11:40 LRN Sportscast dec 27

LSU leaves this afternoon for Arizona to continue preparations for its Fiesta Bowl matchup with undefeated U-C-F on New Year’s Day. Before taking a few days off for Christmas, LSU practiced for a couple of weeks in Baton Rouge and Quarterback Joe Burrow says those workouts went well
Cut 16 (18) walk that line”
It’s unknown if defensive back Kary Vincent will make the trip with the team today. He’s grieving the loss of his father, Kary Vincent Senior, who died at the age of 49. The former teacher and coach in Port Arthur, Texas, has battled pneumonia, which briefly forced him into a coma.

The Walk-On’s Independence Bowl in Shreveport takes place today. Temple is a 3.5 point favorite.

Saints Coach Sean Payton would not say it, but Quarterback Drew Brees told reporters that he expects back-up Q-B Teddy Bridgewater to get some snaps on Sunday in the regular season finale against Carolina. But Brees is not sure how much playing time Bridgewater will get.

Lafayette Christian Quarterback Zachary Clement has been named the Class One-A offensive player of the year by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. Clement just led the Knights to back-to-back state titles in Division Four. Kentwood’s Trey Palmer was named the defensive player of the year. Palmer is signed to play wide receiver at LSU.

The Pelicans lost their fifth straight last night, falling to Dallas 122 to 119, despite 32 points and 18 rebounds for Anthony Davis. New Orleans is now 15-and-20, four games back for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Pels begin a three-game homestand on Friday against the Mavericks.

11:30 LRN Newscast

A good portion of Louisiana is under a tornado watch until six PM tonight. The watch box includes Lafayette, Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Natchez, Mississippi. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a strong cold front is bringing the state heavy rainfall and strong winds…
cut 4 (12) “…down trees”
There are reports of scattered power outages.

State Police report dozens of DWI arrests in north and central Louisiana during an effort to curb drunk driving fatalities over the Christmas weekend. State Police Trooper Glenn Younger says several drivers were also booked on drug charges…
cut 9 (08) “….total of 97”
Younger says they are encouraged that there’s been a 14-percent decline from last year in traffic fatalities statewide

Congressman Ralph Abraham holds a fundraiser in Monroe tonight as he strengthens his campaign war chest ahead of the 2019 governor’s race…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

At the Independence Bowl Fan Fest in Shreveport, fans have a chance to consume a bowl from the world’s largest pot of gumbo. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is there…
cut 30 (08) “…good seafood”
Proceeds will go to the Fisher House Foundation to provide housing for families of militiary patients in the hospital.

10:30 LRN Newscast December 27

Much of south Louisiana and the Delta Region of the state are under a tornado watch until 6 PM tonight as a strong line of thunderstorms associated with a cold front moves across the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the squall line is also producing heavy rainfall…
cut 3 (12) “…more rainfall”
We’re also seeing strong winds ahead of the front.

Investigators continue to track down leads in the double homicide that took place Sunday night in Independence. Tangipahoa Sheriff Daniel Edwards hopes the public can provide information into the slayings of 45-year-old Daytra Miller and her 13-year-old son Robert West Junior….
cut 6 (11) “…everything out”
Edwards’ office has issued a 25-hundred dollar reward for information leading to an arrest in this double homicide.

A man who was once on death row for the murder of a pizza delivery boy in Livingston Parish now faces a 25-year-sentence after pleading guility to manslaughter in the death of 16-year-old Eric Walber. Michael Wearry’s previous death sentence was tossed out by the U-S Supreme Court. District Attorney Scott Perrilloux says one of the reasons he accepted this new plea deal is that there’s not enough evidence to convict Wearry on second-degree murder…
cut 14 (10) “….as of today”
Wearry will receive credit for time served dating back to 1999, which allows him to become a free man in 2024.

The Jefferson Davis Sheriff’s office announces an arrest has been made in the first-degree murder deaths of Walkter and Darlene Gotreaux. The elderly couple was found dead in their home on December 16. 21-year-old Jodran Legros of Welsh turned himself in last night and the search continues for the other suspect, 23-year-old Javari Guidry.

9:30 LRN Newscast December 27

A strong line of thunderstorms is moving across Louisiana. Alexandria is currently receiving the worst of it. Flash flooding and strong winds are the major concerns at this hour.

A former death row inmate who had his conviction overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and sentenced to 25 years in prison. That includes credit for time served dating back to 1999. Kevin Barnhart has more on this case from Livington Parish…..
voicer 3 (29) “….I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Congressman Ralph Abraham holds a fundraiser in Monroe tonight for his gubernatorial campaign as he attempts to catch up to the at least five million dollars in campaign funds reported by the Edwards re-election campaign earlier this year. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says Abraham needs a lot of cash, because this race will be expensive…
Cut 7 (08) “…ten million.”
Tonight’s fundraiser takes place at the home of James Moore Junior, a member of the LSU Board of Supervisors.

The Walk-On’s Independence Bowl is this afternoon in Shreveport as Temple takes on Duke. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the annual college football bowl game always brings in a good number of tourists…
cut 12 (09) “…like they’re family”
At the Fan Fest event this morning. Louisiana chef John Folse attempts to make 65-hundred pounds of seafood gumbo, which would be the largest pot of gumbo in the Gusiness Record Books.

8:30 LRN Newscast December 27

A tornado watch is in effect until 11 this morning for southwest Louisiana. The watch box stretches from central Louisiana into north central Louisiana. The National Weather Service says a slow moving cold front has the potential to drop anywhere between two to seven inches of rain.

A fundraiser takes place tonight in Monroe as Congressman Ralph Abraham looks to collect a bunch of money to challenge Governor John Bel Edwards in next year’s governor’s race…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Investigators continue to look for clues that will lead to an arrest in Sunday night’s double homicide in Independence. 42-year-old Daytra Miller and her 13-year-old son Robert West Junior were shot to death by an unknown assailant. Tangipahoa Sheriff Daniel Edwards says Robert’s father has been questioned…
cut 5 (08) “…with us”
Edwards says there’s a 25-hundred dollar reward for information leading to an arrest.

In Shreveport, Louisiana chef John Folse is attempting to make the world’s largest pot of gumbo. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is there…
cut 11 (08) “…good seafood”
If you are going to the Independence Bowl, you can purchase a bowl for five-dollars. Proceeds will go to the Fisher House Foundation to provide housing for military families of patients in military and V-A medical centers.

7:30 LRN Newscast December 27

A big fundraiser is scheduled for tonight in Monroe for Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham who is raising cash to challenge Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards. According to his federal campaign finance report, Abraham has 125-thousand dollars left over from his re-election campaign. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says legally, Abraham can’t use money for a federal race in state elections, but there is a way around that rule…
cut 9 (11) “….the money”
Abraham’s campaign can not dictate how that cash is spent.

A line of strong storms capable of producing tornadoes is moving through Louisiana at this hour. A tornado watch is in effect until 11 AM for many central Louisiana parishes and all of southwest Louisiana. And there’s a good chance we can see severe weather in southeast Louisiana later today. We are already seeing power outages because of the high winds.

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s office has issued a 2,500 dollar reward for information leading to an arrest in a double homicide that took the life of a 42-year-old woman and her 13-year-old son in Independence Sunday night. Sheriff Daniel Edwards says the victims likely knew their killer.
Cut 4 (07) “…of violence″
The shooting left Daytra Miller and Robert West Jr. dead in their home.

The Walk-On’s Independence Bowl takes over Shreveport today….
Voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

6:30 LRN Newscast December 27

A former death row inmate has moved closer to becoming a free man after he plead guilty to manslaughter in the 1998 killing of a pizza delivery boy in Livingston Parish. Michael Wearry’s original conviction was overturned by the US Supreme Court in 2016, because prosecutors failed to disclose information that could have aided his defense. Livingston District Attorney Scott Perrillloux told the Hammond Daily Star that based on the evidence in the case, this was the best resolution they could get for a horrible crime…
cut 15 (08) “….the entire case”
Wearry will receive credit for time served beginning in 1999, so he could become a free man in 2024.

It’s an active weather day….a tornado watch is in effect until 11 AM for parishes in southwest and central Louisiana. Southeast Louisiana is under a flash flood watch until 6 AM tomorrow.

Investigators continue to track down leads in the double homicide that took place Sunday night in Independence. Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards says they are asking the public to come forward with information into the slayings of 45-year-old Daytra Miller and her 13-year-old son Robert West Junior….
cut 6 (11) “…everything out”
Edwards’ office has issued a 25-hundred dollar reward for information leading to an arrest in this double homicide.

The Walk-On’s Independence Bowl is today in Shreveport as Duke takes on Temple. During the pregame fan fest, there will be an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for a pot of gumbo. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser will be on hand….
Cut 10 (12) “…good Louisiana gumbo.”

LRN AM Newscall December 27 ###Changes made to Abraham story and Wearry story###

A fundraiser takes place tonight in Monroe as Congressman Ralph Abraham looks to collect a bunch of money to challenge Governor John Bel Edwards in next year’s governor’s race…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________________________

The Walk-On’s Independence Bowl has taken over Shreveport.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.


Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

_______________________________

A former death row inmate who had his conviction overturned by the US Supreme court has pleased guilty to manslaughter and sentenced to 25-years that includes credit for time served.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

___________________________________

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs have issued a 2,500 dollar reward for information leading to an arrest in a double homicide that took the life of a 42-year-old woman and her 13-year-old son in Independence Sunday night. Sheriff Daniel Edwards says they’ve ruled out the crime being a chance encounter.

Cut 4 (07) “…of violence″

The shooting left Daytra Miller and Robert West Jr. dead in their home on Labruzza Lane.

Police are running down leads and have been in contact with West’s father, who does not reside at the residence. Edwards says the child’s dad has been questioned.

Cut 5 (08) “…with us.”

Edwards is asking anyone with information to come forward. Any information that leads to arrests and indictment may result in compensation from both the TPSO and CrimeStoppers.

Cut 6 (11) “out”

__________________________________________________

Congressman Ralph Abraham holds a fundraiser in Monroe tonight for his gubernatorial campaign as he attempts to catch up to the at least five million dollars In campaign funds reported by the Edwards re-election campaign earlier this year. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says he’ll need a lot of cash on hand, because this race will be remarkably expensive…

Cut 7 (08) “…ten million.”

Baton Rouge businessman and fellow Republican Eddie Rispone has also pledge five million of his own dollars for his own campaign.

Abraham has served for four years in Congress, likely making quite a few deep pocketed contacts. Stockley says there’s a few industries that tend to come in handy for Louisiana Republicans looking to raise campaign funds.

Cut 8 (08) “…DC.″

Those who donate the 5,000 dollar max to Abraham’s campaign will join the honorific “Abraham’s Aces”

And he’s got some cash on hand from his Congressional re-election run as well, but there’s a catch. Legally, you can’t use money raised for federal races in state elections, but there’s a way around that rule.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the money.” 

Abraham’s campaign would not be able to dictate how that cash is spent.

_______________________

The Walk-On’s Independence Bowl is happening today in Shreveport as Duke takes on Temple.  Beyond just the game, there will be plenty to do, including sampling a Guinness World Record pot of gumbo.  Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser will be on hand for the Fan Fest in the stadium parking lot.

Cut 10 (12)   “…good Louisiana gumbo.”

Nungesser says the gumbo will be sold at $5 per bowl and the proceeds will go toward the Fisher House Foundation to provide housing for military families of patients in military and VA medical centers.  Don’t worry, there will be plenty to go around.

Cut 11 (08) “…good Louisiana seafood.”

Nungesser says he’s seen plenty of tourists in the area for the game in addition to state residents who have chosen to have a staycation in Shreveport.

Cut 12 (09)   “…like they’re family.”

Kickoff is at 12:30 and the game will be aired on ESPN.

_______________________________

Former death row inmate Michael Wearry has been sentenced to 25 years in prison as part of a plea deal in the killing of 16-year-old Eric Walber, an Albany High honor student and football player. Walber was robbed, beaten, and run over with his own car after wrapping up his pizza delivery shift in April 1998.  Wearry was among six people convicted in the death, but the US Supreme Court overturned his sentence in 2016.  In audio from the Daily Star in Hammond, District Attorney Scott Perrilloux says the timing of the event and arrest made it a difficult case.

Cut 13 (09) “…back then”

Perrilloux said even prior to the case, there was plenty of discussion as to whether enough evidence was present to prosecute.

Cut 14 (10) “…as of today.”

Perrilloux says attempting to retry a case likely would prove to be a difficult task.  As for his opinion of Wearry…

Cut 15 (08) “…the entire case.”

Wearry will receive credit for time served since March 4, 1999.

____________________________________

LSU leaves this afternoon for Arizona to continue preparations for its Fiesta Bowl matchup with undefeated U-C-F on New Year’s Day. Before taking a few days off for Christmas, LSU practiced for a couple of weeks in Baton Rouge and Quarterback Joe Burrow says those workouts went well

Cut 16 (18)  walk that line”

LSU enters the game ranked 77th in total offense, averaging 389 yards per game. Burrow, who did not arrive on campus until the middle of the summer, says it took time for this offense to find its rhythm…

 cut 17 (20) “next season”

Burrow says pass protection is one area where the offense has improved the most. Meanwhile, LSU’s defense is getting ready to go up against the nation’s third best offense, U-C-F is averaging 545 yards a game. Tigers defensive back Jacoby Stevens the Knights have a lot of weapons

Cut 18 (20) good team“

16:45 LRN Sportscast December 26

Former Texas A-and-M Aggie Kyle Allen will likely get the start at quarterback on Sunday for the Panthers when they visit the Saints in the Superdome. Cam Newton has already been shut down because of a shoulder injury and his back-up, Taylor Heinicke, has been placed on injured reserve with an elbow injury. Allen completed all four of his passes on Sunday.

Tomorrow, it’s the Independence Bowl in Shreveport as Temple will face Duke at 12:30 PM. There’s rain in the forecast for tomorrow morning, but it’s expected to clear out before kick-off. Today’s Servepro First Responder Bowl in Dallas between Boston College and Boise State was cancelled due to lighting after nearly nine minutes were played in the game.

The Pelicans are in Dallas tonight, looking to snap a four-game losing streak that has seen them drop to 14th place in the 15-team Western Conference. The Mavs have lost in six in a row, but they are 13-3 at home. Tip-off is at 7:30.

The Saints opponents for 2019 have been determined. Besides home and away games against NFC South opponents, the Black and Gold will also host Arizona, San Francisco, Houston, Dallas and Indianapolis next season, while they’ll visit Tennessee, Seattle, Chicago, the Los Angeles Rams and Jacksonville.

LSU leaves tomorrow for Arizona where they’ll continue preparations for the Fiesta Bowl. No word one way or the other if running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire will still make the trip and play in the game after police say he and a walk-on teammate used self-defense in a fatal shooting on Saturday.

The investigation continues into a Christmas Eve quadruple shooting that left two people dead, including a former Lutcher high football player. St. James Parish Sheriff Wily Martin Junior says Thaddeus Watis of Convent, was killed. He was a freshman at Arkansas Baptist College. Twenty-three-year-old Dedrick Paul Green Junior also died at a local hospital. The search continues for suspects.

2:30 LRN Newscast December 26

Today is one of the busiest shopping days of the year as some are taking back Christmas gifts, others are using gift cards and then there’s some looking for post-Christmas day bargains. National Retail Federation spokesperson Katherine Cullen says retailers are prepared for the crush…
cut 11 (10) “…spirit of the season”
Cullen says 42-percent of those surveyed say they will wait for a good sale to maximize the value of their gift cards.

Two juveniles were killed in a mobile home fire in the Claiborne Parish town of Homer. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says four others were able to escape…
Cut 16 (11) “…not there.”
Rodrigue says there were no working smoke detectors in the home.

Alexandria Police now say there are definite links in the two fatal shootings that occurred on Christmas Day. Authorities say 58-year-old Wendell Reed knew the two female victims, one was found in her car, the other in a home with Reed. The two women killed have been identified as 33-year-old Tamyra Lea Tison and 59-year-old Iona Louise Gatlin-Reed.

CRCL.org is the place to go for Louisianans looking to responsibly recycle their Christmas trees. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”