Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

08.03.15
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 August 3rd

Defensive lineman Maquedius Bain announces on twitter that he’s no longer on the LSU football program. Bain was one of three LSU Tigers who was recently reinstated to the football team after charges related to an alleged break-in were dropped. The four-star recruit from Florida was expected to compete for playing time at defensive end. He’s the third defensive lineman to leave LSU this offseason.

While Bain is leaving, defensive tackle Mickey Johnson is returning to LSU. Johnson announced in the spring that he was leaving for Louisiana Tech, but Bain’s departure may have opened up a scholarship for Johnson, who has only six tackles in his LSU career.

One of the football’s top recruits for 2017 has decided to de-commit from LSU. University High linebacker and running back Dylan Moses says he still considers LSU his first choice, but he says in a post on social media that this is a once in lifetime deal and wants to live the process up to the fullest.

The Mercedes Benz Superdome turned 40-years-old today. The Dome has hosted seven Super Bowls, five Final Fours and a Wrestlemania. The general manager of the iconic building, Alan Freeman, is confident these kind of events will continue to be held in the Dome….
cut 30 (08) “….sporting events”
Freeman says the goal is to host a Super Bowl and a College Football playoff championship game in the next few years.

The Saints have announced that placekicker Morten Andersen will be inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor. Anderson played in the NFL for 25 years, 13 of those were with the Saints. No only is he the team’s all-time leading scorer, but he’s also the NFL’s all-time leading scorer with 2,544 points. He’ll be the fourth person to be placed into the Saints Ring of Honor, joining Archie Manning, Rickey Jackson and Willie Roaf.

08.03.15
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LRN PM Newscall August 3rd

East Baton Rouge Parish DA Hillar Moore says cell phone encryption is making it difficult to solve the murders of 29-year-old Brittney Mills and her son. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The massive Bayou Corne sinkhole in northern Assumption Parish, which forced the evacuation of hundreds of nearby residents, formed three years ago today. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (26) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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East Baton Rouge Parish DA Hillar Moore says cell phone encryption is making it difficult to solve the murders of 29-year-old Brittney Mills and her son. Mills, who was 8 months pregnant at the time, was shot and killed on April 24th at her apartment. The baby later died at a hospital. Moore says they can’t get into her Apple iPhone…:

CUT 3 (09)  “court ordered”

Investigators feel the shooter is likely someone that Mills knew. Moore says the victim had the iOS-8 operating software on her iPhone and nobody knows her pass code. Therefore, he says they are unable to access any of Mills’ last text messages, phone calls and contacts…:

CUT 4 (11)  “just critical”

Moore says that this software is installed on more than 80 percent of cellphones now and believes the encryption system makes it easier for bad guys to hide behind crime. He says this is the only system that does not have to comply to court orders which could lead to critical information when it comes to solving murders such as Mills’…:

CUT 5 (06) “here on out”

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The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s office is investigating the death of a white female who was found nude in an apartment in Pointe-aux-Chenes (Pont-ah-shan). Sheriff’s Office Capt. Dawn Foret says they have arrested 50-year-old Lee Dupre, who is the tenant of the apartment, and charged him with obstruction of justice.

CUT 6 (09)  “found her”

Foret says they are unsure if Dupre is a suspect because they’re still determining the cause of death.

CUT 7 (11) “at all”

Foret says they’re still waiting on dental records to ID the victim . She says identifying her was difficult because authorities found her decomposing.

CUT 8 (04)  “36 hours”

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The massive Bayou Corne sinkhole in northern Assumption Parish, which forced the evacuation of hundreds of nearby residents, formed three years ago today. It was created from a collapsed underground salt dome cavern operated by Texas Brine. Assumption Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness director John Boudreaux says the area is a ghost town:

CUT 9 (06)  “that remain”

Boudreaux says the latest data by Texas Brine shows the sinkhole has only grown by about an acre and a half so far this year. He says some scientists believe the pit will continue to slowly get bigger over the next decade…:

cut 10 (09)  “to grow in size”

Boudreaux says they are still monitoring the bubble spots monthly to ensure the safety of the residents who have remained in the small community. He says even though the sinkhole has stabilized, they continue to keep a close eye on it to make sure there are no more dramatic changes…:

cut 11 (10)  “dramatically”

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Shreveport Police are looking for a 27-year-old man who pointed his gun at officers early Thursday morning. Officers attempted to stop a vehicle after discovering the plates didn’t match the car. Chief Administrative Assistant Bill Goodin says the two men in the car, 30-year-old Joe Thompkins Jr. and 27-year-old Brandon Chin, jumped out of the moving vehicle and fled on foot.

cut 12 (12)  “the officer”

Goodin says during the pursuit, Chin, who was the passenger, regained his footing and started waving the gun at the officer again. He says the officer then fired two shots at Chin but  the suspect was able to elude the officer.

cut 13 (08)  “peace officer”
Goodin says they were able to make arrangements for the driver, Thompkins, to surrender himself and he was booked on one count of flight from an officer, one count of switched license plate, and three misdemeanor traffic bench warrants. Chin is still on the loose.

cut 14 (10)  “crime stoppers”

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The Lafayette Police Department says a 35-year-old man is fighting for his life after being shot several times by three unknown suspects in an apparent home invasion. Corporal Paul Mouton says the incident took place about 1am and witnesses report 3 black men kicked in the door of the residence and began demanding money from the occupants…:

cut 15 (10) “at that point” 

Mouton says the victim was inside the residence along with two females and three children at the time. He says the man is listed in critical condition at a local hospital…:

cut 16 (06) “the suspects” 

08.03.15
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LRN Sportscast 11:40

The NFL’s all-time leading scorer, Morten Andersen, will be placed into the Saints Ring of Honor. Anderson was New Orleans’ kicker for 13 seasons and he was selected six times to the Pro Bowl and was named to the All-Pro team twice during his career in a Black and Gold uniform. He joins former Saints greats, Rickey Jackson, Willie Roaf and Archie Manning in the team’s Ring of Honor.

The Mercedes Benz Superdome turns 40 today. The home of the New Orleans Saints officially opened on August 3rd, 1975. General Manager Alan Freeman says upgrades to the Dome have kept it a viable venue to host big events. He says they are constantly looking at ways to enhance the fan’s experience at the Dome…:
CUT 30 (08) “the Saints”
Over the years, the Superdome has hosted seven Super Bowls, five Final Fours, and a WrestleMania, just to name a few. Freeman is confident all of these and more will return to the Dome

At Saints training camp, no sign of safety Jairus Byrd. The team’s big free agent acquisition during the 2014 offseason, still has not participated in training camp this season. He’s been on the physically unable to peform list. Today was the fifth straight day of practices in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The players will have tomorrow off.

The Bills have suspended their offensive line coach Aaron Kromer for the first six games of the season without pay. The former Saints assistant is receiving disclpline from the team after he allegedly punched a boy in the face over a dispute involving beach chairs. Prosecutors have dropped a battery charge against Kromer.

Southeastern Louisiana begins preseason practice today. The Lions return 15 starters from last year’s team that won Southland title.

Former Louisiana Tech basketball standout Raheem Appleby has signed with a professional team in Hungary. He’ll depart in a couple of weeks for traning camp with the P-V-S-K Panthers. The Arkansas native was a three-time all-conference selection and scored 17-hundred points during his career with the Bulldogs.

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.