Paul Sawyer has announced his candidacy for Louisiana State Representative in District 69, citing frustration with Louisiana falling behind faster-growing states like Mississippi, Texas, and Florida. A longtime public servant and small business owner, Sawyer says the state is running out of time and needs results-driven leadership. His top priorities include fixing insurance costs, strengthening the economy through better tax and regulatory policy, improving infrastructure, addressing crime, and supporting education. With a short campaign window ahead of the March 14 election, Sawyer says he is ready to hit the ground running on day one if elected.

Drivers in Baton Rouge will soon see a new traffic pattern at the Pecue Lane interchange, and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development wants the public ready for it. Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development spokesperson Rodney Mallett joined Talk 107.3 FM to explain how the new diverging diamond interchange will work and why it matters.The project comes as the Pecue Lane exit opens, bringing a layout that may look unfamiliar at first but aims to ease congestion and improve safety.

During Medical Monday with Our Lady of the Lake, Dr. Rachel Dewey discussed how setting realistic, measurable health goals and prioritizing preventative care can lead to long-term physical and mental well-being. She emphasized small, sustainable changes, partnering with a primary care provider, and giving yourself grace when setbacks happen.

Moon Griffon announces a major expansion of his weekday show on Talk 107.3 FM, moving to a full three-hour block from 9 a.m. to noon starting Feb. 2. The conversation quickly pivots to high-stakes Louisiana politics, including congressional redistricting, closed primaries, and the U.S. Supreme Court’s scrutiny of coastal lawsuits—setting the tone for a bigger, broader, and more statewide show.

The U.S. Supreme Court shifted attention back to Louisiana as it prepared to hear arguments tied to the state’s long-running coastal lawsuits, including Chevron v. Plaquemines Parish. The case sits at the center of a broader legal fight that involves energy companies, parish governments, and questions about how Louisiana handles permitted industrial activity along the coast.Mark Ehrhardt, executive director of the Grow Louisiana Coalition, says the dispute has grown into a defining issue for the state’s economy, workforce, and business reputation.

As the U.S. Supreme Court turns its attention to Louisiana, Will Green, president and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, outlined what’s at stake in the long-running coastal lawsuits against oil and gas companies. At the center of the hearing is a key legal question: should the Plaquemines Parish case against Chevron—and similar lawsuits—have been heard in state court, or should they be moved to federal court because the alleged activity occurred under federal permits, some dating back to World War II.Green emphasized the economic significance of the energy sector, which supports roughly 350,000 jobs and contributes about $54 billion annually to Louisiana’s economy. He argued that more than 40 coastal lawsuits filed since 2013 have created uncertainty, discouraged investment, and pushed jobs and capital to competing states like Texas. The Supreme Court’s decision, he said, is not about assigning blame for coastal erosion but about determining the proper venue for these cases.If the court rules that the Chevron case belongs in federal court, the state-court verdict could be nullified and set precedent for moving all similar lawsuits to federal jurisdiction. Green said such a ruling would bring greater predictability and clarity for businesses operating in Louisiana, potentially reshaping the future of the state’s energy industry and its broader economy.

Baton Rouge officials returned from Detroit with real-world lessons on fighting blight, reducing crime, and rebuilding neighborhoods. By focusing on targeted demolition, redevelopment, and smarter use of federal dollars, city leaders say Baton Rouge can turn vacant properties into opportunities for homeownership and long-term community growth.

Residents can help shape roads, traffic, and transit across five parishes

Foodie Friday kicked off carnival season with Kara Castille from Thee Heavenly Donut, celebrating 25 years in business and a bold take on king cakes. Thee Heavenly Donut makes fried king cakes from scratch every day, selling them within 24 hours to keep them fresh. Customer favorites include the classic plain cinnamon, while the maple bacon king cake stood out as a sweet-and-savory crowd favorite. Thee Heavenly Donut serves Baton Rouge, Henderson, and Ascension Parish and ships king cakes nationwide for Mardi Gras season.

Blight is one of Baton Rouge’s biggest challenges. Metro Councilwoman Jen Racca recently visited Detroit to see how that city tackled abandoned and neglected properties. Her goal: bring lessons home to make Baton Rouge safer and more vibrant.