Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Dec 16

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Schools around South Dakota Friday called off extracurricular activities and some are even closing as a winter storm hits the state. The National Weather Service says the storm will bring up to 8 inches of snow, wind gusts up to 25 mph and dangerous arctic air. Forecasters say the storm also will pass through southern North Dakota, dropping up to 5 inches of snow. Wind chills in the region could hit 50 degrees below zero.

LIVERPOOL, NY  (AP) — Authorities say an Upstate New York woman whose body and vehicle were found in a suburban Syracuse creek apparently crashed during whiteout conditions. Rescuers found the woman’s body in 4 feet of ice-covered creek water in Onondaga Lake Park on Thursday night.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A teenage girl injured in a house explosion north of Mandan that killed her mother and stepfather is in stable condition after undergoing surgery for a broken back. Seventeen-year-old Elianna Vazquez will remain in a Bismarck hospital for at least 10 days and later will have to undergo considerable physical therapy. Vazquez was injured in the early Wednesday blast that killed her 58-year-old mother, Elizabeth Howe, and 60-year-old stepfather, Clyde Howe.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s new governor told state agency leaders his administration’s goal will be to make state government more efficient and responsive. Republican Doug Burgum took office Thursday. He outlined his goals to state agency directors Thursday at the state Capitol in Bismarck. Burgum touted familiar campaign themes such as promises to cut spending. He also said North Dakota must find ways to complement the oil and agriculture economy.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI is supporting the CIA’s conclusion that Russia interfered in the presidential election with the goal of supporting Republican candidate Donald Trump. In a message sent to employees, CIA Director John Brennan said he had spoken with FBI Director James Comey and James Clapper, the director of national intelligence. Brennan said there’s “strong consensus among us on the scope, nature, and intent of Russian interference in our presidential election.” President Barack Obama is promising that the U.S. will retaliate against Russia for its suspected meddling in America’s election process.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee is defending the nation’s intelligence officers, amid a dispute over the CIA’s conclusion that Russian hacks were aimed at helping Donald Trump win the election. Trump himself has disputed the conclusion, calling it “ridiculous.” He has also refused daily intelligence briefings. Republican Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina says in a statement that the nation’s intelligence professionals “check politics at the office door and focus on their mission.” He adds, “We would all do well to remember the sacrifices they make on our behalf.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Michelle Obama says the White House needs a “grown-up” who can reassure the public during a crisis — and that the nation will come to appreciate President Barack Obama. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey set to air Monday on CBS, the first lady says the U.S. is feeling what it’s like to not have hope. She says “hope” was more than a slogan for her husband’s campaigns. The Obamas campaigned against Donald Trump, arguing that he’s unfit to be president.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States is demanding that China return a U.S. Navy unmanned underwater glider that was collecting scientific data in the South China Sea. A Pentagon spokesman says it may be the first time in recent history that China has taken a U.S. naval vessel. It’s an incident that is likely to further fray the already tense relations between the U.S. and China. Beijing was angered by Donald Trump’s decision to talk by phone with Taiwan’s president, and by his later comments that he doesn’t feel bound by a “one-China policy.”

ATLANTA (AP) — A former police officer who was fired for flying a Confederate flag at her suburban Atlanta home has filed a federal lawsuit saying her termination violates her constitutional rights. Silvia Cotriss had worked for the Roswell Police Department for about 20 years when she was fired in July. The lawsuit was filed against the city of Roswell, the police chief and the city administrator.