| BY BOB WARREN | Staff writer |
Political drama: Ahead of the vote later this week, President-elect Trump has weighed in on U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson’s bid to keep his House speaker post. Mark Ballard tells what Trump posted on his social media feed. 150 years: Downtown Covington was a lot different in 1876 when H.J. Smith founded the hardware store that bears his name. As part of our Timeless Treasures series, Willie Swett recently spent some time at the still-thriving store and talked to the family members that run it today. River crash: The U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies are looking into last night’s collision between a tanker and tug on the Mississippi River near Luling. Five people went into the river, but all were accounted for, Michelle Hunter reports. Buc-ee’s: Folks sure do take notice when a Buc-ee’s comes to life along a stretch of highway. Justin Mitchell fills us in on the progress of the giant complex under construction now on I-10 near Pass Christian. Did you get this newsletter forwarded from someone else? Sign up here. And if you're interested in becoming a NOLA.com subscriber, here's a sensational offer. Thanks for checking in. Hope your day is spectacular. Bob | 