Postseason success for the Saints results in a victory for the local economy. Connor Ferrill has the Story.

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A Board of Regents report shows students who get into college with “academic exemptions” perform notably worse than students who do meet the minimum requirements for admission…

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The Louisiana Family Forum says they are seeking out the best examples of lasting love with the longest marriages in the state in time for Valentine’s Day.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

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Postseason success for the Saints results in a victory for the local economy. President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Jay Cicero says even retailers that do not sell Saints merchandise benefit from the Black and Gold, especially if they keep winning in the playoffs…

Cut 4 (12) “…than that.” 

The Saints will host the Rams Sunday in the NFC Championship game. Cicero says it’s hard to say how many Rams fans will show up in the Crescent City, but there will be plenty of Who Dats in the French Quarter, C-B-D and Warehouse district this weekend…

Cut 5 (12) “…weekend.”

Cicero says if the Saints win Sunday and advance to the Super Bowl in Atlanta on February 3rd, he expects another big crowd for Super Bowl weekend in the Big Easy…

Cut 6 (06) “…the game.”

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A Board of Regents report shows students allowed into higher education through “academic exemptions” had noticeably lower college GPA and graduation rates. The report was spurred by LSU’s admission that they had doubled the number of exemption students allowed into the institution. Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says most of the exemptions were in one category.

Cut 7 (06) “…requirement.”

Students at LSU need a 25 on the ACT to get in, while statewide universities like UL-Lafayette require a 23, and regional schools like Southeastern call for a 20.

Only 32 percent of those with exemptions in 2010-2011 graduated in six years, compared to half of those without exemptions, and their GPA’s averaged 2.0 while nonexempt students averaged 2.7, But Reed notes student athletes with exemptions performed much closer to the average due to their support networks.

Cut 8 (09) “…successful.”

Only two thirds of students with exemptions returned to college after their first year, compared to 82 percent of those without. Reed says many of those exempt are first generation college students, who need more support from the state in their academic careers.

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In 2001 the Board mandated LSU only allow four percent of their admissions to be exemptions.

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Louisiana Family Forum is on the hunt for the longest married couples throughout the state.  For the last three years, a couple from Benton have locked in the title for being married the longest.  But that couple passed away in 2018, and another couple will be taking the distinction.  General council at LFF Kristie Cross says it’s an effort to encourage future generations on marriage.

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Cross says the organization will be on the lookout through early February in an effort to make an official recognition on Valentine’s Day.  Here’s how the top ten looks.

Cut 11 (11) “…and 74 years.”

Cross says upon finding the top couple, LFF will plan a celebration around the duo.

Cut 12 (11) “…go to them.”

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LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing has been ranked the 10^th best nursing school in the nation by Nursing Schools Almanac, and 4^th among all public schools. The rankings surveyed 3,200 programs nationwide. Nursing Dean Demetrius Porche says they traditionally fare well in these rankings due to the wealth of programs available, and the success of their graduates.

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Porche says the program is a vital piece of the Louisiana healthcare machine, and will grow even more important as the healthcare needs of the state increase over time.

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The Dean and Professor says it’s a proud moment for the venerable institution.

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The Saints return to practice today to get ready for Sunday’s NFC Championship game against the Rams. New Orleans running back Mark Ingram knows they are going up against a good team

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The Rams feature one of the top running backs in the NFL in Todd Gurley. Linebacker A-J Klein says Gurley is a big, physical running back that’s hard to tackle…

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There’s only a few Saints players still around from the 2009 Super Bowl team. Offensive Tackle Terron Armstead says he’s looking forward to playing his first NFC championship game and he doesn’t take this opportunity for granted…

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The Rolling Stones and Katie Perry are two of the major headliners of the 50^th annual New Orleans Jazzfest, as the event’s musical lineup was released today.  Festival producer Quint Davis explains the undercard isn’t too bad either as it features some of the biggest names in music.

Cut 7 (11) “…Trombone Shorty.”
Tickets go on sale for Lousiana residents at the Superdome box office this Thursday.

When asked which teams she’d like to welcome to Atlanta for the Super Bowl, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms says “Just anybody other than the Saints. If it can’t be the Falcons, then hey, as long as it’s not the Saints then I’m happy.” New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corporation President Mark Romig says it’s all in good fun.

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Two trucking companies involved in the fatal Florida interstate crash that killed five Marksville children are being sued…

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Authorities have identified the 91-year-old man killed in a Union Parish house fire on Monday. Robert Jones of Marion and his two Labrador retrievers died in the blaze. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says they are still trying to determine the cause

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The 50^th annual New Orleans Jazzfest has unveiled its lineup, and it features some of the biggest names in music. Festival producer Quint Davis says there are no shortage of acts to grab the attention of festival enthusiasts. Pop superstar Katy Perry will perform during the first weekend of the festival and a legendary act rumored is now confirmed….

Cut 6 (07) “…The Rolling Stones.”

Davis says the rest of the US tour for the Stones has been sold out for months, but says locals will get the first opportunity to buy tickets this week.

The family of one of the Marksville children who died in a fiery interstate calamity outside of Gainesville, Florida has hired an attorney to pursue damages against the two truckers and companies involved in the crash that killed five children. Attorney Joe Fried says his office is conducting its own investigation into the tragedy.

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When asked which teams she’d like to welcome to Atlanta for the Super Bowl, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms says “Just anybody other than the Saints. If it can’t be the Falcons, then hey, as long as it’s not the Saints then I’m happy.” And if the Saints power past the Rams for this Sunday’s NFC Championship clash, they’ll be taking that trip to Atlanta. New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corporation President Mark Romig says it’s a wonderful city, and luckily for the Black and Gold Nation, easy to get to.

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Authorities have identified the 91-year-old man killed in a Union Parish house fire on Monday. Robert Jones of Marion and his two Labrador retrievers died in the blaze. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says s when State Fire Marshal investigators arrived, local firefighters were still extinguishing the fire

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The blaze started around 3:15 Monday afternoon.

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is celebrating 50 years with a star-studded lineup.  Kevin Barnhart has the details.

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Jeff Davis Parish Sheriffs and the Louisiana Livestock Brand Commission are investigating a case of suspected animal cruelty involving five cattle that had been shot in the head with a small caliber weapon. The cows are still alive and grazing, but authorities are hunting for the suspect in the abuse case, and are offering an award for anyone who presents information that can lead to an arrest and conviction.

The family of one of the Marksville children who died in a fiery interstate calamity outside of Gainesville, Florida has hired an attorney to pursue damages against the two truckers and companies involved in the crash that killed five children. Attorney Joe Fried says they hope to recover damages for the family of 14-year-old Jeremiah Wright.

Cut 4 (10) “…the investigation″

Reports several days after the wreck noted one of the drivers had been cited several times for his driving, but Fried says it’s too early to confirm that information.

Authorities have identified the 91-year-old man killed in a Union Parish house fire on Monday.  State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue has this advice for others who use a wood-burning fireplace or stove…

Cut 13 (09) “…combustible items.”

the man and his two Labrador retrievers died in the blaze.

The Rolling Stones is the headline performer at 50th Annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Producer Quint Davis says the legendary rock band will perform at the Fairgrounds on May 2nd and tickets go on sale later this week…
cut 8 (13) “…for only Louisianians”
And then tickets will be available to non-Louisiana residents on Friday. The tickets are not cheap, 185-dollars a piece.

It sounds like the mayor of Atlanta took a cheap shot at Saints fans. Keisha Lance Bottoms was asked who she’d like to see in the Super Bowl when the city hosts the big game a week from Sunday. Bottoms said anyone but the Saints. New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corporation President Mark Romig says the Crescent City would not have that attitude…
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Two trucking companies involved in the fatal Florida interstate crash that killed five Marksville children are being sued…
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Louisiana residents on food stamps can expect their February benefits this week, because of the partial government shutdown. Department of Children and Family Services Deputy Assistant Secretary Sammy Guillory says recipients must be aware that these are not extra benefits, so budget accordingly for February.

Funeral services are today for two of the five children from Marksville killed in the fiery crash on a Florida interstate on January third, 14-year-old Joel Cloud and 14-year-old Jeremiah Warren. Warren’s family has hired well known attorney Joel Fried as his family is seeking damages. Fried says he’s filed court paper seeking more information on the drivers and two truck companies involved…
cut 5 (09) “…happen”

Authorities have identified the 91-year-old man killed in a Union Parish house fire on Monday. Robert Jones of Marion and his two Labrador retrievers died in the blaze. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says they are still trying to determine the cause…
cut 12 (09) “…wood burning stove”

The Rolling Stones and Katy Perry are the headliners for the 50th anniversary of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Tickets for the Rolling Stone will cost 185-dollars to see Mick Jagger and the boys perform on May 2nd. Producer Quint Davis says the music festival features several other big acts…
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Thursday April 25th is the opening date of the festival.

During Sunday’s Saints playoff win, the Dome rumbled as fans roared at a recorded 128 decibels….
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That’s Southeastern Louisiana Communications Professor Joe Burns says it’s likely that reported 128 Db was only a momentary spike, and not a prolonged period that could result in hearing damage.

When asked which teams she’d like to welcome to Atlanta for the Super Bowl, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms says “Just anybody other than the Saints. If it can’t be the Flacons, then hey, as long as it’s not the Saints then I’m happy.” New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corporation President Mark Romig says it’s all in good fun.

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Bottoms also added “I know there’s going to be a bounty on my head for saying that”, as she reportedly smiled.

The Rolling Stones, Katy Perry, Jimmy Buffet, Santana, and others will headline The 50^th annual New Orleans Jazzfest. Festival producer Quint Davis says, yes that rumor about the Stones headlining the half century celebration was absolutely true, and he’s looking forward to having Mick and crew back in town.

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Earth Wind and Fire, Van Morrison, Pitbull, Bob Segar, Trombone Shorty, and others highlight the list.

If you are looking forward to trying some great new Louisiana craft beers, the government shutdown is slowing down the release of those brews. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

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So Saints fans will have to settle for an old familiar brew for the Sunday contest, where the Black and Gold are favored by 3.5 points over the LA Rams.

The family of one of the Marksville children who died in a fiery interstate calamity outside of Gainesville, Florida has hired an attorney to pursue damages against the two truckers and companies responsible in the crash that killed five children. Attorney Joe Fried says it’s crucial to have the investigation into the tragedy begin today.

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Eagles Express Lines and New Prime, have been named in the suit, along with their two drivers who died in the crash.

Department of Children and Family Services Deputy Assistant Secretary Sammy Guillory says Food stamp benefits for February are coming early for Louisiana residents, and recipients can expect their SNAP funds this week.

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But added, beyond February, there’s a great deal of uncertainty.

The federal government shutdown is impacting the craft beer business in Louisiana as the industry is heavily regulated by the feds. President of the Louisiana Brewers Guild and Bayou Teche Brewing Karlos Knott says brewers are not able to get product labels approved during the shutdown, so some of the seasonal beers are being put on hold.

Cut 10 (09) “…back a bit.”

Reports say that for at least one moment in Sunday’s Saints playoff win, the Dome rumbled as fans roared at a recorded 128 decibels, but Southeastern Louisiana communications Professor Joe Burns says it’s likely that reported 128 Db was only a momentary spike, and not a prolonged period that could result in hearing damage. Still, if you’re bringing your children to the Rams NFC Championship clash this Sunday, he has a suggestion….

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