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.”

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 Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves decision will have a major impact on the race…

Cut 3 (11) “…what the heck” 

Graves has not given an indication on when he’ll announce his intentions on running for governor.

Experts say the Louisiana oil & gas industry is expected to transition to clean, sustainable fuels. But Louisiana Oil & Gas Association President Mike Moncla says with more than 800 companies drilling in the state he doesn’t see too many of them having interest in, nor the budget, to explore green energy…:

Cut 12 (10) “…in south Louisiana.”

Doctor David Guzick takes over today as the new chancellor of LSU Health Shreveport. Guzick served the last nine years as senior vice president of health affairs and president of the University of Florida Health. Guzick says he integrated the hospital system and health science faculty in a manner that spurred tremendous growth…

Cut 8 (13)  “…in Shreveport.”

After a year of rumors, there could potentially be a Buc-ee’s coming to Ruston based on an agenda item that will be discussed at tonight’s city council meeting. This would be the first Buc-ee’s in Louisiana and Malcolm Butler with the Lincoln Parish Journal says it would be great for the local economy.

Cut 6 (07)  “…our parish.” 

Butler reached out to Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker to ask about the speculations, but he declined to comment.

An article by the Louisiana Illuminator says based on analyst predictions, Louisiana’s oil and gas sector will shrink this year and pivot towards developing more clean fuels. But the president of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association Mike Moncla says they are all for alternate fuels used alongside traditional energy, but believes the prediction is wishful thinking…
cut 11 (12) “….into that arena”

It’s now socially acceptable to devour a King Cake. Third-generation baker David Haydel of Haydel Bakery says they braid about 70-thousand cakes a year. And it’s not just folks in the Bayou State who enjoy a Haydel King Cake.
Cut 13 (09) “…since then.”

The New Iberia Police Department says a juvenile shot multiple times on Park Avenue on Saturday night has died from their injuries. Authorities have not released a lot of details, but if anyone has information into the homicide, they should contact the New Iberia Police Department.

We are expecting to learn more tonight about a rumored Buc-ees coming to Ruston, Whitney Thomas reports on the potential of the famous mega-convenience store being built on I-20.
Cut 1 (31) “…Whitney Thomas.”