Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

10.06.19
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LRN AM Newscall October 7

President Trump makes a trip on Friday to Louisiana, but he won’t be the only Trump family member to visit the Bayou state this week.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The governor’s race may be soaking up most of the oxygen but downballot the campaign for Insurance Commisioner is tight as we enter the final week of the campaign…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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ESPN’s College GameDay will be in Baton Four for Saturday night’s SEC Top 10 showdown between the fighting Tigers and the Florida Gators. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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President Trump visits Louisiana Friday, but his son Don Trump, Jr. will be part of a rally in Lafayette today.  UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says those close to the President are stepping up efforts to unseat Gov. Edwards.

Cut 4 (09) “…the same effect.”

Cross says the sons and daughters of this President are more effective in leading political influence than those of other administrations.

Cut 5 (11) “…see these people.”

Cross says while the message from nationally prominent GOP figures would be a less divided message by endorsing one candidate, the political influence to vote against Edwards is still strong.

Cut 6 (13) “…vote against him.”

The event begins at noon at the Cajundome Convention Center.  The visit from Trump, Jr. comes following a weekend rally attended by Vice President Pence in Kenner.

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We’re less than a week from the primary and the race for Insurance Commissioner could go either way with a recent independent poll showing most voters have yet to make up their mind.

Incumbent Jim Donelon has been blasted on the airwaves by attack ads, including one showing Donelon nodding off at some kind of public hearing. The narrator calls him “asleep at the wheel”…

Cut 7 (08) “fact.” 

That’s Donelon who says one look at his monthly schedule would assuage any concerns about his work ethic.

Donelon has served in the position since 2006 and says if re-elected he’ll continue fighting to get laws passed that will continue to drag down insurance rates.

Cut 8 (06) “…level

Opponent and fellow Republican Tim Temple has sunk over a million dollars of his own money into the campaign. He says Donelon has been exaggerating recent rate decreases.

Cut 9 (12)  “…policy”

Temple says the state’s second-highest in the nation car insurance rates is unacceptable and punishes working families and the companies that employ them.

Cut 10 (08) “…Louisiana”

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If you’ve been looking for a break from the heat, today is your lucky day.  A long-awaited cold front arrives today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says our first cold front of fall is coming later than normal.

Cut 11 (09) “…be much welcomed.” 

Keim says northern parishes will see high temps only hit the upper 70’s.

Cut 12 (09) “…not this week.”

Keim says tomorrow morning lows will be in the 50’s in northern parishes, 60’s in central parishes, and 70’s along the coast.

Cut 13 (09) “…beautiful weekend weather.”

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Food Stamp benefits are going up about two to four dollars a month for Louisiana recipients thanks to a national cost of living readjustment.

Department of Children and Family Services Economic Stability Director Kim Matherne says it’s part of the yearly change to the program, and how much more you’ll receive is based on your household’s size.

Cut 14 (10) “dollars.” 

The minimum allotment has also risen from 15 to 16 dollars.

The gross monthly income limit for eligibility has also increased. Matherne says single individuals can earn up to 1,354 dollars a month, while four-person households can pull in 2,790 dollars a month.

Cut 15 (09) “…slightly”

That’s roughly thirty dollars higher than last year.

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The Saints improved to 4-1 on the season and 3-0 with Teddy Bridgewater as their starting quarterback as New Orleans topped Tampa Bay 31-24. Bridgewater threw an interception in the first half, but he was nearly perfect after that as he threw for 314 yards and four touchdowns. Coach Sean Payton says it was good to see…

Cut 16  (14) “  he played” 

Eleven of Bridgewater’s completions went to wide receiver Michael Thomas, who finished 182 yards receiving and two touchdowns. Bridgewater targeted Thomas 13 times

cut 17  (20) “…for a quarterback” 

The Saints defense was also very good in this game as they held the Bucs to 3-of-11 on third down, 252 total yards and had six sacks. Bridgewater says this Saints team has a lot of talent and great chemistry…

Cut 18 (20) more and more” 

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5th ranked LSU finished off the non-conference portion of its schedule with a dominating 42-6 win over Utah State. Tigers Quarterback Joe Burrow threw for 344 yards and five T-Ds as LSU rolled up 601 yards of offense, while the defense gave up just 159 yards. Coach Ed Orgeron says it was their most complete game of the season

cut 19 (19)   “unbelieveable”   

Junior wide receiver Justin Jefferson had another huge game with nine catches for 155 yards and two touchdowns. Jefferson and the Tigers are 5-0 for a second consecutive season…

cut 20 (14) “our own game”   

10.04.19
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

The fifth ranked LSU Tigers welcome Utah State into Death Valley for an 11 AM kick off on Saturday. Aggies Coach Gary Andersen on playing the Fighting Tigers….
cut 19 (13) “…very loud”
But not as loud it would be a for night game. And it will be hot inside Tiger Stadium. The high temperature in Baton Rouge for Saturday is 93-degrees. Maybe the heat will slow down two teams that like to be up tempo on offense.

In other action on Saturday, ULM hosts 23rd ranked Memphis. Tulane is at Army. The Black Knights have won 15 straight at Michie Stadium. Nicholls finally gets to host a game as the Colonels take on Central Arkansas. Southeastern Louisiana is at McNeese and Grambling seeks its first win as the Tigers visit Jackson State.

The Saints host NFC South rival Tampa Bay on Sunday. The Buccaneers look better this season under first-year coach Bruce Arians. They upset the Rams last Sunday. Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston is the reigning NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

Teddy Bridgewater will make his third straight start at QB for the Saints. He led New Orleans to a 12-10 win over Dallas last week, but wants to see more touchdowns than field goals this Sunday
Cut 13 (10) “…better at”
The Saints offensive line had a rough game last week and has struggled as a unit with allowing sacks and holding penalties.

There are some big games in high school football tonight, one of the best matchups in the country will be played in Lafayette as St. Thomas More hosts Catholic High. You can watch the game at yurview-dot-com. Also tonight, West Monroe is at Neville, while Kaplan visits Notre Dame.

10.04.19
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LRN PM Newscall Oct 4

The US Supreme Court agrees to hear a Louisiana abortion case. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A new attack ad slams Governor Edwards for the hiring of alleged sexual assualter and harrasser, Johnny Anderson, to his administration. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The US Supreme Court agrees to hear a Louisiana abortion case that deals with a 2014 state law requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges. The Supreme Court shot down a nearly-identical Texas law in 2016. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says this case will tell us where the nation’s highest court stands on abrotion…

Cut 3 (10) “…on abortion.”

Only three clinics in the state provide abortions and opponents of the Louisiana law say it could close two of them. Ciolino says the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case gives the nation’s highest court a chance to reshape the nation’s law on abortion.

Cut 4 (03) “…or hoped for.”

Arguments on the Louisiana case are expected during the winter, which means a ruling would come down before June of 2020. Ciolino says it’s a big ruling to make during a presidential election year…

Cut 5 (10) “…or early 70s.”

This is the first major abortion case taken up by the court since the appointment of conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

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Following three consecutive years of record-setting adoption rates resulting in over 2,400 kids finding permanent homes, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services receives a national award for its work in adoption from the US Department of Health and Human Services.  DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says it’s a significant award.

Cut 6 (07) “…that we won”

Walters says DCFS is one of twelve recipients being recognized in its efforts to boost the number of foster children placed in permanent homes.

Cut 7 (10) “…2,400 kids” 

Walters credits the state’s 2016 transformation of its approach to foster care and adoption with the Quality Parenting Initiative as a contributing factor in receiving the recognition.

Cut 8 (09) “…a relative parent.”

Recipients will be honored at the Children’s Bureau Celebration of National Adoption Month in November in Washington, DC.
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A powerful ad hits the airwaves slamming Governor Edwards’ hiring of former Deputy Chief of Staff and alleged sexual harasser and assaulter Johnny Anderson. The ad features alleged victim Juanita Washington.

Washington details her experience, and says when she reported the harassment, she was “out of a job”. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat.

Cut 9 (11) “of that”

Anderson was hired to the office after serving as Southern University board Chairman. Six women at the school accused Anderson of harassment, but the Edwards Administration says he was hired after he was cleared by an investigation.

Pinsonat says a series of problems are starting to stack up against Edwards’ hopes to avoid a run-off, including increased Republican engagement due to national issues, and…

Cut 10 (10) “…him.”

The Edwards campaign has responded to the ad saying Anderson’s employment was ended hours after they were informed, and that the office has a zero-tolerance harassment policy. Pinsonat says it’s a good rebuttal.

Cut 11 (08) “hired” 

The ad is run by anti-Edwards advocates Truth in Politics.

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After scoring 55 points last week against the Rams, Tampa Bay will be a confident team when they face the Saints in the Dome on Sunday at noon. Bucs Quarterback Jameis Winston is the reigning NFC Offensive Player of the Week. Saints Safety Marcus Williams says putting pressure on Winston will be a key Sunday

Cut 12 (11) “…play our assignment”

Teddy Bridgewater will make his third straight start for the Saints. He led New Orleans to a 12-10 win over Dallas last Sunday, but wants to see more touchdowns than field goals this Sunday

Cut 13 (10) “…better at”

The Saints offensive line had a rough game last week and has struggled as a unit with allowing sacks and holding penalties. Coach Sean Payton says it’s poor technique and offensive tackle Terron Armstead says they are working to get better

Cut 14 (09) “…those plays”

10.04.19
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1:30 LRN Newscast October 4

A new ad in the governor’s race features a woman who says she was the victim of sexual harassment from the governor’s former deputy chief of staff Johnny Anderson. Juanita Washington says she also worked in the governor’s office and says Anderson should have never been hired because it wasn’t the first time he’s been accused of sexual harassment.

The Edwards campaign has responded to the ad saying Anderson’s employment ended hours after they were informed and that the office has a zero-tolerance harassment policy. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s a good rebuttal….
cut 11 (08) “…hired”
An anti-Edwards group, Truth in Politics, paid for the statewide television campaign.

Vice President Mike Pence holds a rally at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner tomorrow, urging Louisiana residents to vote Republican. The Louisiana Democratic Party says Louisiana voters need to speak up by voting for Edwards, so that the state doesn’t return to Bobby Jindal’s failed policies.

The US Supreme Court agrees to hear a Louisiana abortion case. Jeff Palermo has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services will receive a national award for its work in adoption from the US Department of Health and Human Services. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says it’s a significant award and one the department is excited about.
Cut 6 (07) “…that we won”

10.04.19
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11:40 LRN Sportscast Oct 4

It will not be cool inside Death Valley tomorrow when the fifth-ranked Tigers host Utah State at 11 AM. The forecast calls for a high of 93-degrees and Aggies head coach Gary Andersen says they are used to temperatures in the 50s, so they know the heat and humidity will be difficult on them…
cut 20 (12) “…the temperature”
Coach Ed Orgeron says Ed Ingram will start at left guard tomorrow. Ingram was reinstated September 20th after missing all of last season because he was facing criminal charges that have since been dropped. Coach O says Adrian Magee will start at left tackle.

After scoring 55 points last week, Tampa Bay will be a confident team when they face the Saints in the Superdome on Sunday. Bucs Quarterback Jamies Winston has completed 63-percent of his passes for 1,167 yards.

ULM has a chance to defeat a Top 25 team at home on Saturday when they host the 4-and-0 Memphis Tigers. Warhawks coach Matt Viator says Memphis has great team speed, with two good running backs, Kenneth Gainwell and Kylan Watkins. He says on defense the Tigers like to blitz…
cut 17 (16) “…the ball”
Kick-off is at 2:45 and ESPN-U has television coverage.

In Thibodaux, Nicholls hosts Central Arkansas in a matchup of two teams ranked in the Top 25 in the FCS polls. The Bears have won nine of the 11 previous meetings between the two teams.

McNeese welcomes 19th ranked Southeastern Louisiana to Lake Charles. The Cowboys are still looking for their first conference win.

Grambling goes after its first win of the season when they visit Jackson State.

10.04.19
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10:30 LRN Newscast Oct 4

Vice President Mike Pence will travel to Kenner tomorrow for a rally at the Pontchartrain Center where the V-P will urge voters to vote for one of the two main Republican candidates in the governor’s race. Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone are expected to attend…
cut 9 (09) “…to them”
That’s LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow. Donald Trump Junior will hold a similar rally in Lafayette Monday.

Another early voting day is underway and about 250,000 Louisianans have cast their ballot for the October 12th primary. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says 90 percent of early ballots are from “chronic” voters, but that could inspire others to show up.
Cut 10 (08) “…closely”
Ardoin says voters are also enjoying their “I voted” stickers.

The U-S Supreme Court has agreed to hear an abortion case out of Louisiana. In 2014, the state legislature approved a law requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. The law has been put on hold over concerns from abortion providers that it could close two of the state’s three abortion clinics.

According to new research from AAA, a popular safety feature on newer vehicles may not work as you might expect. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

10.04.19
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9:30 LRN newscast Oct 4

The Vice President will rally Republicans to vote Republican in the governor’s race during an event at the Ponchatrain Center in Kenner tomorrow at 1 PM. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

You can early vote for the October 12th election today and tomorrow at select locations. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says 250-thousand people have already cast a ballot on their new voting machines…
cut 11 (06) “…about it”
The new machines are Ipad like devices that are not connected to the internet and turn on when you slide a voter card into them.

A study from Triple-A finds that the emergency braking systems in newer vehicles fail to stop a vehicle at night to avoid hitting a pedestrian and only work sporadically during the day. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says their travel club supports the continued development of pedestrian detection systems, because they work well in avoiding collissions with other vehicles…
cut 6 (060 “…not so much”

It will not be cool inside Death Valley tomorrow when the fifth ranked Tigers host Utah State at 11 AM. The forecast calls for a high of 93-degrees and Aggies head coach Gary Andersen says they are used to temperatures in the 50s, so they know the heat and humidity will be difficult on them…
cut 20 (12) “…the temperature”
Louisiana will finally get a break from the heat next week.

10.04.19
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8:30 LRN Newscast Oct 4

Vice President Mike Pence will be in New Orleans Saturday to rally Republicans to vote Republican in the governor’s race. It’s the first visit to the state from a Republican figure of the Vice President’s prominence. So why has it taken so long for the party to throw its weight around?
Cut 7 (10) “candidate.”
That’s LSU’s Shreveport Political Science Professor, Jeff Sadow. Pence will be at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner at 1 PM.

Our Lady of the Lake cuts the ribbon today in Baton Rouge on its new five-story children’s hospital which took over three years to construct. President of Children’s Health Trey Dunbar says they will begin moving patients into the facility tomorrow.
Cut 13 (07) “…new children’s hospital.”
Dunbar anticipates the facility will treat patients from all over Louisiana as well as those traveling in from nearby states.

Another early voting day is underway and about 250,000 Louisianans have cast their ballot for the October 12th primary. We’ve had 18-thousand more votes during this early voting period after five days than for the entire early voting period in 2015, the last governor’s race. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says 90 percent of early ballots are from “chronic” voters, but that could inspire others to show up.
Cut 10 (08) “…closely”
Ardoin says voters are also enjoying their “I voted” stickers.

A new study from AAA indicates autonomous emergency braking systems are only sporadically effective in detecting pedestrians at speeds above 30 mph. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says the findings are a reminder to drivers to stay alert.
Cut 4 (10) “…weren’t that impressive.”
The study shows the detection systems are completely useless at night, which is when 75% of pedestrian fatalities occur.

10.04.19
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7:30 LRN Newscast October 4

About 18,000 more people have early voted after just five days, than early voted in all of 2015, Louisiana’s last gubernatorial election. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Vice President Mike Pence will hold a rally in the New Orleans metro area tomorrow to urge Louisiana voters to vote for one of the two main republican challengers in the governor’s race. In an effort to avoid running out of money, Congressman Ralph Abraham has loaned his campaign 300-thousand dollars.

If you have a newer vehicle, Triple-A says don’t rely on the autonomous emergency braking system as failsafe. AAA says its research has found the detection systems designed to protect pedestrians are useless at night and that’s when 75-percent of pedestrian fatalities occur. And Triple-A’s Don Redman says pedestrian deaths have been on the rise since 2010…
cut 5 (09) “…killed by vehicles”
AAA supports says the continued development of pedestrian detection systems.

Officials will cut the ribbon this morning on the new Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. President of Children’s Health Trey Dunbar says the state-of-the-art facility will treat patients from around the state and they’ve provided space to make it comfortable for family members of the patient…
cut 14 (10) “…family as well”
The new hospital costs 230-million dollars and it took three years to construct.

10.04.19
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6:45 LRN Sportscast Oct 4

LSU will welcome Utah State into Death Valley tomorrow for an 11 AM kick-off. The Aggies feature an up-tempo offense that’s averaging nearly 39 points a game. On defense, they are allowing three touchdowns a contest. LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow says Utah State plays a bend but don’t break style of defense…
cut 18 (15) “…for sure’
Coach Ed Orgeron says he will start Ed Ingram at left guard and move Adrian Magee to left tackle, where he’ll replace Saahdiq Charles. No word on why Charles has been replaced.

Saints pass rusher Trey Hendrickson missed his second straight practice yesterday with a neck injury. New Orleans hosts Tampa Bay on Sunday. For the Bucs, linebacker Devin White was a full participant. He hasn’t played since week two.

ULM hosts 23rd ranked Memphis on Saturday as the Tigers are the first ranked opponent to visit Malone Stadium in the Football Bowl Subdivision era. The Tigers are 4-0, including a win over Ole Miss. Warhawks Coach Matt Viator says when you watch the film on Memphis, their team speed jumps off the screen…
cut 16 (14) “…do it”
Kick-off is at 2:45 and the game can be seen on ESPN-U.