Former President and CEO of Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, Stephen Waguespack recently announced his candidacy for Louisiana Governor today. He served as president of L-A-B-I since 2013 and resigned from his position earlier today. Waguespack also served as a former aide to Governor Bobby Jindal. The 49-year-old is the 5^th major Republican to enter the race, joining Jeff Landry, John Schroder, Richard Nelson, and Sharon Hewitt. Also running, Democrat Shawn Wilson and independent hunter Lundy.

 The Department of Children and Family Services has hired 326 full-time workers since July, which increases their staff to 35 hundred. The agency has been plagued with staffing shortages at a time when child welfare cases continue to increase.  DCFS Secretary Terri Ricks says welfare caseloads are up and households are being affected.

Cut 14 (10)  “…by that”

It has been nearly two weeks since Southeastern Louisiana University’s computer network system shut down due to a suspected cyberattack. WiFi usage has been restored to some parts of campus but students are still concerned about classwork and whether their personal information was compromised. S-L-U professor Dayne Sherman says outgoing S-L-U President John Crain could have done more during this difficult time…

Cut 7 (10)  “…they’re doing” 

The Humane Society of Louisiana is urging the state to approve funding for new animal shelters and improve existing ones. HSLA Director, Jeff Dorson says lawmakers are asked to set aside $3 million to distribute as grants of up to $100,000 to eligible parishes and municipalities.

Cut 11 (09)  “…everybody else.”

BESE approves a funding formula to give schools additional funding to use as they see fit for teachers along with the proposed raises for the 2023-24 school year.

Cut 1 (28)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A Baton Rouge jury awards over $ 6 million to the family of Max Gruver, the 18-year-old LSU freshman who died of alcohol poisoning shortly after a fraternity hazing incident in 2017. The jury found that Ryan Matthew Isto, one of the frat members, was two-percent at fault for Gruver’s death. The Gruvers previously settled civil cases with LSU and other frat members involved in the hazing death.

State Police are investigating a Wednesday crash in Jackson Parish that took the life of a woman and young girl. Master Trooper Javier Leija (Hah-vee-er LAY-hah) says it happened at around 3:45 yesterday, on state Highway 167, and involved a Honda CRV driven by 29-year-old Katelyn Granger…:

Cut 3 (12) “…and the passenger.” 

 The Humane Society of Louisiana is urging the state to approve funding for new animal shelters and improve existing ones during the upcoming legislative session. HSLA Director, Jeff Dorson says the funding is greatly needed.

Cut 9 (05) “…rural areas.”

BESE approved a funding formula to give schools additional funding to use as they see fit for teachers along with the proposed raises for the 2023-24 school year. State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley says allowing schools to direct additional funds as they see fit, could give select teachers a much-needed raise.

Cut 5 (08) “…moving forward.”

President and CEO of Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) Stephen Waguespack is expected to announce his candidacy for governor as soon as today.  U.L.-Monroe political science professor Pearson Cross says Waguespack could be a strong contender in the race.

Cut 7 (08) “…on several levels.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Conference Center at Black Bear Golf Club in Delhi today. He says the new facility can welcome even more visitors to Northeast Louisiana and allows the area to host small conventions, corporate events, family reunions, and other events.

Cut 12 (12) “…year after year.”

The bacterial infection commonly known as shigella is becoming harder to treat with traditional medicine according to the CDC. People infected may experience severe diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain. Chief of LSU Health Shreveport Professor of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases, Dr. John Vanchiere says the infection can be easily transmitted from person to person but the best prevention is good hygiene.

Cut 15 (07)  “…the time.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

A Georgia man who went missing in Baton Rouge nearly two weeks ago while on a business trip, was found early this morning. 42-year-old Nathan Millard’s body was discovered off Scenic Highway in North Baton Rouge wrapped in a rug and plastic. Texas Equusearch, and United Cajun Navy President Todd Terrell, joined Baton Rouge police last week to search for Millard.

Cut 10 (31) “…certain direction.” 

Millard’s family was notified of the discovery.

With a little more than 7 months – before Louisiana elects a new governor, Shawn Wilson officially announced he will run for the seat earlier today. Wilson, former Secretary of the Department of Transportation is the first prominent Democrat to run for the seat. UL-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says Wilson’s greatest obstacle at this point is statewide name recognition…:

Cut 13 (12) “…running for governor.” 

Louisiana’s gubernatorial election is on October 14th.

The Saints have found a new starting quarterback as the team is on the verge of signing veteran Derek Carr. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Pelermo.”

The diabetes medication, Ozempic is becoming increasingly hard to find due to its weight loss properties. 80% of people who uses Ozampic lose weight. Director of Bariatric Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans, Dr. Catherine Hudson says many patients take the medication for diabetes and others for weight loss.

Cut 7 (09) “…for both.”

Former Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Shawn Wilson, becomes the first Democrat to run for Governor. The race has been dominated by Republican candidates. UL-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says it will take more than a catchy campaign message to make Wilson a top candidate.

Cut 14 (10)  “…fundraising.”

Gov. Edwards is term-limited and can’t run for reelection.

The Saints have a new starting quarterback as multiple reports say the Black and Gold are inking Derek Carr to a four-year contract. Carr spent nine seasons with the Raiders, leading the franchise to two playoff appearances and he’s a four-time Pro Bowl selection. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says New Orleans is not interested in a rookie leading their offense

Cut 3 (07) “..veteran quarterback” 

 The body of 42-year-old Nathan Millard, the Georgia man who went missing February 22^nd while on a business trip in Baton Rouge was recovered early this morning in North Baton Rouge. United Cajun Navy President Todd Terrell, who assisted in the search could only release a few details but says it’s not the outcome they wanted.

Cut 9 (11) “…get on the news.”

An autopsy will be performed by the East Baton Rouge Coroner’s Office to determine the cause of death.

Former Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, Shawn Wilson, is running for Governor. Wilson stepped down from his job as head of DOTD last week. His entry will impact the race for governor, as his running will mean less chance that another Republican candidate will make a November runoff.  UL-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says Wilson but his success depends on how he campaigns..:

Cut 15 (12)  “…rest of the field.”

Entergy Louisiana along with Louisiana Public Service Commission filed a request to add nearly 225 megawatts of solar power to its generation mix. Currently, Entergy Louisiana currently has approximately 280 megawatts of renewable resources. Entergy Louisiana Resource Planning Director, Laura Beauchamp is optimistic PSC will move towards making additions.

Cut 6 (08)  “…these resources.” 

 PSC will meet on March 15th.

The miracle drug for diabetics, approved by the FDA, has become a diet supplement and creating a shortage for patients in need. Director of Bariatric Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans, Dr. Catherine Hudson says Ozempic trigger gut hormones and have become a game changer in the industry. As for shortages of Ozempic and others like it, Hudson says it’s a supply chain issue…

Cut 8 (09) “…this medication.”

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards is in Asia this week to reinforce economic development and trade ties. Edwards is accompanied by LA Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson, LED’s Office of International Commerce, as well as members of the governor’s staff. The total value of goods imported into Louisiana from Japan last year was nearly $524 million. The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Eric Holl, says this trip is essential for the state’s economic growth.

Cut 10 (09)  “…in Louisiana.”

Governor Edwards is expected to return this weekend.