Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

04.11.18
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11:40 LRN Sportscast April 11

The Pelicans face the Spurs tonight and a win can give New Orleans a better seed in the NBA playoffs which begins this weekend. If New Orleans wins, they could be either the fifth or sixth seed, while a loss means the Pels could be a seventh or eighth seed and they’ll face either Houston or Golden State.

LSU’s Brandon Sampson has reportedly hired an agent and will enter the NBA draft, forgoing his senior season. The six-foot-five shooting guard never really lived up to his potential after a standout prep career at Madison Prep High School in Baton Rouge.

And the LSU men’s basketball team will reportedly play St. Mary’s on December 15th in Las Vegas. St. Mary’s won 30 games last season.

The Saints have reportedly met with Louisville Quarterback Lamar Jackson. Last month, Coach Sean Payton said the former Heisman Trophy winner is a special guy and you can see why he’s been so successful. Payton also said he can run an offense that’s based on the talents of that Q-B and doesn’t need another Drew Brees.

LSU Quarterback Myles Brennan says the compeitition has been good this spring between himself, Lowell Narcisse and Justin McMillan….
cut 18 (19) “…each other”
Brennan says he’s been eating a lot as he tries to gain another 15 pounds. He currently stands at 6-foot-4, 195 pounds.

LSU won a pitcher’s duel with Louisiana Tech last night beating the Bulldogs two to nothing. David Leal was tough luck loser as he gave up two runs in the sixth inning. A-J Labas was the winning pitcher as he threw 63 pitchers over six solid innings.

The Ragin Cajuns won a wild game over McNeese 12-10. UL Lafayette turned its first triple play in eight years and it was the most runs scored by the Cajuns this season.

Elsewhere, Third ranked Arkansas scored four runs in the ninth inning to beat Grambling seven to six. Nicholls thumped Alcorn 13-6, Jackson State edged Southeastern four to three, and Northwestern State knocked off Lamar 15-3.

04.11.18
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06:45 LRN Sportscast

In a game that lasted just one-hour and 54-minutes, LSU blanked Louisiana Tech two to nothing at Alex Box Stadium last night. The only runs came in the sixth inning. A Zach Watson RBI single and an Antoine Duplantis RBI single. Four LSU pitchers held the Bulldogs to two hits. AJ Labas (Lay-biss) pitched six innings to get the win, Austin Bain the save and David Leal suffered the loss despite striking out seven.

 

Two of the lowest scoring teams in the country combined to score 22 runs in Lafayette last night as the Ragin Cajuns beat McNeese 12-10 to sweep the season series. UL Lafayette turned a triple play in this game and Zach LaFleur drove home a season-high four runs.

 

Elsewhere, Third ranked Arkansas scored four runs in the ninth inning to beat Grambling seven to six. Nicholls thumped Alcorn 13-6, Jackson State edged Southeastern four to three, and Northwestern State knocked off Lamar 15-3.

 

LSU Quarterback Myles Brennan spoke with reporters for the first time since he arrived on campus. Brennan believes he’s improving on a daily basis….

Cut 17 (20) “…this year”

Brennan says he’s eating insane amounts of food in order to gain 15 pounds, so that he weighs 210 pounds next fall.

 

Tiger Rag-dot-com is reporting Brandon Sampson is forgoing his senior season at LSU and plans to enter the NBA draft. In 85 career games, Sampson averaged nearly eight points.

 

The Pelicans conclude the regular season tonight by hosting San Antonio. A win and New Orleans is either the 5th or 6th seed in the West, a loss and they could drop down to a 7th or 8th seed.

04.11.18
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Updated LRN AM Newscall for April 11

A bill to allow riverboat casinos to expand gaming operations on to land has been waiting for a vote on the Senate floor, but could get a vote today. Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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The number of eligible graduates in Louisiana achieving TOPS reaches an all time high.    Kelley Ray has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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18 year olds will still be able to purchase assault rifles in Louisiana.  Michael Farrar has more.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Michael Farrar.”

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A bill to allow the state’s 15 licensed riverboats casinos to expand their gaming operations on to land and change the rules regarding gaming space has been sitting on the Senate floor for over two weeks, but a vote in the upper chamber could happen today. Senator Troy Carter says many senators are concerned about the numerous pieces of legislation that seek to expand gambling…

Cut 4  (07) “sports betting” 

But the author of the bill, Lake Charles Senator, Ronnie Johns says requiring riverboats to only conduct gambling on water prohibits these facilities from making a substantial investment in their properties….

Cut 5  (07)  “over water.”

Black lawmakers in the Senate are also not happy that earlier in the session the upper chamber voted against a proposal to raise the minimum wage. Carter says instead of providing a living wage, many low income workers are forced to rely on casinos to provide for their families.

Cut 6 (09) “the jackpot..”

Black legislators have also raised concerns that casinos fail to contract with enough minority-owned firms and they also believe there’s a lack of minorities in management at the gambling halls. Johns says he’s had good dialogue with concerned legislators

Cut 7 (09)  “passing this.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards and state Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee unveiled a report on the economic impact of Medicaid expansion. Edwards says according to the LSU report, Louisiana is saving 317-million dollars in state money and providing medical care to those who can’t afford it…

Cut 8 (08)  “the state.”

Governor Edwards says many who have recently diagnosed with cancer, are able to receive medical care with expansion…

Cut 9 (10)  “too late.”

The report says Medicaid expansion through the infusion of one-point-eight billion dollars in federal dollars has created over 19-thousand jobs in the health care sector, resulting in  nearly three-point-six-billion-dollars in economic activity. Dr. Gee says healthy people are important to the state’s economy. She says if you’re sick, you’re not a productive person…

Cut 10 (07) “can work.”

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The number of eligible graduates in Louisiana achieving TOPS reaches an all time high. More than 19,200 senior high school students qualified for at least one scholarship, up from 18,373 in 2016. Superintendent for the Office of Student Opportunities Ken Bradford says there’s a new college high school option for students to give them a head start…

Cut 11 (11) “focused diploma.”

But there is a problem for TOPS candidates. Bradford says if TOPS funding is cut due to a  one-billion-dollar budget shortfall, a lot of high school students hoping for a scholarship may be disappointed…

Cut 12 (10) “be available.”

Bradford says many graduating seniors are ready to attend a college or unviersity, the hope is that they can afford it…

Cut 13 (09)  “workstudy grants.”

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A bill by New Orleans Senator Troy Carter to ban the sale of assault rifles to people under 21 was killed on the Senate floor. The 9 to 26 vote ends that anti-gun legislation for the rest of the session. Baton Rouge area Senator Bodie White says the bill is not strong enough to stop the bad guys.

Cut 14 (12) “killing children”

White compared the domestic killers to terrorists.

Cut 15 (12) “are insane”

But Carter says his bill would have helped, even just  a little, put people’s mind at ease when they went out in public.

Cut 16 (08) “across the theatre.”

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LSU Quarterback Myles Brennan spoke with reporters for the first time since he arrived on campus. Brennan believes he’s improving on a daily basis….

Cut 17 (20)  “this year”

Brennan says he’s learned the speed of college football is much faster than what he faced as a prep star in Mississippi. He’s competing with Lowell Narcisse and Justin McMillan for the starting role. Brennan says the competition has been good

Cut 18 (19)  “each other”

Brennan says the biggest thing he’s trying to learn is not to force throws. He’s also trying to add weight, right now he weighs 195 and wants to get up to 210-215 pounds…

04.10.18
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LRN PM Newscall April 10

A bill to eliminate the death penalty as a form of punishment for capital murder, rape, and treason has cleared a senate panel. Jeff Palermo reports Catholic Bishop Shelton Fabre testified in favor.

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A bill to ban cell phone while driving passed the House Transportation committee. Kelley Ray has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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A bill to eliminate the death penalty in cases of first degree murder, child rape, and treason has cleared a senate panel. New Orleans Senator J.P. Morrell’s legislation would apply to offenses after August 1st 2018. Catholic Bishop Shelton Fabre (FOB) testified in favor of the measure.

Cut 3 (:09) “culture of death”

Morrell says he authored the bill, because the death penalty has not reduced violent crimes.  Fabre says the death penalty is just matching violence with violence.

Cut 4 (13) “how bad.”

The measure passed on a 4-1 vote, after the testimony from Fabre….

Cut 5  (07) “more violence”

Capital crimes would receive a life prison sentence under the legislation approved by the Senate committee.

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A bill to extend foster care benefits in Louisiana from 18 years old to as much as 21 years old in some cases was passed by the Senate Finance Committee.  The money committee agreed to the legislation, even though it will cost the state an additional million dollars. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti of Bossier City says it’s a tragedy that once a foster child gets put on the street once they turn 18

Cut 6 (09)  “up homeless”

After benefits for foster children are taken away, if they end up in trouble, Gatti says more money is spent taking care of their needs in jail that in a foster home…

Cut 7 (12)  “foster kids”

Gatti believes that most 18-year-olds will stay in foster care if benefits are extended to 21…

Cut 8 (11) “towards graduation”

One-million-dollars from the BP settlement would be used to finance the extension. The bill next heads to the Senate floor.

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A bill that makes it illegal to place your hands on your cell phone while driving passed the House Transportation committee. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s measure says you can’t text or hold your phone, while behind the wheel. Jennifer Smith from Stop Distractions dot org says studies have shown cell phones divide your attention…

Cut 9 (14) “your brain.” (2x)

Huval says the legislation allows you to use a  hand free device to talk on the phone, but the measure prohibits the use of holding a  phone…

Cut 10 (10) “your hand”

Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter is in support of the bill. He almost found out the hard way how easy it is to get distracted…

Cut 11 (11) “my phone.”

The measure heading to the House floor calls for a 125-dollar fine for first offenders and after a third violation your driver’s license could be suspended.

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A Senate bill that requires juveniles to wait until they are 18 before getting married cleared committee today. Current law allows kids to get married with their parents consent as early as 12 years old. Ginger Lecompte is with Women United she says 70 percent of child marriages don’t last and it puts young people in a bad spot.

Cut 12 (14)   “career training”

LeCompte says it just makes sense to mandate that kids wait until they are 18 to get married.

Cut 13 (13) “full time job”

Current law requires not only parental consent, but permission from a juvenile judge. She says this would eliminate the judge’s permission.

Cut 14 (11)   “the parents”

04.10.18
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11:40 LRN Sportscast April 10

The Pelicans are headed to the playoffs for the first time since the 2015 season, as they clinched a berth with their 47th win of the season last night, a 113 to 100 victory over the Clippers. Anthony Davis had 28 points and he’ll make his second postseason appearance…
cut 30 (17) “…can happen”
New Orleans is in a three-way tie for fifth place. They can still get the four seed and host a first round playoff match-up, but for that to happen they need to win their regular season finale against San Antonio and Utah needs to lose twice. The Pelicans can also finish with the eighth seed and face top-seeded Houston.

Top 25 matchup at Alex Box Stadium tonight as 23rd ranked LSU hosts 25thr anked Louisiana Tech. It begins a big week for the Tigers, who will host Tennessee this weekend. LSU Coach Paul Mainieri says the focus is on tonight’s game, where the Bulldogs are excellent on the mound…
cut 18 (19) “…twice”
Pitching for the Bulldogs tonight is left-hander David Leal, who has surrendered just three extra-base hits and nine earned runs in nearly 50 innings this year. AJ Labas is set to start at LSU and Mainieri has hinted some changes to the weekend rotation, so if Labas pitches well, he could replace Caleb Gilbert.

04.10.18
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10:30 LRN Newscast April 10

The Senate approves legislation to allow children to wear bulletproof backpacks at public schools…
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Senate also approves a bill that makes it clear bestiality is illegal in Louisiana. A law on the books prohibits crimes against nature, but it also outlaws sodomy and it was ruled unconstitutional in 2003. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says its important the state has a way to arrest someone for bestiality
Cut 13 (05) “to children”
A 24-7 Wall Street report shows Louisiana taxpayers are tied for fifth in the least amount of taxes paid to local and state governments. LSU economist Doctor Jim Richardson says this state has been a low tax state for years….
Cut 10 (11) “at all”
The report shows Louisiana residents pay just 8-percent of their income to state and local governments.

Coming up for discussion in a Senate committee this morning is a bill that would increase the penalties for teachers who engage in sexual acts with students. Louisiana has seen its share of teachers arrested for having sex with students. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti says his proposal calls for a prison sentence between 5 to 40 years if convicted…
cut 16 (08) “…a felony”

04.10.18
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09:30 LRN Newscast April 10

A survey by 24-7 Wall Street shows Louisiana residents pay just 8-percent of their income to state and local governments. Jim Shannon has more.
Voicer 2 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

Louisiana Sheriff Association Executive Director Michael Ranatza told the House Appropriations committee that there are 13-hundred people in local jails that have been waiting to go on trial for at least four years. Ranataza says sheriff departments are spending a lot of money to house those who are accused.

The full Senate approves legislation that allows students to wear bulletproof backpacks in a school. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth says he filed the legislation in response to the tragic school shooting in Florida in which 17 people were killed…
cut 9 (10) “…guarantee”
The measure heads to the House for more discussion.

And in the House Transportation Committee today, a bill will be heard that makes it illegal to handle your phone while driving. Texting and driving is currently illegal in Louisiana, but advocate Suzanne Salter says very few ticekts are written…
cut 6 (11) “…than five”
Salter’s daughter was killed in 2014 wreck caused by a texting driver.

04.10.18
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08:30 LRN Newscast April 10

Louisiana students performed poorly on the National Assessment of Education Progress exams. The state’s fourth-graders had the worst math scores in the nation and finished 49th in reading. Eighth graders didn’t perform much better, 50th in math and 48th in reading. Last year was the first time, fourth graders took the math portion of the exam on a computer.

Emotional testimony is expected this morning in the House Transportation committee where they’ll vote on a “hands free” bill while driving. Suzanne Salter says the measure by Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval doesn’t say you can’t talk on a cell phone while driving, it just can’t be in your hand…
cut 5 (10) “….steering wheel”
Salter’s daughter was killed in a car wreck caused by a texting driver.

A 24-7 Wall Street report says Louisiana is ranked fifth in the nation in the least amount of taxes paid to local and state governments. LSU Economist Doctor Jim Richardson….
cut 11 (08) “…property taxes”
The report shows Louisiana residents pay just eight percent of their income to state and local governments.

The Senate has approved legislation that makes it clear Louisiana prohibits the sexual abuse of animals. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says the bill also makes it illegal to traffick animals for sex acts, which he says happens in Louisiana…..
cut 14 (04) “….explaining it”
But despite its passage, 10 senators voted against the bill. Morrell said during floor discussion some lawmakers believed the legislation was too ambiguous. The measure still needs House approval before heading to the governor’s desk.

The Senate also approved a bill that allows students to wear bulletproof backpacks in school.

04.10.18
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07:30 LRN Newscast April 10

Do you think your taxes are too high? A new report has Louisiana tied for fifth for least amount of taxes paid as a 24-7 Wall Street report says on a per capita basis, just eight-percent of our income goes to state and local governments. LSU Economist Doctor Jim Richardson says this report will not change the mind of many…
cut 12 (08) “….taxed enough”
The report shows that state income tax collections per capita is 13th lowest, and property tax collections is 8th lowest.

Lawmakers approve legislation to allow students to have a bulletproof backpack at school. West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth says parents are looking at ways to make sure their children can protect themselves, if a shooter enters the school. He says this is one option
Cut 7 (12) “200 dollars”
The measure heads to the House.

Emotional testimony is expected in the House Transportation committee today as a bill will be heard, requiring drivers to use only hands free communication devices. Suzanne Salter will testify in favor. Salter says her daughter was killed in 2014 by a teenage driver who was texting at the time of the fatal crash..
Cut 4 (09) “her phone”
State law says you can’t text while you drive. But Salter says by making it illegal to have your hands on your cellphone while behind the wheel, enforcement will be easier.

 

Legislation that increases penalties for teachers who engage in sexual acts with students is set for a hearing in a Senate committee today. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti’s bill makes such an offense a felony and also expands the law to include team doctors. He says the measure was inspired by the sexual abuse charges against former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar
Cut 15 (11) “take it seriously”

04.10.18
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6:45 LRN Sportscast April 10

The Pelicans are in the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2015 as they clinched a spot last night with a 113 to 100 win over the Clippers. MVP candidate Anthony Davis led the way with 28 points, as he stepped up his game after fellow big man DeMarcus Cousins went down with a season-ending AChilles injury on January 28th…..
cut 30 (15) “…to do”
New Orleans is in a three-way tie for fifth place and they can still capture home court advantage for the first round of the playoffs when they host San Antonio on Wednesday in the regular season finale.

Acadiana alum Matt McCullough has been named the new head football coach for the Wreckin Rams.

And after one season, D’Arbonne Woods has fired David Feaster as its head coach.

LSU is anxious to get its starting middle infield back. Shortstop Josh Smith has been out since the opening weekend with a bad back and second baseman Brandt Broussard just got the splint off his surgically repaired thumb. Coach Paul Mainieri says not having them in the line-up has led to the team’s struggles at the plate…
cut 17 (16) “…going in”
Mainieri says Smith should face live pitching this week and first baseman Bryce Jordan should only miss a week with a bone bruise in his knee. The Tigers host 25th ranked La Tech at Alex Box tonight.

Elsewhere, the Ragin Cajuns host McNeese. UL Lafayette Coach Tony Robichaux says catcher Handsome Monica will likely miss the rest of the season as he needs elbow surgery and lefty Hogan Harris starts tonight against the Cowboys.