Senator John Kennedy tells supporters he will not run for governor. Fellow Republican Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says he’ll announce his decision next Tuesday. Jeff Palermo has more…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Palermo.”

New Orleans city leaders have been made aware that the NFL and NBA are reportedly concerned about the “near constant” vehicle break-ins at the Caesar’s superdome and Smoothie King Center parking lots during games. The city is expected to host the 2025 Super Bowl, but that could change if the league doesn’t think fans or their stuff will be safe.

Jefferson Parish deputies arrest two kids – ages 12 and 14 – for a string of car thefts and burglaries. The two were apprehended early Wednesday morning in the midst of a car burglary at the Creeks of River Ridge apartment complex, but two accomplices got away. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says the story got more interesting when the boys’ mother was questioned about why her boys were out and about in the wee small hours…:

CUT 07(08)      “…who they were with.”

42-year-old Tiffany Broomfield reportedly got nasty and argumentative. She was arrested on an outstanding warrant.

The Bed, Bath & Beyond store in Alexandria will close in about 2 months. The company is hemorrhaging money, its stock had dropped 20-percent and its overall bankruptcy appears imminent. Other BB&B locations in Louisiana are also expected to announce they’re closing.

It looks like a third day of voting will pass without the U.S. House selecting a Speaker. Republican House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy has fallen short of the 218 votes needed to become speaker for an 8^th time today. “The Advocate” reporter Mark Ballard – who is in D.C. at the Capitol – says this is despite talk in the halls of Congress that negotiations with McCarthy’s naysayers were making progress…:

CUT 12  (13)        “…and House procedures”

Ballard says there are still 5 congressmen who vow they will never vote for McCarthy as Speaker, and he’ll need at least three of their votes to cross the finish line.

With Senator Kennedy’s announcement last night he will NOT run for governor, the question arises “will Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser get in the race? Or run for re-election?” Nungesser says if too many Republicans run, it will hurt his chances at making the run-off…:

CUT 05  (10)        “…the runoff.”

He says he WILL announce his decision next Tuesday.

A man wanted since last April for killing a co-worker at the Foster Farms chicken processing plant in Farmerville has been arrested in Texas. 48-year-old Bruce Causey was busted by Texas cops on a domestic disturbance and they alerted Union Parish that they had their man. Union Sheriff Dusty Gates says the family of Causey’s alleged victim, Letrick Calhoun, is relieved…:

CUT 11(10)      “…to hear that.”

After Causey faces weapons charges in Texas, he’ll be extradited to Union Parish for murder charges. He accused of stabbing Calhoun to death during an argument, then fleeing the job and the state.

Police in Ruston are investigating a shooting early this morning at a Waffle House that left one man dead. They say both the shooter and the victim fled the restaurant, but the victim died a short time later while driving on U.S. 80. They have identified a suspect, but for now are not releasing his name, nor the name of the victim. No arrest has been made as of this broadcast.

In case you hadn’t heard, Senator John Kennedy has decided he will NOT run for Governor. Kennedy says DC is where he can do the most good for Louisiana. Now eyes turn to Lt. Governor Bill Nungesser and his decision; run for Governor? Or seek re-election as Lt. Governor? The first choice would pit him against attorney General Jeff Landry, who has the state Republican Party’s backing. On Jim Engster’s “Talk Louisiana” radio show, Nungesser says he feels Landry’s nasty political style makes him unelectable…:

CUT 04  (11)        “…good of Louisiana.”

He says he’ll announce his final decision on the fall election next Tuesday.

He’s accused of killing a co-worker at a Farmerville chicken plant last April, and after months on the lam…he’s been caught. 48-year-old Bruce Causey was apprehended in Texas on a domestic disturbance. Union Parish Sheriff Dusty Gates…:

CUT 10  (09)        “…make a mistake.”

Causey will be extradited to Louisiana after Texas is done with him.

Jefferson Parish deputies arrest two juveniles – ages 12 and 14 – for a string of car thefts and burglaries. Brooke Thorington reports…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

..and now time for today’s markets…

Now that Senator John Kennedy has told supporters he will not run for governor, fellow Republican Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says he’ll announce his decision next Tuesday. Jeff Palermo has more…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Palermo.”

State Police in Vermilion Parish say a two-vehicle crash on U.S. 167 yesterday killed two people. Troopers say a pickup was southbound at high speed when it rear-ended an SUV; causing both to go off the road and roll over. Both in the pickup were unrestrained. Everyone in the SUV was seatlbelted and will recover. The crash is still under investigation

In Jefferson Parish, two teens were apprehended early Wednesday morning in the midst of a car burglary at a River Ridge apartment complex and two suspects got away in dramatic fashion. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says one suspect fled the scene, carjacked a vehicle, crashed it, and ran off on foot. While the other suspect drove off, he encountered two deputies blocking the complex exit…:

CUT 06(12)      “…catch up with him.”

A 12-year-old and a 14-year-old are under arrest, the other two suspects are also juveniles; suspected of dozens of car thefts and burglaries.

The work release inmate accused of killing a co-worker at Foster Farms in Farmerville has been arrested in Texas. Union Parish Sheriff Dusty Gates and his deputies have been looking for 48-year-old Bruce Causey since last April…:

CUT 09(10)      “…warrants on him.”

Causey is accused of fatally stabbed Ketrick Calhoun at the chicken processing plant and fleeing the scene.

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”
Now that Senator John Kennedy has told supporters he will not run for governor this year, the next shoe to drop appears to be Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. The 63-year-old Republican was a guest on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster today and says tourism officials are encouraging him to run for re-election…

Cut 3 (09) “…decision to make.” 

He says he’ll make his announcement on January 10^th on WWL Radio in New Orleans.

There are major traffic problems in Lafayette after the I-10 Eastbound bridge was struck by an 18-wheeler Tuesday, it’s down to one lane. State Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett urges motorists to be prepared for delays.

Cut 8 (13)  “…not from there.”

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 5^th in the nation. And New Orleans demographer Greg Rigamer says we rank 45^th among states for median household income, and that results in people leaving…:

Cut 5 (13) “…a big disparity.”

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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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

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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The quandary over who will reign as Speaker of the House has completely stalled the 118^th congress. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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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 5^th behind New York, California, Illinois & Pennsylvania. New Orleans demographer Greg Rigamer says a great many left to take higher-paying jobs in other states…:

Cut 4 (06)  “…in Louisiana.”

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 45^th 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…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…is very low.” 

_____________________________________________

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. 

Cut 8 (13)  “…not from there.”

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.

Cut 9 (09)  “…I65 as well.”

____________________________________________

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.” 

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.

Cut 11 (07)  “…a Speaker.”

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.

Cut 12 (07) “…of the House.”

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.

___________________________________________________

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.

Cut 13 (11) “…wait long.”

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 64^th birthday.

Cut 14 (12)  “…his announcement.”

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.

Cut 15 (11)  “…have to”

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.

________________________________________________________

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…

 Cut 17 (15) “…this game.” 

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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…

Cut 18 (21) “…some games” 

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…

 Cut 19 (18) “…poised”

Cut 20 (19)     …big difference.” 

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