LRN Newscast 2:30 March 27

Attorney General Jeff Landry will not prosecute two white Baton Rouge police officers in the 2016 shooting of Alton Sterling, a black man…
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Attorney John McLindon represents Officer Salamoni. He says his client is pleased he will not face charges, but no one feels good about what happened…
cut 14 (07) “….he did”
It’s possible Salamoni and fellow officer Howie Lake will be fired by Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul.

A state Senate committee has advanced legislation that sets up rules for the home delivery of factory-sealed beer, wine and hard liquor. Jennings Senator Blade Morrish says his bill is heading to the Senate floor and it gives the state office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control the power to regulate the deliveries of alcohol….
cut 5 (12) “…takes place”
Companies like Waitr would deliver the alcohol beverages purchased from a Louisiana-licensed retailer.

Legislation to allow students to wear backpacks on school that are bulletproof has been approved by a Senate panel. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth says it’s ashame legislation like this is needed…..
cut 20 (10) “…protect myself”
The measure will be discussed next on Senate floor.

LRN PM Newscall March 27

Attorney General Jeff Landry will not prosecute two white Baton Rouge police officers in the 2016 shooting of Alton Sterling, a black man. Jeff Palermo has more..

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Baton Rouge Police Department is set to release additional evidence from the Alton Sterling shooting by the end of the week. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A bill to allow the home delivery of factory sealed alcohol beverages to your front door has passed out of a Senate committee. Bill sponsor, Jennings Senator Blade Morrish says there are already several home delivery companies such as Waitr, operating in larger cities. He says alcohol delivery would fit in well…

Cut 3 (08) “do that.”

Morrish says drivers who would deliver the factory sealed alcohol would be held under the same rules as a bartender…

Cut 4 (13) “years old.”

The legislation contains restrictions, such as who can deliver it and who can order it. Morrish says the law could be adjusted under the oversight of the state office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control…

Cut 5  (12) “takes place.”

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Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has ruled criminal charges are not warranted against two white Baton Rouge police officers who fatally shot a black man during an altercation in front of a convenience store in July of 2016. Landry’s office reviewed the evidence of the Alton Sterling shooting for nearly a year

Cut 6 (11)  “probable cause”

Officers Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake were the called to the scene after receiving reports of a man with a gun. Landry says the justifiable shooting of Sterling came after the 37-year-old failed to cooperate with the police and the encounter happened very quickly…

Cut 7 (09)  “was resisting”

Landry says after the shooting, officers pulled a gun from Sterling’s pocket. He says toxicology reports from the autopsy also showed Sterling was under the influence of illegal drugs, which contributed to his non compliance…

Cut 8 (11) “under Louisiana law”

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The attorney for Sterling family, Chris Stewart, says justice was not served…

Cut 9 (11) “black man”

Stewart says a civil lawsuit has already been filed against the city and the officers and they anticipate the truth will come out

Cut 10 (07) “Baton Rouge, Louisiana”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry’s decision not to charge the two officers who shot Alton Sterling is not the end of the case. The Baton Rouge Police Department will review the incident, and is expected to make a decision on the employment status of Officers Salamoni and Lake by the end of the week. Chief Murphy Paul says the public will have access to much of the same material as investigators.

Cut 11 (12) “the public.”

The fatal shooting of Sterling in July of 2016 sparked several days of protests in the capital city, a large police presence and some major roads had to be closed. Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston-Broome calls on the public to keep future demonstrations lawful.

Cut 12 (09)   “is not”

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Attorney John McLindon represents Officer Salamoni and he says they are not surprised by today’s announcement from Attorney General Jeff Landry…

Cut 13 (10) “in order.”

McLindon says the evidence is clear that this was a justifiable shooting, but no one feels good about what happened…

Cut 14 (07) “he did”

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Sterling’s aunt, Velda Washington, sees the shooting differently than the A-G’s office…

Cut 15 (13) “nothing wrong”

The Sterling family was notified of the A-G’s decision before Landry told the public charges against the officers will not be pursued. Washington says racism played a role in the outcome…

Cut 16  (09)  nobody”

1:30 LRN Newscast March 27

Attorney General Jeff Landry announced no criminal charges against Baton Rouge Police officers Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake in the 2016 shooting death of Alton Sterling. Landry says the shooting was justified as Sterling was not cooperative with the officers and was armed…
cut 8 (11) “…under Louisiana”
But Sterling’s aunt, Velda Washington, sees it differently….
cut 15 (13) “…nothing wrong”
Baton Rouge Police Cheif Murphy Paul says the public will get to see more evidence in the case after they complete their own administrative review…
cut 11 (12) “…the public”

Legislation that would allow you to have a bottle of wine or case or beer delivered to your home has passed out of a Senate committee. Jennings Senator Blade Morrish says drivers who deliver the factory sealed alcohol would be held under the same rules as a bartender….
cut 4 (13) “…years old”
The measure heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

The Senate floor will hear legislation to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.50 an hour by 2020. Business lobbyists say this will lead to higher prices for consumers, but UNO Business Professor Mark Rosa doesn’t see this increase particulary harmful to the state’s economy…
cut 29 (07) “….of years’
The Senate will meet at 4 PM.

12:30 LRN Newscast March 27

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry announced that the two white officers involved in the shooting of Alton Sterling, a black man, will not be charged. Landry says this was a justifiable shooting under Louisiana’s law as the 37-year-old failed to cooperate with the police
cut 7 (09) “…was resisiting”
Landry says Sterling had a gun in his pocket and was under the influence of drugs. Attorney John McLindon represents Officer Blane Salamoni and he says they are not surprised by today’s announcement…
Cut 13 (10) “in order.”
The attorney for Sterling’s family, Chris Stewart, says they will seek some sort of justice through a civil lawsuit already filed….
cut 10 (07) “….Baton Rouge, Louisiana”

A bill to allow the home delivery of factory sealed alcohol beverages to your front door has passed out of a Senate committee. Bill sponsor, Jennings Senator Blade Morrish says there are already several home delivery companies such as Waitr, operating in larger cities. He says alcohol delivery would fit in well…
Cut 3 (08) “do that.”
The measure heads to the Senate, but Morrish admits more work needs to be done to the bill, because it would restrict delivery services with only full-time employees, and companies like Waitr only have part-time staff.

A flash flood watch is in effect for northwest Louisiana until Thursday morning. The National Weather Service is anticipating two to four inches and as much as six inches of rain as a result of a slow moving front.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

21st ranked LSU and UL Lafayette meet tonight at the Shrine on Airline in Metairie for the Wally Pontiff Junior Classic. Freshman right-hander AJ Labas will start for the Tigers, he’s 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA, while the Cajuns counter with left-hander Hogan Harris, who hasn’t pitched since the opening weekend because of an oblique injury in the season opener.

LSU will be without its starting second baseman and leading hitter for the next three to five weeks. Brandt Broussard has a broken thumb. Austin Bain could be your starter at second base for the time being, with Daniel Cabrera playing at first base. Also, shortstop Josh Smith has suffered a minor setback as he tries to come back from a back injury.

In other action, Southeastern Louisiana seeks its sixth straight win over Tulane when the two schools meet in Hammond. Nicholls State is hosting Mississippi State. The Colonels are 8-15 on the year. And Louisiana Tech visits McNeese. The Bulldogs have won 14 of their last 17. McNeese is 19-and-7 on the year.

Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson spoke Monday for the first time since her husband’s death at the NFL Owners meeting in Orlando, Florida. There have been questions on whether or not there will be major changes to the teams. Benson says after visiting the office on a daily basis for the last eight years, she knows the organizations are running like a well oiled machine…
Cut 14 (10) “it is.”
Gayle Benson added that it’s upsetting to read or hear reports she may sell or move the teams. Benson made the comments at the NFL owners meetings. She’s been attending them since she married Tom Benson in 2004.

The Pelicans host Portland tonight at the Smoothie King Center. Nikoa Mirotic and Rajon Rondo are questionable with injuries. Mirotic has a hip flexor, while Rondo has a wrist sprain. Blazers All-Star guard Damian Lillard could also miss the game, because his girlfriend could go into labor.

11:30 LRN Newscast March 27

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has ruled criminal charges are not warranted against two white Baton Rouge police officers who fatally shot a black man during an altercation in front of a convenience store in July of 2016. Landry’s office reviewed the evidence in the Alton Sterling shooting for nearly a year…
cut 6 (11) “…probable cause”
Landry says after the shooting,officers pulled a gun from Alton Sterling’s pocket. He says toxicology reports from the autopsy also showed Sterling was under the influence of illegal drugs. But the attorney for Sterling’s family, Chris Stewart, says justice was not served,….
cut 9 (11) “….black man”
Stewart says a civil lawsuit has already been filed and they are calling for the firing of officers Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake.

A bill to raise the minimum wage is scheduled to be heard on the Senate floor today. Jeff Palermo has more.
Voicer 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

New Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson says she’s committed to continuing her husband’s legacy going and that means keeping the professional franchises in New Orleans…
Cut 15 (10) “…big family”
Gayle Benson added that it’s upsetting to read or hear reports she may sell or move the teams.

10:30 LRN Newscast March 27

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office has declined to pursue charges against the two Baton Rouge officers who were involved in the shooting death of Alton Sterling. Landry says after an extensive review the shooting was justified, based on the facts that Sterling resisted arrest and a handgun in his pocket….
cut 30 (08) “….and correct”
Before announcing the decision to public, Landry met with the family of Sterling. His aunt, Veda Washington, was furious officers Howie Lake and Blane Salamoni will not be criminally charged.

Legislation has been approved by a Senate committee to allow students to bring bulletproof backpacks to school. The only person to testify against the bill was attorney and educator Dadrius Lanus, who says this bill doesn’t make sense….
cut 13 (06) “….bill down”
But none of the senators sitting on the panel objected and the measure heads to the full senate.
A state audit has found the Department of Children and Family Services is doing a better job of not providing food stamp benefits to individuals who are deceased. Matt Doyle has more…
voicer 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Gayle Benson is ready to lead the Saints and Pelicans franchises. She was asked at the NFL owners meetings on whether she can handle firing individuals….
cut 16 (05) “…with that”
Benson says her goal is keeping Tom Benson’s legacy going and that means keeping the teams in New Orleans.

6:45 LRN Sportscast March 27

New Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson says she’s committed to continuing her husband’s legacy going and that means keeping the professional franchises in New Orleans…

Cut 15 (10) “…big family”

Gayle Benson added that it’s upsetting to read or hear reports she may sell or move the teams. Benson made the comments at the NFL owners meetings. She’s been attending them since she married Tom Benson in 2004.

The Pelicans are back home tonight to host the Portland Trail Blazers. New Orleans is fighting for home court in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. The Pels are currently tied for 5th place with San Antonio a half-a-game back of Oklahoma City who is in 4th place. San Antonio is at Washington tonight. The Thunder are off. And tip-off in the Smoothie King Center is at 7 PM.

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The injury bug has bitten another LSU baseball player. Second baseman Brandt Broussard will miss the next three to five weeks with a broken thumb. He sustained the injury during an at-bat in the series in Vanderbilt. Broussard was hit by a pitch, but the ump ruled it was a foul ball.

The Tigers already without starting shortstop Josh Smith, who is trying to work his way back from a back injury. But Coach Paul Mainieri says Smith suffered a little bit of set back last week. Hal Hughes will continue to man shortstop, but Austin Bain or Jake Slaughter are options at second base.

Tonight, LSU will play the Ragin Cajuns in the annual Wally Pontiff Junior Classic at the Shrine on Airline in Metairie. Left-hander Hogan Harris will start for UL Lafayette. He hasn’t pitched since sustaining an oblique injury in the season opener against Texas.

In other action tonight, Nicholls hosts Mississippi State as the Colonels are coming off a series victory over McNeese. Louisiana Tech is at McNeese. The Bulldogs have won 14 of their last 17. And ULM hosts UNO, while Tulane faces Southeastern Louisiana in Hammond. Northwestern State is at Lamar.

6:30 LRN Newscast ###Corrected to reflect Sterling decision possibly tomorrow###

Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson spoke for the first time since her husband’s death and funeral at the NFL Owners meeting this week in Orlando, Florida.   There have been questions on whether or not there will be major changes to the teams. Benson says she knows the organizations are running like a well oiled machine…

Cut 14 (10) “it is.”

The Louisiana Attorney General’s office is expected to announce its results in the  Alton Sterling investigation tomorrow. The state A-G’s office has investigated for nearly a year on whether two white Baton Rouge police officers should face charges in the 2016 shooting of Sterling, who is black. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says it’s not known, if Landry presented evidence to a grand jury..

Cut 17 (10) “grand jury”

Louisiana’s unemployment rate for February was 4.5 percent, an over-the-year decline of over one-percent. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Two people are dead after being hit while riding a motorcycle at two o’clock this morning. The accident occurred when a 14-year-old juvenile was driving a vehicle in the wrong lane on La 74 in Ascension Parish is facing charges. He was moderately injured and taken to a local hospital. Alcohol is not suspected in the wreck. Trooper Bryan Lee says it was a terrible wreck was.

Cut 5  (06) “head on”.

4:45 LRN Sportscast March 26

New Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson spoke for the first time today since her husband’s death. Benson says she doesn’t plan on changing much and is ready for the challenge…
cut 30 (11) “…his legacy”
And Gayle Benson says she would never sell the teams and there are no plans to re-locate them.

A former Saints cheerleader has filed a discrimination complaint because she believes the team’s policies discriminate against the cheerleaders employed by the team. Bailey Davis’ complaint states the team has a set of rules for cheerleaders, but the same rules don’t apply for the football players. Davis was reportedly fired for posting a photo of herself on her private instagram account in Saints gear and the team says that violates their rules.

Could former LSU standout Odell Beckham get traded out of New York. The NFL Network reports the Giants wide receiver will not set foot on the football field this year, unless he receives a contract extension. He’s set to enter the final year of his rookie contract. Beckham has indicated he would like to be the highest paid player in the NFL.