4:30 LRN Newscast March 07

The coroner in Baton Rouge releases a preliminary autopsy report that indicates Nathan Millard, the Georgia businessman who went missing two weeks ago, and whose body was found Monday, was probably NOT a victim of violent crime. The reports marks NO external or internal signs of trauma; meaning he was likely not attacked. His family tells WAFB in Baton Rouge they think he may have accidentally overdosed. A complete autopsy, with blood toxicology, is pending.

Governor Edwards and business leaders continue their mission abroad building and nurturing foreign trade relationships. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Secretary Don Pierson spoke to us from Tokyo this morning, he says the chemical company Shintech is approaching a $10-billion investment with the state, and future investments are dependent on demonstrating a commitment from the state…:

CUT 09(10)      “…to Louisiana.”

 

Governor John Bel Edwards officially endorses former DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson in his bid to be the state’s next governor. The endorsement comes just a day after Wilson’s announcement Monday. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says “unpredictable” is how he’d characterize the 2023 race…:

CUT 08  (05)        “…the unexpected.”

A lot of folks were expecting Baton Rouge area Congressman Garret Graves to run, but he has announced he will NOT. Graves says the best for him right now to help Louisiana is in D.C. Now that brings up talk that LABI President Stephen Waguespack may jump in. Political analyst Roy Fletcher expects an announcement from Waguespack later this week…:

CUT 05  (08)”…issues too.”

The primary election is October 14th with a runoff in November.

3:30 LRN Newscast March 07

Republican Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is not running 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 analyst 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 04(09)      “…wants to do.”

Meanwhile the current Governor has endorsed his former Transportation Secretary, Shawn Wilson, in his bid for the Governor’s mansion. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says he thinks Wilson’s base of supporters will serve as a solid component in his race for governor…:

CUT 07(11)      “…Election Day.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry has $5-million in his campaign funds; putting Wilson at a preliminary disadvantage.

 

The coroner in East Baton Rouge Parish releases a preliminary autopsy result on Nathan Millard, the Georgia businessman whose body was found Monday in a blighted area of the city. The report shows no signs of internal or external trauma; meaning he likely was not victim of a violent crime. That’s all that’s known for now.

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

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”

LRN PM Newscall March 7

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

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

Republican Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is not running 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 the best service he can provide to Louisiana and the next governor is by building upon recent wins in the U-S Congress. 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” 

With Graves not running, another Republican name has surfaced as a possible candidate, Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack. Fletcher expects Waguespack to make an official announcement on Thursday that he is running…

Cut 5 (08) “…issues too”

_______________________________________________

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.” 

Under Governor Edwards leadership, Wilson served as Transportation Secretary for seven years. Alford says Wilson’s base of supporters will serve as a solid component in his race for governor.

Cut 7 (11)  “…election day” 

Attorney General Jeff Landry has five million dollars in his campaign funds putting Wilson at a preliminary disadvantage. Alford says the race for governor will be unpredictable.

Cut 8 (05)  “…the unexpected.” 

Louisiana’s gubernatorial election is October 14th.

__________________________________________________

Governor Edwards and business leaders continue their mission abroad building and nurturing foreign trade relationships. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Secretary Don Pierson spoke to us from Tokyo this morning, he says the chemical company Shintech is approaching a $10 billion investment with the state and future investments are dependent on demonstrating a commitment from the state.

Cut 9 (10) “…to Louisiana.”

Pierson says the Bayou State’s agriculture industry benefits from foreign trade along with state ports. For example, Zen-Noh (zen-no-ah) grain is able to access grain from farmers via the Mississippi River and then distribute it globally. He says in addition to the state’s traditional relationships, they are nurturing new ones.

Cut 10 (12) “…our future.” 

In America, businesses operate independently but in Asia, Pierson says many companies are guided by their government. So the trip has included meetings with executives from the  Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.

Cut 11 (12)  “…talking to.”

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

Cut 12 (14) “…make it happen” 

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

They entered the season as the favorites to win the Sun Belt and they’ve compiled a record of 26-and-7. Marlin says it’s a special group of players….

Cut 13 (04) “…great things” 

Cajuns guard Themus Fulks had a career-high 23 points, while Jordan Brown had 13 points and 16 rebounds. Marlin says three-point shooting was the difference in the game…

Cut 14 (08)   “…three for eleven.”

This is the fifth NCAA Tournament berth for the Cajuns.

2:30 LRN Newscast

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.”

 

 

1:30 LRN Newscast March 7

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 14th.

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.

12:30 LRN Newscast

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….

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints have a new starting quarterback after signing free agent Derek Carr to a four-year deal. Carr averaged 39-hundred passing yards and 24 touchdowns during nine seasons with the Raiders. Now that Carr is in place, what happens with receiver Michael Thomas. New Orleans will need to rework his deal. Based on a social media post from Thomas, he appears excited about the signing of Carr. Ross Jackson, host of the Locked on Saints Podcast, expects Thomas will remain with the Saints…
cut 18 (11) “…2023”

The S-E-C is set to expand to 16 teams in 2024 as Texas and Oklahoma will join the league. A proposed new football schedule would have LSU play Texas A-and-M, Ole Miss and Alabama every season and rotate between six other schools every year. Coach Brian Kelly told ESPN.com he likes the idea of playing Alabama every year.

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…
cut 20 (14) “…make it happen”
U-L Lafayette will find out on Sunday who they will play and where in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

McNeese is the first eight seed to make it to the Southland Conference Tournament semi-final round as the Cowboys upset Nicholls 77-71 yesterday in Lake Charles. The Cowboys face top seeded Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi at 5:30 today, while Northwestern State hosts UNO in the other semifinal game.

The Pelicans lost to Sacramento last night 123 to 108. New Orleans will begin a four-game homestand tomorrow against Dallas.

11:30 LRN Newscast

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.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

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.

9:30 LRN Newscast

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.”