7:30 LRN Newscast July 27th

Two people were shot in New Orleans historic French Quarter this morning and two people are in custody. The shooting was caught on camera and the suspects were seen fleeing the scene. The victims suffered non-life threatening injuries.

The Louisiana National Guard is distributing water in East Feliciana Parish where a water line broke in Clinton. Mayor Lori Bell says workers have repaired the pipe, but a boil water advisory is in effect as it will take a couple of days to test the water, before determining its safe to drink.

Grambling State grad student Cletus Emokpae (E-mok-pay)has received a 25-thousand dollar scholarship from Beyonce’s BeyGood Foundation. He’s one of eight students nationwide to receive this gift. The New York native says it’s an incredible honor and he hopes the story of him receiving help from Beyonce will teach others about the value of community…
cut 9 (08) “….your way”

Fifty years ago, there wasn’t a single brown pelican to be found in the pelican state. Kevin Barnhart spoke with LDWF biologist Michael Seymour about the plan 50 years ago that led to the reintroduction of the birds
Voicer 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The state has seen lower humidity levels the last couple of days, but State Climatologist Barry Keim says that’s about to change…
cut 4 (11) “…next week”
Rain chances will increase this weekend and there’s a good chance for rain on Monday.

6:45 LRN Sportscast July 27th

Thirty-nine-year-old Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is beginning his 18th season and remains very motivated. Brees wants to win another championship and if he stays healthy, he’ll break the NFL’s career passing yardage record. The future Hall of Famer says he’s not taking anything for granted…
Cut 16 (20) “ever have”
Brees will wear a new helmet this year, because the one he was wearing is not allowed in the NFL next season. This new helmet is designed to reduce concussions and the face mask looks different.

LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda was at the Saints first training camp practice yesterday and plans to be there again today. Aranda says he’s been talking with the Saints coaches about scheme and linebacker play.

Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones has reported to training camp as the team has decided to renegotiate his deal. The two-time All-Pro selection is entering the third year of a five year, 71-million dollar contract. The Falcons say they’ve made an adjustment to Jones’ deal without a dramatic change to their salary cap.

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association is on the lookout to recruit more sports officials. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Voicer 2 (28) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart”

6:30 LRN Newscast July 27th

Fifty years ago, there wasn’t a single brown pelican to be found in the pelican state. The demise of the population can be traced back to the use of the pesticide DDT. But the population of the bird has since rebounded to about 100,000 throughout Louisiana. LDWF Nongame Bird Biologist Michael Seymour says the rejuvenation effort began in the late 1960s.
Cut 13 (12) “…north of Grand Isle.”
Seymour says there’s now over eight-thousand adult pelicans on Queen Bess island.

A Grambling State grad student studying communications is one of eight people in the country to receive a 25,000 dollar scholarship funded by music superstar Beyonce. Cletus Emokpae is from New York and struggled to pay for his own education, until he received this amazing gift from Beyonce
Cut 7 (11) “of support”

A chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy has appealed a federal judge’s decision that allows for the removal of a confederate monument from the courthouse grounds in Caddo Parish. The United Daughters of the Confederacy says the Caddo Parish Commission does not have the authority to remove the monument, because it’s on private land.

The drought monitor says extreme drought conditions have reached northwest Louisiana, but state climatologist Barry Keim says relief is on the way…
cut 6 (11) “…needed most”
But before the rain gets here on Sunday, expect hot and humid conditions.

LRN Sportscast July 26th

The Saints began training camp today with Super Bowl aspirations. Last year, New Orleans struggled on punt returns. Coach Sean Payton says that will be a point of emphasis, plus there are new kick-off rules to learn…
cut 28 (19) “…blocking for em”
Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has a new look as he’s wearing a helmet designed to reduce concussions. Brees says the helmet he wore last year is not up to NFL standards. The veteran Q-B says the change is no big deal…
cut 29 (14) “…totally different”

The preparation is underway for the next voice of the Saints as Zach Strief transitions from the playing field to the press box. Strief, who has no previous broadcasting experience, spent more than a decade as an offensive tackle with the black and gold. Strief looks forward to working with color analyst Duece McAllister and hopes this is something truly special to be shared with the Who Dat Nation.
Cut 5 (12) “…on the field.”

In other NFL news…former LSU Tiger Jarvis Landry says the Browns, who did not win a single game last season, can win the Super Bowl this year. Landry, who was traded to Cleveland in the offseason, believes the Browns offense can put up 40 points a game.

Landry’s former teammate at LSU, Odell Beckham Junior, has reported to Giants camp. New York has indicated they are ready to discuss a new contract for O-B-J.

LRN PM Newscall July 26th

The new voice of the Saints is making the transition from the playing field to the press box.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A judge has cleared the way for the removal of a confederate monument that sits outside of the Caddo Parish Courthouse. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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A federal judge’s ruling allows for the removal of a confederate monument in front of the Caddo Parish courthouse. Judge Robert James dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Daughters of the Confederacy, who said the parish couldn’t remove the monument because it sat on private property. Caddo Parish Commissioner Steven Jackson says it’s a step forward for the community.

Cut 12 (09)   “be equal.”

The monument was erected in 1903, and the commission voted 7-5 in October of 2017 for its removal, deciding it would be better placed in a museum or memorial site.

Jackson says placing the monument in front of a courthouse was highly inappropriate because of the effect it could have had on the proceedings taking place inside court of law.

Cut 13 (11) “the jury” 

The judge also rejected the Daughter’s claim that the commission had violated their free speech and equal protection rights during the proceedings. Jackson says the President of the United Daughters of The Confederacy were given an opportunity to speak in front of the commission, and that their organizations rights were never jeopardized.

Cut 14 (10) “not true”

The Daughters claimed that the land the monument was placed on over a century ago was private land reserved for the monument in a Caddo Parish Police Jury meeting, and the parish did not have the right to remove it.

13:30 LRN Newscast July 26th

The US House has passed the National Defense Authorization Act which provides the largest pay raise for troops in nine years. Congressman Ralph Abraham says the pay raises doen’t just help soldiers, but communities that house military bases too
cut 9 (07) “dollars.”
The legislation also contains 295-million dollars to update B-52 bombers, which frequently take off at Barksdale Air force Base. There’s also 12-million dollars for a new entrance to Barksdale, so a nuclear weapons storage facility can be built there.

A federal judge has ruled the Caddo Parish Commission can remove a confedrate monument that stands in front of the parish courthouse. The judge rejected the claims by the Daughters of the Confederacy that said the monument was on private land and their free speach was violated. Commissioner Steven Jackson…
cut 14 (10) “…not ture”
It’s unclear when the statue will be taken down.

The Natchitoches mother arrested in connection with the burning death of her six-month old child faces an additional criminal charge. Twenty-two-year-old Hannah Baker is a now facing a charge of Criminal Conspiracy to go along with the previous charge of Principle to 1st Degree Murder. So far two people have been arrested as the investigation continues.

The new voice of the Saints is making the transition from the playing field to the press box. Kevin Barnhart has more.
voicer 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

11:40 LRN Sportscast July 26th

Training camp is underway for the Saints who have a roster that’s built to make another run into the postseason. But with every year there are question marks. General Manager Mickey Loomis hopes they get some answers before the regular season starts…
cut 30 (20) “…for his injury”
Loomis is talking about defensive end Alex Okafor, who is trying to come back from a torn Achilles tendon.

Former Saints offensive tackle Zach Strief is the new voice of the Saints as he replaces the legendary Jim Henderson. It’s an unusual move for a new play-by-play man for a professional franchise to go from the field to the press box.

Louisiana Tech quarterback J’Mar Smith has been named to the 2018 Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, which goes tot he FBS player that best combines exemplary community service and academic achievement. Smith is coming off a season where he threw nearly three thousand yards last season.

LSU sophomore guard Brandon Rachal announced on Twitter he’s transferring from the basketball program. The former Natchitoches Central star played in 27 games last season and averaged four points and three rebounds a game. Rachal was not available for the team’s two NIT games and Coach Will Wade never explained why.

Pelicans Star Anthony Davis told CBS he was little shocked by DeMarcus Cousins decision to leave New Orleans for Golden State, but A-D says the front office kept him informed throughout the process. Davis says he’s now looking forward to finding out how they can become successful with power forward Julius Randle and point guard Elfrid Payton.

10:30 LRN Newscast July 26th

The mother of an infant that died from severe burns last week in Natchitoches has been charged with principle to 1st Degree Murder. She’s the second person arrested this week and State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the investigation is ongoing…
cut 15 (06) “…this arrest”
The infant’s mother, 22-year-old Hannah Baker, claimed that two people forced their way into her home, maced her and then took the child. Browning says that story turned out to be a lie.

A federal judge has permitted the removal of a confederate monument in Caddo Parish. The monument sits in front of the parish courthouse. The Judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Daughters of the Confederacy, deciding the group had not proved that the statue stood on private land. Caddo Parish Commissioner Steven Jackson says it’s a great step forward
cut 12 (10) “be equal.”
No word on if an appeal has been filed.

Louisiana has been awarded for having the best workforce training program in the nation. Matt Doyle has the story.
voicer 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The LaFourche Parish Sheriff’s office has determined the death of a man found with his arms and legs bound by rope in Bayou Lafourche as a suicide. 69-year-old Terry Angelle’s body was found on Sunday. Detectives believe he used slip knots to tie up his arms and legs. Family and friends also say the Galliano man was battling depression.

8:30 LRN Newscast July 26th

There’s a shocking turn in the case of a 6-month-old Natchitoches baby who died from extensive burns suffered in a barn fire….
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The LaFourche Parish Sheriff’s office has determined the death of a man found with his arms and legs bound by rope in Bayou Lafourche as a suicide. 69-year-old Terry Angelle’s body was pulled to shore on Sunday detectives believe he used slip knots to tie up his arms and legs. Family and friends also say the Galliano man was battling depression.

Republican Attorney General and Senator John Kennedy question whether Governor John Bel Edwards supports capital punishment. Landry has said Edwards could do more to make sure executions happen in Louisiana and Kennedy shared these thoughts with L-R-N….
cut 6 (07) “…just play games”
But the Edwards administration says the lack of available drugs needed to carry out an execution under Louisiana law is keeping the state from executing death row inmates.

The Saints are holding their first practice of training camp this morning. Fans will be allowed to attend practices starting Saturday and New Orleans Chief Operation Officer Ben Hales says if you want to go, you need to get your free tickets by logging on to the Saints website…
cut 11 (06) “…ready for the season”
For the first time in 33 years, Tom Benson is not there to watch the team get ready for an NFL season.

7:30 LRN Newscast July 26th

The mother of a six-month old child burned to death in Natchitoches last week has been charged with one count of principal to first degree murder. Twenty-two-year-old Hannah Baker told investigators two people broke into her home, sprayed her with mace and kidnapped the toddler. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says that’s not what happened and it appears the people involved wanted to end the child’s life…
cut 14 (05) “…first degree murder”
Earlier this week, Felicia Smith was charged with first-degree murder.

Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry has criticized Governor John Bel Edwards for not doing more to make sure death penalty sentences are carried out. Landry and Republican Senator John Kennedy wonder if the governor even supports capital punishment…
cut 5 (10) “…death penalty”
The Edwards administration has said Landry’s suggestions on restrating executions are not doable under Louisiana law.

Louisiana has been awarded for having the best workforce training program in the nation. Matt Doyle has the story.
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The Saints first training camp practice for 2018 is today and the first practice that’s open to the public is Saturday. In order to watch, you need to get your free tickets at the Saints website. Chief Operating Officer Ben Hales says the players enjoy the fans support during these hot practices…
cut 12 (08) “…anywhere in sports.