Former DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson makes it official, he’s running for governor. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Increasing screenings to close racial and rural disparities and improving health outcomes among Louisianans is the mission of a new campaign.  Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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New data shows Louisiana is among the worst states in the U.S. for public electric vehicle charging infrastructure. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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The first formidable Democrat announces his candidacy for governor, just two days after his official retirement from the Department of Transportation and Development. Dr. Shawn Wilson says it was his grandchildren who inspired him to run for the state’s highest office.

Cut 4 (10)  “…seven years.”

Wilson who’s been a state employee for 25 years, says he’s worked with four different governors. He was appointed secretary by Governor Edwards in 2016 and says he expects his former boss will support his candidacy.

Cut 5 (08) “…from the governor.”

Political analysts say the amount of campaign funds in one’s war chest often determine who will most likely win a race. Wilson’s formal candidacy was announced Monday after his retirement Saturday. Wilson, who says he did not raise any funds when he worked for the state, believes good leadership can’t be bought.

Cut 6 (11)  “…that does not phase me.” 

Wilson will face six other declared candidates in the October 14^th primary; four Republicans, one Democrat, and an independent.

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March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and the Louisiana Department of Health is kicking off its campaign aimed at increasing screenings. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women in the country. State Health Officer with LDH, Dr. Joe Kanter, says their mission is to increase screenings across the state. 

Cut 7 (06) “…two percent.”

Many people who are higher at risk never get screened. Kanter says it’s important to reach people where they are.

Cut 8 (11) “…is worse.”

Only 38.7 percent of Medicaid recipients ages 50 to 75 have been screened for colorectal cancer. Kanter says there are several different types of tests available and early testing is the key.

Cut 9 (07)  “…diagnosed late.”

To find a community screening, visit marybird.org/get-screened.

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Louisiana is lagging behind when it comes to electric vehicle recharging infrastructure. The website “iSeeCars.com” compiled data from the U.S. Census and the Department of Energy and ranked Louisiana second-worst in the country; behind only Mississippi. Louisiana Clean Fuels Executive Director Ann Vail says the figures are alarming, but things are getting better for alternative fuel vehicles…:

Cut 10 (11)  “…all over the state.”

Louisiana has about ONE EV charging station per 2300 residents. Vail says the state will start installing chargers along interstate corridors this year, and the private sector is also stepping up…:

Cut 11 (13)  “…EV chargers there.”

Vail says the ranking is somewhat unfair, because it only counts public EV charging infrastructure, and most EV owners charge up at home…:

Cut 12 (07) “…that bad right now.”

The state will receive $ 73 million from the federal Infrastructure Law to install more EV chargers. Vail says the state has been slow to embrace electric vehicles, but it is catching up with other states rapidly.

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Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell is asking why Entergy customers in north Louisiana should foot a portion of restoration costs to repair damages to the power grid in the southern half of the state after a hurricane.

Cut 13 (12) “…a month.” 

Campbell says he voted against the average $15 monthly restoration fee that Louisiana Entergy customers will be charged for the next fifteen years. And even though he’s against the overall fee, he says Entergy has told him they don’t have the ability to only charge customers who were directly impacted by hurricanes.

Cut 14 (12)  “…have to pay.”

He says many people don’t understand utility companies like Entergy can make record profits and at the same time charge their customers restoration fees. Campbell says Entergy takes out a bond to pay for storm-related costs and it’s their customers who pay off the bond over time.

Cut 15 (11)  “…be charging.”

The next Public Service Commission meeting is scheduled for March 15^th.

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Former Las Vegas Raiders QB Derek Carr has signed a 4-year deal with the New Orleans Saints worth a reported $150 million that includes $100 million in total guarantees. The 31-year-old Carr, a four-time Pro Bowler, was originally drafted in the second round in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Fresno State by the Raiders. Host of the Saints Locked On Podcast, Ross Jackson says this gives the Saints positioning to be the most equipped team in the NFC South.

Cut  16 (14)  “…in 2023.” 

Carr started in 142 career regular season games, throwing for 35,222 yards with 217 touchdown passes, 99 interceptions, and a 91.8 passer rating. Jackson says Carr’s signing gives the Black & Gold the capacity to lure more talent.

Cut 17 (10) “…as well.” 

Carr holds the franchise records for games and multiple-touchdown passes (69), games with a passer rating of at least 100.0 (47), and a 300-yard passing contest (33). Jackson says there will be a number of cuts and shuffling during free agency next week.

Cut 18 (09) “…right foot.”

NFL free agency officially starts March 15th.

The Saints have found a new starting quarterback as the team signs veteran Derek Carr. Jeff Palermo has the story…

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The body of the Georgia man who went missing on February 22^nd while on a business trip in Baton Rouge was recovered early this morning. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The Saints have a new starting quarterback as the Black and Gold ink Derek Carr to a four-year contract. Carr spent nine seasons with the Raiders, leading the franchise to two playoff appearances and he’s a four-time Pro Bowl selection. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says New Orleans is not interested in a rookie leading its offense…

Cut 3 (07) “..veteran quarterback” 

Allen was the head coach of the Raiders when they drafted Carr in 2014. He’s the the Raiders all-time passing leader, but Las Vegas released Carr last month after suffering through one of his worst seasons. However, Detillier says Carr is an up grade over last season’s starting Q-B Andy Dalton…

Cut  4 (11)  “…do that.” 

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Saints are expected to release quarterback Jameis Winston after three seasons in New Orleans. Detillier says the Saints are making a commitment to Carr by signing him to a four-year contract, so it will be up to Carr to get on the same page with some of the team’s young receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed…

Cut 5 (07) “…your offense”

Carr’s four-year deal is reportedly worth 150-million dollars, with 100-million dollars in guarantees.

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Retired DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson kicked off his campaign for governor today with a video announcement on his website WilsonForLA-dot-com. Wilson, the first high-profile Democrat to jump in the race, says he’s a bridge builder, literally and figuratively….

Cut 6 (10)  “…to be.” 

After working for the state for 25 years, Wilson retired from the Department of Transportation and Development on Saturday. He’s worked with four different governors and is running to be the next governor.

Seven years ago, Wilson was appointed Secretary of DOTD and says back then the state was facing record budget deficits and a slumping economy. He says the department was short on funds and plans for a majority of the infrastructure projects the state needed were not in the works.

Cut 7 (13)  “…state history.” 

Under Wilson’s leadership, the state has invested almost $5.5 billion in more than 2,000 projects across the state that include 162 bridges, 7,000 miles of road improvements, and investments in ports, rail, and flood control.

Cut 8 (10)  “…Louisiana forward.” 

Along with being the first formidable Democrat in the race, Wilson is the only African-American in the 2023 governor’s race.

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The body of 42-year-old Nathan Millard, the Georgia man who went missing on February 22^nd while on a business trip in Baton Rouge was recovered early this morning in North Baton Rouge. United Cajun Navy President Todd Terrell, who assisted in the search could only release a few details but says it’s not the outcome they wanted.

Cut 9 (11) “…get on the news.”

Millard’s body was found around 3:30 am this morning near the intersection of Scenic Highway and Chippewa Street, reportedly wrapped in a rug and plastic. An autopsy will be performed by the East Baton Rouge Coroner’s Office to determine the cause of death.

The United Cajun Navy joined Baton Rouge Police and Texas Equusearch in the search for Millard. Terrell says their search team consists of many former police officers who’ve been successful in finding more than 20 people who went missing.

Cut 10 (12) “…those facts.” 

Terrell says the body was located about three to four miles from downtown Baton Rouge where Millard was last seen leaving a bar and walking in the direction of his hotel.

Despite heavy news coverage of Millard’s disappearance, Terrell credits search crews for directly talking to the homeless population who were unaware of the case which then led them to recover his body.

Cut 11 (13)  “…unfortunate outcome.”

Terrell says they’ve been in contact with Millard’s 19-year-old son and the family was notified of their discovery before the news broke.

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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon sounds uncertain if he’ll run for re-election again this fall. During an appearance on “Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster” Monday, Donelon says he suspended all campaign fundraising right before the holidays…:

Cut 12 (10) “…what that is.”

Donelon last won re-election in 2019, when he defeated changer Tim Temple by a margin of just 6-percent of the vote (53% – 47%). Donelon says he has made up his mind about another term, but is unready to announce his intentions yet. He says the decision to run had little to do with suspending his fundraising, though…:

Cut 13 (06) “…past three months..” 

Donelon has been busy lately, with multiple property insurers either going insolvent or leaving the state…plus a special session to create an incentive fund to help solve that problem. Donelon is 78. He has been Insurance Commissioner since 2006. He says he is proud to have served in a position that has so much direct effect on people and businesses…:

Cut 14 (09)   “…but challenges…constantly.”

Donelon gave no indication when he may announce his decision for the October 14^th election.