Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

08.22.18
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LRN PM Newscall August 22nd

Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux calls on the Lafayette Public Library to either cancel or move a Drag Queen Story Time event scheduled for October. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Next time you’re in the Fillmore Gardens neighborhood in New Orleans, take a side trip to a new Katrina museum that’s open to the public as long as it’s light out. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The Louisiana Nation Guard’s 139th Regional Support Group are back in Louisiana today after an extended stay in Iraq. 84 troops, 60 of those from the New Orleans area, and the rest from Alexandria, returned from a deployment that began in December. Sergeant First Class Denny Ricou says the 139th was re-united with family and friends.

 

Cut 3 (09) “…with excitment”

The guard worked at Taji and Al Asad in Iraq, and Erbil Air Base in Iraqi Kurdistan. Ricou says they were there as part of the fight against the Islamic State.

Cut 4 (10) “…the base.”

ISIL has lost 98 percent of the territory it control at its peak in 2015.

Ricou says while overseas, the Support Group played a role in some highly technical work to keep the bases up to date with the newest hardware.

Cut 5 (11)  “…communication system” 

 

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Lafayette-Mayor President Joel Robideaux believes the Lafayette public library should cancel an event called Drag Queen Story Time. The library’s newsletter says the October 6th event will be an afternoon of books, songs and activities led by drag queens. At last night’s Lafayette City-Parish Council meeting, Reverend Dale Hoffpauir was the only who spoke to support Mayor Robideaux’s idea…

Cut 6 (10) “to you”

Mayor Robideaux said in a statement he’s not sure how the event was approved and any programming at the library should be both appropriate and serve the need of Lafayette Parish. Several appeared at last night’s city-parish council meeting to support the event, high school teacher Caleb Powell says it’s very important that children are read to at a young age…

Cut 7 (09) “no matter what”

The Delta Lambda Phi fraternity proposed the idea to read to children in drag at the main branch of the Lafayette Public Library. The event has created a lot of backlash on Facebook, which upsets resident William Tillie, who believes Drag Queen readers can help teach tolerance at a young age…

Cut 8 (10) “…teach tolerance.”

But the director of the library says there are no plans to cancel the event.

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A Baton Rouge Rouses’ employee whose act of kindness toward an autistic teen became a viral video, now has a new set of wheels.  Jordan Taylor already received six-figures for his college education and is enrolled at Grambling State, so he did not attend the presentation of the car from Neighbors Federal Credit Union.  His mother, Teresa Taylor, was on hand to express the family’s gratitude.

Cut 9 (08) “…he was going to do it.”

Taylor says the act of kindness of her son was a great showcase of his character.

Cut 10 (10) “…appreciative of it.”

Congressman Garrett Graves appeared at the event, and said it’s great to see positivity in the state get the spotlight.

Cut 11 (11) “…that we are.”

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A Katrina Museum is open to the public today after a morning ceremony christened the exhibit showcasing the extensive damage many homes suffered after the levees broke in New Orleans. For the first two weeks, a room will be furnished to look like a normal living room, but after that, Levees.org Founder Sandy Rosenthal says it’ll be put through he ringer to get that authentic post Katrina look and feel.

Cut 12 (12)   “home too.”

The site is located 400 feet from one of the major canal breaches that inundated the city.

Rosenthal says The Flooded House Museum is one of the last houses left standing that was not gutted after flooding in August of 2005. Arriving home to a decimated domicile is a memory that’s been seared into the minds of most New Orleanians who were old enough to remember, but Rosenthal says a new generation of Crescent City kids just don’t know what it was like.

Cut 13 (10) “…the country.”

The formerly flooded house was purchased in 2016 by Leeves.org.

Rosenthal says the museum is a testament to the people who rebuilt one of the oldest, and most well-loved cities in the country.

Cut 14 (10) “…New Orleanians.”

The diorama is open to the public every day as long as there is light enough to see inside the windows.

08.22.18
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8:30 LRN Newscast August 22nd

US Senator Bill Cassidy is back from a visit to Mexico City, where he met with Mexican Under Secretary of Foregin Trade Juan Carlos Baker to discuss ongoing negotiations over NAFTA….
cut 5 (11) “….to Mexico”
Cassidy says he also spoke with Mexican government officials about the impacts of illegal immigration and the need for greater security.

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry say over 40 legislators scored a 90-percent or higher on their annual legislative scorecard. LABI President Stephen Waguespack says important legislation was approved this year that will help the public keep track of government spending and a step was taken to reduce government regulations..
cut 14 (08) “…in this report”

Lafayette-Mayor President Joel Robideaux is asking that the Lafayette public library cancel an event called Drag Queen Story Time, which is scheduled for Saturday October 6th. The library’s newsletter says the event will be an afternoon of books, songs and activities led by drag queens. But the director of the library says there are no plans to cancel the event.

Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters will be in Lafayette today to begin a series of community conversations with the public…
voicer 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart

08.22.18
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7:30 LRN Newscast August 22nd

US Senator Bill Cassidy is back from a trip to Central America. Cassidy says he talked about drug trafficking with government officials from Mexico, and both countries agree a new tactic is needed to fight the cartels.
Cut 4 (11) “…a wall.”

Governor John Bel Edwards will be in Lafayette today to discuss the state’s economy with business leaders.

Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Market Garner Walters also visits the Hub City for a conversation with the community. It will take place at 2 PM at Immaculate Heart of Mary. Walters says she wants to discuss the new law that extends foster care in some cases to the age of 21….
cut 12 (11) “….this journey together”

We’ve learned why starting guard Ed Ingram has been suspended from the LSU football team. He has been charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault in Dallas County. Ingram was booked on August 2nd, one day before the team reported for training camp. Three LSU players have been suspended because of arrests in the last two weeks.

Tokyo Drifting, brandishing firearms and DWIs don’t mix well. Connor Ferrill has more…
cut 2 (32) “…I’m Connor Ferrill”

08.22.18
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints are out in Costa Mesa, California, today, where they’ll hold a joint training camp practice with the Los Angeles Chargers. Head Coach Sean Payton says both teams are looking to get a lot of the experience…
cut 30 (13) “…really good”
The Saints and Chargers will also practice against each other tomorrow and then meet up for a preseason game on Saturday night in Carson, California.

The Advocate Reports that LSU will not allow recently departed quarterback Justin McMillan to transfer to another SEC school or a school that LSU will play this season or next year. McMillan was reportedly under the assumption he could transfer to any school as a graduate transfer. But the NCAA’s new transfer rule that prevents schools from blocking student-athletes from transferring to a certain school doesn’t go into effect until October 15th.

Grambling State wants to add alcohol sales to home football and basketball games. The university is seeking a permit through the state Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. President Rick Gallot told the News Star that fans have requested the opportunity to buy alcohol when watching games at the Hole and the Fredrick Hobdy Assembly Center.

Louisiana Tech has one less quarterback on its roster. Redshirt freshman Elijah Walker has announced he’s transferring, leaving the school with three scholarship quarterbacks.

We’ve learned why starting guard Ed Ingram has been suspended from the football team. Ingram has been charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault in Dallas County. Ingram was booked on August 2nd, one day before the team reported for training camp. Three LSU players have been suspended because of arrests in the last two weeks.

Former LSU star Kevin Gausman pitched eight solid innings as the Altanta Braves defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates six to one last night. Atlanta’s lead over Philadelphia in the National League East is a game and a half.

08.22.18
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6:30 LrN Newscast

Senator Bill Cassidy says a recent trip to a major Louisiana trade partner smoothed relations…
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says over 40 lawmakers scored a 90-percent or higher on their 2018 legislative report card. LABI’s Steven Waguespack on what led to the positive scores…
cut 15 (10) “…died this session”

Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters will hold a community conversation at Two PM at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Lafayette. Walters says they want to inform the public about D-C-F-S’ efforts to revolutionize foster care, which has led to a record setting number of adoptions and how the state has improved the allocation of disaster food assistance and sheltering in times of natural disasters
cut 11 (11) “…an awful lot”
A similar meeting will take place tomorrow in Lake Charles at 2 PM at the Civic Center.

08.14.18
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LRN PM Newscall August 14

The courts are allowing evidence of alleged past hazing behavior into the trial of two of the former LSU student’s who authorities say participated in Maxwell Gruver’s death. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana Micky D’s are getting a new, high tech look as part of the company’s 114 million dollar upgrade to state restaurants. Connor Ferrill has more

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Connor Ferrill”  

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A judge will allow evidence of previous hazing behavior in the trial of two former LSU students, Sean-Paul Gott and Ryan Isto, who were some of those allegedly responsible for Maxwell Gruver’s hazing death. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says its powerful evidence that could sway a jury, but says using that kind of evidence could backfire.

Cut 3 (11) “that evidence”

22-year-old Gott and 19-year-old Isto have been charged with misdemeanor hazing. Another former student, 21-year-old Andrew Forde is also facing hazing charges, with a fourth, 20-year-old Matthew Naquin, facing charges of Negligent Homicide.

Meche says while the evidence could be damning come court time, it could be used by a skillful defense attorney to get an upper hand in jury selection.

Cut 4 (11) “previously”

At the moment the two’s trial is set for December 4th, but Meche says don’t hold your breath because further revelations like these could end up pushing that further back.

Cut 5 (11)  “the trial 

Court papers revealed yesterday have revealed that two students were allegedly involved in a similar incident September 6th that left another pledge violently ill. Gruver died September 14th.

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McDonalds is pumping 114 million dollars into 200 Louisiana restaurants to overhaul everything from the exterior of the building to how you order your food. It’s part of a 6 billion dollar national facelift for one of the biggest food chains on earth. McDonalds Vice President of US Restaurant Development Rob Lancaster says that’s a lot of changes for the iconic chain.

 

Cut 6 (10) “to order.”

The overhaul includes new digital video screens in the drive thrus, as well as designated parking areas for customers who order online pickups.

McDonalds is going all in on online ordering as part of the revamp. Customers can now order a Micky D’s delivery using the Uber Eats service, and download an app that lets them place an early order ahead of time to skip the lunch time long lines. Lancaster says it’s easy to use and should get you in and out fast.

Cut 7 (07) “few minutes.”

But Lancaster says just because the exterior is going to look a lot different, doesn’t mean their touching the classics.

Cut 8 (10) “to change.”

Lancaster estimates most of the upgrades should be completed by the end of 2019.

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According to a new study by the American Federation of Teachers, Louisiana spends more than one billion dollars less on education, when adjusted for inflation, now than it did prior to the recession of 2008.  Louisiana Federation of Teachers spokesman Les Landon says it’s time to pay attention to the education in the state.

Cut 9 (09)  “…colleges and universities.”

If the state wanted to keep even with the level of spending in 2008, it would need to invest $834 million in colleges and universities, and $248 million in K through 12 education.

Landon cites the reasoning behind the billion dollar figure as the state not keeping up with inflation, as well as the budget cuts in education over the last ten years.

Cut 10 (09) “…over the last decade.”

Landon says if education is going to be the cornerstone of Louisiana’s future, it’s time to pony up.

Cut 11 (09) “…for a better future.”
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A 72-year-old New Orleans woman has been arrested for an August 8th hit and run incident on the interstate on ramp in Jefferson Parish. Elva Lafaye has been charged with felony Hit and Run in relation to the incident where authorities say she hit a man, and then sped away from the scene. State Police Spokesperson Melissa Matey says the public was key in making the arrest.


Cut 12 (07)   “get it”

It took five days to track down Lafaye with public tips and coverage of the crime. Matey says it’s a good reminder about how important public tips can be in solving tough to crack crimes.

Cut 13 (10) “this vehicle”

25-year-old Gordon Poydras died from his injures on Friday.

08.14.18
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14:30 LRN newscast August 14

Louisiana Micky D’s are getting a new, high tech look as part of the company’s 114 million dollar upgrade to state restaurants. Connor Ferrill has more
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

Governor John Bel Edwards was in Livingston Parish today. Two years ago, much of that parish was under water from the 2016 flood. Edwards was there to celebrate the parish’s recovery and how FEMA has agreed to rebuild two schools that were substantially damaged.

A 72-year-old New Orleans woman has been arrested for an August 8th hit and run incident on the interstate onramp in Jefferson Parish. Elva Lafaye has been charged with felony Hit and Run in relation to the incident where authorities say she hit a man, and then sped away from the scene. State Police Spokesperson Melissa Matey says the public was the key in making the arrest.
Cut 12 (07) “get it”
25-year-old Gordon Poydras died from his injures on Friday.

A judge will allow evidence of previous hazing behavior in the trial of two former LSU students, Sean-Paul Gott and Ryan Isto, who were some of those allegedly responsible for Maxwell Gruver’s hazing death. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says its powerful evidence that could sway a jury, but says using that kind of evidence could also backfire.
Cut 3 (11) “that evidence”
A trial date has been set for December 4th.

08.14.18
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13:30 LRN Newscast August 14

According to a new study by the American Federation of Teachers, Louisiana spends over one billion dollars less on education, when adjusted for inflation, than it did prior to the recession of 2008. Louisiana Federation of Teachers spokesman Les Landon says it’s time to pay attention to education funding
Cut 9 (09) “…colleges and universities.”
If the state wanted to keep even with the level of spending in 2008, it would need to invest $834 million in colleges and universities, and $248 million in K through 12 education.

A trial date of December fourth has been set for two of the former LSU students charged with hazing in the alleged drinking death of 18-year-old Maxwell Gruver. Legal analyst Tim Meche says that date might not hold…
cut 5 (11) “…the trial”
According to court records, prosecutors have learned Sean-Paul Gott and Ryan Matthew Isto were involved another suspected hazing incident days before Gruver’s seath.

A GoFundMe drive supporting a St. Mary Parish man who’s pregnant wife and one-year-old child were killed by a suspected drunk driver has passed the half way point. Matt Doyle.
Voicer 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

In Bossier Parish, a man and a woman have been arrested after they allegedly forced a 13-year-old girl to smoke met in a hotel room. Authorities say 27-year-old Bryan Smiley of Haughton also had sex with the teenage victim. 42-year-old Shelly Carey of Bossier City has also been charged with third degree rape.

08.14.18
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11:40 LRN Sportscast August 14th

LSU’s defense had its way in the first scrimmage of fall camp and that unit led by defensive coordinator Dave Aranda should be really good. Senior safety John Battle says Aranda’s playbook is even more expansive this year…
cut 30 (18) “…for us”

The Saints get a day off from camp today. They’ll be back at it tomorrow as they continue to get ready for the second preseason game of the year, Friday night at home against Arizona.

The SWAC has named Texas Southern athletic director Charles McClelland as its new commissioner. McClellland has been the A-D at Texas Southern since 2008, before that he led the Prairie View athletic department, his alma mater.

The LHSAA is reportedly investigating Brother Martin High School in New Orleans for alleged recruiting violations involving students who live on the northshore. There’s no timetable on when the investigation will be concluded.

Nicholls State is ranked 17th in the FCS coaches poll. McNeese is 18th. Defending national champion North Dakota State is atop the poll as they received 23 of 26 first place votes.

The Louisiana Tech men’s basketball team won the second of their two exhibition games in Costa Rica last night. The Bulldogs grinded out a 74-62 win over San Ramon ARBA. Sophomore guard Amorie Archibald had 14 points, along with six rebounds.

And if you think Tiger Woods isn’t good for professional golf, TV Ratings for the PGA championship were up 69-percent over last year as Woods shot a 64 on Sunday to finish in second place.

08.14.18
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11:30 LRN Newscast

A state judge will allow evidence of alleged past hazing behavior into the trial of two of the former LSU students who authorities say participated in Maxwell Gruver’s suspected hazing death. Jeff Palermo has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

In Lafayette, 27-year-old Carlos Guzman-Sanchez is facing kidnapping charges after deputies learned he allegedly held two men captive inside a home for a week. The victims were allegedly bounded by the wrist with chain and secured with a padlock. One of the victims escaped and alerted authorities.

McDonalds is pumping 114 million dollars into 200 Louisiana restaurants to overhaul everything from the exterior of the building to how you order your food. It’s part of a 6 billion dollar national facelift for one of the biggest food chains on earth. McDonalds Vice President of US Restaurant Development Rob Lancaster.
Cut 6 (10) “to order.”
Lancaster estimates most of the upgrades should be completed by the end of 2019.

A GoFundMe drive is underway for a St. Mary Parish man who lost his pregnant wife and one-year-old child to a suspected drunk driver. Chris Sintiere is the grieving father and husband.
Cut 10 (08) “the hospital“
Three of Sintiere’s children suffered serious injuries from the wreck that happened last Tuesday. 25-year-old Dylan LeBlanc of Youngsville is in jail on several charges.