Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

06.25.26
by

2:30 LRN Newscast

East Baton Rouge Parish Pastor Tony Spell faces a second-degree battery charge after video shows him punching his neighbor’s 20-year-old son. Spell claims the 20-year-old threatened to rape and kill his family and Spell’s attorney alleges the Central Police Department is working with the neighbors against the Reverend. Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran denies the allegation…

Cut 14 (11) “…out here”

The criminal charge against Spell was filed by the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office.

 

Construction is underway to transform the Shrine on Airline from a baseball park to a venue that will have better seating for high school football games and also have the ability to host concerts and festivals. Director of the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission Jerry Bologna says an entertainment venue in the area has proven to be successful…

Cut 8 (08) “…help that”

 

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are joining forces on national legislation aimed at reclassifying crawfish processors.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy has changed his position on Iran after meeting with Vice President J-D Vance. In a post on X, Cassidy thanked Vance and Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, for addressing his concerns. Cassidy also voted against a resolution urging an end to the war, after voting for a similar resolution the day before.

06.25.26
by

LRN PM Newscall June 25

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are joining forces on national legislation aimed at reclassifying crawfish processors. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Construction is underway on a 30-million-dollar renovation to the Shrine on Airline. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

Louisiana lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are sponsoring legislation that would reclassify those who work on crawfish farms. Congressmen Troy Carter, Cleo Fields and Clay Higgins are joining forces in proposing what’s known as the CRAW Act. Andy Brown with the Louisiana Farm Bureau says Congress had gotten it wrong by not classifying crawfish processors as agricultural workers.

Cut 3 (11) “…of the programs.”

By reclassifying them as agricultural workers, crawfish processors would be eligible for the uncapped H-2A visa program instead of having to secure a capped H-2B visa. Brown says the current arrangement could be detrimental to food security, as evidenced this year by the shortage of crawfish peelers.

Cut 4 (11) “…within that cap.”

Brown says these workers are not taking any jobs away from Americans, who he says on a whole simply do not find that work very a-peel-ing.

Cut 5 (14) “…off the job.”

________________________________________

The Shrine on Airline is receiving a 30-million-dollar renovation to convert the baseball stadium into a multi-use venue hosting football, soccer, concerts and more. Jefferson Parish is putting 15-million-dollars in pandemic relief funding towards the project. Executive Director of the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission Jerry Bologna says it’s an investment in the community.

Cut 6 (12) “…events like this.”

Construction is scheduled to be completed June of next year.

While the stadium has already received interest from minor league football and soccer teams, its primary function will be a home for high school sports. Bologna says the renovation will add visitor sideline seating for the first time, a must for high school football in the area.

Cut 7 (11) “…view the game.”

The transformation will also add a stage to host concerts and festivals. Bologna says an entertainment venue in the area has proven to be successful.

Cut 8 (08) “…help that.”

He hopes the investment in the Shrine will spur development along the Airline corridor.

_____________________________________________________________

Last Thursday’s torrential rainfall in Avoyelles Parish is one step closer to being an official state record. A volunteer observer with the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network measured 29.06 inches of rain within a 12-hour period three miles southeast of Cottonport. Jonathan Brazzell (“Brazil”) with the National Weather Service is among a team of meteorologists who are now verifying that measurement.

Cut 9 (07)  “…on the gauge.”

Brazzell says the team, which also includes State Climatologist Jay Grymes, has verified the volunteer’s rain reading from that day.

Cut 10 (10) “…will become official.” 

And once it becomes official, it would annihilate the previous record of 22 inches, set in Hackberry on August 29th, 1962. Brazzell says there are indications that some areas got even more than 29.06 inches.

Cut 11 (07) “…around 30 inches.”

To put those numbers in perspective – those areas of Avoyelles Parish got seven times more rainfall in 12 hours than what the Las Vegas metropolitan area gets in one year.

______________________________________________________

East Baton Rouge Parish Pastor Tony Spell said he had a right to defend his family and church by fighting a neighbor who he claims threatened to kill and rape his family. Spell and his attorney blamed the Central Police Department for a failure to respond to numerous complaints made about the family, but Police Chief Roger Corcoran refutes the claim.

Cut 12 (11) “…back and look.”

Corcoran says his department has record of only five incidents involving the Spells in the last four years, and only one of those was a complaint, which a detective followed up with.

Cut 13 (10) “…responds to that.”

Corcoran says even if the department had received several complaints, the Spells would have been redirected to the sheriff’s office.

The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office has charged Spell with second-degree battery, and Corcoran says he will not interfere with their investigation. Spell’s attorney alleged that Central Police were working with the neighbors against Spell. Corcoran denies the allegation.

Cut 14 (11) “…out here.”

06.25.26
by

11:30 LRN Newscast

An East Baton Rouge Parish pastor who is seen on video physically fighting the 20-year-old son of his neighbor defends the attack by saying the young man threatened to rape and kill his family. Those accusations have been denied by the Sherwin family. But Reverend Tony Spell says he crossed the four-lane highway in front of his church in Central to protect his family.

Cut 26 (05) “…when I’m gone.”

Spell is facing a felony battery charge, the 20-year-old suffered bruises to his face and needed stitches.

Last Thursday’s torrential rainfall in Avoyelles Parish is one step closer to being an official state record. A volunteer observer measured 29.06 inches of rain within a 12-hour period three miles southeast of Cottonport. Jonathan Brazzell (“Brazil”) is with the National Weather Service.

Cut 9 (07)  “…on the gauge.”

The previous state record for highest rainfall total in a 24-hour period was set in the Cameron Parish town of Hackberry in 1962.

 

The Shrine on Airline is receiving a 30-million-dollar renovation to convert the baseball stadium into a multi-use venue hosting football, soccer, concerts and more. Jefferson Parish is putting 15 million dollars in pandemic relief funding towards the project. Executive Director of the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission Jerry Bologna says it’s an investment in the community.

Cut 6 (12) “…events like this.”

Construction is scheduled to be completed in June of next year, so there are no football games at the Shrine on Airline this season.

And Tulane University says it’s transforming the iconic former Charity Hospital building in New Orleans and making it a national hub of bioscience discovery and medical advancements. Tulane President Michael Fitts says construction is expected to be completed in 2029…

Cut 15 (06) “….when its complete”

06.25.26
by

10:30 LRN Newscast

East Baton Rouge Pastor Tony Spell has laid out his reasoning on why he attacked his neighbor’s 20-year-old son, which led to a felony battery charge against Spell. Spell says the 20-year-old threatened to rape and kill his family…

Cut 12 (09) “….shepherds his flock”

Spell describes the Sherwin family as domestic terrorists, but the Sherwins say Spell’s claims are untrue.

Tulane University is moving forward with a plan to renovate the Old Charity Hospital in New Orleans and turn it into a national hub for bioscience discovery and medical advancements. University president Michael Fitts says  the concentration of scientists, students and entrepreneurs in this revitalized space will result in cures and new treatments for diseases…

Cut 14 (08) “…people to live”

 

We’re getting reaction to the resignation of Randy Smith as sheriff of St. Tammany Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 30 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Reports out of Washington D-C say President Trump and Senator Bill Cassidy had a shouting match over the Iran war. It’s the first time the two men were in the same room since Cassidy finished third in the Republican Senate primary ending his re-election chances. Trump is supporting Julia Letlow in the race. Cassidy told the President he’s not been transparent enough with the American people about the Iran war.

06.25.26
by

9:30 LRN Newscast

Randy Smith’s tenure as sheriff of St. Tammany Parish is over after pleading guilty to attacking podcaster Bobby Couvillion at a Madisonville Restaurant. Smith pleaded guilty to felony battery and disturbing the peace by public intoxication. As part of the plea deal, he can reduce the felony battery conviction to a misdemeanor if he completes an 18-month treatment program that will address his alcohol issues. Rafael Goyeneche, the president of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, says Smith did not receive preferential treatment..

Cut 5 (14) “…it as well.”

 

In Kenner, 50-year-old Shawn Bell was arrested after authorities found 54 dogs in his home. Cops say they the dogs were living in crowded, unsanitary and unsafe conditions. Bell is accused of illegally breeding Australian Shepherds.

A Baton Rouge area pastor charged with second-degree battery explains why beat up his neighbor’s 20-year-old son.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Governor Landry’s plan to keep paying a two-thousand dollar stipend that teachers have received for the last three years has been approved by lawmakers. But former Central School System Superintendent Michael Faulk says the plan is illegal, because it’s taking money away from the public school funding formula…

Cut  9 (10) “…MFP hearing”

A court hearing on the teacher pay plan is scheduled for Monday.

06.25.26
by

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU football has added10 commitments this month. They’ve climbed to 17th in 247 sports national rankings. Four of the commitments are receivers and Preston Guy of Tiger-Bait-dot-com says LSU remains very much in the hunt for the nation’s top receiver, Brother Martin’s Easton Royal…

Cut 18 (15) “….would be bad”

Royal is a Texas commitment, but LSU is giving the five-star prospect something to think about.

The Pelicans used their only pick in the NBA draft to select St. Aug grad Jaron Pierre Junior in the second round. The New Orleans native averaged 18 points a game last season for S-M-U. In 2025, he was named the Conference USA Player of the Year as he averaged 22 points a game for Jacksonville State.

______________________________

Division One college athletics has adopted an age-based eligibility model that will result in athletes having a five-year eligibility window. No more redshirting or waivers. The eligibility clock begins at either an athlete’s first semester in college or when they turn 19, which ever comes first.

It basically means, you can’t play college athletics if you are 24 years or older. LSU has received commitments from five overseas pros, four of whom are 22 or older. Hunt Palmer of ESPN Baton Rouge says their eligibility clock would have already started under the new rule.

Cut 20 (14) “…those age requirements.”

Former LSU football coach Brian Kelly will be in the broadcast booth this fall as he will serve as an analyst for the CBS Sports Network, calling mostly Mountain West games.

06.24.26
by

5:30 LRN Newscast

In St. Tammany, Randy Smith pleads guilty to attacking a critic of his at a Madisonville restaurant and he also resigns as sheriff….

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy says it got loud between him and President Donald Trump during a closed-door meeting with Republican Senators today. Cassidy says Trump asked why four GOP Senators voted to withdraw troops from Iran and Cassidy says he raised his voice and said you have not told the American people what’s going on.

 

LDWF agents in Avoyelles Parish rescued 86 people and 20 pets during last week’s historic flooding. Region commander for the area Captain John Volentine says along with trucks and vessels, agents used the department’s two amphibious vehicles to rescue people stranded by the floodwaters.

Cut 4 (12) “…parish like Avoyelles.”

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame will welcome a new class of 12 Louisiana sports icons. Former LSU and Atlanta Falcons center Todd McClure is one of the four Tigers to be honored. A Baton Rouge native, McClure says he’s honored to join such a special group.

Cut 6 (11) “…truly humbled.”

The other three Tigers set to be inducted are second baseman Warren Morris, center Sylvia Fowles and basketball coach John Brady.

06.24.26
by

3:30 LRN Newscast

St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith pleaded guilty today to one count of second-degree battery for attacking a critic of his at a restaurant near Madisonville on May 29th. District Attorney Collin Sims says as part of the plea deal, Smith is no longer the sheriff…

Cut 9 (13) “…protecting the public”

Smith served as the sheriff of St. Tammany for nearly a decade and was serving in his third term.

Pastor Tony Spell of Central addressed the media today after he was arrested on a second-degree battery charge. Video shows Spell punching his neighbor’s 20-year-old son. Spell says the man threatened his family….

Cut 20 (05) “…when I’m gone”

The victim’s family says they’ve never threatened Spell’s family.

 

Planned Parenthood is re-establishing a clinic in New Orleans. They anticipate the facility will open in the Fall. Emily Wales, the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, says the clinic will offer several services for women…

Cut 13 (08) “…well visits”

The Louisiana Right To Life is concerned that Planned Parenthood’s telehealth services may be violating Louisiana law if their medical providers are not licensed to practice medicine in Louisiana.

During last week’s historic rain event in Avoyelles Parish, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents rescued 86 people and 20 pets from flood waters. Captain John Volentine is a native of Avoyelles Parish and says the cleanup process began in earnest over the weekend…

Cut 5 (06) “…and the water”

Residents are asked to report storm damage to damage.la.gov.

06.24.26
by

LRN PM Newscall June 24

Former LSU and Falcons center Todd McClure will be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame this weekend. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

In St. Tammany, Randy Smith pleads guilty to attacking a critic of his at a Madisonville restaurant and he also resigns as sheriff. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

The massive flooding in Avoyelles Parish kept LDWF enforcement agents busy. They rescued 86 people and 20 pets from the raging floodwaters last week. Captain John Volentine, who’s the region commander for the affected area, says the rescue mission was unlike any ever undertaken in Avoyelles Parish.

Cut 3 (07) “…the 1927 flood.”

Captain Volentine says along with trucks and vessels, agents used the department’s two amphibious vehicles to rescue people stranded by the floodwaters.

Cut 4 (12) “…parish like Avoyelles.”

Volentine says the cleanup process has already been a tedious one and will become even more so as time goes by.

Cut 5 (06) “…and the water.”

________________________________________

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame will welcome a new class of 12 Louisiana sports icons. Former LSU and Atlanta Falcons center Todd McClure is one of the four Tigers to be honored. A Baton Rouge native, McClure says he’s honored to join such a special group.

Cut 6 (11) “…truly humbled.”

In 1995, McClure arrived at an LSU program coming off six straight losing seasons. He took over the starting center job midway through his freshman year and never looked back, earning two All-SEC and an All-American first-team selection. He says playing for the Tigers was a dream come true.

Cut 7 (12) “…anywhere else.”

McClure was taken by the Falcons in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft. After an ACL injury his rookie season, McClure started 195 games over 14 years in Atlanta and was added to their Ring of Honor in 2022. He says Atlanta was a second home for him.

Cut 8 (11) “…see it now.”

_____________________________________________________________

St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith pleaded guilty today to one count of second degree battery for attacking a critic of his at a restaurant near Madisonville on May 29th. District Attorney Collin Sims as part of the plea deal, Smith is no longer the sheriff…

Cut 9 (13)  “…protecting the public.”

Sims says the former sheriff can reduce the felony battery conviction to a misdemeanor if he completes an 18-month treatment program that will address his alcohol issues…

Cut 10 (08) “…that caused it.” 

Smith also pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace by public intoxication. Last month, the former sheriff attacked from behind Robert Couvillon, a blogger and social media personality. Couvillon suffered a concussion and dental injuries and was hospitalized.

Sims says the victim and the the investigating agency, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, are satisfied with this case’s resolution…

Cut 11 (12) “…held accountable.”

Smith served as the sheriff of St. Tammany for nearly a decade and was serving in his third term. Prior to his time as sheriff, Smith was the Slidell police chief from 2010 to 2016. He has spent 40 years in law enforcement.

Smith says it’s been the honor of a lifetime to serve the St. Tammany Parish community, but retiring at this time is in the best interest of the agency, his family and the public. Bret Ibert will take over as Interim Sheriff until a new Sheriff is elected.

______________________________________________________

Planned Parenthood is coming back to Louisiana, with the first reopening happening this fall in New Orleans. Emily Wales, the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, says her network took over Louisiana following the closure of the last clinic in the state last September.

Cut 12 (07) “…make that happen.” 

Wales says the New Orleans clinic will offer several services for women.

Cut 13 (08) “…and well visits.”

What the clinic will not provide, however, is abortion services, since those services are illegal in the state. But Wales says like all other clinics in states where the procedure is outlawed, they can facilitate travel to a Planned Parenthood in a state where the procedure is allowed.

Cut 14 (09) “…of the state.”

The Louisiana Right To Life is not happy that Planned Parenthood is returning to Louisiana to send women outside the state to have abortions. The pro-life group is also concerned that Planned Parenthood’s telehealth services may be violating Louisiana law if their medical providers are not licensed to practice medicine in Louisiana. The Louisiana Right to Life says state law also prohibits health care providers from prescribing the abortion pill for elective abortion.

06.24.26
by

11:30 LRN Newscast

St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith pleaded guilty today to one count of second-degree battery for attacking a critic of his at a restaurant near Madisonville on May 29th. District Attorney Collin Sims says as part of the plea deal, Smith is no longer the sheriff…

Cut 9 (13) “…protecting the public”

Smith served as the sheriff of St. Tammany for nearly a decade and was serving in his third term. Prior to his time as sheriff, Smith was the Slidell police chief from 2010 to 2016. He has spent 40 years in law enforcement.

An East Baton Rouge Parish pastor bonded out of jail yesterday after he was arrested on a second-degree battery charge. Authorities say the Reverend Tony Spell of Central beat up his neighbor’s 20-year-old son. There’s video of the incident that shows Spell and the victim throwing punches at each other along the side of the road. Spell previously gained national attention for holding church services in the early days of the COVID pandemic.

 

Republican Senators and President Trump meet behind closed doors today to discuss the Iran peace deal and the SAVE America Act. The election security bill would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. The President is demanding that Congress approve this legislation, but Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says the votes are not there in the Senate.

Cut 10 (11) “…affordable for Americans.”

Early voting for Saturday’s U.S. Senate primary runoffs closed over the weekend. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says despite lower turnouts for early voting in this election, voters seemed more comfortable with the new closed party primary system.

Cut 13 (14)  “…they go vote.”