Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

07.30.18
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10:30 LRN Newscast July 30th

Many folks are surprised to see state sales tax holidays have been suspended for the next seven years as a result of the budget and funding deal approved at the end of the last special session. It wasn’t until a few weeks after the session wrapped up that the public found out about the cancellation. Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland says the decision to end sales tax holidays wasn’t intentional, but…
Cut 3 (11) “tax holiday”

The Louisiana Department of Corrections says they’ve arrested one of their guards at Angola who allegedly hid marijuana in his Subway sandwich. 33-year-old Jeffery Day of Mississippi has resigned from the department is facing criminal charges. Officials say his attempt to smuggle drugs was thwarted during a routine shakedown.

LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford has learned Baton Rouge businessman and former Democratic Party Chairman Jim Bernhard is considering a possible campain to challenge John Bel Edwards in next year’s governor’s race. Alford says Bernhard has thought about running before, but never pulled the trigger. He says Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham is a better bet to run…
cut 6 (09) “…campaign staffers”
Republican Senator John Kennedy and Attorney General Jeff Landry have also indicated they may run for governor next year.

Rapides Parish deputies have arrested Sherman Lane Nash on animal cruelty charges. Captain Tommy Carnline says they discovered 17 Pit Bull dogs, all chained, on his property in Pineville as part of an alleged dog fighting operation….
cut 12 (07) “…it’s also inhumane”
Nash was released on a 13-thousand dollar bond.

07.30.18
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9:30 LRN Newscast July 30th

Baton Rouge Businessman Jim Bernhard has contemplated running for statewide office before and according to LaPolitics.com, the former CEO of a Fortune 500 company is considering running for governor again. LaPolitics Publisher Jeremy Alford says that means Governor John Bel Edwards could face a serious challenger from his own party…
cut 5 (09) “…PACs”
Alford says he’s heard Governor Edwards supporters have reached out to Bernhard in an effort to convince him not to run.

A Gallup poll finds that 38-percent of Americans view vaping as harmful to your health. Angel Lopez, tobacco treatment specialist at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, says e-cigarettes contain nicotine and other chemicals…
cut 8 (08) “….its similiar to COPD”
Lopez also doesn’t see vapor products as a sucessful smoking cessation tool.

Medicare for All may have been a fringe position just two years ago, but an analysis of Louisiana’s 2018 Democratic congressional candidates shows nearly unanimous support for the policy. 3rd district candidate Mimi Methvin, who’s running against Congressman Clay Higgins, says it may take some time to build consensus for a Medicare expansion, because the Affordable Care Act isn’t enough.
Cut 13 (10) “people suffer.”
But political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Medicare for All maybe popular among certain voters, it won’t translate into major changes when the Democratic candidates attempt to knock off Republican Louisiana Congressman in November….
cut 16 (11) “…is bleak”
Five Republican Congressmen from Louisiana are up for re-election.

07.30.18
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8:30 LRN Newscast July 30th

The New Orleans Police Department believes Saturday night’s mass shooting that killed two men and one woman and wounded seven others was a gang related incident. Authorities say one of the victims was shot multiple times. Police say they are looking for two suspects.

Jim Bernhard rumors are swirling again as LaPolitics.com reports the former Shaw Group CEO is considering a run for the governor’s mansion in 2019. Bernhard now operates the energy investment firm Bernhard Capital Partners. LaPolitics Publisher Jeremy Alford says Bernhard has the deep pockets to challenge fellow Democrat, Governor John Bel Edwards.
Cut 4 (11) “pretty quickly”
Alford says he’s heard reports that backers of Governor Edwards have reached out to Bernhard to convince him not to run.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested Sherman Nash Junior for running a suspected dog fighting operation in the Wardville community of Pineville. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Voicer 2 (25) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart”

According to a new Gallup survey, most Americans see vapor cigarettes as better than traditional cigarettes. Tobacco treatment specialist at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital , Angel Lopez, says experts are debating vaping’s health risks.
Cut 7 (11) “…also risks involved.”
Lopez says e-cigarettes contain nicotine and other chemicals that can be harmful.

07.30.18
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7:30 LRN Newscast July 30th

Will one of the richest men in Louisiana jump into the governor’s race in 2019? Connor Ferrill talks to LaPolitics about the new rumors.
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office says they busted up a dog fighting operation when they discovered 17 Pit Bulls in a wooded area, all chained…
cut 11 (07) “…food or shelter”
That’s Captain Tommy Carnline who says deputies arrested Sherman Nash Junior and more arrests are possible.

Several Democrats running for Congress in Louisiana say they support Medicare for All. Sixth District candidate Andie Saizon, who’s running against Congressman Garret Graves, says the country needs to take corporate profit out of the health care equation…
cut 14 (09) “…a problem”
But the progressive Democratic push for national healthcare may not mean much in a red state like Louisiana. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Medicare for All may be popular with voters, but it’s unlikely to result in any fall upsets in Louisiana.
Cut 15 (10) “in trouble.”
Five Republican Congressmen from Louisiana are up for re-election in November.

New Orleans Police are asking for the public’s help in finding the shooters involved in Saturday night’s mass shooting outside of a strip mall, where three people were killed and seven wounded. Investigators believe the incident is gang related

07.30.18
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6:45 LRN Sportscast July 30th

The Saints are looking for a return man to emerge at training camp and Head Coach Sean Payton found a humorous way to explain the wide open competition…
cut 30 (15) “…whatever”
The Saints were 25th in the NFL in punt returns last year. Ted Ginn Jr and Tommylee Lewis held down that responsibility last year, but neither player did a great job.

Former LSU and Breaux Bridge star Travin Dural has suffered a broken arm, which will hurt his chances of making the team. Dural spent last year on the practice squad and was hoping to secure one of the final spots on the 53-man roster.

Two outstanding high school football prospects from south Louisiana have committed to Georgia. One of them is Destrehan’s John Emery, who is considered one of the top running backs in the country. Four-star wide receiver Makiya Tongue from University High in Baton Rouge has also committed to the Bulldogs.

UL Lafayette football received three verbal commitments over the weekend, includine one from New Iberia’s Ja’Braylon Spencer, who is one of the top linebackers in Acadiana. West Monroe defensive lineman Dalvin Hutchinson and Southern Lab Tyler Guidry also committed to the Cajuns.

Former West Monroe linebacker John Bailey Gullat has reportedly transferred to ULM. The All-Stater originally signed with Army and he’ll be eligible to play immediately for the Warhawls. Gullat ranks number one at West Monroe for tackles over a prep career.

07.30.18
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06:30 LRN Newscast July 30th

A formerly fringe position has taken off as a new Democratic norm in Louisiana. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 3 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle”

There’s research out there that claims vaping is a smoking cessation aid. But Tobacco treatment specialist, Angel Lopez, with Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge, recommends other options….
cut 9 (05) “….Chantix or Willbutrin”
GfK Global’s Knowledge Panel found thta 90-percent of smokers who vaped at the beginning of their study, were still smoking a year later.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office has uncovered what they believe is a dog fighting operation, following a lengthy investigation. The initial tips from the public began to surface in April, but Capt. Tommy Carnline says it wasn’t until recently that the agency received the intel they needed to make the discovery.
Cut 10 (09) “…pin down an area.”
Sherman Lane Nash Junior was arrested and later released on a 13-thousand dollar bond.

No arrests yet in Saturday night’s fatal shooting outside of a strip mall in New Orleans where three people were killed and seven injured. Authorities say they are looking for two shooters in what police are calling a gang related mass shooting.

07.27.18
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints defense made major strides last season. From 2014-2016, New Orleans was ranked 27th or worse in total defense. Last year they ranked 17th overall. Defensive End Cam Jordan believes they can reach even a higher level this year…
cut 18 (24) “…making strides”

There are reports the NCAA has agreed to re-open the appeal of LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton. The five-star prospect from Rummel High School in Jefferson Parish has not been able to play, because he allegedly tampered with a drug testing sample. But an attorney for the Fulton family says there’s new evidence to present to the NCAA.

Dozens of softball teams from around the southeast are in Alexandria for the Dixie Girls Softball World Series, which is esimated to bring in over five-thousand visitors. Alexandria-Pineville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Sherry Ellington says they’ve hosted this event before, but….
cut 10 (05) “…largest one so far
All nine divisions are represented at this Dixie Girls Softball World Series, which games starting Saturday and running through Thursday.

Baton Rouge-based Marucci has signed a deal with LSU to be the official supplier of bats and other equipment for the Fighting Tigers baseball team. Marucci’s CEO is former LSU pitcher Kurt Ainsworth. Marucci started out making wooden bats, and several major leaguers use their bats. Marucci now produces gloves, catcher’s gear and bags to carry the equipment.

A 46 year old record has been broken with the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo as Guy Cenac reeled in a 208-pound tarpon. It took nearly three hours for the Houma native to get the big fish into his boat.

07.27.18
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LRN PM Newscall July 27th

Entergy customers can look to forward to a lower bill this September.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A Morning Consult poll shows Governor Edward’s approval rating slipped just under 50 percent. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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For the last decade, more than one million Entergy customers throughout the state have been paying charges to cover the cost of repairs to damage from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says he’s got good news for those feeling the pinch on the power bill.

Cut 3 (07) “…rate reduction in September.”

Former Entergy Louisiana customers will see an average monthly reduction of $5.44.  Former Entergy Gulf States will see an average reduction of $3.14 to their bill.  The two companies merged in 2015.  Campbell says it’s welcomed savings at this time of the year.

Cut 4 (06) “…rates go down.”

Campbell says some in the northern portion of the state, who are not typically effected by hurricanes, didn’t understand why they were being hit with the storm fees over the years.

Cut 5 (09) “…for our ice storms.”

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A Morning Consult poll shows Governor John Bel Edwards’ approval rating slipped under 50 percent during the brutal legislative sessions between April and June. Edwards’ has generally maintained one of the highest approval ratings for a Democratic governor, but ULM Political Science Professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says it appears the threats to public services during the sessions took their toll.

 

Cut 6 (10)  “at that.”

Despite the slip in total approval rating, the Governor’s unfavorable rating is still 15 points lower at 35 percent.

Political analysts have noted that average approval ratings for all elected officials tend to take a dive during heated legislative battles like the ones taking place at the capital. Stockley says it’s important to note that the poll may not be giving us the full picture.

Cut 7 (07)  “decline”

But with the legislative session in the rear view mirror and the government fully funded for the year, Stockley says don’t be surprised to see those numbers rebound in the coming months.

Cut 8 (10) “were averted”

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Alexandria is playing host to all nine divisions of the Dixie Girls Softball World Series, which is estimated to bring in over five thousand visitors.  The Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau estimates the week-long event will have quite the economic impact to the area.  CVB Executive Director, Sherry Ellington…

Cut 9 (08)  “so that’s huge.”

Ellington says the community has experience hosting the event.

Cut 10 (05) “largest one so far”

Ellington says the event comes at a great time of the year for the area.

Cut 11 (09) “restaurants and shopping.”

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Five Amite residents are facing federal charges for allegedly torturing a 22-year-old autistic woman, forcing her to eat dog feces and drink her mother’s ashes. But LSU Health Science Center New Orleans Forensic Psychiatrist Graham Spruiell wants to caution the public against assuming the defendants are suffering from mental illness.

Cut 12 (12)   “psychopathic”

Among other alleged crimes, the family allegedly starved her until she did house work, stole over 8 thousand in SSI benefits, beat the victim, and locked her in a six by eight chicken cage.

Authorities say the abuse that began in 2015 when the victim’s mother passed away and her care was transferred over to the defendants. Spruill says it’s a clear case of torture and manipulation, but says the sadistic nature of the actions could indicate something quite dark about the family.

Cut 13 (08) “sadistic behaviors” 

Spruill says he understands the public is having trouble coming to terms with the depravity of the alleged crime, but says there’s just some people on earth who are relatively mentally stable, and just don’t hold human life in high regard.

Cut 14 (11) “disorder”

Raylaine Knope and Terry Knope, and their adult children Bridget lambert, Jody Lambert, and Terry Knope are all facing charges.

07.27.18
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13:30 LRN Newscast July 27th

Five Amite residents are facing federal charges for allegedly torturing a 22-year-old autistic woman, forcing her to eat dog feces and drink her mother’s ashes. But LSU Health Science Center New Orleans Forensic Psychiatrist Graham Spruiell wants to caution the public against assuming the defendants are suffering from mental illness.
Cut 12 (12) “psychopathic”
Prosecutors say the woman was also locked in a six-foot-eight chicken cage.

Morning Consult conducted a poll of Louisiana residents from April to June and found that 49-percent approve of Governor John Bel Edwards performance. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says previous polls had Edwards rating higher. He blames the three special sessions…
cut 7 (07) “…decline”

Entergy customers can look to forward to lower bills in the near future…
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Alexandria is playing host to all nine divisions of the Dixie Girls Softball World Series, which is estimated to bring in over five thousand visitors. The Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau estimates the week-long event will have quite the economic impact to the area. CVB Executive Director, Sherry Ellington…
Cut 9 (08) “so that’s huge.”

07.27.18
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11:40 LRN Sportscast July 27th

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees and his teammates are back at practice this morning for Day Two of training camp. Brees says he feels good about his offensive line this season…
cut 17 (21) “….good thing”
No Sean Payton at practice today. The head coach is away attending the funeral of Vikings offensive line coach Tony Sparano who died unexpectedly at the age of 56 last Sunday.

The Pelicans have announced the signing of free agent forward Troy Williams. He appeared in five games for the New York Knicks summer league and averaged 12 points and four rebounds a game. Last season, he played in 21 games with the Knicks and Rockets and averaged six points a contest.

A new high school sports season is right around the corner and the Louisiana High School Athletic Association is looking to add new officials for the various sports they govern. LHSAA Director of Officials Lee Sanders they are looking for younger refs, because the average age of officials has been on the rise the last two decades….
cut 11 (11) :”…in different sports”
For more information go to lhsoa.com. Tomorrow, about 15-hundred officials will attend a clinic in New Orleans.

All nine divisions of the Dixie Girls Softball World Series are taking place today through Thursday in Alexandria. The teams hail from across the southeast Louisiana and the city is expecting about five-thousand visitors. The tournament is open to the public, a weekly pass can be purchased for 25-dollars.