A new tarp is up so the remains of a worker at the collapsed Hard Rock Hotel construction site in New Orleans are no longer visible. Strong winds pushed the previous tarp away, briefly exposing the legs of a dead man. New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell says it is not safe to pull the victim from the wreckage…
Cut 3 (10)  “…industry experts” 
McConnell says they hope the remains of two of the victims who died inside the collapsed site will be recovered after a scheduled implosion in March.
Experts estimate LSU received more than $200 million in free media exposure in the seven weeks between December 1st and January 21st as a result of the football team’s successful championship run. Director of sponsorship analytics for Joyce Julius and Associates, Jeremy Creutz says this is among the most media attention they’ve seen in the realm of collegiate athletics.
Cut 11 (10) “…the White House.”

An LSU grad and Louisiana native is grabbing the attention of the hot sauce world with Bayou Gotham Hot Sauce.  A Kickstarter campaign has recently surpassed its $25,000 funding goal.  Scott Bellina, the man behind the handcrafted sauces, says one of his first flavors was inspired by a Louisiana music icon.
Cut 14 (09) “…late Dr. John.”
The first batch is expected to be shipped out this spring.

The Louisiana Family Forum wants to highlight couples that have been married for seven-decades or longer in the 2020 Marriage Hall of Fame. President of the Louisiana Family Forum, Gene Mills says he wants to showcase couples who make marriage a lifetime commitment.

Cut 7 (10) “…finish line.”

Since the forum began the Marriage Hall of Fame, one of the longest-married couples honored in Louisiana was 84 years.

The biggest names in Louisiana politics and business are flying north to D.C. today for Washington Mardi Gras. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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If you’ve been married for seventy years or longer you’re eligible for the Louisiana Marriage Hall of Fame. Broooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A Louisiana native is capturing the attention of the hot sauce world with his new line of handcraft sauces.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

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Washington Mardi Gras kicks off today with Louisiana’s biggest movers and shakers in D.C. for three days of politicking and celebrations.

LSU Communications Professor and veteran political staffer Bob Mann says each night will feature a ball attended by state leaders based both here and in D.C., capped off by Saturday night’s mini-parade.

Cut 4 (11) “…be seen”

This year’s theme is based around Louisiana’s contributions to the United States.

The tradition was started over 50 years ago by Senator Russel B. Long, and Mann says for years it was an event only for those Louisianans stuck in D.C. for the carnival season.

Cut 5 (08) “…holiday”

The tradition began and continues at the Washington Hilton.

As much as it’s lauded for being one of the best parties in town, Mann says the daylight hours before the nightly balls are all business.

Cut 6 (09) “of that”

Congressman Steve Scalise is this year’s Krewe Captain, and Congressman Clay Higgins is the Chairman.

_____________________________

The Louisiana Family Forum wants to highlight couples that have been married for seven-decades or longer in the 2020 Marriage Hall of Fame. President of the Louisiana Family Forum, Gene Mills says he wants to showcase couples who make marriage a lifetime commitment.

Cut 7 (10) “…finish line.”

Since the forum began the Marriage Hall of Fame, one of the longest-married couples honored in Louisiana was 84 years.  Mills says in addition to being featured in the Hall of Fame the top ten nominees also receive prizes.

Cut 8 (10) “…Governor’s mansion.”

Mills says the forum can only share success stories of couples if they are nominated.

Cut 9 (11) “…of Louisiana.”

To nominate a couple, contact the Louisiana Family Forum at 1-800-606-6470. The due date for nominations is February 5^th.

____________________

Experts estimate LSU received more than $200 million in free media exposure in the seven weeks between December 1st and January 21st as a result of the football team’s successful championship run. Director of sponsorship analytics for Joyce Julius and Associates, Jeremy Creutz. says by their calculations, LSU got just over 150,000 mentions across TV, internet and print media.

Cut 10 (08) “…to receive that.”

Creutz says this is among the biggest measurements they’ve seen in the realm of collegiate athletics.

Cut 11 (10) “…the White House.”

Creutz says while it may not be tangible dollars LSU has earned, the exposure can be parlayed into merchandise sales and interest in receiving an education as a Tiger.

Cut 12 (09) “…type of things.”

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An LSU grad and Louisiana native is grabbing the attention of the hot sauce world with Bayou Gotham Hot Sauce.  A Kickstarter campaign has recently surpassed its $25,000 funding goal.  Scott Bellina, the man behind the handcrafted sauces, says the initial four flavors are inspired by his Louisiana upbringing.

Cut 13 (11) “…been done before.”

The first batch is expected to be shipped out this spring.  Bellina has lived in New York since 2001 and will have another four flavors inspired by life in the Big Apple on the horizon.  Bellina says one of his first flavors was inspired by a Louisiana music icon.

Cut 14 (09) “…late Dr. John.”

Bellina says his ties to the hot sauce industry is a family affair with a Louisiana brand that has become an empire.

Cut 15 (09) “…with hot sauce.”

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The Saints enter an offseason where they’ll have to make big decisions on several unrestricted free agents. Vonn Bell, Andrus Peat, Eli Apple, A-J Klein, Teddy Bridgewater, and Drew Brees were major contributors on the 2019 team that will have the ability to sign elsewhere in March. General Manager Mickey Loomis is at Senior Bowl in Mobile and wouldn’t speculate on who will return

Cut 16  (24)  …the past” 

Loomis says he has yet to discuss with Brees his future with the team…

Cut 17  (11) ” plenty of time” 

Loomis told ESPN’s Mike Triplett that they want the 41-year-old quarterback to lead the team in 2020.

Wide receiver is expected to be a position of need as they look to help out Michael Thomas. Loomis says time will tell if they’ll draft a pass catcher in the first round or address that need through free agency

cut 18  (20) ” here”   

In New Orleans a new tarp is in place even though city officials said it would be too dangerous to try and hang a new one over the remains of one of the workers killed in the Hard Rock Hotel construction collapse October 12. Wind recently removed the tarp and photos went viral on social media.

The Coronavirus is spreading rapidly in China, but CDC officials say the threat to the US is “low”. Matt Doyle spoke with LSU Health New Orleans about the outbreak…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

Senators are hearing opening arguments in President Donald Trump’s impeachment case. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is upset the chamber is held hostage over impeachment while other, more important issues remain unsolved…
cut 14 (10) “…period”

California Congressman Adam Schiff kicked off the Democrats case by claiming the president tried to use his powers of the presidency to gain information to help him win the 2020 election.

A Comeaux High School Senior who was shot during an attempted armed robbery Saturday has died at a local hospital. Lafayette Police say 17-year old Matthew Carter was found in his car suffering from a gunshot wound. Charges for the two teen, ages 13 and 14 have been upgraded to first degree-murder. Both remain in custody.

While it’s unlikely you’ll be exposed to the Coronavirus that’s impacting China, LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says the biggest impact it could have on Louisiana is for those who’ll be traveling.

Cut 5 (07) “…world.”

Those airports are in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta, and New York.

Four people are now in police custody for the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Kendall Thompson, Jr. of Jeanerette following the arrest of two suspects in Rapides Parish last night. Interim Jeanerette Police Chief Fernest Martin says it brings relief to know that the last of the suspects have been nabbed.

Cut 7 (08) “…incidents or fatalities.”

George Bobb and McClellan Molo, both 19, have been arrested along with 21-year-old Rondrick Grant and 20-year-old Travlon Dauphine.

With the Impeachment underway in the Senate Democrats have raised concerns that Republicans are blocking further investigation into the matter and the calling of witnesses. Senator Bill Cassidy says if the impeachment case was already overwhelming…

Cut 13 (11) “…witness”

Republicans have threatened to call Joe Biden and his son to testify.

900,000 dollars of meth was seized by Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s deputies after a vehicle with busted lights was stopped on I-20. Sheriff’s office spokesperson Glenn Springfield says while talking to the suspect, he consented to a search of a vehicle and deputies deployed a K-9 on the vehicle.

Cut 10 (10) “…of about $900,000.” 

The suspect has been identified as Jose Luis Sosa of Houston.

A 17-year-old shot during an armed robbery has died from injuries and two teenagers are now facing first-degree murder charges.

cut  2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

A tarp that was put in place to cover one of the bodies of a worker that was killed in the collapse of the Hark Rock Hotel construction site in New Orleans has fallen, thus exposing the body. A statement from the Mayor’s office says efforts to replace the tarp have proven extremely dangerous due to the unstableness of the site. They also requested the public to stop sharing photos of the deceased out of respect.

Oral arguments are underway in the US Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump on two articles of impeachment. Senators are required to be in attendance in the chamber for six days a week, and at least eight hours a day. Senator Bill Cassidy says yesterday they clocked a long day fighting over the trial rules.

Cut 12 (08) “…last night.”

Democrats will now have 24 hours in the Upper Chamber to make their case.

Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s deputies conduct a major drug bust on Interstate 20, discovering about $900,000 in meth.  Sheriff’s office spokesperson Glenn Springfield says a Special Crimes Apprehension Team was working last night when they noticed the suspicious vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.

Cut 9 (11) “…lights were defective.”

The suspect has been identified as Jose Luis Sosa of Houston.

The Coronavirus is spreading rapidly in China, but CDC officials say the threat to the US is “low”. Matt Doyle spoke with LSU Health New Orleans about the outbreak…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

A Comeaux High School Senior who was shot during an attempted armed robbery Saturday has died at a local hospital. Lafayette Police say 17-year old Matthew Carter was found in his car suffering from a gunshot wound. Charges for the two teen, ages 13 and 14 have been upgraded to first degree-murder. Both remain in custody.

Four people are now in police custody for the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Kendall Thompson, Jr. of Jeanerette following the arrest of two suspects in Rapides Parish last night. Interim Jeanerette Police Chief Fernest Martin says authorities were able to track the remaining suspects to north Louisiana.

Cut 6 (10) “…apprehend these suspects.”

George Bobb and McClellan Molo, both 19, have since been transported back to Iberia Parish. Previous arrests over the weekend netted 21-year-old Rondrick Grant and 20-year-old Travlon Dauphine.

With the Impeachment underway in the Senate Democrats have raised concerns that Republicans are blocking further investigation into the matter and the calling of witnesses. Senator Bill Cassidy says if the impeachment case was already overwhelming…

Cut 13 (11) “…witness”

Republicans have threatened to call Joe Biden and his son to testify

Oral arguments are underway in the US Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump on two articles of impeachment. Senators are required to be in attendance in the chamber for six days a week, and at least eight hours a day. Senator Bill Cassidy says yesterday they clocked a long day fighting over the trial rules.

Cut 12 (08) “…last night.”

Democrats will now have 24 hours in the Upper Chamber to make their case.

900,000 dollars of meth was seized by Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s deputies after a vehicle with busted lights was stopped on I-20. Sheriff’s office spokesperson Glenn Springfield says while talking to the suspect, he consented to a search of a vehicle and deputies deployed a K-9 on the vehicle.

Cut 10 (10) “…of about $900,000.” 

The suspect has been identified as Jose Luis Sosa of Houston.

A 17-year-old shot during an armed robbery has died from injuries and two teenagers are now facing first-degree murder charges. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The first US case of the Wuhan Corona Virus has been reported in Washington State, and while it’s has spread rapidly in China the CDC says the virus doesn’t pose much of a threat to Americans. The virus is now transmitting person to person in Wuhan City, China. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says take note if you’ve developed respiratory issues or fever, and…

Cut 3, 11 seconds, infection

The virus has killed 20 and infected about 450 people so far.

Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s deputies conduct a major drug bust on Interstate 20, discovering about $900,000 in meth.  Sheriff’s office spokesperson Glenn Springfield says the Special Crimes Apprehension Team was working last night when they noticed the suspicious vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.

Cut 9 (11) “…lights were defective.”

Governor Edwards indicates he is in support of undoing consolidation of LSU leadership that happened under Governor Jindal in 2012. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

The wind has moved a tarp at the collapsed Hard Rock construction site in New Orleans and the remains of one of the workers who died can be seen from the street. The City is asking the public not take to photos. A controlled implosion of the construction site is scheduled for March.

Despite a pay raise for teachers last year, the average salary for a Louisiana educator remains below the southern regional average. Governor John Bel Edwards has indicated it may take the rest of his term to hit that target. Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Larry Carter says the teachers would love nothing more than to have the upcoming legislative session that begins in March to lock in a meaningful pay raise.

Cut 8 (12) “…deserve that compensation.”

The state has about 50,000 public school teachers.

A candlelight vigil is scheduled for 17-year-old Matthew Carter, the Comeaux High football player fighting for his life after an alleged attempted car robbery ended with him being shot by two teens, ages 13 & 14.  The vigil will take place tomorrow at 4PM at the Comeaux football stadium.  Carter is hospitalized with critical injuries.

Billionaire former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s presidential campaign loads up on renown Louisiana political operatives for it’s push to win the state’s April 4^th primary.  Former Edwards Deputy Chief of Staff Richard Carbo is now the campaign’s State Director. He says the team will have a substantial presence in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (10) “…message.”

Bloomberg is currently polling 5^th in the race nationally.

Governor John Bel Edwards signals support for splitting the vacant LSU Presidency back into two jobs of leadership, one governing the Baton Rouge campus, and one running the other campuses.  Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says former President F. King Alexander’s expanded responsibilities happened in 2012 and were as a result of consolidation during the Jindal years.

Cut 10 (11) “…a long time.”

Governor John Bel Edwards indicates it may take the rest of his term to hit the southern regional average for teacher pay raises, but teachers might start to skip town before that time. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Governor Edwards indicates he is in support of undoing consolidation of LSU leadership that happened under Governor Jindal in 2012. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

____________________________________________

Zion Williamson will play his first minutes for the Pelicans tonight after a pre-season injury kept him out the first half of the season…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Billionaire former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s presidential campaign loads up on renown Louisiana political operatives for it’s push to win the state’s April 4^th primary.

Former Edwards Deputy Chief of Staff Richard Carbo is now the campaign’s State Director. He says the team will have a substantial presence in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (10) “…message.”

Bloomberg is currently polling 5^th in the race nationally after a late entry behind Pete Buttigieg, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Joe Biden. No Louisiana primary polls exist yet.

The Democratic primary is currently focused on the February 3^rd Iowa Caucus, but Bloomberg is pinning his hopes on later states. Carbo says so far they’re the first to really pour money into Louisiana.

Cut 5 (10) “…weeks”

33 Democratic primaries will be held before Louisianans vote April 4^th, with roughly 65 percent of all delegates already having been won.

Bloomberg has self-financed his campaign hundreds of millions of dollars and is picking up Democratic staffers across the south, which in Louisiana means former Governor Edwards’ employees…

Cut 6 (08) “talent”

_____________________________

Despite a pay raise for teachers last year, the average salary for a Louisiana educator remains below the southern regional average. Governor John Bel Edwards has indicated it may take the rest of his term to hit that target. Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Larry Carter says teachers can’t wait that long…

Cut 7 (11) “…been hearing that.”

The LFT will pressure lawmakers for an additional pay bump.  Carter says the teachers would love nothing more than to have the upcoming legislative session that begins in March to lock in a meaningful pay raise.

Cut 8 (12) “…deserve that compensation.”

Louisiana’s average teacher pay is just over $50,000, about $1,800 shy of the regional average and Carter says it is important to close that gap now.

Cut 9 (11) “…for school employees.”

The state has about 50,000 public school teachers.

____________________

Governor John Bel Edwards signals support for splitting the vacant LSU Presidency back into two jobs of leadership, one governing the Baton Rouge campus, and one running the other campuses.

Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says former President F. King Alexander’s expanded responsibilities happened in 2012 and were as a result of consolidation during the Jindal years.

Cut 10 (11) “…a long time.”

At the time of the consolidation, Erwin says the opinion was split on what the outcome would be, and there’s always some politics involved in choosing how to run the state’s flagship system.

Cut 11 (09) “…up the flagship.”

Erwin says if the old model is brought back, it’s a chance to hire people with different skillsets for both Chancellor and President, as each job caters to different students and facilities.

Cut 12 (10) “…thing unto themself.”

_____________________________________

Rookie sensation Zion Williamson takes the court for the Pelicans tonight against the Spurs in New Orleans, the 1^st overall pick’s first game with the team after tearing his meniscus in preseason.

After a horrendous start to the season, the Pels are one of the hottest teams in the league, just 3.5 games out of the playoffs. Locked on Pelicans publisher Jake Madison says the team is really clicking.

Cut 13 (12) “…career”

He’ll be joining the team’s new young star, former Laker forward Brandon Ingram, who is averaging 26 points a game.

As exciting as his return is, Madison cautions that you likely won’t be seeing much of Zion for the next few weeks. He expects Williamson to get about 10 to 20 minutes a game for the short term.

Cut 14 (08) “…bench”

He’ll have to find his way into a starting lineup of Jrue Holliday, Lonzo Ball, JJ Reddick, Brandon Ingram, and Derrick Favors that’s led a mid-season charge.

Zion will have to find his way in an offense that’s really hit a groove, and Madison says that likely means he’ll see less of the ball than you typically might expect of a young star.

Cut 15 (09) “…impact.”

It’s a late game, tip off set for 8:30.