1:30 LRN Newscast January 16

Another layer has been added to how Odell Beckham Junior conducted himself following LSU’s win over Clemson in the national championship game. Today the New Orleans Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for Beckham for slapping an officer on the rear end. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Beckham’s behavior on Monday night went too far…
cut 9 (08) “….over the place”
There’s video of the incident which happened during the postgame celebration in LSU’s lockerroom.

After nearly two years of a trade war, phase one of the trade agreement between the US and China has been signed. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the benefit to the state’s economy is unprecedented.
Cut 12 (10) “…trade war began.”
Our largest ag trade partner today is Canada with just under $22 billion.

Environmental groups sue the Army Corps of Engineers, alleging the organization did not disclose the public health risks of a future St. James Parish plastics plant. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Advanced Aero Services announces plans to build an aviation facility at Shreveport Regional Airport that will initially create 60 new jobs with an average salary just below 50-thousand dollars. Workers will perform maintenance, repair and overhaul work on commercial airlines at the facility.

11:40 LRN Sportscast January 16

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. Gleason received the honor for his work to help thousands of individuals live fulfilling lives despite the inability to walk or talk…
Cut 14 (13) “…things are possible.”
Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in 2011.

Joe Burrow told Barstool sports that Odell Beckham was handing out money to players after the national championship game. LSU originally said it was fake cash, but they are investigating.

Seven LSU players have announced plans to enter the N-F-L draft, including Clyde Edwards-Helairie, Grant Delpit, Patrick Queen and Justin Jefferson.

Former LSU Associate Head Coach Frank Wilson is the new head coach football coach at McNeese.

Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin says the plan is for Zion Williamson to make his NBA debut January 22nd when the team hosts San Antonio. 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, instead playing time will be determined by how Zion looks when on the court. Tonight, New Orleans hosts the Utah Jazz.

LSU basketball is the only undefeated team left in league play in the SEC after Auburn and Kentucky both lost last night.

Nicholls fell out of first place in the Southland as Northwestern State beat the Colonels on a buzzer-beater. Chudier Bile hit the winning shot for a 73-72 victory.

9:30 LRN Newscast January 16

Former Saints player and ALS advocate Steve Gleason is the latest recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A third person has died in Bossier Parish from the early Saturday morning E-F 2 tornado. 87-year-old Ira Jefferson was hospitalized with injuries from the tornado and passed away Tuesday night. Jefferson was an Army veteran and lived next door to an elderly couple who also died.

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.

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.”
Bruno has led ULM since 2010.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees was on hand to watch his former teammate Steve Gleason receive the Congressional Gold Medal for his work to help those with A-L-S…
cut 15 (10) “…has made”
Gleason was diagnosed with A-L-S in 2011 and has led efforts to create technology to help those with disabilities live longer and more fulfilling lives.

So what does Governor John Bel Edwards think about John White’s decision to step down as Superintendent of Education? Edwards gave his thoughts during his monthly call-in radio show…
cut 11 (07) “…beginning”
But Edwards thanks White for his eight years of service. The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meets today to discuss selecting a new superintendent.

University of Louisiana at Monroe President Nick Bruno is retiring. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Will former LSU star wide receiver Odell Beckham Junior be allowed on the Tigers sidelines again after video showed him handing out money to players following the national championship game? Quarterback Joe Burrow confirmed on a podcast it was real cash and LSU says they are working with the NCAA on how to handle the situation.

7:30 LRN Newscast

The national championship LSU football team is heading to the White House to be honored by President Trump on Friday afternoon. No word on what the team will eat. Last year, Clemson was served McDonald’s and Burger King as the government shutdown was ongoing.

The Tigers championship run has resulted in record-breaking merchandise sales…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

And LSU says it’s working with the NCAA as they investigate Odell Beckham Junior handing out money to players following the national championship game.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meets today at 10 AM to discuss the selection of a new Superintendent of Education. John White plans to step down later this year. Governor John Bel Edwards, who began his second term this week, says White’s departure provides a great opportunity for the state…
cut 12 (10) “…seriously”
Edwards and White did not see eye-to-eye on several public school education issues.

ULM also needs to find a new president. Nick Bruno has announced he plans to retire by June 30th. Bruno has led ULM since 2010 and during that time saw cuts in state funding, but despite that challenge, he brought a medical school to campus, which Bruno says is a big part of his legacy…

cut 5 (10) “….community-university effort”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Seven players from LSU’s national championship team have announced that they are entering the NFL draft. That includes Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Justin Jefferson, Grant Delpit, Parick Queen, Jacob Phillips, Lloyd Cushenberry, and Saahdiq Charles. Jacoby Stevens and Tyler Shelvin are staying.

Will former LSU star wide receiver Odell Beckham Junior be allowed on the Tigers sidelines again after video showed him handing out cash to players following the national championship game. Quarterback Joe Burrow confirmed on a podcast it was real cash and LSU says they are working with the NCAA on how to handle the situation.

Saints right guard Larry Warford has been added to the N-F-C Pro Bowl Roster, giving the Black and Gold a record 10 players on the pro bowl squad. And Saints fullback Zach Line is retiring after seven seasons. The head referee for the Super Bowl will be Bill Vinovich, he was the head ref for the infamous no-call NFC Championship game last year.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees was on hand to watch his former teammate Steve Gleason receive the Congressional Gold Medal for his work to help those with A-L-S…
cut 15 (10) “…has made”
Gleason was diagnosed with A-L-S in 2011 and has led efforts to create technology to help A-L-S patients live longer and more fulfilling lives.

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 next Wednesday against San Antonio
Cut 16 (15) …right direction”

6:30 LRN Newscast

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 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.

Governor Edwards held his first Ask the Governor call-in radio show since he was sworn in and commented publically for the first time about the election of Gonzales Representative Clay Schexnayder as House Speaker. Edwards clashed numerous times with House leadership in his first term but believes it will be different this time around…
Cut 10 (11) “…together”
Edwards also says he did not shed a tear when Superintendent of Education John White announced he’s stepping down.

ULM President Nick Bruno is set to retire by June 30th after spending 45 years working in higher education. He’s been the president at ULM since 2010 and helped bring a medical school to campus and he battled funding issues, because of state budget cuts. Bruno now plans to dedicate more time to the family….
cut 6 (12) “….is in Georgia”
The University of Louisiana System will conduct the search for a new president.

And LSU says they are working with the NCAA over the controversy involving former wide receiver Odell Beckham Junior who was seen on video handing out cash to players following the national championship game. LSU first thought it was fake money, but the university now says its student-athletes were put in a compromising position.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU passing game coordinator Joe Brady is reportedly leaving to be the offensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers. Brady was named the top assistant in college football this past season, so he leaves big shoes to fill. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says if LSU wants to remain at the top of the college football world, Ed Orgeron will have to find a good replacement…
cut 10 (10) “…program”
Higgins says an analyst already on staff, Jorge Munoz, is a candidate to replace Brady.

The exodus of underclassmen who are eligible for the NFL draft has begun at LSU. Safety Grant Delpit, linebacker Patrick Queen and wide receiver Justin Jefferson all said today they are going pro.

Joe Burrow told Barstool sports that Odell Beckham was handing out cash to players after the national championship game. LSU originally said it was fake cash, but they are investigating.

Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin says the plan is for Zion Williamson to make his NBA debut January 22nd when the team hosts San Antonio. 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, instead playing time will be determined by how Zion looks when on the court.

Saints guard Larry Warford has been added to the N-F-C Pro Bowl squad, giving the Black and Gold a franchise record 10 players at the pro bowl. And Saints fullback Zach Line has announced his retirement, ending a seven-year career. Line played in 12 games this past season but missed the last four and the playoff game because of a knee injury.

LRN PM Newscall January 15

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” 

_____________________

UL Lafayette students and recent grads will get the opportunity to work directly with the Saints and the Pelicans as part of newly signed partnerships. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

___________________________

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.

Cut 4 (05) “…once we are done.”

Currently, there are three lanes in the stretch and there will be lane closures for the project.  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.

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”

Representatives Schiff, Nadler, and five other Democrats have been named impeachment managers and will prosecute the case in the Senate.

The Speaker attempted to leverage the delay into influence on how the trial would be conducted, but Kennedy says the Constitution is clear about who gets the set the rules for an impeachment trial.

Cut 7 (11) “proceedings”

Democrats cried foul over Senate Republican’s refusal to call certain witnesses or utilize new evidence in the upcoming trial.

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.

Brady gained national acclaim, winning the Broyles Award for helping construct the Tigers record-breaking offense. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says the move makes sense for the 30-year-old.

Cut 9 (10) “offense”

The Tigers broke the NCAA record for points in a season last season at 726.

Higgins says it’s common for championship teams to have their coaching talent poached at the end of every season, and continually finding new talent is what creates long term success.

Cut 10 (08) “…program”

LSU will need to lock in a new passing game coordinator quickly, and Higgins says the next hire may come from within. Higgins says the team is reportedly eying current offensive analyst Jorge Munoz.

Cut 11 (10) “…my room”

Munoz was tasked with crafting the team’s protections and was lauded as indispensable by QB Joe Burrow.

______________________

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.

Cut 12 (10) “…off of that.”

The Saints and Pelicans will also fund two annual scholarships for qualifying students.  Maron says hammering out the details of the partnership has been about a year in the making.

Cut 13 (11) “…through the internships.”

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.”

2:30 LRN Newscast January 15

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.