Volunteer Louisiana wants to you make MLK Day a “day-on” instead of a “day-off”. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________________

A CDC report shows Louisianans are twice as likely to be sedintary as the rest of the country…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

____________________________________________

Could Louisiana residents soon be able to purchase lottery tickets online? Kevin Barnhart has the story?

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________________________

It’s Martin Luther King Junior Day, a day off for some and for others a “day on” dedicated to community service. Volunteer Louisiana spokesperson Kori Chisham says volunteers in Louisiana create a billion dollars of economic impact annually, and that number continues to grow.

Cut 4 (09) “…someday.”

If you’re looking for a way to contribute today, Chisham recommends visiting www.volunteerlouisiana.gov or www.mlkday.gov for advice, or just head to the Capital City.

Cut 5 (12) “…projects.”

It’s the 25^th anniversary of the designation of Martin Luther King Day as an official federal holiday, and Chisham says volunteering is the best way to honor this American legend’s life.

Cut 6 (11) “service.”

King would have been 91 today, and was assassinated 51 years ago.

_____________________________

CDC numbers show 30 percent of Louisianans are considered “inactive”, twice the national average. LSU AgCenter nutrition specialist Denise Holston says inactivity is defined by not meeting the recommended 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity and can be the result of a number of impediments.

Cut 7 (12) “…schedule”

Louisiana also sports one of the highest obesity rates in the nation at 35 percent.

Holston says states with low inactivity rates like Colorado have made an aggressive statewide push to make cities more inviting for physical activity, but those population-dense states have an advantage…

Cut 8 (09) “…cars”

She adds Baton Rouge, in particular, has done a good job of beginning to emulate the more walk and bike-friendly city planning of more active states.

If you are one of those inactive adults, Holston recommends starting slow if you’re first getting into exercise, and find little ways to work it into your busy schedule.

Cut 9 (12) “…spot”

____________________

The Louisiana Lottery is looking into expanding ticket sales by allowing players to make purchases of games over the internet. Louisiana Lottery CEO Rose Hudson says in order to start online sales, the legislature needs to change a state statute that prohibits gambling by computer.

Cut 10 (13) “…meeting that mission.”

Hudson says eleven other state lotteries allow for the purchase of tickets online and with the launch of the Louisiana Lottery app, it’s a great time to explore adding Louisiana to that list.

Cut 11 (09) “…using that app.”

Hudson says with more shoppers making purchases online that that in a line at a brick and mortar store, they need to be able to purchase Louisiana Lottery there as well.

Cut 12 (10) “…growing our business.”

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Senator John Kennedy has co-introduced legislation aimed at combatting the global trade in bear parts along with New Jersey Senator Cory Booker. Animal Wellness Action founder Wayne Pacelle says legislative action is needed to protect bears that are being killed for their gallbladders.

Cut 13 (12) “…for Chinese medicine.”

The subspecies known as the Louisiana Black Bear was at one time on the federal endangered species list, but with a bit of growth in the population, but Pacelle says that protection has been taken away.

Cut 14 (10) “…or so in Louisiana.”

Pacelle says the bears are slow to reproduce and cannot keep up with the large scale poaching cases throughout the US.

Cut 15 (13) “…back very quickly.”

Environmental groups sue the Army Corps of Engineers, alleging the organization did not disclose the public health risks of a future St. James Parish plastics plant. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

_____________________

Handing out money to LSU players following the national championship is not the only thing Odell Beckham did following the Tigers’ historic victory. Jeff Palermo has more on the video that shows Beckham spanking a police officer…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

___________________________

A 12-year-old girl is dead and her mother is fighting to stay live following a trailer fire in Lake Charles.  Four people were home at the time of the blaze with three of them still hospitalized.  State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says firefighters got the call around 10:30 Tuesday night.

Cut 3 (12)  “…into the room.” 

Rodrigue says investigators are considering electrical malfunction as a potential cause, but they are continuing to work through the evidence before ruling anything out.

Cut 4 (10) “…of the trailer.”

Rodrigue says the home did not have working smoke alarms, which could have added critical seconds to the escape.

Cut 5 (13) “…alarms save lives.”

This is the first residential fatal fire in Louisiana of 2020.

_______________________

The Army Corps of Engineers has been sued by a coalition of environmental groups for allegedly failing to disclose the public health risks of a plastics plant set for construction in St. James Parish.

The Center for Biological Diversity is one of the plaintiffs and staff attorney Emily Jeffers says the Corp was blatantly disregarding the law when they issued a permit for the Formosa facility.

Cut 6 (10) “discharged”

The Center is being joined by Healthy Gulf, Louisiana Bucket Brigade, and Rise St. James in the suit.

Jeffers says the plant would pump out greenhouse gases equivalent to three coal power plants, send poisonous waste downriver into New Orleans’ drinking water, and…

Cut 7 (10) “illnesses”

Rise St. James Founder Sharon Lavigne recently told LRN the district is already packed with 12 different industrial projects.

The suit alleges that a full accounting of the public health effects was not done because it would likely have resulted in a rejection of the site’s permit.

Cut 8 (08) “…approve it”

A Corps spokesperson says they cannot comment on litigation.

_________________________________

Former LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham Junior’s conduct following the national championship game has him in trouble with the law. The New Orleans Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for Beckham for slapping an officer on the rear end. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Beckham’s behavior went too far

Cut 9 (08) “over the place”

There’s a video of the slap which happened during the postgame celebration in LSU’s locker room. Beckham has also been in the news for his money handshakes with a few players after the game. Detillier says O-B-J has been a huge supporter of the LSU football team, but the relationship might need a time out…

Cut 10 (10) “…cool down” 

Beckham’s current team, the Cleveland Browns say their wide receiver is cooperating with the authorities about the incident with the officer and LSU says they are working with the NCAA about the money handshakes. Detillier says any player who still has remaining eligibility will likely be asked to return the money…

Cut 11 (11) “…a year”

______________________

After nearly two years of a trade war, phase one of the trade agreement between the US and China has been signed.  Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the benefit to the state’s economy is unprecedented.

Cut 12 (10) “…trade war began.”

Our largest ag trade partner today is Canada with just under $22 billion.

Strain says the spending increases even more in upcoming years.

Cut 13 (11) “…very very closely.”

Strain says structural reforms will change the goods that China purchases which he says should result in long term stability.

Cut 14 (11) “…that’s $850 million.”

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” 

_____________________

UL Lafayette students and recent grads will get the opportunity to work directly with the Saints and the Pelicans as part of newly signed partnerships. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

___________________________

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.

Cut 4 (05) “…once we are done.”

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

Speaker Nancy Pelosi withheld the articles after disagreeing with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on how the trial should be held. Senator John Kennedy on the wait…

Cut 6 (04) “farce”

Representatives Schiff, Nadler, and five other Democrats have been named impeachment managers and will prosecute the case in the Senate.

The Speaker attempted to leverage the delay into influence on how the trial would be conducted, but Kennedy says the Constitution is clear about who gets the set the rules for an impeachment trial.

Cut 7 (11) “proceedings”

Democrats cried foul over Senate Republican’s refusal to call certain witnesses or utilize new evidence in the upcoming trial.

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.

Brady gained national acclaim, winning the Broyles Award for helping construct the Tigers record-breaking offense. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says the move makes sense for the 30-year-old.

Cut 9 (10) “offense”

The Tigers broke the NCAA record for points in a season last season at 726.

Higgins says it’s common for championship teams to have their coaching talent poached at the end of every season, and continually finding new talent is what creates long term success.

Cut 10 (08) “…program”

LSU will need to lock in a new passing game coordinator quickly, and Higgins says the next hire may come from within. Higgins says the team is reportedly eying current offensive analyst Jorge Munoz.

Cut 11 (10) “…my room”

Munoz was tasked with crafting the team’s protections and was lauded as indispensable by QB Joe Burrow.

______________________

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.

Cut 12 (10) “…off of that.”

The Saints and Pelicans will also fund two annual scholarships for qualifying students.  Maron says hammering out the details of the partnership has been about a year in the making.

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

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.”

Lafourche Parish residents are beaming with pride after hometown hero Ed Orgeron leads LSU to a national championship. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

_____________________

There’s a viral video that shows former LSU standout Odell Beckham Junior handing out cash to an LSU player following the victory over Clemson in the national title game. Jeff Palermo has LSU’s response.

cut  2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

___________________________

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 the area already bleeds purple and gold…

Cut 3 (10)  “…that national title.” 

Matherne says the majority of the parish has supported Coach O, even when he was working with other football programs outside of the state.

Cut 4 (11) “…out of everyone.”

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.

While he was heartbroken to miss out on a chance to get his second championship ring, he was excited to be back playing ball in Louisiana.

Cut 6 (08) “home crowd”

Etienne ended the season with 1,614 yards rushing on 7.8 yards a carry, 432 yards through the air, and 23 total touchdowns.

Despite personally performing well the Jennings High star wasn’t happy about the way the game turned out. He says few players have a chance to win multiple championships in a career.

Cut 7 (11) “hurts”

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 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. This mom says her son just couldn’t wait to get out there…

Cut 10 (10) “…about it”

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”

The team arrived, waived at the fans, and headed into the facility without taking interviews.
______________________

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.

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”

LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase set a College Football Playoff championship record with 221 yards receiving on nine catches. The former Rummel High standout says it’s extra special to win in New Orleans

Cut 14 (08) “…the state”

A political analyst says Governor Edwards has to be pleased with the election of Clay Schexnayder for Speaker. Matt Doyle asks why that is…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________________

Purple and Gold Nation showed out in force last night not only at the dome but at watering holes across southeast Louisiana to watch LSU’s historic win…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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For the fourth time in program history, LSU wins a national championship and for the fourth time they do it in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has this report as the confetti rained down…

Cut 3 (24)  “… (fireworks going off) 

____________________________________________

There was a surprise result House Speaker yesterday as a Republican, Clay Schexnayder, won the job with the majority of his support coming from Democrats. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it was a good day for Governor Edwards, who faces a lot more legislative opposition than in his first term.

Cut 4 (12) “…Democrats.”

Pinsonat says that gives the Governor additional leverage for legislative influence.

It’s a blow to Senator John Kennedy and AG Jeff Landry, who pushed all Republicans to vote for the Speaker who received the most Republican support. Pinsonat says it’s a loss, but not a defeat for the two’s state ambitions…

Cut 5 (10) “…power”

The move temporarily boosts the short term political prospects of moderate Republicans who backed Schexnayder, but Pinsonat says it’s likely damaging to their long term political careers.

Cut 6 (12) “…in general”

_____________________________

Former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal was in attendance at the Inauguration Day event in Baton Rouge yesterday.  In recent years, Jindal has transitioned away from public service and is now working in the private sector and says more elected officials should try it.

Cut 7 (10) “…permanently in office.”

With the exception of a few name drops in last year’s Governor’s race, Jindal has kept a low profile since a run at the Republican nomination for President in the 2016 race.  Jindal believes, for the most part, the country has many good things going for it in DC.

Cut 8 (13) “…but Americans first.”

Jindal is still living in Baton Rouge, working in the energy and healthcare fields, but when it comes to the possibility of hopping back into politics, he says never say never.

Cut 9 (12) “…with my kids”

____________________

LSU fans are on cloud nine after a trampling Clemson 42-25 in the CFP Championship Game to wrap up a perfect season that will never be forgotten.

Purple and Gold nation locked arm and arm as the clock wound down on the greatest season in team history. Here’s hundreds of fans reacting as the sidelines emptied out…

Cut 10 (11) “…*cheering**”

John from Baton Rouge was celebrating outside of the Bulldog, a Capital City sports bar packed shoulder to shoulder with ecstatic post-game fans. He says this kind of magical season is rare…

Cut 11 (08) “…team”

After the immediate postgame celebrations ended, fans flocked to local sporting goods stores to get their hands on 2020 National Championship T-shirts, including this fan waiting outside Academy…

Cut 12 (13) “…comming”

__________________________________

The LSU Tigers are national champs as they completed a 15-and-0 dream season with a 42-25 victory over Clemson in the Superdome last night. Quarterback Joe Burrow had another spectacular game, 463 yards passing and five touchdowns. LSU’s offense started slow and trailed by 10 in the second quarter, but Burrow knew they would get it going

Cut 13 (13) “…get it figured out.”

On defense, LSU forced a high-powered Clemson offense to punt nine times as the other Tigers were just 1 of 11 on third downs. Coach Ed Orgeron says the key was slowing down former Jennings running back Travis Etienne…

Cut 14 (15) “…the ballgame”

LSU will go down as one of the best teams ever in the 150-year history of college football. They beat seven teams that were ranked in the top 10 when they played them. Burrow understands they accomplished something truly great…

Cut 15 (12) “…been around”

It was Burrow’s final game in an LSU uniform. He finishes his career with 65 total touchdowns and 60 passing touchdowns. Both are NCAA records. Burrow goes down as a legend…

Cut 16  (11)  …more special” 

Cleanup continues in northwest Louisiana from a tornado that claimed three lives over the weekend. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

_____________________

It was Inauguration Day today at the Capitol…

cut  2 (52) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

___________________________

In Northwest Louisiana, power is being restored and clean up crews have moved in after an EF-2 tornado swept through the area around 2 am Saturday morning. Lt Bill Davis with the Bossier Parish Sheriff office says Swepco has restored power to most of the area.

Cut 3 (11)  “…along well.” 

79-year old Jerry Franks, and 65-year-old Mary Sue Franks were killed in Haughton and in Caddo Parish 75-year-old Raymond Holden was killed in Oil City during the storm.

In addition to lives lost, Davis says at least 50 homes have been destroyed in the Bossier Parish area.

Cut 4 (11) “…homes effected.”

In Benton, the middle school was heavily damaged and classes are canceled today. Crews are cleaning up debris and students are expected to attend class tomorrow. Davis describes the scene at Benton Middle School

Cut 5 (11) “…damage inside.”

_______________________

Gonzales Republican Representative Clay Schexnayder wins the Speaker vote 60-45 over Albany Republican Sherman Mack.

Schexnayder was backed by a coalition of Democrats and moderate Republicans, and is thought to be a more friendly choice for Governor Edwards, but says the People’s House will speak for itself…

Cut 6 (11) “citizen”

Lafayette Senator Page Cortez was named Senate President.

The new Speaker laid out his priorities for the next term, likely trying to assuage concerns from the chamber’s conservatives…

Cut 7 (09) “legacy.”

Schexnayder was handed the gavel by the previous Speaker, Taylor Barras.

Senator John Kennedy and AG Jeff Landry pushed Republicans to unify behind whoever received the most Republican support, but that didn’t happen, and Schexnayder won with a majority of his votes coming from Democrats…

Cut 8 (12) “…important”

The House is two members shy of a Republican Supermajority.

_________________________________

Governor Edwards was sworn in today for a second time and highlighted his three biggest focuses for the upcoming term.

His first and biggest focus for the next four years is education. He highlighted increased classroom funding, more teacher pay raises, and early childhood education.

Cut 9 (12) “…our state”

Early childhood education advocates are calling for an 80 million dollar upfront investment, with increased yearly funding for the policy to achieve universal access.

His second focus was workforce development…

Cut 10 (11) “…labor.”

He touched on equal pay for equal work, increased funding for higher ed, and a goal for 60 percent of Louisiana workers to have a degree or credential by 2030.

Finally, the Governor noted that coastal restoration will be a continuing focus for his administration. He says the state is finally starting to get ahead of our decades of losses…

Cut 11 (09) “…to lose”
______________________

Lafayette Senator Page Cortez is unanimously elected Senate President for the next four-year term.

Cortez reportedly wrapped up the job handily late last year and is set to lead the Upper Chamber’s new, more conservative disposition.

Cut 12 (13) “…Louisiana.”

Senators Sharon Hewitt of Slidell and Rick Ward of Iberville were reportedly in the running or considering running for the position. Cortez thanked his competitors in the race, and looked ahead…

Cut 13 (11) “LIghtly.”

Cortez replaces John Alario, who was term-limited out of the Senate and chose not to run for election in the House after a 48-year Legislative career.

______________________________

LSU’s record-breaking offense gets its biggest challenge yet tonight going up Clemson’s stingy defense in tonight’s national championship game. Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables is one of the best in the nation. LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow….

Cut 14 (11) “…lightly”

LSU has the highest-scoring offense in the country at 49 points per game. But Clemson is right up there, averaging 45 a contest. Tigers linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson says Clemson has great skill position players

Cut 15 (12) “…all that”

The Tigers are 14-0 for the first time ever, but LSU Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire says the job is not done…

Cut 16  (12)  …dominate” 

Monday night’s national college football game is expected to bring big bucks to the Big Easy and the Bayou State. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

_____________________

LSU students can go to New Orleans for the championship game and stay up late that night without worrying about going to school. Kevin Barnhart has the story…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

___________________________

State Police has identified the driver involved in a fatal hit and run of a bicyclist  Thursday morning just south of Alexandria. Trooper Casey Wallace says 27-year-old Lacey Jade Jordan of Oakdale was behind the wheel of a Chevy Silverado that hit a 50-year-old Taurus McQuarn of Alexandria on US Highway 165.

Cut 3 (08)  “… he became deceased.” 

Wallace says Jordan has not been charged yet as the investigation continues into the intricate details of the crash.

Cut 4 (08) “…her as well.”

Routine toxicology tests are pending.  Wallace says the crash is a reminder for cyclists to take the measures to protect themselves.

Cut 5 (09) “…just always key.”

_______________________

The LSU/Clemson showdown in the Dome Monday night for the CFP National Championship is expected to bring a lot of money and attention to New Orleans and the state at large.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says events like these can generate tens and even hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue, but even more so than that, it’s exposure you just can’t pay for…

Cut 6 (09) “Louisiana”

The Dome has seen three major games to start the year, the Georgia vs. Baylor Sugar Bowl, the Saints vs. Vikings playoff game, and now Clemson and LSU.

Nungesser says you couldn’t have asked for a better group of players to represent the state this year led by a figurehead like Heisman winner Joe Burrow.

Cut 7 (06) “that team.”

Nungesser highlighted Burrow’s Heisman speech where the QB called attention to poverty in his hometown. That led to huge donations to food pantries in Athens, Ohio, and Baton Rouge.

The Crescent City is already starting to swell with visitors in town for the game, who will, unfortunately, be arriving to some nasty weather. Nungesser says that shouldn’t tamp down the fun.

Cut 8 (11) “…good time”

The severe weather is expected to impact New Orleans Saturday.

_________________________________

There’s strong opposition in Mandeville over a proposed hotel and conference center at Fontainebleau State Park. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the development could also include a zipline and horseback riding, which would generate revenue to fund improvements at other state parks. But state representative-elect Richard Nelson says locals are opposed…

Cut 9 (11) “…connection to it..”

A standing-room crowd gathered at the Mandeville Community Center to hear more about Nungesser’s proposal. Nelson says those who could not get in, banged on windows and doors to show their opposition

Cut 10 (10) “…large hostile crowd.”

Nungesser spoke at the meeting and accused Nelson of getting forceful with him.  Nelson explains his side of the story.

Cut 11 (13) “…is their park.”

Nungesser says if there is a lot of opposition, the proposal will not move forward.
______________________

The LSU Board of Supervisors has called an audible. The board voted today to cancel classes on the Baton Rouge campus Monday and Tuesday because of the national title game. Earlier in the week, the university said classes would take place as scheduled. Board member Ronnie Anderson supported the proposal

Cut 12 (14) “…to agree.”

LSU interim president Thomas Galligan says he respects the board’s decision, but it causes scheduling issues…

Cut 13 (15) “…of class.”

_________________________________________________________

Severe weather is expected in Louisiana tonight and into tomorrow.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says a powerful cold front will spark the storms…

Cut 14 (09) “…about.”

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness warns NWS Shreveport predicts winds in excess of 80 miles an hour in north Louisiana.

Keim says the number one concern is the possibility for tornadoes and hail because while it’ll be wet, it won’t be dangerously so.

Cut 15 (10) “…issues”

This severe weather should be impacting southeast Louisiana just as the crowds pour into the city ahead of the CFP Championship game. Keim says if you’re heading over, be careful.

Cut 16  (10)  …brisk” 

GOSHEP has activited it’s Crisis Action Team, and will remain active through Monday night.

A study shows Louisiana lost a net 28,000 college-educated workers to other states in a ten year period starting in 2007. Matt Doyle spoke with the study’s author…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

_____________________

President Donald Trump officially qualifies to be on the Louisiana Republican primary ballot for the April 4th primary. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

___________________________

A study shows a net 28,000 college educated Louisianans migrated out of the state between 2007 and 2017, with a net 38,000 aged 25-54 leaving for greener pastures.

UL Lafayette Professor of Economics Gary Wagner conducted the study and says that’s bad news for the state because you need college-educated workers to power a modern economy.

Cut 3 (10)  “…have been.” 

Dating back to 2000, a net 88,000 college-educated people migrated away.

So where are these folks heading? Wagner says three-quarters of the migration is heading to just four states.

Cut 4 (09) “…Virginia.”

A few states are bucking that trend. Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, New York, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania all had net positive migration of over a thousand.

There’s concerns that continuing outmigration could create an economic death spiral, but Wagner says if we can create more high paying jobs, that trend could reverse itself quickly.

Cut 5 (10) “…back.”

_______________________

Former LSU athletics director Joe Alleva spoke candidly to Advocate columnist Scott Rabalais about moves made during his tenure. Alleva hired Ed Orgeron as head football coach in 2016. But in 2015 there were reports LSU wanted to fire Les Miles and hire then-Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher. In the Rabalais’ column, Alleva said he was not interested in Fisher

Cut 6 (11) “about that”

Rabalais’ column also says LSU could have hired then-Houston coach Tom Herman in 2016, but Alleva told Rabalais he didn’t want to pay Herman the money he wanted and thought Orgeron was the better choice

Cut 7 (06) “he’s had.”

Alleva is also quoted in the column that Miles squandered and didn’t’ utilize the players properly. Rabalais says Alleva told him that talking to Les was like talking to a wall…

Cut 8 (11) “…at Michigan”

Alleva also told Rabalais that he regrets hiring current basketball coach Will Wade. It was the Wade F-B-I wiretap scandal that led to Alleva being pushed out as AD.

_________________________________

President of the Louisiana Association of Educators Dr. Tia Mills says the recent resignation of the state’s education superintendent John White is a welcomed change. Mills says many educators were not thrilled with his administration.

Cut 9 (07) “…across the state.”

White clashed with teacher unions on several issues, including the expansion of the state’s voucher program and student-testing is now a major component of teacher evaluations.

Mills says the union is hoping for that the new leader is someone who has worked directly in the classroom.

Cut 10 (07) “…low rated schools.”

Mills says the union will be very vocal with the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Senate in the selection process of a successor.

Cut 11 (06) “…our great state.”
White has served in his role since 2012. The resignation is effective March 11.

______________________

President Donald Trump officially qualifies to appear on the ballot for the April 4th presidential primary in Louisiana. Attorney General Jeff Landry filed the paperwork on behalf of the President at the Secretary of State’s office this morning.

Cut 12 (12) “…I happily accepted.”

Landry says it is important for President Trump to be victorious in 2020 because nearly 300,000 Louisiana jobs are supported by the oil and gas industry.

Cut 13 (11) “…that doesn’t happen.”

Landry also serves at the national co-chair of Veterans for Trump and says the President’s administration has help vets, military and their families.

Cut 14 (12) “…Democrat is nominated.”

So far, nine Democrats have qualified in Louisiana for the primary. In November 2016, Donald Trump received one-point-one million votes, the most votes ever in Louisiana history.

President Trump says there will be no military retaliation in response to an Iranian rocket attack on US bases in Iraq. Matt Doyle has local reaction.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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After eight years as the state’s top education leader, John White informs the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education that he’s stepping down in March. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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KingCakeSnob.com launches the fifth annual “Seal of Approval” ranking competition.  Spokesperson Andrew Alexander says the biggest criteria when rating king cakes is presentation, flavor, freshness, and uniqueness.

Cut 3 (06)  “… rise to the top.” 

The 2019 competition featured 633 different king cakes from more than 160 bakeries.  Alexander says there isn’t necessarily a pattern that is followed when it comes to the voters’ rankings of king cake.

Cut 4 (10) “…the winners circle.”

Last year’s competition saw nearly 3,500 king cake reviews on the website.  Alexander says the competition is an excuse to put the New Year’s health resolutions on hold.

Cut 5 (11) “…of king cake.”

Voting runs through February 18th. Last year, Manny Randazzo won the top overall “Traditional” King Cake, while Caluda’s repeated as best “Filled” King Cake.

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President Trump says the US will not retaliate militarily against Iran for last night’s rocket attack targeting two US bases in Iraq. Congressman Garret Graves sees a de-escalation of tensions in the region that hit a boiling point after the US killing of a top Iranian Commander

Cut 6 (11) “none”

The President says the missile attack will result in new sanctions on Iran.

Graves says it likely is not a coincidence that the barrage did not kill a single person. He says Iran likely calibrated the attack so as to not provoke a response from the US.

Cut 7 (09) “activity.”

Iranian officials have stated that if the US does not retaliate, they will not escalate further, but Graves says that doesn’t mean the region will become much calmer.

Cut 8 (12) “…activites”

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Monday’s College Football Playoff National Championship Game is expected to be a financial winner for southeast Louisiana. Chief Marketing Officer for New Orleans & Company Mark Romig says thousands of visitors are expected…

Cut 9 (10) “…go into Monday.”

LSU fans are expected to be the most prominent fan base in town, and Romig says they’ll show off why they are the best fans in the world.

Cut 10 (10) “…friends with them.”

Romig says those that are still looking for overnight accommodations in the Big Easy may be in luck in finding a place to stay.

Cut 11 (08) “…national championship brings.”

Romig expects the economic impact from the national championship game to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
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Louisiana Economic Development reports there was eight billion dollars in new capital investment in 2019 resulting in 12-thousand new jobs. L-E-D Secretary Don Pierson says they have been working to diversify the state’s economy with these new projects

Cut 12 (13) “…economy in.” 

Pierson says since the start of the Edwards administration, Louisiana has attracted more than 210 project wins…

Cut 13 (12) “…is operating”

Pierson says the big economic wins in 2019 include a new deal to keep CenturyLink’s headquarters in Monroe through 2025, a helicopter assembly plant locating in Lafayette and in St. Tammany Parish, Medline announced it will build an 800-thousand square foot distribution center

Cut 14 (10) “…the state”

The federal age to buy tobacco and e-cig products was raised to 21, but the state age remains 18. Matt Doyle spoke with Louisiana ATC Commissioner Juana Lombard about the conflicting laws…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Monday’s clash between LSU and Clemson in the Superdome is proving to be a coveted ticket. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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New Orleans Police say 21-year-old Kentrell Baham faces a second-degree murder charge after fatally shooting a Walmart employee last night inside the store. NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson describes what happened inside the Walmart located in Gentilly

Cut 3 (11) “expired”

A second victim was shot in the foot. Ferguson says a brave officer working security detail apprehended Baham…

Cut 4 (07) “…this business”

Hundreds of shoppers were in the store at the time of the shooting. Today the store is closed and grief counselors are available for employees. Ferguson did not provide a motive on what led to the shooting

Cut 5 (12) “…harm”

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A federal law is now in effect banning the sale of tobacco and e-cig products to those under 21, but state law still allows those 18 and up to purchase, a situation that’s creating some confusion.

Louisiana ATC Commissioner Juana Marine-Lombard says if you’re a retailer that is contemplating selling those products to someone 18-21, here’s the deal…

Cut 6 (10) “…law”

She adds there are now federal agencies actively enforcing that law.

Marine-Lombard says the issue stems from a lack of guidance from the FDA, who put the law into effect before answering key questions about how it would work.

Cut 7 (10) “immediately.”

The initial legislation signed by the President that made the change had a 180 day grace period, but for reasons unknown, the FDA put it into effect immediately.

The Commissioner says the FDA informed her that they are working diligently to provide clarity and guidance but in the meantime…

Cut 8 (12) “…written.”

The lack of guidance also leaves questions about potential exemptions for military members or others unclear.

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Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s investigators have arrested a father and son duo for the New Year’s Eve robbery and murder of 82-year-old Robert James of Gretna.  The victim was taking out the trash at the Terrytown bar he worked at when the robbery occurred.  Sheriff Joe Lopinto says media coverage helped to get tips.

Cut 9 (09) “…persons of interest.”

Lopinto says the two were taken into custody and are now at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center.

Cut 10 (11) “…of that cellphone.”

Lopinto was grateful for the public’s help in identifying the two.

Cut 11 (09) “…our detective bureau.”

The suspects, 40-year-old Ricky Lincoln Senior and 21-year-old Ricky Lincoln Junior were identified through surveillance footage and now face charges of second-degree murder, simple robbery, and obstruction of justice.

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Those wanting to be at the Superdome Monday night to cheer on the LSU Tigers in the CFP National Championship game will need to shell out some serious coin.  Stubhub spokesperson Adam Budelli says even the cheapest priced ticket to get into the game is currently $840.

Cut 12 (08) “…a massive game.” 

Budelli says the get-in price has remained relatively flat, and is expected to either remain flat or see a rise closer to kickoff.  Tickets have been purchased in Canada, the UK, and Australia and from over 20 different states domestically.

Cut 13 (07) “…state of Louisiana.”

Budelli says compared to other years, this game is on pace to be one of the biggest selling National Championship games On StubHub.

Cut 14 (12) “…at Levi’s Stadium.”

Roughly 4000 tickets are currently up for grabs on Stubhub.