Fans attending Pelicans and Saints games in recent weeks are returning to their vehicles to find their windows busted and items stolen. A spokesperson for the two teams say they are on radar of the NFL and NBA because of the rampant car burglaries. New Orleans Police Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says they plan to put a stop to it…
cut 15 (08) “…delete it”
The Pelicans host the Nets at the Blender tonight.

Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with public payroll fraud for only attending one of the 12 meetings the board held last year. 20th Judicial District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla says Spears has committed a crime…
Cut 6 (07) “…with it”
Spears attorney says his client was at work when the meetings were held.

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin continues to show remarkable improvement after collapsing on the field Monday and medical experts say CPR most likely saved his life. Executive Director of Louisiana Capital West Red Cross Ed Bush says it was actually a trainer who administered Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation on Hamlin,
Cut 3 (06) “…gentleman alive.”
Bush says since the early 1900s the Red Cross has been the leading expert on CPR instruction.

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.”
Food Network star Valerie Bertinelli announced she’s doing Dry January.

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.” 

The U-S House Convenes again today and a for fourth straight day they will try to elect a new Speaker of the House. GOP leader Kevin McCarthy is facing opposition from members of the conservative Freedom Caucus. Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise could be an alternative choice, but ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says McCarthy and Scalise are political allies and friends…
cut 9 (10) “….of Representative McCarthy”

Fans attending Pelicans and Saints games in recent weeks are returning to their vehicles to find their windows busted and items stolen. A spokesperson for the two teams say they are on radar of the NFL and NBA because of the rampant car burglaries. New Orleans Police Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says they plan to put a stop to it…
cut 15 (08) “…delete it”
The Pelicans host the Nets at the Blender tonight.

Several Republican names have been mentioned for the 2023 governor’s race but who are the possible Democrats running?
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with public payroll fraud for only attending one of the 12 meetings the board held last year. Spears attorney says Spears could not attend the meetings because he works at a chemical plant in Ascension Parish. If convicted, Spears could face a fine of up to one-thousand dollars and up to two years in prison.

After eleven rounds of voting, the U-S House still does not have a Speaker of the House. Members of the conservative Freedom Caucus continue to oppose GOP leader Kevin McCarthy. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says it IS possible House members would nominate Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise as an alternative to McCarthy. He feels, if that happens, Scalise is a shoo-in…:
Cut 8 (11) “…the votes necessary.”

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.”

You may have heard the phrase “Dry January” being discussed. Brooke Thorington has more on what it is and benefits.
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso says they arrested a man who wanted to be arrested so he could go back to jail to have a place to sleep and eat. Deputies say 39-year-old Kenneth Hunt of Lake Charles broke the glass on the front door of the correctional center. He allegedly committed the property damage five hours after he was released from jail after he was booked on November 1st on other charges.

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.

Food Network star Valerie Bertinelli announced she’s doing Dry January. It’s where people give up alcohol for the first month of the year. Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Doctor Jennifer Creedon says among the benefits are improved sleep, weight loss, thinking more clearly, and fewer negative thoughts. Creedon says alcohol is also a depressant.
Cut 11 (05) “…on mood.”

The U.S. House will try again today to elect a House Speaker, but could Metairie Congressman Steve Scalise be a possible alternate candidate to lead the House? More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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.”

________________________________________________________

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.”

_______________________________________________

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.” 

_____________________________________________

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.

_____________________________________________

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.”

____________________________________________

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.

___________________________________________________

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”

________________________________________________________

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.”

_____________________________________________________

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 case you hadn’t heard…Senator John Kennedy has made it official; he will NOT run for governor next fall. Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry has already declared candidacy, printed hats and t-shirts and secured the endorsement of the state Republican Party. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has been considering running, and he makes no secret he feels Landry’s scrappy style isn’t right for being governor…:

CUT 04(11)      “…good of Louisiana.”

Nungesser says he’ll announce his decision on the 2023 governor’s race next Tuesday.

After months on the lam, a Union Parish murder suspect has been captured in Texas. 48-year-old Bruce Causey allegedly stabbed a co-worker to death while on a prison work release at a chicken processing plant in Farmerville way back in April. Union sheriff Dusty gates says cops in the Houston suburb of Pearland busted him on a domestic call. He’ll eventually be extradited back to Louisiana to stand trial.

Jefferson Parish deputies arrest two children, ages 12 and 14, for a string of car thefts and burglaries. The two were apprehended early Wednesday morning in the midst of a car burglary at the Creeks of River Ridge apartment complex and two suspects got away in dramatic fashion. Sheriff Joe Lopinto said one suspect fled the scene, carjacked a vehicle, crashed it, and ran off on foot. While the other suspect drove off, he encountered two deputies blocking his way…:

CUT 06(12)      “…catch up with him”

The young brothers are in juvenile detention; accused of over 60 car burglaries and at least one car theft. Two more suspects are sought.

Ouachita Parish deputies say an anonymous tip of drug use and/or sales at a Calhoun home led to the arrest of 35-year-old Steven Jones. A warranted search of his home turned up a good amount of meth plus nearly a pound of marijuana. They also found a pistol, a rifle and two shotguns. Jones faces drug and weapons charges. He has posted an $11-thousand bond.

Deputies in Jefferson Parish arrest two kids for a string of car thefts and burglaries, and they’re looking for two more that got away…:

CUT 02 (32)      “…Thorington.”

State Police in Vermilion Parish say a two-vehicle crash on U.S. 167 yesterday killed two people. Troopers say a pickup was southbound at high speed when it rear-ended an SUV; causing both to go off the road and roll over. Both in the pickup were unrestrained and died. Everyone in the SUV was seatlbelted and will recover. The crash is still under investigation.

The work release inmate accused of killing a co-worker at the Foster Farms chicken processing plant in Farmerville has been arrested in Texas. Union Parish Sheriff Dusty Gates says he and his deputies have been looking for 48-year-old Bruce Causey since last April…:

CUT 09 (10)      “…warrants on him.”

He’ll be extradited back to Louisiana to stand trial.

A third day of voting ends with the U.S. House still stalemated on Kevin McCarthy for House Speaker. Columnist Mark Ballard of Baton Rouge is in D.C. He says GOP holdouts who won’t back McCarthy demand he commit to allowing far fewer so-called omnibus federal spending bills…:

CUT 14 (13)      “…at that moment.”

A 9^th vote failed to elect McCarthy to Speaker this afternoon.

It looks like a third day of voting will pass without the U.S. House selecting a Speaker. Republican House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy has fallen short of the 218 votes needed to become speaker for a 9th time today. “The Advocate” reporter Mark Ballard – who is in D.C. at the Capitol – says behind-the-scenes negotiations will go on until the GOP can unite sufficient votes behind McCarthy’s leadership..:

CUT 13(07)      “…Speaker of the House.”

There are 20 Republican holdouts, who want concessions from McCarthy as House leader. Ballard says they want House rules changed so it no longer takes a majority vote to call for a vote to replace the Speaker. They also demand he commit to allowing far fewer so-called omnibus federal spending bills.

Police in Baton Rouge checked on an early morning car crash on Interstate 110, and found a murder victim in the vehicle. BRPD says the person was dead from multiple gunshots when they arrived. The victim’s name, gender and age have not been released. An investigation is now underway.

The Governor’s race. Senator John Kennedy is officially OUT…so will Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser get IN? Nungesser says officials in the tourism industry want him to run for another term in his current job…:

CUT 03(09)      “…decision to make.”

He says he’ll make an announcement next Tuesday. So far, Attorney general Jeff Landry is running. State Treasurer John Schroder, Congressman Garret Graves, state lawmakers Richard Nelson and Sharon Hewitt are reportedly thinking about running.

Jefferson Parish deputies arrest two for a string of over 60 car burglaries; boys ages 12 and 14. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says their mom couldn’t explain why her sons were out stealing stuff at 2 in the morning. He says he always knows where HIS kids are…:

CUT 08(09)      “…there they are.”

The mom was arrested on an outstanding warrant. Deputies seek two other suspects who got away.