Former Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, Shawn Wilson, is running for Governor. Wilson stepped down from his job as head of DOTD last week. His entry will impact the race for governor, as his running will mean less chance that another Republican candidate will make a November runoff.  UL-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says Wilson but his success depends on how he campaigns..:

Cut 15 (12)  “…rest of the field.”

Entergy Louisiana along with Louisiana Public Service Commission filed a request to add nearly 225 megawatts of solar power to its generation mix. Currently, Entergy Louisiana currently has approximately 280 megawatts of renewable resources. Entergy Louisiana Resource Planning Director, Laura Beauchamp is optimistic PSC will move towards making additions.

Cut 6 (08)  “…these resources.” 

 PSC will meet on March 15th.

The miracle drug for diabetics, approved by the FDA, has become a diet supplement and creating a shortage for patients in need. Director of Bariatric Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans, Dr. Catherine Hudson says Ozempic trigger gut hormones and have become a game changer in the industry. As for shortages of Ozempic and others like it, Hudson says it’s a supply chain issue…

Cut 8 (09) “…this medication.”

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

Governor Edwards is expected to return this weekend.

Drug manufacturer Eli Lilly drastically reduces the cost of many types of insulin. What will this mean for the half-million diabetics in Louisiana…?

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

Republican Senator John Kennedy introduced two new bills to decrease flood insurance premiums for Louisianaians. The Risk Rating 2.0 Transparency Act and the flood insurance affordability act. Millions of residents in the state rely on the NFIP to protect their homes from natural disasters. Kennedy says his bills would ensure fairer rates for people in Louisiana.

Beginning in March, Households receiving extra emergency benefits through the federally funded program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, will see a decrease in monthly funds. For the past three years, benefits increased due to the COVID pandemic. Deputy Assistant Secretary, Monica Brown, says the expiration of allotments will make a significant impact on the economy and families but it was not implemented for the long term.

Cut 6 (10)  “…be temporary.” 

Recipients can contact 211 to get information on additional resources.

Wedding bells will ring once again for the widow of former Governor Edwin Edwards, Trina Edwards.  44-year-old Edwards announced a wedding date for her and her fiancé, 79-year-old former house speaker and state senate president, John Alario. Edwards says the chemistry between the two is unmatched.

Cut 8 “…couldn’t be luckier.”

Edwards says Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer will officiate the private ceremony.

Nearly two weeks after Georgia business exec, Nathan Millard went missing from a downtown bar in Baton Rouge, Police Chief Murphy Paul discussed the case earlier today on Jim Engster’s – Talk Louisiana radio show. Millard was in town for business and disappeared after leaving Happy’s Irish Pub last week.  Paul says they’re utilizing all resources to find out what happened to Millard. 

Cut 5 (08) “…tell us.”

If you have any information about Millard, you are encouraged to contact BRPD or Crimestoppers. 

 Expect an active weather pattern across the state today. The greatest risk for severe weather is for the Shreveport-Ruston area. LRN meteorologist John Wetherbee says severe weather with a tornado threat is expected in northwest Louisiana.

Cut 7 (08)  “…egg shaped” 

The entire state is under a wind advisory.

A new literacy program funded by the state is currently available to help pre-K4 through 5th-grade students who are reading below grade level. The state collaborated with Scholastic – for Reading Enrichment and Academic Deliverables will deliver free books to students. Deputy Superintendent for the Department of Education, Jenna Chiasson, says the READ initiative offers engagement for students and parents.

Cut 10 (10) “…what they’re reading.”  

READ is the result of an Act passed in the 2022 legislative session.

Representative Bill Wheat – a Republican from Ponchatoula – would like to cease drilling of carbon capture wells in Lake Maurepas. It’s only one of about $ 20 billion projects in carbon planned or under consideration in south Louisiana. Wheat plans to file a bill in the regular legislative session in April that would impose a moratorium on carbon sequestration until certain environmental concerns are addressed.

Cut 13 (11) “…wildlife management area.” 

Wheat says his bill is not an anti-carbon drilling crusade but aimed at defending a fragile ecosystem.

Senator Bill Cassidy commented on statements made by the FBI and Federal Energy Department stating COVID-19 emerged as a worldwide pandemic after being released from a research lab in Wuhan, China. Media outlets told people worldwide the virus emerged “organically:” from people consuming animals at a Wuhan “wet market.” Cassidy says the public was told misleading things about COVID.

Cut 5 (10) “…natural vaccination.”

Surveillance images released by Texas Equusearch show Nathan Millard (me-lard), a 42-year-old Georgia Executive,  inside a downtown Baton Rouge hotel before he disappeared. Millard was in town for business and disappeared after leaving Happy’s Irish Pub last week. Texas EquuSearch Search Coordinator, Kristen Harvey says the video shows an individual using Millard’s debit cards at the Greyhound bus station in Baton Rouge.

Cut 9 (09)  “…vanished.”

 Anyone with information on Millard’s disappearance can contact BRPD at 225-389-3853.

The Louisiana Association of Business & Industry’s Annual Meeting today in Baton Rouge will feature the first forum of 2023 Governor candidates.The candidates’ forum will take place during the luncheon. LABI President & CEO Stephen Waguespack  says the theme is the future of the state and its future leaders…:

Cut 12 (06) “…informative policy.”

 The LABI event gets underway this morning at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Baton Rouge.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow wants to give parents legal protections so they can inquire about what their child is being taught in school with the Parents Bill of Rights Act.  As a former educator, Letlow says the bill isn’t an attack on teachers whatsoever, it merely helps build a foundation between teachers, schools, and parents. Letlow says during the pandemic parents were exposed to their child’s lesson plans and when they questioned them…

Cut 13 (06) “…domestic terrorist.” 

Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley also supports the legislation.

A proposed so-called “Constitutional Carry” bill has been filed for the upcoming legislative session. Danny McCormick, State Representative from Oil City says Louisianans may already “open carry” a firearm in plain view, provided they have no criminal record. McCormick says concealed carry without a permit is a right guaranteed by the Second Amendment. Critics say it will make Louisiana like the “wild, wild west”, but McCormick says …

Cut 11 (07)  “…criminals have firearms.”

The legislative session begins April 10^th.

Democrat, Dustin Granger, announces he’ll run for State Treasurer of Louisiana this fall. Granger, a professional financial planner from Lake Charles, says he wants to make the state better for future generations…:

Cut 13 (07) “…running for Treasurer.” 

Baton Rouge state Representative Scott McKnight, a Republican, is the only other announced candidate for State Treasurer so far. Granger’s website is “grangerforla.com”

COVID protections from the federal government end in April, which means Medicaid recipients will be reevaluated for eligibility. Tara LeBlanc Executive Director of Louisiana’s Medicaid program says since March 2020 no one was removed from the program because of the pandemic but annual reviews can resume.

Cut 3 (10) “…disenroll them.” 

Those who are removed from the program will receive information for alternative coverage.

Congressman Garret Graves says he met with Attorney General Jeff Landry as he moves closer to making a decision on whether to run for governor. Graves says he’s receiving strong encouragement to run as many are not happy Landry already has the Louisiana Republican Party’s endorsement

Cut 6 (10)  “…path forward” 

Graves says his meeting on Sunday with Landry lasted about 90 minutes before he made a final decision that will be made soon….

A Princeton University study indicates that climate change is behind the phenomenon of back-to-back major hurricanes. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says he’s considering running for Governor. Shcexnayder says the consideration stands only if  U.S. Representative Garret Graves decides not to run. East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore III recently made the announcement not to run for Governor.

Dustin Granger, a professional financial planner, enters the race for Louisiana State Treasurer.  Granger says the state should shift billions away from the oil and gas industry. He says the state should diversify its revenues more wisely…:

Cut 14 (13)  “…a lot of investments.”

State Representative Scott McKnight, a Republican, from Baton Rouge is the only other candidate to announce his candidacy for State Treasurer so far. Granger’s website is “grangerforla.com”

Lafayette biotech company, Tides Medical expands its headquarters and increases employment. Tides Medical CEO, Joe Spell, says innovative treatment for difficult-to-heal wounds plays an important role in saving lives.

Tides Medical CEO, Joe Spell, says the expansion will 77 retain jobs and create 40 new ones.

Spell says the state offered a competitive incentives package that included a $200,000 performance–based grant.

Cut 6 (06)  “…the state.” 

The company estimates the project will be complete by the end of this year.

Putting to rest months of speculation, East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore says he will not run for governor. Moore, who is a registered Democrat, has served as Baton Rouge’s prosecutor for 14 years. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Moore didn’t have much of a chance with DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson expected to get in…

Cut 9 (07) “…whatsoever.”

Wilson, a Democratic from Lafayette is expected to his candidacy for Governor soon.

State and local officials were on hand today for the grand opening of SOWELA’s $10.8M State-of-the-art Culinary, Gaming, and Hospitality Training Center in Lake Charles. SOWELA Chancellor Dr. Neil Aspinwall says with three big casinos in Lake Charles a facility to train the workers is needed…

Cut 3 (10) “…hospitality center.”

Funding for the facility was approved by Governor John Bel Edwards and the state legislature in 2018.

A campus-wide internet outage continues to frustrate students and faculty at SouthEastern University campus. UL -System President Dr. Jim Henderson says the ability to isolate and restore the school’s internet system is a testament to the Information Technology team responsible for their ability to rectify the outage.

Cut 13 (12) “…uncovered.”

A timeline of when the school’s computer system is expected to be restored has not been released.

A minimum wage increase will be proposed by Governor John Bel Edwards in the upcoming legislative session. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

A Lafayette man has been sentenced to 90 days of home detention for his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Acadiana native, Vaughn Gordon, plead guilty in September to one count of parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. Gordon was also given 90 hours of community service, three years probation, and $500 in restitution.

A recent study by LSU Health New Orleans found post-op total knee replacement patients showed pain relief using Tylenol was as effective as opioids. Professor of Orthopedics Dr. Vinod Dasa (Va-node Dose-ah) says adopting a way to manage side effects during post-op may be attainable.

Cut 15 (11)  “…really important.”

Organizers for Festival International de Louisiane announced musical acts set to perform at this year’s festival.  The celebration of cultures includes music, food, and art. Festival International de Louisiane, Marketing Director, Carly Viator says this year’s headliner includes Lafayette native Lauren Daigle and more than 60 artists from across the world.

Cut 5 (10) “…zydeco groups.”

A recent poll paid for by Jeff Landry’s campaign has an early lead over his opponents in the quest for Governor. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Festival International de Louisiana has announced its lineup for this year. Lafayette native, Lauren Daigle is scheduled to headline this year’s celebration along with artists from France, Ghana, and across the world. The 5-day event takes place in downtown Lafayette. The festival begins April 26-30th.

Baton Rouge Police are searching for a gunman who killed 17-year-old Nykobia (Nah-co-bee-ah) Keller Saturday night while driving on Interstate 110. The shooting happened near the Hollywood Street exit around 10:30. He says Keller and a passenger had just left someone’s house.

Cut 3 (11) “…injuries.” 

Keller leaves behind a 4-year-old son.

The FDA grants emergency use authorization for a combination flu and COVID home test so you can check to see what’s causing your symptoms. LSU Health New Orleans Genetics Specialist Dr. Lucio Miele says it’s a molecular test that gives you results in 30 minutes and is almost as sensitive as PCR. Miele says…

Cut 14 (08)   “…the right test.”

Will District 6 Congressman Garret Graves run for Governor of Louisiana? Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

A surge in COVID cases is impacting nursing homes across the country according to the latest AARP COVID dashboard. The four-week period ending on January 22, also showed a spike in nursing home staff COVID cases. Louisiana AARP Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl(maul) staff cases rose more than 15%.

Cut 6 (10)  “…antionawide.” 

The most recent dashboard which covered the four-week period ending on January 22, also showed a spike in nursing home staff COVID cases.

Rapides Parish police launch a new drone program to fight crime. The Pineville Department has added drones to assist in investigations and track criminals. Chief Darrell Basco says before the drone, Basco they would have to send up to four cars to grid and block a search area. Basco says the addition of drones gives law enforcement officers extra accessibility.

Cut 14 (08)  “…piece of equipment.”

The drone is valued at $12,000.

LABI reacts to the 2023-24 budget proposed by Governor John Bel Edwards. The total cost of the budget is around $45.7 billion. A one-cent sales tax was implemented in 2016 to help fund the $2 billion deficit the state was facing. The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President and CEO, Stephen Waguespack says…

Cut 12 (11) “…time dollars.”

The regular legislative session begins on April 10.