18:30 LRN Newscast July 12th

Authorities say a pawn shop burglary in Baton Rouge is part of an alleged conspiracy to kill cops. Baton Rouge Police Chief Carl Dabadie says four suspects allegedly robbed a pawn shop late Saturday night to steal guns and ammo. He says a police unit responded to the burglary and took one suspect into custody….
cut 7 (07) “…police officers”
Dabadie says three suspects are in custody, and one of them is 13-years-old. The search is on for the fourth suspect.

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.

The Bossier Parish District Attorney’s office has decided not to file criminal charges in the deaths of Bossier City twins who died inside a hot pickup truck last month. D-A Schuyler Marvin says it was a tragic accident and there was no intent to cause their deaths by the mother who laid down when the kids wandered into the vehicle.

Two teenagers were mugged while playing Pokemon Go at a Shreveport Park. Emelie Gunn has more…
voicer 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

17:30 LRN Newscast July 12th

Authorities say three people have been arrested and a search is underway for a fourth person who were allegedly planning to kill police officers in Baton Rouge. Law enforcement learned of the plot during an investigation of a robbery of a pawn shop, where eight guns were stolen. State Police Colonel Mike Edmonson says one of the suspects confessed they planned to use the stolen weapons to kill officers.

Two Shreveport teenagers were mugged at a park while playing Pokemon Go. According to the mother of one of the victims, she says her son and a friend were approached by two men asking to borrow their cell phone and out of nowhere one of the teens was punched in the face…
CUT 9 (10) “your stuff”
Shreveport Police say two 17-year-olds were arrested and charged with First Degree Robbery and authorities are still searching for two other suspects.

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 the work conducted by this group will be very important to the state..:
CUT 5 (10) “deserves better”
The governor says the task force will present revenue raising recommendations for the legislature to consider in 2017.

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain began a trade mission in Cuba today. Strain says a trade deal with Cuba could result in about 400-million dollars in Louisiana products over the next few years…
cut 8 (10) “….agriculture commodities”
Strain says Governor Edwards plans on visiting Cuba in early October.

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”

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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”

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

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”

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

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.