Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

07.28.15
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11:40 LRN Sportscast July 28

The Saints report to training camp tomorrow at their practice facility in West Virginia. The Black and Gold have officially released linebacker Junior Galette, as the off the field issues became too much for the organization. Galette denies that he slammed several players and coaches in a twitter rant that purportedly belonged to his girlfriend.

Former LSU baseball player Chris Sciambra will compete for a spot on the Nicholls State football roster. While Sciambra’s baseball eligibility is all used up, he can compete in another sport for one season, so he’s decided to compete as a placecker and punter for the Colonels. Sciambra says he can kick mid 50 yard field goals.

In high school football recruiting news…Rummel quarterback Chase Fourcade has committed to Nicholls State. He’s the nephew of former Saints quarterback John Fourcade. And St. James quarterback Lowell Narcisse has committed to Auburn over LSU. He’s ranked as the nation’s third best dual threat quarterback by 24-7 sports.

LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri says infielders Grayson Byrd and Danny Zardon are transferring. Zardon is reportedly heading to Nova Southeastern, an NAIA school in Florida. Zardon hit .288 in a reserve role last season. Byrd hit just .212 and appeared in 24 games. He’s the son of former LSU star pitcher Paul Byrd.

Former LSU Tiger Kevin Gausman had one of his best starts as a major leaguer last night as he threw 7.2 shutout innings and struck out five, allowing six hits. Gausman received a no decision, but his Orioles defeated the Braves 2-to 1 in 11 innings on Matt Wieters walk-off home run.

The Houston Astros have promoted former LSU Tiger Alex Bregman to their High-A team in Lancaster, California.

On a conference call with reporters, Pelicans star Anthony Davis says he’s excited about the direction the team is heading and loves playing in New Orleans. Davis recently signed a five-year, 145-million dollar contract extension.

07.27.15
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LRN AM Newscall July 28

Today, the Louisiana Republican Party is expected to announce their endorsement of former Congressman Jeff Landry in this year’s Attorney General’s race.  Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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The State Department of Health and Hospitals announces resources for residents having a hard time dealing with the Lafayette movie theater shooting. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Authorities have completed an important phase of their investigation into the deadly Lafayette movie theater shooting. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Today, the Louisiana Republican Party is expected to announce their endorsement of former Congressman Jeff Landry in this year’s Attorney General’s race. Landry is seeking to unseat current AG and fellow Republican Buddy Caldwell. LaPolitics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says there is no doubting Landry’s Republican stripes.

cut 4  (09)  “with evangelicals”

West Baton Rouge prosecutor Martin Maley has also declared for this race. Alford says this endorsement would be a big blow for Caldwell, but not very surprising. He says Caldwell has rubbed a lot of people the wrong way in recent years.

Cut 5  (08)  “Republican Party”

He says Caldwell received a lot of criticism among Republicans for offering encouraging words to former Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu in her unsuccessful bid for re-election last year. Alford says the Republican Party endorsement of Landry will show that Caldwell is in for a major race this fall.

Cut 6 (08)  “2015 cycle”

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The Department of Health and Hospitals has established resources for residents who are having a hard time dealing with the Lafayette movie theater shooting and need someone to talk to. Brad Farmer is with the Acadiana Area Human Services District. He says people can reach out to professionals if you think you need help…:

CUT 7 (11)  “crisis services”

Farmer says they are also offering information to parents on how to speak to their children about such an event. He says people are affected by tragedies of this magnitude differently — possibly feeling physical or emotional draining, anger, guilt or sadness at various times…:

Cut 8  (11)  “that are available” 

You can get information on 24-hour-crisis hotlines and support groups online at dhh.louisiana.gov. Farmer says their 24-hour-crisis line is toll free at 1-877-655-8241. He says there may even be people out there who are not directly connected to the shooting, but are still struggling with dealing with it and can seek help…:

Cut 9 (07) “home community”

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The USDA has cited a UL-Lafayette research facility in New Iberia for both the injury and death of two different monkeys and for also allowing monkeys to escape their cages. According to the government report, a monkey was electrocuted to death in 2013, another primate’s leg was broken due to improper handling. Co-founder of Stop Animal Exploitation Now Michel Budkie says this isn’t the first time government regulators have come down against the research facility…

Cut 10 (04) “criminal history”

Budkie says UL Lafayette was fined 38-thousand dollars in 2011 after three young rhesus monkeys died of negligence. He says the USDA is not done investigating the facility and these new citations might mean a higher fine added against the center….

cut 11 (09) “killing animals”  

The USDA report did say corrective actions have taken place. And UL Lafayette says they remain committed to animal well-being and biomedical research. But Budkie says there are more advanced ways to conduct this type of research, without harming primates…

cut 12 (06) “last century technology”

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Republican Senators Bill Cassidy and David Vitter took a moment on the Senate floor to honor the victims and heroes in the Lafayette movie theater shooting. Jillian Johnson and Mayci Breaux were killed in the horrific attack. Cassidy says Johnson served the community with kindness and grace, while Breaux had tremendous compassion and enthusiasm for life…

Cut 13 (10)  “their memories live”

Funeral services were held yesterday for Johnson and Breaux. The Senators also thanked first responders, theater staff and school teachers Jena Meaux and Ali Martin. Cassidy says Meaux and Martin acted bravely in their efforts to stop the shooter

Cut 14 (09) “to alert authorities”

We’ve learned since the shooting that the gunman, John Russell Martin, had a history of mental illnees.  Cassidy says it’s time to reform America’s mental health system and he’s working on legislation with Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy

Cut 15  (07)  “fails to do so”

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07.27.15
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LRN Newscast 17:30 July 27

The movie theater where three people were killed and nine others were injured has been turned back to the owners. Lafayette Police announce they are done with its onsite investigation. It’s unclear when the theater will be re-opened to the public. Authorities also announce they’ve found a journal type book in John Houser’s hotel room and that has been turned over to a specialist to be analyzed.

In light of last week’s shooting at the Lafayette movie theater, some people are asking whether or not metal detectors should be placed beyond ticket offices. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says she would craft such legislation if she’s re-elected in the fall. She says standing in line a little longer is a small price to pay…:
CUT 5 (11) “don’t think so”
The National Association of Theater Owners have declined to comment when asked about the prospect of setting up metal detectors in the wake of the Lafayette shooting.

A Baton Rouge woman faces charges after she allegedly threatened to shoot someone inside a movie theater over the weekend. East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Casey Rayborn Hicks says 27-year-old Gaynell Haydel verbalized her threats near the ticket booth at the Cinemark Perkins Rowe theater…:
CUT 9 (09) “so concerned”
Hicks says Haydel was charged with terrorizing, disturbing the peace and resisting an officer.

Four Shreveport police officers involved in a fatal shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave. Chief Administrative Assistant Bill Goodin says officers responded to a domestic dispute situation, involving 33-year-old Khari Westly, and shots began firing…
cut 13 (11) “…multiple times”
Westly was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

07.27.15
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 July 27

The Saints have officially released Junior Galette and the pass rusher apparently went on twitter to bash his former employer. It’s believed that Galette used his girlfriend’s twitter account to say that Drew Brees’ arm strength is diminishing, wide receiver Marques Colston is washed up and he took some personal shots at Coach Sean Payton and his leadership style. Galette was released last week by the Saints as the team reportedly had gone tired of his act.

College football analyst Phil Steele says he expects LSU will surprise people in the upcoming college football season, but he still likes Alabama to win the SEC West. Steele says the Crimson Tide’s defense will be salty…
cut 19 (18) “….are going to emerge”
Steele says Alabama has won national championships before with first-year quarterbacks.

The Houston Astros have promoted former LSU Tiger Alex Bregman to their High-A team in Lancaster, California. Bregman hit .259 with a home run and 13 RBIs for the Quad City River Bandits. Another former LSU Tiger, Sean McMullen, has also been moved from Quad City to the Lancaster JetHawks. And the Pirates have promoted former LSU standout Jacoby Jones to double-A Altoona.

Former LSU pitcher Aaron Nola earned his first major league win yesterday, tonight another former Tiger takes the mound. Kevin Gausman looks for his second win of the year as Baltimore hosts Atlanta.

Two of the best LSU women’s basketball players are back on the same team again. Sylvia Fowles has been traded to the Minnesota Lynx of the WNBA, where she’ll team up with Seimone Augustus. When the two played together at LSU, they reached the Final Four every year. The Lynx begin the W-N-B-A’s second half on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Sparks.

In college football…McNeese State’s Daniel Sams has been named to the 2015 FCS National Performer of the Year Trophy Watch List.

07.27.15
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LRN PM Newscall July 27

The Lafayette movie theater shooting has re-energized the debate of installing metal detectors inside movie theaters and Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton hopes to make it a law. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Eric Gill”

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The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s office says they’ve arrested 15 suspects as part of a major heroin bust. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Lafayette movie theater shooting has re-energized the debate of installing metal detectors inside movie theaters. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says she is already working on legislation to do just that. Norton says she views going to the movies as a family outing…

CUT 3 (08)  “in the movie”

If re-elected this fall, Norton plans to introduce the measure during next year’s legislative session. She says hand-held metal detector wands start at $50, while walk-through models can cost theater owners one to two thousand dollars. Norton says no amount of money is worth more than people’s safety…

CUT 4 (06)  “I think not”

She feels that legislators have a responsibility to do whatever they can to make sure Louisiana residents are safe. There are some that say metal detectors could scare off potential customers and increase wait times for movie goers to get to their film. Norton says standing in line for a few minutes is a small price to pay to save lives…

CUT 5 (11) “don’t think so”

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A Colorado judge has determined that jurors deciding the fate of Colorado theater shooter James Holmes could still be impartial despite seeing media coverage of last week’s Lafayette theater shooting. Legal analyst Tim Meche says Holmes’ lawyers were concerned that the incident in Lafayette may have swayed the jury’s decision…

CUT 6 (11)  “the Lafayette case”

When asked by the judge if they had seen or read anything about the Lafayette shooting, the twelve jurors raised their hands. Jurors were then questioned individually about what they knew and if they discussed it with anyone. Meche says there is one scenario that could derail Holmes’ sentencing process…

CUT 7 (10) “a fair juror”

Testimony in the sentencing phase of the trial has resumed. Holmes is facing the death penalty for killing 12 people and injuring 70 others at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado in 2012. Meche says this procedure is just another part of the sentencing process…

CUT 8 (11)  “been influenced”

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A Baton Rouge woman faces charges after she allegedly threatened to shoot someone inside a movie theater over the weekend. East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s office spokesperson Casey Rayborn Hicks says 27-year-old Gaynell Haydel verbalized her threats near the ticket booth at the Cinemark Perkins Rowe theater

CUT 9 (09)  “so concerned”

Hicks says they are not sure why Haydel threatened to shoot someone inside a movie theater, but after what happened in Lafayette last week, deputies didn’t take any chances and arrested her

cut 10 (10) “like that”

Haydel was charged with terrorizing, disturbing the peace and resisting an officer. Her bond has been set at six-thousand dollars. Hicks says they had additional deputies at movie theaters this past weekend and one was quick to respond to the situation

cut 11 (11) “identification”

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The Shreveport Police Department says they are working an officer involved shooting which left the suspect dead. Chief Administrative Assistant Bill Goodin says they got a 911 call from a woman who reported she and another victim had been held hostage for several hours by the suspect who was armed with a gun but eventually left…:

cut 12 (10)  “estranged wife”

Goodin says the two female victims who had been allegedly taken hostage were aged 16 and 19 and were related to the suspect. He says officers responded to the location where they heard the man firing shots at his estranged wife when she was arriving to check on the victims…:

cut 13 (11)  “multiple times”

The suspect is identified as 33 year old Khari Westly.  Goodin says the suspect was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. He says four officers were placed on paid administrative leave while detectives process all the evidence in this complex case…:

cut 14 (07)  “district attorney”

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07.27.15
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LRN Sportscast 11:40 July 27

LSU’s quarterback battle will be the major storyline once the Tigers begin fall practice next week. College football anaylst Phil Steele anticipates sophomore Brandon Harris will win the job and perform well…
cut 18 (09) “….national title contender”
Steele believes the Tigers will be one of the bigger surprises, in a good way, during the upcoming football season.

The Saints are expected to officially announce the release of pass rusher Junior Galette today. News broke on Friday that Galette was let go and news reports came out this weekend, he was a problem in the locker room.

Former LSU star Aaron Nola earned his first major league win yesterday as he helped the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Chicago Cubs 11 to 5. Nola threw seven plus strong innings and also drove in a run at the plate.

07.24.15
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LRN Newscast 17:30 July 24

Authorities are continuing their efforts to learn more about Lafayette theater shooter John Houser. Eric Gill reports…
voicer 1 (29) “….I’m Eric Gill”

Lafayette Police Chief Jim Craft says Houser used a high point .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun that was purchased legally at a pawn shop in Phenix, Alabama. Houser bought the gun in 2014. Authorities say 15 shell casings were recovered from the theater in various areas.

Nine people are still recovering from gun shot wounds they suffered on Thursday night when a lone gunman opened fire inside a Lafayette movie theater. Five of the victims were rushed to Lafayette General Medical Hospital. Two of them have been released and three others are listed in stable condition. Doctor Foster Kordische says most of the patients at their hospital suffered from extremity wounds…
cut 18 (12) “…lower extremities”
Two of the victims are Iberia parish teachers, Jena Meaux and Ali Martin. They’ve been called heroes, because Martin is the one who pulled a fire alarm during the shooting to alert authorites. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with their hospitals costs. Their friend Cammie Maturin is the one who set it up…
cut 13 (10) “…going to need”

07.24.15
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 July 24

The Saints have reportedly released their top pass rusher Junior Galette, apparently after the result of his recent off the field incidents. Galette has 22 sacks over the last two seasons and signed a lucrative four-year deal last September. Galette was arrested on domestic violence charges in January, but the criminal charges were dropped. A Youtube video also recently surfaced that purportedly showed Galette swinging a belt at people during a brawl on a beach in Florida. He’s also been recovering from a torn pectoral muscle. By releasing Galette, the Saints may have rid themselves of a potential cancer in the locker room, but his contract will also cause salary cap problems over the next couple of seasons.

A Buffalo television station is reporting that the Bills will likely let offensive line coach Aaron Kromer go. The former Saints assistant was arrested earlier this month after he allegedly punched a minor in the face during a dispute over beach chairs.

Some of the top high school football prospects in the country are at LSU’s elite camp this weekend. Bayou-Bengals-dot-com publisher Derek Ponamsky says this camp gives the coaches a chance to evaluate blue-chippers up close…
cut 30 (13) “…LSU does”
Felipe Franks one of the top quarterbacks in the country, who is already committed to LSU, is at the camp.

Notre Dame of Crowley Football Coach Lewis Cook has presented a proposal to end the public-private split of the high school football playoffs. Cook’s idea would separate the playoffs between metro and rural areas and have divisions based on enrollment. Cook says the proposal is receiving positive reviews.

07.24.15
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LRN PM Newscall July 24

Authorities are continuing their efforts to learn more about Lafayette theater shooter John Houser. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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The Louisiana Democratic Party’s biggest fundraiser of the year takes place this Saturday night in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Louisiana Democratic Party hosts its biggest fundraiser of the year on Saturday night at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. The Jefferson-Jackson Dinner is expected to bring together more than 1,000 contributors and supporters of the Democratic party. Party spokesperson Beau Tidwell says Presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders will be there as well as other big names.

CUT 3 (11)  “governor”

Tidwell says the event will include video addresses from Hillary Clinton, who is the front-runner to receive the Democratic presidential nomination. He says former three-term Senator Mary Landrieu will also be honored at the dinner.

CUT 4 (11)  “the dinner”

There are currently no democrats serving in a statewide office. Tidwell says democrats are making a big push to have more representation in Louisiana. He says they use this event as a way to kick start the fall election season.

CUT 5 (10) “in Louisiana”

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Authorities are continuing their efforts to learn more about Lafayette theater shooter John Houser. They say Houser, from Phenix City, Alabama, fatally shot two and wounded nine others last night in a movie theater before turning the gun on himself. Lafayette Police Chief Jim Craft says Houser’s criminal history is dated…

CUT 6 (09)  “maybe longer”

Russell County Alabama Sheriff Heath Taylor says Houser was arrested about 25 years ago for arson in Georgia. Court documents from 2008 show that Houser’s family asked for a temporary protective order against the man because he exhibited extreme erratic behavior. Taylor believes Houser suffered from psychological problems for years…

CUT 7 (07) “his background”

Taylor says their last involvement with Houser was when his department evicted him from his home in 2013 or 2014. Authorities have yet to determine a motive for the shooting. Craft says they will continue to search for answers…

CUT 8 (08)  “interaction with him”

Internet postings reportedly belonging to Houser say he’s a fan of Adolf Hitler and “The United States is a financially failing filth farm.” Taylor says Houser was denied a pistol permit in 2006. He believes a couple of factors led to that denial…

CUT 9 (10)  “as well”

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The two victims who were shot and killed in the Lafayette theater shooting Thursday night are identified as 21-year-old Mayci Breaux of Franklin and 33-year old Jillian Johnson of Lafayette. Governor Bobby Jindal says the city and Louisiana will get through this horrific loss:

cut 10 (07) “good people”

Breaux worked at a clothing boutique in Hub City called coco eros who posted on their Facebook Page the victim was a huge Ragin Cajuns fan and amazing woman. Johnson operated the Red Arrow Workshop and a post on their Facebook page is by her husband who says his wife was an exceptional artist, musician, and entrepreneur. Lafayette Mayor Joey Durel…:

cut 11 (11) “tragedy”

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Governor Bobby Jindal named two teachers heroes after their actions during the Lafayette Grand movie theater shooting last night. Jena Meaux and Ali Martin, of Iberia Parish, were both shot by John Houser. One teacher jumped in front of a bullet, which could’ve hit her friend in the head. Jindal says these women risked their lives to save others.

cut 12 (09)  “other lives”

A GoFundMe page was set up immediately by a friend, Cammie Maturin (mah-tran) to help with the cost of medical bills for Meaux and Martin…

cut 13 (10)  “going to need”

Maturin says these two teachers would go over and beyond to protect anybody and their actions last night come as no surprise. She says this campaign is a way to help these two women get on with their lives…

cut 14 (08)  “down the road “

Sydney Lancon was taught by both Meaux and Martin at Jeanerette Senior High School. She says their heroic actions in the tragedy come as no surprise as Meaux has always shown how much she cared for people around her.

cut 15 (08) “somebody” 

Lancon says Martin was a smart and loving woman. She says Martin was very involved with her students and wanted them to succeed.

cut 16 (08) “at all” 

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Lafayette General Medical Center president David Callecod says one of the fatal victims, 21-year-old Mayci Breaux, was scheduled to begin radiology school at their hospital in a few days…

cut 17 (09) “for our staff”

A total of five patients from the theater shooting were sent to Lafayette General. Two of them were released and three others are listed in “stable” condition. Doctor Foster Kordische says most of the patients at their hospital suffered from extremity wounds…

Cut 18 (12) “lower extremities”

07.24.15
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11:40 LRN Sportscast July 24

A lot of eyes are on Lafayette today as a result of last night’s theater shooting that resulted in three fatalities and the injuring of nine others. On twitter, Ragin Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth said that he’s praying for peace and healing for their community.

A bunch of the top high school football prospects are on the LSU campus today for what is known as the Elite Camp. Some of the guys attending this camp are players who LSU would like to be part of the 2016 recruiting class that’s currently ranked as the best by 24-7 sports. Next year’s class already has 17 commitments and Bayou Bengals Insider dot com’s Derek Ponamsky is not expecting a bunch of new additions in the coming days…
cut 17 (11) “…see mode”
One of the players at the camp is Felipe Franks, who is one of the top high school quarterbacks, already committed to LSU.

Left-handed pitcher John Valek is reportedly transferring to LSU after spending the last three seasons at Akron. Valek was looking for a new school after Akron decided to cut its baseball program, because of financial reasons. Last season, Valek had a 6-6 record with a 3.25 ERA.

The LHSAA is still looking at ways they can solve their split playoff issue in football. Notre Dame football coach Lewis Cook has proposed a plan to divide the schools for the postseason by enrollment and whether they are school in a metro area or a rural area. Cook says his proposal is receiving positive reviews.

The Sun Belt Conference is reportedly looking at two schools that could be added to the league’s membership. They are Eastern Kentucky and Coastal Carolina. Commissioner Karl Benson has confirmed that Eastern Kentucky has contacted the Sun Belt. The addition of Eastern Kentucky or Coastal Carolina would give them at least 12 teams for basketball and baseball.