Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

07.31.15
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LRN Newscast 17:30 July 31

Three suspended LSU football players accused of a break-in have seen their charges dropped. The East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s office says they will not pursue formal charges against Anthony Jennings, Dwayne Thomas and Maquedius Bain. The D-A’s office says the decision is based on the request of the victim not to file charges and inconsistent and contradictory statements provided. LSU says the players have been reinstated to the team.

So called “revenge porn” is outlawed in Louisiana as of Saturday when over 260 new laws hit the books. Kenner Representative Julie Stokes says nobody should post private explicit pictures of people without their permission and this measure sends a powerful message…:
CUT 4 (11) “line somewhere”
Violators could face up to two years in prison.

A new report by AAA and Columbia University finds older adults who stop driving are almost two times more likely to suffer from depression than those who remain behind the wheel. They also found that non-driving elderly are nearly 5 times more likely to enter a long term care facility. Don Redman with AAA says this isn’t that surprising…:
CUT 10 (10) “our freedom”
He says if you find your parents are no longer able to drive, it’s important you help them remain mobile.

State Superintendent of Education John White announces two daycare centers in the state have had their licenses revoked. He says while the majority of child care providers do an excellent job taking care of kids, there are a couple who refuse to follow the law…:
CUT 13 (10) “the state”
He says that incident was reported out of Baton Rouge and the other revoked license daycare is in Bossier City.

07.31.15
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 July 31

The East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s office announces that formal charges will not be pursued against LSU football players Anthony Jennings, Dwayne Thomas and Maquedis Bain. The D-A’s office says the decision is based on the request of the victim not to file charges and inconsistent and contradictory statements provided. The football players were arrested in June for allegedly breaking into an apartment and taking items that reportedly belonged to Jennings. The players, who were suspended, are expected to be re-instated to the team.

At Saints training camp…wide receiver Marques Colston has been moved to the active roster from the physically unable to perform list. Coach Sean Payton says they’ll be smart with Colston’s reps the rest of the way. The team’s all-time leading receiver is entering his 10th season.

Middle linebacker Donnell Ellerbe did not practice with the first team on Friday because of an undisclosed injury. That means rookie Stephone Anthony ran plays and drills with the first team.

LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri says next season, they want to have an established third starting pitcher and maybe even a fourth starter as well. Mainieri says the last couple of years, they’ve had a hard time winning in the postseason, because they only had two starters they count on.

He says several pitchers on last year’s roster are performing well in summer ball…
cut 20 (15) “….up there”
Mainieri also announced that Austin Bain underwent shoulder and he will not be available for fall practice.

Louisiana Tech infielder Mason Paxton was named the offensive player of the year in the South Florida Collegiate Baseball League. Paxton hit .402 in 35 games for the Pompano Beach Clippers. The Texas native also drove in 36 runs and had eleven doubles.

07.31.15
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LRN PM Newscall July 31

####Correction on Newscall involving the daycare story. The names of the daycare facilities were put in the wrong order in the first version of the newscall. It’s been corrected###

Over 260 bills passed in this year’s legislative session become law on August 1st. Jeff Palermo looks at two of the new laws…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A study finds older adults that stop driving have an increased risk of health problems. Emelie Gunn has more on why…

CUT 2 (26) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Over 260 bills passed in this year’s legislative session become law on August 1st. One measure makes it illegal to post or share nude images of people on the internet without their consent. Kenner Representative Julie Stokes, who authored the legislation, says “revenge porn” has destroyed lives…

CUT 3 (07)  “that they’re used”

Violators of the law could face up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Prior laws made it illegal to send nude images of someone under the age of 17, but this is aimed at protecting adults. Stokes says this law sends a powerful message…

CUT 4 (11)  “line somewhere”

Another law going into effect Saturday doubles littering fines across the state. Fines for simple littering will go from $75 to $150 and up to $1000 for subsequent offenses. Susan Russell, Executive Director of Keep Louisiana Beautiful, says they support anything that increases the litter enforcement effort…

CUT 5 (06) “in our state”

Improper disposal of items like furniture and appliances could end up costing offenders $10,000 under the new law. The additional revenue will go toward the retirement system of the agency that issues the litter citation. Russell says it’s a shame that laws like this need to be on the books…

CUT 6 (07)  “to be enforced”

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Lake Charles Police announce that they have solved an aggravated rape case from October of 1999. Deputy Chief of Police, Mark Kraus, says the seven month investigation culminated in an arrest warrant for 45-year-old Austin Mott. Kraus says advances in technology led to them getting a DNA match from the physical evidence…

CUT 7 (07) “against a child”

In the 1999 incident, the victim was severely beaten and sexually assaulted while jogging at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Kraus says Mott is a registered sex offender who is currently serving time in Texas for an unrelated sex offense…

CUT 8 (04)  “he belongs”

He says they have re-opened several cold cases in recent months and are working diligently to solve them. Kraus has a message for anyone who has committed a violent crime against the citizens of southwest Louisiana…

CUT 9 (05)  “on our victims”

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A new report finds older adults that stop driving are almost two times more likely to suffer from depression and nearly 5 times more likely to enter a long term care facility than those who remain behind the wheel. The study is by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and Columbia University. AAA Spokesperson Don Redman says the results are not all that surprising.

cut 10 (10)  “our freedom”

Redman says many adults are having to talk to their elderly parents about taking away their keys. He says if you do take that step, it could lead to your parents becoming less social and active….

cut 11 (09)  “the community”

Redman says this study shows that if you or your parents are no longer able to drive, it’s important that you still help them remain mobile…

cut 12 (10)  “of things”

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State Superintendent of Education John White announces two daycare centers in Louisiana have had their licenses revoked – one in Baton Rouge and one in Bossier City. He says while the majority of child care providers do an excellent job taking care of kids, there are a couple who refuse to follow the law…:

cut 13 (10)  “the state”

White says the Our Blessings Christian Daycare Learning Center in Baton Rouge is the one whose staff is accused of leaving a two-year-old child at a restaurant amusement venue and not telling the parents or the state. He says they know of some cases in which a daycare had its license revoked recently but they’ve continued operating…:

cut 14 (11)  “has a license”

White says the Storybook Daycare and Discovery Zone in Bossier City had its license taken away due to continued regulations violations including improper child/staff ratio and not conducting employee background checks. He most Louisiana child care providers are doing an excellent job taking care of kids…:

cut 15 (11) “condition” 

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07.31.15
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11:40 LRN sportscast

Former Saints linebacker Junior Galette has signed a one-year deal with the Washington Redskins. Galette was cut a week ago today by the Black and Gold, because of several off the field incidents. Galette recorded 10 sacks for New Orleans last year and is said to be grateful for another opportunity. The Saints visit the Redskins on November 15th.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is entering his 15th season in the NFL. The 36-year-old says he’s excited about another camp beginning….
cut 17 (14) “…full again”
Brees also says he hasn’t heard any of the talk that suggests that his best days on the football field are behind him.

Saints wide receiver Marques Colston was back on the practice field today after spending the first day of camp on the physically unable to perform list.

LSU baseball has added 16 new players to its roster. Many of them will get a chance to play right away, because the Tigers are returning only one position player from a season ago. Coach Paul Mainieri also says they would also like to develop a third and fourth starting pitcher. Mainieri says having only two starters to count on the last couple of years, hurt them in the postseason….
cut 19 (15) “…we can”
Mainieri says starting pitcher Austin Bain had surgery on his shoulder and he’ll miss fall practice. He says left-hander Jake Latz is making progress after missing all of last year with arm trouble.

Today is the Major League Baseball trade deadline. Former LSU Tiger Jacoby Jones was sent from the Pirates organiziation to the Tigers minor league system in a deal that resulted in Pittsburgh acquiring reliver Joakim Soria.

07.30.15
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LRN Newscast 17:30

Cops have released 911 calls from the Lafayette Theater shooting the night of July 23rd. Michelle Southern reports…:
cut 3 (32) “…reporting”

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office announces one of their own deputies has been arrested for indecent behavior with a juvenile and computer sex solicitation. Twenty-five-year-old John Roy Griffith of Pineville was taken into custody as hit home by State Police investigators. He’s worked as a communications officer at the sheriff’s office for nearly two years.

The Slidell Police Department says a group of organized criminals were busted for stealing nearly half a million dollars at businesses with ATMs and check cashing outlets over the past year. Sgt. Daniel Seuzeneau says two suspects were arrested after trying to steal 12 grand from the Cash Cow in Slidell. He says the pair had a sophisticated scheme going…:
CUT 12 (07) “would respond”
36-year-old Marvin Hudson and 44-year-old Allden Jones are charged with burglary and cops say there could be more people involved.

We saw a couple of 100-degree readings in the state today. Danielle Manning, with the National Weather Service in Slidell, says a weak cold front will move across the state as we approach the weekend…
cut 6 (08) “…quite as a humid”

And in sports….the preseason coaches football poll came out today. LSU is ranked 13th.

07.30.15
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LRN Sportscast 16:45

The first training camp practice of 2015 is in the books for the Saints. A steady rainfall fell through the first half of practice today, but Coach Sean Payton says the team did ok in the wet conditions….
cut 28 (13) “…is important”
According to Saints sideline reporter Kristian Garic, he says the play of the day was a diving interception by defensive back Keenan Lewis on a pass thrown by quarterback Ryan Griffin. Lewis also had a nice deflection of a pass thrown by Quarterback Drew Brees.

Even though training camp is a grind, especially for older players. Brees says he comes into camp excited…
cut 17 (14) “…fun again”

The LSU football team is ranked 13th in the preseason coaches poll which came out today. The Tigers go into this season with a new defensive coordinator, Kevin Steele, who replaces John Chavis. ESPN.com’s Chris Low says Steele and new defensive line coach Ed Orgeron are good additions to the staff and should provide results…
cut 11 (09) “…those guys”
Quarterback Anthony Jennings remains suspended from team activities because he was arrested in June, but it’s likely the charges could be dropped soon. Coach Les Miles says competition in practice between Jennings and Brandon Harris will determine who will start…
cut 20 (20) “…the best quarterback”

07.30.15
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11:40 LRN Sportscast July 30

Saints training camp got underway this morning in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, without their top pass rusher from a season ago. Linebacker Junior Galette was a hot topic as team officials met with the media prior to the first practice. Coach Sean Payton says they wish Galette well and it was not an easy decision to let him go….
cut 18 (15) “….about the team”
The Saints will look to fill the void left by Galette with former Cowboys linebacker Anthony Spencer and second round pick Hau’oli Kikaha (ha-OH-lee key KAH kah) from Washington.

Former UL-Lafayette linebacker Justin Anderson has reportedly signed a free agent deal with the Dallas Cowboys. Former LSU Tiger Stevan Ridley has been placed on the New York Jets physically unable to perform list. He’s still recovering from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee.

The LSU Tigers, who are coming off an eight and five season and have question marks at the quarterback position, are ranked 13th in the preseason coaches poll. ESPN-dot-com college football writer Chris Low expects Brandon Harris to win the starting Q-B battle…
cut 9 (10) “…end up going”

Suspended LSU quarterback Anthony Jennings could be back on the team soon as East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says charges stemming from the QB’s arrest in June will likely be dropped. Jennings was arrested for unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling but Moore says the people renting that apartment have stated they don’t wish to pursue…:
CUT 12 (10) “is correct”
Moore says he’s waiting on paperwork before he makes the final decision.

07.29.15
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LRN Newscast 17:30 July 29

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says it’s likely that the criminal charges against LSU quarterback Anthony Jennings could be dropped. The QB and two other Tigers are accused of breaking into someone’s apartment in June to retrieve items which belonged to Jennings. Moore says the tenant has contacted his office…
cut 30 (05) “….be persued”
LSU Coach Les Miles says the status of the players fully depends on the schedule of the DA.

Lt. Clay Higgins of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office and his CrimeStoppers videos continue to grow in popularity and even got a mention on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. In the latest video, Higgins aka “The Cajun John Wayne” calls out someone who robbed a local supermarket…:
CUT 6 (12) “in a cell door”
The video has over 1.3 million views on YouTube. Lt. Higgins tells us they are very close to catching the perpetrator.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Deville mother accused of filing a false kidnapping report. Lt. Tommy Carnline says 24-year-old Ashley Ballard claims four men in a car knocked her down and kidnapped her 2-year-old child. Carnline says investigators began canvassing the area searching for the car, but things weren’t adding up…
cut 4 (09) “was false”
Ballard is charged with filing a false police report.

Louisiana State Police Gaming Troopers announce the arrest of two Houston residents for allegedly cheating at casinos in Lake Charles. Sgt. James Anderson says the message is, if you cheat you will be caught…
cut 13 (07) “amount involved”
The two men have been charged with cheating and swindling.

07.29.15
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 July 29

The LSU Tigers report for fall camp a week from today. LSU Quarterback Anthony Jennings and two other players remain suspended after they were arrested for an alleged break-in. Coach Les Miles spoke at the Baton Rouge Rotary Club and East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore was in the audience….
cut 30 (18) “…so”
Moore says the charges against Jennings and his teammates, Maquedius Bain and Dwayne Thomas, will likely be dropped, because the alleged victim in this case does not want to pursue charges. The D-A says he’s still waiting on some additional paperwork, before making a final determination about the case.

The first training camp practice takes place tomorrow for the Saints, who are seeking to improve on last year’s seven and nine record. New Orleans defense struggled last year, but NFL analyst Mike Detillier likes the additions that have been made to the defensive secondary…
cut 18 (11) “…Jairus Byrd”
For right now, Byrd is not healthy. He along with receiver Marques Colston and defensive tackle Glenn Foster are on the physically unable to perform list to begin training camp.

According to a poll of the league’s coaches, Sam Houston State has been picked to win the Southland Conference. The Bearkats received eight first-place votes. Southeastern Louisiana has been picked to finish second, McNeese State third, Northwestern State fifth and Nicholls State tenth in the eleven team league.

In major league baseball today….the Cubs beat the Rockies 3 to 2, Pittsurgh pounded the Twins 10-4, Cleveland clobbered Kansas City 12-1 and Detroit topped Tampa Bay 2-1.

07.29.15
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LRN PM Newscall July 29

Lt. Clay Higgins of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office and his CrimeStoppers videos are officially all over the place with more and more national exposure piling on. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office says a man from Clinton is charged with a hate crime for allegedly pulling down the pants of a 12-year-old and making racial slurs towards him at a gas station. Emilie Gunn reports.

CUT 2 (24) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Deville mother accused of filing a false kidnapping report. Lt. Tommy Carnline says 24-year-old Ashley Ballard reported the incident happened as she was walking down the road with her four children…

CUT 3 (09)  “and left”

Carnline says Ballard claims four men in a car knocked her down and kidnapped her 2-year-old child. Ballard says she was able to recover the child in a ditch down the road. Carnline says investigators began canvassing the area searching for the car, but things weren’t adding up…

CUT 4 (09)  “was false”

He says Ballard gave inconsistent statements leading them to determine the alleged kidnapping never took place. Ballard is charged with filing a false police report. Carnline says they have yet to determine Ballard’s motive in filing the false report. He says the Sheriff’s office always wants to err on the side of caution and they treat every call like it’s a legitimate call…

CUT 5 (07) “a good thing”

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Lt. Clay Higgins of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office and his CrimeStoppers videos are officially all over the place after getting exposure on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon this week. In the latest video, Higgins, aka “The Cajun John Wayne,” calls out someone who robbed a local supermarket…:

CUT 6 (12)  “in a cell door”

The video, which is also making the rounds from CNN to Fox News, has over 1.3 million views on YouTube. Lt. Higgins tells us this crime is being seen by people from all over the world and remarks in the video, “Congratulations son, I’m about to make you famous,”…:

CUT 7 (09) “lead to an arrest”

After playing the video, Fallon told the audience that he believes Lt. Higgins should run for president. Lt. Higgins says creating these Crimestopper videos and getting the word out about crimes happening in the Acadiana region, even on this national stage, is his job…:

CUT 8 (10)  “responses”

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Legislation that will increase benefits for veterans has been unanimously approved by the US House.  Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham of Richland Parish authored the measure which is his first to be approved by The House. He says under the bill vets will receive a cost of living adjustment tied to social security.

CUT 9 (08)  “our veterans”

Abraham says this is the least we can do and more should be done for our veterans. He says reforming the V-A is his top legislative priority.

cut 10 (08)  “department”

The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration. Abraham says if this becomes law, the benefits will begin in December. He says vets regularly come into the the office and tell him what a struggle it is to make ends meet in this economy.

cut 11 (11)  “the solution”

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State Police say two people from Houston were busted for allegedly cheating at Lake Charles casinos in two separate incidents. Sgt. James Anderson says 44-year-old Long Nquyen and 41-year-old Thu Vo were both playing Mini-Baccarat…:

cut 12 (10)  “then arrested”

The man and woman were each charged with counts of cheating and swindling and were booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center. Anderson says people who gamble should know that surveillance operators at all of Louisiana’s casinos are very observant and proactive…:

cut 13 (07)  “cheat the casino”

Anderson says the suspects thought they could get away with placing bonus wagers after already seeing the dealer’s winning hand, but they were being watched the entire time. Anderson says if you cheat, you will be caught and face stiff penalties…:

cut 14 (07)  “involved”

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