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.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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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.

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.”

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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

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. 

The man who helped craft the Tigers NCAA record-breaking offense, passing game coordinator Joe Brady, is reportedly moving on to the NFL. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

University of Louisiana at Monre President Nick Bruno has told the University of Louisiana System that he plans to retire by June 30th. Bruno has led ULM since 2010. During that time higher education saw cuts in state funding, despite that challenge Bruno was able to bring a medical school to campus.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announces the Lower Chamber will vote to send two articles of impeachment to the Senate, a month after voting to impeach President Trump. The Speaker has attempted to leverage the delay into influence on how the trial would be conducted, but Senator John Kennedy says the Constitution is clear about who gets the set the rules for an impeachment trial.
Cut 7 (11) “proceedings”
Democrats have cried foul over Senate Republican’s refusal to call certain witnesses or utilize new evidence in the upcoming trial.
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 work will bump up the capacity and upgrade the surface of the road in the stretch just west of Sulfur.
Cut 3 (09)  “…a $45.5 million project.” 
York says the area is a fairly congested portion of I-10. The project is expected to wrap up in summer 2021.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announces the Lower Chamber will vote to send two articles of impeachment to the Senate, a month after voting to impeach President Trump. The Speaker has attempted to leverage the delay into influence on how the trial would be conducted, but Senator John Kennedy says the Constitution is clear about who gets the set the rules for an impeachment trial.
Cut 7 (11) “proceedings”
Democrats have cried foul over Senate Republican’s refusal to call certain witnesses or utilize new evidence in the upcoming trial.
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 work will bump up the capacity and upgrade the surface of the road in the stretch just west of Sulfur.York says the area is a fairly congested portion of I-10.
Cut 4 (05) “…once we are done.”
The project is expected to wrap up in summer 2021.
Clay Schexnayder’s surprising election as House Speaker elicits very different reactions from Democrats and Republicans. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…matt Doyle” 

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announces the Lower Chamber will vote to send two articles of impeachment to the Senate, a month after voting to impeach President Trump. Pelosi has withheld the articles after a disagreement on how the trial should be held. Senator John Kennedy says the waiting game has been embarrassing.
Cut 6 (04) “farce”
Representatives Schiff, Nadler, and five other Democrats have been named impeachment managers and will prosecute the case in the Senate.
Smoking is not allowed in the Superdome but that didn’t stop several LSU players including quarterback Joe Burrow from lighting up a cigar following the team’s victory over Clemson in the national championship game. Baton Rouge defense attorney and cigar enthusiast Franz Borghardt says he couldn’t help but wonder how many of the guys who were partaking were under 21, which is a violation of federal law.
Cut 7 (11) “…on football performance.”

Saints QB Drew Brees turns 41 today, and coming off a disappointing end to the season there’s questions as to what his age means for the team going forward. Locked on Saints podcast host Ross Jackson says he fully expects Brees will be back in Black and Gold, but it’s obvious that his physical ability has deteriorated quickly over the past few years.
Cut 14 (11) “…to be”
Coach Payton says he expects Drew will be back, which likely means backup Teddy Bridgewater, who went 5 and 0 while Brees was injured, will leave in free agency.
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 work will bump up the capacity and upgrade the surface of the road in the stretch just west of Sulfur.
Cut 3 (09)  “…a $45.5 million project.” 
York says the area is a fairly congested portion of I-10. The project is expected to wrap up in summer 2021.

ALS advocate and Former New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason will receive the Congressional Gold Medal this afternoon at the US Capitol. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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It may be unlawful to smoke in a state-owned building, but social media posts from the locker room show that didn’t stop Joe Burrow and several other plays from partaking in a post-game cigar on Monday night. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Clay Schexnayder’s surprising Speakership election has elicited very different reactions from Democrats and Republicans. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…matt Doyle” 

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Former New Orleans Saints player and ALS advocate Steve Gleason will receive the Congressional Gold Medal this afternoon at the US Capitol.  Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in January 2011 and in the time since has helped over 15,000 people also dealing with the crippling disease with Team Gleason.  Senator Bill Cassidy…

Cut 4 (11) “…all of us.”

Cassidy worked on the honor on the Senate side will Cedric Richmond and Steve Scalise made the push on the House side.  The distinction is the highest honor Congress can bestow on a civilian and fewer than 200 have been a recipient.

Cut 5 (11) “…sort of person.”

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.  Cassidy says Gleason has also worked with Microsoft to create communication tools.

Cut 6 (13) “…those with ALS”

_____________________________

The image of Joe Burrow’s victory stogie in the locker room is one that will forever be attached to LSU’s championship celebration.  Baton Rouge defense attorney and cigar enthusiast Franz Borghardt says he couldn’t help but wonder how many of the guys who were partaking were under 21, which is a violation of federal law.

Cut 7 (11) “…on football performance.”

Smoking is also prohibited in the Superdome as it is a state-owned building.

Borghardt believes the imagery will likely result in a spike for cigar sales in Louisiana.  Borghardt says the moment was emblematic of everything he loves about cigars and says they are a wonderful means of celebrating life’s triumphs.

Cut 8 (11) “…it’s that moment.”

Despite the unlawful behavior, Borghardt does not believe any law enforcement officer or prosecutor in their right mind would actually try to pursue any real ramifications against the players.

Cut 9 (12) “…the same thing”

____________________

Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder’s election has Democrats celebrating, and conservative Republicans lamenting what it might mean for Legislation over the next four years.

Schexnayder won 60-45, with over half of his votes coming from Democrats. House GOP Caucus Chairman Blake Miguez says it’s disappointing to see a Republican court Democrats for power.

Cut 10 (10) “…we have”

The Republicans who broke rank are considered to be more moderate than the rest of the caucus.

The election is thought to give Governor Edwards a surprising amount of Legislative influence despite a recent election where Republicans cleared out many former Democratic strongholds.

Cut 11 (09) “policy”

Miguez says we will get a preview of the Governor’s influence on the new Speaker today when the Revenue Estimating Conference meets to vote on adopting this year’s forecast.

Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Randall Gaines celebrated the coalition of moderate Republicans and Democrats who voted in Schexnayder. He says the other option, Sherman Mack, was too extreme.

Cut 12 (08) “…agenda”

And Gaines says Schexnayder agreed to give Democrats access to certain Legislative positions that Mack would have likely frozen them out of.

Cut 13 (09) “…committees.”

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Saints QB Drew Brees turns 41 today, and coming off a disappointing end to the season there’s questions as to what his age means for the team going forward.

Locked on Saints podcast host Ross Jackson says he fully expects Brees will be back in Black and Gold, but it’s obvious that his physical ability has deteriorated quickly over the past few years.

Cut 14 (11) “…to be”

With that in mind, Jackson says it’s highly likely you will see Sean Payton’s offense build even more around a run game, ball control offense that takes fewer big shots than it used to…

Cut 15 (09) “…this season”

Coach Payton says he expects Drew will be back, which likely means backup Teddy Bridgewater will leave in free agency. Jackson says if a good, long term offer to start shows up, Teddy will take it.

Cut 16  (10)  …situation” 

Bridgewater was a perfect 5-0 last season when he filled in for an injured Brees. He threw for 1,384 yards with nine TDS and two picks.

Are the 2019-2020 Tigers the greatest college team of all time? Coach O says that’s one for fans and the media to decide, he’s just proud of his team’s effort in the 42-25 clobbering of Clemson in last night’s CFP Championship Game. That being said safety Grant Delpit already knows what most Louisianan’s opinion is on that question…

Cut 13 (12) “yes sir”

While most Louisianans were decked out in Purple and Gold, many in the town of Jennings were conflicted as Jennings High star running back Travis Etienne lined up in Orange and Purple. The back put up 114 total yards and a TD, and said he was disappointed to lose, but happy to be back home…

Cut 6 (08) “home crowd”

And the LSU offense may look a lot different next season as passing game coordinator Joe Brady will reportedly take the Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator gig at the request of new coach Matt Rhule.

While many throughout the state may be showing love for Coach Ed Orgeron, no one is more excited about his success than those in the area where he grew up.  Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Brennan Matherne says there is now a grassroots effort in place to get Orgeron to be a grand marshal in one of the parish’s Mardi Gras parades this year.

Cut 5 (12) “…that’s the hope.”

Tigers fans lined the streets outside the LSU Football Operations building to greet their heroes returning home from their triumphant win over Clemson last night in the Dome. The event was packed with families decked out in purple and gold. This little Tiger had been waiting to see the team for quite some time.

Cut 11 (10) “…LSU”

A parade is set for Saturday.

LSU’s undefeated national championship season puts them in the debate as the greatest college football team ever. Coach Ed Orgeron, who was part of national championship teams as an assistant at Miami and USC, says it’s for the media to decide if the Tigers are the best team

Cut 12 (10) “…next year.”

Orgeron says he’s looking forward to a big recruiting weekend.

Tigers fans lined the streets outside the LSU Football Operations building to greet their heroes returning home from their triumphant 42-25 win over Clemson last night in the Dome. Here’s the moment those first sirens announcing the team’s arrival could be heard by the roughly 300 fans who showed up to cheer on the returning team.

Cut 9 (11) “*sirens*”

Many fans lined up hours ahead of time to get a good view of the team as they made their way back to the Capital from the Crescent City.

The Bayou Bengals are getting a parade. Baton Rouge and LSU are working on the details of a parade for the national champion Tigers that will begin at LSU’s school of music on Saturday.

While many throughout the state may be showing love for Coach Ed Orgeron, no one is more excited about his success than those in the Larose area where he grew up.  Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Brennan Matherne says the area already bleeds purple and gold…

Cut 3 (10)  “…that national title.” 

Clemson may have had a rough game as a whole, but Jennings native, running back Travis Etienne played well with 114 total yards and a touchdown on five yards a carry. Etienne is NFL draft-eligible after completing his third season in college. This could be his last hurrah in college, but he’s not ready to start reminiscing just yet.

Cut 8 (08) “…college”

He’s ranked as the top running back prospect, and a lock for the 1^st round in the 2020 draft, if he decides to declare.

Tigers fans lined the streets outside the LSU Football Operations building to greet their heroes returning home from their triumphant 42-25 win over Clemson last night in the Dome.  Here’s the moment those first sirens announcing the team’s arrival could be heard by the roughly 300 fans who showed up to cheer on the returning team.

Cut 9 (11) “*sirens*”

Many fans lined up hours ahead of time to get a good view of the team as they made their way back to the Capital from the Crescent City.

LSU’s undefeated national championship season puts them in the debate as the greatest college football team ever.  Junior Safety Grant Delpit says he knows people in Louisiana will be talking about this team for years to come

Cut 13 (12) “yes sir”

While many throughout the state may be showing love for Coach Ed Orgeron, no one is more excited about his success than those in the area where he grew up.  Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Brennan Matherne says there is now a grassroots effort in place to get Orgeron to be a grand marshal in one of the parish’s Mardi Gras parades this year.

Cut 5 (12) “…that’s the hope.”

Clemson may have had a rough game as a whole, but Jennings native, running back Travis Etienne played well with 114 total yards and a touchdown on five yards a carry.  Etienne is NFL draft-eligible after completing his third season in college. This could be his last hurrah in college, but he’s not ready to start reminiscing just yet.

Cut 8 (08) “…college”

He’s ranked as the top running back prospect, and a lock for the 1^st round in the 2020 draft, if he decides to declare.