State Treasurer John Schroder is the second republican to announce his candidacy for governor. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says Attorney General Jeff Landry is considered a frontrunner in the race, because Landry’s been endorsed by the state Republican party, appears to have more working in his favor as opposed to Schroder.

Cut 15 (11)  “…that regard.”

The state has launched a hotline number to report suspected child trafficking. Christy Tate, a child welfare manager with the Department of Children and Family Services says you’ll speak with a person who’s trained to ask questions to determine if it’s trafficking or not.

Cut 11 (09)  “…or not.”

The number is 1-855-4LA-KIDS

The state Coastal Protection & Restoration Authority releases its updated Coastal Master Plan for fighting erosion and wetlands loss. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Ruston will be the first Louisiana city to have a Buc-ee’s. The Texas-based company will build a travel center in Ruston that will be 53,000 square feet, 120 gas pumps and a minimum of 200 full-time jobs. The city council approved the project last night. It’s expected to open in 2025.

We are getting a better idea of who’s in and who’s out of the governor’s race since Senator John Kennedy announced he’s staying in Washington D.C. and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser will seek re-election. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says two of the biggest names in state politics are no longer interested in the job.
Cut 13 (05) “…year to go.”
As of today, the two major announced candidates are Attorney General Jeff Landry and Treasurer John Schroder, both Republicans. A Democrat has yet to officially announce.

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has released a revised coastal master plan which is a roadmap to addressing coastal landloss and chronic flooding. Executive Director of the CPRA Ben Haase says the plan encompasses all of Louisiana’s coastal areas…
cut 9 (10) “….portion of our coast”
Public comments can be submitted through March 25th.

A person with autism can now have an autism indictor on a Louisiana I-D card. Matthew Boudreaux with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles says the autism indicator will appear under a person’s picture on the I-D card…
cut 5 (09) “….indicate that”
The Autism designation can also be displayed on any class driver’s license.

The state has launched a human trafficking hotline that allows anyone to report suspicious human trafficking activity. Christy Tate, a child welfare manager with the Department of Children and Family Services, says the phone number is the same hotline to report child abuse and neglect cases, 1 -855-the number 4-L-A–KIDS…
cut 12 (03) “….have it here”
All cases reported will be forwarded to State Police.

Louisiana’s Governor’s race is starting to take shape with State Treasurer John Schroder telling supporters he will officially launch his campaign next month. It’s been long rumored Billy Nungesser will run for governor, but Nungesser has decided to seek re-election for Lt. Governor. Congressman Garret Graves is the next big domino to fall.

The state launches a hotline to report suspected juvenile sex trafficking. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has released a draft version of the 2023 Coastal Master Plan, which is a roadmap for combating coastal land loss and flooding. C-P-R-A executive director Ben Haase says the master plan is updated every six years to incorporate changes in technology, costs and logistics
cut 7 (11) “…50 years from now”
Public hearings on the plan will begin January 31st and public comment will be accepted through March 25th.

An autism indicator is now available on Louisiana identification cards. Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says the indicator was added to drivers’ licenses in December 2021 and now it’s an option on ID cards. He says it serves as a public safety measure for law enforcement.
Cut 4 (05) “…other people.”
Boudreaux says the word Autism will appear below the photograph and a puzzle piece will be next to the word Louisiana on the ID.

So far this year we’ve learned that Senator John Kennedy and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser are not running for governor and Treasurer John Schroder is.
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Republicans Garret Graves, Sharon Hewitt and Richard Nelson could still enter the race, while Shawn Wilson and Katie Bernhardt seem like the most likely Democratic candidates.

The Ruston City Council has approved a sales tax incentive package to bring the first Buc-ee’s to Louisiana. The travel center would be located off the Tarbutton Road Exit along I-20.

In 2021 there were 607 confirmed or suspected juvenile victims of human trafficking in Louisiana. On January 1st, the state launched a hotline for reporting human trafficking. Christy Tate, a child welfare manager with the Department of Children and Family Services says it’s a central point for individuals to report suspected trafficking.
Cut 10 (06) “…started.”
To report trafficking you can call 1-855-4LA-KIDS (1-855-452-5437).

The state has released a draft of Louisiana’s 2023 Coastal Master Plan. Executive director of the state’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Ben Haase says the first Coastal Master Plan was in 2007 and it’s updated every six years, providing a road map to fighting coastal land loss..
cut 8 (12) “…this document”
To see the 2023 plan go to coastal-dot-la-dot-gov.

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…