LRN PM Newscall December 20

You might think putting a puppy or kitten under the tree will be a memorable Christmas gift, but it might go over as well as you hoped. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A horrific turn of events leads to five people dead and two critically injured on I-49 in St Landry Parish late Friday night. The story from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

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If you have autism, you can now have a driver’s license that indicates you have the medical problem. Matthew Boudreaux, Public Information Director for the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, says the designation was approved by the legislature.

Cut 3 (10) “…on their license.”

The autism indicator will appear below the driver’s picture. The individual must present a Medical Examiner’s Certification of Autism Spectrum Disorder completed by a medical or mental health professional to have the autism indicator placed on their license.

Matthew Boudreaux on why the autism indicator can prove both helpful to the holder of the license and a law enforcement officer, given that the person with autism may express themselves differently.

Cut 4 (10) “…potentially dealing with.”

If you have autism and want the indicator on your driver’s license Boudreaux says you need to present certain documentation.

Cut 5 (09) “..autism indicator added.”

He says an individual can have the autism indicator removed at their request at any time. Applicable fees apply to have the autism indicator added or removed.

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Who doesn’t love a Christmas photo of a puppy or kitten under the tree but in reality the gift of a pet for is not always ideal. Puppies and kittens grow up and they require care for several years. Lafayette Animal Shelter and Care Center Supervisor Shelley Delahoussaye (Dela-who-see) says the recipient might not have the ability to support them.

 Cut 6 (10) “…back here” 

While you might want to keep the gift of a pet a surprise Delahoussaye says it’s better to bring the intended recipient into the shelter with you and allow them to choose their pet. She also says while children can go through a phase of wanting a pet they don’t understand the responsibility of pet ownership.

Cut 7 (12) “…responsiblity.”  

Delahoussaye says instead of a surprise gift of a pet for Christmas some shelters offer gift certificates where you pay the adoption fee and then the recipient can later choose their pet at the shelter. Another option you might want to see if your local shelter offers a fostering program where they can come home with you on a temporary basis.

Cut 8 (09) “…home environment.”

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Five people are dead as the result of two-related accidents Friday night on I-49 in St. Landry Parish. Trooper Thomas Gossen says the first wreck was caused by a wrong-way driver from Dallas, Georgia.

Cut 9 (11) “…the left lane.”

The 54-year-old Lundy was killed as was the driver of the other vehicle and two other passengers, ages 20, 16 and 14. Two were critically injured. Subsequently, an 86-year-old man was killed when his Silverado slammed head-on into an LSP unit diverting traffic off the interstate.

Trooper Gossen explains how Billy Lee of Terrell, Texas became a victim that night as the other accident scene was being investigated on I-49 South.

Cut 10 (10)  “…was diverting traffic.”

The trooper sustained minor injuries.

Trooper Gossen says an investigation continues to determine how Lundy wound up traveling north in the southbound lanes of I-49 and for how long.

Cut  11 (08)  “…to determine that.”  

Troop I alone this year has investigated 61 fatal crashes resulting in 75 deaths.

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It was an impressive victory for the Saints last night as the Black and Gold blanked the Buccaneers nine to nothing in Tampa Bay. New Orleans’s defense got after Bucs Quarterback Tom Brady, sacking him four times and forcing two turnovers. Saints defensive end Cam Jordan recorded his 100th career sack during the game…

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The Saints only had 212 yards of total offense. Quarterback Taysom Hill threw for just 154 yards. He says what the defense did against a Brady-led offense is impressive…

Cut 13 (12) “…incredibly well.”

The Saints are now 7-and-7 and they’ve defeated Tampa Bay twice and the Green Bay Packers, who is also a Super Bowl contender. Safety C-J Gardner-Johnson had an interception last night and says teams should not overlook the Black and Gold…

Cut 14 (12) “…rude awakening.”