Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt announces she’s running for governor. Jeff Palermo has more on her candidacy…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Palermo.”

Afederal Justice Department complaint alleges nursing home owner Bob Dean, who had his licenses revoked after a deadly evacuation during Hurricane Ida, swept millions gained from federal loans into his personal banking accounts. The DOJ says Dean misspent and misallocated more than $4 million of the nursing homes’ assets and income.

The Mega Millions jackpot is up to $1.35-billion, with a lump-sum cash option of nearly $708-million; making tonight’s jackpot the 2nd largest in Mega Millions history. Yes, it may be Friday the 13^th, but Louisiana Lottery’s Dustin Annison says superstition doesn’t seem to be stopping lottery players from trying their chances for the big bucks…:

CUT 13(08)      “…$5.1-million.”

Tonight’s drawing will mark the 26th of the current draw cycle which started on October 18th. Tickets on sale until 9 and the drawing is at 10.

…and now it time for today’s markets…

Economic Development News for St. Mary Parish. Korean tire giant Kumho (KOO-moe) will build a huge warehouse in Franklin, with plans to grow that into a distribution center. Port of New Orleans President Brandy Christian says it’s a significant multi-million-dollar investment in St. Mary…:

CUT 06(12)      “…as well.”

Kumho Tires makes passenger and light truck tires.

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt made her candidacy for Governor in 2023 official today. She says – if elected – she’ll put her business experience to work growing the economy, cutting taxes and creating more opportunity across Louisiana…:

CUT 05(13)      “…in Louisiana.”

Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry, GOP State Treasurer John Schroder and Lake Charles Hunter Lundy are also running.

The Pentagon has ended COVID vaccine mandates for U.S. servicemen and women. This comes after the Pelican Institute for Public Policy sued on behalf of two Louisiana military members who didn’t want to get the shots for religious reasons. Pelican’s General Counsel Sarah Harbison says up to 8-thousand U.S. servicemen and women have been discharged over refusing the COVID shots, and one the two plaintiffs in their case is already in the process of being drummed out…:

CUT 09(08)      “…resolves the complaints.”

Harbison says the Pentagon’s decision was not just due to the Pelican Institute’s lawsuit; there were dozens of such lawsuits filed across the nation.

A Shreveport cop was hurt last night while helping a stranded motorist on I-20. His patrol car was rear-ended by a large pickup. The officer is expected to recover. The driver faces a charge of vehicular negligent injury.

The multi-state Mega Millions jackpot for tonight has grown to $1.35-billion. A lump-sum cash payout would net nearly $708-million. Tickets are on sale until 9. The drawing is at 10.

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt made her candidacy for governor official today. The Republican has served in the state senate since 2016. If elected Hewitt would be the state’s first female Republican governor. The 64-year-old says she one of the first female executives at Shell Oil as she oversaw Shell’s central deepwater assets in the Gulf

Cut 4 (09)  “…our state.” 

After Abita Springs Republican Representative Larry Frieman learned that there isn’t a law to help mother’s recover half of their pregnancy-related medical expenses from the father, he’s filed legislation to change that. The bill only focuses on medical expenses during pregnancy because there are already laws for child support. The legislation requires proof of paternity.

Cut 12 (07) “…that money.”

The legislature will convene April 10^th.

Open enrollment for Healthcare.gov health insurance ends on Sunday. Director of the Office of Minority Health Dr. LaShawn McIver says there are several health-related expenses that are covered under the insurance plan, like preventive services…

Cut 6 (10)  “…they need it.” 

There’s also financial assistance for eligible individuals to help with premiums.

The Mega Millions jackpot is up to $1.35 billion with a cash value option of over $707.9 million making Friday’s jackpot the 2nd largest in Mega Millions history. And Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says there’s still an unclaimed $50,000 Powerball ticket that was sold in St. Amant from a July drawing set to expire soon…

Cut 15 (08)  “…big winner.”

You can check your lottery tickets and scratch-offs by using the Louisiana Lottery mobile app.

Add another name to the list of candidates who are running for governor. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt made her candidacy official today. The Republican has served in the state senate since 2016 and she’s also an engineering executive…
cut 3 (08) “…and results”
Hewitt says she wants to grow the state’s economy, cut taxes and create more opportunity.

Lake Charles attorney Hunter Lundy is also running for governor and he’ll do so as an Independent. Lundy says after years in the courtroom, he’s ready to lead the state from the governor’s mansion…
cut 28 (11) “…I’m doing”
Republican State Treasurer John Schroder and Attorney General Jeff Landry have also announced they are running for governor. Still waiting to hear from Congressman Garret Graves.

A handful of bills have been filed for the 2023 Regular Legislative Session that will begin in April and one of the proposals would require the father of a child to pay for half of the pregnancy related out of pocket costs. Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman can’t believe this is not a law already…
cut 11 (10) “…be fixed”
The bill only focuses on medical expenses during pregnancy.

The Pentagon has ended COVID vaccine mandates for U.S. servicemen and women. This comes after the Pelican Institute for Public Policy sued on behalf of two Louisiana military members who didn’t want to get the shots for religious reasons. Pelican’s General Counsel Sarah Harbison says it wasn’t only Pelican’s lawsuit that made the military change its policy…:
Cut 7 (12) “…requests were denied.”

After months of speculation, Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt announces her candidacy for governor. Hewitt, who is an engineering executive, says she’ll put her business experience to work growing the economy, cutting taxes and creating more opportunity across Louisiana. Hewitt joins a race that also includes Jeff Landry, John Schroder and Hunter Lundy.

The deadline for open enrollment for health insurance through Healthcare.gov is Sunday. Whitney Thomas has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

Abita Springs Republican Representative Larry Frieman believes fathers should pay half of the out-of-pocket pregnancy-related expenses. After talking with family law attorneys, he learned that there is no law to help pregnant women recover those expenses, so he’s filed legislation to change that.
Cut 10 (10) “…scot-free.”
Frieman’s legislation is one of the first bills filed for the regular legislative session that begins in April.

Are you feeling lucky on this Friday the 13th? The jackpot for tonight’s Mega Millions drawing is an estimated 1.35 billion dollars. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says superstition is not stopping lottery players from trying to win hundreds of millions of dollars…
cut 13 (08) “five point-one million”
The deadline to get a ticket is 9 PM tonight, the drawing is at 10 PM.

The Pentagon has reversed its mandatory COVID vaccine policy, after a lawsuit is filed against them for two Louisiana service members.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Louisiana State Police Commission approves unpaid suspensions for two state troopers, Lt. John Clary and Master Trooper Kory York, indicted last month for their roles in the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene in Union Parish. They are among the five law enforcement officers charged, two of the troopers indicted no longer work for State Police and the other officer is a Union Parish Sheriff’s Deputy.

For those seeking health care, the deadline to get a plan through the federal Affordable Care Act is Sunday. Director of the Office of Minority Health Doctor LaShawn McIver (Mc-key-ver) says individuals can enroll or re-enroll for health insurance coverage by visiting health-care-dot-gov or call 1-800-318-2596….
cut 5 (08) “…a week”
The federal government says nearly 16-million people have signed up for coverage through healthcare-dot-gov, a 13-percent increase over last year.

The Jackpot for tonight’s Mega Millions drawing is an estimated 1.35 billion dollars. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says it’s the fourth biggest prize in U-S lottery history…
cut 14 (07) “…good luck”
the drawing takes place at 10 PM. The jackpot has been growing since October 18th.

More legal trouble for nursing home owner Bob Dean as the U-S Justice Department has filed a complaint against Dean alleging four-million dollars that belongs to the nursing homes instead went into his personal bank accounts that paid for cars and guns. Dean is also facing state criminal charges for putting hundreds of nursing home patients in an ill equipped facility in Tangipahoa Parish for Hurricane Ida.

State lawmakers have started filing bills for the upcoming legislative session and one proposal would hold fathers accountable for half of out of pocket pregnancy-related medical expenses.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Pentagon has ended COVID vaccine mandates for U.S. servicemen and women. The Pelican Institute for Public Policy sued on behalf of Master Sergeant Robert Galey and Senior Airman Faith Crocker, who cited religious reasons for not wanting the vaccine. Attorney Sarah Harbison says their pleas fell on deaf ears…:
Cut 8 (11) “…requests were denied.”
Up to 8-thousand U.S. servicemen and women have been discharged over refusing the COVID shots.

Open enrollment for Healthcare.gov health insurance ends on Sunday. Director of the Office of Minority Health Dr. LaShawn McIver (Mc-key-ver) says anyone in need of health insurance can visit Healthcare.gov and apply.
Cut 4 (08) “…insurance premiums.”
January 15th is also the deadline for those already enrolled to make changes to their current health plan.

The deadline for open enrollment for health insurance through Healthcare.gov is Sunday. Whitney Thomas has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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The Pentagon has reversed its mandatory COVID vaccine policy, after a lawsuit is filed against them for two Louisiana service members. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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One of the bills filed for the upcoming legislative session would hold fathers accountable for half of pregnancy-related medical expenses. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Open enrollment for Healthcare.gov health insurance ends on Sunday. Director of the Office of Minority Health Dr. LaShawn McIver (Mc-key-ver) says anyone in need of health insurance can visit Healthcare.gov and apply.

Cut 4 (08)  “…insurance premiums.”

January 15^th is also the deadline for those already enrolled to make changes to their current health plan. McIver says they want to make the process as easy as possible with a call center to provide assistance with your application or answer any questions.

Cut 5 (08) “…a week.”

You can reach the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596. McIver says you can also find contact information for local assistance at Healthcare.gov. She says there are several health-related expenses that are covered under the insurance plan, like preventive services…

Cut 6 (10)  “…they need it.” 

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The Pentagon has ended COVID vaccine mandates for U.S. servicemen and women. This comes after the Pelican Institute for Public Policy sued on behalf of two Louisiana military members who didn’t want to get the shots for religious reasons. Pelican’s General Counsel Sarah Harbison says it wasn’t only Pelican’s lawsuit that made the military change its policy…:

Cut 7 (12) “…requests were denied.”

Pelican sued on behalf of Master Sergeant Robert Galey and Senior Airman Faith Crocker, who cited religious reasons for not wanting the vaccine. Harbison says their pleas fell on deaf ears…:

Cut 8 (11)  “…requests were denied.”

Up to 8-thousand U.S. servicemen and women have been discharged over refusing the COVID shots. Harbison says the separation process has already started for one of the clients, Sgt. Galey…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…resolves their complaints.”

Harbison says the Pentagon’s decision was not just due to the Pelican Institute’s lawsuit; there were dozens of such lawsuits filed across the nation.

____________________________________________

Abita Springs Republican Representative Larry Frieman believes fathers should pay half for out-of-pocket pregnancy-related expenses. After talking with family law attorneys, he learned that there is no law to help pregnant women recover those expenses, so he’s filed legislation to change that.

Cut 10 (10)  “…scot-free.”

And after the state’s abortion ban went into effect last year, Frieman says it’s even more crucial to have such a law.

Cut 11 (10)  “…be fixed.”

The bill only focuses on medical expenses during pregnancy, because Frieman says there are already laws in existence for child support. The legislation requires proof of paternity.

Cut 12 (07) “…that money.”

The legislature goes back into session on April 10^th.

___________________________________________________

The Mega Millions jackpot is up to $1.35 billion with a cash value option of over $707.9 million making Friday’s jackpot the 2nd largest in Mega Millions history. Numbers will be drawn Friday the 13th but Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says superstition doesn’t seem to be stopping lottery players from trying their chances for the billions…

Cut 13 (08)  “…5-point-one million.”

Friday’s drawing will mark the 26th of the current draw cycle which started on October 18th. Annison says to be sure to get your tickets while you still can…

Cut 14 (07)  “…good luck.”

Even if you don’t win the jackpot, there’s still a chance to win some cash. Three Louisianians had winning tickets for $10,000 in Tuesday’s drawing. Annison says there’s still an unclaimed $50,000 ticket sold in St. Amant from a July drawing set to expire soon…

Cut 15 (08)  “…big winner.”

________________________________________________________

There will be 27 former LSU players heading to the NFL playoffs which kick off with 6 wild-card games this weekend. Minnesota has the most former Tigers on the roster with four headlined by NFL receiving leader Justin Jefferson. The Vikings will host the Giants Sunday, and Jefferson says that LSU’s 2019 National Championship run helped prepare him for his first trip to the playoffs…

Cut  16 (19)  “…knock ’em down.” 

On the other side of the ball, the Vikings are led by veteran corner Patrick Peterson. Peterson was a consensus All-American at LSU and the top corner in the nation his final season with the Tigers. He’s been one of the NFL’s top coverage corners for the past 11 years and is in his first season with the Vikings. The veteran knows his new team is ready for the challenge of the playoffs…

Cut 17 (16) “…other down.'” 

Three more Tigers from LSU’s 2019 National Championship team will be squaring off on Sunday as the Bengals’ Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase face off against Patrick Queen and the Ravens. The division rivals square off for the third time this season and second week in a row. Baltimore came out with a close win early in the year while the Bengals wrapped up the regular season with a 27-16 win last week. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow says the Ravens defense is always a tough opponent…

Cut 18 (19) “…down the field.” 

Baltimore will be without starting quarterback Lamar Jackson for the 6th week in a row who’s been sidelined with a knee injury in week 13 versus Denver. The Ravens initially hope to get the Heisman winner back before the end of the season, but Jackson missed practice both Wednesday and Thursday this week leaving backup Anthony Brown to make his sixth start. The Ravens have gone 2-3 since the injury, but former LSU  linebacker Patrick Queen says he’s confident in his teammates…

Cut 19 (18) “…get a W.”

The Vikings and Giants are set to kickoff Sunday at 3:30 in Minneapolis, and The Bengals and Ravens will cap off the day in Cincinnati at 7:15

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Cut 20 (14)  “…the floor.” 

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