Three people are dead and three others injured after a train collided with a car in New Iberia. State Police say the vehicle, with six occupants, was stopped on the tracks and the train was unable to avoid the crash. Three of the vehicle occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. The three injured were transported to a local hospital where, at last report, two were listed in critical condition. Investigators are working to determine why the car was stopped on the tracks.

Severe weather is expected today over much of Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this warm-humid air mass that’s over the state could produce flash flooding, damaging winds, hail, and tornados. Keim says rain chances will remain high through Christmas Day, but today provides the highest risk for severe storms…

cut 6 (10) “vigilant”

He says the threat of severe weather extends across the entire state.

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

cut 3 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The American Automobile Association projects that a record 100.5 million travelers will hit the road this holiday season. AAA spokesman Don Redman says this year’s holiday season is the “perfect storm” for people traveling…

cut 8 (06) “since 2009″

Nearly one in three Americans will travel 50 miles or more for the holidays and over 90- percent will do so by car.

State Police say three people are dead and three others injured after a train collided with a car in New Iberia. Officials say the vehicle was stopped on the train tracks and the train was not able to avoid the crash. They say six people were in the car. Three were pronounced dead at the scene. Three others were transported to a local hospital. At last report, two of the injured were listed in critical condition. Investigators say it’s unclear why the car was stopped on the tracks as the crossing arms and lights were working properly.

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 the child succumbed to apparent drowning in the ditch about 200 yards from his home.

Severe weather could impact much of Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry 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.

Louisiana added nearly 22-thousand residents to its population from July 1st 2014 to July of this year according to new census numbers. But Demographer Elliot Stonecipher says 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.

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.

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.

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:
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He says many stores are welcoming last minute shoppers with major discounts.

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…:
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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…:
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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”

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.

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”
He says, from a safety standpoint, it’s probably safer now to eat Blue Bell than any time ever.

A 17-year-old who suffered an apparent accidental gunshot wound to the head has been pronounced clinically deceased, according to the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office. They say a 911 report came in over the weekend with a caller stating Dronald Washington was playing with a .38 caliber revolver when it went off. They say this is an ongoing investigation as questions surrounding the incident remain unanswered.

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 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”
He imagines some of the biggest sales right now are on winter clothes as retailers look to offload merchandise that isn’t selling because it’s been so warm outside.

Prices at the pump continue to fall. GasBuddy.com reports that the current statewide average for a gallon of regular in Louisiana stands at $1.78.

A Prarieville man succumbed to his injuries at a hospital after being shot in a Baton Rouge strip mall parking lot, and cops 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”
He says witnesses reported seeing two black males fleeing the scene. Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact police.

It doesn’t at all feel like it, but today is the first full day of winter. The season officially began at 10:49 last night with the winter solstice.
State Climatologist Barry Keim says the seasonal forecast is a gloomy one:
cut 1 (06) “an El Nino”
He says expect lots of clouds, rain and dreary conditions.

A 19-year-old was found on the side of the road dead from multiple gunshot wounds in Jefferson Davis Parish. Deputy Chief Danny Semmes says Trey Gant of Jennings was rushed to a local hospital 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.

Governor elect John Bel Edwards is taking steps so low-income adults do not lose food stamp benefits in January. The Jindal administration took action to prevent certain able bodied adults from receiving food stamps. But Julie Baxter Payer, spokesperson for Governor-elect Edwards, says he will seek to remove the work requirement, so an estimated 31-thousand adults can still access food stamps…:
Cut 10 (08) “that back”