Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

11.02.17
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16:45 LRN Sportscast November 2nd

We are getting closer to Saturday night’s annual contest between LSU and Alabama. Wide receiver DJ Chark says they are excited at the opportunity to beat the number one ranked team in the country….
cut 28 (11) “…for it”
Expect to see former walk-on Levi Wallace defending Chark on Saturday. The A-P midseason All-American has three interceptions on the season and nine passes defensed.

Saints Cornerback Marshon Lattimore has been named NFL Defensive Rookie fo the Month. The first round pick out of Ohio State intercepted his first two passes of his NFL career during the month of October. New Orleans begins the month of November by hosting Tampa Bay this Sunday. The Bucs are struggling with a 2-and-5 record.

Former LSU Tigers Alex Bregman and Will Harris are World Series champions as they helped Houston win its first title in franchise history. Bregman played a big role in beating the Los Angeles Dodgers as he had seven hits, two home runs and five runs driven in during the World Series. He also made several nice defensive plays in the field and the glove that he wore during the World Series has been sent to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

KPEL News has released information concerning some of the allegations made against former UL Lafayette softball coach Michael Lotief. In one complaint dated on August 2nd of this year, a player said Lotief made her cry and then mimicked her and made fun of her nervous nonverbal habits. Another complaint said that Lotief once cursed out the visiting grounds crew and the player says the coach’s tactics went from physical anger to emotional manipulation. Lotief held a press conference following his termination and denied the allegations made against him.

11.02.17
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16:30 LRN Newscast November 2nd

A Navy veteran has chosen not to accept the Peoples Health Champion Award at Sunday’s Saints home game. Emelie Gunn explains why…
Voicer 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s office announces the arrest of a private school teacher who allegedly bit a two-year-old in the face. Investigators say 28-year-old Heather Marcotte admitting to biting the little boy, when she became frustrated with his behavior at Northlake Christian School.

Another feud is brewing between Governor John Bel Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry. The AG believes his office should handle the lawsuit against opiod manufacturers; not the administration. The state Department of Health claims in a suit that drug firms intentionally flooded Louisiana with highly addictive opioids. Landry says his office is working on its own litigation…:
Cut 7 (09) “I’ll say”
The AG won a legal battle this week over the governor’s office on an executive order dealing with discrimination of LGBT state workers.

A poll from Morning Consult finds Governor John Bel Edwards has an approval rating of 53-percent. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan…
Cut 9 (09) “other states”
He says any time a governor has an approval rating of over 50-percent that’s good news.

11.02.17
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15:30 LRN Newscast November 2

A Morning Consult poll finds Governor John Bel Edwards approval rating among voters is 52-percent. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says that’s a solid number for a Democrat in a red state. Hogan says Edwards has done well to stay awary from partisan disputes…
cut 11 (10) “…approval rating”
Edwards is closing in on two years in office.

The head of a veterans advocates group in Slidell will not go to this Sunday’s Saints game to accept an award, because some NFL players kneel during the National Anthem. Retired Navy Commander John Wells understands that some players want to protest racial injustice, but doing so during the national anthem is not the time…
cut 5 (05) “…conversation”
Wells was set to recieve the Peoples Health Champion Award.

Another legal battle is brewing between Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards and Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry. The A-G filed a motion in court this week to take control of the Edwards administration suit that accuses pharmaceutical companies of worsening the opioid crisis. Landry says it only makes sense for the AG to handle this litigation…:
Cut 6 (08) “Attorney General’s office”
The state filed its lawsuit on September 27th claiming drug manufacturers intentionally flooded Louisiana with highly addictive opioids.

Lafayette Police say no charges will be filed against a man who fatally shot another man in a Home Depot parking lot on Evangeline Thruway. Authorities say a violent struggle occurred when an owner of a vehicle saw the now deceased male trying to break into his car. Detectives say during that struggle the vehicle owner shot and killed the subject and they are ruling it a justifiable homicide.

11.02.17
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LRN PM Newscall November 2nd

A Navy veteran has chosen not to accept the Peoples Health Champion Award at the next Saints home game. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry is not happy the Edwards administration has filed a lawsuit against drug manufacturers over the opioid crisis and he’s asked a state judge to take over the suit. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A United States Navy veteran has declined to accept the Peoples Health Champion Award during this Sunday’s Saints game in the Superdome. Commander John Wells says he was very honored and excited when he was named a recipient. But he says the anthem protests by NFL players are a slap in the face to veterans.

Cut 3 (08) “for years”

Wells spent 22 years in the Navy and has been an advocate to get better benefits for military veterans. Wells says he understands there is a reason for the protests and there are some problems between police and the public…

Cut 4  (11) “disrespecting it” 

Wells says if there is a conversation to be had, let’s have the conversation…

Cut 5  (05)  “conversation”

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Another legal battle is brewing between Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards and Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry. The A-G filed a motion in court this week to take control of the Edwards administration lawsuit that accuses pharmaceutical companies of worsening the opioid crisis. Landry says it only makes sense for his office to handle this litigation…

Cut 6 (08)  “Attorney General’s office”

The department of health filed its lawsuit on September 27th claiming drug manufacturers intentionally flooded Louisiana with highly addictive and dangerous opioids. Landry says his office was also working on its own lawsuit…

Cut 7 (09) “I’ll say”

The AG won a legal battle this week over the governor’s office on an executive order dealing with discrimination of LGBT state workers. Landry is confident a state judge will rule that his office can supersede the L-D-H opioid lawsuit and he plans to expand it once he takes control…

Cut 8 (08) “particular issue”

Edwards’ executive counsel, Matthew Block, says the governor wants to collaborate on the lawsuit.

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A poll from Morning Consult finds in his second year in office, Governor John Bel Edwards has an approval rating of 53-percent. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says any time a governor has an approval of over 50-percent that’s good news. He says Edwards has received high marks when it comes to dealing with the high number of natural disasters Louisiana has recently seen.

Cut 9 (09)  “other states” 

Edwards has a 32-percent disapproval rating. But Hogan says that doesn’t mean Edwards is in the clear just yet. He says there are some big things the governor has to confront in the coming months.

Cut 10 (07) “is facing”

Hogan says Edwards is a Democrat in a state dominated by Republicans. He says the governor has been able to stay away from disputes that separate the two parties.

Cut 11 (10) “approval rating”

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GOP leaders on Capitol Hill unveiled today the key details in a new tax plan. The proposal lowers the number of tax brackets from seven to four, and increases the standard deductions. Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins says this is major reform which is pro citizen and pro economic growth…:

Cut 12 (07) “virtually doubled”

Some democrats have already criticized the plan saying it would only benefit the wealthy, and that the middle class wouldn’t even be getting that big of a break. Higgins says that is wrong…:

Cut 13 (11)  “my pocket”

Higgins says for the first time in a long time the US has seen more than three percent growth in the economy over the past two quarters. He says that’s just with the thought of passing major tax reform, but now Americans have a promise from Congress in their hand…:

Cut 14 (12)  “and not penalized”

11.02.17
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14:30 LRN Newscast November 2

A retired Navy commander, who serves as an advocate to get better benefits for military veterans has declined an invitation to receive a special award at a Saints game. John Wells says he will not go to an NFL game, because of the anthem protests. He understands there is a reason to protests interactions between police and the public, but the Anthem is not the time to do it…
cut 4 (11) “…disrespecting that”
Louisiana’s GOP Congressional delegation supports the tax plan that was unveiled by House Republicans today. Clay Higgins from St. Landry Parish says all Americans will benefit…
cut 14 (12) “…and not penalized”
But analysts say the plan could mean tax increases for many upper middle-income families.

Attorney General Jeff Landry is not happy the Edwards administration has filed a lawsuit against drug manufacturers over the opioid crisis and he’s asked a state judge to take over the suit. Michelle Southern has more…
voicer 2 (29) “…reporting”

A Morning Consult poll has Governor Edwards approval rating at 52-percent. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says that’s a solid number for Democratic governor in a red state, but Edwards faces some big challenges in the coming months…
cut 10 (07) “….is facing”

11.02.17
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11:40 LRN Sportscast November 2nd

Saints Cornerback Marshon Lattimore has been named NFL Defensive Rookie fo the Month. The first round pick out of Ohio State intercepted his first two passes of his NFL career during the month of October. New Orleans begins the month of November by hosting Tampa Bay this Sunday. The Bucs are struggling with a 2-and-5 record. Quarterback Jameis Winston says his injured shoulder is starting to feel better.

UL Lafayette has fired its highly successful softball coach Michael Lotief, citing claims of vulgar language and assault. Speaking after his termination, Lotief denied the allegations, but admits he has a loose tongue in competitive situations…:
Cut 12 (11) “it’s a lie”
UL-Lafayette says they won’t tolerate such behavior,

There are now 14 former LSU Tigers who are World Champions. The latest two are third baseman Alex Bregman and relief pitcher Will Harris, who helped the Astros win their first world series title in franchise history. Houston defeated Los Angeles 5-1 last night in Game 7 of the World Series. Bregman had seven hits, two home runs and five runs driven in during the World Series. Harris tossed two scoreless innings of relief.

The Pelicans had 19 turnovers last night and lost to Minnesota 104 to 98 to fall to 3-and-5 on the season. DeMarcus Cousins led the way for New Orleans with 35 points and nine rebounds and said after the game that they are a team that’s still figuring each other out. The Pels are at Dallas tomorrow night.

There are a couple of big high school football games tonight. Cedar Creek at Oak Grove battle for the District 2-1A championship. Sterlington takes on Richwood. Sterlington has won 18 in a row.

11.01.17
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17:30 LRN Newscast November 1

Governor Edwards suffered a loss in the courtroom today as a state appellate court ruled against his executive order that sought to project LGBT state workers from being discriminated against. Edwards says discrimination is wrong, but attorney general Jeff Landry argued the governor didn’t have the constitutional authority to implement this policy.

CenturyLink’s 24-billion-dollar acquisition of Level 3 Communications has been completed, making it the state’s largest public company. Kelley Ray has more…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

The open enrollment period began today for those who would like to purchase change or renew their health insurance policies through the Affordable Care Act. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says policyholders can anticipate an 18 and a half percent increase in premiums, because of an uncertainty surrounding the Affordable Care Act.
Cut 7 (11) “its passage”
The enrollment period ends December 15.

When it comes to popularity in Congress, both of Louisiana’s US Senators rank in the middle, according to a new Morning Consult poll. John Kennedy’s approval rating is at 50-percent, while Bill Casssidy’s is at 47-percent. Cassidy is up for re-election in three years…
Cut 13 (10) “Republican state”
That’s ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley.

11.01.17
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16:45 LRN Sportscast November 1

The oddsmakers are expecting a blowout this Saturday between LSU and Alabama as the Crimson Tide are 21 point favorites. Bama Head Coach Nick Saban says his players need to be ready for a physical game on Saturday…
cut 20 (19) “..understand that”
Alabama has won six straight in the series between the two teams.

Three starting offensive lineman for the Saints, guards Larry Warford and Andrus Peat and tackle Terron Armstead did not practice today. Warford has an abdomen injury, Peat has a hip injury and Armstead continues to rest his shoulder, which had surgery on it. We aleady know Warford is expected to miss several weeks.

ULM is getting ready to host Appalachian State this Saturday. The Mountaineers are 4-0 in league play and Warhawks Coach Matt Viator says they have one of the top defenses in the Sun Belt…
cut 18 (14) “…excited about it”
Kick-off is at 2 PM.

UL Lafayette announced the firing today of successful softball coach Michael Lotief. The university says Lotief created a hostile learning and working environment by subjecting athletes and coworkers to violent, vulgar language and verbal and physical assault. Lotief was recently placed on administrative leave. His attorney says the coach was fighting to improve basic services for his female athletes.

The Pelicans are home tonight to take on the improved Minnesota Timberwolves.

11.01.17
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15:30 LRN Newscast November 1

A state appeals court rules Governor John Bel Edwards is unable to put an executive order in place that protects LGBT individuals who work for the state from discrimination, harassment or dismissal. It’s a legal victory for state Attorney General Jeff Landry. Landry has argued the governor exceeded his authority. Edwards says there’s no place for discrimination in Louisiana.

Open enollment is underway for those indivduals who need to purchase or change a health insurance policy with the online marketplace that was set up by the Affordable Care Act. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon offers these tips…
cut 8 (11) “….expenses”
Open enrollment ends 45 days earlier this time, so on December 15th. For more information visit healthcare.gov.

The 24-billion-dollar acquisition of Level 3 Communications by Monroe based CenturyLink is now complete. CenturyLink Spokesperson Ann Marie Sartor says this merger will allow them to expand in the US, and overseas:
Cut 4 (06) “for us”
CenturyLink’s corporate headquarters will remain in Monroe as they must do so based on a state contract that runs through 2020.
According to a poll from Morning Consult, Louisiana’s junior US Senator John Kennedy ranks as the 39th most popular Senator in the country, while Bill Cassidy ranks 62nd. Both have approval ratings around 50-percent. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley is not surprised Republican Caucus leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was ranked least popular…
cut 14 (10) “…mentions in Tweets”
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders ranked as the most popular.

11.01.17
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LRN PM Newscall November 1

Monroe-based CenturyLink’s 24-billion-dollar acquisition of Level 3 Communications has been completed, making it the state’s largest public company.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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Open enrollment for health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act begins today and runs until December 15th. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The 24-billion-dollar acquisition of Level 3 Communications by Monroe based CenturyLink is now complete, expanding the largest public trading company in Louisiana to more than 350 metropolitan areas.   CenturyLink Spokesperson Ann Marie Sartor says the merger allows them to continue leading the telecommunications industry…

Cut 3 (09) “technology solutions.”

Sartor says besides expansion in the U.S., CenturyLink will be able to focus on overseas operations as a result of the merger with the added assets and manpower the former Level 3 Communications is able to provide…

Cut 4  (06) “for us.” 

Sartor says even though they are growing, CenturyLink will still keep their focus on their number one asset, their customers…

Cut 5  (06)  “for communications.”

CenturyLink is committed to Louisiana.  They have a state contract that keeps their headquarters in Monroe through at least 2020.

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Open enrollment for health insurance policies through the Affordable Care Act begins today and runs until December 15th. Over 122-thousand Louisianans are covered through the online marketplace. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says most policy holders will see a double digit increase in premiums.

Cut 6 (11)  “last year”

In 2017, 86-percent of Marketplace enrollees in Louisiana received a subsidy. Donelon credits an average 18.5 increase in premiums to the uncertainty surrounding the Affordable Care Act.

Cut 7 (11) “its passage”

In Louisiana, the only insurers offering the Affordable Care Act health plans are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana and Vantage Health Plan. Donelon offers some tips for those interested in purchasing or renewing their plans.

Cut 8 (11) “expenses”

Visit healthcare.gov to search policies.

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On the day Louisiana is releasing 19-hundred non-violent offenders, a state audit finds the Department of Corrections is not able to track offenders or know their exact release date.  They found 11 percent of offenders were at another facility other than what was reported in their computer system.  Another 19 percent had at least one error in their record.  Auditor Kristen Jacobs says the DOC does not have hard and fast policies which lead to improper reporting by local facilities…

Cut 9 (06)  “next month.” 

In several cases, the audit found that the DOC did not have proper methods in place to calculate correct prisoner release dates.  Jacobs says the DOC tried to plug up the holes in the records system.  They spent 3.6-million-dollars a few years ago on a computer data system that was quickly abandoned…

Cut 10 (07) “and testing.”

The DOC has been notified of their findings and Jacobs says they are willing to work on streamlining very complex procedures…

Cut 11 (12) “very complicated.”

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When it comes to popularity in Congress, both of Louisiana’s US Senators rank right about in the middle, according to a new Morning Consult poll. US Senator John Kennedy is ranked 39th out of 100 Senators, and Senator Bill Cassidy was number 62. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says the approval numbers are essentially the same, however..:

Cut 12 (11) “Affordable Care Act”

Cassidy received a 47% approval rating, while Kennedy had 50%. Cassidy is about three years away from re-election, and Stockley feels the Baton Rouge Senator is still more popular than he is unpopular…:

Cut 13 (10)  “Republican state”

Vermont US Senator Bernie Sanders was ranked the most popular in the poll, which Stockley says isn’t surprising given Sanders cult-like following throughout the entire nation. Stockley says he’s also not surprised that Republican Caucus leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was ranked least popular…:

Cut 14 (10)  “mentions in Tweets”

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