Add another name to the list of candidates who are running for governor. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt made her candidacy official Friday. The Republican has served in the state senate since 2016 and she’s also an engineering executive…

Cut 3 (08) “…and results” 

If elected Hewitt would be the state’s first female Republican governor.

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 Parish.

Cut 6 (12)  “…as well.” 

Kumho Tires makes passenger and light truck tires.

Seimone Augustus is considered the greatest women’s basketball player from Louisiana and on Sunday LSU will unveil a statue of the former All-American. It will be located near the Maravich Center. Augustus is the first statue on LSU’s campus of a female-student athlete and Lady Tigers Coach Kim Mulkey pushed for it…

Cut 14 (07)   “…for Louisiana”

Dead & Company, Ed Sheeran, Lizzo, Kane Brown, Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, Steve Miller Band, Ludacris, and Tom Jones are among the headliners for the 2023 New Orleans Jazz Fest. Festival producer Quint Davis says even though it’s held at one biggest racetracks in the country it’s easy to navigate and you can catch all your favorite acts.

Cut 11 (11)  “…on time (x2).”

For the entire line-up and tickets visit NOjazzfest-dot-com

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.

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.

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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.

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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.”

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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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The Louisiana State Police Commission is stripping two troopers who were involved in the Ronald Greene arrest of their pay at the request of State Police. Trooper’s Kory York and Lt. John Clary were already ordered to take paid leave in December of 2022. The commission’s decision today means the troopers will no longer receive a check.

Independent Lake Charles attorney Hunter Lundy makes his candidacy for Governor this fall official. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office arrest a Gray teen after a social media threat that he was attempting to acquire a gun and bring it to HL Bourgeois High School. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Blake Tabor says the patrol division quickly identified the teen and he’s being held without bond at the Terrebonne Parish Juvenile Justice Complex.

Cut 10 (10) “…nor should we.” 

Niagara Bottling announced its plans to invest $160 million in a state-of-the art production facility near Hammond. Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller.

Cut 4 (12)  “…really excited.” 

The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office arrest a Gray teen in connection with a social media threat that he was attempting to acquire a gun and bring it to HL Bourgeois High School Thursday. Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Blake Tabor says they received an anonymous tip Wednesday afternoon and soon after took him into custody.

Cut 9 (11) “…of terrorizing.” 

The suspect is being held without bond at the Terrebonne Parish Juvenile Justice Complex.

Freshman LSU quarterback Walker Howard has reportedly entered the transfer portal. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor William Weathers says Howard was third string on the depth chart behind starter Jayden Daniels and back-up Garrett Nussmeier…

Cut 12 (09) “…number two guy”

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Today marks the seven-year anniversary of Medicaid expansion in Louisiana, Whitney Thomas reports what this means for the state.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

Seven years ago today, Governor John Bel Edwards expanded the state’s Medicaid program on his first full day in office which gave more than 500-thousand working Louisianans access to health care. The governor’s communications director Lauren Leist says having more people with health insurance played a critical role in the state’s battle against COVID…

Cut 5 (11) “…from COVID.”

State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says we are seeing another uptick in COVID cases as a result of a new variant that the World Health Organization says is the most transmissible to date.

Cut 8 (10) “…available to us.”
Protections in the form of previous COVID infection antibodies, vaccines, boosters, and oral therapeutics.
The National Federation of Independent Business says small business optimism for the near future has dropped again, for a 12th straight month…

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

California-based Niagara Bottling announces plans to build a 160-million-dollar state-of-the-art production facility near Hammond. Niagara has more than 40 production facilities worldwide and the Tangipahoa Parish facility will be the first location in the state. Construction is set to begin in the second quarter of 2023 and the production facility will employ 70 individuals with an average annual salary of 55-thousand dollars.

The newest strain of COVID, XBB.1.5 (XBB-dot-1-dot-5) is rapidly spreading. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says currently it accounts for about 18 percent of cases in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (11) “…would imagine.”
Kanter says at this point the new variant is not producing a large increase in severe cases and hospitalizations are manageable.

Optimism for the future continues to drop among Louisiana’s small businesses. NFIB State Director Dawn McVea says 51-percent of member businesses say their outlook for the next six months has gotten wors with inflation as their biggest obstacle in meeting costs and making a profit…:

Cut 11 (11)  “…is not great.”

The Louisiana Department of Transportation will begin the first phase of repairs a week from tomorrow on Interstate 10 eastbound overpass at I-49 in Lafayette after a truck driving under the overpass caused extensive damage. DOTD spokesperson, Deidra Druilhet says the second phase will begin after Mardi Gras…

Cut 15 (13)  “…all finished up.”

31-year-old Terrance Robinson of LaPlace faces cruelty charges after the one-year-old he was babysitting suffered a suspected drug overdose. St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office says Robinson was arrested after he took the child to the hospital for treatment on January 5^th. Robinson is the boyfriend of the child’s mother, and he was babysitting while she was at work. What the child ingested was not disclosed. The child was listed in stable but critical condition according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Former state senator Karen Carter Peterson received a 22-month prison sentence today after admitting she used more than 140-thousand dollars in campaign funds from her own campaign and the Democratic Party to feed a gambling addiction. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says Peterson will spend at least a year and a half in prison…

Cut 14 (12)   “…she gets out .”

Dakota Theriot plead guilty today to killing five people after a multi-parish shooting spree in 2019. Among his victims in Livingston Parish were his girlfriend, her father, and her brother, then his parents in Ascension Parish. 21^st Judicial District Attorney Scott Perilloux says even with Theriot diagnosed with mental illness he expects he’ll be placed with the general population at Angola.

Cut 11 (03)  “…going to happen.”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says his decision on running for governor is coming very soon. On Talk 107.3 in Baton Rouge this morning, Graves says there seems to be a desire to have more than just Attorney General Jeff Landry and Treasurer John Schroder running…:

Cut 4 (08)  “…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.

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 7 (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.

Dakota Theriot plead guilty today to killing three people in Livingston Parish and two in Ascension Parish after a multi-parish shooting spree in 2019. Among his victims were his girlfriend, her father, her brother, and his parents. 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.” 

Former state senator Karen Carter Peterson received a 22-month prison sentence today after admitting she used more than 140-thousand dollars in campaign funds from her own campaign and the Democratic Party to feed a gambling addiction. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says Peterson’s punishment could have been more severe…

Cut 13 (05) “…get.” 

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”

The national 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 a bird flu outbreak is the main reason…

Cut 6 (07)  “…egg laying chickens” 

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.