Zion Williamson electrified the Smoothie King Center last night with 22 points in his debut, a 121-117 loss to the Spurs. Williamson had a rough start to the game before blasting the Spurs with a 17 point 4^th quarter that sent the crowd, and sidelines into a frenzy. Guard Jrue Holliday says it was an incredible show, but…

Cut 6, 7 seconds, surprise

Williamson had 22 points and 7 rebounds in just 18 minutes. He did also have five turnovers.

Attorney General Jeff Landry is one of twenty-one Republican AGs filing a letter condemning the impeachment trial, urging the Senate to reject the articles of impeachment.  Landry says there are grave concerns about what he and other AGs have deemed a politically motivated impeachment process.

Cut 9 (12) “…very rare circumstances.”

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

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  AM

A new tarp is up so the remains of a worker at the collapsed Hard Rock Hotel construction site in New Orleans are no longer visible. Pictures of the victim’s legs dangling from the debris made the rounds on social media Wednesday after the original tarp shifted. New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell urges the public to not distribute the graphic images…
Cut 4 (09) “…reprehensible.”
Strong winds pushed the previous tarp away, exposing the legs of a collapse victim. McConnell says they hope the remains of two of the victims will be recovered after a scheduled implosion in March.
Know someone that has been married for a long time?   The Louisiana Family Forum is looking to honor the state’s longest known married couple on Valentine’s Day. Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills…
Cut 9 (11) “…of Louisiana.”
Nominations are due February fifth.

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

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The human remains discovered in November by a hunter in Franklin Parish have been positively identified as Joshua Charles Berry, a Richland Parish man who was last seen in September 2012. The remains were found about a half-mile away from where Berry’s truck was originally found in 2012. No details have been released about the cause of death.

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

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

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

Cut 7 (10) “…finish line.”

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

Experts estimate LSU received more than $200 million in free media exposure between December 1st and January 21st as a result of the football team’s successful title run. Director of sponsorship analytics for Joyce Julius and Associates, Jeremy Creutz, says they estimate LSU had over 150,000 mentions across TV, internet and print media.
Cut 10 (08) “…to receive that.”

Louisiana political and business leaders are in the nation’s capital for the 72nd Washington Mardi Gras festivities. LSU communications professor and longtime political staffer Bob Mann says the Capitol Hilton Hotel is where business and socializing will mix…
cut 6 (09) “….of that”

A Louisiana native is capturing the attention of the hot sauce world with his new line of handcraft sauces. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Three schools in the Acadia Parish town of Iota are closed today as a result of social media threats.

Meanwhile, 26-year-old Brandon Henry of St. Amant was arrested in Florida for allegedly making a verbal threat against G-W Carter Primary School in Gonzales.

The biggest names in Louisiana politics and business are in D.C. for Washington Mardi Gras…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo was involved in a car accident in Washington D-C when the taxi he was riding in was hit by another vehicle. Mayo is expected to resume his schedule today despite neck and shoulder pain.

A new tarp has been placed over the remains of one of the dead workers, who died when the Hard Rock Hotel construction site collapsed. The wind shifted the previous tarp exposing the dead man’s legs.

Joyce Julius and Associates says LSU earned more than 200-million dollars in free media exposure over the last seven weeks as a result of the Tigers winning a national championship. Director of sponsorship analytics Jeremy Creutz says while it may not be tangible dollars, the exposure can be parlayed into merchandise sales and interest in attending LSU.
Cut 12 (09) “…type of things.”
LSU says they saw a five-percent increase in applications during the week before and after the national championship game.

If you know someone that has been married for a long time, then contact the Louisiana Family Forum as they are looking to honor the state’s longest known married couple on Valentine’s Day. Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills…
cut 9 (11) “…of Louisiana”
Nominations are due February fifth.

Governor John Bel Edwards and other state and business leaders from Louisiana are in the nation’s capital for Washington D-C Mardi Gras festivities. LSU communications professor and longtime political staffer Bob Mann says the tradition started over 50 years ago by former Senator Russel Long for those Louisianans stuck in D.C. for the carnival season.
Cut 5 (08) “…holiday”
The tradition began and continues at the Washington Hilton.

Louisiana is known for its hot sauce and an LSU grad now living in New York is close to completing his Kickstarter campaign for a line of hot sauces he plans to produce called Bayou Gotham. Scott Bellina says his ties to the hot sauce industry is a family affair.
Cut 15 (12) “…with hot sauce.”
Bellina hopes to begin production of the Bayou Gothan hot sauce in March.

The Louisiana Family Forum is once again looking for the state’s longest married couple so they can be honored on Valentine’s Day. Brooke Thorington has more…
voicer 2 (30) “….I’m Brooke Thorington”

Meanwhile, hearts are broken in Lafayette over the death of Matthew Carter. The 17-year-old from Comeaux High School died yesterday from injuries he sustained when he was shot during an attempted armed robbery early Saturday morning. Police have charged a 13 and -14-year-old with first-degree murder. Carter has been described as a sweet and dedicated teenager.

Washington Mardi Gras kicks off today with Louisiana’s biggest movers and shakers in D.C. for three days of politicking and celebrations. LSU Communications Professor and veteran political staffer Bob Mann says each night will feature a ball attended by state leaders based both here and in D.C., capped off by Saturday night’s mini-parade.
Cut 4 (11) “…be seen”

According to the Michigan-based firm, Joyce Julius and Associates, LSU received more than 200-million dollars in free media exposure over a seven-week period during the team’s successful championship run. Director of sponsorship analytics Jeremy Cruetz says this is among the biggest measurements they’ve seen in the realm of college athletics…
cut 11 (10) “…White House”

The Zion Williamson era for the Pelicans starts with a loss but the rookie gave fans what they came for. Williamson had 22 points, 17 points came during a three-minute stretch in the fourth quarter. But San Antonio held off the Pels 121 to 117.

An LSU grad and Louisiana native is grabbing the attention of the hot sauce world with his Bayou Gotham Hot Sauce. A Kickstarter campaign has recently surpassed its $25,000 funding goal. Scott Bellina, the man behind the handcrafted sauces, says the initial four flavors are inspired by his Louisiana upbringing.
Cut 13 (11) “…been done before.”
Bellina hopes to start production in March.

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

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________________________

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

Cut 3 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

____________________________________________

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

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

Cut 4 (11) “…be seen”

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

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

Cut 5 (08) “…holiday”

The tradition began and continues at the Washington Hilton.

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

Cut 6 (09) “of that”

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

_____________________________

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

Cut 7 (10) “…finish line.”

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

Cut 8 (10) “…Governor’s mansion.”

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

Cut 9 (11) “…of Louisiana.”

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

____________________

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

Cut 10 (08) “…to receive that.”

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

Cut 11 (10) “…the White House.”

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

Cut 12 (09) “…type of things.”

_____________________________________

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

Cut 13 (11) “…been done before.”

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

Cut 14 (09) “…late Dr. John.”

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

Cut 15 (09) “…with hot sauce.”

__________________________________________

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

Cut 16  (24)  …the past” 

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

Cut 17  (11) ” plenty of time” 

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

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

cut 18  (20) ” here”   

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

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

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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

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

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

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

Cut 5 (07) “…world.”

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

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

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

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

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

Cut 13 (11) “…witness”

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

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

Cut 10 (10) “…of about $900,000.” 

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