So far, a Democrat hasn’t announced their candidacy for governor. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson and current state Democratic Party chair Katie Bernhardt have been mentioned as potential candidates and poll on Bernhardt was conducted Thursday.

Cut 5 (09) “…for Democrats.”

East Baton Rouge DA Hillar Moore is another possibility.

The U.S. House struggles electing Majority leader Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker, some speculate House Minority leader and District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise is a possibility. U.L.-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says Scalise might be reluctant to do so…:

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

Saints and Pelicans fans are extremely frustrated after attending games and finding their cars have been broken into. NOPD Interim Superintendent Michell Woodfork says they will increase patrols during events at the two venues.

Cut 14 (13)  “…Smoothie King Center”

The Pels host the Nets tonight and the Saints play Sunday in the Dome against the Panthers.

Dry January is trending it’s an opportunity for individuals to give up alcohol for a month and see how it affects their health Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Dr. Jennifer Creedon if you believe you might have a drinking problem, reach out to your doctor.

Cut 12 (07) “…disorders.”

She also advises finding a support group for Dry January and beyond if you need assistance.

After 11 attempts 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…:

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

State Trooper Justin Chaisson is no longer with the agency after an investigation found he fled the scene of a boating crash while off duty. LSP says he was fired for violating the state police’s code of conduct, which includes conduct unbecoming of an officer and making false statements.

We’ve heard of several Republicans considering running for governor, but is there a clear frontrunner for Democrats? DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson is said to be seriously considering a run. Chair of the State Democratic Party Katie Bernhardt is another possibility and 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.” 

Dry January is 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.” 

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…:

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m 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…

Cut 14 (13)  “…Smoothie King Center”

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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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.”

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.” 

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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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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.”

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. Some of his crimes are so bad I won’t describe them here. State Attorney General Jeff Landry says Perkins’ wife – a former teacher – was convicted as an accomplice last year…:

CUT 13(10)      “…shake the community.”

Perkins will spend 100 years in prison with no parole.

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley is recommending school systems remove access to the app TikTok over security concerns. Brumley says he sent out a memo today and wanted to raise awareness of those concerns among school systems…:

CUT 05(07)      “…communication screens.”

Brumley also advises school co-curricular clubs, extracurricular organizations, and sports teams to stop using TikTok.

Remains of the four men who died in a helicopter crash in the Gulf last week have been recovered. Three oil rig workers and a pilot were on board when it crashed leaving an oil platform on Thursday. The Coast Guard suspended their search after eight hours. The NTSB is investigating the cause of the crash.

2022 was a rough year for investments and retirement accounts. What may be ahead for 2023? Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

An Addis police officer faces two counts of negligent homicide after his vehicle struck a car with three passengers in Brusly and killed two teenage girls while he was participating in a high-speed chase Saturday. 18^th Judicial District Attorney Tony Clayton says he believes the two charges of negligent homicide and one charge of negligent injuring are warranted against David Cauthron.

Cut 6 (11)  “…under arrest.” 

A new law that went into effect with the new year makes it more difficult for minors to access pornography on the internet. Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel, who’s also a licensed counselor, authored the legislation because of the harmful effects pornography can have on children, like depression, and anxiety and they’re more likely to…

Cut 7 (08) “…in boy’s aggression.”

The new law requires such sites to verify one’s age.

The field for the 2023 governor’s race should become clearer this month.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

There’s potential for severe weather today as damaging thunderstorms track eastward across the state along with the possibility for flooding. A flood watch is in effect from noon until this evening for southwest, northeast, and southeast Louisiana with the possibility of one to three inches of rain or even higher in areas that experience multiple thunderstorms.

Addis police officer David Cauthron faces two counts of negligent homicide after his vehicle struck a car with three passengers in Brusly and killed two teenage girls while he was participating in a high-speed chase Saturday. 18^th Judicial District Attorney Tony Clayton says he believes the charges are warranted.

Cut 6  under arrest :11

17-year-old Maggie Dunn and 15-year-old Caroline Gill were killed, and Maggie’s brother Liam Dunn was also injured in the crash. Officers were in pursuit of Tyquel Zanders who allegedly stole a vehicle in Baton Rouge and led authorities on a chase in East and West Baton Rouge parishes. During the chase, speeds reached 110 miles per hour. 24-year-old Zanders also faces charges in the deaths of the two teens.

And portions of Louisiana are under a tornado watch until 9 pm, they include the northwest parishes of Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, and DeSoto.

If you feel 2023 is the year to ask for a pay raise UNO professor of Economics and Finance Mark Rosa has some advice. He says to be reasonable if you make $15 an hour don’t expect the company to agree to give you $72 an hour. Or if you want to be able to work three days a week at home and no one else at the company can, don’t expect your boss to agree.

Cut 10 (12) “…asking for.” 

According to a new report from Consumer Affairs, Louisiana has the third worst roads in the country. They point to the D-plus rating the state received from the American Society of Civil Engineers and a report by TRIP that finds 46 percent of Louisiana’s roads are in poor or mediocre condition. Consumer Affairs Deputy Editor Cassidy McCants, says poor roads lead to more wear and tear on your vehicle…
cut 7 (09) “….per driver”

Addis police officer David Cauthron faces two counts of negligent homicide after his vehicle struck a car with three passengers in Brusly and killed two teenage girls while he was participating in a high-speed chase Saturday. 18^th Judicial District Attorney Tony Clayton…

Cut 5 impact :12

17-year-old Maggie Dunn and 15-year-old Caroline Gill were killed, and Maggie’s brother Liam Dunn was also injured in the crash.

State Treasurer John Schroder says you can now search for missing money, also known as unclaimed property, in Louisiana and 48 other states by logging on to the website missing-money-dot-com…
cut 24 (08) “…state program”
Schroder says if you’ve lived in another state, he encourages you to check out missing-money-dot-com.

Consumer Affairs ranks Louisiana’s roads as the third worst in the country, behind top-ranked Hawaii and Rhode Island. Consumer Affairs came up with its ranking by looking at road condition grades given out by the American Society of Civil Engineers and a group called TRIP. Deputy Editor Cassidy McCants says another reason for Louisiana’s poor ranking is the number of fatalities…
cut 8 (11) “…million miles”

The goal for many in 2023 is to get a pay raise from their employer. UNO Economics Professor Mark Rosa says because many companies are having a hard time filling positions, they have to be more flexible when it comes to salaries. But he warns if you give your employer an ultimatum be prepared….
Cut 11 (12) “…credibility.”