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 14th 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 15th.
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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.