Gov. John Bel Edwards and state business leaders continue to foster foreign investment and economic development for the state during a week-long trip in Asia.  Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Secretary Don Pierson spoke to us from Tokyo this morning, he says the group has attended numerous meetings with head officials from the  Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.

Cut 11 (12)  “…talking to.”

Despite early speculations, Congressman Garret Graves announced he will not run for governor during the 2023 election. Graves has served the state in his capacity since 2015. Political consultant Roy Fletcher says Graves’ decision is not a surprise…

Cut 3 (07) “…not to run” 

In a statement released earlier today, Governor John Bel Edwards will be endorsing former appointed DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson on his quest for governor. LA-Polictics.com Publisher, Jeremy Alford says Wilson already has an edge in the race.

Cut 6 (11)  “…same about.” 

University of Louisiana at Lafayette – Ragin Cajuns defeated South Alabama in the league’s Sun Belt Tournament Championship last night with a final score 71 to 66. This will be the team’s first NCAA tournament appearance since 2014. Cajuns forward Jordan Brown had 13 points and 16 rebounds while guard Themus Fulks had a career-high 23 points. Coach Bob Marlin says the team’s offense made a difference.

Cut 14 (08)   “…three for eleven.”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is not running for governor, but another potential Republican emerges. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Gov Edwards has endorsed former DOTD Secretary and Democrat Shawn Wilson for governor. LA-Politics dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says while Republican Jeff Landry has $5-million in campaign funds, Wilson is behind on fundraising, however

Cut 8 (05)  “…the unexpected.” 

The primary is October 14^th.

Governor Edwards and business leaders continue their Asian trade mission. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Secretary Don Pierson spoke to us from Tokyo this morning and says in addition to the state’s traditional overseas business relationships, they are nurturing new ones.

Cut 10 (12) “…our future.” 

The Louisiana delegation has also met with the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel on their visit.

After losing in the Sun Belt Tournament Championship game last season, the Ragin Cajuns won in the league’s tournament title last night as they defeated South Alabama 71 to 66. The win puts Bob Marlin’s team in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014. He says it’s a special group of players….

Cut 13 (04) “…great things” 

Lafayette will find out on Sunday who they will play and where in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Republican Congressman Garret Graves has made the decision not to run for governor. Graves’ decision not to run has resulted in a new name being added to the pool of candidates. Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack has surfaced as a possible Republican candidate. Political consultant Roy Fletcher says Waguespack is expected to announce his candidacy on Thursday…

Cut 5 (08) “…issues too”

Former DOTD Secretary, Shawn Wilson, has received the endorsement from the highest-ranking Democrat in the state – Governor John Bel for governor. Wilson was appointed to Secretary by Governor Edwards in 2016. LA-Polictics.com Publisher, Jeremy Alford says Wilson’s campaign funds may not be a hurdle for him and his supporters will stand with him.

Cut 7 (11)  “…election day” 

Governor Edwards continues his overseas trade mission in Asia. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (00)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Here’s a look at today’s commodities….

Republican Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves announced he will not run for governor this year.  In an email to supporters, Graves says it’s clear the best service he can provide to Louisiana and the next governor is by building upon recent wins in the U-S Congress. Political consultant Roy Fletcher says there are a lot of Republicans who wanted Graves to run, but he has a good situation in the U-S House.

Cut  4 (09)  “…wants to do” 

 Governor John Bel Edwards is officially endorsing retired DOTD Secretary, Shawn Wilson for governor. Wilson announced his campaign for governor yesterday with a video on his website. LA-Polictics.com Publisher, Jeremy Alford says although Wilson’s announcement has come a bit late – he already has an edge in the race.

Cut 6 (11)  “…same about.” 

 Governor Edwards along with a delegation of business leaders continue their mission abroad building foreign trade relationships. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson spoke to us from Tokyo this morning and says they’ve already held a number of meetings and several more are on tap.

Cut 9 (10) “…Zen-Noh grain.”

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 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.”

Republican Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves has told supporters he will not run for governor this year. Political consultant Roy Fletcher says Graves’ decision is not a surprise…
cut 3 (07) “…not to run”
In an email to supporters, Graves says it’s clear that the best service he can provide to Louisiana and the next governor is by building upon recent wins in the U-S Congress.

Meanwhile, the crowded field of gubernatorial candidates has its first major Democrat in the race as former DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson has officially thrown his hat into the ring. Wilson says it was his grandchildren who inspired him to run for the state’s highest elected position…
cut 4 (10) “….seven years”
Wilson has also received the endorsement of Governor John Bel Edwards.

A study from I-see-cars-dot-com ranks Louisiana as the second least eletric vehicle friendly state in the country, with just over 500 public chargers based on data from the U-S Department of Energy. But Louisiana Clean Fuels Executive Director Ann Vail says the state will install chargers along interstate corridors this year and the private sector is also stepping up…
cut 11 (13) “….EV chargers there”

New Saints quarterback Derek Carr has signed a four-year deal worth a reported 150-million dollars, with 100-million in guaranteed money. Locked on Saints Podcast host, Ross Jackson, says the contract is cap friendly…
cut 17 (10) “…as well”
The Saints will likely need to restructure wide receiver Michael Thomas’ contract and they also have to improve the offensive line.

An autopsy report on the cause of death of Nathan Millard, a Georgia business man, found wrapped in plastic in North Baton Rouge yesterday is scheduled for today. Millard’s body was found in a vacant lot near Scenic Highway and Chippewa Street. Parish Coroner’s Office will determine if foul play was involved. Baton Rouge Police Department has not declared his death a homicide.

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.” 

This month kicks off Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and the Louisiana Department of Health latest campaign is committed to increasing cancer 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.”

Entergy Louisiana customers in North Louisiana will have to pay a portion of restoration costs to repair damages to a power grid in the southern half of the state after a hurricane. Public service commissioner Foster Campbell says customers don’t understand how utility companies like Entergy can make record profits and at the same time charge their customers additional 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.”

Former DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson has made it official, he’s running for governor. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

As expected Governor John Bel Edwards has endorsed Wilson for governor. There’s speculation Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves will decide not to run, but Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack could jump into the race by the end of the week. Stay tuned.

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell is asking why Entergy Louisiana customers in his north Louisiana district will have to pay around an eight-dollar storm restoration fee for the next 15 years as a result of Hurricane Ida in 2021, when most of the damage was contained to southeast Louisiana. Campbell says he asked that question directly to Entergy…
cut 14 (12) “….to pay”

The Louisiana Department of Health is launching a Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month campaign aimed at increasing screenings through the year. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says many people who are at risk never get screened…
cut 8 (11) “…(11) “…is worse”
Kanter says regular routine screening should begin at age 45.

Former Louisiana transportation secretary Shawn Wilson is the first major Democrat to enter the governor’s race. Wilson served as DOTD Secretary for seven years before his retirement last week and his former boss will support his candidacy…
cut 5 (08) “…from the governor”
In a statement to the USA Today Network, Governor Edwards says Wilson is exactly the type of leader that will bridge the partisan divides that too often take hold of our politics.

Louisiana is lagging behind when it comes to electric vehicle recharging infrastructure. The website “iSeeCars.com” ranks Louisiana second-worst in the country; behind only Mississippi. Louisiana Clean Fuels Executive Director Ann Vail says the figures are concerning, but things are getting better…:
Cut 10 (11) “…all over the state.”

Increasing screenings to close racial and rural disparities and improving health outcomes among Louisianans is the mission of a new campaign.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

The Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball team is going dancing as they are headed to the NCAA Tournament after beating South Alabama 71-66 in the Sun Belt Tournament Championship game. It’s the second time Coach Bob Marlin has led the Cajuns to the Big Dance
cut 19 (13) “…last year”

Former Louisiana Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson is officially in the race for governor, but he’s at a serious disadvantage when it comes to Attorney General Jeff Landry, who has five million dollars in his campaign warchest. But Wilson believes that good leadership can’t be bought…
cut 6 (11) “….that does not phase me”
Wilson and the other announced candidates will face off in an October 14th primary.

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 voted against the average 15-dollar monthly restoration fee that Louisiana Entergy customers will be charged for the next 15 years for storm recovery costs.

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.”

Nathan Millard, the Georgia man who went missing in Baton Rouge nearly two weeks ago while on a business trip, was found early this morning. His body was discovered off Scenic Highway in North Baton Rouge wrapped in a rug and plastic. United Cajun Navy President Todd Terrell says they also participated in the search.

Cut 10 (12) “…those facts.” 

Former DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson has made it official; he will run for governor this fall. On his campaign website “WilsonForLA.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.” 

One candidate who sounds uncertain about the fall election is Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon. He appeared today on Jim Engster’s “Talk Louisiana” radio show and said he suspended all campaign fundraising efforts right before the holidays…:

Cut 12 (10) “…what that is.”

Donelon has been Insurance Commissioner since 2006. He is 78 years old.

The Saints have a new starting quarterback. Derrick Carr has been signed to a four-year contract worth more than 150-million with the Black and Gold. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says New Orleans is not interested in a rookie leading their offense.

Cut 3 (07) “..veteran quarterback” 

Saints head coach Dennis Allen already has a relationship with Carr, Allen was the head coach of the Raiders when they drafted Carr in 2014.