AM Newscall, December 30th, 2015

Tonight’s PowerBall jackpot has climbed to a massive 300 million dollars, one of the biggest we’ve seen in the last 10 years. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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More trash is produced during the month of December and the Department of Environmental Quality urges you to recycle. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Eric Gill”

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 Louisiana had more police officer shot and killed in the line of duty in 2015 than any other state in the country. Michelle Southern has more on the horrifying statistic…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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 Tonight’s PowerBall jackpot has reached a whopping 300 million dollars. According to Kimberly Chopin with the Louisiana Lottery, the cash value of 184 million dollars could surely cheer up someone’s New Year’s party. She says we already have smaller winners throughout Louisiana because of the recent changes to PowerBall’s matrix.

cut 4  (06)  “in PowerBall”

 Chopin says this PowerBall jackpot is one of the largest we’ve seen in the last 10 years. She says PowerBall seems to get a hit more often during the holiday season.

Cut 5  (09)  “in Louisiana”

 Chopin reminds players to get their tickets before 9 pm tonight before PowerBall sales end. She says ticket sales have sky rocketed this week and expects them to keep increasing before the day is over.

Cut 6 (11)  “gets big”

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More trash is produced during the month of December and the Department of Environmental Quality urges you to recycle. DEQ spokesman Greg Langley encourages people to recycle Christmas trees because it not only reduces the amount of material that goes into landfills, but the trees are put to a beneficial use…

CUT 7 (08)  “for compost”

He says local governments throughout the state have different tree recycling programs and you can get more information at deq-dot-louisiana-dot-gov. Langley says plenty of people got new gifts that require batteries which they always prefer to keep out of landfills…

Cut 8  (10)  “throw it away”

He says you should remove lights, ornaments, tinsel, and other decorative items before recycling your tree. Although you may have accumulated a lot of trash through the holiday season, Langley says a lot of that can be reused…

Cut 9 (10)  “put it out”

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Louisiana had more law enforcement officers shot and killed in the line of duty this year than any other state in the nation. A report by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund revealed 9 total officers were killed in the line of duty this year, triple the number from 2014. Chairman Craig Floyd says five officers were shot and murdered while on the job in 2015….

Cut 10 (10) “officer died” 

Floyd says there are now laws in all 50 states that say drivers must slow down and move over when you see an emergency vehicle on the side of the road to give officers an added margin of safety. He hopes this increase in on-duty officer deaths isn’t a trend for the future.

cut 11 (09) “who serve”

 Floyd says 423 officers have lost their lives in the line of duty in Louisiana to date. He says it’s unfortunate that their uniform and badge have made police a target and now must be prepared for an attack at any moment.

Cut 12 (09) “your surroundings”

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Louisiana’s 2015 tax amnesty program ends tomorrow, December 31st. Kizzy Payton with the State Department of Revenue says this is the time to call the Department to set up a payment arrangement or agreement to settle your delinquent tax debts. She says Louisianans won’t get this opportunity again for a while.

Cut 13 (10)  “until 2025”

Payton says eligible tax payers can make their payments online at w-w-w-dot-l-d-r-tax-amnesty-dot-com (www.ldrtaxamnesty.com) or by calling the Department of Revenue. She says they’ll also be open on New Year’s Eve to accept payments.

Cut 14 (09) “as well”

Payton says this is the very last chance for eligible tax payers to settle their debt with the state. She says the Department of Revenue has other tools to use if someone doesn’t pay their delinquent taxes.

Cut 15  (10) “the refund”

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PM Newscall, December 29th, 2015

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is closely monitoring levels along the Red and Mississippi Rivers due to rising water levels. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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State Police in Acadiana is implementing “No Refusal” checkpoints during the New Year’s week. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office says a domestic situation in Stonewall has claimed the life of one. Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle believes the incident stemmed from a custody dispute involving 36-year-old Donovan Carman’s two-year-old child. Arbuckle says they responded to a call of someone being shot Monday afternoon…

CUT 3 (11)  “the residence”

The victim, 67-year-old Bobby Nichols, was transported to an area hospital where he later died. Arbuckle says Carman and the victim’s daughter had recently ended their relationship and there was a disagreement about their child’s custody arrangements. He says apparently Nichols, the child’s grandfather, tried to thwart Carman’s efforts to take the child…

CUT 4 (10)  “Caddo Parish Sheriffs”

The child was unharmed in the incident. Arbuckle says formal charges will be filed against Carman as soon as they take custody of the suspect…

CUT 5 (07)  “”DeSoto Parish”

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The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is closely monitoring levels along the Red and Mississippi Rivers due to rising water levels. Executive Director Kevin Davis says they’re working with the US Army Corps of Engineers and the National Weather Service to keep an eye on river levels…

CUT 6 (07) “several weeks”

He says heavy rainfall over the last 30 days has led to the river levels rising rapidly. The Red is expected to crest at 31 feet, one foot above flood stage, in Shreveport and remain below flood stage in Alexandria. Davis says we could see Mississippi River levels top flood stage in just a couple of weeks…

CUT 7 (07) “New Orleans area” 

Davis expects more issues with the Mississippi River than the Red River. Mississippi River levels are expected to crest 9 to 12 feet above flood stage in Vicksburg, Natchez, and Baton Rouge. Davis says they’re coordinating with parish officials along both rivers to ensure they’re prepared…

CUT 8 (07) “and monitoring”

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Some suspected drunk drivers in Acadiana will be ordered by a judge to provide a blood or urine sample to determine if they are drunk if they refuse a breathalyzer test. State Police Troop I Spokesman Brooks David says the “No Refusal” campaign takes place today and tomorrow. He warns drivers of the consequences of not taking the breathalyzer test.

CUT 9 (10)  “of impairment”

David says the reason for the “No Refusal” checkpoint isn’t to look for good guys but to stop the nationwide trend of increased impaired drivers during the holidays. He urges adults to make smart choices after drinking and to never get behind the wheel.

cut 10 (09)  “arrest you”

David says they’ll be out in full force to make sure no family has to face the loss of a loved one during the holiday season. He says during the “No Refusal” checkpoints, they’ll have judges on standby to approve search warrants if a driver refuses to take a chemical test.

Cut 11 (09) “that vehicle”

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LSU star running back Leonard Fournette needs 259 yards tonight in the Texas Bowl to reach 2,000 on the season. The Tigers and Red Raiders battle tonight at 8pm in NRG Stadium. Fournette told reporters in Houston that he didn’t set any goals for this season…:

cut 12 (13) “to the limit”

Fournette says he didn’t know he needed 259 yards to become the first SEC back to reach 2,000 rushing yards. The Red Raiders defense is allowing more than 270 yards per game on the ground. Fournette says this has been a wild season…:

cut 13 (11)  “thank God”

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment said the Texas Bowl isn’t officially sold yet, but is expected to be by game time. Fournette denied that he would sit out next season ahead of the 2017 NFL Draft…:

cut 14 (05)  “doing thatl” 

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AM Newscall December 29,2015

Secretary of State Tom Schedler plans to switch to iPad voting over the next few elections. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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2015 was an exciting year in Louisiana politics. Michelle Southern has more on the highlights of the past year….

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Louisiana’s future first lady, Donna Edwards, says she plans to stress the importance of keeping art and music in public schools. Eric Gill has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Eric Gill”

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Secretary of State Tom Schedler plans on having voters cast their ballots on iPads for the next governor’s election. He says over the next three to four years, voting machines need to be replaced and while iPads are expensive, it’s a cheaper alternative than getting all new machines.

cut 4  (09)  “a unit”

Schedler says by changing to iPads, they’ll be able to open more precincts, including on college campuses so students don’t have to travel home or mail in a ballot to vote. He says voters can download the Geaux Vote app on their smart phones to fill out ballots beforehand and the iPads can read those votes.

Cut 5  (10)  “you’re finished”

Schedler says many people are concerned that when voting on an iPad their votes are being stored in a cloud, but votes are not saved. He says they plan to gradually incorporate the new voting system over the next few elections.

Cut 6 (09)  “this system”

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2015 will go down as an extremely memorable year in the history of Louisiana politics. Governor Bobby Jindal’s tenure ended, US Senator David Vitter’s political career ended and Governor-elect John Bel Edwards shocked pundits throughout the state with his victory. U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says no one predicted a democrat would become governor.

CUT 7 (10)  “biggest story”

Cross says this year’s legislative session was controversial with the budget issues and proposed cuts to higher education. He says also, it’s not very common to have an absent governor, who was off to Iowa campaigning for President of the United States.

Cut 8  (10)  “resign”

Cross says Senator Vitter’s decision not to return to the US Senate was almost as surprising as Edwards’ victory over him in the governor’s election. He says Vitter’s loss has created an enormous vacuum in the race for his senate seat.

Cut 9 (06)  “David Vitter”

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Governor-elect John Bel Edwards’ wife Donna Edwards says she plans to stress the importance of teaching art and music in public schools as the state’s first lady. Emily Wright, a Music Teacher at Slidell Junior High, says she was really excited to hear this because many people see music as an extra course when in reality, children really need to take these classes.

Cut 10 (07) “in school” 

Wright says keeping art and music courses in public schools is important because there is a direct correlation with other subjects. She says music is interesting and gives students a way to express themselves.

cut 11 (06) “have to do”

The future first lady of Louisiana is a former public school music teacher. Wright says students who take dance, art or music classes are more likely to stay in school.

Cut 12 (08) “people want”

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8-3 LSU and 7-5 Texas Tech face off at 8pm tonight in the Texas Bowl in NRG Stadium in Houston. The contest wil be televised by ESPN and kickoff at 8pm. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor James Moran says this game is highlited by a massive contrasting styles…:

Cut 13 (14)  “to win the game”

Moran says you can expect this to be a high scoring game with lots of offense…:

Cut 14 (12) “a little bit”

Moran says neither LSU or Texas Tech’s defense is all that great. He says if The Tigers can stick to the running game they should be able to come away with the win…:

Cut 15  (14) “talented team”

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PM Newscall, December 28th, 2015

An outbreak of canine influenza is sweeping across Texas and there is concern the virus could make its way to Louisiana. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson issued a statement in response to a Sunday Times Picayune column that suggested he sell both teams.  Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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An outbreak of canine influenza is sweeping across Texas and there is concern the virus could make its way to Louisiana. Jae Chang is a veterinarian at Farr Veterinary Hospital in Lake Charles. He suggests that dog owners get their pets vaccinated against the canine flu…

CUT 3 (09)  “once a year”

He says it’s important to vaccinate you dog, especially if you plan to board your pet or travel out of town with them. Although dog flu has a low mortality rate, Chang says it is very contagious and dogs can get really sick…

CUT 4 (09)  “kennel cough”

He says pet owners shouldn’t panic, but they should be aware of the threat. Chang says there have been no confirmed cases of canine influenza in Louisiana, but that’s likely to change…

CUT 5 (07)  “than unprepared”

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A line of strong, severe thunderstorms moved through the state overnight leaving thousands without power. Meteorologist Alek Krautmann, with the National Weather Service in Slidell, says wind gusts of well over 30 miles per hour wreaked havoc over Louisiana…:

CUT 6 (09) “tree limbs”

Krautmann says the record high temps seem to be done as a cold front moved through behind the severe weather system…:

CUT 7 (08) “tomorrow night” 

Krautmann says Louisiana is finally back to feeling like December…:

CUT 8 (09) “of the week”

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A St. Mary Parish Deputy was shot and injured while responding to an incident in Ashton, and State Police are leading the investigation. Master Trooper Brooks David say the deputies were responding to a scene of a possible shooting where they located a male subject who was injured. He says a SWAT team moved in when the suspect started shooting again…:

CUT 9 (06)  “and shot”

David says after transferring the man to the hospital and attempting to secure the scene, they were fired upon by the suspect and one deputy was injured. He says State Police located the suspect inside the home…:

cut 10 (08)  “treatment”

The investigation is ongoing. The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office says the deputy who was shot is listed in stable condition. David says the suspect is also injured and faces many charges…:

Cut 11 (04) “police officer”

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Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson issued a statement in response to a Sunday Times Picayune column that suggested he sell both teams. Benson’s response, “I’m not selling either team”. Saints sideline reporter Kristian Garic is not at all surprised by Benson’s response…

cut 12 (08) “my legacy”

He doesn’t feel the column is a personal attack on Benson as the owner of the teams. Garic read the article and feels that it’s more concerned how the legal fight between the Benson family over ownership succession could affect the franchises…

cut 13 (10)  “et cetera”

The column suggests that if legal matters concerning ownership succession between Benson and his estranged heirs wound up in the legal system for several years, it would have a detrimental affect on how these teams would be run. Garic believes that is a fair argument…

cut 14 (08)  “that at all” 

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AM Newscall, December 28th, 2015

As 2015 is coming to an end, State Climatologist Barry Keim has put together a list of the top weather events in Louisiana for the year. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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Louisiana employers are only slightly less optimistic about staffing for the first quarter of 2016 than they were the prior year. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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As 2015 is coming to an end, State Climatologist Barry Keim has put together a list of the top weather events in Louisiana for the year. Keim picks El Nino as the state’s top weather event of 2015. He says El Nino kicked in in March and will probably continue to build as we get deeper into winter…

Cut 3 (07) “winter warmth”

He says he picked El Nino because of its duration and intensity. Keim’s number two pick is the squall line that moved across the state on April 27th. He says this system swept from west to east across Louisiana and the whole southern half of the state felt its impact…

cut 4  (10)  “International Airport”

He lists drought as the number three weather event of the year. He says the dry conditions began really settling in during the late summer and by late October, 86-percent of the state was in drought…

Cut 5  (07)  “Drought Monitor”

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Louisiana employers are only slightly less optimistic about staffing for the first quarter of 2016 than they were the prior year. Michael Doyle is the Vice President at the Manpower Group covering the southeast US. He says their Quarter One 2016 Employment Outlook Survey for Louisiana shows about 18% of companies polled do plan to hire during that time…:

Cut 6 (04)  “12% score”

Doyle says 76% of businesses taking part in the survey said they plan to keep the employees that they already have. Louisiana has a 12% net employment outlook, and Doyle says it was 19% in 2015. He says they’ve seen slowdowns in the oil and gas industry which is suffering because of the low price of crude, but some sectors benefit from them…:

CUT 7 (10)  “being down”

Doyle says about 15% of companies in Baton Rouge plan to hire, and about 20% of New Orleans employers say they will be adding to their staff in the first quarter of 2016. He says The Big Easy seems to be going along with a national trend of growth in the hospitality and retail industries…:

Cut 8  (07)  “ready for it”

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As we kick off the final week of 2015, there are several things you might want to consider when it comes to saving money on your taxes. Baton Rouge CPA Bill Potter says if you itemize your deductions, you’ll want to maximize those before the new year…:

Cut 9 (06)  “you can do”

Potter says it’s also a good idea to look at your latest pay stub and review your withholdings to see if you’re covered with your tax liability…:

Cut 10 (10) “paying late” 

Potter says he always recommends that people have all of their information ready to go so they can file as soon as possible. He says the IRS will let you file beginning January 19th..:

cut 11 (08) “problem”

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With one game left in the season, many in the “Who Dat?” nation are wondering if this will be coach Sean Payton’s last game with the Saints. The Black and Gold will finish the season with their second consecutive losing record and miss the playoffs. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says this will be the team’s biggest story of the offseason…

Cut 12 (06) “move on”

He says it will take a couple of seasons to rebuild the team to be a Super Bowl contender like it was in the past. Detillier says the unsettled ownership issue of the team could also play a part in Payton’s decision. He says when it comes to Payton’s future with the Saints, the coach is holding all the cards…

Cut 13 (08)  “this stage”

Payton has been the Saints head coach for the past 10 seasons, which Detillier says is an eternity in today’s NFL. Detillier believes Payton is leaning more toward one way than the other…

Cut 14 (06) “in 2016″

 

 

December 25th, 2015 Newscall

Some of the best deals of the year fall the day after Christmas, and experts say you can expect even steeper discounts this season. Don Molino reports.

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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It’s Christmas Day, but the weather outside feels more like spring. Michelle Southern has the story…

Cut 2 (23) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Planning to hit up the mall tomorrow? Savvy shoppers know that some of the best deals of the year fall the day after Christmas, and experts say with December 26th falling on a Saturday, retailers will be ready with sales. LSU Assistant Professor of Marketing Dan Rice says stores will attempt to sell off excess inventory and appeal to shoppers who are making returns…:

Cut 3 (10) “after Christmas”

Rice says tomorrow will also be a great day to stock up on next year’s wrapping paper, ornaments and seasonal dinnerware. He says post-Christmas apparel sales will likely be even more substantial this year as retailers struggle to get rid of winter clothing with short shelf life due to unseasonably balmy weather…:

cut 4  (11)  “this year”

Rice says some stores are even opening as early as 5am tomorrow as they seek to clear the shelves to make room for new products in the new year. He says spending was expected to be way up this season because gas prices are so low, but that hasn’t really happened yet…:

Cut 5  (08)  “for deals”

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Saturday’s Camping World Independence Bowl in Shreveport will pit the Tulsa Hurricanes against the Virginia Tech Hokies. Independence Bowl spokesman Stefan Nolet says this year’s matchup is full of history. He says Tulsa played in the first I-Bowl in 1976 and Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer coached his first bowl game in Shreveport…

Cut 6 (06)  “40th anniversary”

The Independence Bowl is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Nolet says there will be many events surrounding Independence Stadium leading up to the game. He feels this year’s kickoff time will give fans the opportunity to truly have a gameday experience…

CUT 7 (10)  “the game”

The game kicks off at 4:45 and it will be televised on ESPN. This will be the final game of Beamer’s coaching career, as he has announced his retirement at the end of this season. Nolet says they are honored to host coach Beamer in the last game of his career…

Cut 8  (09)  “to see”

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It’s a tropical like Christmas Day across Louisiana. There’s a potential a few record highs could be broken as high temperatures will be around 80-degrees. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this is really unusual for December 25th…

Cut 9 (06)  “amazing run”

Keim says a cold front will bring drier and more seasonable weather to Louisiana on Monday. But he says for the next couple of days we’ll have to deal with more of this warm and humid air

Cut 10 (10) “weather pattern” 

Keim says you won’t need a sweater this Christmas weekend as we are staying warm and humid for the next few days…

cut 11 (11) “Monday morning”

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Saints Quarterback Drew Brees says he is going to play this Sunday against the Jaguars for New Orleans’ last home game of the season. Brees has a torn plantar fascia in his right foot and he didn’t practice Thursday, but he says he’s making progress every day and he has every intention to take the field in the Dome Sunday…:

Cut 12 (05) “for my guys”

Brees suffered the injury early in the Saints’ loss to the Detroit Lions on Monday. He says he’s taking it easy because right now it hurts to walk…:

Cut 13 (09)  “as possible”

The Saints won’t make the playoffs and they have just two games left, but Brees says he wants to play for the team. He says stiffness was an issue on Thursday and whether or not he’ll practice Friday will depend on how he’s feeling…:

Cut 14 (07) “get stiff”

 

LRN Newscall December 24th

Tonight, the annual Bonfires on the Levee celebration takes place in St. James Parish.  Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor-elect John Bel Edwards takes time from the transition to spend a couple of days celebrating Christmas. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 2 (23) “I’m Don Molino”

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Over 150 soldiers with the Louisiana National Guard return today after 10-month deployment overseas. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Tonight, the annual Bonfires on the Levee celebration takes place in St. James Parish. The fires are scheduled to be lit at 7PM to light the way for Papa Noel. St. James Parish President Timothy Roussel says the lighting of the bonfires is a big deal because it’s tradition…

cut 4  (08)  “1800s”

He says thousands of people will descend on the area for tonight’s festivities. If you plan on heading to the Bonfires on the Levee celebration, it’s recommended that you get into the area before 6PM. Roussel says, if you’ve never seen the bonfires before, it is a sight to see…

Cut 5  (11)  “at 7PM”

He says 133 structures will be set ablaze along the levee tonight. For safety reasons, the structures are 15 feet tall instead of 20 feet, as in year’s past.  Roussel says this is the perfect event to get anyone into the Christmas spirit…

Cut 6 (09)  “festive atmosphere”

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Many religious fellowships throughout the state will engage in “candlelight services” this Christmas, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office is issuing guidelines to organizations who plan to utilize candles this season. Marshal Butch Browning says folks need to understand that there’s a possibility for tragedy regarding the use of open flames in assemblies..:

CUT 7 (11)  “on fire (2x)”

The National Fire Protection Association showed that in all 9,000 religious structure fires from 2007-2011, more than 350 were directly attributed to the use of candles. Browning says stationary candles should be on a strong base so that they don’t tip over in large crowds…:

Cut 8  (08)  “could burn”

Browning says candles should never be issued to young children. He says it just takes one second for a flame to be dropped during a crowded ceremony and somebody’s clothes catch on fire…:

Cut 9 (10)  “from that”

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Governor-elect John Bel Edwards knows he has a challenging year in front of him, but he’s looking forward to spending the next couple of days with family for the Christmas holiday. Edwards says his family gathering at his mother’s home in Tangipahoa Parish tonight…

Cut 10 (11) “gathering there” 

Edwards says his contribution to the Christmas dinner is oyster soup. He says another family tradition is to watch the black-and-white version of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” He says he’ll also spend the Christmas holiday reflecting on the huge challenge in front of him, one that he embraces

cut 11 (10) “priorities”

Edwards says his transition teams have been busy since the election day working on solutions to improve transportation, education and health care…

Cut 12 (09) “that opportunity”

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It’s a timely gift for members of the Louisiana National Guard’s 1023rd Engineer Company, as the unit returns today from a 10-month deployment. Over 150 soldiers will arrive in Monroe this afternoon after spending much of 2015 in Kuwait. Ross Bethea is the Captain of the 10-23rd Engineer Company

Cut 13 (09)  “get home”

Betha says they also completed missions in Iraq, Jordan and Afghanistan. He says during the course of their deployment they helped strengthen facilities and living conditions for Kuwaiti and ally forces

Cut 14 (09) “wonderful”

Betha says none of the soldiers from the 10-23rd were injured or killed during their deployment. He says the experience for everyone involved was tremendous…

Cut 15  (10) “my life”

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LRN PM Newscall December 23rd

Three people are dead and three others injured after a train collided with a car in New Iberia. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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If you still haven’t cleared out your Christmas list, experts say gift cards are always a huge hit with last minute shoppers. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Tonight’s Powerball prize is the second largest Christmastime jackpot the multi-state game has had in over 10 years, according to the Louisiana Lottery. Spokeswoman Kimberly Chopin says tonight’s drawing is worth an estimated $227 million dollars. She says on Christmas day in 2002, the jackpot was $280 million…

CUT 3 (10)  “record yet”

The jackpot tonight has an estimated cash value of $141 million dollars. Chopin says since 2009, of the Holiday jackpots that were over $100 million dollars, 5 of them were hit during the Christmas drawing…

CUT 4 (10)  “millionaire”

She says you must purchase your Powerball ticket before 9PM to get into tonight’s drawing. Chopin says you often find larger jackpots around Christmas because more people tend to purchase lottery during the holiday season. She feels there are a couple of reasons for that…

CUT 5 (11)  “kind of gift”

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Three people are dead and three others injured after a train collided with a car in New Iberia. State Police Master Trooper Brooks David says the vehicle was stopped on the tracks and the train was unable to avoid the crash. He says three occupants of the car were pronounced dead at the scene…

CUT 6 (09) “critical condition”

He says the 70-year-old victim is identified as Phyllis Leblanc of New Iberia. The names of the two minors killed have not been released. At last report, the three injured were listed in critical condition. David says they are working to determine why the car was stopped on the tracks. He says investigators did speak to witnesses…

CUT 7 (08) “functioning properly” 

David says the warning devices at the crossing were working properly at the time. He says they believe the car came to a stop on the tracks either before or while the lights and crossing gates were activated. David says a tragedy like this is heartbreaking for the family, especially at this time of year…

CUT 8 (07) “out to them”

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The flu bug has been quiet this holiday season. According to the CDC’s latest flu count, South Carolina is the only state showing significant flu activity. Over the last three years, doctor offices were very busy with flu cases prior to Christmas. CDC medical officer Fiona Havers says eventually the flu bug will start to spread…

CUT 9 (04)  “pretty soon”

Havers says the slow start to influenza activity gives people more time to get a flu shot, if they haven’t received one already..

cut 10 (11)  “now”

Experts are not sure why previous flu seasons started prior to Christmas. Havers says they do know that this year’s vaccine protects you better from the various flu strains that are going around

Cut 11 (10) “vaccine”

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If you still haven’t cleared out your Christmas list, experts say gift cards are always a huge hit with last minute shoppers. More consumers than ever before will purchase gift cards this holiday season, according to the National Retail Federation. LSU Assistant Professor of Marketing Dan Rice says gift cards are more appropriate than some people think…:

cut 12 (10) “type of gift”

The NRF says gift cards are the most-requested gift for the 8th year in a row. Rice says gift cards let the giver feel like they’ve put some effort into which one to select that would fit their friends and relatives passions…:

cut 13 (10)  “Best Buy”

CardHub’s list of the most popular choices this year include Visa gift cards, Amazon and American Express. Starbucks loaded $5.1 billion dollars onto cards between October 2014 and September 2015, according to the company. Rice says cash is becoming more taboo,as gifters and giftees feel it’s far too impersonal…:

cut 14 (07)  “at one point” 

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AM Newscall, December 22nd, 2015

The American Automobile Association projects a record number of Americans will hit the road this holiday season. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana’s population grew by 22-thousand over the last year based on the lastest Census estimates. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The body of a three year old child who wandered away from his house Monday night, was found in a canal the following morning by the Franklin Parish Sheriff’s Office. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Much of the state could experience severe weather today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this warm-humid air mass that’s over the state could produce flash flooding, damaging winds, hail and tornadoes…

cut 4  (07)  “out there”

Keim says higher rainfall totals are anticipated in southeast Louisiana, while the threat of severe weather extends across the entire state…

Cut 5  (06)  “produce hail”

Keim says rain chances will remain high through Christmas Day, but today provides the highest risk for severe storms

Cut 6 (10)  “vigilant”

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For the first time on record, the American Automobile Association projects that over 100 million holiday travelers will hit the road this year. That’s nearly one in three Americans traveling 50 miles or more for the holidays. AAA spokesman Don Redman says this is a huge number…

CUT 7 (07)  “for Thanksgiving”

He says of the expected 100.5 million holiday travelers this year, more than 90-percent will get to their holiday destination by car. Redman suggests getting your car checked before hitting the road for the holiday. He says this year’s holiday season is the “perfect storm” for people traveling…

Cut 8  (06)  “since 2009″

He says lower gas prices, an improved economy, and holidays falling on the weekend make it much easier for people to travel this holiday season. Redman says, while airfare is slightly lower this year, there are other travel needs that will cost you a bit more…

Cut 9 (08)  “increasing slightly”

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New Census numbers show Louisiana added nearly 22-thousand residents to its population from July 1st 2014 to July of this year. Demographer Elliot Stonecipher says the slight increase is due to more births compared to deaths and an increase in citizens from foreign countries

Cut 10 (09) “in migrants” 

Stonecipher says Louisiana finished with a net loss of 74-hundred residents, when you look at migration totals within the United States. Meaning, the bayou state lost more of its residents to other states than they took in. He says that problem could get worse, if oil prices remain low…

cut 11 (07) “gas industry”

Louisiana’ population is at four-point-six million and since 2010, the state has grown by 137-thousand residents, which is a three-percent increase. The state lost a Congressional district following the 2010 census, but Stonecipher doesn’t expect that to happen again in 2020, unless there’s a massive loss of jobs in the oil industry, because of low oil prices

Cut 12 (07) “four or five years”

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The body of a three year old child who wandered away from his house Monday night, was found in a canal the following morning by the Franklin Parish Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Kevin Cobb says they were called to the home near Crowville around 4am yesterday and learned that the child left the residence while everyone was sleeping…:

Cut 13 (08)  “and water”

Cobb says once the parents learned the child was not in the home, they contacted authorities and a vigorous search began. He says around 7am Tuesday morning, they located the body of the child…:

Cut 14 (08) “home site”

Cobb says the child succumbed to apparent drowning in the ditch about 200 yards from his house. He says this is a horrible tragedy that has rocked their small community…:

Cut 15  (10) “holiday season”

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Saints quarterback Drew Brees reportedly has a torn plantar fascia in his right foot and is awaiting a second opinion. That’s according to ESPN’s Ed Werder, who says the injury affects his planting foot when he throws. Saints sideline reporter Kristian Garic says even though the Saints are out of playoff contention, Brees will try to play, if the doctors give him the ok

Cut 16  (11)  “during a game”

Brees suffered the injury in the first half of Monday night’s loss to Detroit. Garic says expects Brees will do all he can to make sure he’s on the field this Sunday when the Saints host Jacksonville

Cut 17 (16) “going to play”

Some Saints say this is a good opportunity to play last year’s third round draft pick Garrett Grayson. But Garic wonders if Grayson is ready to play

Cut 18 (15) “zero reps”

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LRN PM Newcall December 22nd updated

Now that Blue Bell ice cream has returned to store shelves in Louisiana, can people trust that the product is safe to eat? Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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An investigation is underway into the shooting death of a 32-year-old man  by a sheriff’s deputy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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State Police say a shooting involving deputies from the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office has left one man dead. Master Trooper Brooks David says LSP was contacted by the sheriff’s office last night about the shooting near Breaux Bridge…

CUT 3 (10)  “shot was fired”

He confirms that St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s deputies were involved, at least one shot was fired, and one person is dead. David says this is an active investigation and information is limited at this time…

CUT 4 (05)  “last night”

The man shot by deputies has been identified as 32-year-old Michael Noel of Breaux Bridge. David says it’s unclear why deputies were called to the residence, but that part of the investigation will be handled by the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office…

CUT 5 (09)  “by St. Martin”

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A 19-year-old was found on the side of the road dead from multiple gunshot wounds in Jennings. Deputy Chief Danny Semmes says Trey Gant of Jennings was rushed to a local hospital after they arrived on the scene around 11:30 last night…

CUT 6 (09) “to his injuries”

Semmes says they are searching for 29-year-old Thomas Segura, but he’s not considered a suspect just yet

CUT 7 (11) “person of interest” 

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A Prarieville man succumbed to his injuries at a hospital after being shot in a Baton Rouge strip mall parking lot, and authorities are searching for the suspects. BRPD Lt. Jonny Dunnam says they were called to the scene after receiving reports that a black SUV had driven through a fence between the parking lot and College Dr. before crashing into a truck in the road:

CUT 8 (10) “medical attention”

BRPD identified the victim as 27-year-old George Reusch (Rowsh) Jr. and, according to friends on Facebook, he leaves behind a fiance and 7-month-old baby. Dunnam says a motive for the shooting or possible suspects are unknown at this time. He says investigators spoke to several witnesses at the scene…:

CUT 9 (08)  “on foot”

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Now that Blue Bell ice cream has returned to store shelves in Louisiana, can people trust that the product is safe to eat? The company was forced to take their ice cream off the shelves last spring due to a listeria outbreak which resulted in three deaths. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Diseases Professor Dr. Fred Lopez says the FDA has taken steps to decrease the likelihood of something like this happening in the future…

cut 10 (11)  “safety measures”

Lopez says, in light of these new rules by the FDA, he believes food safety has improved as a whole. He says, from a safety standpoint, it’s probably safer now to eat Blue Bell than any time ever…

Cut 11 (11) “ever happening”

He says information on what Blue Bell has done to upgrade procedures and employee training is on their website. Lopez says he would feel absolutely safe eating Blue Bell. He says they have even added an additional step to their process to ensure safety…

cut 12 (09) “ice cream”

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There’s only a couple of more shopping days left before Christmas and stores are advertising deep discounts to help consumers purchase those last minute gifts. Tulane marketing professor Harish Sujan warns against buying items, just because it’s 50-percent off

cut 13 (10)  “regret this”

Sujan says if you’re still looking for a gift for a person or loved one, don’t purchase an item just because it’s on sale…

cut 14 (08)  “for them” 

There’s been reports that retailers are having trouble moving winter clothes, because of the warm temperatures outside. Sujan imagines that some of your biggest sales involve winter clothing…

cut 15 (05)  “they can”

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