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.

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.

6:30 LRN Newscast December 16

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.”
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.

LSU President F. King Alexander is headed to Oregon State, and the search is on for his replacement. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 3 (30) “ I’m Matt Doyle.”

Tonight it’s Monday night football in the Superdome as the Saints host the Colts.

10:30 AM Newscast

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 31st 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.

9:30 AM Newscast

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 31st 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.”