Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

03.20.18
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LRN PM Newscall March 20

Government analysts say 500 million dollars is available for 2016 Louisiana flood victims to make claims against losses from the disaster. Jim Shannon explains.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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The full Senate will debate legislation that rewrites the state’s riverboat casino laws. Jeff Palermo reports the proposal would allow the floating casinos move some of their gaming operations on land…

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Recent Louisiana flood victims can qualify for flood rebate dollars by re-filing your 2016 tax returns. Basically, if you lost more than 500 dollars that wasn’t covered by insurance or government grants, during the flood, you can deduct the difference from your 2016 income tax return. Brandon Lagarde is the tax director at Postlethwaite and Netterville in Baton Rouge.

Cut 3 (11) “now i can”

A key issue in this benefit is taxpayers did at the time NOT have  to itemize their return to make the adjustment.

Cut 4  (11) “of loss”

Some residents could make significant adjustments to their tax returns for significant cash. Plus, you have another year and a half before you must file.

Cut 5  (09) “benefit people”.

Loans taken out to pay to repair your property are allowed deductions.

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Mississippi’s governor has signed a bill that bans abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy instead of the current 20th week. A similar bill has been introduced by Shreveport Senator John Milkovich. During his appearance on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster, he hopes his bill is a first step towards a total abortion ban…

Cut 6 (08)  “quietly by.”

A suit has already been filed against Mississippi by the state’s only abortion clinic and a federal judge has granted a temporary restraining order against the new Mississippi law. Milkovich isn’t worried about what federal judges might decide, because by refraining to do the right thing gets nothing accomplished…

Cut 7 (09)  “federal courts.”

There are three abortion clinics in Louisiana – Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport. Milkovich says they don’t care about the patients they are treating. Their only concern is their financial gain…

Cut 8 (09) “Dunkin’ Donuts.”

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Alexandria Representative Lance Harris has reached out to his constituents with a Facebook video to remind them the state republican party is watching the budget. Harris is the chair of the House Republican Delegation and announced his take on the budget issue.

Cut 9 (:09) “budget deficit.”

Harris says they are dedicated to cutting spending during this session and not raising taxes if another special session is called to increase state revenues.

Cut 10 (11) “other way around”

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A Senate committee approved legislation today that gives riverboat casinos the opportunity move on land and more gaming space. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says his legislation is not an attempt to expand gaming…

Cut 11 (09) “since 1991”

The bill now heads to the Senate Floor. It faces opposition from religious leaders. A pastor from Ponchatoula says the Louisiana Department of Health has estimated that problem gambling costs the state 845-million dollars per year

Cut 12 (10)   destroyed lives”

The bill nearly didn’t make it out of committee, after Shreveport Senator Greg Tarver raised concerns about the lack of minorities in casino management positions…

Cut 13 (12) “in that”

New Orleans Senator Karen Peterson also questioned the director of the Casino Association of Louisiana on why there are not more contracts between riverboat casinos and minority-owned businesses

Cut 14 (08) “their goals.”

03.20.18
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11:40 LRN Sportscast March 20

Utah buried 14 three-pointers in a 95-71 victory over the LSU Tigers. The loss eliminates LSU from the second round of the NIT. Tremont Waters had 19 points for the Bayou Bengals, Skylar Mays added 16 points and Aaron Epps had 12 points in his final game in an LSU uniform.

LSU-Alexandria has advanced to the N-A-I-A championship game with an 84-75 victory over William Penn. Brandon Moss led the way with 21 points and 9 rebounds. LSU-A will play Graceland in the title game tonight in Kansas City.

Former UL Lafayette basketball player J-J Thomas has passed way. He played for the Ragin Cajuns from 2010 to 2012. A cause of death has not been made public.

The Pelicans begin a stretch of three games in three days. They host Dallas tonight, tomorrow its Indiana to play a game that was postponed because of a wet court in February.

Saints legend Steve Gleason is said to be in good spirits despite spending his birthday in the hospital. The former football player has battled A-L-S since 2011 and he was hospitalized on Friday because of a low-grade fever and back pain. That’s according to his father-in-law, who spoke with NOLA.com. Gleason turned 41-years-old on Monday is expected to be released from the hospital later this week.

New Saints linebacker Demario Davis played for the New York Jets last season and the former Arkansas State standout was very productive with 135 tackles and five sacks. According to Next Gen Stats, Davis had the fastest sack in the regular season during Week 7, when it took him 2.09 seconds to sack the quarterback….
cut 17 (18) “….the quarterback”
Davis says he’s looking forward to winning a Super Bowl in New Orleans.

03.20.18
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10:30 LRN Newscast March 20

Mississippi’s governor has signed a bill that bans abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy. A similar bill has been introduced by Shreveport Democrat Senator John Milkovich. He says the issue mentioned to him the most when he ran for office was how and when Louisiana would ban abortions. He says the bill is hopefully the first step…
Cut 6 (08) “quietly by”
A legal challenge has already been filed against Mississippi’s law.

Marksville Representative Robert Johnson is the new House Democratic Caucus Chairman. Johnson plans to take an active role in the upcoming budget negotiations…
Cut 13 (09) “years ago.”
Johnson replaces Minden Representative Gene Reynolds, who recently resigned.

A Senate panel hears a constitutional amendment today from New Orleans Democrat J-P Morrell that will require a jury’s verdict in a felony trial to be unanimous for conviction. Louisiana and Oregon are the only states that allows for ten out of twelve jurors to agree on a guilty verdict. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the nation’s highest court has heard several challenges…
Cut 24 (10) “by jury.”
The committee meets at 1:00.

Shreveport-Bossier will host the 2018 Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants, with Miss USA confirmed for May 21st. It’ll be the first time both pageants have ever been held at the same location back to back Shreveport Chief Administrative Officer Bryan Crawford….
Cut 10 (09) “Bossier region.”
This will be the third time the pageants have been held in Shreveport-Bossier.

03.20.18
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

Will Wade’s first season as head coach of the LSU Tigers is in the books as the Bayou Bengals were eliminated in NIT by Utah 95-71. It was never close as the Utes shot 71-percent in the first quarter to take a 30-11 lead. Utah ended up shooting 58-percent for the game and hit 14 three-pointers. Despite foul trouble, Tremont Waters had 19 for LSU, who finish with an 18-15 record.

In the N-A-I-A semifinals….Graceland from Iowa beat L-S-U Shreveport 87-80. While L-S-U Alexandria defeated William Penn 84-75 as Brandon Moss had 21 points. LSU-A advances to play Graceland in the N-A-I-A title tonight.

UL Lafayette basketball is mourning the death of J-J Thomas who played for the Ragin Cajuns from 2010 to 2012. Thomas averaged about ten points a game in Lafayette after a standout prep career at Scotlandville.

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New Saints linebacker Demario Davis is thrilled with the opportunity to play for a winning organization. The Mississippi native says playing close to home was also a huge factor in his decision to ink a free agent deal with the Black and Gold. He told reporters on a conference call that he plans to be an aggressive player….

Cut 16 (12) “…as possible”

The 29-year-old played for the New York Jets last season and the former Arkansas State standout was very productive with 135 tackles and five sacks.

A public visitation begins tomorrow for the late Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson, who died last week at the age of 90. Friday is the funeral and Sunday the NFL owners’ meetings will take place in Orlando. The Advocate reports Gayle Benson will be in attendance, as she begins her new role running both the Saints and Pelicans.

The Pels begin a stretch of three games in three days tonight as they host Dallas.

03.19.18
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6:30 LRN Newscast March 19

400,000 state returns have been sent out to Louisiana taxpayers, but if you haven’t seen your money yet, it doesn’t mean something went wrong. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s book about removal of four Confederate Monuments comes out tomorrow. It’s called “In the Shadows of Statues.” The outgoing mayor WWL TV he never expected the statue controversy to be stirred up for so long and he said he’s not using the book as a launch towards a run for president.

The Senate Finance committee will soon discuss legislation that would provide the families of teachers and school employees with 250-thousand dollars if they are killed while performing their duties at school. Columbia Senator Neil Riser hopes the state never has to appropriate this money…
cut 5 (13) “…use it”
Families for first responders like fire and police officers are covered by a similiar law.

A Ruston man has been arrested and charged with 7 counts of attempted second degree murder after allegedly plowing his truck into a crowd of people Saturday night. Steven Williams with the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s office…
cut 7 (10) “…the vehicle”
Two people suffered minor injuries and 47-year-old Jason Rockett was arrested later that night.

03.19.18
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5:30 LRN Newscast March 19

A Senate bill set to be heard in Senate Finance would provide 250-thousand dollars in state money to the families of any teacher or school employee killed while performing their job. Columbia Senator Neil Riser is the author…
cut 4 (09) “…our people”
Currently fire and police officers are covered under a similar law.

Marksville Representative Robert Johnson is the new House Democratic Caucus Chairman. The third-term legislator says his caucus has to look beyond short-term problems – including the massive budget deficit. Johnson says the key to a better Louisiana is a united House that’s separated by party lines…
Cut 13 (09) “years ago.”
Johnson replaces Gene Reynolds who stepped down at the end of the latest special session.

Budget hearings continued Monday in the House. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain expressed concern about not having enough money to fight wildfires across the state….
cut 14 (08) “….significant game”
Strain says the most pressing issue is outdated equipment.

A senate committee is expected on Tuesday to discuss a proposed constitutional amendment that would require unanimous jury verdicts for felony cases. Kelley Ray has more….
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

03.19.18
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4:45 LRN Sportscast March 19

The LSU men’s basketball team faces Utah tonight in the second round of the N-I-T. The Utes are led by senior point guard Justin Bibbins, who is averaging almost 15 points a game and he’s shooting 45-percent from three-point territory. They also have two six-foot-ten senior forwards, who are averaging in double figures. Head Coach Will Wade on Utah’s offense…
cut 18 (15) “…around the rim”
Tip-off is at 8:00.

Heath Schroyer was introduced today as the new men’s basketball coach at McNeese. Schroyer believes there’s untapped potential in Lake Charles and his idea for the program is to find players who are loyal, play with passion and are unselfish and have a champions’ worth ethic. The 40-year-old has been a head coach at Portland State, Wyoming, and UT Martin.

After winning two of three from Missouri this past weekend, LSU is ranked 15th in this week’s Collegiate Baseball Poll. The Tigers defeated Missouri seven to five yesterday. LSU had 13 hits, but they had a couple of runners thrown out on the base paths and made two errors in the field. Coach Paul Mainieri says it’s nice to take the series, but they have to play better to win on the road at Vanderbilt next weekend…
cut 20 (20) “…did wrong”
LSU hosts Tulane on Wednesday night.

Southeastern Louisiana is on a five-game winning streak and they are now ranked 28th by Collegiate Baseball. The Lions swept a conference series at Lamar and they are one game back of Sam Houston in the Southland standings.

Louisiana Tech’s Dalton Skelton ahs been named the co-hitter of the week, He’s on a 13-game hiiting streak.

03.19.18
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LRN PM Newscall March 19

A bill to put teachers on the same plane as firefighters and police when working is being heard today at the legislature. Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

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400,000 state returns have been sent out to Louisiana taxpayers, but if you haven’t seen your money yet, it doesn’t mean something went wrong. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Senate bill 423 is scheduled to be heard this afternoon in the Senate Finance committee. If passed, it would provide 250-thousand dollars to the families of any teacher or school employee that’s killed while performing their job. Cynthia Posey is with the Louisiana Federation of Teachers

Cut 3 (12) “more important”

Currently fire and police officers are covered under a similar law. This bill was prompted by the tragic events in Florida. Columbia Senator Neil Riser is the bill’s author.

Cut 4  (09) “our teachers”

Riser says it’s one of those laws he hopes is never enforced.

Cut 5  (13) “use it”.

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A Ruston man has been arrested and charged with 7 counts of attempted second degree murder after allegedly plowing his truck into a crowd of people Saturday night. 47-year-old Jason Rockett fled the scene after the incident at the North Village Mobile Home, and was arrested later that night. Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Steven Williams says it was a crime of passion.

Cut 6 (08)  “than that”

Williams says Rockett and his ex were arguing when another man intervened, escalating the situation. He says Rockett then got into his truck, and aimed it at the crowd.

Cut 7 (10)  “the vehicle”

Rockett allegedly then slammed into a residence, and drove off. Williams says despite the nature of the attack, the injuries were minor.

Cut 8 (11) “the hospital.”

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That new car in the neighbor’s driveway probably has you thinking that their tax return came in, but if you’ve filed and are getting worried about where your money is, the Department of Revenue wants to remind you not to worry, it’s on its way. Spokesperson Byron Henderson says even if you filed on day one, your return won’t technically be late until the end of this month.

Cut 9 (11) “60 days.”

Those who filed a paper return could have to wait up to 14 weeks.

Henderson says if you are past your expected return time, it could be one of these three things.

Cut 10 (12) “fraud indicators”

If you’re getting antsy, you can always reach out to the Department of Revenue by phone or online, but Henderson recommends taking the online route to save yourself some time.

Cut 11 (09) “refund status”

He says you can always call instead, but the wait cues to talk to an agent could be “extremely long”.

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The House Appropriations Committee resumed its review of the proposed budget for next fiscal year by hearing from various state agencies, including the Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain raised concerns about not having enough money to battle the hundreds of wildfires that occur in the state every year.

Cut 12 (10) “a problem”

Strain says the state’s firefighting capacity is already stretched thin, and that a particularly nasty season could exceed his department’s budget.

Cut 13 (09) “fighting capacity”

Strain says the bayou state lags far behind other gulf south state’s when it comes to firefighting capabilities and funding.

Cut 14 (08) “significantly more.”

Strain says the most pressing issue facing state firefighters is outdated equipment, specifically bulldozers, that could falter in the face of a major disaster.

03.19.18
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2:30 LRN Newscast March 19

The Senate Finance committee is expected to discuss legislation today that would provide the families of teachers and school employees with 250-thousand if they are killed while performing their duties at school. Columbia Senator Neil Riser hopes its legislation they never have to use…
cut 5 (13) “…use it”
Currently, the families for first responders like fire and police officers are covered by a similiar law.

If you filed your state taxes and haven’t received your refund yet, Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says you can check the status by going online….
cut 11 (09) “…refund status”
Henderson says for those who file electroncially, it can take up to two months before you receive your refund.

The House Appropriations Committee resumed its review of the proposed budget for next fiscal year by hearing from various state agencies, including the Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain raised concerns about not having enough money to battle the hundreds of wildfires that occur every year.
Cut 12 (10) “a problem”
Strain says the state’s firefighting capacity is already stretched thin, and that a particularly nasty season could exceed his department’s budget.

47-year-old Jason Rockett of Ruston faces seven counts of attempted second-degree murder for allegedly driving his vehicle into a crowd of people. Lincoln Parish Sheriff Chief Deputy Steven Williams says two people were injured….
cut 8 (11) “….the hospital”
The incident happened at North Village Mobile Home park.

03.19.18
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1:30 LRN Newscast March 19

The Senate Finance Committee is set to meet at this hour and they’ll discuss legislation that would provide 250-thousand dollars to the families of any teacher or school employee that’s killed while performing their job. The bill was prompted by the tragic south Florida school shooting. Columbia Senator Neil Riser is the author of the bill….
cut 4 (09) “…our people”
Currently fire and police officers are covered under a similar law.

The LSU Board of Supervisors has approved three scholarships to help attract students to the Baton Rouge campus. One of them is called the Transformation Merit Scholarship. Chief enrollment officer, Jose Aviles, says that’s for students who have a 26 or 27 ACT and those are students most univerisites are trying to attract…
cut 15 (09) “…want most”
There’s also the Innovation Awards, which is for strictly for in-state residents and it pays up to three-thousand dollars.

400,000 state returns have been sent out to Louisiana taxpayers, but if you haven’t seen your money yet, it doesn’t mean something went wrong. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

Farmerville police say 28-year-old Charlecia Shyne of Homer entered a residence armed with a knife and stabbed a female victim in the face several times. An adult male and a juvenile also suffered from injuries. Shyne was found in Caddo Parish and was transported back to Union Parish. Her bond is set at 240-thousand-dollars.