Former Saints star and ALS advocate Steve Gleason is the 163rd person to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed by Congress. During the ceremony, Gleason called on people to keep exploring, share weaknesses with each other, and compassionately collaborate to solve issues that are ahead.

Cut 14 (13) “…things are possible.”

Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in 2011.

Governor Edwards touched on the resignation of Superintendent of Education John White in his first Ask the Governor radio show since inauguration.The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will is meeting today to discuss selecting a new Superintendent. Edwards says it’s a great opportunity…

Cut 12 (10) “…seriously”

LSU merchandise is flying off the shelves. Fanatics runs the official LSU e-commerce store, and global co-president Jack Boyle says the Tigers’ championship in football has fueled their largest selling NCAA championship period ever.Boyle says demand peaks in the hours after the championship, where fans are riding a victory high that spurs impulse buys.
Cut 9 (09) “…critical”
He says data throughout the season indicated they were on pace to break records if LSU made the championship.
University of Louisiana at Monroe President Nick Bruno announces his plans to retire by June 30th.  Bruno says it is time to pass the torch to someone else who can see the school through more growth.During that time higher education saw cuts in state funding, despite that challenge Bruno was able to bring a medical school to campus, which Bruno says is a big part of his legacy.
Cut 5 (10) “…community-university effort.”
Bruno has led ULM since 2010.

Former Saints player and ALS advocate Steve Gleason is the latest recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A third person has died in Bossier Parish from the early Saturday morning E-F 2 tornado. 87-year-old Ira Jefferson was hospitalized with injuries from the tornado and passed away Tuesday night. Jefferson was an Army veteran and lived next door to an elderly couple who also died.

LSU merchandise is flying off the shelves after the Tigers wrapped up their 15-0 championship season. Fanatics runs the official LSU e-commerce store, and global co-president Jack Boyle says the Purple and Gold title has fueled their largest selling NCAA championship period ever.
Cut 7 (08) “…in 2015.”
He says data throughout the season indicated they were on pace to break records if LSU made the championship.

University of Louisiana at Monroe President Nick Bruno announces his plans to retire by June 30th. Bruno says it is time to pass the torch to someone else who can see the school through more growth.
Cut 4 (13 ) “…commit 3 to 5 years.”
Bruno has led ULM since 2010.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees was on hand to watch his former teammate Steve Gleason receive the Congressional Gold Medal for his work to help those with A-L-S…
cut 15 (10) “…has made”
Gleason was diagnosed with A-L-S in 2011 and has led efforts to create technology to help those with disabilities live longer and more fulfilling lives.

So what does Governor John Bel Edwards think about John White’s decision to step down as Superintendent of Education? Edwards gave his thoughts during his monthly call-in radio show…
cut 11 (07) “…beginning”
But Edwards thanks White for his eight years of service. The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meets today to discuss selecting a new superintendent.

University of Louisiana at Monroe President Nick Bruno is retiring. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Will former LSU star wide receiver Odell Beckham Junior be allowed on the Tigers sidelines again after video showed him handing out money to players following the national championship game? Quarterback Joe Burrow confirmed on a podcast it was real cash and LSU says they are working with the NCAA on how to handle the situation.

The national championship LSU football team is heading to the White House to be honored by President Trump on Friday afternoon. No word on what the team will eat. Last year, Clemson was served McDonald’s and Burger King as the government shutdown was ongoing.

The Tigers championship run has resulted in record-breaking merchandise sales…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

And LSU says it’s working with the NCAA as they investigate Odell Beckham Junior handing out money to players following the national championship game.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meets today at 10 AM to discuss the selection of a new Superintendent of Education. John White plans to step down later this year. Governor John Bel Edwards, who began his second term this week, says White’s departure provides a great opportunity for the state…
cut 12 (10) “…seriously”
Edwards and White did not see eye-to-eye on several public school education issues.

ULM also needs to find a new president. Nick Bruno has announced he plans to retire by June 30th. Bruno has led ULM since 2010 and during that time saw cuts in state funding, but despite that challenge, he brought a medical school to campus, which Bruno says is a big part of his legacy…

cut 5 (10) “….community-university effort”

Former Saints star and ALS advocate Steve Gleason is the 163rd person to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed by Congress. During the ceremony, Congressman Steve Scalise called Gleason a true American hero for his tireless effort to help those with Lou Gehrig’s disease….
Cut 13 (12) “…no white flags.”
Gleason says he accepts the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf the thousands of people and families who are affected by A-L-S and other disabilities.

Governor Edwards held his first Ask the Governor call-in radio show since he was sworn in and commented publically for the first time about the election of Gonzales Representative Clay Schexnayder as House Speaker. Edwards clashed numerous times with House leadership in his first term but believes it will be different this time around…
Cut 10 (11) “…together”
Edwards also says he did not shed a tear when Superintendent of Education John White announced he’s stepping down.

ULM President Nick Bruno is set to retire by June 30th after spending 45 years working in higher education. He’s been the president at ULM since 2010 and helped bring a medical school to campus and he battled funding issues, because of state budget cuts. Bruno now plans to dedicate more time to the family….
cut 6 (12) “….is in Georgia”
The University of Louisiana System will conduct the search for a new president.

And LSU says they are working with the NCAA over the controversy involving former wide receiver Odell Beckham Junior who was seen on video handing out cash to players following the national championship game. LSU first thought it was fake money, but the university now says its student-athletes were put in a compromising position.

University of Louisiana at Monroe President Nick Bruno is retiring. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

________________________________________

The Tiger’s championship run has ruled record-breaking merchandise sales for the company that run’s the team’s e-commerce store. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

____________________________________________

Former New Orleans Saints player and ALS advocate Steve Gleason becomes the latest recipient the Congressional Gold Medal. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________________________

University of Louisiana at Monroe President Nick Bruno announces his plans to retire by June 30th.  Bruno says it is time to pass the torch to someone else who can see the school through more growth.

Cut 4 (13 ) “…commit 3 to 5 years.”

During that time higher education saw cuts in state funding, despite that challenge Bruno was able to bring a medical school to campus, which Bruno says is a big part of his legacy.

Cut 5 (10) “…community-university effort.”

Bruno has spent nearly 45 years working in higher education and was ULM’s eighth president.  He now plans to dedicate more time to family.

Cut 6 (12) “…is in Georgia.”

Bruno has led ULM since 2010.  The search for a new president will be conducted by the UL System.

_____________________________

LSU merchandise is flying off the shelves after the Tigers wrapped up their 15-0 championship season.

Fanatics runs the official LSU e-commerce store, and global co-president Jack Boyle says the Purple and Gold title has fueled their largest selling NCAA championship period ever.

Cut 7 (08) “…in 2015.”

He says data throughout the season indicated they were on pace to break records if LSU made the championship.

Of course, championship T-shirts and hats are always the top sellers, but Boyle says this year the popularity of the team’s beloved head coach has created a never before seen market for new products…

Cut 8 (08) “…e-commerce sites.”

Boyle says that’s particularly impressive considering we’re in the midst of the NFL, NBA, and NHL seasons.

Boyle says demand peaks in the hours after the championship, where fans are riding a victory high that spurs impulse buys.

Cut 9 (09) “…critical”

____________________

Governor Edwards touched on the contentious election for Speaker and the resignation of Superintendent of Education John White in his first Ask the Governor since inauguration.

Republican Speaker Clay Schexnayder’s win is considered a victory for Governor Edwards in the House. He says they won’t always agree, but he knows at least the Speaker will listen…

Cut 10 (11) “…together”

Schexnayder won 60-45 with over half his votes coming from Democrats.

Edwards wasn’t heartbroken at the departure of White, who often clashed with the Governor in his first term…

Cut 11 (07) “beginning”

But he did thank White for his eight years of service.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will meet today at 10 AM to discuss selecting a new Superintendent. Edwards says it’s a great opportunity…

Cut 12 (10) “…seriously”

_____________________________________

Former Saints star and ALS advocate Steve Gleason is the 163rd person to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed by Congress. During the ceremony, Congressman Steve Scalise called  Gleason a true American hero for his tireless effort to help those with Lou Gehrig’s disease

Cut 13 (12) “…no white flags.”

Gleason, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2011, says he accepts the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf the thousands of people and families who are affected by A-L-S and other disabilities.

Gleason calls on people to keep exploring, share weaknesses with each other, and compassionately collaborate to solve issues that are ahead.

Cut 14 (13) “…things are possible.”

Gleason’s efforts have helped establish a database for thousands of ALS patients worldwide for researchers to access in an effort to combat the disease.

Former teammate Drew Brees also spoke at the presentation.

Cut 15 (10) “…Steve has made.”

__________________________________________

Rookie Zion Williamson is close to making his NBA debut, but it will not happen tonight when New Orleans hosts Utah. Williamson has been rehabbing from knee surgery and the team’s executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin says the plan is for Williamson to play his first game January 22nd against San Antonio

Cut 16  (15)  …right directiion” 

There was speculation Williamson would make his return tonight, but Griffin says that information never came from anyone inside the organization.

Williamson had surgery on October 21st on his right knee and did not participate in full-court, five-on-five practices until January 7th. Griffin says they’ve been encouraged by what they’ve seen at practice

Cut 17  (12) “moving forward” 

Griffin says Williamson will not be on a minutes restriction. He says his playing time will be determined by how he looks when on the court…

cut 18  (18) looks like”   

LSU passing game coordinator Joe Brady, who helped revolutionize the team’s offense, has reportedly agreed to become the next offensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says the move makes sense for the 30-year-old….
cut 9 (10) “…offense”
LSU set an FBS record with 726 points scored during the national championship season.

LSU Athletics releases a statement concerning the cash being handed out to players in the post-game celebration by Odell Beckham Jr. Initial information suggested that the bills were not real money. Joe Burrow told Barstool sports that Beckham was handing out legit cash to players after the national championship game. LSU says upon further review, it is apparent that real cash may have also been given to student-athletes. LSU says they are working with the NCAA and the SEC and student-athletes in order to rectify the situation.

The New Orleans Saints and Pelicans have each named UL Lafayette as their official higher education partner. UL Lafayette spokesperson Eric Maron says the three-year collaborations will give students and recent grads access to internships, practical career experience, and networking opportunities.  Maron says the agreement will allow for UL Lafayette to have advertising signage inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and the Smoothie King Center, which could be beneficial in student recruitment.

Cut 14 (10) “…the sporting events.”

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has begun an I-10 widening and improvement project in Calcasieu Parish.  DOTD spokesperson Tammy York says the initial phase will see alternating lane closures with many of which will happen at night.

Cut 5 (12) “…to two lanes.”

The project is expected to wrap up in the summer of 2021.

The US House of Representatives votes to send two articles of impeachment to the Senate, a month after voting to impeach President Trump. Senator John Kennedy slammed the House impeachment process, saying the Upper Chamber will be fairer to the President.

Cut 8 (09) “…differently”

The impeachment links back to allegations that the President attempted to pressure Ukraine into investigating the Bidens in exchange for military aid.

LSU’s passing game coordinator Joe Brady, the man credited with revolutionizing the team’s offense, reportedly agrees to become the next offensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says it’s common for championship teams to have their coaching talent poached at the end of every season…

Cut 10 (08) “…program”

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has begun an I-10 widening and improvement project in Calcasieu Parish. DOTD spokesperson Tammy York says the area is a fairly congested portion of I-10.

Cut 4 (05) “…once we are done.”

Currently there are three lanes in the stretch and there will be lane closures for the project.  

The New Orleans Saints and Pelicans have each named UL Lafayette as their official higher education partner. UL Lafayette spokesperson Eric Maron says hammering out the details of the partnership has been about a year in the making.

Cut 13 (11) “…through the internships.”

The Saints and Pelicans will also fund two annual scholarships for qualifying students.