Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

04.10.19
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9:30 LRN Newscast April 10

GOP lawmakers are concerned with the growing size of the state’s health budget, which is set to increase to nearly 15-billion dollars next fiscal year. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds had several questions for Health Secretary Rebekah Gee during a House Appropriations Committee meeting…
cut 5 (11) “…we have”

Also in House Appropriations, Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters warned the food stamp program may have to be cut, unless the state agency receives an additional 13-million dollars in funding…
cut 10 (08) “…budget”
The Republican House budget proposal doesn’t include any additional dollars for D-C-F-S.

The latest installment of the Louisiana Survey finds that 88-percent of respondents support a teacher pay raise. Director of LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab, Doctor Michael Henderson, says support for a teacher pay hike remains high, even after respondents were told the average salary for a public school teacher.
cut 6 (08) “….they should be”
Three-fourths of the state residents underestimate average teacher pay in Louisiana and they actually think they earn less than they actually earn.

Many Representative Frank Howard has filed a bill for this legislative session that would require law enforcement officers to undergo training so that they do not discriminate against people on motorcycles. Howard is concerned about motorcycle profiling…
cut 15 (11) “…different organizations”
Howard’s bill has been assigned for a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee.

04.10.19
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6:45 LRN Sportscast April 10

For the first time since 2005, the Southern Jaguars defeated the LSU Tigers in baseball. The Jags scored five runs in the first two innings off Tigers starting pitcher Landon Marceaux, while Southern starting pitcher Eli Finney gave up one run over seven innings for the win. The Tigers had just two hits on the night.

Elsewhere, Louisiana Tech extended its winning streak to eight games with an 11-3 win over the Cajuns in Lafayette. Senior third baseman Tanner Huddleston reached base safely five teams and had two RBIs.

Tulane outscored Southeastern Louisiana 15 to 14. The Green Wave hit five home runs and senior Trevor Jensen had four hits, drove in a run and scored twice.

Stephen F Austin knocked off Grambling six to two, and Delgado Coach Joe Scheuermann won hits 1,000th game as the Dolphins swept a doubleheader from Coastal Alabama.

Tonight, the Ragin Cajuns are back in action as they host McNeese and Northwestern State is at ULM.

The Anthony Davis era likely came to a close last night as New Orleans fell to Golden State 112 to 103 in the regular season finale for the Pelicans. Davis wore a shirt during the game that said “That’s All Folks” as it’s expected the team will trade the disgruntled super star.

Many are expecting an offseason trade with the Celtics or Lakers, but the host of the Locked on Pelicans podcast, Jake Madison, says there are a couple of other possiblities as well…
cut 17 (20) “….this year”
The Pels still have to hire a general manager, interim G-M Danny Ferry reportedly interviewed for the job yesterday.

The Saints will open the preseason hosting the Vikings and then they’ll visit the Chargers and Jets and conclude the exhibition schedule with a home game against the Dolphins.

04.09.19
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4:45 LRN Sportscast April 9

In a sign a new football season is not far off, the Saints announced their preseason schedule. New Orleans will host Minnesota and then the Black and Gold will head on the road, visiting the Los Angeles Chargers and the New York Jets in Weeks two and three. The Saints will host Miami in the preseason finale. The regular season schedule is expected to be released later this month.

A disappointing Pelicans season comes to a close tonight when New Orleans hosts the NBA champion Golden State Warriors for their only visit to the Big Easy. The Warriors have locked up the number one seed in the Western Conference playoffs, so the Warrior starters might not play much tonight. And tonight’s game will mark the final time you’ll likely see Anthony Davis on the Pelicans bench as the team will look to trade him for young talent and draft picks in the offseason.

The search for a new Pelicans General Manager is ongoing, ESPN reports G-M Danny Ferry met with franchise officials today.

LSU shortstop Josh Smith has been named SEC Baseball Player of the Week after hitting three home runs in five games. Smith who was scuffling over a week ago, credits his work with hitting coach Sean Ochinko
Cut 16 (15) “…bit longer.”
Landon Marceaux will start on the mound for the Tigers against Southern University. The freshman from Destrehan hasn’t pitched in a game since March 20th because of arm soreness. But starting left fielder Daniel Cabrera will miss his seventh straight start because of a hand-slash-wrist injury. Coach Paul Mainieri is optimistic Cabrera will return for this weekend’s series at Missouri.

In Lafayette tonight, the Ragin Cajuns will welcome La Tech to Russo Park. The Bulldogs have won seven straight. First pitch is at 6:30.

Also tonight, Southeastern Louisiana hosts Tulane and Grambling travels to Stephen F Austin.

04.09.19
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LRN Pm newscall April 9

Gas prices continue their usual climb during the spring months. Jeff Palermo has an update on where we stand…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor Edwards raised 2.5 million dollars in the last quarter, bringing his cash on hand to 10.2 million dollars for his re-election effort. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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The statewide average price for gasoline is up 26-cents from a month ago. According to Gas-Buddy-dot-com the statewide average stands at $2.48 per gallon, which is six cents more than a year. GasBuddy analyst Patrick DeHaan says the price at the pump is rising, because production is down

Cut 3 (10) “…summer driving season.”

DeHaan says oil prices are also rising, up 21-dollars a barrel from Christmas. He says expect gas prices to keep rising for another six weeks…

Cut 4 (12) “…wraps up”

DeHaan says if you want to save a few pennies on gasoline, try filling up on Tuesday. He says they’ve found that’s the best day to buy gas

Cut 5 (12) “…more volatile.”

The worst day to buy gasoline is Friday according to GasBuddy’s research.

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The latest release from the 2019 Louisiana Survey shows 81% of respondents support raising the minimum wage to $8.50 an hour, from the current rate of $7.25.  Director of LSU’s Public Policy Research Center Dr. Mike Henderson says the numbers indicate there is broad support for the increase.

Cut 6 (08) “…that minimum wage.”

The $8.25 an hour proposal saw support among Democrats at 94%, Independents at 78%, and Republicans at 72%.  Governor Edwards has been pushing for an increase in the minimum wage with the goal of the state minimum wage hitting $9 an hour by July 2020.

While support for the pay hike for minimum wage workers is there from the public, the state has yet to see that same support from lawmakers.  Henderson says he would not bet on an increase passing this year.

Cut 7 (09) “…down in committee.”

Support for a hike dropped to 59% when proposing a $15 an hour minimum wage, with only Democrats maintaining majority support at 85%.

Cut 8 (10) “…opinion on that.” 

Governor Edwards is pushing a constitutional amendment to increase the minimum wage to nine-dollars an hour in 2020.

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Governor Edwards campaign reports it raised 2.5 million dollars in the 1st quarter of 2019, giving the reelection effort a total of 10.2 million dollars cash on hand.

His two Republican challengers have yet to release their latest numbers, but political analyst Clancy DuBos says Edwards fundraising sends a strong message to the GOP.

Cut 9 (10) “…good”

4,246 people donated to the campaign for an average donation of 600 dollars during the quarter that ended on April 5th.

But, Edwards fundraising is about to screech to a halt over the next three months as Louisiana law prohibits election fundraising during legislative sessions. DuBos says this gives the GOP a chance to dramatically close the gap.

Cut 10 (09) “…candidacies”

Edwards is being challenged by businessman Eddie Rispone and Congressman Ralph Abraham.

There’s reports that other Republicans have been approached about joining the race, candidates who could potentially bring more robust fundraising, but DuBos says this late in the game the party is better off doubling down on the two they have…

Cut 11 (10)   “.anyway”

The Edwards campaign has raised 12.1 million dollars total so far for the election cycle.

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It’s the first full day of the 2019 legislative session and for the first time since Governor John Bel Edwards took office, state lawmakers are not dealing with a significant budget deficit. Edwards says a two-billion dollar budget deficit has turned into a surplus

Cut 12 (10) “…chopping block”

But the state republican party says Governor Edwards eliminated the budget deficit by signing the largest tax increase in the state history, just so the state can spend all of it.

Edwards says the state is much stronger and in a better place than just a few years ago. He points to recent data that showed personal income in Louisiana is the highest it’s ever been…

Cut 13 (10) “…for business.”

But Republican gubernatorial opponent Ralph Abraham points to a U-S News and World report that says Louisiana was ranked as the worst state for economic opportunity last year.

But Edwards says a recent survey out of LSU found that more people say the state is heading in the right direction compared to last year and he looks to keep the momentum going during this legislative session

Cut 14 (08) “…more opportunity.

04.09.19
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9:30 LRN Newscast April 9

An effort being supported by the Louisiana trucking industry due to truckers being upset over trial attorneys demonizing the industry could cap number of billboards in the state. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Voicer 3 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The latest installment of the Louisiana survey finds that 81-percent of Louisiana residents support an increase in the minimum wage from the current $7.25 an hour to $8.50 an hour. Governor Edwards is pushing a constitutional amendment that would increase the minimum wage to 9 bucks an hour in 2020.

The Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana has broken ground on a new biomedical research complex in Shreveport that will add 25 new jobs to the area. Officials say the Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy will use new technology to help develop diagnosis and therapy for chronic diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson….
cut 6 (10) “…we’ve established’

31 of the 105-members of the state house of representatives are term-limited and can not run for their seat again this October. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton is one of several House members looking to serve in the upper chamber…
cut 9 (09) “…another story”
Norton has already announced that she will seek to become the next senator that represents District 39, which is currently occupied by Senator Greg Tarver, who has yet to announce if he’ll seek re-election.

04.09.19
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8:30 LRN Newscast April 9

Legislation set to be debated during this legislative session would cap the number of billboards in the state. Currently, there are seven-thousand billboards and Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland says the billboards are a distraction for drivers and makes highways less scenic…
cut 14 (08) “….and federal highways
But a spokesperson for Lamar Advertising calls the legislation anti-business.

The Louisiana ACLU is asking the state legislature to change state law to end mandatory life sentences in prison without the possibility of parole. Executive Director Alanah Odoms Hebert says this doesn’t mean those serving life sentence for second-degree murder should be released…
cut 11 (11) “…considered”
Louisiana is one of six states where adults serving life sentences are never eligible for parole.

Construction has started on the Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy on a $14- million dollar expansion in Shreveport. Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the company works in the next generation of radiopharmaceutical treatment for diseases like cancer. The expansion will result in two dozen new jobs…
Cut 4 (08) “…these research scientists.”
The center will be operated by the Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana and Governor Edwards says they are a leader in the field of molecular imaging and research.

There are 16 senators and 31 House members serving their last year of their 12-year term in the state legislature as term limits will create a huge turnover. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau says the Senate will lose some influential members…
cut 8 (12) “….to fill”
Voters approved term limits for lawmakers in 1995.

04.09.19
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7:30 LRN newscast April 9

There are bills in the House and Senate that seek to cap the number of billboards in Louisiana at around their current number, which is seven-thousand. Metairie Senator Conrad Appel says his bill is not a violation of the First Amendment…
cut 15 (11) “….can cause accidents”
But outdoor advertising giant, Lamar calls the legislation an assault on their company.

For 16 senators and 31 House members this will be their last session in their current seat because of term limits. Voters approved 12-year term limits for legislators in 1995 and this is the second time there will be a large turnover. Winnfield Senator Gerald Long says there’s even more turnover than that…
cut 7 (10) “….to choose”

The ACLU has a blueprint for reducing the Louisiana prison population by half. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

A Caddo Parish judge has sentenced 67-year-old John Essary to 16 months for prison after he pleaded to cruelty to the infirmed. Prosecutors say Essary had not moved his 68-year-old wife from the couch in months and as a result she became unresponsive, severely malnourished and suffered from life-threatening wounds.

04.09.19
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6:45 LRN Sportscast April 9

LSU has moved up in all four of the major polls after going four and one last week and the Tigers are now ranked in the Top ten in three of the polls. Perfect Game has LSU up to number eight in its poll.

Since losing two to nothing to McNeese on March 26th, LSU has won six of its last eight. Shortstop Josh Smith says a players-only meeting after the loss to the Cowboys helped the team get back to its winning ways…
cut 17 (17) “…keep it going”
Tonight, the Tigers travel across town to face the Southern Jaguars. The Jags are 17-and-15 on the season, but have yet to win a midweek game. First pitch from Lee-Hines Field is at 6:30.

Two teams playing good baseball meet in Lafayette tonight as the Cajuns host La Tech. The Bulldogs have won seven straight, while the Cajuns have won five of their last six. These two teams met earlier in the season and Tech won three to two on February 19th. First pitch tonight is at 6:30 and the game can be seen on ESPN plus.

04.09.19
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6:30 LRN Newscast April 9

Two pieces of legislation have been filed aimed at reducing the number of billboards in the state. Jonesboro Rep. Jack McFarland says the goal of his House resolution isn’t aimed at any particular industry that uses the advertisements.
Cut 13 (10) “…of the billboards.”
But Metairie Senator Conrad Appel has a bill that would seek to reduce the number of trial attorney billboards, especially the ones that appear to go after the trucking industry.

The ACLU of Louisiana has released a blueprint on how to cut the state’s prison population by 50 percent. One recommendation is to change the multiple offender statute that substantially ramps up penalties for offenders who’ve committed the same crime previously. Executive director Alanah Odoms Hebert says it’s better to fix the cause of the crimes…
Cut 10 (09) “…of poverty”
Hebert says the ACLU also recommends ending mandatory life prison without possibility of parole.

Construction is underway on a innovative biomedical research complex in Shreveport. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the 14-million dollar Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy expansion will deliver next-generation diagnostic, treatment and research techinques through advanced radiopharmaceuticals. He says the new medical equipment will enable C-M-I-T physicians and scientists to diagnose, treat and mange chronic diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s…
cut 5 (10) “…in northwest Louisiana”
The capital investment will result in 25 new jobs for northwest Louisiana.

04.08.19
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4:45 LRN Sportscast april 8

LSU starting shortstop Josh Smith has been named SEC Player of the Week. Smith was six for 12 at the plate in a series victory over Texas A-and-M. The Baton Rouge product hit a home run in game one of the series to snap a one-one tie in the 8th inning. For the week, Smith hit three home runs and drove in six runs. LSU is at Southern on Tuesday and then they’ll visit Missouri this weekend.

Louisiana Tech baseball is on a roll. The Bulldogs have won seven straight Conference USA games after sweeping U-T-S-A. Tech will visit the Ragin Cajuns tomorrow and then next weekend, they have a big series against Florida Atlantic in Boca Raton. The Owls are 11-and-1 in league play.

ULM also had the brooms out this week as the Warhawks swept Georgia State. ULM has a midweek game against Northwestern State. The game has been moved from Tuesday to Wednesday, because of the heavy rain that fell over the weekend in northeast Louisiana.

LSU wrapped up spring football with a game on Saturday. It was the first spring game in Baton Rouge for returning starting quarterback Joe Burrow, who is optimistic about the offense’s potential….
cut 18 (16) “….the year”
The offensive line struggled in the spring game and Coach Ed Orgeron says they must get better in the offseason along the O-Line.

In the NFL…Saints free agent nose tackle Tyeler Davison is reportedly visiting the Atlanta Falcons. Davison started 12 games for the Black and Gold last season and had a couple of sacks and a forced fumble.

The Pelicans conclude the regular season tomorrow night as they host Golden State. New Orleans hurt its chances at getting a top five pick in the June draft with a win last night over Sacramento.