1:30 LRN Newscast December 17

A Youngsville man has been locked up for alleged counterfeiting and trying to hide some of his fake bills in the back of a cop car on his way to jail…
Voicer 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The ridesharing company Lyft is making an effort to reduce drunk driving crashes this holiday season. Five-dollar discounts are available for those too tipsy to drive. The promocode is Ride Smart LA.

Two brothers, 34-year-old Kerry Alexander and 28-year-old Jerrell Alexander have been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of two young men inside a Raceland home on Saturday. LaFourche Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson, Lt. Brennan Matherne says it was a robbery that resulted in gun violence…
cut 5 (09) “…..dollars each”
Both men have extensive criminal histories.

Louisiana is ranked as one of the least healthiest states in the country and Governor John Bel Edwards wants to see Bayou State residents make healthier choicies. Edwards says he will take the lead and announces plans to run a 5K race in next month’s Louisiana Marathon in Baton Rouge…
Cut 9 (08) “…stay active″
The Louisiana Marathon will take place January 18th through the 20th.

12:30 Newscast

Two brothers are behind bars after a weekend shooting that left two victims dead in Lafourche Parish.  Sheriff’s Detectives arrested 34 year old Kerry Alexander and 28 year old Jerrell Alexander, both of Raceland, on Saturday night.  Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Brennan Matherne says detectives learned they were in the Boutte area.
Cut 4 (06) “…them into custody.″
They were located wearing all black clothing and a bag was found outside the restaurant containing two handguns and camouflage masks.
A Youngsville man has been arrested after allegedly counterfeiting 100 dollars bills, and police say when caught, he hid the cash in pants and then later tried to dispose of the evidence in the cop car that was driving him to jail. Duson Police Chief Kip Judice says just before being apprehended, 29-year-old Stephen Young tried to hide the incriminating evidence…
Cut 6 (11) “…police car.

Tonight’s Monday night match-up between the Saints and Panthers features two of the best second-year running backs in the NFL. New Orleans’ Alvin Kamara and Carolina’s Christian McCaffery, who has rushed for 926 yards and has 701 receiving yards. Kamara says he has a lot of respect for the former Stanford star…
cut 15 (12) “…great year”
The Saints defense will have to make sure Carolina quarterback Cam Newton remains one dimensional. In three games against New Orleans last season, Newton rushed for just 104 yards. Kick-off is at 7:15.

Here’s a look at your commodities…

11:30 LRN Newscast December 17

Its the busiest week of the year for the United States Postal Service. USPS spokesperson Sean O’Neill says two big deadlines are coming up to make sure your cards and packages arrive before before Christmas Day…
Cut 24 (12) “…priority mail express.″
During this week alone, the Postal Service expects to process and deliver nearly three billion pieces of First-Class Mail.

Two brothers are facing first-degree murder charges after a weekend shooting that left two men dead in a Raceland home. Deputies took 34 year old Kerry Alexander and 28 year old Jerrell Alexander into custody on Saturday night. LaFourche Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Bennan Matherne says the suspects entered the garage wearing all black clothing and camouflage masks.
Cut 3 (06) “…on the victims.”
Matherne says the brothers have extensive criminal histories.

Congressman Cedric Richmond has filed a 500-billion dollar bill in the US House of Represetations to address the country’s housing affordability crisis…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The Allen Parish Sheriff’s office announces the arrest of two more people in the robbery and beating of a 73-year-old man who was left on the side of the road after walking out of the Grand Casino Coushatta. Leah Langley and Gerald Artis were arrested last week and now 22-year-old Dixon Fifie and 25-year-old Jennifer Buffalohead of Elton have also been booked on accesssory after the fact to second-degree robbery.

11:40 LRN Sportscast December 17

The Saints and Carolina Panthers meet tonight on Monday night football. Carolina ranks 22nd in the NFL in pass defense , but New Orleans Quarterback Drew Brees knows the Panthers are still loaded with talent, especially at linebacker….
cut 14 (10) “…as well”
And former LSU Tiger Dante Jackson has also had a big season for Carolina. The rookie has four interceptions, one forced fumble and 53 tackles.

The Saints are just two wins away from securing the top seed in the NFC playoffs. New Orleans received help last night when the Eagles upset the Rams in Los Angeles.

Elsewhere in the NFL, the Cowboys are no longer the hottest team in the N-F-C. The Colts blanked Dallas 23 to 0 to end the Cowboys five-game winning streak. Atlanta snapped its five-game losing streak with a 40-14 victory over Arizona.

The Pelicans were hoping to take a two-game winning streak on the road, but New Orleans lost to Miami 102-96 last night. The Pels shot just 41-percent from the field and they were out rebounded 57-to-38. New Orleans will now begin a four-game road trip on Wednesday in Milwaukee.

Tulane finished its football season with a 7-and-6 record after starting the year losing five of their first seven. The Green Wave beat UL-Lafayette 41-24 in the Autonation Cure Bowl. Darius Bradwell was the game’s MVP with a career-high 150 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Cajuns ended the year with a seven and seven record.

Louisiana Tech arrives in Hawaii later today for it’s bowl game against Hawaii on Saturday night. The Bulldogs are seven and five and Coach Skip Holtz told the News-Star he’s looking for more out of quarterback J’Mar Smith, who has thrown for fewer yards and touchdowns this season, while his interceptions are up from five in 2017 to nine this season.

10:30 LRN Newscast December 17

During this week, the Postal Service expects to process and deliver nearly three billion pieces of First Class Mail, including greeting cards. Kevin Barnhart has information on two important deadlines coming up…
voicer 1 (26) “…Kevin Barnhart”

An elderly couple was found dead in a home near Iowa and authorities are not releasing how they died or suspects. The victims have been identified as 72-year-old Walter Gotreaux and 70-year-old Darlene Gotreaux. Jefferson Davis Sheriff Ivy Woods calls it a senseless terrible act that should never happen, especially during the holiday season.

Congressman Cedric Richmond has filed legislation that he says will create over 30-thousand affordable housing opportunities in New Orleans alone. Executive Director of Housing NOLA Andreanecia Morris says if taxpayers have to spend less money on housing that means more money can be spent to boost the economy…
cut 9 (10) “….other things’
It’s unclear whether the legislation has a chance at approval.

Law enforcement’s annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway. Deputy Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Dortha Cummins says in the last five years, 139 people died during the holiday season, in traffic crashes.
Cut 10 (08) “…happened involved alcohol.”
Cummins says during the holidays, the ride-sharing service Lyft will provide five-dollars off for those who drink too much and don’t want to drive home. Use the code “Ride Smart LA” when you order a Lyft.

9:30 LRN Newscast December 17

Christmas eve is a week away, so it’s a busy week for the U-S Post Office. U-S Postal Service spokesperson Sean O’ Neil says if you are dropping items off at the post office, use the “click and ship” service at USPS.com to pay for postage ahead of time.
Cut 5 (08) “…done and done.”
The deadline to make sure first-class mail and packages get to their destination before Christmas Day is December 20th.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway and it runs through New Year’s Day. Deputy Director of the L-H-S-C Dortha Cummins says law enforcement is looking for drivers who may be under the influence of drugs, alcohol or both…
cut 11 (09) “…time of year”
15 were killed statewide in vehicle crashes last year during Christmas and New Year’s Eve holiday and nine of the 15 fatalities involved alcohol.

The Saints and Carolina Panthers meet tonight on Monday night football. Carolina ranks 22nd in the NFL in pass defense , but New Orleans Quarterback Drew Brees knows the Panthers are still loaded with talent, especially at linebacker….
cut 14 (10) “…as well”
The Eagles upset win over the Rams, means New Orleans is two wins away from securing the top seed in the NFc playoffs.

Louisiana Congressman Cedric Richmond introduces legislation that’s intended to reduce rent costs and provide greater access to home ownership through first-time homebuyer payment assistance. Executive Director of HousingNOLA Andreanecia Morris says the legislation can also provide an economic stimulus…
cut 8 (09) “…exists”
A similar bill has also been filed in the Senate, but it’s unclear if there’s enough support to get the legislation through Congress.

8:30 LRN Newscast December 17

The Saints visit the Panthers tonight in Charlotte for the first meeting of the season between the two NFC South rivals. Saints QB Drew Brees knows how vital a win tonight would be, with the top seed in the NFC on the line…
Cut 13 (10) “…at stake.”
And with the Rams losing to the Eagles last night, New Orleans needs two wins in the final three games to secure the N-F-C’s number one seed.

The U-S Post Office says Thursday is the deadline to ship priority mail to ensure it gets to its destination by Christmas Day. Saturday is the deadline for priority mail express. If you plan to take a long vacation during the holidays, U-S-P-S spokesperson Sean O’Neil says go to u-s-p-s-dot-com to put a hold on your mail…
cut 6 (10) “…coming to you”

The state highway safety commission has partnered with the ridesharing company Lyft in an effort to reduce drunk driving crashes. Five-dollar discounts are available for those who’ve had too much to drink and need a ride home. Dortha Cummins is with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission…
cut 12 (08) “…our coupon code”
The promocode is Ride Smart LA. Louisiana is one of five states to receive funding to offer the discount from Lyft.

Congressman Cedric Richmond has introducing a half-a- trillion dollar bill that would build an estimated 2.1 million new, affordable homes in America, and subsidize the purchase of existing houses. HousingNOLA Executive Director Andreanecia Morris says passing this legislation would address the country’s widening wealth gap.
Cut 7 (11) “…cyclical poverty.”
But it’s unclear if there’s enough support in Congress to get this legislation passed.

7:30 LRN Newscast December 17

This is the busiest week of the year for the United States Postal Service. USPS spokesperson Sean O’Neill says two big deadlines are coming up to make sure your mail and packages arrive before before Christmas Day…
Cut 4 (12) “…priority mail express.″
During this week alone, the Postal Service expects to process and deliver nearly three billion pieces of First-Class Mail, including greeting cards.

Louisiana Congressman Cedric Richmond introduces legislation that’s intended to reduce rent costs and provide greater access to home ownership through first-time homebuyer payment assistance. Executive Director of HousingNOLA Andreanecia Morris says the legislation can also provide an economic stimulus…
cut 8 (09) “…exists”
A similar bill has also been filed in the Senate, but it’s unclear if there’s enough support to get the legislation through Congress.

The holidays can be a dangerous time on the roadways so law enforcement is stepping up patrols as part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. Deputy Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Dortha Cummins says in the last five years, 139 people have died during the Christmas and New Year’s Eve holiday period.
Cut 10 (08) “…happened involved alcohol.”
Cummins says during the holiday season, the ride-sharing service Lyft will provide five-dollars off for those who drink too much and don’t want to drive home. Use the code “Ride Smart LA” when you order a Lyft.

Duson Police in Acadia Parish arrested a 29-year-old Youngsville man for using counterfeit 100-dollar bills. Authorities say during a traffic stop, cops also found a printer and printer cartridges and other items used to produce counterfeit money in a vehicle belonging to Stephen Young. Police say when Young was put in the back of a police car, he tried to hide another six fake 100-dollar bills.

6:45 LRN Sportscast December 17

Tonight’s Monday night match-up between the Saints and Panthers features two of the best second-year running backs in the NFL. New Orleans’ Alvin Kamara and Carolina’s Christian McCaffery, who has rushed for 926 yards and has 701 receiving yards. Kamara says he has a lot of respect for the former Stanford star…
cut 15 (12) “…great year”
The Saints defense will have to make sure Carolina quarterback Cam Newton remains one dimensional. In three games against New Orleans last season, Newton rushed for just 104 yards. Kick-off is at 7:15.

The Saints chances of getting the number one seed in the NFC improved last night as the Eagles upset the Rams in Los Angeles 30-23. So two more wins for New Orleans and they’ll have the number one seed.

The Pelicans just can’t win two-games in a row. After beating Oklahoma City on Wednesday, New Orleans lost to the Heat 102-96 last night, despite Anthony Davis scoring 27 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Jrue Holiday added 22 points…

cut 30 (17) “…very soon”
The Pelicans begin a four-game road trip on Wednesday against Milwaukee, then its out to the West Coast.

The LSU Tigers are back in Baton Rouge after a much needed win over St. Mary’s on Saturday night in Las Vegas. The Tigers dribbled past the Gaels 78-74 as Tremont Waters came off the bench to score 18 points. He only had two turnovers after having 27 turnovers in the previous five games.

Tonight…Tulane hosts Texas Southern, while Southeastern Louisiana hosts California Baptist.

6:30 LRN Newscast December 17

A week from today is Christmas eve, so this is a busy week for the U-S Post Office. U-S Postal Service spokesperson Sean O’ Neil says if you are dropping items off at the post office, he recommends using the “click and ship” service at USPS.com to pay for postage ahead of time.
Cut 5 (08) “…done and done.”
The deadline to make sure first-class mail and packages get to their destination before Christmas Day is December 20th.

Congressman Cedric Richmond has filed legislation that will create over 30-thousand affordable housing opportunities in New Orleans alone. Executive Director of Housing NOLA Andreanecia Morris says if taxpayers have to spend less money on housing that means more money can go into the economy…
cut 9 (10) “….other things’
It’s unclear whether the legislation has a chance at approval.

Law enforcement is stepping up patrols this holiday season to keep the roads safe. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

This morning, the northern half of the state is under a dense fog advisory until 10 AM.