06:45 Sportscast December 23, 2015

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.

The Pelicans will host the Portland Trail Blazers tonight in the Smoothie King Center. On December 14th, the Trail Blazers won their seventh straight over New Orleans 105-101. Portland could find maintaining their dominance over the Pels a little difficult if they don’t have their two top scorers on the floor. Damien Lillard could sit due to plantar faciitis in his left foot and CJ McCollum has two sprained ankles. Tipoff is at 7PM.

In college basketball, LSU won their third straight after a 79-51 victory over American University. Four Tigers scored in double figures led by Ben Simmons 23. LSU improves to 7-4 on the season and will host Wake Forest Tuesday night.

Malik Morgan scored 15 to lead Tulane over Southern Miss 59-40. The Green Wave took a 37-19 lead into halftime and led by at least 18 throughout the second half.

Louisiana Tech squeezed past Florida Gulf Coast 66-63. Alex Hamilton score 26 and Erik McCree added 12 as Tech has now won five of their last six.

It took three overtimes before Canisius could record a 108-96 win over ULM at the Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic. Six Warhawks scored in double figures, led by Majok Deng’s 21. ULM blew a 13 point lead with one minute, ten seconds remaining in regulation.

UCLA defeated McNeese State last night 70-59 and Southern was defeated by Omaha 74-53.

06:30 Newscast December 23, 2015

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.

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.

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. 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.

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

 __________________________________

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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17:30 Newscast, December 22nd, 2015

A Prairieville man who friends say leaves behind a fiance and 7-month-old baby was fatally shot outside of a Baton Rouge strip mall in his vehicle Monday night. The victim is identified as 27-year-old George Reusch (Rowsh) Jr. BRPD Lt. Jonny Dunnam says Reusch was found shot in his vehicle and later died at a hospital. He says investigators spoke to several witnesses at the scene…:
CUT 9 (08) “on foot”
A motive for the killing is unclear. Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact authorities.

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

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”

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office terminated a jail worker’s employment, and arrested him, saying he struck an inmate in November. Timothy Hooker faces one count of simple battery. The sheriff’s office says an inmate was non-compliant during a meal-time and was removed from the service area. It was during that time authorities say Hooker struck the inmate in the face with his fist.

 

 

16:45 LRN Sportscast December 22

Tonight in the Maravich Center, the LSU men’s basketball team goes after its third straight victory as they host American University, which has a two and eight record. The Tigers are coming off a 100-77 win over Oral Roberts. Keith Hornsby is averaging nearly 20 points a game since he returned three games ago from a knee injury.

In other action tonight…Louisiana Tech is at Florida Gulf Coast. The Bulldogs are 9-2 and led by Alex Hamilton and Erik McCree, who each are averaging 17 points a game.

McNeese State is at UCLA and earlier today…Nicholls State beat Hampton 84-81. The Colonels were led by Ja’Dante Frye who had 21 points, while T-J Carpenter added 19 points.

Last night…UL Lafayette beat UNO 79-69 to improve to 4-0 at home. Georgia Tech thumped Southeastern Louisiana 75-62 and the Lady Tigers lost to top ranked UCONN 86-40.

The Saints were off today following their 35-27 loss to Detroit. New Orleans dropped to 5-9 on the season. Quarterback Drew Brees reportedly had an MRI on his foot, which he injured in last night’s game. The resultsare not known. The Saints host the Jaguars this Sunday at 3:05.

LSU is ranked seventh by Collegiate Baseball in the first preseason poll. Their incoming recruiting class is also ranked as the seventh best. Coach Paul Mainieri says they’ll count on a couple of those players right away…
cut 18 (17) “….our league”
UL Lafayette is ranked sixth in the Collegiate Baseball preseason poll, the highest ever ranking to start a season for the Cajuns, who return most of their players from the team that reached the super regionals last season.

16:30 Newscast, December 22nd, 2015

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”

The office of Governor-elect John Bel Edwards says nearly 11,000 invitations have been sent out for the swearing in ceremony on the steps of the State Capitol on January 11th. But you don’t need an invite to attend. Edwards will officially become our Governor at 12 noon, and the public is encouraged to attend the ceremony which begins that day at 11:30.

State Police say a shooting involving deputies from the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office has left one man dead. The deceased man is identified as 32-year-old Michael Noel of Breaux Bridge. Family members told media that deputies were called to the home because Noel was having a breakdown. Master Trooper Brooks David says that part of the investigation will be handled by the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office…:
CUT 5 (09) “by St. Martin”
He confirms that St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s deputies were involved, at least one shot was fired, and one person is dead.

There are many in Louisiana not happy about these unseasonably warm temperatures this Christmas, but experts say retailers who rely on winter clothing sales are really struggling. Tulane marketing professor Harish Sujan imagines that, for the consumer, some of your biggest sales you’ll see these last shopping days before Christmas will involve winter clothes:
CUT 15 (05) “they can”
He says many stores are welcoming last minute shoppers with major discounts.

 

15:30 Newscast, December 22nd, 2015

A 27-year-old man from Prairieville died after being shot last night in the parking lot of a Baton Rouge strip mall. BRPD 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”
He says witnesses reported two black men fleeing the scene, one thing and one heavyset. If you know anything about this incident please call 911.

A St. Martin sheriff’s deputy shot and killed a man inside his home near Breaux Bridge, according to State Police. 32-year-old Michael Noel is identified as the victim. Troopers confirmed deputies were involved and that one shot was fired, but the circumstanecs surrounding the shooting and the intial call out remains under investigation. Family members told a Lafayette TV station that they called for police help because Noel was having a breakdown.

There’s not much left time to shop ahead of Christmas and you’re already starting to see stores offering major discounts to help consumers with last minute gifts. Tulane marketing professor Harish Sujan warns against buying items, just because it’s 50-percent off..:
cut 13 (10) “regret this”
He says due to the unseasonably warm weather, you’re likely to see the biggest bargains on winter clothes.

If you’re one of the many Louisianians who ran to the grocery store this week to get your Blue Bell Ice Cream fix, experts say the product is likely safer than it’s ever been. Blue Bell products were linked to listeria in the spring, forcing the company to pull the treats from the shelves. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Diseases Professor Dr. Fred Lopez says the FDA has implemented new regulations -and- Blue Bell has added an additional step to their process to ensure safety…:
CUT 12 (09) “ice cream”

 

14:30 Newscast, December 22nd, 2015

Ice cream lovers throughout the state are thrilled to have Blue Bell back in stores, but how safe is the product to consume after being linked to listeria? LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Diseases Professor Dr. Fred Lopez says new regulations are in place by the FDA and it’s probably safer to eat Blue Bell now than ever…:
CUT 11 (11) “ever happening”

A 19-year-old was found dead of multiple gunshot wounds on the side of the road in Jennings. Deputy Chief Danny Semmes says Trey Gant died at a hospital after he was located around 11:30 last night. He 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”
The investigation is ongoing.

A man who allegedly stole someone’s iPhone 6 was caught when Lafayette cops tracked him through a selfie he’d taken with the device. Investigators say a 26-year-old male victim reported he was robbed of his property at gunpoint, but later noticed activity on the phone through his home computer when he discovered and uploaded the selfie. Lafayette police made contact with the suspect, 27-year-old Leroy Hebert, through a dating website. He was arrested a charged with armed robbery.

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”

 

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”

================

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”

===================

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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13:30 Newscast, December 22nd, 2015

A man who friends say leaves behind a fiance and 7-month-old baby was fatally shot outside of a Baton Rouge strip mall in his vehicle Monday night. The victim is identified as 27-year-old George Reusch (Rowsh) Jr. BRPD Lt. Jonny Dunnam says the Reusch was found shot in his vehicle and later died at a hospital. He says investigators spoke to several witnesses at the scene…:
CUT 9 (08) “on foot”
A motive for the killing is unclear. Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact authorities.

State Police have identified the man killed in an officer involved shooting in St. Martin Parish. They say 32-year-old Michael Noel died in the incident with deputies at a residence near Breaux Bridge. Master Trooper Brooks David says additional information is limited at this time…:
CUT 4 (06) “last night”
He says it’s unclear why officers were called to the home.

The Franklin Parish Sheriff’s Office says a 3-year-old boy drowned overnight in a canal near his home near Crowville. The child reportedly wandered away from his home during the night and his parents didn’t notice he was missing until about 4am. The case is under investigation.

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”

Governor Bobby Jindal and his wife Supriya say they’ve collected almost 300 pounds of food for the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank they’ve asked guests to bring during the Christmas season. They encourage anyone who can to donate to Louisiana’s food banks.