Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

07.08.19
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LRN PM Newscall July 8

The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s office is working a “cold” case after a Belle Rose man attempts to gain social media infamy with a grocery store prank.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Governor Edwards drops his first re-election TV and online ad of the gubernatorial campaign, with a familiar foe front and center…

 cut  2 (29) I’m Matt Doyle”  

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A Belle Rose man is in the slammer after going to a grocery store, filming himself opening a Blue Bell ice cream container, licking the contents, sticking his fingers in the container, then returning it to the store freezer.  36-year-old Lenise Lloyd Martin III is accused of pulling the stunt.  Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office Commander Lonny Cavalier says it’s a prank that is not taken lightly.

Cut 3 (07) “…that does that.”

The stunt is similar to another video that recently gained viral infamy.  Martin posted the video to social media after leaving the store.  Cavalier says Martin produced a receipt showing he later purchased an identical package.

Cut 4 (10) “…of gaining notoriety”

Martin has been arrested for the unlawful posting of criminal activity for notoriety.  But Cavalier says his legal issues do not end there.

Cut 5 (09) “…owner of it.”

Martin was booked into the parish prison on Saturday and will remain there until a bond is set.

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The National Hurricane Center says there is a high probability a tropical depression will form by the end of the week over the northern Gulf of Mexico, which has the potential to produce heavy rain over Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says an area of low pressure is expected to move into the northeastern Gulf of Mexico

Cut 6 (12) “…Gulf coast”

Keim says eight to ten inches of rain could fall across the northern Gulf Coast later this week. He says this system has some similarities to the historic 2016 south Louisiana flood…

Cut 7 (11) “…right now”

Keim says as long as this possible tropical depression or storm doesn’t develop into anything too significant, the potential rainmaker could be beneficial to Louisiana…

Cut 8 (10) “…hot”

The state has activated its crisis action team due to the tropical threat.

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Governor Edwards has released his first TV re-election ad of the gubernatorial campaign. The ad emphasizes Louisiana’s recovery from the Jindal deficits under Edwards’ leadership.

Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s a familiar line for Edwards, but it has a weakness…

Cut 9 (09) “surplus.”

Edwards passed a one cent sales tax increase after taking office. That sales tax increase was reduced to .45 of a penny in the 2018 session.

Pinsonat says the ad shows the Edwards campaign is trying to leverage budget stability for higher Ed and healthcare to counter attacks from his Republican opponents over a broken promise…

Cut 10 (09) “…Louisiana”

Edwards is running against Republicans Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone and Congressman Ralph Abraham.

Pinsonat says the reported seven figure ad buy will likely appeal to Edwards base, but he’s got a long way to go to convince the state’s more conservative voters…

Cut 11 (12) “…state.”

The primary is set for October 12th, with a run-off scheduled for November 16th if none of the candidates win over 50 percent of the vote.

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Restore Louisiana is sending out the first round of checks to 2016 flood victims, previously denied government aid because they were approved for an SBA loan. Executive Director of the Louisiana Office of Community Development Pat Forbes says 230 homeowners will receive grant money this week and many others received notification today about eligibility

Cut 12 (11) “…your grant.”

Forbes says, unfortunately, flood victims who received money through an S-B-A loan will have to wait at least another three months, so will those who drew down an S-B-A loan and their household is above 120-percent of the area median income…

Cut 13 (10) “…action plan.”

The continued delay for some homeowners caught up in the duplication of benefits issue is because the state needs to get their action plan approved by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development

Cut 14 (11) “…comment period.”

07.08.19
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1:30 LRN Newscast

A funeral service is set to begin in Lafayette for Ragin Cajuns baseball coach Tony Robichaux. Coach Robe died last week after suffering a heart attack. Hundreds of mourners from around the region have come to the Hub City to pay their last respects.

The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s office is working a “cold” case after a Belle Rose man attempts to gain social media infamy with a grocery store prank. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
Restore Louisiana is sending out the first round of checks to 2016 flood victims, previously denied government aid because they were approved for an SBA loan. Executive Director of the Louisiana Office of Community Development Pat Forbes says 230 homeowners will receive the grant money this week and many other families received notification today they are eligible for this money too…
cut 12 (11) “..your grant”
But Forbes says flood victims who actually received money through an S-B-A loan will have to wait at least another three months so that the federal government can approve Action Plan Amendment submitted by the state.

The National Hurricane Center says a tropical system is likely to form in the northern Gulf of Mexico this week and it could impact Louisiana with several inches of rain. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a small rainmaker would be beneficial…
Cut 8 (10) “…hot”

07.08.19
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11:40 LRN Sportscast July 8

The funeral for beloved Ragin Cajuns baseball coach Tony Robichaux is this afternoon at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Lafayette. Robichaux died last week at the age of 57 following a heart attack. He’s described as a man of faith and a leader for young men. Coach Robe told his players not to let baseball be their identity
Cut 16 (20) “…be treated”
Hundreds of mourners paid their final respects yesterday for a public viewing of the casket at the Cajundome.

Sunday was a huge moment for women’s athletics as the U-S Soccer team won its record fourth Women’s World Cup Title and second straight with a two to nothing win over the Netherlands. Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle scored the two goals.

Sean Ochinko is out as LSU’s hitting coach and volunteer assistant. Tiger Rag-dot-com’s James Moran says Tulane recruiting coordinator Eddie Smith will replace Ochinko. Smith played for Mainieri at Notre Dame and he was previously an assistant at Virginia and a successful junior college coach in Washington.

Former Ragin Cajun Jonathan Lucroy was carted off the field yesterday after he was involved in a vicious collision at home plate with the Astros Jake Marisnick, who was trying to score from third base on a sacrifice fly. Lucroy was laid out on the play and suffered a possible concussion and nose fracture. Houston won the game 11 to 10 in 10 innings.

Former LSU pitcher Aaron Nola allowed three hits in 6.2 innings as the Phillies defeated the Mets eight to three. Nola improved his record to 8-and-2 on the year and his ERA over his last four starts is 0.61.

The Pelicans Summer League team will face the Bulls at 8:30 tonight. No Zion Williamson as the number one pick is being held out with a bad bruise on his knee.

07.08.19
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9:30 LRN Newscast July 8

The National Hurricane Center says there is a high probability that a tropical depression will form by the end of the week over the northern Gulf of Mexico. The system has the potential to produce heavy rainfall along portions of the northern and eastern U-S Gulf Coast later this week.

A new law sponsored by Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue results in rescue shelters facing new restrictions when it comes to animals and research facilities. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

This year’s budget calls for the state to use 25-million dollars in unclaimed property to help pay for general operating expenses. It’s something the Louisiana legislature has done for years, but State Treasurer John Schroder says he wants to stop that practice, because that money doesn’t belong to the state and they are getting better at returning the lost money to the rightful owners…
cut 9 (09) “…fiscal year”
But the governor’s office says the 25-million dollars is needed for critical needs throughout the state.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe is co-hosting a rural economic development summit at the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville today and tomorrow. Tribe chairman Marshall Pierite says the goal is to help rural residents develop an entrepreneurial mindset…
cut 11 (08) “….foster economic development”
Congressman Ralph Abraham will address attendees at a luncheon today.

07.08.19
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8:30 LRN Newscast July 8

The trial begins today for Matthew Naquin. He’s the former LSU student charged with negligent homicide in the 2017 hazing death of Phi Delta Theta pledge Max Gruver. Legal analyst Tim Meche says Baton Rouge Judge Beau Higginbotham will try to keep the proceedings focused…
cut 14 (10) “….Gruver”
The trial is expected to take over a week.

A law recently signed by Governor Edwards brings new restrictions to rescue shelters on how and when they can pass along animals to research facilities. Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue says if an animal goes to a research facility, the law increases the likelihood of an animal finding a good home.
Cut 4 (07) “…for those animals.”
Shelters will no longer be able to euthanize animals for the sole purpose of research.

State Treasurer John Schroder says he’s no longer allowing the state to take 25-million dollars from the unclaimed property account to spend on general operating expenses. It’s a practice that’s been done for years, but Schroder says the unclaimed property account is money that comes from personal sources such as inheritances, life insurance and more…
cut 8 (12) “…certificates”
Schroder says if the state wants that money, they’ll have to take him to court. The governor’s office hopes it doesn’t come to that.

Governor Edwards has launched his first TV ad for the re-election campaign. It focuses on the governor’s handling of the budget. Edwards is currently on a statewide re-election tour and has a rally today in New Orleans.

In Lafayette, funeral services will get underway at 2 PM for Ragin Cajuns baseball coach Tony Robichaux who died last week following a heart attack.

07.08.19
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7:30 LRN Newscast July 8

Jury selection gets underway today in Baton Rouge for Matthew Naquin’s negligent homicide trial. The former LSU student and ex Phi Delta Theta member faces a felony charge in the 2017 death of fraternity pledge Max Gruver, who died of alcohol poisoning. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the testimony of other fraternity members is crucial…
cut 15 (10) “…Mr. Gruver”
The other Phi Delta Theta members charged in the incident were hit with misdemeanor charges.

State Treasurer John Schroder is blocking the state from using 25 million dollars in unclaimed property in this fiscal year’s budget. Schroder says the Legislature has appropriated 850 million dollars of unclaimed property funds over the decades, but after doing some research, he doesn’t think the move is legal…
cut 7 (10) “…it”
A spokesperson for the governor says they hope legal action is not needed to spend the money.

A new will go into effect August 1st that says rescue shelters are banned from taking in a stray or unwanted animal solely to euthanize for research facilities. The measure also puts new restrictions in place when it comes to shelters giving live animals to research facilities. Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue says violators of the new law face a one-thousand dollar fine…
cut 6 (09) “…with the law”
PETA pushed for the law after there were allegations the LSU Vet school violated the federal Animal Welfare Act after buying dogs from a Baton Rouge shelter.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana presents the first Louisiana Rural Economic Development Summit this week in Marksville at the Paragon Casino Resort. Tribe Chairman Marshall Pierite says the summit’s goal is to connect rural communities with local, state, and national leaders…
Cut 10 (12) “…to be successful.”
Governor Edwards will address attendees tomorrow and Congressman Ralph Abraham is the keynote speaker at today’s luncheon.

07.08.19
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6:45 LRN Sportscast July 8

Longtime U-L Lafayette baseball coach Tony Robichaux will be laid to rest in Crowley today after a funeral service that will begin at 2 PM at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Lafayette. Robichaux was known for his Robeisms, which were his unique motivational sayings. He once said you can’t sharpen a knife with a Kleenex, he also once said that he wants players who drink out of a water hose and not guys who need mommy to bring them Gatorade in the third inning. Here’s one talking about the heat of a baseball schedule
cut 17 (21) “melting point”
There will also be a visitation period from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Our Lady of the Fatima Catholic Church.

The three-team Anthony Davis trade was officially completed over the weekend. In a statement, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffen says A-D’s impact on the Pels franchise and Gulf South region over the past seven seasons was profound. In that trade, New Orleans acquired Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, and Brandon Ingram, plus multiple draft picks.

The Pelicans play their third Summer League game tonight when they take on the Bulls at 8:30 PM. Zion Williamson played in the summer league opener but bruised his knee and he will not play in another summer league game. Former LSU Tiger Kavell Bigby-Williams has played well for the Pels, with back-to-back double-doubles, including a 14-point, 14-rebound performance against Washington on Saturday.

Tiger-Rag-dot-com reports LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri is making changes with his coaching staff. Volunteer assistant and hitting coach Sean Ochinko will not return after two seasons and replacing him will be Tulane recruiting coordinator Eddie Smith.

07.08.19
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6:30 LRN Newscast July 8

The trial of former LSU fraternity member Matthew Naquin, who was charged with negligent homicide in the alleged hazing death of Max Gruver in 2017, begins today. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the proceedings will likely be difficult to watch for both families as the prosecution and defense take turns tearing down both Gruver and Naquin’s character…
Cut 13 (11) “…in general.”
A six-person jury chosen in East Baton Rouge Parish will decide Naquin’s fate and the trial is expected to last over a week.

A new law will go into effect August 1st that prohibits shelters from taking in a stray or unwanted animal solely to euthanize them for research facilities…
cut 5 (07) “…also the shelters”
That’s Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue who is the author of the new law. Violators of the new law face a one-thousand dollar fine.

The state treasurer is blocking 25 million in unclaimed property funds from being used in this year’s budget…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program will begin issuing checks to 2016 flood victims today who have been previously denied this government assistance. The first disbursement of grant funds will go to about 230 homeowners who were approved for an SBA loan but declined or canceled the loan in its entirety.

07.06.19
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7:30 LRN Sportscast

Zion Williamson’s Pelicans debut was cut short, first by a minor knee injury and then a earthquake. A 6.9 earthquake about 150 miles northeast of Los Angeles was felt in Las Vegas where the NBA Summer League is being held. During the fourth quarter of the Pelicans-Knicks Summer League Game, the Thomas and Mack Arena scoreboard and speakers above the court began swaying back and forth. The game was halted with New Orleans leading New York 80-74. After a delay, it was decided to postpone the game.

Williamson’s night was over before the earthquake hit. His knee made contact with another player’s knee and he was held out of the second half as a precaution, finishing with 11 points and 3 rebounds. The injury is not considered serious. Zion’s best moment occurred when he ripped the ball away from a Knicks player and then dunked it. Williamson made four field goals and all of them were dunks. He was also three for six from the free throw line. Frank Jackson had 30 points, as he had five three-pointers.

The Pelicans are scheduled to play again tonight against the Washington Wizards.

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UL-Lafayette Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux (Robe-uh-show), who died Wednesday at the age of 57 following multiple surgeries in the wake of a heart attack on June 23rd, will be laid to rest Monday in a service scheduled at 2PM at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Visitation will take place tomorrow from 3-9 PM at the Cajundome Convention Center, with an additional visitation taking place Monday at 10am. Robichaux will be buried in Crowley.

Former LSU Tiger Alex Bregman will compete in Monday’s Major League Baseball Home Run Derby. Bregman will face the Dodgers Joc Pederson in the first round at Progressive Field in Cleveland. Bregman lost in the first round of last year’s Home Run Derby and he has 23 round trippers this season.

Last night in the Major League Baseball…the Angels defeated the Astros five to four. Justin Verlander suffered the loss to fall to 10-and-4 on the season. The Angels hit four home runs on the night. The Yankees beat the Rays 8-4 in 11 innings as Aaron Judge swatted two home runs.

Tomorrow morning, the U-S Women’s soccer team will seek its fourth Women’s Soccer World Cup as the United States will face Netherlands.

07.05.19
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11:40 LRN Sportscast July 5

Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans make their summer league debut tonight as they take on the New York Knicks. Williamson will face his former teammate at Duke, RJ Barrett, who was drafted by the Knicks. The game will tip off at 8:30 on ESPN.

Former LSU Tiger Naz Reid is also in action today as his Minnesota Timberwolves take on Cleveland. Tomorrow, its Tremont Waters and the Boston Celtics facing the Philadelphia 76ers.

Terrebonne High star football player Ja’Khi Douglas used the Fourth of July to announce he has verbally committed to Florida State. Douglas is listed as a four-star athlete by 24-7 sports. He’s five-foot-10 185 pounds and played a variety of positions for Terrebonne last season, including quarterback, running back and receiver. Douglas also received offers from LSU, Alabama, Florida and Georgia.

In the latest 24-7 recruiting rankings for 2020, LSU remains ranked third behind Clemson and Alabama.

UL-Lafayette Baseball Coach Tony Robichaux, who died Wednesday at the age of 57 following multiple surgeries in the wake of a heart attack on June 23rd, will be laid to rest Monday in a service scheduled at 2PM at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Visitation will take place Sunday from 3-9 PM at the Cajundome Convention Center, with an additional visitation taking place Monday at 10am. Robichaux will be buried in Crowley.

Former LSU star DJ LeMahieu had one hit yesterday, but it was a big one for the New York Yankees. LeMahieu’s single to left field in the 10th inning snapped a three-three tie as the Yankees went on to beat Tampa Bay eight to four. New York has won nine out of its last ten.

Former LSU Tiger Alex Bregman will compete in Monday’s Major League Baseball Home Run Derby. Bregman will face the Dodgers Joc Pederson in the first round at Progressive Field in Cleveland. Bregman lost in the first round of last year’s Home Run Derby and he has 23 round trippers this season.