Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

02.18.18
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LRN AM Newscall February 19

State lawmakers return to the capital today to begin a special session to fix the fiscal cliff. Matt Doyle has more from a capital observer.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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The governor and House GOP leaders are jockeying for position on a potential special session grand bargain to fix the fiscal cliff. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Almost 50 percent of debt Louisianans carry are in collections.  It’s a staggering number, but Kelley Ray found out it doesn’t have to be that way.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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The special session kicks off today to address a one billion dollar shortfall. Legislators have until March 7th to find a fix to the looming fiscal cliff or else cuts will occur in the areas of higher education and health care. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says the governor has talked privately with house speaker Taylor Barras on solutions, but

Cut 4  (09) “real detail” 

Early reports say legislators are making progress on a fix the to one billion dollar budget gap. Erwin says even though a deal isn’t currently on hand, he expects some agreement to be made.

Cut 5  (09)  “this bunch.”

Edwards is calling for the replacement of the expiring sales taxes with permanent tax reform that would eliminate certain deductions for businesses, and the GOP wants spending reductions. Erwin doubts the governor will get the legislation he wants.

Cut 6 (09)  “really unfortunate”

Erwin says he doesn’t expect an agreement to be made that can secure the 70 house votes and the governor’s signature until late into the session.

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Governor Edwards and state lawmakers are in Baton Rouge for the special session to find a solution to the looming fiscal cliff that threatens to gut popular programs like TOPS. The governor is seeking tax reform, and Republicans want spending reductions. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says the GOP caucus is demanding the creation of the Louisiana Checkbook.

Cut 7 (08)  “time ago”

He says the program would increase transparency, and would closely resembles Ohio’s Ohiocheckbook.com

Along with implementing Medicaid copays, tighter eligibility, and work requirements, Miguez says he also wants to see a state spending cap that is tied to private sector economic performance.

Cut 8 (06) “state government.”

Democrats say they will not allow a full renewal of the expiring one penny sales tax, as they feel it unfairly targets the poor. Franklin Representative and Democrat Sam Jones wants a budget deal that ensures crucial programs are not underfunded.

Cut 9 (10)  “the infrastructure”

Political analysts have warned the special session could be a political minefield, with Republicans attempting to make sure the governor does not leave with a “win” that could propel him to another term in office. Jones says so far, the negotiations have been fair.

Cut 10 (05) “type moment.”

Shreveport Representative Republican Alan Seabaugh says he’s beginning to see the framework for a grand bargain.

Cut 11 (11) “funding tops.”

The special session ends March 7th.

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Springtime is acceptance letter season for most college bound high school students, and the state’s budget uncertainty is causing many to rethink whether they want to attend school in Louisiana. LSU president F. King Alexander is calling on legislators to find a budget solution that funds higher ed and TOPS by the end of the February special session.

Cut 12 (10) “difficult position”

Alexander says there was a noticeable impact the last time the state failed to properly fund TOPS in a timely manner.

Cut 13 (07)  “other state.”

Alexander says if lawmakers wait until June to solve the one billion dollar fiscal cliff, the damage will already have been done for the 2018-2019 school year.

Cut 14 (12) “May 1st”

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Many Americans are swimming in debt and getting in deeper than ever. One report suggests total household debt has risen to 13-trillion-dollars for 2017.  Louisiana appears to be America’s capital of past due debt, with almost half of its residents in debt that has gone into collections.  Professor of Economics at Xavier University of Louisiana Dr. Jose Bautista says a lot of workers aren’t making enough money…

Cut 15 (12) into debt.”

Another reason credit debt is so high is the lack of a savings account. Dr. Bautista says most are left with no choice but to use credit cards for emergencies, but it starts a slippery downhill slide…

Cut 16 (06) ” to multiply.”

Medical bills are a large part of financial distress, especially if there isn’t enough insurance coverage.  Dr. Bautista says get coverage to cover all your medical needs…

Cut 17 (10) “over time.”

Dr. Bautista says the best thing for a person to do is to quit using credit cards, establish a savings plan and work up from there to try to eliminate debt.

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Rough start to the baseball season, as the LSU Tigers lost two of three from Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish clinched the series victory with an 11-3 drubbing of LSU. The Bayou Bengals had a dramatic come from behind victory on Friday, but it was all down hill from there. Coach Paul Mainieri says it’s hard to find any positives….

Cut 18 (08) “just everything”

For the weekend, LSU’s starting pitchers allowed 16 earned run runs in 10.2 innings. They walked 10 and struck out four and had an ERA of 13.50. LSU also struggled at the plate on Sunday as they were 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position. Mainieri says they have a lot of work to do…

Cut 19 (14)   “better at” 

It’s the first time LSU lost a season opening weekend series since 1999 versus Texas.  LSU will host UNO Wednesday and then the Longhorns come to the Box for a weekend three game series. Mainieri says this is just the start of a long season…

Cut 20 (13) “this weekend”

02.17.18
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7:30 LRN Sportscast Feb 16

On opening night, the LSU baseball team found some Alex Box magic. Down 6-0 to Notre Dame, the Tigers roared back for a 7-6 win. Bryce Jordan from Lake Charles got LSU back in the game with a grand slam in the 6th inning. Jordan missed all of 2017 with a torn A-C-L. Then in the 8th inning, LSU shortstop Josh Smith delivered this three run home run…

home run call (17) “….Josh smith”

That’s the voice of the Tigers Chris Blair on the LSU Sports Radio Network. LSU’s bullpen was lights out. Alexandria’s Matt Beck struck out five and Austin Bain earned the win with two shutout innings. LSU and Notre Dame plays again at 4 PM today.

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What a dramatic start to the baseball season for ULM as they win two games over Eastern Illinois in walk off fashion. The Warhawks won the first game 4-3 on a walkoff single by Peyton Lacoste.  And in the nightcap, Cade Harper delivered a two-out, two run single for a 7-6 come from behind victory. The Warhawks trailed 5-1 at one point.

The Ragin Cajuns were held to three hits in a 3-0 loss to Texas. Bulldogs starting pitcher Matt Miller struck out ten in seven innings, but Louisiana Tech lost 2-1 in 11 innings. And Southern beat Grambling 8-7 in 10 innings at the Andre Dawson Classic in New Orleans.

The LSU men’s basketball hosts Missouri this afternoon at one o’ clock. The Tigers from Columbia have won five in a row and feature one of the best players in the SEC. Six-foot-three guard Kassius Robertson is averaging 18 points a game in league play.

The Ragin Cajuns hosts U-T Arlington tonight. UL-Lafayette leads the Sun Belt with a 12-1 record.

 

 

 

 

02.16.18
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16:45 LRN Sportscast February 16

Today is opening day for college baseball. A preseason poll predicts LSU will finish in third place in the SEC West, behind Arkansas and Texas A-and-M. Tigers have a new weekend rotation and must replace their best power hitter Greg Deichmann and starting middle infielders Cole Freeman and Kramer Robertson. Coach Paul Mainieri believes his everyday line-up will be fine….
cut 19 (18) “….can do”
Caleb Gilbert starts on the hill for the Tigers tonight. He’s 7-1, with a 2.16 ERA. In his last 12 appearances last season, he went 5-0 with a 0.84 ERA. First pitch is at 7:00. Game two tomorrow is at 4 PM and the series finale Sunday is 11 AM.

The Ragin Cajuns begin their baseball season by visiting 21st ranked Texas for a three-game series. It’s the start of a tough nonconference schedule for UL-Lafayette. They also play Southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi State, Vandy, Kentucky and LSU, before league play starts March 9th. Coach Tony Robichaux says he looks forward to playing the best teams in college baseball, including the Longhorns….
cut 17 (20) “…practicing here”

Also this weekend, ULM hosts Eastern Illinois, Louisiana Tech visits Pepperdine for a four game set. McNeese State hosts Witchita State, Nicholls State takes on Stony Brook. Game one of that series is on CST tonight.

02.16.18
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16:30 LRN Newscast Feb 16

The mass shooting in south Florida that left 17 dead has reignited the debate over school safety. Jeff Palermo has the story.
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

Baton Rouge Police arrested one of their own officers and charged him with negligent homicide and speeding. Authorties say 28-year-old Christopher Manual was off-duty on October 12th when his Corvette attempted to make a U-Turn and slammed into a Nissan. A one-year-old child in that Nissan died and Manuel was booked today.

Ruston Police say a school bus filled with elementary students struck and killed a man who was sitting in the middle of a street. Chief Deputy Clint Williams says the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cut 6 (10) “schools unharmed.”
Williams says they do not know why the man was sitting in the street.

Shreveport Police believe they may have the person in custody, who was using a baseball bat to steal purses from elderly women. Spokesperson Angie Willhite says they had to arrest 32-year-old Mario Roberson twice. Willhite says their Robbery Task Force Unit was interviewing Roberson, when he gave officers the slip…
Cut 3 (08) “into custody.”
Police say during the first arrest, Roberson was in possession of the items reported stolen in recent weeks. No word of if they’ve been able to confiscate any bats.

02.16.18
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LRN PM Newscall Feb 16

Shreveport Police had to catch a man twice who may be connected in robbing elderly women with a bat.  Jim Shannon has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon.”

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A Florida shooting that left 17 dead has reignited the debate over school safety. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

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Shreveport Police believe they may have the person in custody, who was using a baseball bat to steal the purses of older women. Spokesperson Angie Willhite says they had to arrest 32-year-old Mario Roberson twice.  Willhite says their Robberty Task Force Unit was interviewing Roberson, when he gave officers the slip

Cut 3 (08) “into custody.”

Police say during the first arrest, Roberson was in possession of many of the items that have been reported stolen in recent weeks.  Since the escape attempt, Willhite says Roberson is facing additional charges after the second arrest…

Cut 4  (07) “a vehicle.” 

There is no word if any weapons were confiscated.

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Ruston Police are investigating a school bus accident involving a pedestrian, who was killed while sitting in the middle of a street. Chief Deputy Clint Williams says the Lincoln Parish school bus driver didn’t see the pedestrian, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Williams hopes someone knows why he was there…

Cut 5  (05)  “a call.”

The bus was nearly full with elementary aged students, but Williams says they were not  hurt…

Cut 6  (10)  “schools unharmed.”

Toxicological samples have been collected. No charges have been filed as of yet.

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Debates are raging about school safety in the wake of the Florida school shooting that left 17 people dead. While much of the debate has centered on the weapon used, Louisiana Association of Educators President Deborah Meaux says schools need to be investing more in social work programs to help troubled students.

Cut 7 (11)  “administrative assistants.”

Reports indicate the confessed Florida shooter Nikolas Cruz was a troubled person with noted mental health issues, and a mother who had just passed away. Meaux says a robust counseling program could have identified those problems as a possible indicator of trouble.

Cut 8 (09) “they need.”

But Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Larry Carter says when state budget cuts come in, one of the first things on the chopping block tends to be social work programs.

Cut 9 (07) “for students”

Carter says along with an increased investment in counseling programs, we need to be taking a look at improving the layout of schools to improve security.

Cut 10 (08) “those buildings”

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Louisiana is taking more taxes out of workers’ paychecks. The state constitution allows for it, if the federal government lowers their tax brackets, which they did last month.  Baton Rouge area CPA Brandon LaGarde says it won’t be that drastic of a change…

Cut 11 (07) “a paycheck.”

The state tax wage adjustment is automatic as it is built into the Louisiana Constitution.  LaGarde says your employer has nothing to do with the change…

Cut 12 (07) “to do.”

LaGarde says the federal tax break outweighs the state’s updated tax withholding tables, meaning you still take home more than you did last year…

Cut 13 (07) “be ahead.”

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The Baton Rouge police officer shot by a man described as mentally ill left the hospital today. Doctors say he should fully recover.  Cpl. Shane Totty was admitted Sunday night after sustaining a gunshot wound from Eugene Thomas Jr.  Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says the department is thrilled Totty is home…

Cut 14 (10) “worked out.”

Totty and other officers were responding to a call after Thomas allegedly fired a weapon at some relatives and later shot Totty after he was pulled over.  McKneely says he hopes there won’t be a long recovery period for Totty…

Cut 15 (04) “to BRPD.”

Thomas is charged with four counts of attempted first degree murder, attempted first degree murder of a police officer and a felon in possession of a firearm.  Bond was set at 650-thousand-dollars.

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02.16.18
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14:30 LRN Newscast February 16

Starting today, Louisiana is collecting more taxes from your paycheck. It’s because the state constitution requires the Louisiana revenue department to adjust the amount of money employers withhold from paychecks for state taxes, when the federal income tax code is changed…
cut 12 (07) “…to do”
That’s Baton Rouge area CPA Brandon LaGarde who says the federal tax break still outweighs the increase in the amount of state taxes taken out.

Ruston Police are investigating a school bus accident involving a pedestrian, who was killed while sitting in the middle of a street. Chief Deputy Clint Williams says the Lincoln Parish school bus driver didn’t see the pedestrian, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Williams says hope someone knows why he was there…
Cut 5 (05) “a call.”
None of the students were injured and the bus driver was not cited

Shreveport Police had to catch a man twice who may be connected in robbing elderly women with a bat. Jim Shannon has more…
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon.”

The Baton Rouge police officer shot Sunday night by a man described as mentally ill left the hospital today. Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says the department is thrilled Corpoarl Shane Totty is home…
Cut 14 (10) “worked out.”
Doctors say he should fully recover.

02.16.18
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12:30 LRN Newscast Feb 16

We are learning more about Nikolas Cruz, the 19-year-old accused of fatally shooting 17 people at a south Florida school this week. Authorities say Cruz was a troubled person with noted mental health issues. Louisiana Association of Educators President Debbie Meaux says a robust counseling program could have identified those problems as a possible indicator of trouble…
cut 8 (09) “….they need”
Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Larry Carter says along with an increased investment in counseling programs, we need to take a look at improving the layout of schools to improve security.
Cut 10 (08) “those buildings”
Authorities say a student was removed from East Ascension High School because of a potential threat. The school system sent a message to parents that says there is no active threat or campus lock down. The Gonzales Police Department is investigating.

Shreveport Police believe they may have the person in custody, who was using a baseball bat to steal the purses of older women. Spokesperson Angie Willhite says they had to arrest 32-year-old Mario Roberson twice. Willhite says their Robberty Task Force Unit was interviewing Roberson, when he gave officers the slip…
Cut 3 (08) “into custody.”
Police say during the first arrest, Roberson was in possession of many of the items that have been reported stolen in recent weeks.

02.16.18
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11:40 LRN sportscast February 16

It’s opening day for college baseball and Paul Mainieri begins his 12th season as the head coach of the LSU Tigers. Tonight the Bayou Bengals host Notre Dame. Mainieri says opening day always brings out some anxiety, because there are a lot of unknowns…
cut 18 (15) “…don’t know”
LSU has a new weekend rotation as Caleb Gilbert is the Friday night starter, followed by Zack Hess and Todd Peterson.

In other action, the Ragin Cajuns are at 21st ranked Texas. UL-Lafayette missed out on the postseason last year as they struggled at the plate, hitting only .266 as a team.

Louisiana Tech begins the season on the west coast, with a four-game series against Pepperdine. ULM Hosts Eastern Illinois.

Also, McNeese State hosts Witchita State and Nicholls State hosts Stony Brook.

The Ragin Cajuns improved 12-1 in the Sun Belt with a 73-63 win over Texas State. Byrce Washington had 19 point sand 10 rebounds, his 11th double-double of the season. Frank Bartley added 18 points and Johathan Stove chipped in with 15 points.

ULM won its 3rd straight Sun Belt game as they topped UT Arlington 84-71. Michael Ertel ahd 20 points, while Sam McDaniel had 19. The Warhawks are 6-7 in the Sun Belt.

Louisiana Tech’s Anthony Duruji had 21 points as the Bulldogs beat UAB 73-60. The Bulldogs started strong as they went on a 24-9 run in the first half and held on for the 13 point victory. Tech is now 7-7 in Conference USA. They have one more home game tomorrow night against Middle Tennessee.

LSU hosts Missouri tomorrow. Mizzou has won five straight. Tip-off is at 1:00

02.16.18
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06:45 LRN Sportscast Feb 16

It wasn’t easy but UL Lafayette improved to 12-1 in the Sun Belt with a 73-63 win over Texas State. Four players scored in double figures for the Cajuns led by Bryce Washington, who had 19 points and Frank Bartley added 18 points.

ULM won its third straight as the Warhawks flew past Texas State 84-71. Freshman Michael Ertel had 20 points to lead the way. Sam McDaniel had 19 points and Travis Munnings had 16. Both McDaniel and Munnings each hit four three-pointers.

Louisiana Tech improved to 7-7 in Conference USA by beating UAB 73-60. The Bulldogs held the Blazers to 36-percent shooting and freshman Anthony Duruji led all scorers with 21 points. Tech was 11-of-27 from three point land.

On Sunday, the Pelicans Anthony Davis will make his fifth consecutive All-Star game appearance. And the league announced the postponed Pelicans-Pacers will be made up on March 21.

It’s opening day for college baseball. The LSU Tigers made it to the College World Series last year, but they head into this season not expected to win the SEC West as they have a new weekend rotation and had to replace several key infielders. The Bayou Bengals face Notre Dame tonight at 7 PM.

UL Lafayette begins the season at 21st ranked Texas. The Cajuns are picked to win the western division of the Sun Belt after winning 19 conference games last season. UL Lafayette Coach Tony Robichaux says the most improved player is catcher Handsome Monica of Mandeville, who hit just .215 last season…

Cut 16 (20) ” last year’s struggles”

First pitch is at 6:30 on the Longhorn Network.

02.15.18
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16:45 LRN Sportscast February 15

After a three-game road trip, the Ragin Cajuns are back home tonight to host Texas State in a Sun Belt conference matchup. The Cajuns lead the league with an 11-1 record, while the Bobcats are 7-6. Louisiana has won 14 straight in the Cajundome, which is the ninth longest home winning streak in the country. Tip-off is at 7:15.

After a very successful week in the Peach State with victories over Georgia Southern and Georgia State, ULM basketball retuns home tonight to face Texas-Arlington. Warhwaks Coach Keith Richard (Ree-shard) says knocking down the three point shot was the key in those two victories…
Cut 16 (16) “17 3s”
With the two victories last week, ULM is 11-12 overall, 5-7 in the Sun Belt.

Louisiana Tech hosts U-A-B tonight at the Thomas Assembly Center. Tech is coming off an 82-69 loss to Old Dominion. The Bulldogs turned it over 20 times. Dogs head coach Eric Konkol says they got bull rushed from the tipoff…
cut 19 (16) “….with it”
Tech enters the game in 8th place in the Conference U-S-A standings, while UAB is in 7th.

Nicholls remains in first place in the Southland after a thrilling 73-72 win over Sam Houston State last night. Southeastern Louisiana is a half game back of Nicholls as the Lions held off UNO 71-64.

The college baseball season gets underway tomorrow. The 9th ranked Tigers will host Notre Dame. Caleb Gilbert will start on the mound for the Purple and Gold. First pitch is at 7 PM.