8:30 LRN Newscast December 4

The House Judiciary Committee begins hearings today on the impeachment inquiry but Republican Congressman Mike Johnson feels it is all a big charade….
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Johnson is a member of the House Judiciary Committee that will hear from four constitutional scholars today. New Orleans Democrat Cedric Richmond is also on the Judiciary Committee and Richmond says overwhelming evidence has already been presented that finds the president abused his power in an effort to get information on a political rival.

Louisiana residents eligible for Medicaid can now use an app called Healthy Lousiana to enroll into the program, compare health plans, find in-network doctors and more. Medicaid Deputy Director Jen Katzman says its the first Medicaid enrollment app in the country….
cut 9 (10) “….the app”
So far the app is popular with users, garnering a 4.5-star rating.

A decked-out holiday-themed six-car train stops in Zwolle tonight treating families to a festive and fun time. KCS Express Spokesperson Doniele Carlson says step inside the other three to see Christmas magic…
Cut 10 (10) “…inside”
The K-C-S Holiday Express will be Westalke tomorrow, Dequincy on Friday, Leesville on Saturday, Mansfield on Sunday and Shreveport on Monday.

7:30 LRN Newscast December 4

A new round of impeachment hearings begin today and Louisiana Congressmen Mike Johnson and Cedric Richmond are on the panel that will hear from four legal scholars about the constitutional basis for impeachment. Johnson says the impeachment process has been a charade because Democrats have already predetermined the outcome…
cut 5 (05) “…what’s happening”
Richmond disagrees. He told the Advocate that the president jeopardized America’s national security by using his political power to leverage foreign aid in exchange for dirt on political rival Joe Biden

Louisiana is the first state in the nation to allow Medicaid recipients to enroll via an app. Medicaid Deputy Director Jen Katzman says Healthy Louisiana has been popular with users, garnering a 4.5-star rating for its ease of use.
Cut 7 (10) “Spanish”
Katzman says the app also simplifies the process for choosing between the five managed care plans.

Bad news for LSU fans looking to buy the Joe Burrow jersey with his name spelled with e-a-u-x. Sara Sanders is the co-owner of the Purple and Gold Sports Shop in Baton Rouge and she says they are not available…
Cut 13 (09) “…not for sale.”
In the second to last college football playoff rankings, LSU is ranked second behind Ohio State. The final rankings will be unveiled on Sunday.

The six-car train K-C-S Holiday Express makes a stop tonight in Zwolle. Santa Claus will be there and three cars are filled with holiday displays. The event is free and K-C-S Express spokesperson Doniele Carlson says donations from the railroad company’s workers and vendors help for the holiday attraction…
cut 11 (10) “….this cause”
The K-C-S Holiday Express will be in Westlake tomorrow, DeQuincy on Friday, Leesville on Saturday, Mansfield on Sunday and Shreveport on Monday.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU remains second, behind Ohio State, in the college football playoff rankings. Clemson is third, Georgia fourth, Utah fifth and Oklahoma is sixth.

The final rankings will come out on Sunday.

Junior running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s play has been a big surprise this season for LSU. Edwards-Helaire has rushed for 1,233 yards and 16 touchdowns. He’s also caught 43 passes. Before the season started, many thought Edwards-Helairie would eventually lose his starting job, but the Baton Rouge product says people have doubted him his whole life…
cut 16 (24) “…to the house”
LSU faces Georgia in the SEC Title game at 3 PM.

The Ragin Cajuns and Southern Jaguars are getting ready for conference championship games. U-L Lafayette will take on 20th ranked Appalachian State. Cajuns coach Billy Napier says several key starters on defense will return from injury, nose tackle Zi-Yon Hill, linebacker Ferrod Gardner, and defensive back Percy Butler.

The Cajuns have won ten games in the regular season for the first time. Sarah Armentor with the Ragin Cajuns Store says the number 98 jersey has been a big seller for them this year…
cut 15 (08) “….put a player”

Meanwhile, Southern will face Alcorn State in the SWAC Championship game. The winner will play in the Celebration Bowl on December 21st in Atlanta.

In college basketball, LSU routed UNO 90-54, Ragin Cajuns dribbled past Southeastern Louisiana 98-81, S-M-U slammed Northwestern State 77-51 and the Pelicans lost their sixth straight, 118 to 97 to Dallas.

6:30 LRN Newscast December 4

Debate continues today in the House Judiciary Committee over whether President Donald Trump should be impeached for allegedly pressuring the leader of Ukraine for political gain during a July phone call. Republican Congressman Mike Johnson from Benton sits on House Judiciary and says the evidence presented during the House Intelligence hearings does not come close to an impeachable offense…
cut 4 (09) “…to this point”
New Orleans Democratic Congressman Cedric Richmond is also a member of the Judiciary Committee and says there’s no doubt the president abused his power in order to gain an advantage in the 2020 election.

22-year-old Tyler Meaux has pleaded guilty to driving drunk when his vehicle slammed into another head-on, killing two students from North Vermilion High School in 2018. Meaux faces between 10 and 70 years in prison.

Medicaid enrollees can now choose their managed care plan and find local providers via the Healthy Louisiana app. Matt Doyle has the story…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Several Louisiana football teams are enjoying good seasons and that means good merchandise sales during this holiday season for those respective teams. The Saints have already won the N-F-C South and Sara Sanders, co-owner of the Black and Gold Sports shop says jersey sales have been strong…
cut 14 (08) “….this season”
The Saints have a big game this Sunday against the 10-and-2 49ers.

4:45 LRN Sportscast December 3

As we look ahead to Saturday’s SEC Championship game between LSU and Georgia, the Bulldogs will bring one of the nation’s top defenses to Atlanta. But can they stop Biletnikoff Award finalist Ja’Marr Chase, who leads the country in yards per game and touchdown catches. In Chase’s last five games, he’s caught 35 passes for 831 yards and eight touchdowns. Coach Ed Orgeron on the former Rummel standout…
cut 18 (20) player”

In N-F-L news today, the Panthers have fired longtime head coach Ron Rivera. Carolina is 5-and-7 and they just lost to the Redskins.

Seattle’s win over Minnesota last night gives the Saints the number one seed in the N-F-C playoffs. New Orleans hosts San Francisco this Sunday.

Hundreds of LSU fans got their grass handed to them. Kevin Barnhart was on hand to speak with those who obtained some of the free sod from Tiger Stadium during the Monday afternoon giveaway.
Cut 3 (32) “ I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

The PMAC tonight, LSU hosts UNO. The Tigers lead the SEC in shooting at 51-percent. The Ragin Cajuns host Southeastern Louisiana.

In New Orleans, the Pelicans look to end a five-game losing streak as they host Dallas. The Mavericks are 13-and-16. Tip-off is at 6:30.

LRN PM Newscall December 3

Tickets for LSU’s appearance in the SEC Championship game are going for a pretty penny. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

West Monroe Police arrest an Arkansas man who allegedly shot up an elementary school Saturday in an attempt to force a confrontation with the authorities…

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”    

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Tiger fans are Atlanta bound this Saturday as the Bayou Bengals take on the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship game.  StubHub spokesperson Erin Exum says over a thousand tickets are currently available with an average price of $567.

Cut 3 (07) “…less than $200.”

Tickets have been purchased in 47 states, but Exum says Bulldog fans will likely be prevalent in their home state.

Cut 4 (11) “…Saturday comes around.”

Exum says it is important to buy tickets from a reputable source and not a scalper outside of the venue on game day.

Cut 5 (11) “…game like this.”

The Tigers are a touchdown favorite to win on Saturday.

_______________________

An Arkansas man is under arrest after allegedly breaking into a West Monroe school Saturday and peppering the inside of the building with bullets in an effort to provoke a confrontation with police.  West Monroe Police Sgt. C.J. Beck describes the surveillance footage of Jeffery Smith’s 12 hours inside the school…

Cut 6 (13) “front door”

Beck says police found six bullet casings outside the school and a further 19 inside the building. Surveillance shows Smith randomly firing shots into the bathroom, and down the hall.

But the police never came because the school’s burglar alarm never went off…

Cut 7 (11) “…left.”

A maintenance worker arrived Sunday to find the school riddled with lead and called police with Smith long gone. Smith was eventually arrested Monday and Beck says Smith told detectives he was not targeting any of the children or teachers at Riverbend Elementary, but his motive is still unclear…

Cut 8 (06) “…police”

Beck was armed with a 9mm handgun.

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Today is Giving Tuesday, a day bringing attention to charitable donations.  President and CEO of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank Mike Manning says they have seen an increase in contributions in honor of Giving Tuesday.

Cut 9 (09) “…awareness about giving.”

Manning says Giving Tuesday is effective in increasing the awareness to those that may not be paying attention to the needs for contributions.

Cut 10 (08) “…advantage of that.”

Manning says with the holiday, kids are out of class, meaning they won’t be fed at school and they’ll need to find food somewhere.

Cut 11 (10) “…blessed they are.”

______________________

Two men have lost their jobs with Livingston Parish Public Works after allegedly stealing guns from a home while they were supposed to be working. Livingston police chief Randy Dufrene says 37-year-old Kelby Henderson and 24-year-old Adam Church knew the homeowner was a gun collector

Cut 12 (11) “handicap child” 

Dufrene says they also used a parish vehicle to drive to the victim’s home and perform the break-ins. He says Henderson and Church broke into their co-worker’s home three times…

Cut 13 (11) “…gun collected.”

Dufrene says the stolen guns were found in Church’s vehicle’s and Henderson’s home. They were booked into the Livingston Parish Jail. He says the victim is shocked to find out who committed the thefts

Cut 14 (12) “…you know”

11:40 LRN Sportscast December 3

With LSU playing in the SEC Championship Game, that means less time on the road recruiting for the coaches. But Coach Ed Orgeron says what the Tigers have done on the field this season has been their best recruiting tool, especially for skill position players
Cut 16 (28) …LSU’s offense”
Also, Orgeron says positive discussions are underway to make sure passing game coordinator Joe Brady stays on the LSU coaching staff. Brady is a finalist for the Broyles Award, which goes to the top assistant in college football.

The Ragin Cajuns are getting ready to make another trip to Boone, North Carolina where they’ll play Appalachian State for the second straight year in the Sun Belt Championship game. U-L Lafayette lost twice last year at App State, Cajuns Coach Billy Napier hopes the third time is the charm
cut 19 (19) the game”

Tonight in basketball, the Ragin Cajuns host Southeastern Louisiana. Last year, U-L Lafayette beat the Lions by just one point in Hammond.

Also, LSU hosts UNO. First meeting on the hardwood between these two schools since 2013. And Northwestern State is at SMU.

The Pelicans will try to end a five-game losing streak when they host Dallas. The Mavs are 13-and-6.

9:30 LRN Newscast December 3rd

Election season maybe over for Louisiana voters, but jockeying is happening behind the scenes as some lawmakers are trying to figure out who to elect as the next House Speaker and Senate President. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says these positions hold major significance, deciding committee assignments and chairmanships with some substantial issues on the docket…
Cut 6 (11) “Legislature”
The Speakership and Presidency will be decided in a January 13th vote.

There are still about two dozen O-M-V locations that have yet to re-open following the ransomware attack that hit the state two weeks ago. Division of Administration Jacques Berry says one problem is that the O-M-V has old technology…
cut 12 (06) “…anyway”
No timeline has been set for when all offices will be back up and running with full service.

Hundreds of LSU fans got their grass handed to them. Kevin Barnhart was on hand to speak with those who obtained some of the free sod from Tiger Stadium during the Monday afternoon giveaway.
Cut 3 (32) “ I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Stubhub says the average ticket price for the SEC Championship game is about 567-dollars, but you can get in for less than two-hundred dollars. The online ticket seller says they have about one-thousand tickets.

8:30 LRN Newscast December 3

A ransomware attack that targeted state servers two weeks ago is still impacting the OMV, with about two dozen stations still closed…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The LSU athletic department gave away for free 33-hundred blocks of sod from Tiger Stadium yesterday as the school plans on renovating the turf inside Death Valley. Dozens of LSU fans came on campus to haul the sod away. Kelsey from Baton Rouge got some painted grass…
cut 15 (05) “…not that silly”

LSU President F King Alexander’s name has come up as a candidate to become a president at one of the two university systems in California. Alexander told the Los Angeles Times he’s leaving his options open. The 56-year-old Alexander has led LSU since 2013 after heading Cal State Long Beach for seven years.

Are you worried about putting a few pounds on during the holidays? LSU New Orleans School of Public Health nutritionist Doctor Henry Nuss says It’s nearly impossible to avoid the increased calorie intake during this time of year, so Nuss says the best bet to stave off the weight gain is by exercising more…
Cut 8 (11) “…snacks”
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine shows those who are already overweight add about two pounds on average, while those who are in shape pack on about a half-pound.

7:30 LRN Newscast December 3

The 2019 election is over for Louisiana voters, but there’s a competitive race ongoing to be the next Speaker of the House at the State Capitol. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Lance Harris of Alexandria, Sherman Mack of Albany and Stephen Dwight of Lake Charles are the top candidates…
cut 4 (10) “….they need”
House members will vote on a new Speaker January 13th.

About two dozen Louisiana OMV offices remain closed from a ransomware attack on state computers two weeks ago. Over 50 locations are open, but Division of Administration spokesperson Jacques Berry says they are not running at full capacity yet…
cut 11 (09) “…can”
Berry says go to express-lane-dot-org to find out what the O-M-V office near you can offer.

LSU Athletics offered free slabs of sod from Tiger Stadium to fans yesterday. About 33-hundred servings of grass were given away in minutes. Clay from Prairieville on what he’ll do with the sod.
Cut 13 (08) “…of the family.”
The sod was removed as LSU plans to improve the drainage and install new turf at Tiger Stadium.

Holiday weight gain is a battle for many at this time of the year. LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health nutritionist Doctor Henry Nuss says most people, even those who are in shape, will put a couple of pounds on during the holidays…
cut 9 (08) “….saddle”
Nuss says his best advice is to try to exercise more, because it’s hard to avoid higher a calorie intake with all of the holiday parties.