Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

03.22.17
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16:45 LRN Sportscast March 22nd

New LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade was introduced to the public today and the 34-year-old says he can make the Tigers a consistent winner. Wade says it will take a complete team effort from the administration to the student body…
cut 14 (12) “…it work”
Wade says you can expect to see an aggressive style of basketball on the floor next season.

The NFL announces plans to reduce down time during football games. Commissioner Roger Goodell says they’ll ask owners to give their approval to an idea that would have centralized video reviews, no more sideline booth for the referee. Goodell says he’s also working with their TV partners to have fewer commerical breaks, but they would last longer. Instead of five breaks per quarter, having only four.

Fourth ranked LSU faces Southeastern Louisiana at Alex Box Stadium tonight. The Tigers have won 21 of the last 22 games between the two schools, but Coach Paul Mainieri says it’s been a compeititive series…
cut 30 (05) “…with em”
The Lions have won 10 of their last 11. First pitch is at 6:30.

There are two other intra-state match-ups tonight. UL-Lafayette hosts Tulane. The Cajuns were shutout by Houston last night, while the Green Wave beat McNeese State. And Southern visits Nicholls. The Colonels are looking for their fourth straight win.

Tonight it’s the World Baseball Classic Championship game as the United States plays Puerto Rick at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Former Parkway and Centenary pitcher Seth Lugo is the starting pitcher for Puerto Rico.

What a game for DeMarcus Cousins last night. Boogie had 41 points and 17 rebounds in a 95-82 win over the Memphis Grizzilies.The Pels are 3.5 games back from the eighth seed.

03.22.17
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16:30 LRN Newscast March 22nd

A senate committee said no to an Edwards administration plan to close a Medicaid program that provides mental health services to over 47-thousand children. The program was on the chopping block as part of the budget cuts approved in last month’s special session. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says there must be other ways to cut spending without eliminating such a vital service…
cut 11 (12) “….to govern”
With the program now restored, L-D-H still has to make 10-million dollars in cuts.

A federal judge has blocked a state law that requires a birth certificate in order to get married in Louisiana. A suit was filed on behalf of a man who didn’t have proof of birth because he was born in an Indonesian camp, but has lived in Louisiana his entire life.

Louisiana could lose 3.6 billion dollars in homes, businesses, and infrastructure over the next 50 years if the state doesn’t follow through with its coastal protection and restoration master plan. That’s according to Researcher Stephen Barnes with the LSU Economics and Policy Research Group…:
Cut 6 (09) “stake here”
The study has determined economic losses between 390-million to 600-million dollars for cities like Lafayette and Baton Rouge if nothing is done.

The widow of one of the officers who was killed last summer in Baton Rouge during an ambush has given birth to their son. Matthew Gerald was one of the officers fatally shot in the attack and his wife, Dechia Gerald, gave birth to Falyn Matthew Gerald. She’s called Baby Buttons, because other officers called Matthew “Buttons.”

03.22.17
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LRN PM Newscall March 22nd

Louisiana could lose 3.6 billion dollars in infrastructure and business if no action is taken to stop shoreline erosion. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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New Tigers Coach Will Wade laid out his plans for the future of LSU basketball at a press conference in the student union today. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Same sex couples would face equal penalties for domestic violence, under a proposal to be taken up in the regular session next month. Marrero Representative Patrick Connick says currently, domestic violence laws only apply to household members, married or not, of the opposite sex.

Cut 3 (11) “this bill”

Connick says Louisiana and South Carolina are the only two states with the opposite sex distinction on the books. He says after talking with the DA’s it was clear something had to be done to protect all couples from domestic violence.

Cut 4  (06) “sexual orientation is”

The Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports Louisiana has a domestic violence rate twice the national average. Homosexuals report domestic abuse at a rate equal to or higher than heterosexuals, according to the 2010 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey. Connick says it happens to people in all demographics.

Cut 5  (12)  “is protected”

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The Bayou State could lose 3.6 billion dollars in homes, businesses, and infrastructure over the next 50 years if Louisiana does not take action to stop the massive coastal land loss problem. That’s according to a study by the LSU Economics and Policy Research Group. Researcher Stephen Barnes says they studied the direct impact of land loss in different areas of the state…

Cut 6 (09) “stake here”

The study determined economic losses between 390-million to 600-million dollars for Lafayette and Baton Rouge if no action is taken to restore the coast. Barnes says Lake Charles has become a hub for commerce, but it faces 490 million dollars in business disruptions from land loss.

Cut 7 (10)  “city center”

Statewide, the study finds Louisiana could lose nearly 8 billion dollars in wages and consumer spending if no action is taken to restore the coast.  But Barnes says if Louisiana goes through with its 50 year Coastal Master Plan to restore the coast, it will create jobs and boost the economy.

Cut 8 (10) “jobs”

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A Medicaid program that serves mentally ill children will remain intact after the Senate Health and Welfare Committee rejects a proposal to eliminate it. The administration proposed cutting the program by April 1 to save the state $2.2 million because of cuts to the Department of Health made in the special session. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns is frustrated lawmakers didn’t use more rainy day dollars to avoid this.

Cut 9 (08)  “be here today”

In 2016, more than 47-thousand children and teens received psychosocial rehabilitation services through the program. Lawmakers heard testimony about the services that would be eliminated, including one that helps suicidal and depressed teens learn coping skills so they can stay in school and out of jails and hospitals. Houma Senator Norbert Chabert says these kinds of programs have to be protected.

Cut 10 (09) “like this”

LDH must also deal with an $8.1 million budget reduction, and keeping this program means they’ll have to trim a total $10.3 million from other areas. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow was shocked that a program that serves children on the autism spectrum was in jeopardy. She says there must be other ways to cut back on spending without eliminating such a vital service.

Cut 11 (12) “to govern”

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LSU officially introduced its new basketball coach, Will Wade. The 34-year-old got a crowd at the student union  fired up when he said he knows LSU can have a successful basketball program…:

Cut 12 (11) “no option to fail”

Wade’s head coaching career spans four years; two in Chattanooga and the past two at VCU. His overall record is 91-45, and at VCU he lead the team to the NCAA Tournament both years. Wade says he will do everything it takes to make the LSU basketball team the best it can be…:

Cut 13 (10) “first class fashion”

Wade takes over for Johnny Jones, who was 90-72 in five seasons at LSU. Jones was fired following LSU’s 10-21 2016-17 campaign. It’s said that Wade considers coaching at LSU his dream job because he says he’s always known there was something special here…:

Cut 14 (12) “we can make it work”

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03.22.17
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11:40 LRN Sportscast March 22nd

The Pelicans are now 3.5 games back for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference after their big 95-82 win over the Grizzlies. DeMarcus Cousins had his best game since arriving in New Orleans, scoring 41 points hauling in 17 rebounds. The Pels next game is Friday at Houston.

Will Wade will be introduced to the public today as the new men’s basketball coach at LSU. ESPN college basketball writer Jeff Goodman says Wade sees tremendous upside with the LSU job and Wade believes he can recruit Louisiana and Texas.

There’s a big college baseball game tonight at Alex Box Stadium as 4th ranked LSU hosts Southeastern Louisiana. Freshman righthander Zack Hess will start for the Tigers. He’s 2-0 with a 3.26 ERA. The Lions have won 10-of-their last 11 and they are led by third baseman Taylor Schwaner, who is hitting .362 with five home runs and 30 RBIs. First pitch is at 6:30.

Free-agent cornerback Sterling Moore is returning to the Saints as he’s agreed to a one-year deal with the Black and Gold. Moore started 12 games last season for New Orleans and intercepted two passes and had 13 pass break ups.

Former LSU linebacker Kevin Minter has signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. The 2013 second round pick of the Cardinals, made 37 starts in Arizona and had 174 tackles and five sacks.

LSU football coach Ed Orgeron says running back Derrius Guice was not at practice yesterday, because of an ankle injury. But he says it’s not serious. Orgeron says they are still waiting to see how serious the injury is to Sci Martin, who is an edge rusher that was hurt in a scrimmage on Saturday.

In college baseball last night…Houston blanked the Cajuns four to nothing. Louisiana committed two errors and was held to five hits. ULM downed Grambling seven to one. Tulane trounced McNeese State 10 to two and Louisiana Tech lost its fourth straight as they fell to Stephen F Austin six to two. It’s just the second time the Bulldogs were held to two runs or less.

03.22.17
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11:30 LRN Newscast March 22nd

Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau plans to file legislation in the upcoming legislative session to end the state’s 180-million dollar film tax credit program. Luneau says it’s too costly and a recent LSU study showed return of investment is poor, but….
cut 11 (10) “…that’s spent”
That’s Patrick Mulhearn, executive director of the Celtic Media Studios, who plans to fight the legislation.

Marrero Representative Patrick Connick has filed a bill that closes a loophole so that same sex couples could face charges if they violate any of the state’s domestic violence laws. Connick says district attorneys brought the loophole to his attention…
cut 4 (06) “…orientation is”
Connick says Louisiana and South Carolina are the only two states with the opposite sex distinction on the books.

Today and tomorrow, students, faculty and staff at LSU can go to the student union and receive a mumps vaccination. Health officials have already seen a cluster of cases on the Baton Rouge campus and LSU infectious disease specialist, Doctor Fred Lopez, says the mumps can lead to serious complications…
cut 8 (13) “…in fertillity”
Lopez says mumps is spread through salivia, so sharing drinks and utensils is a no-no on a college campus.

Also at LSU’s Student Union today, new men’s basketball coach Will Wade will be introduced to the public. Wade had a 51-20 record at VCU.

In northwest Louisiana, I-20 eastbound near Minden is closed as a result of two wrecks. State Police report minor to moderate injuries.

And the state is expected to rest its case in the Derrick Stafford trial in Marksville.

03.22.17
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10:30 LRN Newscast March 22nd

Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau plans to file legislation that would eliminate Louisiana’s film tax credits, because he says the state can’t afford to subsidize movie stars. He says a recent study by LSU economist Loren Scott shows the return of investment isn’t there when it comes to movie incentives…:
Cut 10 (08) “too long”
But those in the film industry say Louisiana’s film tax credit program has created thousands of jobs and helped boost tourism.

Same sex couples would face equal penalties for domestic violence, under a proposal to be taken up in the regular session next month. Marrero Representative Patrick Connick says currently, domestic violence laws only apply to household members, married or not, of the opposite sex.
Cut 3 (11) “this bill”
Connick says Louisiana and South Carolina are the only two states with the opposite sex distinction on the books.

The Louisiana Federation of Teachers is very concerned with the cuts to education President Donald Trump is proposing in his executive budget. LFT spokesperson Les Landon says the budget calls for a nine-billion dollar cut to public schools and adds one-point-four billion in funding for “school choice, ” including vouchers. Landon says there’s evidence vouchers do not lead to a better education
cut 16 (09) “…public school”

The state Department of Children Family Services is looking to do more to help children who age out of the foster care system. Foster care program manager Toni Buxton says many times kids who leave the foster care system after the age of 18 have trouble finding a job or a place to live…
cut 6 (11) “…financial resources”
Buxton says they need to do more for these young adults, because many times they turn to life of crime when they have nowhere else to go.

03.21.17
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16:30 LRN Newscast March 21st

Sources say the Saints have signed veteran linebacker Manti Te’o to a two-year contract. After a standout career at Notre Dame, Te’o has played his first four seasons in the NFL with San Diego, but he’s missed 26 games during that time because of injuries. He missed most of last season with a torn Achillies tendon.

New Orleans is also bringing back cornerback Sterling Moore on a one-year deal. Moore joined the franchise right before the start of the regular season and led the team in pass break-ups and had two interceptions to go along with 56 tackles.

LSU and McNeese will play each other in football in 2021. The two schools are scheduled to play on September 11th in Tiger Stadium. LSU opens that season by playing UCLA in the Rose Bowl.

Southern Football Coach Dawson Odums has signed a contract extension through 2019 and he received a modest pay raise.

New LSU basketball coach Will Wade is on his way to Baton Rouge after agreeing to become the next head coach of the Tigers. It’s been reported Wade agreed to a six-year deal. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says the Clemson grad has a reputation as someone who eats, sleeps and breathes basketball…
cut 5 (08) “…10 years”
Wade led VCU to the NCAA Tournament the last two seasons.

In the NBA tonight, the Pelicans host the Grizzlies. There are 12 games left in the regular season and New Orleans trails Denver by four games for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

In college baseball…the 15th ranked Cajuns host a red hot Houston team tonight. The Cougars have won five in a row, while Louisiana went 2-and-2 last week. ULM hosts Grambling, McNeese State, which has won nine of its last ten is at Tulane and Louisiana Tech visits Stephen F Austin.

03.21.17
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LRN PM Newscall March 21st

LSU’s new men’s basketball coach is Will Wade. Jeff Palermo tells us more about the 34-year-old who leaves VCU after two seasons…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Louisiana Housing Corporation launches the Housing Heroes initiative to get flood victims into affordable rental housing. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Will Wade is the new men’s basketball coach at LSU. He’s 34-years-old and the last two seasons he led VCU to the NCAA Tournament. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says Wade will bring some much needed energy to the program…

Cut 3 (11) “get a kid”

wade has been a head coach for four years. His first two years were at Chatanooga and the last two seasons were at VCU and he compiled a 67-percent winning percentage. Worsham says Wade is a solid hire for LSU…

Cut 4  (12) “land him”

It’s been reported Wade agreed to a six-year deal. Worsham says the Clemson grad has a reputation as someone who eats, sleeps and breathes basketball..

Cut 5  (08)  “10 years”

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Two suspects are in critical condition in the case of an apparent robbery in which a Breaux Bridge homeowner shot the men as they were trying to enter the residence armed with a gun. Major Ginny Higgins, with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office, says one of the suspect’s rang the doorbell of the resident’s home around 3am this morning…:

Cut 6 (08) “both suspects”

The suspects are identified as 26 year old Joseph Broussard of Morse and 31-year-old Drewe Schexnider of Kaplan.  Higgins says it’s unclear what the suspects intentions were, but the two were apparently involved in a similar crime a few hours earlier…:

Cut 7 (05)  “yesterday evening”

Higgins says it appears at this time to be a justified shooting, but the incident is still under investigation. She says both of the suspects were shot by the homeowner…:

Cut 8 (08) “hospital”

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Property owners in Louisiana are stepping up to help flood victims struggling to recover from the March and August floods. The Housing Heroes initiative launched by the Louisiana Housing Corporation calls on landlords to make their rental units affordable for those still in need of housing. Governor John Bel Edwards says this statewide effort is critically important to families around the state.

Cut 9 (09)  “median income”

LHC says the homelessness population in Louisiana doubled after the floods, and this program seeks to use available resources to get that rate back down. Edwards says renters make up 35-percent of the state’s population, and one in four flood victims are renters. He says federal dollars will be available to help these people get back into rental properties.

Cut 10 (08) “to recover”

The Department of Housing and Urban Development says there are 373 flood victims still staying in hotels and an additional 45-thousand living with friends and relatives. Manager of Fairway View Apartments in Baton Rouge, Charmaine Roddy, says they opened 45 units to flood victims in August. She says they did what they could to make the units as affordable as possible.

Cut 11 (09) “rent free”

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Today is Ag Day — one to celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture; and recognize the contribution of the industry in our everyday lives. State Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says today is also a celebration of the fact that, out of the entire industrialized world, we enjoy the lowest cost of food..:

Cut 12 (06) “every day”

Strain says, given the historic floods in March and August, 2016 was a difficult year for many farms across the state — both large and small. He says all one would have to do is travel to a foreign country that doesn’t have enough food to truly appreciate what the agriculture industry means…:

Cut 13 (07) “successful”

Strain says farmers do important work to keep our families healthy and productive, especially when that work is most challenging. He says farmers are eternal optimists…:

Cut 14 (10) “bountiful harvest”

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03.21.17
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14:30 LRN Newscast March 21st

The Louisiana Housing Corporation launches the Housing Heroes initiative to get flood victims into affordable rental housing. Michelle Southern has more…
voicer 2 (29) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

Former Louisiana Congressman John Fleming has found a job within the Trump Administration. Fleming has been hired as deputy assistant secretary for health technology within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Fleming will seek ways to improve how doctors can use technology to practice medicine.

It’s agriculture day in Louisiana. Agriculture is a 13-billion dollar industry in this state with 60-percent of Louisiana’s ag income generated by crops and another 40-percent is produced by livestock and livestock products. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says farmers do important work to keep our families healthy and productive, especially when that work is most challenging…
cut 14 (10) “…bountiful harvest”

The St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s office says two armed robbery suspects were shot by a homeowner in Breaux Bridge early this morning. Major Ginny Higgins says it appears at this time to be justified shooting…
cut 8 (08) “…short time later”
Higgins says both suspects, who were also wanted in Baton Rouge for an armed robbery, are hospitalized in critical condition.

03.21.17
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11:40 LRN Sportscast March 21st

Will Wade is the new men’s basketball coach at LSU. He’s 34-years-old and the last two seasons he led VCU to the NCAA Tournament. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says Wade will bring some much needed energy to the program…
cut 3 (11) “…get a kid”
Wade has been a head coach for four years. His first two years were at Chatanooga and the last two seasons were at VCU and he’s compiled a 67-percent winning percentage,

The Saints have reportedly signed linebacker Mati Te’o. He had a stellar career at Notre Dame, but he’s battled injuries in the NFL. The 26-year-old only played three games last season with the Chargers because of a torn Achilles.

Southern football coach Dawson Odums has received a contract extension that keeps him on the Jaguars sideline through 2019 season.

Sterlington football coach Jason Thompson has stepped down after leading the Panthers to the Class Two-A state championship. Thompson is leaving football to take an administrative role at the school.

Former LSU quarterback Brandon Harris is still looking for a school to play at next season. The University of Texas has emerged as a possible candidate. Head Coach Tom Herman has confirmed that they are recruiting Harris, but there’s no word when he’ll visit the school. North Carolina and Arizona are other potential landing spots for the former Tigers starting QB.

In college baseball today…the 15th ranked Cajuns host a red hot Houston team. The Cougars have won five in a row, while Louisiana went 2-and-2 last week. ULM hosts Grambling, McNeese State, which has won nine of its last ten is at Tulane and Louisiana Tech looks to snap a three-game losing streak as they visit Stephen F Austin.

And in basketball…LSU-Alexandria lost in the NAIA semifinals 65-63 to Life University and the Pelicans host Memphis tonight.