New data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows Louisiana among the top states for population loss. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
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Travelers using the I-10 and Evangeline Thruway in Lafayette can expect delays as a result of damage to an overpass. Whitney Thomas has that story
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The quandary over who will reign as Speaker of the House has completely stalled the 118th congress. Brooke Thorington has more
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New data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows Louisiana among the top states losing population. From 2021 through 2022, our state lost nearly 37-thousand residents; placing 5th behind New York, California, Illinois & Pennsylvania. New Orleans demographer Greg Rigamer says a great many left to take higher-paying jobs in other states…:
In July 2021 the state’s population was at 4-million 627-thousand. A year later it was 4-million 590-thousand. Rigamer says we rank 45th among states for median household income, and that results in people leaving…:
Cut 5 (13) “…a big disparity.”
The same Census data shows Louisiana #3 among states for percentage of population lost(0.8 %), behind New York and Illinois. Rigamer says states with population gains often have more diversified economies and business sectors than Louisiana, and less onerous tax structures. Rigamer says this seemingly defies state figures showing low unemployment and a glut of jobs statewide…:
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There is a major traffic problem in Lafayette as the I-10 Eastbound bridge at the Evangeline Thruway is closed after being struck by an 18-wheeler on Tuesday. State Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says they are working on ways to keep traffic flowing.
Cut 7 (13) “…in working order.”
Mallet says motorists should prepare to be alert because of the changes and understanding of those who aren’t familiar with the area.
Eastbound traffic on I-10 is being diverted southbound on I-49. Mallett says they are seeing heavy impacts on I-49, the Evangeline thruway, and US-190. He says travelers need to take precautions.
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Congress remains stalled after multiple votes for House Speaker continue to keep California Republican Kevin McCarthy from reaching a majority. And Louisiana’s lone Democrat in the House, New Orleans Representative Troy Carter says each vote appears to further diminish McCarthy’s chances for Speaker.
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After the midterm elections, the Democratic Party was no longer the majority party in the House and Carter says Democrats relinquished control at noon on Tuesday, and ever since the lower chamber remains paralyzed.
And without a chosen speaker, Carter like other elected congressional members, remain Representative-Elect and have yet to be sworn in. Carter says committees are unable to be assigned and important votes concerning the war in Ukraine, the economy, healthcare, crime, and the environment remain stalled.
While the situation is not unheard of it’s been more than a century since a Speaker of the House has not been elected in the first round of votes.
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Senator John Kennedy says he’s not running for the governor and will stay in DC to represent the Bayou State. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says his decision brings the focus back to where we were in the fall with about two dozen different politicians considering a gubernatorial run.
So far Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry and Independent personal injury attorney Hunter Lundy are officially running. Alford says Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is expected to announce his candidacy on Tuesday, his 64th birthday.
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Alford says Republicans Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson and Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt are others considering a run for governor.
And with Kennedy no longer a factor in the governor’s race, Alford says the focus shifts to Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves.
Alford says now the only role Kennedy will play in the 2023 governor’s race is who he’ll endorse. As for Democrats, Alford says DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson and Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party Katie Bernhardt are considering entering the race.
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All NFL teams are getting ready for this weekend’s games with heavy hearts as they continue to pray and think about Bills Safety Damar Hamlin, who remains in critical condition after making a tackle in Monday night’s game. Saints Coach Dennis Allen says there is a concern about the players’ mental health…
Cut 16 (19) “…cope through this.”
Medical personnel performed CPR on Hamlin after he collapsed on the team. The Bills say, Hamlin, who is in the ICU and critical condition, has shown signs of improvement. Saints quarterback Andy Dalton says seeing a life-and-death situation on the football field makes you take a step back…
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ULM men’s basketball returns to Fant-Ewing Coliseum tonight after winning its first two Sun Belt games on the road last week, a four-point win over Texas State and a 12-point victory over Arkansas State. Warhawks Coach Keith Richard says they are rebounding the ball better…
Tonight, ULM hosts Georgia State, who is 1-1 in the Sun Belt and coming off a win over South Alabama. Richard says the Panthers play a physical brand of basketball…
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