16:45 LRN Sportscast July 12th

Saints Head Coach Sean Payton told the NFL Network he has yet to see regression in the play of quarterback Drew Brees. The two have been together since the 2006 season and Brees is coming off a very good season, where he threw for 48-hundred yards and 32 touchdowns. And he hit a home run at a celebrity softball game at the All-Star game in San Diego.

Saints and Pelicans Owner Tom Benson celebrates his 89th birthday. He’s the third oldest owner in the NFL behind Chicago’s Virginia McCaskey and San Diego’s Alex Spanos.

Tonight is the Major League Baseball All-Star game. There are two players with Louisiana ties to the game. Former LSU pitcher Will Harris is making his first All-Star game appearance after sensational first half with the Houston Astros. And former Ragin Cajuns Jonathan Lucroy is in the All-star game for a second time in his career as he’s had a nice season for the Milwaukee Brewers.

LSU’s Kendell Beckwith has been named to the Butkus Award watch list which goes to the nation’s top linebacker.

LSU visits Florida on October 8th and the Gators have yet to settle on a starter this season. Luke Del Rio is the favorite to win the job and Florida head coach Jim McElwain says Austin Appleby is also competing for that job….
cut 18 (13) “…takes that step”

The Pelicans defeated the Sacramento Kings 70-66 in summer league action last night. Buddy Hield had 23 points on 10 of 23 shooting, he was 3-of-12 from three point territory. Cheick Diallo had five points and seven rebounds.

16:30 LRN Newscast July 12th

Could Gasoline taxes go up soon? Halen Doughty reports the governor has explained to the new transportation task force there is not enough revenue to cover all the state’s highway needs…
voicer 1 (30) “…I’m Halen Doughty”

The governor used his line-item veto pen today to scratch 44-million dollars in construction projects from a bill approved during the second special session. Edwards says the state can’t afford them.

Now that we have an idea of how the Baton Rouge Police Department plans to defend the killing of Alton Sterling, experts believe the cops will claim they feared for their lives. A warrant filed this week by BRPD indicates Sterling resisted arrest, then the officers saw him reach for a gun before shooting. Legal analyst Tim Meche believes the cops will claim they had no choice, and:
cut 12 (10) “officers”
Meche says BRPD will argue the two cops legitimately feared for their lives.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain left for Cuba today to begin the process of trade negotiations. He says there are many products Cuba needs, that we have…:
CUT 7 (10) “that happen”
Strain says this visit will set the groundwork for another trip in October that will be led by Governor Edwards.

14:30 LRN newscast July 12th

Documents have been made public on what the two Baton Rouge police officers saw as they confronted Alton Sterling before he was fatally shot. In a search warrant and accompanying affidavit, the officers say Sterling resisted arrest, they saw a gun in his pocket and the policemen claim he tried to reach for the gun in his pocket. Legal analyst Tim Meche says this gives us a good idea on how the officers will claim they were justified in shooting Sterling…
cut 14 (03) “…their lives”
The US Justice Department is leading the investigation into Sterling’s death.

Governor John Bel Edwards tells the newly formed transportation task force that revenue options need to be considered to address the state’s nearly 13-billion dollar backlog in highway needs.
cut 3 (07) “…it happen”
The task force will meet over the next several months and submit recommendations to the state legislature for the 2017 session.

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain arrives in Cuba today to talk about trade possibilites between Louisiana and the island nation. Strain says a trade deal with Cuba could result in about 400-million dollars in trade over the next few years…
cut 8 (10) “….agriculture commodities”
Strain says Governor Edwards plans on visiting Cuba in early October.

A Shreveport mom says her son and one of his friends were robbed at a park as they were playing Pokemon Go. The woman says their cell phones and other personal items were taken, but were eventually recovered….
cut 10 (10) “…their pocket”
Shreveport police say they’ve arrested a pair of 17-year-old and charged them with first degree robbery and they are searching for two other suspects.

LRN PM Newscall July 12th

Could Gasoline taxes go up soon? Halen Doughty reports the governor has explained to the new transportation task force there is not enough revenue to cover all the state’s highway needs…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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

Two teenagers were mugged while playing Pokemon Go at a Shreveport Park. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Governor John Bel Edwards tells the newly formed transportation task force that revenue options need to be considered to address the state’s nearly 13-billion dollar backlog in highway needs. Edwards says this could mean an increase to the state’s gasoline tax in order to pay for new roads and maintain existing highways…

CUT 3 (07)  “it happen”

Sixteen-cents from the state’s gasoline tax goes into a trust fund that pays for highway projects.  Edwards says that amount has not been increased in 30 years and that money is only worth about 6-cents in today’s purchasing power.

CUT 4 (08)  “doesn’t work”

The task force will meet throughout the year and will make suggestions to the legislature for the 2017 session on how to increase funding for a better transportation system. He says the work conducted by this group will be very important to the state

CUT 5 (10)  “deserves better”

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Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain heads to Cuba today to head a trade mission with the island. Strain says the goal is to begin the process of exporting agricultural commodities and other products to Cuba. He hopes they can develop a relationship for trade…

CUT 6 (07) “with Cuba”

Strain says Louisiana would predominately be exporting rice, soybeans, wheat, poultry and more. He says there are so many products that Cuba needs that we have.

CUT 7 (10) “that happen”

President Obama recently removed that U.S. trade embargo with Cuba. Strain says if Cuba becomes a trading partner with Louisiana, it could mean about 400 million in trade over the next few years.

CUT 8 (10) “agriculture commodities”

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Two Shreveport teenagers were mugged at a park while trying to find Pokemon on a new smartphone app. That’s according to the mother of one of the teens, who says her son and a friend were getting out the car when they were approached by two men asking to borrow a cell phone and out of nowhere they punched the friend in the face. She says two additional men came up on the scene…

CUT 9 (10) “your stuff”

The mother believes the thieves were looking to steal from people in the park playing the Pokemon Go game, which is similar to a scavenger hunt. She says police used another smartphone app to locate where the stolen phones could be.

cut 10 (10)  “their pocket”

Shreveport Police says 17-year-olds Santana Smith and Gabreon Green were arrested and charged with First Degree Robbery and authorities are still searching for two other suspects. The mother says many gamers are taking to different parks to find the Pokemons. She says her son did not know Columbia Park was a dangerous place and wants parents to be vigilant of where their kids are playing.

Cut 11 (08) “or not”

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Now that we have an idea of how the Baton Rouge Police Department plans to defend the killing of Alton Sterling, experts believe the cops will claim they feared for their lives. A warrant filed this week by BRPD indicates Sterling resisted arrest, then the officers saw him reach for a gun before shooting. Legal analyst Tim Meche believes the cops will claim they had no choice, and:

cut 12 (10) “officers”

The court documents say Sterling failed to comply with direct orders, and when the officers tried to subdue the man with tasers that didn’t work. Meche says BRPD will argue the two cops legitimately feared for their lives…:

Cut 13 (10)  “and killing them”

Meche says this all gives us a good idea on how the officers will claim they were justified in shooting and killing Sterling…:

cut 14 (03)  “for their lives”

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11:40 LRN sportscast

A big storyline heading into this SEC football season is the numerous quarterback battles that will take place during August camp. Auburn Coach Gus Malzahn has yet to decide on a starting quarterback this season. Jeremy Johnson, returning starter Sean White and junior college transfer John Franklin the Third will battle for snaps this fall. Auburn’s coach says the guy who gives them the best chance to win, will be the starting QB…
cut 17 (19) “…quarterback strengths”
LSU visits Auburn on September 24th and ULM faces the War Eagles on October 1st.

LSU’s Kendell Beckwith has been named to the Butkus Award watch list which goes tot he nation’s top linebacker.

Saints Head Coach Sean Payton told the NFL Network he has yet to see regression in the play of quarterback Drew Brees. The two have been together since the 2006 season and Brees is coming off a very good season, where he threw for 48-hundred yards and 32 touchdowns. And he hit a home run at a celebrity softball game at the All-Star game in San Diego.

The Pelicans defeated the Sacramento Kings in summer league action last night. Buddy Hield had 23 points on 10 of 23 shooting, he was 3-of-12 from three point territory. Cheick Diallo had five points and seven rebounds.

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey made a phone call to LSU President F. King Alexander to talk about the protests in Baton Rouge over the shooting death of Alton Sterling by cops. The commissioner says this is one of those times in our nation where we weep, we mourn, for those families and cities who have experienced loss.

10:30 LRN Newscast July 12th

Governor John Bel Edwards tells the newly formed transportation task force that revenue options need to be considered to address the state’s nearly 13-billion dollar backlog in roadway needs. Edwards says this could mean an increase to the state’s gasoline tax in order to pay for new roads and maintain existing highways…
cut 3 (07) “….it happen”
16-cents from the state’s gasoline tax goes into a trust fund for highway projects and Edwards says that amount has not been increased in 30 years.

It’s a been a very busy six months for Governor John Bel Edwards. Historic flooding in March, budget crisis and civil unrest in Baton Rouge,. ULM Political Science Professor, Doctor John Sutherlin, says it remains to be seen how the governor will handle situations he can control and what will come of all the work on the budget…
cut 9 (12) “….certainly next”

Louisiana is ranked the third safest state for older drivers. That’s according to a report from Caring.com. Chief Caring Expert Dayna Steele says she hopes this study sparks conversations and action with family members and loved ones who might not need to be driving anymore.
cut 11 (10) “…driving then”

A bill by Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham has won the approval of the US House that seeks to defund a 2015 executive order from President Obama that could drive up the costs of building in Louisiana. Abrham says the President’s the science behind this new floodplain is arbitrary and the order is unnecessary…
cut 14 (10) “…working well”
The measure still needs approval from the US Senate.

16:45 LRN Sportscast July 11th

SEC Media Days are underway in Hoover, Alabama. Auburn’s Gus Malzahn was the first coach up at the main podium and he talked about new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, who was the defensive coordinator at LSU last season…
cut 30 (19) “….is too”
Tennessee Head Coach Butch Jones and three of his players will be at SEC Media Days. Lyn Scarborough of Lyndy’s Magainze says the Volunteers are the favorites to win the East Division as they return 19 starters and have a favorable schedule…
cut 18 (09) “…Florida at home”

Former LSU football player Trey Lealaimatafao has been sentenced to six years in a California prison after reaching a plea on charges of roberry and carjacking. Trey L was removed from the football team in June of 2015 after he was arrested for his role in an off-campus fight.

LSU’s Tradavious White and junior safety Jamal Adams are on the Jim Thorpe Award Watch list. The Thorpe Award goes to the Best defensive back in college football. Adams had four interceptions last season, while White led LSU with seven pass breakups.

Louisiana Tech’s Xavier Woods is also on the Jim Thorpe Award Watch List. He’s only one of two Conference USA players named to the watch list.

New Louisiana Tech head baseball coach Lane Burroughs has named Travis Creel as an assistant coach for the Bulldogs. Creel helped Jones County as an assistant coach win the division two junior college national championship.

15:30 LRN Newscast July 11th

East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore says his office has recused itself from the Alton Sterling investigation. Jeff Palermo reports…:
voicer 2 (30) “..I’m Jeff Palermo”

Houma Police are looking for a gunman who fatally shot a 56-year-old man. Kerry Randolph was found dead in his vehicle from a gunshot wound to his head at around 9 PM last night. And Hammond Police are investigating a double homicide. An aunt and her newphew were found dead at a home from gunshot wounds.

More protests are expected in Baton Rouge as people from Louisiana and other states call for justice in the police shooting of Alton Sterling. State Police Major Doug Cain says police will be there to help protestors exercise their first amendment right, so long as it’s lawful and peaceful,…
cut 3 (09) “….right away’
Cain says they will not tolerate protesters who attempt to block an interstate like what has occurred in Black Lives Matter protests in other states.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office says a 15-month old missing child was found in a briar patch. Lt. Tommy Carnline says the infant was reported missing at around 7:30 this morning, after the parents last saw the child sleeping around 3 AM. Carnline says they are grateful they were able to find the child so quickly…
cut 7 (08) “….child has”
Carnline says the investigation continues on how the child got out of the home.

14:30 LRN Newscast

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore has recused himself from the prosecution of the Alton Sterling case. Moore says he has a relationship with the parents of officer Blane Salamon, one of the two officers involved in the shooting. Moore’s recusal means the Louisiana Attorney General’s office will take over the case or a special prosecutor will be appointed. Moore says it’s important the Department of Justice does a thorough investigation first….
cut 11 (08) “….their investigation”

SWAT units were needed to clear protestors from a Baton Rouge neighborhood and the American Civil Liberities Union believes the officers used excessive force. Louisiana ACLU Executive Director Marjorie Esman says treating a peaceful public as they will start a riot does not help improved strained relations…
cut 13 (09) “…repaired”

More protests are expected in Baton Rouge as demonstrators cry out for justice in the death of Alton Sterling, and law enforcement look to keep the peace. Michelle Southern has more…
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

A man accused of fatally shooting a state police trooper last summer has been granted a change of venue for his case. Kevin Daigle is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of officer Steven Vincent and state judge Guy Bradberry says the jury will be selected from Bossier Parish and transported to Calcasieu Parish for the trial.

LRN PM Newscall July 11th

More protests are expected in Baton Rouge as demonstrators cry out for justice in the death of Alton Sterling, and law enforcement look to keep the peace. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore says his office has recused itself from the Alton Sterling investigation. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

More protests are expected today in Baton Rouge as people from Louisiana and other states call for justice in the police shooting of Alton Sterling. State Police Major Doug Cain says police will be there to help protestors exercise their first amendment right, so long as it’s lawful and peaceful.

CUT 3 (09)  “right away”

Fifty people were arrested in yesterday’s protest for marching in the street, bringing the total number of protestors arrested this weekend to around 200. Many of individuals arrested yesterday were from out of state and charged with obstruction of a highway. Cain says police will do whatever it takes to keep everyone safe.

CUT 4 (10)  “quick action”

The federal investigation into Sterling’s death is still not complete, and Cain says police don’t know how long the protests will continue. But he says law enforcement will be there to protect citizens and their rights for as long as it takes.

CUT 5 (11)  “if necessary”

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

A 15 month old child that went missing overnight in Rapides Parish was located hours later in a briar patch across the street from the Tioga home. Lt. Tommy Carnline with the sheriff’s office says they were called to the residence around 7:30 this morning, and the search lasted less than an hour…:

CUT 6 (07) “covered in ants”

Carnline says the parents last saw the child around 3am asleep, and it’s unknown at this time how the 15 month old got out of the house. He says they are just grateful they were able to find the child so quickly…:

CUT 7 (08) “child has”

Carnline says the condition of the child is unknown at this time. He says the toddler was responsive when located…:

CUT 8 (04) “very weak”

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

Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore has announced that he will recuse himself and his office from the investigation into the police shooting of Alton Sterling. Moore says he has no direct relationship with either officer involved, but he is close with the parents of Officer Blane Salamoni.

CUT 9 (11) “be appointed”

According to a report released by Moore’s office, Salamoni’s mother was the Violent Crime and Crime Scene Commander during most of Moore’s time in office, and Salamoni’s father has commanded the department’s special operations unit during the same time period. Protestors have been calling for justice since Sterling’s death, and Moore says that’s what he is trying to give them.

cut 10 (10)  “the community”

Attorney General Jeff Landry issued a statement saying the US Attorney’s Office has told the Louisiana Department of Justice that the state will not have access to the investigation until the federal case is complete. Moore says it’s best to just let the feds do their work first.

Cut 11 (08) “their investigation”

Landry’s office will appoint a prosecutor for any state charges that may be filed after the federal investigation has been conducted.

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

The ACLU of Louisiana says the Baton Rouge Police Department used illegal and excessive force on protesters this weekend. People have for days been in Baton Rouge marching over what they believe was the wrongful cop killing of Alton Sterling. Executive Director Marjorie Esman says the use of violent, militarized tactics during a peaceful gathering was not necessary…:

cut 12 (06) “was not happening”

Most of the arrests made were of people from out of town, and the charges stem from obstructing roadways. Esman says treating a peaceful public as though they are going to start a riot does not help improve relations that are already strained…:

Cut 13 (09)  “repaired”

EBR DA Hillar Moore says they are going to investigate every case closely..:

cut 14 (09)  “everything”

There are those who claim many of the protesters arrested Sunday were on private property, but BRPD says those cases were of people who had already broken the law by trying to block the interstate. Moore says, while the cases are still under investigation, once a law has been broken it’s been broken.:

cut 15 (08) “at the hospital”