Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

11.16.18
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU and Les Miles have reached an agreement which will result in the former Tigers coach receiving a one-point-five million lump sum payment. MIles, who was fired four games into the 201 season, was set to receive 6.5 million dollars as part of his buyout, so LSU is saving five million dollars. Athletic Director Joe Alleva said it was time for both sides to move forward. There’s speculation Miles could be the next head coach at Kansas.

LSU will honor 18 seniors on Saturday night as the Fighting Tigers host Rice in the final game in Tiger Stadium this season. Senior tight end Foster Moreau has mixed emotions, as he’s loved his time at LSU, but at the same time he’s looking forward to this game….
Cut 13 (14) “…very respectful.”
Kick-off is at 6:30.

For the first time since 2005 and only the second time in school history, Nicholls won a Southland Conference championship in football with a resounding 44-0 win in the River Bell Classic. Freshmen Julien Gums led a strong rushing attack with 121 yards and two touchdowns. The victory gives the Colonels an automatic berth in the FCS playoffs.

Also last night, Northwestern State won the annual battle for chief Caddo as the Demons downed Stephen F Austin. The Demons finish the year 5-6.
And Houston trounced Tulane 48-17 to end the Green Wave’s three-game winning streak.
Marcus Davenport and Terron Armstead were the only two Saints who didn’t practice yesterday as the team gets ready for Sunday’s game against Philadelphia. Jermon Bushrod will likely start for Armstead and Drew Brees has faith Bushrod can get the job done…
cut 16 (11) “…ready to go”
Kick-off is at 3:25 on Sunday.

11.15.18
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Eagles bring a 4-5 record into the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday. It’s been a struggle for the defending Super Bowl champs as they are having a hard time trying to find that magic they had a season ago. But Quarterback Carson Wentz is having a good season as he’s averaging over 300 yards passing per game. Coach Sean Payton says Wentz is hard to bring down….
cut 19 (19) “…the league’
The Eagles also recently traded for Golden Tate. He caught two passes last week in his first game with the Eagles as he appeared in 19 snaps.

The Pelicans three-game winning streak ended last night as New Orleans lost to Minnesota 107-100. New Orleans was not able to overcome a 21-point deficit, despite 31 points from E’Twaun Moore.

Nicholls can claim a share of the Southland title tonight with a win over Southeastern Louisiana in the River Bell Classic. The Colonels would also receive an automatic berth into the FCS playoffs. But the Lions have won six of the last seven games in this series. Kick-off is at 6 PM on C-S-T.

Northwestern State wraps up its season against Stephen F Austin. The Demons upset McNeese last week and can finish the year with a 5-6 record under first-year head coach Brad Laird.

And Tulane can become bowl eligible with a win tonight versus Houston. The Green Wave have won three in a row since naming former LSU Tiger Justin McMillan as their starting quarterback.

LSU’s Grant Delpit has been named a Bronko Nagurski finalist, which goes to the nation’s top defensive player in the country. Delpit leads the S-E-C with five interceptions and passes defensed with 11. He’s also the team’s third leading tackler.

And Louisiana Tech’s Kierra Anthony set a school record last night with 50 points in a game as the Lady Techsters beat Houston 100-88 in O-T.

11.15.18
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LRN PM Newscall November 15

The price at the pump continues to decline.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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Louisiana’s Medicaid program now has an automated online process that should speed up applications, and check wage eligibility for recipients more frequently. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “Im Matt Doyle.”  

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The price at the pump continues to decline.  The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.34 in Louisiana today, down nine cents since last week, putting prices just two cents higher than a year ago.  Gas Buddy.com senior petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan says some gas stations in the state are selling gas below $2 per gallon.

Cut 3 (05) “…Thanksgiving travel season”

DeHaan says there are two main contributing factors to the continued drop.

Cut 4 (11) “…bite pretty hard.″

So how long will the prices continue to drop?  DeHaan seems optimistic the decline could possibly continue into 2019.

Cut 5 (10)  “…the new year.” 

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The state’s Medicaid program has launched a new enrollment and verification system online that provides instant feedback on eligibility for applicants. Louisiana Medicaid Director Jen Steele says it should cut down on wait times for applicants.

Cut 6 (11) “…that time.”

The new program will also check Medicaid recipients wage eligibility quarterly, instead of every 12 months. Because Medicaid uses your monthly income to determine eligibility that could result in more people being tossed off the program. Steele says if that happens, there is an appeals process in place.

Cut 7 (11) “…the program.”

Medicaid has come under fire in the wake of a Legislative Auditor’s report that showed the service may have paid up to 85 million in healthcare costs for people who were not wage eligible for the program at the time they received coverage. Steele says this should prevent that in the future.

Cut 8 (07) “…a while.”

Recipients will no longer receive phone calls during the renewal process. Official communications will now be sent by mail.

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The Southern Poverty Law Center has released a new report highlighting the lack of recorded data published on police activity in Louisiana in reference to traffic stops.  S-P-L-C attorney Jamila Johnson says even though the records are mandatory, there is a nearly universal disregard for the data throughout Louisiana law enforcement.

Cut 9 (12) “…published its report.”

Johnson says due to a lack of clear punishments for failures to follow the law, it’s difficult to get the compliance that is needed.

Cut 10 (11)   “…an enforcement mechanism.“

Johnson says the goal is put together a structure that can be enforced and to get a better data about policing practices into the community.

Cut 11 (10) “…it wasn’t followed.”

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Two people are dead after being among four men that were shot last night on Gus Young Avenue in Baton Rouge.  The motive and suspects are unknown at this time, but authorities say they believe there were two gunmen.  Baton Rouge Police Department spokesperson Sgt. L’Jean Mckneely describes the scene…

Cut 12 (12)   “…deli meat market.”

Authorities have identified one of the deceased as 42 year old Johnell Davis. The other is a 39 year old whose next of kin have not yet been notified.

Mckneely says the other two victims are expected to survive.

Cut 13 (06) “…all male victims.”

Mckneely says seeing acts like this occur is painful within a community.

Cut 14 (08) “…in Baton Rouge.”

Mckneely says they are reviewing surveillance footage from the incident and are will be interviewing the survivors at a later time.

 

11.15.18
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1:30 LRN Newscast November 15

Louisiana’s Medicaid program now has an automated online process that should speed up applications, and check wage eligibility for recipients more frequently..
Voicer 2 (30) “Im Matt Doyle.”

Gas prices continue to decline. Gasbuddy says the statewide average for regular gasoline is down to $2.34 and Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says the decline shows no sign of stopping…
cut 5 (10) “…new year”

The Southern Poverty Law Center has released a new report highlighting the lack of recorded data published on police activity in Louisiana in reference to traffic stops. S-P-L-C attorney Jamila Johnson says even though the records are mandatory, there is a nearly universal disregard for the data throughout Louisiana law enforcement.
Cut 9 (12) “…published its report.”
Johnson says the records on traffic stops helps bring transparency to policing efforts.

Two people are dead and two others wounded during a shooting last night in a deli parking lot on Gus Young Avenue in Baton Rouge. The motive and suspects are unknown at this time. Baton Rouge Police Sgt. L’Jean Mckneely describes the scene…
Cut 12 (12) “…deli meat market.”
McKneely says they are looking for two shooters. One of the deceased has been identified as 42-year-old Johnell Davis.

11.15.18
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11:30 LRN Newscast November 15

The price at the pump continues to decline. The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.34 in Louisiana today, down nine cents since last week, putting prices just two cents higher than a year ago. Gas Buddy.com senior petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan says some gas stations in the state are selling gas below $2 per gallon.
Cut 3 (05) “…Thanksgiving travel season”
DeHaan says the decline could be contributed to a decrease in oil prices.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis has announced the Gross Domestic Product grew in Louisiana for the second quarter of 2018, making it the 12th fastest economic growth in the nation, and third among the 12 states of the southeastern region. LSU economist Loren Scott says the state’s percentage rate of growth just barely outpaces the national average.
Cut 13 (12) “…nondurable goods manufacturing.”

US Representative Steve Scalise of Jefferson Parish has been elected as House Minority Whip in the next Congress. There was speculation Scalise might push for Minority Leader, but UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says that move could have tanked his popularity in the caucus…
cut 8 (06) “…aside”
A leadership vote for Speaker has not been held yet by the Democrats.

Today is the Great American Smokeout a day set aside for smokers to take this opportunity to quit smoking. Loisaina’s Smoking Cessation Trust has enrolled 97-thousand residents in its program since it was created in 2012. Spokesperson Jim Pittman…
cut 12 (07) “….addiction to cigarettes”
The smoking cessation program was created as part of the court settlement against big tobacco. Those who started smoking before September 1, 1988 can benefit from the cessation services.

11.15.18
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11:40 LRN Sportscast November 15

A struggling Eagles team comes to the Superdome Sunday to take on the Saints. Philly has been battling a Super Bowl hang over, but tight end Zach Ertz remains one of the game’s best offensive weapons. Coach Sean Payton says Ertz reminds him of former Saints receiver Lance Moore, because he knows how to get open
Cut 18 (13) “natural receiver”
Wide receiver Brandon Marshall practiced with the Saints for the first time yesterday. The 34-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Black and Gold on Monday.

The Pelicans got another big offensive night from E’Twaun Moore as he scored 31 points last night, but New Orleans three-game winning streak ended in Minnesota last night. The Timberwolves had a 21-point lead in the third quarter and ended up winning 107-100. The Pels are 7-7 on the year.

Nicholls State can clinch a berth in the F-C-S playoffs tonight with a win over Southeastern Louisiana. The Colonels enter the contest with a 6-2 conference mark and Coach Tim Rebowe is hoping for a special night at John L. Guidry Stadium…
Cut 16 (18) “…for our guys.”
The F-C-S playoff pairings will be released Sunday. Nicholls received an at-large berth last year, but this season they want to receive an automatic bid.

Northwestern State is looking to end the season on a two-game winning streak as they visit Stephen F Austin tonight. The Demons haven’t won there since 2008.

Tulane can reach bowl eligiblity tonight for the first time since 2013 as the Green Wave vistis Houston. Tulane has won three straight since former LSU quarterback Justin McMillan took over as the starter.

11.15.18
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9:30 LRN Newscast November 15

Attorney General Jeff Landry announces plans to run for re-election, ending his flirtation with the 2019 governor’s race….
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Meanwhile, Governor John Bel Edwards returns from Los Angeles today. Edwards was featured on a panel that also included reality television star Kim Kardashian West. And they were there for a discussion on criminal justice reform. The governor’s office says Edwards spoke about the progress Louisiana has made in this area.

US Representative Steve Scalise of Jefferson Parish has been elected as House Minority Whip for the next Congress. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says look for Scalise to work with Democrats on issues like coastal erosion and flood protection….
cut 9 (11) “….for Louisiana”
A leadership vote for House Speaker has yet to be taken.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis has announced the Gross Domestic Product grew in Louisiana for the second quarter of 2018, making it the 12th fastest economic growth in the nation, and third among the 12 states of the southeastern region. LSU economist Loren Scott says the state’s percentage rate of growth just barely outpaces the national average.
Cut 13 (12) “…nondurable goods manufacturing.”
Educational services and finance and insurance were the only sectors that fell in the second quarter.

11.15.18
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8:30 LRN Newscast November 15

Republican Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry says he will not run for governor next year, instead he’ll seek re-election. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says less competition will help the Republican’s chances of defeating Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards…
cut 5 (10) “…out there”
So far there’s only one announced challenger to Edwards. And that’s Republican Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone. Republican Senator John Kennedy and GOP Congressman Ralph Abraham remain undecided on a run for governor.

Today is the Great American Smokeout. A day set aside to encourage smokers to quit the habit. Louisiana’s Smoking Cessation Trust was established in 2012 and it’s helped some 97-thousand individuals who began their smoking habit before September 1, 1988…
cut 11 (12) “….enrollees every month”
For information go to smoking-cessation-trust-dot-org.

Republican Congressman Steve Scalise will be back in a leadership position for the 116th Congress. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) “Im Matt Doyle”

We are a week away from Thanksgiving, a huge travel week, and the price at the gas pump continues to fall. Gas-Buddy-dot-com reports the statewide average for regular gasoline is $2.33. About five weeks, the statewide average was near 2.60. Now Gas-Buddy says there are dozens of stations selling gasoline for less than two-dollars a gallon.

11.15.18
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7:30 LRN Newscast November 15

Attorney General Jeff Landry forgoes a run for governor. Instead the St. Martinville native will seek a second term as A-G. Landry has been a political rival to Governor John Bel Edwards as the two have sparred over numerous issues. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says Landry’s decision is a mixed bag for the governor…
cut 6 (11) “…other ones”
Now we wait to see if Senator John Kennedy or Congressman Ralph Abraham jump into next year’s governor’s race.

US Representative Steve Scalise of Jefferson Parish has been elected as House Minority Whip in the next Congress. There was speculation Scalise might push for Minority Leader, but UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says that move could have tanked his popularity in the caucus…
cut 8 (06) “…aside”
A leadership vote for Speaker has not been held yet by the Democrats.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis has announced the Gross Domestic Product grew in Louisiana for the second quarter of 2018, making it the 12th fastest economic growth in the nation. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Ouachita, Caldwell, LaSalle, Winn and Grant Parishes are under a freezing fog advisory until 9 AM or until the fog lifts. The National Weather Service says areas of dense fog in sub-freezing temperatures will result in a thin layer of ice on bridges and overpasses. We will see a warm-up today into the 50s.

11.15.18
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

A struggling Eagles team comes to the Superdome Sunday to take on the Saints. Philly has been battling a Super Bowl hang over, but tight end Zach Ertz remains one of the game’s best offensive weapons. Coach Sean Payton says Ertz reminds him of former Saints receiver Lance Moore, because he knows how to get open
Cut 18 (13) “natural receiver”
Wide receiver Brandon Marshall practiced with the Saints for the first time yesterday. The 34-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Black and Gold on Monday.

LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says back-up cornerback Kelvin Joseph is questionable for Saturday’s game at Rice.

The Pelicans three-game winning streak ended last night as New Orleans fell to Minnesota 107-100. The Wolves scored 69 points in the first half.

Nicholls State can secure a share of the Southland Conference Championship and an automatic bid to the FCS playoffs tonight with a win over Southeastern Louisiana in the River Bell Classic. The Colonels have won three in a row and head coach Tim Rebowe says the keys tonight will be to win the turnover battle and not give up the big play….
cut 17 (12) “…big run”
Southeastern Louisiana is more rested as they haven’t played in 12 days and the Lions are coming off a 23-6 win over McNeese. Kick-off is at 6.

Also tonight, Northwestern State and Stephen F Austin will battle for Chief Caddo in Nacodoches, Texas.

Tulane can become bowl eligible if they can beat the 7-and-3 Houston Cougars.

Last night in college basketball, on the women’s side Louisiana Tech’s Kierra Anthony of New Iberia scored a school record 50 points as the Lady Techsters beat Houston in overtime 100-88.