State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson announces he will retire on March 4th fueling speculation he will run for governor as a Democrat. LA-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says yet another clue Wilson will throw his hat in the ring for governor is Democratic Party Chair Katie Bernhardt’s announcement that she’s not running.
Cut 6 (08) “…are a Democrat.”
So far there are no major Democrats who have announced their candidacy for governor.

During his Ask the Governor radio program, John Bel Edwards was asked about legislation pre-filed by Republican lawmakers that seek to make public library boards more accountable for allowing sexually explicit material to be available for children in a library. Edwards says it’s a hot issue for conservatives, but not a real problem in Louisiana…
cut 7 (07) “…our libraries work”

A national survey of small businesses finds inflation remains the top problem for owners. NFIB State director Todd Pack says small businesses also continue to face staffing shortages and are offering higher wages as a result.
Cut 15 (06) “…out there.”
NFIB’s monthly report said 57-percent of owners reported hiring or trying to hire last month, 91-percent of them reported few or no qualified candidates.

Are you packing food for Mardi Gras parades this weekend? University of Holy Cross in New Orleans conducted research to see how parade food like, fried chicken, jambalaya and sandwiches held up while being stored in a cooler outside. Food Science Program Director Doctor Darryl Holliday says the worst-performing food was ham and cheese sandwiches…
cut 12 (07) “….ready to eat”