9:30 LRN Newscast

Senator John Kennedy says he’s not running for 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 a dozen different politicians considering a gubernatorial run.
Cut 13 (11) “…wait long.”
Alford says expect to hear announcements from Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and State Treasurer John Schroder next week.

The latest U-S Census data shows Louisiana lost nearly 37-thousand residents from July 2021 to July 2022. Louisiana ranks fifth in the country in the number of residents lost. Demographer Greg Rigamer says many leave the state for better paying jobs…
cut 6 (08) “…is very low”

DOTD has opened one lane on eastbound Interstate 10 where an overpass was damaged at I-10 and Evangeline Thruway. Whitney Thomas reports transportation officials are still expecting delays…
cut 2 (28) “…I’m Whitney Thomas”

The work release inmate accused of killing a co-worker at Foster Farms in Farmerville has been arrested in Texas. 48-year-old Bruce Causey allegedly fatally stabbed Ketrick Lavon Calhoun last April and then fled the scene. Authorities found Causey after responding to a verbal domestic incident at home in Pearland, Texas on New Year’s Eve.

8:30 LRN newscast

In an email to supporters, Senator John Kennedy said he will not run for governor as he believes he can best serve the state in Washington D-C. Kennedy’s decision to opt out, opens the door for a large field of candidates in the October primary. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says one of those potential candidates is Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves…
cut 15 (11) “..have to”

On Capitol Hill, Congress is paralyzed at the moment. New Orleans Representative Troy Carter…
cut 11 (07) “….a Speaker”
And without a chosen speaker, House members in the 118th Congress 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.

New data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows Louisiana among the top states for population loss. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Ruston Police have made an arrest in the Christmas morning fatal shooting that took place outside of a Waffle House Restaurant. 28-year-old Gerkerrio Demon Womack was taken into custody at a home in Ruston. He’s charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of 30-year-old Germil Deantonious Rhone.

7:30 LRN newscast January 5

Senator John Kennedy says he’s not running for 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 a dozen different politicians considering a gubernatorial run.
Cut 13 (11) “…wait long.”
Alford says expect to hear announcements from Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and State Treasurer John Schroder next week.

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. Demographer Greg Rigamer says a great many left to take higher-paying jobs in other states…:
Cut 4 (06) “…in Louisiana.”
Rigamer says we rank 45th among states for median household income, and that results in people leaving.

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.
Cut 10 (11) “…Speaker of the House.”
McCarthy remains committed he’ll get the necessary votes to be the next House Speaker.

For motorists in the Lafayette area, the left lane of eastbound I-10 has reopened but the right lane remains blocked after an 18-wheeler hit the overpass at Evangeline Thruway. There were heavy traffic delays yesterday and DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says they expect more today, even though one lane has been reopened…
cut 9 (09) “…165 as well”
Mallett says it will take some work to that overpass before the interstate is fully re-opened.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints are back at practice, but with heavy hearts over the health of Bills safety Damar Hamlin. Hamlin is in critical condition after going into cardiac arrest during Monday’s game against Cincinnati. Saints quarterback Andy Dalton says seeing a life and death situation on the football field makes you take a step back…
cut 17 (15) “….this game”
A family spokesperson told the Associated Press that Hamlin’s recovery is moving in a positive direction, but didn’t provide specifics.

The Pelicans easily defeated the Rockets last night 119 to 108. They led by double figures for most of the game as six players scored in double figures led by CJ McCollum, who had 28 points. It was New Orleans first game since knowing Zion Williamson will miss at least the next three weeks because of a strained hamstring.

Last night in college hoops, Tulane trounced Tulsa 93 to 77 as Jalen Cook scored 24 points and dished out seven assists. Cameron Christon had 25 points and nine rebounds as Grambling defeated Texas Southern 85-72. Southern improved to 2-0 in the SWAC with a 66-62 win over Prairie View A-and-M.

Tonight, the Ragin Cajuns who are 0-2 in Sun Belt play will host Southern Miss. Coach Bob Marlin says they need to defend their home court…
cut 20 (19) “…big difference”
Tip-off is at 7 PM.

ULM is 2-0 in the Sun Belt and the Warhawks host Georgia State. Louisiana Tech is in Houston to take on Rice. The Owls are 11-and-3 and have won five in a row.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Senator John Kennedy tells supporters in an email he will not run for governor. This opens the door for several Republicans to enter the race that has Attorney General Jeff Landry as an announced candidate. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is expected to announce his candidacy Tuesday, his 64th birthday…
cut 14 (12) “….his announcement”

There is a major traffic issue in Lafayette as result of an 18-wheeler hitting the I-10 Eastbound overpass at Evangeline Thruway. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett…
cut 7 (13) “…working order”
And last night the eastbound left lane of I-10 was reopened, but expect more delays.

The quandary over who will reign as Speaker of the House has completely stalled the 118th congress. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans have announced star forward Zion Williamson will miss at least the next three weeks because of a hamstring strain. New Orleans will host the Houston Rockets tonight. The Pels are looking to snap a two-game losing streak. They are one game back of Denver for first place in the West.

LSU is now 1-and-1 in SEC play after losing a hard fought game to Kentucky 74-71 last night. The Tigers are at Texas A-and-M on Saturday.

The Aggies have reportedly hired Bobby Petrino as their new offensive coordinator and he’ll take over play calling responsibilities from head coach Jimbo Fisher. Petrino has served as the offensive coordinator at Missouri State the last three seasons. He’s previously been a head coach at Arkansas and Louisville, when Lamar Jackson won the Heisman Trophy in 2016.

On the prep level, Lafayette Christian has a new head football coach, Hunter Landry. He was the Knights offensive coordinator the last two seasons.

The Buffalo Bills say safety Damar Hamlin remains in the ICU and in critical condition, but signs of improvement have been noted since he collapsed on the field in Monday night’s game against the Bengals. LSU Health New Orleans cardiac electrophysiologist Doctor Jameel Ahmed says being in the I-C-U allows the body to rehabilitate after a traumatic event…
cut 15 (12) “….its own”

Week 18 of the NFL season will go on as scheduled. That means the Saints will host Carolina this Sunday. It’s a meaningless game but Coach Dennis Allen says every player who is healthy will play….
cut 18 (21) “…what we do”
The Saints have won three straight.

LRN PM Newscall January 4

LSU’S Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s DASH Diet receives tops rankings among U.S. News and World Report’s list of Best Diets. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1(29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

Drivers are seeing a spike in gasoline prices, but it should not last long. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

LSU’S Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s DASH Diet once again ranks among U.S. News and World Report’s list of Best Diets. Dr. Catherine Champagne is one of the developers and she says the DASH diet consistently makes the list because so much research went into its creation.

Cut 3 (10) “…health benefits.” 

The DASH Diet was listed in the 1997 New England Journal of Medicine and ever since has been quoted by others about 6,000 times.

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods. And unlike most fad diets that exclude foods, Champagne says the DASH Diet follows a different methodology.

Cut 4 (05)  “…in moderation.” 

Champagne says not only is the DASH Diet heart-friendly it helps prevent diabetes. And unlike fad diets, she says it’s one everyone in the home can take part in.

Cut 5 (08) “…entire family.”

The DASH Diet is ranked second for the best overall diet and weight loss, and number one for the best heart-healthy and diabetes diet.

_______________________________________________

Hot and dry weather, than a late summer flood, then more hot and dry weather resulted in more than 500-million dollars in crop losses for Louisiana farmers in 2022. LSU AgCenter Economist Michael Deliberto says parts of northeast Louisiana saw 18 inches of rain during a week-long period in late August,

 Cut 6 (12)  “…quality reduction” 

The LSU AgCenter told the USDA that more than 800-thousand acres of the soybean crop was damaged, which is 68-percent of the crop, 316-million dollars in soybean losses.

Deliberto says low Mississippi River water levels also made it difficult to expert crop

Cut 7 (12)  “…oil seeds.”

Deliberto says 2022 was a good year for sugarcane, but they are still trying to determine the extent of damage from the freezing temperatures Christmas week…

Cut 8 (07)  “….first time” 

___________________________________________

How are gasoline prices for Louisiana consumers in the New Year? The statewide average price of regular gas is $2.94; up over 15-cents from a week ago, but still cheaper than a year ago. Louisiana AAA’s Don Redman says he expects prices to drop over the winter…:

Cut 9 (10) “…to do with demand.” 

Redman say demand for motor fuels always declines in colder months and the poor economy makes it even less. Barring anything unforeseen, Redman says, we can plan to spend less when we fill the tank…:

Cut 10 (08) “…at the pump.” 

The demand for motor fuels is down almost globally right now. Redman says crude oil is currently trading at around $77-a-barrel right now, compared with $120-a-barrel nine months ago. He says, for now, we will benefit by getting a break at the fuel pump…:

Cut 11 (12)  “…the coming weeks.”

_________________________________________________________

Congress remains in limbo until a new Speaker of the House is chosen and after five attempts it remains undecided. GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy has been nominated five times and has yet to garner enough votes. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says voting for speaker unlike other issues is a lengthy process.

Cut 12 (13) “…this case 34 names.”  

Graves says not only does it mean there’s not a figurehead in place it also impacts House committee appointments.

Cut 13 (11) “…this point”  

The mid-term elections resulted in a House GOP majority that Graves says is an indication voters want accountability against the Biden Administration.

Cut 14 (10)   “…void that’s there.”

Graves says he along with the other Republican House members that represent Louisiana voted for Kevin McCarthy.

1:30 LRN Newscast

Congress remains in limbo until a new Speaker of the House is chosen and after four attempts it remains undecided. GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy has yet to garner enough votes. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says voting for speaker unlike other issues is a lengthy process.
Cut 12 (13) “…this case 34 names.”
There are no signs on when the House will agree on a new leader.

According to Triple-A, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is up four cents from yesterday to $2.94. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says the winter storm that impacted most of the country during the week of Christmas shut down refinieries, but the price should come down as January and February are not high demand months…
cut 10 (08) “…at the pump”

LSU’S Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s DASH Diet receives tops rankings among U.S. News and World Report’s list of Best Diets. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1(29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

New U-S Census numbers show the state lost more than 36-thousand residents between July 1st, 2021 and July 1st, 2022. That ranks fifth among states for numeric decline and only New York had a higher percentage loss. Southern states like Texas, North Carolina, Georgia and South Carolina are among the fastest growing states.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Pelicans forward Zion Williamson will miss tonight’s game against Houston and he’s expected to miss at least the next three weeks with a strained hamstring. New Orleans is six and two without Williamson this season.

LSU is now 1-and-1 in SEC play after losing a hard fought game to Kentucky 74-71 last night. K-J Williams had 23 points in a losing effort. Jacob Toppin had 21 for the Wildcats while Oscar Tshiebwe had 19 points and 16 boards.

The Ragin Cajuns were preseason favorites to win the Sun Belt but they are off to an 0-2 start in league play. Coach Bob Marlin says the team is frustrated with the losses…
cut 19 (21) “….play better”
The Cajuns host Southern Miss tomorrow.

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin remains sedated and in critical condition in a Cincinnati hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest Monday night following a tackle in a game against the Bengals. LSU Health New Orleans cardiac electrophysiologist, Dr. Jameel Ahmed says a hard hit in the chest at the right time can cause cardiac arrest.
Cut 13 (13) “…electrical arrhythmia. ”
Doctors performed CPR on Hamlin moments after tackling Bengals receiver Tee Higgins.

After racking up three sacks in the win over Philadelphia, Saints defensive end Cam Jordan is the new all-time sacks leader for the Black and Gold. Coach Dennis Allen says it was a proud moment for the franchise…
cut 17 (21) “…those characteristic”

10:30 LRN Newscast January 4

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin remains sedated and on a ventilator in Cincinnati after he collapsed on the field in Monday night’s game against the Bengals. The 24-year-old is listed in critical condition. But LSU Health New Orleans cardiac electrophysiologist Doctor Jameel Ahmed says being in the I-C-U does not mean a patient is dying, it’s more for the rehabilitation of the body…
cut 15 (12) “….its own”

La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s possible state lawmakers could look to increase their base salary this year. Alford says 2008 was the last time Legislators tried to raise their pay…
cut 5 (06) “….that legislation”
Base pay for state lawmakers is just under 17-thousand dollars and it’s been that way for 41 years.

Tulane’s amazing football season is expected to generate new interest in the New Orleans school. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

New U-S Census numbers show the state lost more than 36-thousand residents between July 1st, 2021 and July 1st, 2022. That ranks fifth among states for numeric decline and only New York had a higher percentage loss. Southern states like Texas, North Carolina, Georgia and South Carolina are among the fastest growing states.