Central and southwest Louisiana are picking up the pieces from a deadly tornado outbreak that killed a woman in Vernon Parish. The National Weather Service says one of the twisters went 63 miles from DeRidder to Alexandria. Rapides Parish GOHSEP Director Sonya Wiley-Gremillion (Grim Mee Yawn) says several homes are destroyed…
Cut 8 (10) “…homes are uninhabitable.”

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is the NFL’s new all-time touchdown passing leader. Brees surpassed Peyton Manning’s mark of 539 TD passes by tossing four touchdown passes in a 34-7 win over the Colts. Brees says it was special to do it on a night the franchise honored the 2009 Super Bowl team

Cut 3 (12) “…as well.”

Brees now has 541 touchdown passes.

DOTD lays out plans for increased safety measures at a ceremony honoring Johnny Cole, an employee killed on the job when he was struck by an 18-wheeler this summer.  DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says they will implement a spotter for two-person crews.

Cut 6 (08) “…are paying attention.”

Mallett says they will also implement brighter LED lighting for arrows and vehicle strobes.

Major General Glenn Curtis is stepping down as head of Louisiana’s National Guard, and will be replaced by Brigadier General Keith Wadell effective January 10th. Curtis was first appointed to the position by Governor Jindal in 2011 and was reappointed by Governor Edwards says the appointment of Wadell will continue to make the Louisiana Guard one of the best in the nation both in wars abroad and at home.

Cut 15 (12) “…of when.”

Joe Burrow’s Heisman acceptance speech inspires an outpouring of support for his hometown’s food pantry. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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A twister outbreak results in widespread damage over various parishes and one death. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

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The Louisiana National Guard will have a new leader after Major General Glenn Curtis announces his retirement. Kevin Barnhart has more…

Cut 3 (31) “ I’m Matt Doyle”

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Drew Brees breaks Peyton Manning’s 539 career passing touchdown record as the Saints crushed the Colts in the Dome 34-7.

It was clear from the start that coach Sean Payton had a game plan to throw early and often with a chance to break the record in front of the home crowd. Brees broke the record on a pass to tight end Josh Hill…

Cut 4 (08) “…thought”

Brees passed for four TDs and 307 yards.

Brees extended the record to 541 TDs, keeping him three ahead of Tom Brady who is hot on his heels, but Payton says there’s too much at stake to get distracted by records…

Cut 5 (09) “…games”

Brees also broke the single-game passing percentage record, going 29 of 30 through the air.

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Monday’s tornado outbreak that spanned the state and into Mississippi is to blame for at least one fatality in Vernon Parish and widespread damage and utility outages.  Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says just in the initial review of the havoc, his area has a long path to recovery.

Cut 6 (04) “…take some time.”

The deceased was in a mobile home at the time of the storm.  The tornado started in the De Ridder area and cut a 63 mile path to Alexandria.  Beauregard Parish GOHSEP Deputy Director Scott Greenmun…

Cut 7 (08) “…at this time.”

Rapides Parish GOHSEP Director Sonya Wiley-Gremillion says they are doing what they can to make sure everyone has shelter following the storm.

Cut 8 (10) “…homes are uninhabitable.”

Governor Edwards says he’s praying for those that were in harm’s way.

Cut 9 (12) “…for that family.”

Early estimates indicate the total number of twisters is around 18.

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LSU QB Joe Burrow’s Heisman acceptance speech has sparked a spirit of giving.  Burrow referenced his upbringing in Athens, Ohio, an impoverished area where the poverty rate is almost two times the national average.  Rob Szabo is with the Athens County Food Pantry and says the outpouring of support has been overwhelming.

Cut 10 (07) “…shock to us.”

Szabo says food insecurity is a huge issue in the area.  The Athens County Food Pantry supports more than 5,000 households in the area each year.

Cut 11 (07) “…times of need.”

A Facebook fundraising campaign has eclipsed a quarter million dollars (updates here) in the time since Burrow’s acceptance speech.  Szabo says that will help with the extra need that comes with the holidays.

Cut  12 (07) “…this time now.” 

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Major Glenn Curtis is stepping down as head of Louisiana’s National Guard, and will be replaced by Brigadier General Keith Wadell effective January 10th.

Curtis was first appointed to the position by Governor Jindal in 2011 and was reappointed by Governor Edwards four years ago. Edwards says Curtis has led the state’s forces through some remarkably turbulent times…

Cut 13 (12) “…leadership”

Curtis first joined the Guard in 1982.

Curtis’ second in command will step into the position after 25 years in the Guard. Curtis celebrated the soon-to-be top general…

Cut 14 (11) “…preparedness”

Wadell is currently the assistant principal of Westlake High School in Calcasieu Parish, where he also coaches.

Governor Edwards says the appointment of Wadell will continue to make the Louisiana Guard one of the best in the nation both in wars abroad and at home.

Cut 15 (12) “…of when.”

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The Pelicans hope to snap a franchise record 12 game losing streak tonight against the Nets at the Smoothie King Center.

Injuries have piled up, but Locked on Pelicans podcast host Jake Madison says there are two major culprits for this season’s failure, starting with the second-worst defense in the league…

Cut 16  (20)  …times” 

Offensively the team ranks 19th but has had reason to be optimistic about the future thanks to Lakers acquisition Brandon Ingram, who is averaging 25 points a game.

Coach Alvin Gentry is now firmly on the hot seat, but unlikely to be canned before Zion Williamson returns from the injury. That being said Madison says the team needs to seriously consider a change.

Cut 17  (15) “infect it all” 

Gentry now has a career .400 record as head coach of the Pels, with four of his five seasons sporting losing records.

The disastrous start to the season could be detrimental to the long-term growth of key young players, but Madison says short-term it could be even worse…

cut 18  (17)     have”  

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cut 19 (20)  26th ”  

cut 20 (18) “the ball”    

One person is dead in Vernon Parish following a statewide tornado outbreak. Elsewhere, the Alexandria Police Department reports Highway 28 is closed as a result of downed trees from a possible twister. A large portion of the state is under a tornado watch throughout the day. 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”

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 throughout the entire state. Ardoin has faith the Tigers will go all the way

Cut 5 (04) “…will do it.” (2x)

After a week off, LSU returns to practice today.

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.”

Tornado activity has rocked parts of the state today, leaving at least one person in Vernon Parish dead.  National Weather Service Lake Charles Meteorologist Rob Megnia says a twister in Beauregard Parish, caused damage in the DeRidder area.

Cut 12 (04) “…businesses and homes.” 

That tornado is estimated to have traveled 63 miles from De Ridder into Alexandria. In Rapides Parish, storm damage has been confirmed in the Plainview area.

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. The state suffered a similar attack that knocked out the Office of Motor Vehicles last month, and Cybersecurity expert Robert Allen says says this latest attack is a testament to how impactful a cybersecurity threat can be.

Cut 10 (04) “…infrastructure.”

Allen says workers in both state and private institutions need to remain vigilant and follow best practices when using company computers.

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 throughout the entire state.

Cut 3 (11) “…that got awards.”

After a week off, LSU returns to practice today to get ready for their semifinal matchup against Oklahoma on December 28th.

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 social media.

Cut 6 (10) “…arrested”

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.

One person is confirmed dead for a tornado event in Vernon Parish earlier today that saw multiple twisters touch down throughout the region, including one that took a 63 mile trek from DeRidder to Alexandria.  National Weather Service Lake Charles Meteorologist Rob Megnia says this type of weather is typical for this time of year.  A cold front is moving south, but the Gulf is still producing enough warmth and moisture to be a recipe for severe weather.

Cut 14 (07) “…have those conditions.”

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 that knocked out the Office of Motor Vehicles last month.

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”

State Police are investigating a shooting incident involving an off-duty Livingston Parish Sheriff’s deputy. Authorities say around 1AM the off duty officer was confronted by an armed individual in his home. The two allegedly tangled, and the fight ended with the two shooting each other, with the alleged intruder receiving a fatal wound. The officer was transported to a local hospital for treatment, and the investigation is still ongoing.

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.

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.

Tonight, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow is expected to be named the Heisman Trophy Winner for the 2019 college football season. The vote is expected to be a landslide in favor of Burrow, who has set numerous LSU and SEC records.  In 2005, Reggie Bush received nearly 92-percent of the first place votes, we’ll see if Burrow can come close to that or possibly top it. If selected, Burrow joins the late Billy Cannon as the only two players from LSU to win the Heisman.
Impeachment moves to the House floor as the Judiciary Committee approves two Articles. Matt Doyle has more.

cut  2 (31) “.Matt Doyle.”    

After seven years at the reigns of LSU, University President F. King Alexander is stepping down.   Alexander has been selected to be the next president of Oregon State University.  Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says Alexander had to make some big decisions in handling the school’s athletics.

Cut 14 (10) “…pretty high note.”

Alexander’s last day is December 31^st and the institution has named Dean of the LSU Law Center Thomas Galligan as the interim successor.

Equipment to stabilize the partially collapsed Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans will be arriving next week. Engineers are close to finalizing plans for the stabilization. New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell says the safety of the crews is the number one priority throughout the process of trying to recover the remains of those killed in the October collapse, so stabilization is crucial.
Cut 10 (06) “…pain staking process.”
Stabilization should be completed near the end of February.

Tonight, at around 7:50 LSU quarterback Joe Burrow is expected to be named the Heisman Trophy Winner for the 2019 college football season. He’ll join the late Billy Cannon as the only two players from LSU to win the Heisman trophy. The vote is expected to be a landslide in favor of Burrow, who has set numerous LSU and SEC records.

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway, now through New Year’s Day. Don Molino has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Don Molino”

After seven years at the reigns of LSU, University President F. King Alexander is stepping down.   Alexander has been selected to be the next president of Oregon State University.  Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says a highlight of Alexander’s tenure will be his handling of years of higher education budget cuts.

Cut 12 (08) “quite an accomplishment” 

Alexander’s last day is December 31^st and will be appointed at Oregon State on July 1, 2020.  The institution has named Dean of the LSU Law Center Thomas Galligan as the interim successor.

Equipment to stabilize the partially collapsed Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans will be arriving next week. Engineers are close to finalizing plans for the stabilization and the process should be completed near the end of February.  Authorities will then attempt to recover the remains of those killed in the October collapse.  New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell expects demolition crews to be working deep into 2020.

Cut 11 (09) “…continue to shrink.”

The House Judiciary Committee votes to send two Articles of Impeachment to the House floor for an Impeachment vote sometime next week.  The Articles focus on Abuse of Power related to an alleged scheme to pressure Ukraine to investigate Trump’s political rivals and Obstruction related to the Administration’s refusal to cooperate with the Impeachment inquiry. Committee Member and Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson…
Cut 7 (11) “…alleged.”
After seven years at the reigns of LSU, University President F. King Alexander is stepping down. Alexander has been selected to be the next president of Oregon State University. Alexander faced criticism for his embrace of holistic admissions during his tenure. But Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says it will likely be looked back on as a solid move for LSU.
Cut 13 (09) “…and ACT levels”

Alexander’s last day is December 31^st.

Equipment to stabilize the partially collapsed Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans will be arriving next week. New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell says engineers are close to finalizing the plan and the process should be completed near the end of February.

Cut 9 (10) “…life or injury.”

McConnell expects demolition crews to be working deep into 2020 as final demolition is expected to take place well after the summer.

Law enforcement agencies are stepping up patrols through New Year’s Day with the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission executive director Lisa Freeman says of the 16 people killed on Louisiana roads during last year’s holiday season, 12 deaths were attributed to alcohol-related crashes.

Cut 4 (10) “…in alcohol-related crashes.”