AM LRN Newscall Jan 6

Several Republican names have been mentioned for the 2023 governor’s race but who are the possible Democrats running? Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The U.S. House will try again today to elect a House Speaker, but could Kenner Congressman Steve Scalise be a possible alternate candidate to lead the House? More from Kevin Gallagher…:

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You may have heard the phrase “Dry January” being discussed. Brooke Thorington has more on what it is and its benefits.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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With Senator John Kennedy out of the governor’s race, it’s expected those who are running will make their intentions known by the end of the month. We’ve heard of several Republicans considering the office, but is there a clear frontrunner for Democrats? LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says one possibility is a current cabinet member of Governor John Bel Edwards.

Cut 4 (06)  “…the governor.”

In addition to Wilson, Alford says current state Democratic Party chair Katie Bernhardt has also been mentioned as a potential candidate. He says a statewide poll on Bernhardt was conducted Thursday.

Cut 5 (09) “…for Democrats.”

Another possibility is East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore.  Moore says he’s been approached about running for governor but says he’s very happy with his current job.

Cut 6 (10)  “…love doing.” 

Alford predicts by the end of the month, all of the potential gubernatorial candidates will have announced their intentions.

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A the U.S. House continues to struggle with electing Majority leader Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker, many speculate the House Minority leader and District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise may be tapped to be a “compromise candidate.” U.L.-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says that is a plausible course of action for House republicans, but Scalise might be reluctant to do so…:

Cut 7 (12) “…with Representative McCarthy.”

Stockley says it IS possible House members would nominate Scalise as an alternative to McCarthy. He feels, if that happens, Scalise is a shoo-in…:

Cut 8 (11)  “…the votes necessary.”

In Wednesday and Thursday House votes, McCarthy’s “yea” votes continued to shrink. He needs 218 to be named speaker but has received as few at 201 votes. Stockley says House members may see a stalemate and seek another candidate, and that could easily be Steve Scalise. However, he says not to count out the fact that Scalise and McCarthy are both political allies and personal friends…:

Cut 9 (10)  “…of Representative McCarthy.”

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The term Dry January is trending. So, what is it? It’s an opportunity for individuals to give up alcohol for a month and see how it affects their mental and physical health. Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Dr. Jennifer Creedon says many realize they’ve been drinking more than they thought.

Cut 10 (11) “…maybe thought.” 

Among the benefits of giving up alcohol for a month are improved sleep, weight loss, thinking more clearly, and fewer negative thoughts. Creedon says while many people associate drinking as a fun activity, it’s actually a depressant.

Cut 11 (05)  “…on mood.”

And as with any lifestyle change, Creedon says having a support group is helpful, you can find one online, or even discuss going alcohol-free with friends and family members. Seek out activities that aren’t associated with alcohol and if you believe you have a problem, Creedon says to reach out to your doctor.

Cut 12 (07) “…disorders.”

She also suggests journaling and taking before and after photos while abstaining for a better idea of the role alcohol plays in your life.

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The Pelicans are 17-and-4 at home this season, but many fans are returning to their vehicles to find windows busted out and their belongings stolen. Saints and Pelicans spokesperson Greg Bensel says they are concerned about the break-ins and need to see action. Interim NOPD Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says they will have more officers patrolling the parking lots around the Dome and Smoothie King Center

Cut 13 (08) “…won’t happen again.”

Fans have been expressing their frustration on social media, posting photos of their broken into vehicle. One fan says it’s happened to him twice in the last five months. Woodfork says there will be increased patrols…

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The Pelicans are set to host the Nets tonight and on Sunday the Saints will take on the Panthers in the Dome. Bensel says they are on the radar of the NFL and NBA because of the rampant car burglaries. Woodfork says they plan to put a stop to it…

Cut 15 (08)  “…delete it”

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The Monday Night Football matchup between the Bengals and Bills was suspended after Bills Safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field after making a tackle. Team staff performed emergency CPR on the field before Hamlin was taken by ambulance to UC Medical Center where he is still in critical condition. Players and coaches were initially told the game would resume before being suspended temporarily and eventually postponed altogether. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow says neither team was in the right mental state to finish the game…

Cut  16 (19)  “…emotional night.” 

Players, coaches, and officials from across the league have extended their thoughts and prayers to Hamlin and his family. Many have expressed fear and shock at the incident as they prepare for the last week of the regular season. Burrow says it’s a strange feeling knowing what happened Monday night but still trying to go on with business as usual…

 Cut 17 (17) “…to go and win.” 

Burrow said he reminded his teammates how important they were to him Monday night and was glad to get back to football this week. The Bengals are preparing for a matchup against division rival Ravens as they look to claim the one-seed in the AFC, but Burrow said opinions in the locker room are still split on those who want to play the game…

Cut 18 (17) “…dealing with it” 

Doctors announced Hamlin is still in critical condition but he’s made substantial improvements. He has no signs of neurological damage and is now awake and communicating through writing. When he asked who won the game Monday night his doctors replied, “Yes, Damar, you won. You won the game of life.”

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Natchitoches Central High School announced they will be hiring Many High School Coach Jess Curtis as their new Head Football Coach. Curtis led the Tigers to an undefeated state championship this season and has three state championships and three runner-up finishes in the last nine years. Curtis is a Many native and played for the Tigers’ 1988 state finalist team. He says it was hard to leave his alma mater and the success they’ve had, but was impressed by Natchitoches Central…

Cut 19 (20) “…at Natchitoches Central”

Curtis will take over a program that went 3-7 last season. The school just finished a new athletic fieldhouse and has erected a grandstand and press box with plans to develop the facility into a home field. Curtis says he was drawn to the challenge of starting a new 5A program…

Cut 20 (20)  “…appealing to me.” 

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