in 15 years on the treatment of childhood obesity. Dr. Amanda Staiano (Sty-on-oh) with LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center says the watchful waiting approach to see if a child matures to an appropriate weight has been revised.
Cut 7 (10) “…to lose weight.”
Tools like nutritional counseling, a healthy sleep program, and more physical activity. And for some children that includes medication and weight loss surgery.

The LSU gymnastics team is increasing their security after a large group of teenage boys swarmed to see 20-year-old junior and social media star Olivia Dunne at a meet in Utah Friday night. Gymnastics coach Jay Clark fears the situation will only get worse after a reporter covering the competition posted a video of the incident.
Cut 10 (08) “…we go.”
Dunne issued a statement on social media afterward asking fans to be respectful of gymnasts and the gymnastics community.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist Danica Williams says the department will begin stocking 17 sites across the Bayou State with Rainbow Trout. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

_______________________________________________

For the first time in 15 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics issues new guidelines for the treatment of childhood obesity. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

Louisiana’s Department of Children & Family Services says emergency additional food stamp benefits for the pandemic end next month. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

_____________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries began stocking 17 sites across the state with adult-size Rainbow Trout as part of the department’s Get Out & Fish Program. The program hopes to encourage both experienced and beginner anglers to head out and enjoy the Sportsman’s Paradise. Fish will be stocked at sites designed for bank fishing and Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist Danica Williams says the program provides a unique opportunity…

Cut 4 (08)  “…starts to rise.”

Rainbow Trout are native to rivers and lakes in Western North America, but their rise in popularity as a sport fish has increased stocking programs across the U.S. Williams says the LWDF stock the fish during the winter months as water temperatures cool down, and anglers are encouraged to keep their catch so the trout are harvested before the temperatures rise…

Cut 5 (06) “…winter months.”

Anglers can find a list of all 17 sites on the LDWF Get Out & Fish webpage along with directions, hours of operations, and any information you may need for each location. Williams also says the site has a map with each site and links to videos on tips and tricks to catch the fish…

Cut 6 (10)  “…something different.” 

_____________________________________________

The American Academy of Pediatrics issues its first comprehensive guidelines in 15 years on the treatment of childhood obesity. Dr. Amanda Staiano (Sty-on-oh) with LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Center says the watchful waiting approach to see if a child matures to an appropriate weight has been revised.

Cut 7 (10) “…to lose weight.”

Tools like nutritional counseling, a healthy sleep program, and more physical activity. And for some children that includes medication and weight loss surgery.

Staiano says the guidelines begin as early as age two and the sooner they can address a child’s weight issues the better.

Cut 8 (12)  “…behaviors.”

The new guidelines recommend both children and adolescents be offered intensive treatment and Staiano says once they are teenagers many are eligible for FDA-approved medication and weight loss surgery.

Cut 9 (08)  “…health trajectory.”

Under the Affordable Care Act, Staiano says insurance companies are expected to cover the new treatment guidelines. If you have concerns about childhood obesity, she says to discuss it with your child’s pediatrician.

____________________________________________

The LSU gymnastics team is increasing their security after a large group of teenage boys swarmed to see 20-year-old junior Olivia Dunne at a meet in Utah Friday night. Gymnastics coach Jay Clark fears the situation will only get worse after a reporter covering the competition posted a video of the incident.

Cut 10 (08) “…we go.”

Dunne issued a statement on social media afterward asking fans to be respectful of gymnasts and the gymnastics community. Dunne is one of the most followed athletes on social media.

Clark says while social media and name, image, and likeness deals help put new faces on a sport that otherwise the public might not see, it also has its disadvantages.

Cut 11 (07)  “…with Olivia.”

As Dunne and her teammates’ coach Clark says it’s his responsibility to ensure their safety and while 99 percent of it is probably harmless autograph-seeking, picture-taking, kind of behavior…

Cut 12 (11) “…precautions.”

The 10th-ranked team will compete in Lexington Friday against the 12th-ranked University of Kentucky.

___________________________________________________

Emergency additional food stamp benefits for the COVID pandemic are about to end. The USDA says February will be the final month. DCFS administers the extra benefits for Louisiana. Assistant Secretary Shavana Howard says the benefits can run from an extra $95 a month for food, to over $300 extra; depending on how many are in the home. She says they have been paid out since March 2020, when the pandemic took hold…:

Cut 13 (11)  “…as we can.”

The federal government made the additional funds available after the pandemic put folks on lockdown and temporarily closed places of employment. Howard says they want to let people know the added benefits are ending February 28^th…:

Cut 14 (08)  “…the households.”

Normal SNAP benefit amounts return March 1^st; meaning a family of three would receive about $335-a-month for groceries. Howard says this may not be good time for many families to have a reduction in monthly SNAP…:

Cut 15 (09)  “…returned to work.”

She says persons who find they cannot meet their family needs should contact DCFS and talk with a case worker.

________________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech will travel to face North Texas tonight in Denton. The Bulldogs are coming off a close win over UTEP on Saturday and are tied for third in Conference USA with a 3-2 conference record. The Mean Green are half a game ahead in second place at 4-1 and boast one of the top defenses in the country. They rank third in the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 52.9 points per game. Bulldogs coach Talvin Hester credits the impressive numbers to the slow pace of play for North Texas, who rank dead last in the country in tempo, compared to the fast-paced offense of LA Tech…

Cut  16 (20)  “…used to guarding.” 

The Bulldogs feature 4 players averaging double-digit scoring during conference play. Cobe Williams has filled the stat sheet averaging 18 points, 4.2 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals a game. Hester says his young team is continuing to grow and has been particularly impressed by how forward Dravon Mangum and guard Quandre Bullock have stepped up to make an impact off the bench…

 Cut 17 (17) “…the next guy.” 

The Conference USA looks to be extremely competitive this year. Led by a 14-1 overall Florida Atlantic team undefeated in league play, there are four two-loss teams including LA Tech and North Texas the lone one-loss team. Hester says every league game is a dogfight, and this is the toughest he’s seen the conference in his time at Ruston…

Cut 18 (17) “…need to play.” 

Tip-Off is tonight at 7:00

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Cut 19 (18) “…on Saturday.”

Cut 20 (20)  “…the floor.” 

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