The Indian Mounds at LSU may be much, much older than previously thought. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A study from the American Heart Association shows that there are various reasons why teens might or might not believe vaping is dangerous. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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With a 54% approval rating, Governor John Bel Edwards is the most popular Democrat Governor according to a Morning Consult Poll. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

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An LSU Geology Professor believes the Indian Mounds at LSU’s flagship campus may be the oldest man-made structures on Earth, with parts of the structure believed to possibly be 11,300-years-old.

Brooks Ellwood says a scan of the mounds, followed by a test of the material indicates the mounds are likely far, far older than the Pyramids of Giza.

Cut 4 (11) “…state.”

Prior research indicated the mounds were only about 6,000 years old.

The structures are thought to be ceremonial burial grounds for tribes that inhabited the region millennia ago. Ellwood says the discovery was made by testing bone fragments in those graves.

Cut 5 (10) “…them.”

The local tribes are thought to have placed their dead on the pit and burn them, with most of the construction occurring over two stages separated by global climate events.

For decades the Mounds were a meeting place for students, but imaging showed the structures were internally collapsing due to the constant stress. Ellwood says the Mounds need more protection.

Cut 6 (08) “things”

Ellwood has submitted a paper regarding the age of the structures for scientific review.

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The impeachment trial of President Trump begins today in the US Senate, where Senators will vote on rules that will govern the trial. Senator Bill Cassidy says the affair will demand their attention for eight hours a day, six days a week, and while the process is ongoing it’s important to remember this isn’t a criminal trial.

Cut 7 (11) “…you will”

The two articles, charge the President with Abuse of Power and Obstruction of Congress.

Cassidy isn’t sure how long this process will take, but he’s hoping for a speedy resolution.

Cut 8 (12) “…Schiff”

The trial calls for impartial jurors, but many Senators, Cassidy included, have openly voiced their thoughts on impeachment throughout the process. Cassidy says he’ll be impartial, but it looks to be a flimsy case so far…

Cut 9 (08) “…terrible”

The Senate convenes at 1 PM.

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According to the American Heart Association’s Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science study, whether teens believe nicotine and vaping products are harmful is largely due to gender, household income and education level. Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Tobacco Specialist Josh Pitre…

Cut 10 (09) “…teen residents.”

Pitre says with mixed views from teens on the dangers of vaping it’s extremely important for parents to maintain an open dialogue with their children as young as age five on the consequences of all nicotine.

Cut 11 (12) “…of that nature.”

The study shows that one in four high school students use e-cigarettes and the trend among middle school students has increased 50-percent. Pitre says a parent’s education level can skew a teen’s outlook on vaping.

Cut 12 (10) “…are harmful.”

Pitre hopes the new federal law to raise the national minimum age to purchase nicotine products to 21 will soon be a major deterrent among teens.

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A Morning Consult pull finds Governor John Bel Edwards is the most popular Democrat Governor. Overall, he is ranked 15^th with a 54% approval rating. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says the popularity plays into the favor of Edwards and his clout as the legislative session draws near.

Cut 13 (11) “…voted for me.”

Stockley says a big part of Edwards being the most favored Democrat governor is his popularity and connection to the people of the state outdoes that of other Democrats in other states.

Cut 14 (09) “…relate to people.”

Stockley says if the national Democrat Party is not paying attention to Edwards both as an individual and as a model for how to win as a Democrat in the south, then they are making a significant strategic error and it could cost them elections in 2020 as well as the White House.

Cut 15 (13) “…Trump is popular.”

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant ranked above Edwards, but has left office since the poll was taken in the final quarter of 2019. Governors of Wyoming, Maryland, and Massachusetts all tied for the highest approval rating at 69%.

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LSU brings a perfect 5-and-0 SEC record into tonight’s matchup against the Florida Gators. Both teams are ranked just outside of the A-P Top 25 and Coach Will Wade is expecting a tight contest…

Cut 16  (20)  …to win” 

LSU is second in the SEC in scoring, averaging nearly 80 points per game. But the Tigers are only shooting 32-percent from three-point territory. Wade says getting good looks at the basket from the perimeter is the key

Cut 17  (23) “don’t” 

Florida is coming off a 22-point over Auburn, who was ranked fourth in the country at the time. Wade says the Gators feature four players who score in double figures

cut 18  (26) “they move”   

A new Legislative class was sworn in last week and for the first time in nearly a century, Louisiana finds itself without a member of the Long family serving in public office. Gerald Long served as a Republican Senator for Natchitoches during his time at the Capitol and says the family has a gift for keeping the pulse of state politics…
Cut 4 (09) “…needs.”
The political dynasty began with Governor Huey Long, the firecracker leftwing populist who pushed a massive public works program, built Tiger Stadium, but was also impeached.
A Comeaux High football player is fighting for his life after an alleged attempted car robbery ended with him being shot by two juveniles. 17-year-old Matthew Carter was found unresponsive in his vehicle early Saturday morning when police arrived. Lafayette Police Corporal Bridgette Dugas on what they know so far…
Cut 9 (12) “shoot him”

Winter temperatures have returned to Louisiana. High temps today are in the low 50’s statewide, which is about ten degrees below normal.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says tomorrow morning, expect a freeze north of the I-10/I-12 corridor.
Cut 12 (09) “…this current wave.”
A slight warmup should be coming Wednesday, but another front will drop temps again and bring rain on Thursday.

74 percent of respondents to a KingCakeSnob.com survey admit they’ll eat king cake at least six to ten times during carnival season. Website spokesperson Andrew Alexander says people are willing to be patient in long lines to get their hands onto a King Cake.

Cut 7 (10) “…to all year.”

Firebrand Governor Huey Long came into office nearly 100 years ago and since then there’s never been a time when a Long hasn’t worked in elected office, until now. Natchitoches Senator Gerald Long ended his legislative tenure last week, and says his families’ political dynasty has the legendary Kingfish to thank for kick-starting a century of service…

Cut 3 (11)  “…the bar” 

Huey Long was assassinated in 1935 in the midst of a run against President Roosevelt, who he attacked for not being far not being leftwing enough. He would be followed by his brother Earl, who served for three terms as governor and continued Huey’s substantial legacy of public works.

A 16-year-old is dead in Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s custody after authorities say the boy suffered a cardiac attack during an incident where he was being arrested. Police say the boy was being put under arrest after they responded to reports that he had bit a man in the face. During the incident, the boy allegedly also bit responding officers.

Below freezing temps are expected in the Bayou State tomorrow morning. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A Comeaux High football player is fighting for his life after an alleged attempted car robbery ended with him being shot by two juveniles. Lafayette Police Corporal Bridgette Dugas says they believe teens attempted to steal the victim’s car, but it may not have been your usual carjacking.

Cut 10 (08) “…victim” 

17-year-old Matthew Carter is being mentioned in media reports as the victim.

A 17-year-old in Lafayette is fighting for his life after he was shot in what police are calling an attempted armed robbery. Corporal Bridgette Dugas says they’ve arrested two boys, one is 13 and the other is 14-years-old…
cut 11 (10) “…so young”
The victim has been identified through media reports as Matthew Carter, a member of the Comeaux High School football team. Dugas says it’s believed the two teens were trying to steal his car.

Winter temperatures have returned this week after a mild week last week. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ll see chilly temps the rest of the week, a reminder that we still have a few weeks left of winter…
cut 14 (07) “…cold weather”
Rain is expected to return during the middle of the week.

Louisiana is now without a member of the Long dynasty in public office, the end of a near 100-year tradition. Matt Doyle spoke with the last Long to serve…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

King Cake season officially started two weeks ago, so how many slices have you had? King-Cake-Snob-dot-com spokesperson Andrew Alexander says most people will have more than one serving before Madi Gras day…
cut 6 (06) “…a mass number”
You can go to King-Cake-Snob-dot-com to vote on your favorite King-Cake.

A new Legislative class was sworn in last week and for the first time in nearly a century, Louisiana finds itself without a member of the Long family serving in public office.  Gerald Long served as a Republican Senator for Natchitoches during his time at the Capitol and says the Longs will be best known for their consistency.
Cut 5 (09) “…others”
The political dynasty began with Governor Huey Long, the firecracker leftwing populist who pushed a massive public works program, built Tiger Stadium, but was also impeached.
Data from KingCakeSnob.com, a website dedicated to ranking the tasty seasonal treat, shows Louisiana residents eat King Cake six to ten times during the Carnival season. Tradition states that the person getting the slice with the baby buys the next King Cake.  Website spokesperson Andrew Alexander says people have no issue making that purchase.
Cut 8 (07) “…honor the tradition.”

A significant cold front moved through the region over the weekend.  High temps today are only going to reach into the low 50’s statewide, which is about ten degrees below normal.  Tomorrow morning, expect a freeze north of the I-10/I-12 corridor.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says climatically, we are in the coldest part of the year.
Cut 13 (07) “…in late January.”
A slight warmup should be coming Wednesday, but another front will drop temps again and bring rain on Thursday.
A Comeaux High football player is fighting for his life after an alleged attempted car robbery ended with him being shot by two juveniles.  17-year-old Matthew Carter was found unresponsive in his vehicle early Saturday morning when police arrived. Lafayette Police Corporal Bridgette Dugas on what they know so far…
Cut 9 (12) “shoot him”
The two young men were both arrested for Attempted First Degree Murder, Armed Robbery, and Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery.

A century-long tradition of the Long dynasty serving in Louisiana public office was broken last week as Senator Gerald Long left office, leaving no Longs left. The political dynasty began with Governor Huey Long, and after Huey, a series of Longs joined state politics at all levels. Gerald Long says the family has a gift for keeping the pulse of state politics…

Cut 4, 9 seconds, needs

Some prominent members of the dynasty include three-term Governor Earl Long, US Senator Earl B Long, US Representatives Speedy, Gillis, and Catherine Long, and State Representative Jimmy Long.

74 percent of respondents to a KingCakeSnob.com survey admit they’ll eat king cake at least six to ten times during carnival season. Website spokesperson Andrew Alexander…

Cut 7 (10) “…to all year.”

A significant cold front moved through the region over the weekend.  High temps today are only going to reach into the low 50’s statewide, which is about ten degrees below normal.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says tomorrow morning, expect a freeze north of the I-10/I-12 corridor.

Cut 12 (09) “…this current wave.”

A slight warmup should be coming Wednesday.

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 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.”

A new Legislative class was sworn in last week and for the first time in nearly a century, Louisiana finds itself without a member of the Long family serving in public office. The political dynasty began with Governor Huey Long the firecracker leftwing populist who pushed a massive public works program, built Tiger Stadium, but was also impeached. Former Senator Gerald Long…

Cut 3, 9 seconds, the bar

Huey Long was assassinated in 1935 in the midst of a presidential challenge to FDR, who’s “New Deal”, according to Long, didn’t go far enough in redistributing wealth.

While it is no secret Louisiana residents love King Cake, KingCakeSnob.com, a website dedicated to ranking the tasty seasonal treat, breaks down some of the surprising statistics. Website spokesperson Andrew Alexander…

Cut 6 (06) “… a mass number.”

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.”

Louisianans are twice as likely as the rest of the country to not get their federally recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week according to the CDC. LSU AgCenter nutrition specialist Denise Holston says If you are one of those inactive adults, find little ways to work additional exercise it into your busy schedule.

Cut 9 (12) “…spot”

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.”

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”

The Louisiana Lottery is looking into expanding ticket sales by allowing players to make purchases of games over the internet. It would require legislative approval in a state that isn’t big on gambling expansion.  Louisiana Lottery CEO Rose 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.”

35% of lottery revenue is transferred to the state treasury to mostly fund K-12 education.

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 to be used in traditional Chinese medicine, but Pacelle adds that it isn’t considered an essential medicine.

Cut 14 (6) “…of rhino horn.”

Federal and state government offices are closed today on this Martin Luther King holiday. Volunteer Louisiana spokesperson Kori Chisham says volunteering is the best way to honor the life of the civil rights leader…
cut 6 (11) “….service”
To find out about volunteer opportunities in your area, go to volunteer-louisiana-dot-gov or m-l-k-day-dot-gov.

Louisiana Lottery officials are considering pushing legislation this year to allow for the online sales of lottery tickets. Louisiana Lottery CEO Rose Hudson says eleven other states allow for the purchase of lottery 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 it’s important for the state to increase lottery sales since 35-percent of all lottery revenue is transferred to the state treasury.

A CDC report shows Louisiana is one of seven states with the highest prevalence of physical inactivity among adults…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

A 50-year-old man is in jail facing 33 counts of animal cruelty. Ascension Parish Sheriff deputies say they found 33 dogs living in horrid conditions on the property owned by Thomas West. One dog was dead. All dogs were taken to Cara’s House animal sheltering for housing and treatment.

Winter has returned this week. Most areas of the state will see a freeze tonight, rain returns to the state midweek.

Could Louisiana residents soon be able to purchase lottery tickets online? Kevin Barnhart has the story…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Ruston police are trying to determine who fatally shot a Grambling man at a party early Sunday morning in downtown Ruston. Jeffery Early was pronounced dead at a local hospital. When officers arrived to a report of shots fired, they encountered a large crowd trying to exit the venue on West Mississippi Avenue.

Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds Louisiana is one of seven states with the highest prevalence of physical inactivity among adults. The South had the highest rates of physical inactivity and LSU AgCenter nutrition specialist Denise Holston says Louisiana lacks physical activity opportunities…
cut 8 (09) “….cars”
Holston says for adults who want to get more physically active, start slow and set small goals.

Today is Martin Luther King day and it’s designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer. Volunteer Louisiana spokesperson Kori Chisham…
cut 5 (12) “…projects”
For volunteer opportunities go to volunteer-Louisiana-dot-gov.