Another candidate announces he will run for governor of Louisiana this fall. He is 56-year-old Jeffrey Istre, a resident of Kaplan, an Army veteran, and an oilfield professional. Istre says he wants to revitalize the state’s oil & gas industry, increase teacher pay again and do major reform of the teachers’ state retirement system…:

Cut 9 (10)  “…be fixed. Badly.”

The CDC has issued an alert to stop the use of EzriCare artificial eye drops. That’s E-z-r-i. Several vials have caused bacterial infections one death and in some blindness. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says to dispose of them, so no one accidentally uses them. The drops are packaged in a blue box…

Cut 12 (06) “…EzriCare.”

There have been no reported cases in Louisiana so far.

The long-awaited Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project – to help restore the state’s coast – gets the funding needed to get underway…:

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

St. Gabriel Police responded to reports of a body found in a ditch this morning. Witnesses says the body was found on Highway 74 near the railroad tracks. This is a developing story and the deceased person’s identity has not been released.

The special legislative session at the state capitol might end today. The full Senate will vote this afternoon on legislation that would create a 45-million dollar fund to lure more insurance companies to Louisiana after several providers left the state or failed after multiple hurricanes in 2020 and 2021. The House has already approved the bill.

Kaplan oilman and Army veteran Jeff Istre announces he’s running for Governor and will be a candidate “of the people.” Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The cornerstone project of the state’s Coastal Master Plan has received two-point-two billion dollars in funding. Most of the money comes from the BP Oil Spill settlement. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority executive director Bren Haase says the project will reconnect the Mississippi River with the Barartaria Basin creating as much as 21 square miles of wetlands over the next five decades…
cut 6 (08) “….a good portion of it”
Haase says work on the project should ramp up mid-year and take five years to complete.

The state Department of Natural Resources reports that 22 orphaned well sites have been restored as a result of 25-million dollars in funding from the federal infrastructure law. DNR spokesperson Patrick Courreges says they hope to maintain a strong pace of restoring these well sites through next fall…
cut 13 (14) “…back either”
There are roughly 45-hundred orphaned well sites in Louisiana.

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority announces two-point-two billion dollars in funding for construction of the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project has been approved.
cut 5 (11) “…for that project”
C-P-R-A executive director Bren Haase says a majority of the funds come from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement. Haase says the project will build and sustain 26-thousand acres of wetlands in the Barataria Basin.

Oilfield worker and army veteran Jeffery Istre of Kaplan has announced he’s running for governor as an independent. Istre says he wants to bring oilfield production levels up, improve the livelihood of teachers and invest in low income sectors. Istre says he will run a grass roots campaign on a tight budget…
cut 8 (11) “…very big challenge”

The CDC issues an alert to immediately discontinue the use of a popular brand of artificial tears. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Congressman Steve Scalise says it’s time for federal agency workers to stop working from home due to to pandemic and get back to the office. He and fellow House GOP members passed the SHOW UP Act. He says taxpayers are growing impatient with the government they pay for…:
CUT 30 (10) “…go back to work.”
No word on if the Senate will take up the legislation.

If you use artificial tears for dry eyes you need to check the brand name and if they are made by EzriCare, stop using them immediately. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the CDC issued an alert after someone died of a bacterial infection linked to its use, at least five others lost their vision…
Cut 10 (11) “…artificial tears.”
Kanter says these are not prescription eyedrops they are over the counter and Ezri is spelled E-z-r-i. (EZ-ree-care)

Another candidate announces he will run for governor of Louisiana this fall. He is 56-year-old Jeffrey Istre, a resident of Kaplan, an Army veteran, and an oilfield professional. Istre has never held political office, and is running as an independent s he’s not a fan of the two major political parties…
Cut 7 (07) “…really OF the people.”

Federal and state agencies have approved over $2-billion to fund the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project. State Coastal Protection & Restoration Authority executive director Bren Haase says the project has been in planning and development stages for decades…:
Cut 4 (07) “…rather than later.”
The Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion will connect the Mississippi River to the coast; distributing sediment, soil, and nutrients carried in the river along the state’s rapidly eroding coast.

The governor’s office announces restoration work has been done on more than 20 orphaned well sites since mid-January as a result of funding provided by the federal infrastructure legislation. Another dozen will wrap up in the coming. Patrick Courreges with the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources says they are focusing their efforts in north Louisiana…
cut 15 (13) “…most part”

The long-awaited Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project – to help restore the state’s coast – gets the funding needed to get underway…:

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

_______________________________________________

Kaplan oilman and Army veteran Jeff Istre announces he’s running for Governor and will be a candidate “of the people.” Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

(name pronounced “EAST”)

_______________________________________________

The CDC issues an alert to immediately discontinue the use of a popular brand of artificial tears. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_____________________________________________

Federal and state agencies have approved over $2-billion to fund the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project. State Coastal Protection & Restoration Authority executive director Bren Haase says the project has been in planning and development stages for decades…:

Cut 4 (07)  “…rather than later.”

The Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion will connect the Mississippi River to the coast; distributing sediment, soil, and nutrients carried in the river along the state’s rapidly eroding coast. Haase says the majority of the funds come from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement. He says $2.26-Billion is coming Louisiana’s way to get it done…:

Cut 5 (11) “…for that project.”

Haase says private contractors will do the work, and that means a large number of jobs associated with the project. He says the idea is to undo what decades of technology and engineering on canals and levees have done to the coastline…:

Cut 6 (08)  “… a good portion of it.” 

Haase says work on the project should ramp up by mid-year and last about 5 years to complete.

_____________________________________________

Another candidate announces he will run for governor of Louisiana this fall. He is 56-year-old Jeffrey Istre (pronounced EAST), a resident of Kaplan, an Army veteran, and an oilfield professional. Istre has never held political office, and is running as an independent and says the choice of either a republican or a democrat is a lot of the reason why Louisiana is in shape it’s in…:

Cut 7 (07) “…really OF the people.”

Istre joins another independent, Lake Charles lawyer Hunter Lundy, in the race…plus GOP candidates Jeff Landry, John Schroder, Sharon Hewitt, and Richard Nelson. No democrats have yet announced a run. Istre understands running for office requires a lot of campaign cash. Will he be able to raise enough funds to compete…?

Cut 8 (11)  “…very big challenge.”

Istre says his priorities if elected, would be working to fight poverty in Louisiana; especially for the state’s 16 percent “working poor.” He says he wants to revitalize the state’s oil & gas industry, increase teacher pay again and do major reform of the teachers’ state retirement system…:

Cut 9 (10)  “…be fixed. Badly.”

Find him online at “facebook.com.JeffIstreforGovernor”

_______________________________________________

If you use artificial tears for dry eyes you need to check the brand name and if they are made by EzriCare, stop using them immediately. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the CDC issued an alert after someone died of a bacterial infection linked to its use.

Cut 10 (11)  “…artificial tears.”

Kanter says these are not prescription eyedrops they are over the counter and Ezri is spelled E-z-r-i.

There have been no reported cases in Louisiana, but it’s still recommended to dispose of EzriCare eyedrops.

Kanter says in addition to one death, a total of 55 patients from 12 states suffered serious complications as a result of using EzriCare eye drops.

Cut 11 (09)  “…this infection.”

If you show any signs of eye infection Kanter says to seek medical care.

If you do find these eyedrops in your medicine cabinet Kanter says to dispose of them so no one accidentally uses them. He says the drops are packaged in a blue box…

Cut 12 (06) “…EzriCare.”

The use of artificial tears is very common for individuals with allergies and/or dry eyes.

______________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has begun work on restoring orphaned wells across the state. Louisiana received $25 million as part of the Infrastructure Law Funding in October of 2022. After contractors were selected work began in mid-January, and 22 well sites have been plugged since then. DNR spokesperson Patrick Courreges says the goal is to use the funding as efficiently as possible…

Cut 13 (14)  “….back either.”

The DNR is still ramping up operations with seven crews operating now and ten more to become available in the next month. There are roughly 4,500 orphaned well sites in Louisiana, and Courreges says they can pose a significant environmental risk…

Cut 14 (13)  “…concentrated brine.”

More than 3,100 of all the state’s orphaned well sites are located in the Office of Conservation’s Shreveport and Monroe districts. Courreges hopes contractors can work at double the normal rate and restore 400-500 sites before the funding deadline in October of this year. Courreges says much of the work is being done in north Louisiana…

Cut 15 (13)  “…most part.”

______________________________________________

The Saints were able to trade back into the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft after sending their 10^th overall selection to the Eagles last year. New Orleans now has the 29^th overall pick after the deal to send Sean Payton to Denver. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says the quarterback position needs to be the top priority this offseason, bringing in a veteran and addressing it in the draft…

Cut  16 (17)  “…situation first.” 

The Saints are known for their early-round picks of linemen, picking an offensive or defensive lineman in the first round in 7 of the last 8 drafts. Detillier says defensive tackle is a spot that needs to be looked at specifically as David Onyemata and Kentavius Street both become free agents. Another position group he says needs to be bolstered is Alvin Kamara who’s facing a suspension after being arrested for battery at last year’s Pro Bowl. The Bears are looking to trade the number one overall pick, but with so many needs Detillier says New Orleans will need as many picks as possible…

Cut 17 (16) “…minimum wage.” 

With the exception of wide receiver Chris Olave, the Saints’ recent first-round picks have been somewhat disappointing. Marcus Davenport, who will be a free agent this year, Cesar Ruiz, Payton Turner, and Trevor Penning have all struggled with injuries to start their careers, and even though they’ve shown promise at times, have not panned out how the front office and fans may have hoped. Detillier says that the most important thing for the Saints is making sure they make the right choice…

Cut 18 (19) “…defensive line.” 

_______________________________________________

LSU has already named Air Force transfer Paul Skenes as the Friday night starter on the mound. Skenes headlined the Tiger’s top-ranked transfer class and is MLB Pipeline’s 4th-ranked draft prospect. Pitching Coach Wes Johnson says Skenes is an elite-level player…

Cut 19 (20) “…comes out.”

LSU made a splash this offseason when they hired Johnson away from the Minnesota Twins. He made history when he became the first pitching coach to go straight from the collegiate level to the MLB. Johnson said if he did come back to the college level it would have to be for a historic program and a loyal fan base…

Cut 20 (17)  “…national title.” 

______________________________________________

District 1 Congressman and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise led colleagues in passing a bill requiring federal workers to return to the office. It’s dubbed the “SHOW UP Act”; an acronym for Stopping Home Office Work’s Unproductive Problems. On the House floor, Scalise tells members the government should be held to the same standard as taxpayers…:

Cut 3 (09) “…get the job done.” 

The bill passed in the House, and it remains to be seen if the Senate will debate the bill.

A Hahnville man gets 8 years in prison for a July 4, 2020, boating accident that killed a woman. State Wildlife and Fisheries spokesman Adam Einck says 25-year-old Kevin Comardelle was found to be intoxicated while operating the boat. 36-year-old Audrey Higgins of Luling was killed in the collision.

Cut 7 (09)  “…of the vessel.” 

Thirty-one-year-old Louis Foret of Morgan City has received a life sentence after admitting to fatally shooting a Thibodaux man multiple times two years ago. Lafourche Parish District Attorney spokesperson David Melancon says Foret entered the guilty plea as his trial was set to begin.

Cut 12 (10) “…pleading guilty”

He says Chance Benoit was the victim.

A 13-hundred dollar reward is being offered for the safe return of a 3-month-old Shar Pei puppy that was stolen Monday from a UNO student. Louisiana Humane Society Director Jeff Dorson says Scott Elston’s artwork and electronics were also stolen from the home, but his main concern is his puppy, Toby.

Cut 11 (09)  “…Shar Pei.”

You’re asked to call the Humane Society if you have any information about the puppy.

One of three Alexandria area men accused of the murder of Deven Brooks just over a year ago pleads guilty to 2^nd degree murder. Rapides Parish Assistant D.A. Lea Hall says 22-year-old Terry Lavalais changed his plea during jury selection. Two others, Jamaria Randle and Tremaine Veal, have trials set to start soon.

CUT 16  (11)        “…for this victim.”

Police say their motive for killing Brooks was theft.

A Hahnville man will spend at least eight years in prison for his role in a July 4^th 2020 boating fatality on Bayou Des Allemands in St. Charles Parish. State Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says 25-year-old Kevin Comardelle was driving a boat when it collided with another boat…:

CUT 06(09)      “…he was intoxicated.”

36-year-old Audrey Higgins, of Luling, was killed in that boat crash.

Congressman Steve Scalise and U.S. House Republicans pass a bill to bring federal employees back to the office. Jeff Palermo has more…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Palermo.”

State Farm Insurance, the largest auto insurer in Louisiana, says they will no longer cover certain models of Kia and Hyundai vehicles, because the cars and SUV’s are vulnerable to theft. They are all from model years 2015 through 2021. Those already covered will continue to be…but State Farm will write no NEW policies for these models. The Louisiana Department of Insurance said it has not been notified

One of the three men accused in the January 2022 fatal shooting death of Deven Brooks, in Alexandria, has pleaded guilty to 2nd-degree murder. Rapides Parish Assistant District Attorney Lee Hall says 22-year-old Terrance Lavalais entered the guilty plea during jury selection…:

CUT 15(10)      “…that time.”

Brooks’ body was found on the edge of the Red River in Alexandria. Her body was bound with cable, zip ties and duct tape. Two others are also charged with her murder, Jamaria Randle and Tremaine Veal. Their trials are pending.

Congressman Steve Scalise says it’s time for federal agency workers to stop working from home due to pandemic – which is over – and get back to the office. He and fellow House GOP members passed the SHOW UP Act Wednesday. He says taxpayers are growing impatient with the government they pay for…:

CUT 05(10)      “…go back to work.”

A $1,300 reward is being offered for the safe return of a Shar Pei puppy that was stolen in New Orleans Monday. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.

It’s Groundhog Day and while the rodent in Pennsylvania DID see his shadow, the weather predicting nutria, Pierre C. Shadeaux in New Iberia, did NOT today. That means, as the folklore goes, we’ll see a longer, warmer spring in Louisiana. We always have a long warm spring, am I right?