Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says he’s not running for governor. The state’s junior senator sent a letter to his closest supporters thanking them for their encouragement but says he’s looked deep into his heart and decided not to run. Kennedy’s letter stated he believes he can do more for the state and country by serving in the US Senate. To date, only Attorney General Jeff Landry has announced his official campaign for governor.

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”

Congress remains in limbo until a new Speaker of the House is chosen and after multiple 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.”  

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” 

Six times the U.S. House has taken a vote to choose its new Speaker with majority leader Kevin McCarthy failing to get the 218 votes needed to take that position. Until the House chooses its next leader all congressional business is on hold. Louisiana District 6 Congressman Garret Graves says this is a lengthy process…:

CUT 12  (13)        “…34 names.”

This is the first time the House has failed to elect a speaker in the first ballot since 1913.

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 a dime cheaper than a year ago. Louisiana AAA’s Don Redman says he expects prices to drop over the winter…:

CUT 09  (10)        “…to do with demand.”

I-10 Eastbound in Lafayette remains closed near the Evangeline Thruway due to structural damage to the overpass, says DOTD’s Rodney Mallett. Eastbound I-10 traffic is being detoured at U.S. 165 and to I-49, then U.S. 190 east. When the roadway will reopen is unknown at this hour.

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 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 08(07)      “…first time.”

800-thousand acres of the soybean crop was damaged; 68-percent of the crop. That’s $316-million in soybean losses alone.

We’ll have some nice weather across Louisiana for the next few days, with afternoon highs raging into the low-to-mid 70’s. Our next real chance of rain comes in Sunday and Monday.

Interstate 10 Eastbound in Lafayette remains closed at this hour, after a big rig’s load hit an overpass and did structural damage. DOTD says eastbound lanes are still closed at the Evangeline Thruway. Traffic is being detoured onto I-49 until further notice while structural tests are done to assure motorists safety.

Congress is at a standstill, as vote after vote for a new House Speaker falls apart. California Rep. Kevin McCarthy cannot muster the votes needed to be made Speaker, and until he – or someone – is, all House business must wait. Baton Rouge area Congressman Garret Graves says, regardless of troubles electing McCarthy, the mid-term elections that put the GOP in majority is an indication voters want accountability against the Biden Administration…:

CUT 14(10)      “…void that’s there.”

Graves says he has voted and will keep voting for McCarthy to the Speaker.

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

CUT 01(29)      “…Thorington.”

The National Weather Service has confirmed that the tornado that moved through Jackson Parish east of Jonesboro Monday was an EF-2, with peak winds of 122 mph. The twister’s path covered over 15 miles and damaged numerous homes and other structures. No fatalities have been reported and only three people were moderately hurt.

Congress remains in limbo until a new Speaker of the House is chosen after, now, FIVE failed attempts. Louisiana District 6 Congressman Garret 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 midterm elections left the Republicans with majority in the House, but at a stalemate as to who will be their leader.
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 low Mississippi River water levels also made it difficult to export crops…:

CUT 07(12)      “…and oil seeds.”

He says 2022 was a good year for sugarcane, but a lot of other crops took a beating.

Louisiana drivers are seeing a spike in gasoline prices, but it shouldn’t last long. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Palermo.”

A Baton Rouge man is under arrest, after police found saucy text messages he’d sent to a 14-year-old girl. The girl told cops 19-year-old Tejan Dottery and she had sexual contact, and the texts indicated he knew she was 14 beforehand. He’s charged with molestation of a juvenile and more.

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.

Hot and dry weather, then 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” 

LSU’S Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s DASH Diet once again ranks among U.S. News and World Report’s list of Best Diets. DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertenstion.  Dr. Catherine Champagne is one of the developers and says unlike fad diets the DASH Diet follows a different methodology.

Cut 4 (05)  “…in moderation.” 

Will Louisiana’s legislature seek this year to give themselves their first pay raise in over 40 years? Kevin Gallagher has more on that…:

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Will Louisiana lawmakers seek to give themselves a pay raise this year? After New York State recently raised its legislative base pay, some members of Louisiana’s legislature are saying they have not had an increase in their base in 4 decades. “LaPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says it would be both the worst possible time to do that for voters…but also perhaps the best time…:

CUT 27(10)      “…for this issue.”

Alford says then-state Representative John Bel Edwards voted “yes” to the proposed pay raise that was vetoed in 2008, and he’d likely support it again in his last year in office. The base pay for lawmakers is $16,800 a year, and it has been for 41 years.

Deputies in Bienville parish hope the public can help them find a missing woman who may be a murder witness. She is 43-year-old Kimberly Moore; the last to see Vernon Parker alive. They ask anyone that can help to call the Bienville Sheriff’s Office.

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 03(11)      “…health benefits.”

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.

While on the healthy thing, Ochsner Health is bringing their Eat Fit King Cake back for Carnival season. It’s gluten-free, keto-friendly, with low carbs, and zero sugar. Ochsner dietitian Brittany Craft says it’s all about giving people a healthier option…:

CUT 07(12)      “…natural ingredients.”

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.

A former Livingston Parish deputy takes a plea deal and gets life behind bars for a multitude of sex crimes; many against school kids. Dennis Perkins pleaded guilty to rape, child pornography, sexual battery, and video voyeurism. State Attorney General Jeff Landry says Perkins’ wife – a former teacher – was convicted as an accomplice last year…:
CUT 27 (07) “…shake the community.”
Perkins will spend 100 years in prison with no parole.

With Louisiana in good financial shape, could we see state lawmakers pass legislation to increase their salaries. LA-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s possible since it’s been 41 years that state legislators have received a raise. Alford says there is a way to do it and not seem self-serving….
cut 6 (07) “…starts in 2028”
Base pay for state lawmakers is just under 17-thousand dollars.

If you’re looking for a healthier way to enjoy King Cakes this carnival season Ochsner Eat Fit has a solution for you. Whitney Thomas Reports.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

It’s day two for the 118th Congress and the U-S House still does not have a House Speaker. Louisiana’s delegation voted for California Representative Kevin McCarthy, but he didn’t receive the 218 votes needed, because a group of hard-line conservatives do not support him. Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise could emerge as a possible choice for speaker.

2022 was a rough year for investments and retirement accounts. What may be ahead for 2023? Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 29 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

For motorists traveling on I-10 eastbound through Lafayette be aware that interstate 10 is closed at the Evangeline Thruway because an 18-wheeler struck the overpass. Two out of the three northbound lanes of Evangeline Thruway are also closed.

We are anxiously waiting for more updates on Bills Safety Damar Hamlin who remains in critical condition at a Cincinnati hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest after making a tackle on Monday. LSU Health New Orleans cardiac electrophysiologist Doctor Jameel Ahmed says there is hope because first responders at the game quickly performed C-P-R on Hamlin…
cut 14 (12) “…favorable prognosis”
A family member says Hamlin may have suffered lung damage, but his ventilator usage has been reduced from 100 percent to 50-percent.

The excitement level is at 110-percent on the Tulane campus following the Green Wave’s football team dramatic come from behind win over U-S-C in Monday’s Cotton Bowl. Tulane President Michael Fitts…
cut 11 (08) “…the country”
Fitts says the school has already received over 40-thousand applications from prospect students, but that number is expected to grow.