Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

02.26.16
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17:30 LRN Newscast Legislative Report

The big news of the week in the special session is the House approving an additional penny to the state’s four-cent sales tax. The House added language to the bill that calls for the extra penny to be removed after 18 months. But Governor John Bel Edwards said today that’s not realistic as the penny needs to stay on the books, until long-term budget reforms are in place…
cut 10 (09) “…spoke of”
The governor is also disappointed at the pace the House has been voting on tax proposals, but he’s optimistic there’s enough time for the Senate to act…
cut 11 (09) “…be modified”
The special session called to address a 940-million dollar shortfall must be completed by March ninth.

The Council for a Better Louisiana is raising concerns about a House bill that gives the department of education a 44-million dollar mid-year cut in state funding. CABL President Barry Erwin says this would take away 85-percent of the D-O-E’s remaining cash on hand for the current fiscal year…
cut 15 (10) “….they’re going”
The legislation is heading to the Senate. Governor Edwards is expected to ask the Senate to restore funding to the department of education.

Because of a ruling by the Fifth US Circuit Court of Appeals, Louisiana can now enforce a law passed in 2014. The measure requires abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at hospitals. It leaves just two clinics, one in Shreveport and the other in New Orleans, available for women seeking abortions. The pro choice group, Center for Reproductive Rights, plans to ask the US Supreme Court to issue a stay on the 2014 law.

02.26.16
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16:45 LRN Sportscast Feb 26

It should be a good weekend for college baseball across the state. After blowing an eight run lead and losing to Lamar on Wednesday, the LSU Tigers return to action to host Sacramento State tonight. Last weekend the Hornets took two of three from Auburn and beat Northwestern State in a midweek matchup. Jared Poche starts on the hill for LSU tonight, while Sac State counters with Sam Long, who is described as a hard-throwing left-hander. First pitch is at 7 PM.

Also this weekend, Southeastern Louisiana hosts Troy. Kyle Cedotal who struck out 14 hitters last week, will get the start tonight for the Lions. Louisiana Tech hosts UT Arlington. The Bulldogs are coming off a big win over sixth ranked UL Lafayette.

The Ragin Cajuns are in Houston, where they’ll play TCU, Texas Tech and Rice over the next three days at Minute Maid Park.

And Northwestern State begins a three-game series tonight against Southern Miss.

At today’s NFL combine, Louisiana Tech running back Kenneth Dixon ran a 4.58 in the 40. Dixon is considered one of the top five running backs in the draft. The draft will take place from April 28th to the 30th.

Ben Simmons and the LSU Tigers look to snap their three-game losing streak tomorrow night against the Florida Gators….
cut 30 (11) “…communication really”
Before the game there will be a ceremony to unveil a new statue of LSU legendary basketball player Bob Petit. The statue will stand in front of the basketball practice facility.

Other games of note on Saturday…the Ragin Cajuns are at South Alabama. ULM, who has won six in a row, visits 9-and-19 Troy. Southern faces Alcorn State and Louisiana Tech looks for its fifth straight victory as they host Rice.

The Pelicans take on Minnesota at the Smoothie King Center on Saturday night.

02.26.16
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LRN PM Newscall Feb 26

Governor John Bel Edwards remains hopeful lawmakers can agree on a plan to fix the state’s 900-million dollar deficit. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Council for a Better Louisiana says the cuts to the Department of Education made in the House-approved spending bill would take away 85% of their remaining cash on hand for the current school year. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Former Monroe TV personality “Mr. Wonder” has been indicted on sexual assault charges. Rapides Parish Assistant District Attorney Brian Mosley says a grand jury indicted 76-year-old Frank Selas on a long list of charges.

CUT 3 (11)  “a juvenile”

Selas is currently in a San Diego jail. He’s been living in California since 1985. Mosley says the extradition process to bring him back to Louisiana has already begun.

CUT 4 (05)  “warrant”

According to the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, investigators have identified 7 alleged victims as a result of a 1979 investigation. The alleged crimes took place on camping trip when Selas was a Cub Scouts leader. Mosley says Selas will be brought back to Louisiana to face the charges.

CUT 5 (11)  “Rapides parish”

Selas initially claimed police had arrested the wrong man, but a San Diego judge ruled on February 11 that Selas is in fact the wanted fugitive from Louisiana.

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State Police arrest a second officer assigned to the US Drug Enforcement Administration task force suspected of stealing and selling drugs seized in raids. Karl Newman, a deputy with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, was booked on counts of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and abuse of office.  State police spokesperson, Maj. Doug Cain, says the arrest was made after authorities received a tip.

CUT 6 (07) “the north shore”

Newman is being held without bail in the St. Tammany Parish Jail. Cain says the investigation is ongoing.

CUT 7 (10) “law enforcement agency”

Newman’s arrest comes just weeks after another Tangipahoa parish deputy, Johnny Domingue, was booked on drug distribution charges. Cain says investigators will get to the bottom of the allegations.

CUT 8 (06) “their officers”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says the special legislative session aimed at solving a 940-million dollar budget deficit this fiscal year is heading in the right direction, but there’s still a long way to go. House republicans are hesitant to raise taxes to fill the budget hole, but Edwards there’s been no evidence they can reduce the deficit without raising revenues

CUT 9 (10) “that is not happening”  

The House has passed legislation to the Senate that’s a combination of budget cuts and tax increases, including a one-cent increase on the state’s 4-cent sales tax. But The House believes the additional penny should be removed after 18-months, but Edwards wants the additional penny to stay on the books, until long-term budget reforms are in place

cut 10 (09)  “spoke of”

The special session ends March ninth. Edwards is disappointed the House didn’t move the tax bills sooner, but is optimistic there’s enough time for the Senate to act…

Cut 11 (09) “be modified”

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The Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance has launched a campaign to build support for a new I-10 bridge over the Calcasieu River. George Swift, president and CEO of the alliance, says the “In for 10” campaign is important because the bridge is dangerous for motorists…

cut 12 (06) “pull over”

The bridge was built in 1952, and the National Bridge Inventory deemed it “basically intolerable” in 2009. Swift says the community cannot wait any longer for a new bridge.

cut 13 (08)  “and region”

It will take millions of dollars from the federal government to replace the bridge. Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany and Senator David Vitter have offered their support. Swift says the bridge endures heavy traffic every day, and that traffic will only get worse as more industrial projects move to the area in the next few years.

cut 14 (10)  “and safer”

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One of the items in the supplemental spending bill that the full House approved this week includes a mid-year cut to the state Department of Education which amounts to $52 million dollars, according to the Council for a better Louisiana. CABL President Barry Erwin says this would take away 85% of the DOE’s remaining cash on hand for the current fiscal year…:

cut 15 (10) “where they’re going” 

Erwin says this would also take away payments for mandated student testing for the current school year. He says some deals were made and essentially the House just wanted to make a statement that they wanted to cut the budget further…:

cut 16 (09)  “I suppose”

02.26.16
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10:30 LRN Newscast Feb 26

The Louisiana House has sent over to the Senate a bill that would increase the state’s four-cent sales tax by an additional penny. But the House took no action on Thursday regarding bills that would raise cigarette and alcohol taxes. Jeremy Alford is the publisher of la-politics-dot-com…cut 11 (06) “…coming days”

The House is working today and there are reports the lower chamber will vote on bills to increase sin taxes.

The Center for Reproductive Rights plans to appeal to the US Supreme Court a ruling by the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals that allows Louisiana to enforce a law that requires abortion doctors to have admitting priviledges at nearby hospitals. David Brown is an attorney with the pro-choice rights group..
cut 9 (11) “….it down”
Brown says as a result of this law, there’s only two abortion doctors in the state that can perform abortions.

Early voting for the March 5th Louisiana Presidential Primary ends tomorrow and Secretary of State Tom Schedler says there’s already been more early votes casted this early voting period, compared to four years ago…
cut 15 (09) “…very vigorous”
Schedler says he does not have a break down on how many registered repulican and democratic voters early voted.

The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation has submitted a bid to the Southeastern Conference to bring the SEC Baseball Tournament to Zephyr Field in Metairie. The Foundation’s CEO and president, Jay Cicero, says believes it would be great to have the annual 12-team tournament in southeast Louisiana…
cut 6 (10) “…VIP services”
It’s been reported the SEC will decide in late May or early June where to hold the SEC baseball tournament from 2017 to 2021.

02.25.16
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LRN Newscast 17:30 Feb 25

The state House has approved a bill that will increase the state sales tax by a penny, from four cents to five cents. Monroe Representative Katrina Jackson is the sponsor of the legislation….
cut 28 (09) “…18 months”
It needed 70 votes for approval and 76 House members voted for it.

The sales tax hike is a significant part of Governor John Bel Edwards’ plan to balance the budget as there’s currently a 900-million dollar deficit. If senators agree to a higher sales tax, it would raise an estimated 210-million dollars by June 30th.

The House also approved legislation that makes 101-million dollars in cuts to the current budget, which is 81-million dollars more than what the governor had proposed. K-through-12th grade state funding would be cut by 44-million dollars under the House plan.

Louisiana’s budget instability over the last several years has led Moody’s Investors Service to downgrade the state’s credit rating. The drop in the state’s credit rating will make it more expensive for the state to borrow money for construction projects. Crowley Representative Jack Montoucet reacted to Moody’s decision on the House floor…
cut 29 (09) “…we’re doing”
Montoucet is referring to the work the House did on Thursday in trying to solve the state’s budget crisis.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s disappointing Moody didn’t wait until the conclusion of the special session to make a decision on Louisiana’s credit rating. Edwards says it’s more important than ever for the legislature to work with him to stabilize the budget.

02.25.16
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16:45 LRN Sports

Saints Head Coach Sean Payton tells Pro Football Talk that he’s close to finalizing a new contract with the team. Payton didn’t give any details on the contract extension, but said he sees himself with the Black and Gold for at least the next four to five years. The head coach also expressed confidence that the team will work out a contract extension with quarterback Drew Brees, who is entering the last year of his deal.

In the NBA tonight…the Pelicans host the Oklahoma City Thunder. We’ll see how Anthony Davis bounces back from a nine point performance in a losing effort to Washington on Tuesday.

In college hoops tonight…ULM is at South Alabama. The Warhawks are on a five game winning streak. The Ragin Cajuns have lost three in a row and they are at Troy. And Louisiana Tech hosts North Texas. The Bulldogs are in fourth place in Conference USA and the top four teams will receive a bye to the quarterfinals in the conference tournament.

Two big upsets in college baseball last night as a pair of teams ranked in the top ten go down in defeat. Fifth ranked LSU blew an eight-run lead and lost to Lamar 12-11. Third baseman O’Neal Lochridge blasted a three-run homer in an eight-run second inning for the Tigers, but LSU’s pitching staff couldn’t hold the lead. They walked eight batters and hit four others. Rough outing for Riley Smith as he allowed seven runs in 1.2 innings.

In Ruston, Louisiana Tech defeated sixth ranked UL Lafayette six to two. The Bulldogs scored four runs in the fifth inning. Raphael Gladu and Marshall Boggs each drove in two runs and Tyler Clancy struck out a career-high nine hitters to earn the victory on the mound.

In other action….Sacramento State doubled up Northwestern State four to two, Alabama crushed Nicholls State 13-1, Southeastern Louisiana thumped Alcorn State 15 to 3 and Tulane blanked Alabama A-and-M seven to nothing.

02.25.16
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14:30 LRN Newscast Feb 25

At the state capitol, members of the Louisiana House Representatives are trying to agree on a plan to address the state’s 900-million dollar shortfall this fiscal year and it appears they are making progress. They’ve approved a one-cent increase to the state sales tax and agreed to 101-million dollars in cuts.

A three judge panel of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals rules that Louisiana can enforce a state law that requires doctors preforming abortions must have admitting privileges at hospitals within 30 miles. Benjamin Clapper with Louisiana Right to Life says this legislation ensures that in an emergency the physician can take the proper steps to protect the health of the woman…
CUT 6 (09) “same standard”
Planned Parenthood says the ruling will force the closure of three out of the four abortion clinics in the state.

A survey from AAA finds 87-percent of respondents admit to at least one risky behavior while driving in the past month. Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says a lot of drivers say they’ve recently talked on the cell phone, sent a text message and traveling more than 15 miles over the speed limit…
cut 5 (07) “…impaired driving”

A new report says felons in Louisiana face more employment obstacles that any other state. The average number of job restrictions for felons in the US is 123, but Louisiana has 389. Allyson Fredericksen, with the Alliance for a Just Society, says many of the restrictions are state laws that prevent convicted felons from being hired for certain positions in fields like health care and government offices…
cut 12 (11) “…into society”
Fredericksen says this problem can often lead ex-felons returning to a life of crime to make money.

02.25.16
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LRN PM Newscall Feb 25

A new study from AAA shows 87% of drivers engage in risky behaviors while driving. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A new report says Louisiana felons face more job restrictions that in any other state. Michelle Southern has the story…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Eighty-seven percent of drivers engaged in at least one risky behavior while driving in the past month, according to a new study from AAA. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says the data is not surprising. He says in the US about 30 to 40 thousand people die each year in car crashes.

CUT 3 (11)  “or impaired”

Redman says distracted driving is the most common risky behavior. He says 42% or drivers admit to texting and 70% admit to being on the phone. Redman says drowsy driving is also unsafe for drivers.

CUT 4 (07)  “some rest”

Redman says speeding is common among drivers, with 48% reporting going 15 miles per hour or more over the speed limit on a highway. He says people engage in many different dangerous behaviors while driving.

CUT 5 (07)  “impaired driving”

Thirteen percent of drivers say they were drunk or almost drunk while driving in the past month. Redman says impaired driving is not limited to drugs and alcohol because people can become impaired after taking prescription medications as well, including anti-depressants, pain killers, or blood pressure medicine.

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A three judge panel of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals rules that Louisiana can enforce a state law that requires doctors preforming abortions must have admitting privileges at hospitals within 30 miles. Benjamin Clapper with Louisiana Right to Life says this legislation ensures that in an emergency the physician can take the proper steps to protect the health of the woman…

CUT 6 (09) “same standard”

Planned Parenthood says the ruling will force the closure of three out of the four abortion clinics in the state. Clapper says he isn’t sure how the Department of Health and Hospitals will proceed.

CUT 7 (10) “their facilities”

Those against the legislation say it will make it harder for women to get an abortion in Louisiana. Clapper says it’s just common sense that abortion doctors should have admitting privileges.

CUT 8 (11) “abortions”

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Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany’s PROTECT Act to help the Louisiana seafood industry has been signed by President Barack Obama. Boustany says this legislation will give domestic seafood a fair shot at competing against foreign imports who up until now have been able to undercut our producers using illegal practices.

CUT 9 (10) “our market”  

Boustany says this legislation can keep illegal crawfish and seafood products produced outside the United States from ever leaving their country of origin.

cut 10 (10)  “agencies”

Boustany says the PROTECT Act will help Louisiana producers expand their markets around the country. He says if other countries want to sell seafood in the United States, they need to play by our rules…

Cut 11 (10) “chemicals”

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A new report says felons in Louisiana face more employment obstacles that any other state. The average number of job restrictions for felons in the US is 123, but Louisiana has 389. Allyson Fredericksen, with the Alliance for a Just Society, says many of the restrictions are state laws that prevent convicted felons from being hired for certain positions in fields like health care and government offices

cut 12 (11) “into society”

Behind Louisiana, Illinois has the most restrictions with 258, which is 131 fewer than Louisiana. Fredericksen says Louisiana makes it tough for recently released inmates to get their life back on track…

cut 13 (10)  “daily essentials”

Fredericksen says this problem can often lead ex-felons returning to a life of crime to make money. She says some of these restrictions need to be lifted….

cut 14 (06)  “even harder”

Fredericksen says the Alliance for a Just Society is seeking to eliminate the lifetime legislative bans to employment and review the restrictions to see if they are all still applicable. They also want to ban the box on applications asking if someone has a criminal record to prevent discrimination.

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02.25.16
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11:40 LRN sportscast Feb 25

Two big upsets in college baseball last night as a pair of teams ranked in the top ten go down in defeat. Fifth ranked LSU blew an eight-run lead and lost to Lamar 12-11. Third baseman O’Neal Lochridge blasted a three-run homer in an eight-run second inning for the Tigers, but LSU’s pitching staff couldn’t hold the lead. They walked eight batters and hit four others. Rough outing for Riley Smith as he allowed seven runs in 1.2 innings.

In Ruston, Louisiana Tech defeated sixth ranked UL Lafayette six to two. The Bulldogs scored four runs in the fifth inning. Raphael Gladu and Marshall Boggs each drove in two runs and Tyler Clancy struck out a career-high nine hitters to earn the victory on the mound.

In other action….Sacramento State doubled up Northwestern State four to two, Alabama crushed Nicholls State 13-1, Southeastern Louisiana thumped Alcorn State 15 to 3 and Tulane blanked Alabama A-and-M seven to nothing.

The Pelicans host Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Smoothie King Center. Durant is averaging almost 28 points a game, while Westbrook is averaging 24 points and 10 assists a contest. New Orleans has won eight of its last eleven home games. Tip-off is at 7:00.

02.25.16
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10:30 LRN Newscast Feb 25

The House convenes at this hour as they will vote on a variety of bills that would raise taxes. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says the House is reluctant to raise taxes, so there’s a lot of negotiating behind the scenes…
cut 6 (09) “….their caucus”
The big tax proposal on the agenda is a penny increase to the four-cent sales tax, which would raise an estimated 220-million dollars by June 30th and help fill a 900-million dollar shortfall.

The chairman of the House Republican Legislative Delegation, Lance Harris of Alexandria, says they’ve sent a list of proposals to the governor’s office for long-term changes to how the state spends its money. Harris says some of their proposals can be addressed in the upcoming regular legislative session, while others will have to wait for next year’s fiscal session…
cut 12 (05) “….couple of years”
Harris says they are also pushing for any tax increases approved in the special session to be removed once the budget is stabilized.

Cleco’s proposed sale to a foreign private investment firm has been rejected by the Public Service Commission. . Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says the sale would have been good for their customers…
cut 15 (06) “….it’s stakeholders”
So what’s next for the Pineville-based utility company. Cahill says they are reviewing their options.

ExxonMobil has invested 13-million dollars to help a college readiness program that’s already been successful in several Louisiana high schools…
cut 9 (08) “….18 schools”
That’s Matthew Randazzo with the National and Science Initiative College Readiness Program, who says these dollars will get more students involved in Advanced Placement courses and improve student performance in math, science and English.

The St. James Parish coroner has identified the two victims who were killed when a tornado hit an RV park in St. James Parish. They are 59-year-old Eugene Swann of Alabama and 51-year-old Scott Ellis of North Carolina. Officials many residents of the RV park were contractors working at chemical plants.