Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

12.18.15
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LRN PM Newscall December 18

A former investigator with the DA’s Office in Washington Parish has been indicted by a grand jury amidst allegations he used his position to force women to have sex with him. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The latest installment of Star Wars opened Friday to an extremely eager audience and the hype is just about everywhere you go. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A former investigator with the DA’s Office in Washington Parish has been indicted by a grand jury amidst allegations he used his position to force women to have sex with him. Chief Deputy Mike Haley says 66-year-old Michael Cotton of Bogalusa allegedly threatened a female drug offender to obtain sex. He says the victims assisted in the investigation…:

CUT 3 (10)  “Mr. Cotton”

Haley says, between about March 2013 and July 2015, Cotton is also accused of helping a woman obtain drugs and use the influence of his position for sex with another woman…:

CUT 4 (08)  “that they had”

22nd Judicial District DA Warren Montgomery says it greatly disturbs him that a member of the criminal justice system would deal drugs and prey on the vulnerable. Cotton had been hired part time by the previous administration but was later fired by Montgomery in August. Haley says Cotton faces serious charges…:

CUT 5 (08)  “bond (2x)”

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The bodies of a Vernon Parish woman and her 9-year-old son have been found, and authorities have placed the victim’s fiance under arrest. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says family members reported 32-year-old Misty Marshall and her three children missing on December 4th. He says they were able to locate two children safe, but later discovered Marshal and her son, dead:

CUT 6 (11) “woods road”

Craft says Marshal’s fiance, Matthew Dotson, was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree murder and is currently being held on 2 million dollars bond. He says more charges could be coming…:(Craft says 32-year-old Misty Marshall, who had not been seen since before Thanksgiving, was located in a wooded area near New Llano, and her child was found near the home where he lived with his family in Simpson.)

CUT 7 (11) “assistance” 

Craft says they are unsure of motive at this time or how the two were killed, but they do believe their bodies were dumped around the end of November. He says this tragic crime has rocked these small communities…:

CUT 8 (10) “to dealing with”

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The latest installment of Star Wars opened Friday to an extremely eager audience and the hype is just about everywhere you go. For it’s preview showings alone, “The Force Awakens” brought in a record breaking $57 million dollars at box offices in the US. This Louisiana kid went on opening day and says he’s the biggest Star Wars fan you’ve ever met…:

CUT 9 (07)  “everything”

Star Wars Episode 7 has maintained a mid 90 percentile approval rating on the critic website Rotten Tomatoes which writes, “believe the hype.” This Louisiana kid dressed up as his favorite character to wear to the movie on opening day…:

cut 10 (06)  “right here”

This Louisiana Star Wars fan says he’s been waiting years to learn the next evolution of the story…:

Cut 11 (11) “kinda crazy”

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Outgoing Angola Warden Burl Cain is the subject of an investigation conducted by multiple agencies. The Department of Corrections, State Police and the Inspector General’s office didn’t provide many details at a press conference. Inspector General Stephen Street says they are trying to get to the facts in an efficient manner…

cut 12 (10) “more efficiently”

Cain has served as Angola’s warden for 21 years, but is resigning effective December 31st. There’s been a series of investigative reports by the Advocate newspaper that’s looked into questionable real estate dealings involving Cain. State Police Colonel Mike Edmonson says he sent a team of investigators to Angola…

cut 13 (09)  “through those”

Cain has said he’s done nothing wrong. Greg Phares with the Inspector General’s Office says there are allegations that go beyond real estate transactions, but Corrections Secretary James Leblanc couldn’t elaborate

cut 14 (11)  “that way” 

12.18.15
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LRN sportscast 11:40

There’s a messy battle playing out between LSU and it’s former defensive coordinator John Chavis. Apparently the university made alterations to Chavis’ contract after he signed it, but LSU claims they were nominal and did not affect terms. A judge has also ordered Chavis to turn over his phone records. Legal analyst Tim Meche says it would probably be best for both sides to settle…:
CUT 12 (09) “very careful”

Interesting match-up in college basketball tonight as Louisiana Tech hosts southern. The Bulldogs are 8-2 on the year, while the Jaguars are seven and three. Elsewhere…UL Lafayette visits Pepperdine.

In the NBA…the Pelicans are at Phoenix tonight. New Orleans has just seven wins on the year, but two of them are against the Suns. Tip-off is at 9:30 on ESPN.

Saturday marks the end of a great college career for Louisiana Tech running back Kenneth Dixon. His Bulldogs will play Arkansas State in the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Dixon has 83 career touchdowns and he’s the all-time leading rusher in Bulldog history. Tech head coach Skip Holtz says Dixon has been hampered by an ankle injury, but he’ll be ready to go Saturday night…
cut 14 (08) “…of the season”
Arkansas State brings an eight game winning streak into the bowl, while the Bulldogs suffered a blow out loss to Southern Miss in their regular season finale.

Multiple media outlets are reporting that new ULM head coach Matt Viator has hired former Louisiana Tech quarterback Matt Kubik to be his offensive coordinator. Kubik was the offensive coordinator for Stephen F Austin this past season and helped the Lumberjack offense average 26 points a game in 2015.

And ULM football has agreed to a home-and-home series with Memphis.

12.17.15
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LRN AM Newscall December 18

There’s just one shopping weekend left until Christmas and folks that fell behind will be out and about with list in hand. Don Molino reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign begins today to keep drivers safe during the holiday season. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Court filings reveal that LSU altered its contract with former defensive coordinator John Chavis after he signed it in 2012. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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There’s just one shopping weekend left until Christmas and folks that fell behind this year will be out and about Saturday and Sunday with list in hand. Tomorrow is known as “Super Saturday,” but LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice doesn’t think it’ll be as crazy as the day after Thanksgiving…:

cut 4  (10)  “those numbers”

Rice says the good news for last minute shoppers is that they could be paying even less in stores as many sales have already kicked in. He says you can expect the malls to be packed as folks rush to wrap everything up…:

Cut 5  (07)  “no doubt”

Rice says online shopping drops off, as crunch time gets people to brick and mortar stores for their gifts to make sure they have them in hand. He says shopping number reports show consumers are spending a little less this year, but it’s not because there are less shoppers, it’s because they are paying lower prices…:

Cut 6 (10)  “purchase basis”

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To keep alcohol related deaths down during the holiday season, police are increasing the number of officers on our roadways. State Police Sgt. Nick Manale says the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign begins today and runs through January 3rd.  He says over the Thanksgiving holiday they saw a high number of traffic fatalities and want to prevent that from happening again.

CUT 7 (09)  “all safe”

According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, during the 2014 holiday season, there were 671 fatal and injury crashes and 99 involved alcohol. Manale says there are many options to get a safe ride home, rather than drinking and driving.

Cut 8  (07)  “right choice”

Manale reminds drivers that an adult is legally impaired when their blood alcohol level is .08 or higher. He says they will be on the roads looking for the drivers who don’t make the right choice and get behind the wheel impaired.

Cut 9 (10) “joyous time”

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Court filings reveal LSU made alterations to a contract after it was signed by former LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis. Chavis is suing the school for defamation and claims he does not owe the university any money for leaving for Texas A-and-M. Legal analyst Tim Meche says a messy divorce like this, leads to ugly details

Cut 10 (06) “unfavorable light” 

LSU claims the alterations to the contract were nominal. Meche says it’s not uncommon for a contract to be changed after its signed

cut 11 (06) “fatal flaw”

The judge has asked Chavis to turn over phone records. Meche says this will help determine if Chavis worked for A-and-M prior to the time he was announced as an Aggies assistant coach. He says the two sides should look to settle to prevent more unflattering evidence to become public

Cut 12 (09) “very careful”

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A bunch of points are expected on Saturday night at the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl as Louisiana Tech faces Arkansas State. Both teams rank in the top 20 in scoring as the Red Wolves are averaging 41 points a game and the Bulldogs have averaged 37 a contest. Tech head coach Skip Holtz on why A-S-U is so hard to defend

Cut 13 (12)  “big plays”

Saturday marks the end of a great college career for running back Kenneth Dixon. The senior from Arkansas has 83 career touchdowns and he’s the all-time leading rusher in Bulldog history. Holtz says Dixon has been hampered by an ankle injury, but he’ll be ready to go Saturday night

Cut 14 (08) “the season”

Arkansas State brings an eight game winning streak ino the bowl, while the Bulldogs suffered a blow out loss to Southern Miss in their regular season finale. Holtz says his team still has a bad taste in its mouth from that game…

Cut 15  (14) “the season”

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12.17.15
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17:30 LRN Newscast Dec 17

Louisiana public schools received an overall letter grade of “B” from the state department of education. That’s based on a variety of factors including test and graduation data from the previous school year. State Superintendent of Education John White…

cut 13 (10) “…all are increasing”

Go to Louisiana-believes-dot-com to find out the letter grade of the public school your child attends.

On a six-to vote, the New Orleans city council votes to remove four Confederate monuments from their current location, including the one from Lee Circle. There were passionate arguments on both sides. Here’s the thoughts from one pro monument speaker…
cut 12 (11) “…fair minded”
Mayor Mitch Landrieu says three of the monuments could be removed in a matter of days.

Former US Representative Charles Melancon will lead the state department of wildlife and fisheries. Melancon is joining Governor-elect John Bel Edwards’ new administration. Melancon says he wants to find a balance between private and commerical fisherman…
cut 3 (08) “…Wildlife and Fisheries”
Colonel Mike Edmonson also remains as the State Police Superintendent.

Court filings reveal LSU made alterations to a contract after it was signed by former LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis. Chavis is suing the school for defamation and claims he does not owe the university any money for leaving for Texas A-and-M.

And a judge in central Louisiana has denied a bond reduction request for a Marksville deputy marshal, who has been charged in the murder of a six-year-old boy. Derrick Stafford remains in jail on a one-million dollar bond. His family says race is playing a role in the prosecution against him.

12.17.15
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16:45 Sportscast Dec 17

Arizona transfer Craig Victor saw his first action of the season last night and helped the LSU men’s basketball team beat Gardner-Webb 78-57 in the PMAC. Victor had 10 points and five rebounds. Freshman Ben Simmons had a double-double 11 points and 12 rebounds as the Tigers improved to 5-4.

Anthony Davis had a double-double last night as the Pelicans beat the Utah Jazz 104-94. Ryan Anderson led the Pelicans with 24 points as they outscored the Jazz 23-10 during a stetch in the fourth quarter. New Orleans is now 7-18 on the year and will visit Phoenix on Friday.

24-7 sports no longer has LSU with the top 2016 football recruiting class in the country. That’s because of the top linebackers in the country has de-committed from LSU. John Ehret’s Michael Divinity says he’ll decide early next year whether to sign with LSU or Texas A-and-M.

Court filings reveal LSU made alterations to a contract after it was signed by former LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis. Chavis is suing the school for defamation and claims he does not owe the university any money for leaving for Texas A-and-M. The judge overseeing the case has also asked Chavis to turn over phone records, which could help determine if the coach was working for A-and-M prior to the time he was announced as an Aggies assistant coach.

The Saints are getting ready to play the Detroit Lions on Monday night. New Orleans is 5-8, a big reason for the losing record is penalties. The Black and Gold have been flagged 128 times, the third highest in the NFL.

Three Saints players did not practice today. Offensive tackle Terron Armstead and Jairus Byrd, because of issues with one of their knees. Byrd hasn’t missed a practice in over two months. Marques Colston received a veteran’s day off as his absence was not injury related.

And Kentwood High quarterback Shyheim Carter has been named the Class One-A offensive player of the year by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.

12.17.15
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16:30 LRN Newscast December 17

Four confederate statues in New Orleans will likely be removed in the near future. The city council agreed with Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s proposal that it’s time for the city to cut ties with its Confederate past….
cut 10 (10) “…as slaves”
The Landrieu administration says three of the monuments could be taken down and put in another location in a matter of days.

Ten public school districts have received an “A”, 30 received a “B” and two school districts received a failing grade as school report cards were released today. Education superintendent John White says it will be more difficult to achieve an “A” or “B” in future years…
cut 14 (10) “…basice education”
To see how your school performed go to louisiana-believes-dot-com.

57 troopers have been added to the Louisiana State Police force. Graduation ceremonies took place today for this latest cadet class. The new troopers will be spread across the state…
cut 24 (07) “…out there”
That’s Sergeant Nick Manale who says the cadets will spend the next year working with a veteran trooper for additional training.

A man who allegedly placed a video camera inside a men’s urinal at a business office has been arrested by Baton Rouge Police. 52-year-old Stephen McCants is charged with video voyeurism. Someone noticed the camera inside the urinal and notified authorities, according to Corporal L’Jean Mckneely …:
CUT 6 (10) “of Stephen McCants”
He says a tip from the public lead to the arrest.

12.17.15
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LRN PM Newscall December 17

A request for a lower bond is denied in the case of a Marksville deputy who is connected to the fatal shooting of a six-year-old boy. Jeff Palermo has the story…1

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The New Orleans City Council has voted for the removal of four confederate monuments from their current location. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “Emelie Gunn”

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Newly announced key cabinet members say they are up to the challenge of taking on their role for the incoming Edwards Administration. Former Congressman Charlie Melancon will be the new head of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. He says he’s looking forward to trying to find a balance between private and commercial fisherman…:

CUT 3 (08)  “Wildlife and Fisheries”

Melancon served in the US House of Representatives from 2006-2011. Shawn Wilson will take the reins as Secretary of the Department of Transportation. He’s been the DOTD Chief of Staff for 10 years and looks forward to carrying out Edwards’ vision for a comprehensive transportation system…:

CUT 4 (10)  “in trucks”

Some had questioned whether or not Edwards would keep on Col Mike Edmonson as the Superintendent of State Police. The Governor-elect said local law enforcement officials including the Sheriff’s Association and the Chiefs of Police reached out to him and expressed their desire to see Edmonson continue to serve…:

CUT 5 (09)  “his leadership”

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A Baton Rouge man was arrested for placing a small camera in the men’s urinal at an office building. Baton Rouge Police Cpl. L’Jean Mckneey says 52-year-old Stephen McCants was charged with Video Voyeurism after a man found his camera in the bathroom and notified authorities

CUT 6 (10) “of Stephen McCants”

Mckneely says after the photo was released to the media, they got many tips alerting them that the man in the video was Stephen McCants. He says once he was brought in for questioning, McCants admitted to placing the camera in the bathroom.

CUT 7 (07) “on someone” 

Mckneely says they were able to obtain a search warrant for McCants’ house and found additional footage from the camera. He says even though McCants claims it was a joke, putting a video camera in the rest room is always illegal.

CUT 8 (04) “video voyeurism”

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The New Orleans City Council votes for  the removal of four confederate monuments from their current locations. The council made its decision after passionate arguments from both sides. The first person to speak was New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, who called on the council to remove the monuments after a mass shooting at an African American church in South Carolina.

CUT 9 (11)  “much more”

Landrieu proposes that the monuments, including the one of General Robert E. Lee, be moved to a museum. He says it’s time for the city to cut its ties with our Confederate past….

cut 10 (10)  “as slaves”

A Pro-monument speaker discussed how the monuments are part of New Orleans’ rich culture. He relayed a quote from a blogger in favor of keeping up the statues…

Cut 11 (09 “repeat it”

The pro-monument speaker says they would like to place interpretive plaques on the monuments to explain the current and past meaning of each statue. He says the monuments help to make the city unique.

cut 12 (11) “fair minded”

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Louisiana public schools received an overall letter grade of “B” from the state department of education. That’s based on a vareity of factors including test and graduation data from the previous school  year. State Superintendent of Education John White

cut 13 (10)  “are all increasing”

Ten school districts received an “A” grade, 30 received a “B” grade, while nine school districts have a “D” grade and two school districts received a failing grade. White says it will be more difficult to achieve an “A” or “B” score in future years…

cut 14 (10)  “basic education” 

Go to Louisiana-believes-dot-com to find out the letter grade of the public school your child attends.  White says the department of education has taken steps to improve school performance over the last 10 years…

cut 15 (10)  “teachers”

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12.17.15
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11:40 LRN Sportscast December 17

Forward Craig Victor the third who transferred in from Arizona made his first appearance for the LSU Tigers last night and he helped Coach Johnny Jones team beat Gardner Webb 78-57. Victor came off the bench and scored ten points. Freshman Ben Simmons had 11 points and 12 rebounds for the Tigers who improved their record to 5-4.

Elsewhere in college hoops last night…11th ranked North Carolina thumped Tulane 96-72, UMASS upended UNO 103-95 in overtime. 18th ranked SMU knocked off Nicholls State 86-42 and McNeese State snapped a four-game losing streak with a 77-72 win over LSU-Alexandria.

In the NBA, the Pelicans beat Utah 104-94 last night. Ryan Anderson came off the bench to lead the way with 24 points. Anthony Davis had 17 points and 13 rebounds. New Orleans is now 1-2 on its current five game road trip that continues Friday in Phoenix.

Former McNeese State defensive back Lance Guidry is the new leader of the Cowboys football program. Guirdy replaces Matt Viator who is the new ULM head coach and Guidry expects to build on the success Viator brought to McNeese…
cut 18 (11) “…national championship”
McNeese is coming off a Southland championship and a perfect season record wise in the regular season.

A linebacker from the New Orleans area de-commits from LSU. John Ehret’s Michael Divinity says he’ll decide between LSU and Texas A-and-M on January 5th. Divinity is ranked as the number one linebacker in the state.

Kentwood quarterback Shyheim Carter has been named the Class One-A offensive player of the year. Southern Lab linebacker Chris Allen is the defensive player of the year, while South Cameron’s Mark Delaney is the coach of the year.

12.14.15
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LRN Newscast 07:30 December 14

US Representative Charles Boustany holds a press conference this afternoon at his Lafayette home to announce he’s running for US Senate. The republican joins fellow GOP Congressman John Fleming who announced last week. It’s also possible state treasurer John Kennedy and PSC Member Scott Angelle will also join the race. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says they all have name recognition and the ability to raise money…
cut 14 (12) “…Kennedy”
Another republican, Rob Maness, who ran last year for US Senate, is planning to run as well.

There was a fatal police shooting in New Orleans this morning. Chief Michael Harrison says one of his officers, Fredrick Carter, fatally shot a suspect during a traffic stop in New Orleans east. Harrison says the officer’s body camera shows Carter returning fire after the suspect shot once at the officer.

Bobby Jindal speaks to the Baton Rouge press club today as he tours the state touting his accomplishments during his eight years as governor. Eric Gill has more.
cut 2 (30) “…I’m Eric Gill”

Twenty-one-year-old Private Journae King of Laplace has made history as she’s the first woman to enlist as a field artillery soldider with the Louisiana National Guard. Her recruiter, Staff Sergeant Robert Gregoire, says King possess many qualities that make a great soldier…
cut 12 (07) “….intelligent person”
King is able to enlist as a field artillery sholdier because the Pentagon recently opened all military jobs to women.

12.14.15
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LRN Sportscast 06:45 December 14

The Saints snapped a four-game losing streak with one of their best efforts of the season as they beat the Buccaneers 24-17 in Tampa Bay. New Orleans scored on its first drive and were in control throughout the contest. Quarterback Drew Brees threw two touchdown passes and says it’s nice to see the hard work they put in during the week pay off….
cut 16 (18) “…field today”
The Saints are now 5-8 and they’ll host Detroit on Monday night football next week.

At the Mercedes Benz Superdome on Saturday, Zachary, Neville and Lutcher won state football championship. It’s the first state title for the Broncos and the Tigers won their 12th. It’s also the third time in school history that Neville went back-to-to back.

The Pelicans continue their five-game road trip tonight as they visit Portland. The Pels have lost nine straight games in Portland and the Trail Blazers have won six in a row overall against New Orleans.

The LSU men’s basketball team dropped to four-and-four on the season with a 105-98 loss in overtime to Houston. Keith Hornsby, playing in his first game of the season as he returned from a knee injury, sent the game into overtime with a three-point bucket at the buzzer. But the Tigers gave up 21 points in the five minute O-T period. Hornsby finished with a career-high 32 points.

Elsewhere…ULM finished its three game road trip with a 100-58 loss to 14th ranked West Virginia. Senior Jamaal Samuel had a career-high 19 points in a losing effort.

Southeastern is now 2-8 on the season after they lost to Florida State 75-58.

The LSU Tigers begin bowl practice today. Running back Leonard Fournette was named a first team All-American by the Associated Press. Offensive tackle Vadal Alexander is on the third team.