Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

04.06.18
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11:40 LRN Sportscast April 6

LSU pitcher Zack Hess said following his start last night he didn’t feel great, but you couldn’t tell based on his performance in a 4-1 victory over Texas A-and-M. Hess fired eight shutout innings, allowing four hits, three walks and striking out five. The Tigers scored four runs in the fourth inning, highlighted by a two-run single by Antoine Duplantis. Game 2 is tonight at six.

22nd ranked Louisiana Tech looks to hold on to first place in Conference USA when they begin a three game series versus the U-T-S-A Roadrunners. The Bulldogs have a team ERA of 2.26, which is the third best in the nation.

Grambling begins a three-game series versus Priarie View this afternoon. The Tigers lead Texas Southern by half a game for first place in the SWAC Western Division.

Nicholls State hosts Southland Conference leader Sam Houston State for a series starting tonight in Thibodaux. McNeese, Southeastern and Northwestern State are all at home this weekend as well.

LSU quarterbacks Lowell Narcisse and Justin McMillan met with reporters for the first time this Spring as they are competing with Myles Brennan for starting Q-B. Narcisse says he’s not spending too much time wondering about how much playing time he’ll see next season, his main focus is getting better every day….
Cut 18 (14) “last practice”
Justin McMillan is hoping to make the jump from Scout team Quarterback to starting Q-B. The former three-star prosect from Texas is excited about what this offense can do with new offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger.

Former LSU running back Derrius Guice is one of 22 players who will attend the NFL draft in Dallas on April 26th.

The Pelicans are in Phoenix tonight in a game they should win. The Suns have won just two games since the start of February. Tip off is at 9.

04.06.18
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06:45 LRN Sportscast April 6

A four run fourth inning was all the runs Tigers pitcher Zack Hess needed last night as he threw eight strong innings in a 4-1 win in the series opener versus Texas A&M. Hess allowed just four hits, three walks and he struck out five to improve his record to 5-3. Antoine Duplantis had a two-run single in that four-run fourth. Hunter Feduccia (Fuh-do-shuh) and Bryce Jordan also drove in runs that innings. LSU is now 6-4 in the SEC and game two is tonight at 6 PM.

In other action tonight, 22nd ranked Louisiana Tech is at UTSA. The Bulldogs have a one-game lead over Southern Miss for first place. The Roadrunners are 5-3 in league play.

Grambling State leads the SWAC Western division by a half game and the Tigers are at last place Prairie View A-and-M for a 3 PM first pitch today.

The Cajuns host Texas-Arlington, while the Warhawks look to even up their record to five-hundred in Sun Belt play when they battle Texas State in Monroe.

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LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says the quarterback battle between Myles Brennan, Justin McMillan and Lowell Narcisse is a tight one. Narcisse (Nar-cease) says if all three of them have to play to win games, he’s fine with that…

Cut 17 (20) “….quarterback system”

Narcisse says he’s lost 15 pounds since arriving on campus and now weighs 228 pounds, thanks to fewer trips to McDonald’s.

Former LSU running back Derius Guice is one of 22 players that will attend the NFL draft in Dallas on April 26th.

The Saints have resigned New Orleans native Michael Mauti to a one-year contract.

The Pelicans look for win number 45 on the season as they visit Phoenix tonight. The Suns have the worst record in the NBA at 20-59.

04.05.18
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LRN AM Newscall April 6 ###Final Version###

The Cajun Navy Relief will hold their first Search and Rescue Games this weekend in Henderson Bay in the Atchafalaya basin. Jeff Palermo has the details

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Two TOPS bills have advanced out of committee that would raise requirements for receiving full TOPS. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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A big tourism weekend is expected in New Orleans as Wrestlemania 34 takes place on Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Kelley Ray has the story…

Cut 3 (25) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Cajun Navy Relief will hold its first Search and Rescue Games on Saturday in the Atchafalaya Basin. The games will serve as a training exercise for disaster rescue scenarios in extreme flooding. Spokesperson Amy Jones says the Games also give the volunteer rescue group a chance to work with new GPS equipment…

Cut 4  (11) “natural disaster.” 

Jones says markers will be “hidden” in several locations and will need to be “rescued” just like in a real disaster scenario…

Cut 5  (10)  “return them.”

This week, Colorado State researchers revealed they expect three strong hurricanes to strike the U.S. this year. Jones says the dire forecast makes these training games all that more important…

Cut 6 (09) “training event.”

Any boaters and dispatchers involved with real life search and rescue operations can sign up and participate.

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Two bills by Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey that would raise the minimum requirements to receive, and keep TOPS were passed out of the House Education Committee. One bill, would send students who score 2.5-2.75 GPAs and a 20 ACT to a two year college instead of a four-year university. Ivey says community colleges are a better place for those students.

Cut 7 (06)  “tremendous things”

But Patrick Taylor Foundation Executive Director James Callier says it’s not right to keep those students, who are disproportionately minorities, out of a four year college program.

Cut 8 (07)  “assesment.”

The other bill would raise the standards needed to keep TOPS once awarded. Incoming freshman would need to keep a 2.75 GPA after 48 hours of classes, up from the current 2.5. Currently students can carry a 2.3 for their first three semesters, and Ivey says that’s just too low of a bar for aid.

Cut 9 (07)  “achievement is”

But Callier says Ivey’s legislation isn’t going to inspire higher achievement, it’s just going to throw thousands of students out of college.

Cut 10 (10) “to school”

The bills head to the House floor

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Wrestlemania 34 will be held Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.   It marks the first time WWE has visited the Crescent City since 2014.   Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the last event drew 75,000 fans from 50 states and 36 countries…

Cut 11 (09) “their stars.”

Nungesser says he is not surprised that the WWE chose to come back to New Orleans after hosting the even just four years ago. He says economic impact is huge for the hosting city…

Cut 12 (06) “Orlando.Florida”

Nungesser says that New Orleans’ atmosphere makes it the perfect city to host a wild event that WWE brings…

Cut 13 (11)  ” in Louisiana.”

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A bill legalizing the prescription of medical marijuana to children with autism passed the House on a 71-21 vote and heads next to the Senate. Harvey Representative Rodney Lyons, the bill’s sponsor, says he was moved by stories from his constituents who have family members who struggle with autism.

Cut 14 (08) “of life.”

The bill saw advocates and family members in committee testify about the harmful effects of the current, limited, slate of autism medication available. Lyons says allowing these prescriptions sends a message of support to those families.

Cut 15 (12) “their voice”

Lyons says the families who care for autistic children need more positive legislation like this.

Cut 16 (06) “be heard.”

The bill survived a last second effort from Haughton Representative Dodie Horton to insert a poison pill amendment that would have likely resulted in the legislation’s failure to pass.

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LSU Head Coach Ed Orgeron says the quarterback battle between Myles Brennan, Justin McMillan and Lowell Narcisse is a tight one. Narcisse says if all three of them have to play to win games, he’s fine with that…

Cut 17 (20)  “quarterback system”

Narcisse says he’s not spending too much time wondering about how much playing time he’ll see next season, his main focus is getting better every day….

Cut 18 (14)  “last practice”

Justin McMillan is hoping to make the jump from Scout team Quarterback to starting Q-B. The former three-star prosect from Texas is excited about what this offense can do with new offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger

04.05.18
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4:30 LRN Newscast April 5

Forecasters say an above average hurricane season is on tap for 2018. Matt Doyle has the story….
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Baton Rouge Police officer Howie Lake was back at work today for the first time in nearly two years. He was one of the two officers involved in the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling. Since that time he was on paid administrative leave and then served a three-day suspension starting on Monday. It’s unclear what his role will be on the force going forward.

The House Education Committee approves legislation that would require TOPS students to pay back their scholarship award if they drop out of school or fail to remain eligible to receive TOPS. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson doesn’t like this legislation…
cut 16 (11) “…financial hardship”
Despite Emerson objecting to the legislation, the measure passed on an eight to five vote.

And a House committee approved a bill that would allow PTSD patients, plus those dealing with muscle spasms and intractable pain to receive a prescription for medical marijuana once it becomes available. Doctor Will Hall of the Louisiana Baptist Coalition opposes it, because the pot industry hasn’t come together on single plant strain that can monitor its effectiveness…
cut 11 (10) “…different intensitites so”

04.05.18
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4:45 LRN Sportscast April 5

LSU opens an SEC series in College Station tonight when they face Texas A-and-M. The Aggies have yet to win a league series this season and they are 3-and-6. They have a team ERA of 4.68 in conference games. Meanwhile, LSU’s bullpen hasn’t allowed a run in 29.1 innings. First pitch is at 7 PM.

22nd ranked Louisiana Tech will also be in Texas this weekend as the Bulldogs begin a three-game series tomorrow night against the U-T-S-A Roadrunners. For the first time since 1992, the Bulldogs have won the first three series to start league play.

The Ragin Cajuns split their midweek series with Southern Miss as UL Lafayette won game two seven to four last night. The Cajuns begin a five-game homestand tomorrow night when they host Texas-Arlington.

After getting swept by Arkansas in a midweek series, ULM opens a Sun Belt series tomorrow night against Texas State. The Warhawks are 4-5 in league play, the Cajuns are 3-6.

Cornerback Donte Jackson ran a 4.31 in the 40-yard dash at LSU’s pro day. That’s just a tad faster of the time he ran in Indianapolis at the NFL combine. Jackson says not only is he fast, but he’s also a smart football player after spending time in Dave Aranda’s defense….
cut 19 (22) “…next level”
NFL-draft-scout-dot-com ranks Jackson as the 13th best cornerback in the upcoming draft.

The Saints have resigned Michael Mauti to a one year contract. The former Mandeville High star played in 11 games last season and recorded 11 tackles.

The Pelicans snapped a four-game losing streak last night with a dominating win over Memphis.

04.05.18
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LRN PM Newscall April 5 ###Corrects times and outcues on TOPS story###

Forecasters say an above average hurricane season is on tap for 2018. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A bill that would force students who lose TOPS to repay the money is headed to the House floor. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter has filed a bill on behalf of the governor’s office that’s designed to prevent hazing on college campuses. Carter says the legislation requires colleges and universities to provide hazing education and prevention during orientation…

Cut 3 (11) “on hazing”

After the meeting, the schools and students would be required to report they had taken the class. Carter says students need to understand the consequences of hazing…

Cut 4 (09) “serious business.”

Carter says the bill also mandates the reporting of hazing incidents and students found in violation of university hazing policies will be suspended or dismissed for at least that semester. All universities in Louisiana would be forced to comply with the new law…

Cut 5  (07) “governor proposed.”

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Colorado State Researchers predict above average activity for the upcoming hurricane season, but nothing like the historic 2017 season that devastated the Gulf. 14 named storms are predicted for this year, below the 17 named storms last year. Dr. Michael Bell says there’s a one in three chance the Gulf Coast gets hit this season.

Cut 6 (08)  “thirty percent”

They’re projecting three major hurricanes this year, only half the number suffered in 2017.

Bell says the early predictions are based on a shift away from a particularly brutal La Nina.

Cut 7 (10)  “potentially favorable”

There major hurricanes blasted the US last year, costing over 200 billion dollars and hundreds of lives. Bell says it’s highly unlikely we’ll be hit like that this year.

Cut 8 (10) “active season”

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A bill that expands illnesses that medical marijuana can be prescribed for clears a House Committee. State Representative Ted James bill adds Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, muscle spasms, and intractable pain to diagnoses that physicians will be able to prescribe medical marijuana for when it becomes available in Louisiana. James says this legislation will help many with pain and opioid issues…

Cut 9 (08) “save lives.”

The vote for the legislation was 8-to-4 and it now heads to the House floor.

Dr. Will Hall, with the Louisiana Baptist Coalition, warned the committee that not enough research has been done to determine the out-come of increasing the access to medical marijuana.

Cut 10 (:11) “etcetra.”

Hall also argues the pot industry hasn’t come together on a single plant strain they can monitor its effectiveness.

Cut 11 (10) “different intensities so”

James says his motivation is his constituents are leaving the state to go to other states to get medical marijuana, because they have tried the drug and it works.

Cut 12 (08)   “will help.”

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A bill that would force students who lose TOPS to repay the value of the scholarship passed a house committee on an eight to five vote. The legislation by Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo would charge students who drop out, or lose eligibility while in school. Garofalo says it gives TOPS longevity.

Cut 13 (09) “of time”

The bill would allow the board of regents to determine the repayment process, which could include interest.

New Orleans Representative Joseph Bouie says the bill targets working class students who often times lose eligibility after a few years when bills start piling up.

Cut 14 (11)   “to school”

Garofalo says his bill isn’t mean spirited, it’s responsible.

Cut 15 (09) “that gift”

But Carencro Representative Julie Emerson says the bill just doubles down on misery students experience after having to leave school.

Cut 16  (11) “hardship” (2x)

The bill heads to House Appropriations.

04.05.18
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3:30 LRN Newscast April 5

A bill that would force TOPS students who drop out or lose eligibility to repay the value of the scholarship passed the House Education committee on an 8-5 vote. The bill’s author, Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo, says TOPS costs the state 290-million dollars and it’s becoming more difficult to find money to pay for the taxpayer funded program.
cut 13 (09) “…of time”
The bill calls for the Board of Regents to determine the repayment process, which could include interest. Voting no was New Orleans Representative Joseph Bouie, who says the bill targets working class students who often times lose eligibility when bills start piling up.
Cut 14 (11) “to school”
The measure now heads to the House Appropriations Committee.

A bill requiring colleges and universities to provide hazing education and prevention during orientation has been filed by Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter. Members of on-campus organiziations would have to take a one-hour class on hazing prevention and Carter says the Board of Regents would establish a uniform anti-hazing policy for all state institutions…
cut 5 (07) “…governor proposed”
Governro John Bel Edwards is backing this legislation.

Get ready for another active hurricane season. The Colorado State Hurricane Forecast team is predicting 14 named storms for the upcoming season. There were 17 named storms last year and Doctor Michael Bell says conditions are ripe for another busy season….
cut 7 (10) “…potentially favorable”
Bell says there’s a one and three chance the Gulf Coast will see a major hurricane in 2018.

04.05.18
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1:30 LRN Newscast April 5

The House Education Committee has approved legislation that would require a TOPS student to pay back the state, if they fail to keep the scholarship or drop out of school. Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo is the author of the measure…
cut 15 (09) “…that gift”
The bill heads to House Appropriations for more discussion.

Also, heading to the full House is a proposal that would expand the list of medical conditions for a person to receive a prescription for medical marijuana. Under the bill, P-T-S-D, muscle spams and intractable pain are diagnoses that could receive medical canibas. Will Hall with the Louisiana Baptist Coalition argued not enough research has been done on expanding medical marijuana use….
cut 10 (11) “…etcetra”

A constitutional amendment requiring a unanimous jury verdict in felony cases is approved by the Senate and is now heading to the House…
Voicer 5 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The 2017 hurricane season produced 17 named storms, the fifth-most active season in recorded history. Doctor Michael Bell, with the Colorado State Hurricane Forecast research team, says they are predicting 14 named storms for 2018….
cut 8 (10) “…active season”

04.05.18
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11:40 LRN Sportscast April 5

A year ago at this time, LSU edge rusher Arden Key was projected as a top first round draft choice. But now draft analysts say Key might not be selected until the third round. He didn’t have a great 2017 season, after taking a leave of absence from the team last spring. Key wouldn’t tell reporters why he left last year, but believes his explanation has satisfied NFL teams
Cut 16 (11) “different eye.”
Key says the Saints have shown crazy interest in him.

The 17th ranked LSU baseball team begins a three-game series tonight against 19th Texas A-and-M. Sophomore Zack Hess starts for the Tigers. He’s 4-3 with a 4.93 ERA. LSU’s bullpen has turned into a huge weapon. They have not allowed a run in eight games.

The Pelicans snapped a four-game losing streak by beating Memphis 123 to 95 last night. The victory puts New Orleans into a tie for seventh place in the Western Conference with Minnesota. Both the Pels and T-Wolves are one game ahead of Denver, who is in ninth place. Anthony Davis had 28 points last night and New Orleans is in action again on Friday in Phoenix.

Back to college baseball….the Ragin Cajuns defeated 12th ranked Southern Miss seven to four to split a midweek series. Senior Kennon Fontenot reached base five times and extended his hitting streak to nine games. Zach LaFleur had two hits and drove in two runs.

Louisiana Tech was held to three hits in a 2-1 loss to Little Rock. McNeese defeated LSU-Alexandria nine to four as Carson Maxwell drove in four runs.

Nicholls crushed Arkansas-Pine Bluff 14-1 and Arkansas blanked ULM 4-0, as the Warhawks dropped two in Fayetteville.

04.05.18
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11:30 LRN Newscast April 5

The state Senate has passed a measure that would let voters decide if Louisiana should move to unanimous jury verdicts for a conviction in felony trials. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says unanimous verdicts were a foundational part of the American justice system.
Cut 11 (08) “unanimous juries”
Louisiana is one of two states that allows 10 of 12 jursits to agree on a guilty verdict. The measure still needs House approval.

Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter has filed a bill on behalf of the governor’s office that’s designed to prevent hazing on college campuses. Carter says the legislation requires colleges and universities to provide hazing education and prevention during orientation…
Cut 3 (11) “on hazing”
Carter says the bill also mandates the reporting of hazing incidents and students found in violation of university hazing policies will be suspended or dismissed for at least that semester.
A bill to allow families to install cameras in nursing home rooms sailed out of the House and heads to the Senate for more discussion. New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno says the proposal gives people an extra set of eyes on their loved ones in nursing homes….
cut 14 (11) “…install this”
The patient’s family would be responsible for cost of installing the video camera.

Monroe Representative Marcus Hunter has filed legislation to pave the way for a riverboat casino to come to Monroe. The state has 15-licensed riverboat casinos and for a casino to be located on the Ouachita, the license would have to move from another location in the state. But Hunter wouldn’t say what gaming operator is interested in moving to northeast Louisiana…
cut 5 (07) “…best idea”
Ouachita Parish voters would have to okay a casino in Monroe.