University of Louisiana at Monroe President Nick Bruno is retiring. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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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.
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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”
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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.
Bruno has led ULM since 2010. The search for a new president will be conducted by the UL System.
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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.
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.
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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…
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…
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…
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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.”
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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
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…