Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

08.02.19
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6:30 LRN Newscast August 2nd

This school year, all Louisiana public schools will have to display “In God We Trust” and educate students about the origin of the national motto. The law was written by Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow, who says the motto must at minimum be displayed on paper.
Cut 7 (09) “jurisdiction”
The Democratic Senator adds the legislation also allows teachers to freely choose to display the motto in their classroom.

The American Cancer Society Action Network says the state is falling short when it comes to protecting all workers from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Louisiana Government relations director Lance Barbour…
cut 4 (08) “…for our youth”
Barbour says the state can also do better when it comes to its cigarette tax rates, smoke-free laws and Medicaid coverage of tobacco cessation.

The dead zone off the Louisiana and Texas coast is smaller than what scientists predicted before the summer, because of Hurricane Barry. LSU marine scientist Nancy Rabalais says Barry kicked up enough waves that it brought oxygen to low-oxygen areas of the Gulf. NOAA Center for Coastal Ocean Science director Steve Thur says his agency is also spending research money to address the harmful algae blooms in Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi Sound caused by river water going through the Bonnet Carre Spillway…
cut 12 (08) “….spillway”
The blooms of blue-green algae shuttered Mississippi beaches during peak tourist season.

08.01.19
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LRN PM Newscall August 1

The top cop in Baton Rouge apologizes for the hiring of Blane Salamoni, the former officer accused in the shooting death of Alton Sterling. Kevin Barnhart has more on the settlement they reached with Salamoni

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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 A series of new laws take effect today. Brooke Thorington spoke with the lawmakers who authored two of the new additions…

cut  2 (31) I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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Congressman Ralph Abraham picks up another endorsement from a Republican lawmaker in his bid to defeat Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards this fall.  Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland says the state needs a bold conservative leader. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the endorsements help Abraham, who has yet to launch a statewide TV ad

Cut 3 (07) “…Congressman Abraham”

Fellow GOP contender Eddie Rispone has a television ad running that touts his support for President Trump, while Abraham has yet to get on statewide TV. Pinsonat says the recent endorsements for Abraham help the U-S Representative

Cut 4 (09) “…where he is”

Governor Edwards is in the front-runner in the polls heading into the October 12th primary. Abraham is in second place, while Rispone is in third, but Rispone has a huge money advantage over the Congressman. Pinsonat says for now the endorsements help to offset Rispone’s large advantage in campaign dollars

Cut 5 (08) “…spend money”

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Baton Rouge police announce that Blane Salamoni, the officer who fired six shots into the body of Alton Sterling, will never work as a B-R-P-D officer as part of a settlement reached. Salamoni will be allowed to voluntarily resign retroactive to March 2018, instead of being fired. Police Chief Murphy Paul says Salamoni should have never been hired…

Cut 6 (10) “…process, we are sorry.”

The department has learned that Salamoni had an arrest record that he did not disclose to police when he applied to be an officer. That should have prevented him from being hired. The shooting of Sterling led to days of protest and civil unrest. Paul says the healing process continues…

Cut 7 (11) “…our officers experience.”

Paul says the Sterling shooting followed a pattern of unprofessional behavior shown by Salamoni…

Cut 8 (11) “…change the future.”

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A suite of new laws took effect today, including an effort to prevent the harassment of refs in amateur and high school sports, and an expansion of judge’s abilities to order chemical castrations.

Metairie Representative Cameron Henry’s law would allow officers to remove, and possibly arrest people who threaten physical violence against those amateur refs, but…

Cut 9 (09) “…prevail”

Jail time and fines may be a possibility if you’re arrested under this law.

Henry says he brought the legislation on request from his local playground, which was tired of dealing with raging parents…

Cut 10 (10) “…flag football”  (2x)

The law does not apply to college or professional sports environments.

Marrero Representative Patrick Connick’s bill would allow judges to sentence those who commit sexual battery to chemical castration. He says previously that wasn’t an option.

Cut 11 (09) “…in there.”

Connick says he was surprised to hear about the loophole when he was contacted by a local judge who said the option was not available in his case…

Cut 12 (12) “…battery.”

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Beginning this month Cleco customers will see an average savings of $14 a month on their power bill over the next year. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill explains why customers are now seeing a reduction.

Cut 13 (09) “…to customers”

President Trump’s federal tax law lowered corporate tax rates for utility companies. The Louisiana Public Service Commission had to approve Cleco’s plan to distribute the savings. Cahill explains how customers will see the credit on their bill.

Cut 14 (10) “…bill credit”

The power company saved $84 million in taxes. The savings benefit that Cleco customers are now receiving stems from the 2017 Congressional Tax Cuts and Jobs Act which reduced corporate tax rates across the nation. Cahill explains

Cut 15 (10) “…required to pay.”

The average Cleco customer will be credited $168 over the next year on their bill.

08.01.19
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11:40 LRN Sportscast August 1

LSU Football players are reporting and the Tigers are ranked sixth in the coaches preseason poll which was released today. Fans are buzzing about the addition of former Saints assistant Joe Brady, who’s been tasked with improving an offense that’s ranked as one of the worst in the SEC. Tiger Rag assistant editor Tyler Nunez.
cut 30 (09) “…offense.”
Brady is LSU’s passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach. Nunez says there are other areas of the team to keep an eye on…
cut 29 (10) “..replace that”
Michael Divinity is one linebacker that’s expected to have a huge impact. One player who won’t be at camp, four-star linebacker Donte Starks, because of academic issues.

Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas was back on the practice field after signing his 5-year, 100-million dollar contract which makes him the highest-paid receiver in the NFL. But how long will that contract remain a record. Atlanta’s Julio Jones and Dallas’ Amari Cooper’s contract are near their end and could eclipse what Thomas is making.

Louisiana High School Athletic Association Executive Director Eddie Bonine says the new Louisiana Select Association has no standing within the LHSAA. Bonine says it’s not on par as other sub-groups like the Louisiana High School Coaches Association. In a statement, Bonine also expressed disappointment with the formation of the L-S-A when schools are being surveyed on their thoughts regarding unification. L-S-A leaders say they needed to organize in order secure venues for their championship games.

Wednesday was the Major League Baseball trading deadline, former LSU Tiger Alex Lange was traded by the Cubs to the Detroit Tigers organization.

08.01.19
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10:30 LRN Newscast august 1

Congressman Ralph Abraham has added another endorsement from a Republican lawmaker in his bid to defeat Governor John Bel Edwards this fall. Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland says Abraham will help the state grow its economy. McFarland is one of six GOP legislators who have announced their support for Abraham’s campaign. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the recent endorsements will help Abraham…
cut 4 (09) “…where he is”
Abraham has yet to run any statewide TV commercials, while Governor Edwards and Eddie Rispone have begun their media push.

It’s reporting day for the LSU football program. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says Tiger fans are hoping for an improved offense, but there are other areas of the team to keep an eye on…
cut 11 (10) “….replace that”
Michael Divinity is one linebacker that’s expected to have a huge impact on this team.

Baton Rouge police announce that a settlement has been reached with former officer Blane Salamoni, who appealed his firing for his actions that resulted in the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling in 2016. Salamoni will not return to the police force and he will not receive any back pay. Instead of being fired, Salamoni will be allowed to resign.

Tulane has released a study that shows there’s been an increase in doctor visits and fewer emergency room visits since Governor Edwards expanded the Medicaid program, providing taxpayer-funded health care coverage for thousands of more Louisiana residents. Tulane Health Policy Chair Mark Diana says Providers who accept Medicaid saw a 35 percent increase in Medicaid patients post-expansion. Diana says that’s resulted in a substantial increase in the use of nurse practitioners and physician assistants….
cut 9 (10) “…sense”

08.01.19
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9:30 LRN Newscast

Congressman Ralph Abraham picks up another endorsement from a Republican lawmaker in his bid to defeat Democratic incumbent John Bel Edwards in this fall’s gubernatorial race. Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland says the state needs a bold conservative leader. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the endorsements help Abraham, who has yet to launch a statewide TV ad…
cut 3 (07) “…Congressman Abraham”
Fellow GOP contender Eddie Rispone has a TV ad running touting his support for President Trump.

This week marks the third anniversary of when Governor Edwards expanded the Medicaid coverage which provided taxpayer funded health care coverage to thousands. Tulane Health Policy chair Mark Diana completed a study that shows doctor visits are up, more people are purchasing prescribed medicine and the distance traveled when seeking care declined by one to four percent…
cut 8 (08) “…circumstances”

A settlement is expected to be announced today in the disciplinary appeal of former Baton Rouge Police officer Blane Salamoni, who was fired for the 2016 fatal shooting of Alton Sterling. Salamoni appealed his termination but never had a hearing. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says there is not much clarity as to what the settlement means.
Cut 13 (11) “…have a hearing.”
Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul has called a 10 AM press conference.

LSU Football players are rolling into Baton Rouge today reporting for fall camp. Fans are buzzing about the addition of former Saints assistant Joe Brady, who’s been tasked with dragging the offense into the 21st century. Tiger Rag assistant editor Tyler Nunez.
cut 10 (09) “…offense.”
Brady is LSU’s passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach.

08.01.19
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8:30 LRN Newscast August 1

Today marks the first day of Louisiana having a minimum age for marriage, with the age set at 16. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart ”

The minimum marry age law is one of over 200 new laws that take effect today. Parents who harass or physically fight a referee at a child’s sporting event could face up to 90 days in jail if convicted. A new child safety seat law is in place. And medication abortions can now only take place at the state’s three licensed abortions clinics, no longer in a gynecologist’s office.

A study out of Tulane paid for by the Louisiana Health Department finds more Medicaid recipients are seeing a doctor and using the emergency room less since the state’s Medicaid program was expanded three years ago. Tulane Health Policy chair Mark Diana says repeat E-R visitors saw a nearly nine-percent drop…
cut 7 (11) “…savings”
The study also showed that more people in Louisiana are taking their prescribed medicine because the cost has dropped.

Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul has called a 10 AM press conference where it’s expected he’ll announce a settlement has been reached with former officer Blane Salamoni, who is accused of shooting and killing Alton Sterling. Salamoni was fired, but he appealed his termination. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says it would not look good if Salamoni was allowed to wear the badge again…
cut 15 (12) “….be a deterrent”

08.01.19
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7:30 LRN Newscast August 1

Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul has called a 10 AM press conference where it’s expected he’ll announce a termination settlement has been reached with fired officer Blane Salamoni who shot Alton Sterling six times during a fatal encounter outside of a convenience store. Baton Rouge lawyer Franz Borghart on what the settlement could possibly be…
cut 14 (07) “…monetary settlement”
Salamoni’s termination appeal hearing was scheduled to take place later this month.

Hundreds of new laws go into effect today, one of them sets the minimum age to get married in Louisiana at 16. Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says his organization opposed the effort when the bill was first introduced…
cut 4 (08) “…too strong”
Supporters of the law say its needed to help combat human trafficking.

It’s been three years since Governor Edwards expanded the state’s Medicaid program and a study paid for by the Louisiana Health Department finds quality of life improvements for Medicaid expansion enrollees…
Cut 2 (30 ) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

State Police have arrested the driver of an 18-wheeler involved in a fatal crash on Monday that killed a three-year-old and two adults in LaSalle Parish. 33-year-old Joseph Pardue from Grant Parish was charged with three counts of negligent homicide. L-S-P says the semi hit the victims’ vehicle as it was slowing down to make a right-hand turn.

08.01.19
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6:45 LRN Sportscast August 1

After a brief training camp holdout, Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas is expected to be back on the practice field this morning at the team’s training facility in Metairie. Thomas and the Saints agreed to a five-year, 100-million dollar contract, 61-million in guaranteed money. The 26-year-old is the highest-paid receiver in NFL history.

LSU reports for fall camp today and one of the position battles to watch is at tight end. The Tigers need to replace starter Foster Moreau, who is now with the Oakland Raiders. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says a few players will have a chance to fill that void…
cut 12 (11) “…with them”
One player who won’t be at camp, four-star linebacker Donte Starks, because of academic issues. And Orgeron announced two-sport star Maurice Hampton will work out at safety during preseason camp.

Louisiana Tech and ULM also report for preseason camp today. The Warhawks return 14 starters from a team that went 6-and-6 last season. ULM is hoping redshirt freshman running back Isaiah Phillips can be an explosive option out of the backfield for them.

Nicholls senior quarterback Chase Fourcade is one of 25 players on the STATS FCS Walter Payton Award Watch list. The 2018 Southland Player of the Year is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country.

Louisiana High School Athletic Association Executive Director Eddie Bonine says the new Louisiana Select Association has no standing within the LHSAA. Bonine says it’s not on par as other sub-groups like the Louisiana High School Coaches Association. In a statement, Bonine also expressed disappointment with the formation of the L-S-A when schools are being surveyed on their thoughts regarding unification. L-S-A leaders say they needed to organize in order secure venues for their championship games.

08.01.19
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6:30 LRN Newscast August 1

A settlement is expected to be announced today in the disciplinary appeal of former Baton Rouge Police officer Blane Salamoni, who was fired for the 2016 fatal shooting of Alton Sterling. Salamoni appealed his termination but never had a hearing. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says there is not much clarity as to what the settlement means.
Cut 13 (11) “…have a hearing.”
Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul has called a 10 AM press conference.

Starting today, individuals under the age of 16 are not allowed to get married in Louisiana. The legislation was approved as a way to combat human trafficking, but Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says there have been cases where a pregnant 15-year-old girl married the father of their child. That’s illegal now…
cut 6 (09) “…trafficking”

The Purple and Gold report for preseason camp today, with fans anxious to see who’s ready to step up after the team saw some big changes in the offseason…
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

07.31.19
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4:45 LRN Sportscast July 31

The Saints and Michael Thomas have reportedly agreed to a new contract that makes him the highest-paid receiver in NFL history….
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The LSU football team reports for preseason camp tomorrow with expectations as high as they’ve been in several years. Coach Ed Orgeron has told his team not to have a big head…
Cut 12 (11) “…that’s it.”

Now that the LSU football program has a renovated 28-million dollar football operations building, basketball coach Will Wade is looking for donors to step up again, to help pay for a 15-million dollar renovation to the school’s basketball practice facility. Wade says the basketball team needs its own weight room and an improved locker room…
cut 18 (23) “…pulling away”
Wade says so far they’ve been able to raise a quarter of what is needed.

In a statement released to the media, LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine says it’s unfortunate that the Lousiaina Select Association organiziation has formed as his office has been directed by the LHSAA executive committee to try and return the association to a resemblance of itself prior to the split of public and private schools. The L-S-A was organized to help select schools secure sites for championship events.