Several Democrats are expressing interest in challenging Governor Jeff Landry in next year’s gubernatorial election. Jeff Palermo has the story.
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The Smoothie King Center is in dire need for major renovations. Now, the key question is where the money will come from to pay for them. Kace Kieschnick reports.
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If you have a heavy foot, chances are your bank account is much lighter than it could be. Andrew Greenstein reports.
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Former Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards tells The Advocate despite the Democrats’ strong showing in the midterm elections, he had no plans of making another run for governor. Edwards spoke with Advocate Political reporter Tyler Bridges.
Any potential talk of Edwards seeking to return to the governor’s mansion effectively became moot when voters passed Amendment Four, limiting governors to two lifetime terms. That means barring any court challenges to test the retroactivity of the amendment, Edwards and Bobby Jindal are now ineligible to run for governor; and if Governor Landry wins re-election next year, he will be permanently ineligible to seek a third term.
However, Bridges expects Democrats to have a strong challenger to Landry’s re-election bid next year. Bridges says Jamie Davis, who lost by only two percentage points to Republican Julia Letlow in the U.S. Senate race, is a maybe. Former Lieutenant Governor and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu is a possibility. He says State Senator Jay Luneau of Alexandria is expressing interest.
Cut 5 (04) “…thinking about it.”
Bridges says it’s also possible the governor will face a challenger from within his own party. He says Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser’s name has been mentioned, but he may decide to run for re-election to his current office instead. Bridges says State Treasurer John Fleming is also a name to watch.
Cut 6 (08) “…his conservative message.”
Bridges says whoever decides to challenge Governor Landry will have to combat his huge campaign war chest, which is at least ten-million dollars.
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The 31-year-old Smoothie King Center is in dire need of renovations. The key question is, where is the money going to come from? NOLA-dot-com Business Editor Stephanie Riegel says so far, they have just over half the money secured.
Cut 7 (12) “…150-million dollars.”
That leaves the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District on the hook for the remaining 195-million dollars. Riegel says time is of the essence in getting these renovations done – the first is to bolster New Orleans’ chances of landing the 2031 Super Bowl.
Riegel says the other reason is to potentially keep the Pelicans in New Orleans.
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In Louisiana, a heavy foot means a much lighter wallet. A new study by LendingTree shows that after a first citation for driving up to 15 miles an hour over the posted speed limit, Louisiana drivers have on average the second-highest surcharge in the country, only behind Arizona. LendingTree Insurance Analyst Rob Bhatt (“bot”) says this is despite Louisiana’s increase being only 19th highest by percentage.
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Bhatt says when divided by 12, that surcharge of more than 1,070 dollars a year is a very significant amount.
Cut 11 (08) “…a speeding ticket.”
Bhatt says like almost every other state, in certain situations, you can keep that speeding ticket off your record by taking a defensive driving course.
Cut 12 (08) “…off your record.”
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Starting in June, you can fly nonstop from New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport to Mexico City on Aeromexico. Louis Armstrong Aviation Director Kevin Dolliole says travelers on the new Aeromexico flights will be able to easily connect to more than 100 other destinations.
Cut 13 (12) “…60 international routes.”
The year-round service is scheduled to begin June 17th on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. New Orleans and Company President and CEO Walt Leger says the new flights will help draw more international visitors to the city, especially from Mexico.
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New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno says Mexico is already a major economic partner for the city and for the state, especially since Mexico is Louisiana’s largest trading partner. Moreno says the flight is also great news for her personally.
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After starting SWAC play with wins over Alcorn State and Jackson State, Grambling has dropped three straight and is now eliminated from conference title contention. Head coach Mickey Joseph says he expects and wants to be back at Grambling next season but understands that is not in his control.
Cut 16 (14) “…but life don’t.”
In February, Joseph received a contract extension to stay with the Tigers through next season with option years in 2028 and 2029.
The G-Men are now 4-5 this season with two games left after going 7-and-5 last year. Joseph says he understands that when things go wrong in athletics, things have to change. He says that change starts with him, and he will attack any problems head-on, but that starts with finishing this season strong.
Grambling visits Bethune-Cookman at noon on Saturday.
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The new car smell of the Lane Kiffin era is wearing off for some LSU football fans after the Tigers suffered yet another big home loss to Alabama. The Tigers’ playoff hopes are on life support, and there has been a lot of criticism of the team after the 31-13 defeat, but Kiffin says he spoke with his players about blocking out that noise.
Cut 18 (18) “…listen to that.”
Kiffin says he does not have any plans to change their flashy rituals or pregame celebrity appearances because that is about creating an exciting atmosphere for players and recruits, not about winning and losing.
LSU will have very little time to rebound before hosting another top-10 opponent in Texas. While LSU recoups, the Longhorns are coming off a top-25 road win at Missouri. Kiffin says that can actually be an advantage for the Tigers.
Cut 19 (16) “…they handle success.”
Star tight end Trey’Dez Green had 10 catches for 85 yards against the Crimson Tide, but he still did not look to be at full strength after being sidelined with a knee injury. Kiffin says that does not mean he did not have a big impact.
Cut 20 (17) “…hopefully that happens.”
Linebacker Whit Weeks was doubtful to play leading up to the Bama game and remained sidelined, but he could make his return from a fractured fibula on Saturday.