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.

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LSU merchandise is flying off the shelves after the Tigers wrapped up their 15-0 championship season.

Fanatics runs the official LSU e-commerce store, and global co-president Jack Boyle says the Purple and Gold title has fueled their largest selling NCAA championship period ever.

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”

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Governor Edwards touched on the contentious election for Speaker and the resignation of Superintendent of Education John White in his first Ask the Governor since inauguration.

Republican Speaker Clay Schexnayder’s win is considered a victory for Governor Edwards in the House. He says they won’t always agree, but he knows at least the Speaker will listen…

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”

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Former Saints star and ALS advocate Steve Gleason is the 163rd person to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed by Congress. During the ceremony, Congressman Steve Scalise called  Gleason a true American hero for his tireless effort to help those with Lou Gehrig’s disease

Cut 13 (12) “…no white flags.”

Gleason, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2011, says he accepts the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf the thousands of people and families who are affected by A-L-S and other disabilities.

Gleason calls on people to keep exploring, share weaknesses with each other, and compassionately collaborate to solve issues that are ahead.

Cut 14 (13) “…things are possible.”

Gleason’s efforts have helped establish a database for thousands of ALS patients worldwide for researchers to access in an effort to combat the disease.

Former teammate Drew Brees also spoke at the presentation.

Cut 15 (10) “…Steve has made.”

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Rookie Zion Williamson is close to making his NBA debut, but it will not happen tonight when New Orleans hosts Utah. Williamson has been rehabbing from knee surgery and the team’s executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin says the plan is for Williamson to play his first game January 22nd against San Antonio

Cut 16  (15)  …right directiion” 

There was speculation Williamson would make his return tonight, but Griffin says that information never came from anyone inside the organization.

Williamson had surgery on October 21st on his right knee and did not participate in full-court, five-on-five practices until January 7th. Griffin says they’ve been encouraged by what they’ve seen at practice

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.

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”
The trial is expected to begin next week.

LSU passing game coordinator Joe Brady is expected to leave Baton Rouge to take the offensive coordinator position with the Carolina Panthers. So who will replace Brady, Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says an analyst currently on staff, Jorge Munoz, might be the next guy up…
cut 11 (10) “…my room”
UL Lafayette students and recent grads will get the opportunity to work directly with the Saints and the Pelicans as part of a newly signed partnership. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
cut 2 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Authorities report a third person has died in Bossier Parish from early Saturday morning E-F 2 tornado that knocked down trees and damaged homes in the Haughton area. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Bill Davis says 87-year-old Ira Jefferson was hospitalized with injuries from the tornado and passed away last night. Jefferson was an Army veteran and lived next door to an elderly couple who also died.

The U-S House has sent two articles of impeachment against President Trump to the Senate. Today’s vote comes one month after the House impeached Trump on allegations the president abused his power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate a political rival and military aid was used as leverage. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy has slammed the House impeachment process and says the Senate will be fairer…
cut 8 (09) “…differently”

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.

The New Orleans Saints and Pelicans have 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.

Work began this week on widening I-10 to four lanes east of Sulphur. State department of transportation spokesperson Tammy York says at least two lanes in each direction will be maintained throughout the project, which is exected to be completed in the summer of 2021…
cut 5 (12_ “…two lanes”
The project will cost 45-million dollars.

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.

Chairman of the House Republican Delegation Blake Miguez is frustrated Gonzales Representative Clay Schexnayder was elected House Speaker over Albany Representative Sherman Mack. The GOP House delegation publically backed Mack and Miguez says based on last November’s election, the House was set to carry out a conservative agenda…
cut 11 (09) “…policy”

Former Saints special teams standout and ALS advocate Steve Gleason will receive the Congressional Gold Medal this afternoon at the US Capitol. Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 and in that time he has helped over 15,000 people deal with the crippling disease through the Team Gleason charitable organization…
cut 4 (11) “….all of us”
The distinction is the highest honor Congress can bestow on a civilian and fewer than 200 have been a recipient and Gleason is the first NFL player to get the award.

It’s against the law to smoke in the Superdome, but that didn’t stop LSU quarterback Joe Burrow and several players from partaking in a post-game cigar after beating Clemson. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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.

Is there a rift within the Louisiana Republican Party? Twenty-three Republicans in the House voted against the majority of the GOP House delegation when they voted for Representative Clay Schexnayder of Ascension Parish as House Speaker.
cut 29 (10) “…forward”
That’s Erath Representative Blake Miguez who chairs the House Republican delegation. He says Sherman Mack from Livingston Parish was the better choice to lead a conservative agenda in the House.

Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Randall Gaines is elated over the election of Schexnayder as House Speaker. Gaines believes Schexnayder will split up legislative leadership positions more fairly than Mack would…
cut 13 (09) “…committees”

Former Saints special teams standout and A-L-S advocate, Steve Gleason, receives the Congressional Gold Medal today. U-S Senator Bill Cassidy says 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’
The Team Gleason organization has helped raise millions of dollars to benefit thousands of A-L-S patients.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees turns 41-years-old and will be a free agent in March. So what does the future hold for the future Hall of Famer. Locked on Saints podcast host Ross Jackson expects Brees will be back, but he predicts back-up Q-B Teddy Bridgewater will sign a long-term contract with another team…
cut 16 (10) “…situation”