A federal judge sentences former State Senator Karen Carter Peterson to nearly two years in prison on a wire fraud charge. Whitney Thomas has more…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Thomas.”

The state Ag Department cautions horse owners of a brand of feed that’s been linked to animals getting sick and even dying. Alfalfa cubes from Top of the Rockies brand are possibly contaminated and over 2 dozen horses in Louisiana have already been affected. 20 died or were euthanized. The alfalfa cubes are suspected of containing animal fur and tissues.

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says he’ll make a decision very soon on the governor’s race. On Talk 107.3 in Baton Rouge, Graves says now that the Speaker of the House vote is settled he expects to meet with supporters and family members over the next few days and make a decision…:

CUT 05(11)      “…for Louisiana.”

The man who killed five people during a January 2019 shooting spree in two parishes pleads guilty to all charges. Dakota Theriot entered a plea this morning in Livingston Parish to three homicides, and a guilty plea to two others in Ascension Parish this afternoon. Because Theriot’s lawyers had him evaluated for mental health problems, Livingston DA Scott Perilloux was asked Theriot would be in general population in prison…:

CUT 11(03)      “…going to happen.”

Theriot killed his girlfriend, her father and brother, then killed his own mom and dad.

Let’s start with the Governor’s race. District 6 Congressman Garret Graves says his decision on running for governor is coming very soon. On WBRP 107.3 in Baton Rouge, Graves says there seems to be a desire to have more than just Attorney General Jeff Landry running…:

Cut 04   (08)        “…absolutely 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.

Former state Senator Karen Carter Peterson is sentenced to 22 months in prison, after admitting she used more than $140-thousand in her campaign funds – of her own and the Democratic Party’s – to feed a gambling addiction. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says she could have gotten between 41 and 51 months…:

CUT 12(07)      “…applicable guidelines.”

She reports to jail in early March.

Dakota Theriot pled guilty today to killing three people in Livingston Parish during a multi-parish shooting spree four years ago. Among his victims were his girlfriend, her father, and her brother. 21^st Judicial District Attorney Scott Perilloux says the murders were tragic and out-of-the-ordinary for his parish…:

CUT 10 (10)     “…take in.”

Theriot will also face trial for killing his own parents in Ascension Parish the same day.

Shreveport Police seek the hit-and-run driver who fled a Tuesday night accident on Bradshaw Passway that left a woman and child dead. The driver abandoned his vehicle, leaving it in a ditch and did not call authorities to report the crash. Police say the suspect may be armed. A hunt is underway for that driver.

Baton Rouge Police seek the man who stole a food delivery driver’s car while he was at the customer’s door. Crimestoppers in BR will take tips at 344-STOP.

The man accused of killing five people during a January 2019 shooting spree that spanned two parishes, has pleaded guilty in a Livingston Parish court to murdering his girlfriend and her parents. Dakota Theriot was 21 when he committed that crime. He is also accused of driving from those murders to Ascension Parish and killing his own parents. Now guilty of three counts of first-degree murder, he’ll serve three consecutive life sentences. He still must stand trial in Ascension.

Which came first? The chicken or the egg? Or the cost? 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 07(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.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist Danica Williams says they have begun stocking 17 sites across the Bayou State with Rainbow Trout…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Kieschnick”

…and now time for today’s markets…

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says he’ll make a decision very soon on if he’ll run for governor. Graves was on Mornings with Brian Haldane today and says he’s gotten plenty of encouragement to seek the state’s highest office…:

CUT 03(14)      “…emails from folks.”

What is up with the price of eggs? The national average cost for a dozen hit 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 why eggs are still expensive…:’

Cut 06  (07)      “…egg-laying chickens.”

Strain says we will not see egg prices drop significantly until energy, fertilizer and transportation costs decrease.

Dakota Theriot, the Livingston Parish man who killed five people during a 2019 shooting spree, pleads guilty and will serve three consecutive life sentences.

Former New Orleans state Senator, and former head of the state Democrat Party, Karen Carter Peterson is scheduled for sentencing today, after pleading guilty to federal wire fraud charges last summer.The charge can carry a sentence of up to 20 years, though many don’t believe her punishment will be that harsh.

Emergency additional food stamp benefits for the COVID pandemic are about to end. February will be the last month. Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services Assistant Secretary Shavana Howard says they want to let people know the added benefits are ending February 28^th…:

CUT 14(08)      “…the households.”

She worries many homes will have gotten used to that extra money. She says persons who find they cannot meet their family needs should contact DCFS and talk with a case worker.

The 2023 governor’s race is taking shape as State Treasurer John Schroder becomes the second announced major candidate to throw his hat into the ring, after Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser decided NOT to run. Schroder now joins A.G. Jeff Landry as the only two declared candidates with statewide name recognition. He says, unlike Landry, he’ll have an open ear to all ideas, if elected…:

CUT 07(10)      “…in this state.”

The Mega Millions jackpot reaches $1.1-billion, with a lump sum cash value of $568-million. Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison says this jackpot has been rolling over since October 18^th…:

CUT 12(09)      “…it home.”

He says in the last week alone sales in Louisiana for Mega Millions have been $3.5-million.

New Orleans Police make an arrest in the Christmas night mass shooting that killed 2 and injured 4. A Crimestoppers tip led to the capture of 19-year-old Elijah Williams, who is now charged with murder and attempted murder. No bond has been set.

It’s official. Mega-country store/gas station chain Buc-ee’s is coming to Louisiana. Brooke Thorington reports…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”

State Treasurer John Schroder explains his decision to run for governor. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Palermo.”

State health officials say there’s a new COVID variant going around that seems much more transmissible than Omicron. Called “XBB 1.5” the virus is apparently spreading fast, but has not triggered a significant increase in hospitalizations. They recommend getting vaxxed or boosted soon.

A deal is in place to bring roadside mega-country store/gas station Buc-ee’s to Ruston. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says he looks forward to Buc-ee’s helping his city become a travel destination. When complete in about 2 years, Buc-ee’s will feature 53-thousand square feet of shopping space, have 120 gas pumps and boast the “Cleanest Restrooms in Town.” It will employ over 200 people. Mayor Walker says Buc-ee’s reputation as a place to work is pretty good…:

CUT 11(12)      “…good paying jobs.”

A traffic stop on I-49 in Alexandria turns up a lot of drugs in an unusual form; chocolate bars made with psychoactive mushrooms. Rapides Sheriff’s spokesman Tommy Carnline says they think the magic mushrooms may be coming in from Colorado…:

CUT 05(12)      “…mushrooms now.”

A traffic stop on I-49 in Rapides Parish turns up drugs, but…not what you’d think. Rapides Sheriff’s spokesman Tommy Carnline says a search of suspect Jacob Boulet’s car found hundreds of chocolate bars made with psycho-active mushrooms; so-called magic mushrooms. They also found dried ‘shrooms and some marijuana. He says their drug dog, Beny, sniffed out the dope. Carnline says Beny is the RPD’s MVP…:

CUT 04 (10)      “…in our community.”

Mega Millions reaches a jackpot of just over a Billion dollars for tonight’s drawing. Louisiana Lottery’s Dustin Annison says you may NOT win the big money, but thousands win smaller amounts every week..:

CUT 14 (11)      “…purchase a ticket.”

Ticket sales close at 9 tonight. 10.

In the 2023 Louisiana Governor’s race…Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has opted OUT and decided to run for another term in his current job. However, State Treasurer John Schroder says he is IN, becoming the second republican to declare for the race. He says he wants to change Louisiana’s trajectory…:

CUT 06 (12)      “…three things.”

Lake Charles attorney Hunter Lundy, an Independent, is also running for governor, along with attorney General Jeff Landry. Others are expected to enter the race soon.

East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s detectives are investigating to deaths of a married couple, found shot to death inside their home. The victims are identified as Coby and Janell Manuel, both 59. Investigators say they were found Monday and had been dead at least 24 hours. An investigation is underway and the sheriff says tips on the crime are most welcome.

Deputies in Tangipahoa Parish says no charges are planned for a Hammond mom who shot and killed a masked man breaking into her home over the weekend. The woman says she acted to protect her two kids. 51-year-old Robert Rheams was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives say she was exercising her rights under Castle Doctrine.

It’s official. Mega-country store/gas station chain Buc-ee’s is coming to Louisiana. Brooke Thorington reports…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”

The 2023 governor’s race is taking shape as State Treasurer John Schroder becomes the second announced major candidate to throw his hat into the ring. This comes after Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser decided to seek re-election to that job, rather than go for the Governor’s Mansion. Nungesser says it was a tough decision, but he’d rather continue his work as the state’s leader for the tourism industry as it battles back from the pandemic…:

CUT 08(09)      “…love what I do.”

The Mega Millions jackpot reached $1.1-Billion for tonight’s drawing. Louisiana Lottery’s Dustin Annison says be sure to check your tickets, because many win and don’t know it. He says someone won $50K last summer and hasn’t claimed it…:

CUT 13(11)      “…check them all.”

With the Louisiana Lottery app you can scan your tickets and tell right away if you won. Tickets must be purchased by 9 PM to be eligible for tonight’s drawing at 10 PM.

You may have heard, but our State Treasurer John Schroder is officially running for governor next fall. He explains why he’s in…:

CUT 01  (30)        “…Palermo.”

Deputies in St. Mary Parish hope the public can help them find 14-year-old Alexis Horton of Amelia; last seen Monday night around dinner time. She is white, 5’3”, 120 pounds and has brownish hair. Call the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office at (337)-828-1960.

A traffic stop in Rapides Parish on I-49, seizes 70 pounds of mushroom chocolate bars. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tommy Carnline says officers smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle driven by Jacob Boulet (Bolt) and their canine dog, Beny, made an interesting find; nearly 500 psychoactive mushroom chocolate bars…:

CUT 03(11)      “…at the top.”

He says they believe the ‘shrooms come if from Colorado.

A deal is in place to bring roadside mega-country store/gas station Buc-ee’s to Ruston. People drive from all around to visit Buc-ee’s locations across Texas and the South. Ruston Mayor Ronnie Walker says the proposal is for Buc-ee’s to be just north of I-20, across from Ruston High at Tarbutton Road…:

CUT 10(11)      “…coming to our city.”

A $50-million project; Buc-ee’s hopes to open within two years and employ over 200.

The 2023 governor’s race is taking shape as State Treasurer John Schroder becomes the second announced major candidate to throw his hat into the ring. Schroder is a former state representative who has been Louisiana’s treasurer since 2017. Attorney General Jeff Landry and Lake Charles Independent Hunter Lundy are the only others to yet declare for the race. Schroder says he’ll have an open ear to all ideas if elected…:

CUT 07(10)      “…in this state.”

Other to watch are Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves, DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson and New Orleans Councilwoman Helena Moreno. U.L.-Monroe political science professor Pearson Cross still says Landry is the guy to beat…:

CUT 15(11)      “…in that regard.”

Big and weird drug bust in Alexandria. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman Tommy Carnline says officers doing a traffic stop smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle driven by Jacob Boulet (Bolt) and their canine dog, Benny, alerted on 487 psychoactive mushroom chocolate bars. Plus some weed, ecstasy and gear. Carnline says “who’s a good boy?!?”

CUT 04(10)      “…in our community.”

Boulet faces a list a charges.

Available now online, is Louisiana’s 2023 Coastal Master Plan. The plan is a roadmap for combating the state’s ongoing erosion, land loss, and flood risk problem. Ben Haase is executive director of the state’s Coastal Protection & Restoration Authority (CPRA). He says the plan encompasses literally ALL of Louisiana’s coastal areas…:

CUT 09(10)      “…of our coast.”

See it online at “coast.la.gov.”