State Treasurer John Schroder becomes the second major candidate to run for governor. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Palermo.”

Police in New Orleans are seeking leads in Friday’s murder of a 15-year-old boy in the 2000 block of Canal Street. Terriek James was shot at about 2am. Someone left him at a local hospital, where he died. Police ask anyone with knowledge of the crime to call them or Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans. A reward is offered.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says a lawsuit filed against him by longtime State Librarian Rebecca Hamilton is possibly politically motivated. Hamilton alleges Nungesser fired her and had her marched out of her office after she reported him to the FBI over what she calls “questionable contracts.” Nungesser says he did not hire Hamilton and he cannot fire her either. She is currently on leave and collecting her state salary. He says the actions taken against her were because of library employee grievances and the state Library Board will deal with the matter….:

CUT 11(12)      “…to do with it.”

Nungesser says the lawsuit is an attempt to discredit him as he runs for either higher office or re-election.

State Attorney General Jeff Landry issues an opinion saying doctors CAN recommend medical cannabis via telemedicine visits, after the state Medical Marijuana Board said an in-person visit is required. Gretna state Representative Joe Marino, who authored the medical cannabis expansion bill last year, says Landry’s ruling help folks in remote areas…:

CUT 07(07)      “…that reason.”

Some 2023 Governor’s Race news today. First: Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says he will NOT run for governor this fall, but will instead seek another term in his current job. Second: state Treasurer John Schroder says he WILL run for governor, making him the 2^nd declared candidate. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he believes the field will make itself pretty well known within a couple months…:

CUT 13(07)      “…can you raise?”

The 1^st declared candidate, Attorney General Jeff Landry has a reported $5-million campaign cash on hand.

Rapides Parish deputies arrest a pair of men after finding a large amount of illegal drugs in their vehicle. An officer smelled weed during a traffic stop, a drug dog confirmed that. They searched the vehicle and found 70 pounds of psychoactive mushroom chocolate bars, hundreds of ecstasy pills, plus raw marijuana and other drug-related products. Both were arrested.

According to an opinion from Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, physicians can recommend medical marijuana to patients via a telemedicine visit. Gretna Representative Joe Marino says while doctors can’t prescribe schedule 2 medication like narcotics without an in-person visit, marijuana is not in the same classification…:

CUT 06(10)      “…legally different.”

Both Landry and Marino interpreted the law regarding doctor visits and access to medical marijuana to allow telemedicine visits.

A quick recap on the 2023 governor’s race: Attorney General Jeff Landry is IN. State Treasurer John Schroder is IN. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says he is OUT. Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy are OUT. On the face and deciding…Congressman Garret Graves, DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson and state lawmakers Richard Nelson and Sharon Hewitt.

In St. Charles parish, a father and son found shot dead. Was it murder-suicide? Or did they shoot each other in a heated argument? An investigation is underway.

State Treasurer John Schroder tells supporters he plans to run for governor and will officially launch his campaign next month. Meanwhile, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is not expected to enter the race. Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says another major candidate left to decide is Congressman Garret Graves…:

Cut 03  (11)      “…what the heck.”

Other possible republican candidates are state Senator Sharon Hewitt and state Representative Richard Nelson. Democrat DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson is also rumored to be weighing running.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says a lawsuit filed against him by longtime State Librarian Rebecca Hamilton is possibly politically motivated…:

CUT 10(10)      “…of an election.”

Nungesser says he did not hire Hamilton and he cannot fire her either. She is on administrative leave and collecting her salary, he says.

A ruling clears up what type of visit is required for a physician to recommend medical marijuana in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 02(28)      “…Thorington.”

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux is speaking out after his city saw quite the violent weekend. There were at least four separate shooting incidents over the weekend. One of them was fatal, one injured a 4-year-old kid and another left several people with non-fatal gunshots. He says he wants to work with police to get illegal guns off the streets.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says he will NOT run for Governor in 2023, but will instead seek another term in his current position. He says he has “unfinished business” as Lt. Governor in bringing the state back to pre-pandemic levels of tourism and visitation. State Treasurer John Schroder tells his supporters he IS running for governor and that makes him the second major candidate to declare. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says now that Senator John Kennedy is no longer a factor expect to see more candidates jump in the race…:

CUT 12  (07)        “…is running.”

He expects the field to pretty well establish itself within the next couple months. Actual qualifying for that race comes up in the summer.

Sheriff’s deputies in East Baton Rouge Parish are investigating the deaths of two people found today inside a home off O’Neal Lane. Sources say it appears both have been dead for some time. An investigation into what happened and how they died is underway.

According to an opinion from Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, physicians can recommend medical marijuana to patients via a telemedicine visit. This after the state’s medical cannabis regulatory board said an in-person doctor visit is required. Gretna Representative Joe Marino that’s unrealistic for the sick and shut-ins and persons in remote areas. Marino says a telemedicine visit is also appropriate for someone who’s in hospice or…:

CUT 08(10)      “…no sense.”

Marino says the state’s medical marijuana program continues to need revisions so it’s more accessible and affordable.

After much hue and cry, New Orleans Krewe of Endymion says actor Mel Gibson will NOT be Grand Marshal this year after all. Gibson is reviled by many for a racist rant he made years ago during a drunk driving arrest. The Krewe was flooded with angry complaints and even some threats.

State Treasurer John Schroder becomes the second major candidate to run for governor. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Palermo.”

An update on that double homicide in Luling, in St. Charles Parish. Deputies says it appears that father and son shot each other during a heated domestic dispute. The victims re 74-year-old Glen Bourgeois and 35-year-old Ryan Bourgeois. The investigation is ongoing.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says a lawsuit filed against him by longtime State Librarian Rebecca Hamilton is possibly politically motivated. Hamilton alleges Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser fired her and had her marched out of her office after she reported him to the FBI and other investigators over what she calls “questionable contracts.” On Jim Engster’s “Talk Louisiana” radio show Monday, Nungesser says he had nothing to do with Hamilton being placed on administrative leave…:

CUT 09(09)      “…employees made complaints.”

Hamilton is not fired, and continues to collect her state salary. Nungesser says he suspects the lawsuit was intended to hurt him politically. His announcement on his intentions for the fall election is expected tomorrow morning.

A state attorney general’s opinion rules that folks CAN get a medical marijuana prescription via telemedicine. The state’s Medical Marijuana Board says an in-office visit was required. State Rep. Joe Marino, who authored the legislation, says the ruling also helps those in rural areas…:

CUT 07(07)      “…that reason.”

He says medical marijuana still needs revisions so it’s more accessible and affordable.

An opinion from the state Attorney General says one CAN acquire a medical cannabis prescription via a tele-medicine visit. More from Brooke Thorington…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

An East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s autopsy reports shows the little girl killed last week in a dog attack died from combined blunt force a sharp force injuries from the dog to the head a face. The victim, Sadie Davilla, was just 7. The dog has been confiscated and euthanized. The owner is charged with negligent homicide.

Breaking news on the 2023 Governor’s race: state Treasurer John Schroder says he WILL run for governor this fall. The Republican from St. Tammany Parish joins attorney general Jeff Landry as the only announced candidates so far. Steven Waguespack is president of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI). He says watch for announcements from Billy Nungesser, Garret Graves and even DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson…:

CUT 05(11)      “…in a poll.”

And now it’s time for today’s markets…

We are expecting announcements this week from Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and State Treasurer John Schroder on whether they’ll run for governor. Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says Senator Kennedy’s decision NOT to run was the first big announcement, and the next one to watch is District 6 Congressman Garret Graves…:

CUT 04(10)      “…in D.C.”

Others considering a run are state lawmakers Sharon Hewitt and Richard Nelson, plus state Treasurer John Schroder and DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson, who is considering a run for the Democrats.

St. Charles Parish deputies are investigating an apparent murder-suicide involving a father and son in Luling. They say the father was found in bed with at least three gunshots. The son was found in a hallway with one gunshot. Autopsies are scheduled. The investigation is ongoing.

According to an opinion from Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, physicians can recommend medical marijuana to patients via a telemedicine visit. Gretna Representative Joe Marino says while doctors can’t prescribe schedule 2 medication like narcotics without an in-person visit, marijuana is not in the same classification…:

CUT 06(10)      “…legally different.”

Marino says the ruling also helps those in rural areas who have difficulty seeing physicians under most any circumstances.

Now that Carnival season is up and running, let the King Cake eating commence. Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans is legendary for its King Cakes. Baker David Haydell says they don’t put the baby in the box next to the cake like other bakeries, they do it the traditional way…:

Cut 14  (12)      “…can find it.”

Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with public payroll fraud for only attending one of the 12 meetings the board held last year. 20th Judicial District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla (duh-QUILL-uh) says Spears was paid for the eleven meetings he failed to attend…:

CUT 07(07)      “…that as a crime.”

Spear’s attorney says his client was at work and couldn’t make it. If convicted, he could get up to two years in prison.

As of today, Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry is the only major declared candidate for Louisiana Governor in 2023. A few candidates have decided NOT to run, and a handful of fellow GOP members are thinking about it. Landry Campaign spokesman Brent Littlefield says fundraising is running full-speed ahead; anticipating a large field of fellow candidates…:

CUT 12(07)      “…our message out.”

He says they have just over $5-million cash in hand, plus PAC and party money.

A Calcasieu Parish man, who’d JUST been released from the parish jail on one charge, is now back IN, after returning and attacking the jail building. 39-year-old Ken Hunt threw rocks at the glass then pushed the glass in. His next stay with the parish is for criminal damage to property.

Louisiana is letting the good times roll by kicking off Carnival season with 12^th Night, or King’s Day, and – of course – lots of King Cake. The traditional Carnival treat is made with a rich dough and a wide array of fillings, like cinnamon, chocolate, and cream cheese. Each cake is topped with the traditional purple, green and gold sprinkles. “Mardi Gras Guide” publisher Arthur Hardy says there is no right or wrong way to enjoy King Cake…:

CUT 11(12)      “…fun dessert.”

Here’s the question: if you get the baby in your slice, DO you buy the next King Cake, as is the tradition?

Two people are dead and three others injured after a shooting in New Orleans’ Central City area last night. Four men and one woman were hit in the drive-by; two were pronounced dead at the scene. This is the 84^th shooting incident in New Orleans in the past 30 days.

Medical experts now say timely CPR most likely saved Damar Hamlin’s life moments after he collapsed onfield Monday. Brooke Thorington has more on how you can be trained to perform this life-saving procedure…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Thorington.”

Jeff Landry’s campaign for Governor is off to a fast start. Campaign staffers says he has about $5-million campaign cash-on-hand, and another $1.5-million in Leadership PAC funds. Landry campaign spokesman Brent Littlefield says perhaps the biggest gun in Landry’s arsenal is the endorsement of the state Republican Party and the support that comes with that…:

CUT 14(11)      “…named Jeff Landry.”

Senator Bill Cassidy announced he’s a “no” weeks ago. Senator John Kennedy said he’s not running this week. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser will announce HIS decision next Tuesday. Also reportedly mulling it over: Congressman Garret Graves, Treasurer John Schroder, and state lawmakers Sharon Hewitt and Richard Nelson. Few Democrats are talking about running for governor…yet.

Louisiana has been clamoring to get a Buc-ee’s for years…and one may be coming soon. The Ruston city council will vote Monday on an incentive package that could mean the roadside mega convenience store/restaurant/truck stop being built next to I-20.

Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with public payroll fraud for only attending one of the 12 meetings the board held last year. His attorney says he was at work at his job and couldn’t make it. 20th Judicial District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla says if a job gets in the way of holding public office, then you have to make a decision…:

CUT 08  (08)        “…needs to resign.”

Spears term ended in December. He did not seek re-election after serving two terms. His case goes to trial in June.

It’s 12^th Night, or King Day if you prefer; the official start of the Carnival season that ends with Mardi Gras. Now through then, we all enjoy traditional King Cakes. Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy…:

CUT 10  (09)        “…for everybody.”

Mardi Gras is Tuesday, February 21^st this year.

As of today, Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry is the only major declared candidate for Louisiana Governor in 2023. A few candidates have decided NOT to run, and a handful of fellow GOP members are thinking about it. Landry Campaign spokesman Brent Littlefield says the Landry Campaign has a good head start on potential challengers…:

CUT 13  (09)        “…Leadership PAC

Senator Bill Cassidy announced he’s a “no” weeks ago. Senator John Kennedy said he’s not running this week. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser will announce HIS decision next Tuesday. Also reportedly mulling it over: Congressman Garret Graves, Treasurer John Schroder, and state lawmakers Sharon Hewitt and Richard Nelson.

Attorney General Jeff Landry issued an opinion today saying that, the way he interprets state law, would not require in-person doctor visits for access to medical marijuana. This comes after the Medical Marijuana Commission said they would be required, which could limit availability in remote areas.