Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

04.06.18
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16:30 LRN Newscast April 6

A pair of bills are heading to the House floor that require TOPS students to perform better in order to be eligible for the scholarship and also achieve a higher minimum GPA in order to keep it. It’s uncertain if the legislation has enough votes to pass the House. Opposition comes from the Taylor Foundation, its executive director James Callier….
cut 30 (10) “….to school”
Baton Rouge Representative is the author of the proposals.

Louisiana is set to receive one-point-two billion dollars in federal money that will go towards the construction of stalled flood control and flood prevention projects. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says which projects will get funded has yet to be decided, but they want to make sure the money is well spent….
cut 13 (09) “…different folks”
The money comes from a 90-billion dollar disaster recovery project approved by Congress in February.

Louisiana State Police say a juvenile tried to carjack a Trooper’s unmarked unit last night in New Orleans. Sergeant Jared Sandifer says the Trooper observed the juvenile trying to gain entrance into his vehicle and fired his gun.
Cut 4 (11) “for that.”
The suspect has been charged with attempted carjacking.

Big crowds are expected this weekend for Wrestlemania 34 which will take place Sunday in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Hotel occupancy in the Big Easy is expected to be around 95-percent and when the city hosted Wrestlemania in 2014, the economic impact was 164-million dollars. WWE Superstar Alexia Bliss….
Cut 6 (08) “WWE”

04.06.18
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3:30 LRN Newscast April 6

Authorities have charged a juvenile with attempted carjacking after he allegedly tried to steal an unmarked State Police unit in New Orleans last night. L-S-P Sergeant Jared Sandifer says an on-duty trooper was sitting in the vehicle at the time and fired his weapon at the teen after he tried to enter the vehicle…
cut 5 (13) “….apprehend him”
No one was injured. Sandifer says they are still looking for the driver who helped the juvenile flee the scene.

State Police have arrested a 61-year-old convicted felon after authorities executed a search warrant of his Ponchatoula home and found 17 guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Edward Sutter is banned from possessing firearms, because he was previously convicted of domestic abuse battery.

The federal government will allocate one-point-two billion dollars in grant money that can be spent on flood-control and prevention projects. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says they are still waiting on full details from the federal government regarding how these funds can be spent, but he anticipates Louisiana will have access to the money soon…
cut 14 (06) “….this summer”
Graves says this money can likely be spent on several stalled flood control projects in southeast Louisiana.

Big crowds are expected in New Orleans for Wrestlemania 34 which goes down on Sunday in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. A fan convention called WrestleMania Axxess is underway at the Morial Convention Center. WWE Superstar Alexa Bliss says it should be an amazing few days in the Big Easy…
Cut 8 (11) “over again”
Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the economic impact for Orlando, who hosted Wrestemania last year, was 184-million dollars.

04.06.18
by

LRN PM Newscall April 6

An on-duty Louisiana State Trooper shot at a person last night in New Orleans as a young man allegedly attempted to get into his vehicle. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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Southeast Louisiana is getting over a billion dollars in federal money to pay for flood protection projects in southeast Louisiana. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Some scary moments for a Louisiana State Trooper last night in New Orleans as a yet unidentified man attempted to get into his vehicle. Police later apprehended a juvenile and charged him with attempted carjacking of the unmarked police vehicle. Sergeant Jared Sandifer says it started when a strange car just pulled up.

Cut 3 (09) “troopers vehicle”

Sandifer says the trooper observed the juvenile attempt to gain entrance into his vehicle and pulled his gun.

Cut 4 (11) “for that.”

Legal experts say the trooper was justified in shooting at the subject because a vehicle is considered the same as your home. You do not have to retreat in your own home. Sandifer says he was later caught.

Cut 5  (14) “apprehend him.”

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Big crowds are expected this weekend for Wrestlemania 34 which will take place Sunday in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Hotel occupancy in the Big Easy is expected to be around 95-percent and when the city hosted Wrestlemania in 2014, the economic impact was 164-million dollars. WWE Superstar Alexa Bliss….

Cut 6 (08)  “thirty percent”

75-thousand pro wrestling fans are expected to pack the Superdome and millions will watch on the WWE television network. Bliss will defend her RAW Women’s Championship when she battles Nia Jax on Sunday and she can’t wait…..

Cut 7 (11)  “forward to”

A fan convention called WrestleMania Axxess is underway at the Morial Convention Center. Bliss says it should be an amazing few days in the Big Easy…

Cut 8 (11) “over again”

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The northern half of Louisiana is under an enhanced risk for severe weather this afternoon and into tonight. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front will sweep through the state bringing the chance for flash flooding, but more concerning is the chance for tornadoes

Cut 9 (08) “pretty bumpy”

There’s a slight chance for severe weather for south Louisiana. Keim says the greater threat is for the northern parishes….

Cut 10 (06) “of that”

Keim says once this cold front moves through, be prepared for a chilly weekend. He says temperatures will be around 50 degrees in north Louisiana on Saturday and in 60s for south Louisiana

Cut 11 (10) “the state”

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Louisiana is receiving a 1.2 billion dollar block grant from the federal government to construct flood protection projects in southeast Louisiana. There’s been a push for this funding after the 2016 August flood caused an estimated 8.7 billion dollars in damage. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says the block grant will go right to the state and skip the red tape.

Cut 12 (10)   “for decades.”

Graves says there’s been extensive coordination between Governor John Bel Edwards, the White House, and federal agencies to make sure the project addresses clogged waterways, bayous, and basins that have plagued the area for decades.

Cut 13 (09) “of time”

There’s still a few steps left before Louisiana gets the money, but Graves says it shouldn’t be long before projects can begin.

Cut 14 (11)   “to school”

04.06.18
by

2:30 LRN Newscast April 6

Southeast Louisiana is getting over a billion dollars in federal money to pay for flood protection projects in southeast Louisiana. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A massive search is underway for a four-year-old black male who went missing in Claiborne Parish. Authorities have been searching for Junior Phillips says yesterday afternoon. His mother reported him missing around 12:30 after he appartenly wandered away from home, while the father was working outside.
Severe weather is expected tonight and through the overnight hours as a strong cold front moves through the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says once this cold front moves through, be prepared for a chilly weekend. He says temperatures will be around 50 degrees in north Louisiana on Saturday and in 60s for south Louisiana
Cut 11 (10) “the state”
The weather shouldn’t stop the big party in New Orleans as pro wrestling fans will storm the city for Wrestlemania 34 on Sunday. 75-thousand fans are expected to pack the Superdome and millions will watch on the WWE television network. WWE Superstar Alexa Bliss will defend her RAW Women’s Championship when she battles Nia Jax and she can’t wait…
cut 7 (11) forward to”

04.06.18
by

12;30 LRN Newscast April 6

There’s the potential threat of tornadoes in Louisiana as a result of a cold front that will sweep through the state later today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s a slight chance for severe weather for south Louisiana, but the greater threat is for the northern parishes….
cut 10 (06) “…of that”
It will be a chilly weekend as temperatures on Saturday will only be around 50 degrees in north Louisiana.

The weather shouldn’t stop the big party in New Orleans as pro wrestling fans will storm the city for Wrestlemania 34 on Sunday. 75-thousand fans are expected to pack the Superdome and millions will watch on the WWE television network. WWE Superstar Alexa Bliss will defend her RAW Women’s Championship when she battles Nia Jax and she can’t wait…
cut 7 (11) forward to”
A fan convention called WrestleMania Axxess is underway at the Morial Convention Center.

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 says allowing these prescriptions sends a message of support to those families.
Cut 15 (12) “their voice”
And a House committee has approved legislation that would allow those suffering from PTSD and pain disorders to get a legal prescription of medical marijuana once it becomes available in Louisiana, which should happen later this year.

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
by

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
by

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
by

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
by

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.