2:30 LRN Newscast December 16

The Alexandria Police Department reports Highway 28 is closed as a result of downed trees from a possible twister. Authorities say there are no serious injuries. A large portion of the state is under a tornado watch until 6 PM. National Weather Service Lake Charles Metorgologist Rob Megnia says if a tornado warning comes across your phone or radio take action…
cut 13 (06) “….shelter somehwere else”
A lot of damage, including numerous trees down have been reported in Vernon and Beauregard Parishes.

Three sheriff’s offices are the latest government agencies to be the victim of a suspected cyberattack. The Sheriff’s Association says Rapides, Washington and Orleans parishes have been targeted by hackers. Cybersecurity expert Robert Allen says be careful when opening emails…
cut 11 (08) “…junk”

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain has announced the arrest of four individuals who shot and stole two Asian water buffalo from a rancher in Plaquemines Parish. Strain says the four men in their 30s face felony charges because you can’t just hunt someone else’s livestock…
cut 8 (08) “….park”
The value of the livestock stolen and killed is estimated at 10-thousand dollars.

Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin has declared today “LSU Football Day.” Ardoin says LSU fans should wear purple and gold and show their pride for the Fighting Tigers…
cut 4 (09) “….the upcoming game”
LSU will face Oklahoma in the national semifinal contest on December 28th in Atlanta. The game is a sell-out.

1:30 LRN Newscast December 16

Tornado activity has rocked parts of the state today. National Weather Service Lake Charles Meteorologist Rob Megnia says a twister in Beauregard Parish, caused damage in the DeRidder area.
Cut 12 (07) “…yet fortunately.
Monroe and West Monroe are under a severe thunderstorm warning until 2:15 PM. Severe storms are possible tonight in southeast Louisiana.

Sheriff offices in Rapides, Washington, and Orleans Parish have been hit by a cyberattack that’s left some services unavailable or limited in those areas. Cybersecurity expert Robert Allen says public employees need to stop opening questionable files on their computers that expose the network…
cut 9 (09) “…lines”
The state suffered a similar attack at the end of November that crippled the Office of Motor Vehicles.

Four southeast Louisiana men in their 30s are under arrest for allegedly killing two Asian water buffalo on a ranch in Plaquemines Parish. Matt Doyle has more.
cut 2 (30) “.Matt Doyle.”

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin has proclaimed today as LSU Football Day and he’s encouraging Tiger fans to wear purple and gold and fly their LSU flags. After a week off, LSU returns to practice today to get ready for their semifinal matchup against Oklahoma. Ardoin has faith the Tigers will go all the way…
cut 5 (04) “…do it”

12:30 Newscast

Four people have been arrested for hunting and killing two Asian Water Buffalo on a ranch in Plaquemines Parish.  30-year-old Andrew Crawford, 35-year-old Billy Johnson, 37-year-old Randall Siebert, and 32-year-old Lane Siebert were arrested after the investigation was complete. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says they’re all looking at jail time.
Cut 7 (11) “…livestock.”
Strain says they harvested the meat and bragged about it on Facebook. An impeachment vote on the House floor is expected this week. Last week the House Judiciary Committee approved two articles, abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Northwest Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson says the founding fathers warned against single party impeachments as it would be bitterly divisive, which he says is exactly the case.
Cut 10 (08) “…in the bottle.”

 

Following a sweep of all the major accolades of college football, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin declares today “LSU Football Day” throughout the state.  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Saints will host the Colts tonight at the Superdome and Quarterback Drew Brees needs to throw two more touchdown passes to tie Peyton Manning’s all-time record for touchdown passes with 539.

11:30 LRN Newscast

The U-S House is expected to vote Wednesday on two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. House Democrats say Trump pressured Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden, while withholding as leverage military aid to help Ukraine counter Russia.

But Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson says impeachment has been the goal of Democrats since day one of the Trump administration…
cut 11 (12) “…would remove him”
Johnson sits on the House Judiciary Committee which released a 650-page report early this morning that said Trump betrayed the nation by abusing his high office to enlist a foreign power in corrupting the democratic elections.

Much of Louisiana is under a tornado watch until six pm tonight.

After a 13-0 run so far, only two games remain on the road to a College Football Playoff National Championship for the Bayou Bengals. In celebration of LSU’s success, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin proclaims today as LSU Football day.
Cut 3 (11) “…that got awards.”
Ardoin says today is the day for residents to wear purple and gold and fly their LSU flags.

Four people have been arrested for hunting and killing two Asian Water Buffalo on a ranch in Plaquemines Parish. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says they harvested the meat and bragged about it on Facebook.
Cut 6 (10) “…exists”
30-year-old Andrew Crawford, 35-year-old Billy Johnson, 37-year-old Randall Siebert, and 32-year-old Lane Siebert are facing felony charges.

11:40 LRN sportscast December 16

The Saints will host the Colts tonight at the Superdome and Quarterback Drew Brees needs to throw two more touchdown passes to tie Peyton Manning’s all-time record for touchdown passes with 539. Manning threw 399 TD passes with the Colts.

But Brees says his main focus is for the Black and Gold to play their best football with the playoffs right around the corner…
cut 17 (19) “…..building towards”
The Saints are striving to get the number one seed in the N-F-C playoffs. They got a little help yesterday with the Falcons upsetting the 49ers. Seattle now has the number one seed, but New Orleans owns the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Seahawks.

Quarterback Joe Burrow delivered a memorable and tearful Heisman Trophy acceptance speech after he became only the second Tiger to win the prestigious award. He started his speech by thanking his offensive line and ended it thanking Coach Ed Orgeron who showed faith in him
Cut 30 (14) “…(applause)”
Burrow also talked about how his hometown in Ohio is dealing with poverty and that’s led to a flood of donations for the Athens County Food Bank.

The Pelicans lost a franchise-record 12th straight game last night as Orlando dribbled past New Orleans 130-119. Coach Alvin Gentry received two technical fouls and he was ejected. During this losing streak, New Orleans has allowed 121 points a game. The Pels are at Brooklyn tomorrow.

10:30 AM Newscast

Joe Burrow’s legendary status continues to grow after he gives a heartfelt Heisman Trophy acceptance speech. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Tornado warnings are up for Bossier, Webster, and Claiborne parishes until 11 am.  There is a chance for severe weather across most of the state today, with an enhanced risk for central and south Louisiana into tonight.  Also tonight, the Saints host the Colts at the Superdome.

 

China and the US agree to a “phase one” trade deal that halts a round of tariffs on China, in exchange the People’s Republic agrees to purchase tens of billions of dollars in US agricultural goods. US AG Secretary Sonny Perdue was in Baton Rouge when this news broke and says this is a big deal.
Cut 7 (10) “…domestically.”
The President estimates China could purchase around 50 billion dollars of additional ag products as a result.

LSU Law Dean Thomas Galligan takes over as interim LSU system President, while a national search begins to replace F. King Alexander, who is leaving for Oregon State. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says the search may be national, but two men with deep Louisiana ties are possible candidates….
Cut 13 (10) “…university”
Dardenne is the Commissioner of Administration, while Moret is the former economic development secretary and LSU foundation president.

9:30 LRN newscast

The U-S House is preparing to vote on Wednesday on two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. Democrats claim the President abused his power and obsctructed Congress afte he allegedly pressured Ukraine to investigate a political rival. Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson says the impeachment proceedings boil down to one thing, Democrats don’t like Trump…
cut 12 (10) “….chargeof impeachment

The House is also expected to vote this week on a new United States Mexico-Canada trade agreement. And the U-S and China have announced progress has been made on a trade agreement. U-S Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue spoke at Southern University’s commencement address and said both of these agreements are great news for Louisiana ag…
cut 9 (06) “…respect”
The U-S Trade Representative says phase one of the U-S China trade deal will nearly double U-S exports to China.

Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin has proclaimed today LSU football Day. Tiger fans are still talking about the heartfelt speech Quarterback Joe Burrow delivered after receiving the Heisman Trophy. Burrow thanked his offensive line, coaches and parents and said after the speech it’s a dream come true…
cut 5 (12) “….national title”
Burrow says after a week away from football he’s eager to begin preparations for the Peach Bowl on December 28th versus Oklahoma.

LSU needs a new system president as F King Alexander will leave on December 31st for a job at Oregon State. The school recently invested a lot of money in new AD Scott Woodward, but Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says the new Pres will have to keep an eye on the program…
Cut 15 (11) “…of it.”
Alexander served as LSU President for six years, but did not receive the support of key LSU backers.

8:30 LRN Newscast December 16

The U-S House is expected to vote Wednesday on two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. House Democrats say Trump pressured Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden, while withholding as leverage military aid to help Ukraine counter Russia.

But Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson says impeachment has been the goal of Democrats since day one of the Trump administration…
cut 11 (12) “…would remove him”
Johnson sits on the House Judiciary Committee which released a 650-page report early this morning that said Trump betrayed the nation by abusing his high office to enlist a foreign power in corrupting the democratic elections.

Tonight at the Superdome, the Saints will host the Colts. New Orleans needs to win to keep in stay contention for the top seed in the N-F-C.

LSU System President F King Alexander is set to leave on December 31st and the Board of Supervisors will conduct a national search for Alexander’s replacement. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says Alexander was making good progress on turning LSU into a destination for talented students and staff, so they’ll have to….
cut 14 (11) “….students”
One potential candidate to replace Alexander is Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne.

China and the US agree to a “phase one” trade deal that halts a round of tariffs on China, in exchange the People’s Republic agrees to purchase tens of billions of dollars in US agricultural goods. US AG Secretary Sonny Perdue was in Baton Rouge when this news broke and says this is a big deal.
Cut 7 (10) “…domestically.”
The President estimates China could purchase around 50 billion dollars of additional ag products as a result.

7:30 LRN Newscast

An impeachment vote moves to the House floor this week. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

U-S and Chinese officials have agreed on a limited trade agreement that the Trump administration says will lead to China purchasing around 50-billion dollars of additional ag products. U-S Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue was in Baton Rouge when the news broke…
cut 8 (07) “…here”
As part of the deal, new tariffs set to take effect Sunday on China did not go through.

Quarterback Joe Burrow delivered a memorable and tearful Heisman Trophy acceptance speech after he became only the second Tiger to win the prestigious award. He started his speech by thanking his offensive line and ended it thanking Coach Ed Orgeron who showed faith in him
Cut 4 (14) “…(applause)”

LSU Law Dean Thomas Galligan takes over as interim LSU system President, while a national search begins to replace F. King Alexander, who is leaving for Oregon State. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says the search may be national, but two men with deep Louisiana ties are possible candidates….
Cut 13 (10) “…university”
Dardenne is the Commissioner of Administration, while Moret is the former economic development secretary and LSU foundation president. He’s now the president and CEO of Virginia Economic Development Partnership.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

After a tough loss to the 49ers last week, the Saints look to get back on track tonight when they host the 6-and-7 Indianapolis Colts. Indy has lost three in a row, but they have a few standout performers, like linebacker Darius Leonard who had two interceptions last week. Coach Sean Payton on Leonard
Cut 16 (19) …hands on it”
The Saints are 10-and-3 and in a fight to get the number one seed in the NFC playoffs.

The Atlanta Falcons helped out the Saints yesterday as they upset the 49ers 29-22. Seattle’s 30-24 win over Carolina moves them into the number one seed for the time being. Green Bay is the number two seed. The Packers held off the Bears 21-13 at frigid Lambeau Field.

LSU’s Joe Burrow is the landslide winner of the Heisman Trophy this year. Burrow says he’s just a man from southeast Ohio, who had to battle adversity when he transferred from Ohio State. The 23-year-old says his story shows hard work pays off…
cut 6 (11) “…offseason work”
Burrow received 1,846 more voting points than runner-up Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts.

The 2019 high school football season concluded over the weekend with the Prep Classic. The first four games were blowouts, but the last two games on Saturday were nail bitters. Karr won its fourth straight Class Four-A title with a 35-34 win over Warren Easton. And Acadiana completed an undefeated season with an eight to three victory over Destrehan.

The Pelicans lost their 12th straight yesterday, a franchise record, as Orlando beat New Orleans 130-to-119 at the Smoothie King Center.