Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

02.23.18
by

14:30 LRN Newscast Feb 23

Louisiana Radio Network, I’m Kelley Ray

There are signs the gridlock could be ending on tax negotiations in the special session. Legislators haven’t made much progress on closing a nearly one-billion dollar budget gap, but Vice Chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus, Ted James, says the lines of communication are finally open…

cut 7 (06) “…significant strides”
Two House committees are set to meet Sunday and lawmakers are hoping proposals dealing with state sales and income taxes, along with Medicaid reform can be voted on and sent to the House floor.

Law enforcement this week have announced the arrests of numerous individuals who allegedly made threats to do harm at local schools. Those convicted of the state’s terrorizing law can be fined up to 15-thousand dollars, but legal analyst Tim Meche says…
cut 16 (11) “…on that”

The 14-year tenure as chairman of the Republican Party ends on Saturday for Roger Villere. Jeff Palermo has more on how the party has changed during that time…
Voicer 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

LSU and Texas meet tonight for the first time since the 2009 College World Series. Zack Hess will start on the mound for the Tigers and Coach Paul Mainieri says he’ll face Nolan Kingham, who threw eight shutout innings last week…
cut 18 (09) “…of Zack”
First pitch is at 7 PM.

 

02.23.18
by

LRN PM Newscall Feb 23

The special session is coming back to life, as lawmakers are convening Sunday to hear a series of tax and Medicaid proposals. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

______________________________________

The 14-year tenure as chairman of the Republican Party ends on Saturday for Roger Villere. Jeff Palermo has more on how the party has changed during that time…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

_________________________________________________

Officials are investigating a shooting that injured two people on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana in Hammond early Friday morning. University spokesperson Tonya Lowentritt says the shooting stemmed from a fight involving students and others who do not attend the school…

Cut 3 (13) “life threatening.”

Officials say several individuals were near the assembly hall, where basketball games are played when the shooting occurred…

Cut 4  (07) “under investigation.” 

Governor Edwards released a statement that says “the state is ready to mobilize every available resource…to assist in this investigation.” The campus is open as normal today.

_________________________________________________________

After five days of stalled negotiations, lawmakers are optimistic that legislation will begin moving forward when legislators convene Sunday afternoon. Lake Charles Republican Representative Steven Dwight’s bill to extend a portion of the expiring one penny sales tax will be heard, and he says he’s optimistic about its chances…

Cut 5  (10)  “floor monday.”

Medicaid reform is also on deck, with a proposal from West Monroe Republican Representative Frank Hoffman to implement work requirements for beneficiaries. New Orleans Democratic Representative Walt Leger’s bill to reduce itemized tax deductions will also be heard. Dwight says it’s something for both parties.

Cut 6  (10)  “democrats needed”

Baton Rouge Democratic Representative Ted James says after a week of haggling, the legislature is showing some signs of life.

Cut 7 (06)  “significant”

If the proposals advance out of committee, they would then be heard on the House floor. James says a plan to solve the fiscal cliff could still be a ways off, with Democrats balking at allowing the state to keep special sales tax exemptions for certain industries.

Cut 8 (08) “for us”

_________________________________________________________

Louisiana Republican Party chairman Roger Villere relinquishes his role on Saturday after 14-years. It’s believed he’s the longest serving chairman of a state party in the country. Villere says during that time, the political demographics have changed, as the GOP is the dominant party for statewide offices…

Cut 9 (09) “that scenario.”

When Villere took over as GOP Chair, the only Republican statewide official was the late Secretary of State Fox McKeithen. Now it has completely flipped the other way. Villere says there’s also been an increase in registered Republican voters…

Cut 10 (08) “than double.”

A new party chairman will be elected on Saturday at the Old State Capital in Baton Rouge, where the Republican State Central Committee will meet.  Villere says the goal for the new chairman should work on getting more Republican mayors elected…

Cut 11 (08) “are terrible.”

Villere says he will still be involved in the Republican Party by starting a consulting group to get a GOP prepared to run against 2nd District Democrat Congressman Cedric Richmond.

___________________________________________________

The Storm Prediction Center has north Louisiana under a slight risk for severe weather for Saturday. Forecaster Davyon Hill with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says warm unstable air will collide with a cooler air mass

Cut 12 (10) “some tornadoes”

Hill says if you were planning on busting out the grill and enjoying a nice spring weekend, you’re in for a nasty surprise.

Cut 13 (11) “the area”

Hill says the entire state should see rain on Saturday, but most of the nasty weather will remain in the north.

Cut 14 (11) “the state”

02.23.18
by

13:30 LRN Newscast Feb 23

After five days of stalled negotiations, lawmakers are optimistic legislation will begin moving forward when legislatorsr convene Sunday afternoon. Lake Charles Republican Representative Steven Dwight’s bill to extend a portion of the expiring one penny sales tax will be heard, and he’s optimistic about its chances…
Cut 5 (10) “floor monday.”
But Vice-chair of the legislative Black Caucus Ted James of Baton Rouge says a plan to solve the fiscal cliff could still be a ways off, with Democrats balking at allowing the state to maintain special sales tax exemptions for certain industries.
Cut 8 (08) “for us”
Louisiana faces a budget deficit of nearly one billion dollars on July 1st when temporary sales taxes expire.

Officials are investigating a shooting that injured two people on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana in Hammond early Friday morning. University spokesperson Tonya Lowentritt says the shooting stemmed from a fight involving students and others who do not attend the school…
cut 3 (13) “…life threatening”
No arrests have been made.

Roger Villere’s 14-year run as the state’s Republican Party Chairman ends Saturday when a new leader is elected. When Villere took over as GOP Chairman, the only Republican statewide official was the late Secretary of State Fox McKeithen. Now it has completely flipped the other way. Villere says there’s also been an increase in registered Republican voters…
Cut 10 (08) “than double.”

02.23.18
by

12:30 LRN Newscast Feb 23

The special session is coming back to life, as lawmakers will convene Sunday to hear a series of tax and Medicaid proposals. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Two people were injured by gunfire on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond eary this morning. Officials say the shooting happened around 3 AM near the Assembly Hall. The two people shot are said to be suffering from non-life threatening injuries. No suspects are in custody.

Louisiana Republican Party chairman Roger Villere relinquishes his role on Saturday after serving for 14-years. It’s believed he’s the longest serving chairman of a state party in the country. Villere says during that time, the political demographics have changed, as the GOP is the dominant party for statewide offices…
Cut 9 (11) “that scenario”
A new party chairman will be elected on Saturday when Republicans gather for their quarterly meeting at the old State Capitol.

A flash flood watch is in effect through Saturday afternoon for four parishes in northwest Louisiana, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne and Webster. The National Weather Service expects storms will repeatedly move over the area dumping moderate to heavy rainfall.

02.23.18
by

11:30 LRN Newscast Feb 23

Southeastern Louisiana University says two individuals suffered non-life threatening injuries from an overnight shooting that occured on North campus. Authorities say several individuals were involved when gunshots were fired and the incident remains under investigation. University officials say there is no threat to the campus community at this time.

A New Orleans area lawmaker says it’s time to revisit a bill to allow school educators to have guns on campus. Kelley Ray has the details…
voicer 1 (31) “…I’m Kelley Ray”

It’s day five of the legislative special session and there’s no activity at the State Capitol. That’s disappointing for Stonewall Representative Lawrence Bagley who sits on the House Health and Welfare committee and is ready to vote on something…
cut 13 (11) “…of it”
But there are signs of progress on a compromise to solve a looming one-billion dollar budget deficit. Lake Charles Representative Stephen Dwight says the House will re-convene on Sunday and he expects legislation dealing with Medicaid reform, reducing federal excess itemized tax deductions and his sales tax proposal will start moving through the legislative process…
cut 6 (10) “….democrats needed”
The special session must end on March 7th.

02.23.18
by

6:45 LRN Sportscasdt Feb 23

Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball clinched a share of their first Sun Belt regular season title since 2000 with an 81-76 win over Troy last night. UL-Lafayette is now 14-1 in the Sun Belt. It was also win number 500 for head coach Bob Marlin. Frank Bartley led all scorers with 22 points.

ULM won its fifth straight with a 66-62 win over South Alabama. The Warhawks are now 8-7 in the Sun Belt, which is good for a tie for third place.

Louisiana Tech lost a hard fought game to U-TEP 74-72. The Bulldogs have lost four of their last six.

24th ranked Lady Tigers lost to seventh ranked South Carolina 58-47. It was LSU’s first game as a ranked team in four years.

One of the most successful high school football coaches in Lousiaina, Acadiana’s Ted Davidson has announced he’s retiring after 42 years as a coach. Davidson spent 14 years as the Wreckin Rams head coach, leading the Lafayette Parish school to four state championships and a record of 154-46.

LSU and Texas meet tonight on the baseball diamond for the first time since the 2009 College World Series as the Tigers host the Longhorns at 7 PM. Texas is 3-1, while the Tigers are 2-and-2. Zack Hess will start on the mound for the Tigers and Coach Paul Mainieri says he’ll face Nolan Kingham, who threw eight shutout innings last week…
cut 18 (09) “…of Zack”
First pitch is at 7 PM.

LSU will appear on the first day of SEC Media Days, which will be July 16th to the 19th. Media Days will be in Atlanta this year, instead of Hoover, Alabama.

Nicholls State has signed Tim Rebowe to a four-year contract extension. Rebowe has turned around a losing program in three seasons, bringing the Colonels to the F-C-S playoffs last season.

The Pelicans return from the All-Star break tonight as they host the Miami Heat. New Orleans is on a three-game winning streak as they try to nail down a playoff spot.

02.22.18
by

4:45 LRN Sportscast Feb 22nd

One of the state’s top high school football coaches has announced his retirement. Acadiana’s Ted Davidson is hanging up his whistle after a 42-year coaching career. Over the last 14 seasons, he’s been the head coach of the Wrecking Rams and led the school to four Class 5A titles and two runner-up trophies.

LSU will appear during the first day of SEC Media Days, which will be July 16th to the 19th. Texas A-and-M’s Jimbo Fisher will also be there that day . SEC Media Days will be held in Atlanta this year, instead of Hoover, Alabama.

Nicholls State has signed Tim Rebowe to a four-year contract extension. Rebowe arrived in 2015 and inherited an 18-game losing streak. Three seasons later, Nicholls was in the FCS playoffs and they have a lot of returning starters coming back from that team.

And the NFL Network reports Drew Brees’ representatives and the Saints will talk as soon as next week about a new contract.

A win tonight for UL Lafayette over Troy and the Cajuns will claim at least a share of the Sun Belt Regular season championship. It will be their first since the 1999-2000. If Georgia State loses to Texas State and the Cajuns win, then UL Lafayette will win the outright title and own the top seed in the upcoming Sun Belt Tournament.

ULM seeks its fifth straight win as they visit South Alabama. Both teams are 7-7 in league play.

And Louisiana Tech begins a three-game road trip to close out the regular season by visiting UTEP. Tip off in El Paso is 8 PM.

In the SEC, there’s a six-way tie for third place. Mississippi State, Kentucky, Arkansas, Missouri, Florida and Alabama are all tied at 8-7. LSU is at 7-8 and they’ll visit Georgia, who is 6-9 on Saturday.

The Pelicans return from the All-Star break tomorrow as they’ll host the Miami Heat. New Orleans is on a three-game winning streak and they are in 8th place in the Western Conference.

02.22.18
by

4:30 LRN Newscast Feb 22nd

Louisiana Radio Network, I’m Kelley Ray

Secretary of State Tom Schedler faces accusations of sexual harrassment. A lawsuit filed in state court in Baton Rouge alleges that Schedler sent a female state worker love letters, made sexual advancements and gave her unwanted gifts, including sex tapes. Defense attorney Jill Craft says her client was punished after she rebuffed his repeated advances…
cut 14 (09) “…a relationship”
Schedler was elected in 2011 as the state’s elections chief. In a statement, the 68-year-old says he believes in a safe workplace, free from harassment.

Gridlock continued at the Capitol today as state lawmakers did not move any closer to closing a nearly one-billion dollar budget deficit that’s caused by expiring sales taxes. Medicaid reform bills that House Republican leaders are pushing failed to get out of a committe today. Legislation that would raise revenues are also not moving.

An LSU study paid for by the waterway and shipyard industries found that the downturn in oil prices resulted in a loss of 21-thousand jobs and 1.4 billion dollars in wages from 2014-2016. LSU economist Stephen Barnes says marine industries and shipyards help a wide range of Louisiana businesses…
cut 8 (12) “…pretty far”
The closure of the Avondale Shipyards in Jefferson Parish resulted in five-thousand lost jobs.

Flood watches and warnings are posted in north and central Louisaina, while south Louisiana is dealing with record heat. State Climatologist Barry Keim says strong thunderstorms are expected to redevelop over the northern parishes tonight…
cut 3 (08) “…flooding issues”
There’s a slight chance for severe weather in north Louisiana on Saturday

02.22.18
by

15:30 LRN Newscast Feb 22nd

Secretary of State Tom Schedler is facing allegations of sexual harassment from his former Executive Secretary Dawn Ross. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”.

It’s day four of the special session and there’s been very little progress towards solving a looming one-billion dollar budget deficit. Medicaid reform bills touted by Republican leadership to reduce state spending failed to make it out of a House committee today. Tax bills are also not moving.

A high school student was arrested and two other elementary school students have been suspended from their respective schools in LaFourche Parish for alleged threats. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Brennan Matherne says a 15-year-old male threatened to kill South Lafourche High School teacher. Meanwhile, a 12-year-old from Larose-Cut Off Middle School and an eight-year-old at Lockport Lower Elementary school told others about their intent to bring a gun to school….
cut 11 (05) “…completely separate”

A report commissioned by the waterways and shipyard industries says the state has lost thousands of jobs and over a billion dollars in wages from 2014-2016. The LSU study concludes the state’s economic impact loss was six billion dollars and more should be done at the State Capitol to keep the waterways and shipbuilders a float….
cut 7 (09) “…full steam”
That’s LSU Professor Stephen Barnes.

02.22.18
by

LRN PM Newscall Feb 22

A report commissioned by the Waterways and shipyard industry says the state has lost thousands of jobs and over a billion dollars in wages in a two-year period. Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

______________________________________

Secretary of State Tom Schedler is facing allegations of sexual harassment from his former Executive Secretary Dawn Ross. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”.

_________________________________________________

Louisiana’s weather is very two-faced right now.  Flash Flood Watches and Warnings are in effect for much of North Louisiana due to a stalled out front, while South Louisiana is seeing record breaking heat.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says residents of North Louisiana should watch the weather closely over the next several days…

Cut 3 (08) “flooding issue.”

Meanwhile, Keim says the heat continues in South Louisiana.  Some areas are breaking records…

Cut 4  (09) “Baton Rouge.” 

As the front moves through the state and mixes in with the warmer unstable air, Keim says it could bring some stormy weather…

Cut 5  (08)  “north Louisiana.”

Louisiana sees a break from the stormy weather on Monday before another front brings good changes of rain Tuesday and Wednesday.

________________________________________________________

A report commissioned by the waterways and shipyard industries says the state has lost thousands of jobs and over a billion dollars in wages from 2014-2016. LSU’S economic policy and research department conducted the study and concluded the industry took a downturn when the price of oil dropped. But LSU economist Stephen Barnes says there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Cut 6  (12)  “down turn”

The study concludes the state’s economic impact loss was six billion dollars and more should be done at the State Capitol to keep the waterways and shipbuilders a float.

Cut 7 (09)  “full steam”

Barnes says ships and barges aren’t the only industries with a protected interest in the water ways. It’s a diverse group.

Cut 8 (12) “pretty far”

_________________________________________________________

A high school student was arrested and two other elementary school students have been suspended from their respective schools in LaFourche Parish for alleged threats.  Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Brennan Matherne says a 15-year-old male threatened to kill South Lafourche High School teacher…

Cut 9 (11) “in Thibodaux.”

Also on Wednesday, a 12-year-old from Larose-Cut Off Middle School and an eight-year-old at Lockport Lower Elementary school told others about their intent to bring a gun to school.  Matherne says even though neither of them were in possession of any weapons, they are being evaluated…

Cut 10 (10) “is continuing.”

Matherne says they investigated several other allegations and threats at other schools Wednesday and most were found to be untrue.   He says in the threats they did confirm with the three juveniles, the suspects acted alone…

Cut 11 (05) “completely seperate.”

Additional deputies have been assigned to LaFourche Parish schools with the increase in threats since the Florida school shooting.

___________________________________________________

Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler is being sued for allegations of sexual harassment involving his former Executive Secretary Dawn Ross. The suit alleges a pattern of repeated harassment, and claims to have multiple documents that support the accusations. Ross’s attorney Jill Crafts says that includes an explicitly worded Valentine’s letter from the Secretary.

Cut 12 (11) “will change”

The suit alleges the harassment began in 2007 shortly after Schedler bought a townhouse in the same complex Ross lived in. It alleges Schedler made comments clearly stating that he was watching Ross in her home, including comments about male visitor’s to her house.

Craft says Schedler also bombarded Ross with dozens of inappropriate texts.

Cut 13 (11) “gunna stop”

Craft says the harassment had an impact on Ross’s career.

Cut 14 (09) “a relationship”

Schedler says his office “takes any allegation of sexual harassment very seriously”, and has issued a statement saying he believes in a safe workplace, free from harassment.