Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

02.13.16
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7:30 LRN Sportscast

It’s a big day of college basketball around the state. The LSU Tigers are at home at noon today to take on Texas A-and-M. The Tigers are looking to bounce back from a road loss to South Carolina, while the Aggies are slumping. They’ve lost four straight games in the SEC.

Louisiana Tech hosts UAB in a rematch of last year’s Conference USA semifinal game that was won by the Blazers in overtime. Tech is 13-1 inside the TAC. while UAB is 21-4 on the year, 11-1 in league play. As a team they are shooting 48-percent from the field.

The Ragin Cajuns are looking for their tenth straight win as they host Arkansas-Little Rock this afternoon. A win and UL Lafayette moves into a tie for first place in the league. ULM is in third place in the Sun Belt and they host Arkansas State at Four PM.

Also at four o’ clock…Southeastern Louisiana hosts Nicholls, McNeese is at Northwestern at 3:30, Grambling travels to Prairie View.

LSU Coach Paul Mainieri has named junior Jared Poche as the Tigers opening night starter. LSU begins its season next Friday against Cincinnati. It will be the second straight year, Poche will get the ball on opening night. Last year’s national freshman of the year, Alex Lange, will pitch on Saturday. Akron transfer John Valek the third will start on Sunday.

It’s day two of the LHSAA state wrestling championships in Bossier City. Brother Martin, Teurlings Catholic and De La Salle lead their respective divivisions. In Division Two, Teurlings as a small lead over Rummell, Live Oak is in third and Rayne in fourth place.

In the NBA…Anthony Davis will play in tomorrow night’s All-Star game. Davis and the Pelicans are 20-33 and in 12th place in the Western Conference standings.

The Saints sent out a press release thanking former Saints guard Jahri Evans for his 10 years with the Black and Gold. Coach Sean Payton called him a fantastic player.

02.12.16
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18:30 LRN Newscast

In a special televised address Governor John Bel Edwards said there is a possibility there will be no LSU football next fall unless legislators resolve the state’s budget deficit. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says this kind of scare tactic is common among government officials who seek to raise taxes.

CUT 7 (05) “everywhere”

The state’s budget deficit is $940 million for this fiscal year.

The adopted economic forecast projects the next deficit is around $2 billion dollars. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says legislators and the public aren’t going to like it, but they will be given the honest truth…:

CUT 5 (10)  “materialize”

The Governor’s Executive Budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year will be presented to lawmakers Saturday.

The Americans for Prosperity releases a poll that shows a majority of Louisiana residents oppose Governor John Bel Edwards’ proposals to increase sales and personal income taxes to address the state’s budget deficit. AFP also released an online ad criticizing the governor’s proposals. . AFP state director Phillip Joffrion says their goal is to educate the people of Louisiana about these proposed tax hikes.

cut 10 (09)  “their say”

Joffrion says the sales tax increase would put Louisiana at the highest combined local and state sales tax in the country.

Governor John Bel Edwards says TOPS students will not get a tuition bill this semester, despite money troubles with the popular taxpayer funded program.  He says they are about 28-million dollars short and it will be up to each individual or college to pick up the rest of the costs

cut 15 (04)  “tuition bill”

Edwards says not enough money was appropriated for the TOPS program this year.

02.12.16
by

17:30 LRN Newscast

The Governor’s Executive Budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year will be presented to lawmakers Saturday. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says if lawmakers want to spend only the money that they think is coming in to Louisiana in FY-17, it doesn’t look good.

CUT 4 (10)  “a reality”

The adopted economic forecast projects the deficit for the next fiscal year is around $2 billion dollars.

Governor John Bel Edwards said in a special televised address unless legislators resolve the state’s budget deficit there is a chance LSU football will not take place next fall. Political analyst Clancy Dubos said former four-term Governor Edwin Edwards used similar scare tactics to raise revenue successfully.

CUT 8 (08) “kidney machines”

A special legislative session to address the state’s budget begins Sunday.

The Americans for Prosperity released a poll that shows a majority of Louisiana residents oppose Governor John Bel Edwards’ proposals to increase personal income taxes and state sales taxes to resolve the state’s budget shortfall. A-F-P state director Phillip Joffrion says these increases are disrespectful to the people of Louisiana.

CUT 9 (08)  “their means”

Joffrion says the sales tax increase would put Louisiana at the highest combined local and state sales tax in the country.

Governor John Bel Edwards says TOPS students will not get a tuition bill this semester, despite money issues with the taxpayer funded scholarship. Edwards says if the state is unable to pay a TOPS recipient’s tuition, colleges will absorb those costs…

cut 14 (06)  “current semester”

Edwards says while TOPS students will have their scholarships fully paid for this year, next school year is a different story, if the state doesn’t raise enough revenue to help pay for this program.

02.12.16
by

LRN Sportscast 16:45 Feb 12

In a televised address Governor John Bel Edwards said there is a chance there will be no college football next fall unless legislators fix the state’s budget deficit by raising some taxes. The state’s budget deficit is $940 million for this fiscal year, and $2 billion for the next fiscal year. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says this kind of scare tactic is common among government officials who seek to raise taxes.
CUT 7 (05) “everywhere”

Footbal analyst Mike Detillier says Governor Edwards is sending a bad message with his comments…
cut 30 (25) “…to them again”
After losing on the road Wednesday night to South Carolina, the LSU Tigers look to get back in the win column on Saturday as they host Texas A-and-M. The Aggies are struggling, as they’ve lost four of their last five. The Tigers come into this game in a three-way tie for first place.

A battle for first place in the Sun Belt will take place on Saturday as the Ragin Cajuns host Arkansas Little Rock. UL Lafayette has won nine straight and trail the Trojans by one game. Tip-off in the Cajundome is at 4:15.

ULM beat Arkansas Little Rock on Thursday night and now they’ll get a chance at Arkansas State. The Warhawks are currently in third place in the league standings.

Louisiana Tech is in a tie for fourth place in Conference USA after a nice 73-63 win over Middle Tennessee on Thursday night. The Bulldogs host UAB tomorrow afternoon. The Blazers lead CUSA with an 11-1 record.

Elsewhere tomorrow…Tulane hosts Memphis. Mcneese State is at Northwestern State in a game that will be shown on ESPN 3.Nicholls state visits southeastern Louisiana. Grambling is at Prairie View and Southern hosts Arkansas Pine Bluff.

02.12.16
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LRN newscast 16:30 Feb 12

Governor John Bel Edwards raised eyebrows when he said there’s a possiblity Louisiana colleges will not be able to participate in football next fall, unless taxes are raised to help prevent school closures. Political analyst Clancy Dubos does not think Edwards wants to make these cuts, but the governor’s hands are tied unless more revenue becomes available…
cut 6 (04) “….at that”

The governor’s executive budget for the fiscal year starting July 1st will be presented to lawmakers on Saturday….
voicer 1 (29) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

Governor John Bel Edwards told the Jim Engster show that TOPS students will not have to pay a poriton of their tuition, if the state doesn’t have enough money to pay for the scholarship program. Edwards says individual colleges will absorb those costs. But the governor says next school year is a different story, if the state doesn’t raise revenue to help pay for this government program…
cut 16 (05) “…funded next year”
He says as it stands now, TOPS is only funded at 25-percent next fiscal year.

Louisiana’s Longest Know Married Couple of 2016 has been announced by the Louisiana Family Forum. LFF President Gene Mills says for the second year in a row, Lawrence and Varrie Player have been the married the longest in Louisiana, tying the knot 81 years ago.
cut 12 (07) “celebrate them”
Mills says Lawrence is 101-years-old and Varrie is 97.

02.12.16
by

14:30 LRN newscast Feb 12

Governor John Bel Edwards says TOPS students will not get a tuition bill this semester, despite money troubles with the popular taxpayer funded program. Edwards says if the state is unable to pay a TOPS recipient’s tuition, colleges will absorb those costs…
cut 14 (06) “…current semester”
Edwards says not enough money was appropriated for the TOPS program this year. He says they are about 28-million dollars short.

The governor has also told Louisiana that unless some taxes are raised, the budget cuts to colleges could be so severe that it could lead to no college football next fall. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says that would be a doomsday scenario, but other governors, used similar tactics like this to raise revenue…
cut 8 (08) “….kidney machines”
A special legislative session to address the state’s budget begins Sunday.

The Louisiana chapter for the Americans for Prosperity is one of many organizations in the state that opposes higher taxes as the solution to the state’s budget crisis….
cut 11 (10) “…for us”
That’s A-F-P state director Phillip Joffrion, who says they’ve released a poll that shows about eight out of every 10 Louisiana residents oppose an increase in sales and personal income taxes.

For the second straight year, Lawrence and Varrie Player of Benton has been recognized as the state’s longest known married couple. The Players have been married for 81 years and Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says this couple is a model for Louisiana families…
cut 13 (11) “….self”
Several couples who have been married for 70-plus years are being honored at the governor’s mansion today.

02.12.16
by

LRN PM Newscall Feb 12

The Governor’s Executive Budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year will be presented to lawmakers Saturday. Michelle Southern has a preview…:(starts with cut)

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

================

Governor John Bel Edwards says severe budget cuts could mean no LSU football next fall. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

===================

The Governor’s Executive Budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year will be presented to lawmakers Saturday. The adopted economic forecast projects the next deficit is around $2 billion dollars. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says they don’t plan to sugarcoat the facts..:

CUT 3 (06)  “completely recovered”

Dardenne says if lawmakers want to spend only the money that they think is coming in to Louisiana in FY-17, here’s the budget and it’s not pretty. He says this is not what they want…:

CUT 4 (10)  “a reality”

Dardenne says legislators and the public aren’t going to like it, but they will be given the honest truth…:

CUT 5 (10)  “materialize”

============================

In a special televised address Governor John Bel Edwards said there is a possibility there will be no LSU football next fall unless legislators resolve the state’s budget deficit. Political analyst Clancy Dubos does not think Edwards wants to make these cuts, but the governor’s hands are tied unless taxes are raised.

CUT 6 (04) “at that”

The state’s budget deficit is $940 million for this fiscal year, and almost $2 billion for the next fiscal year. Dubos says this kind of scare tactic is common among government officials who seek to raise taxes.

CUT 7 (05) “everywhere”

Dubos said former four-term Governor Edwin Edwards used scare tactics effectively to raise revenue.

CUT 8 (08) “kidney machines”

A special legislative session to address the state’s budget begins Sunday.

============================

The Americans for Prosperity releases a poll that shows a majority of Louisiana residents oppose Governor John Bel Edwards’ proposals to increase sales and personal income taxes to address the state’s budget deficit. A-F-P state director Phillip Joffrion says these increases are disrespectful to the people of Louisiana.

CUT 9 (08)  “their means”

Joffrion says the sales tax increase would put Louisiana at the highest combined local and state sales tax in the country.  Americans for Prosperity also released an online ad criticizing the governor’s proposals. Joffrion says their goal is to educate the people of Louisiana about these proposed tax hikes.

cut 10 (09)  “their say”

Joffrion says their poll shows the citizens of Louisiana were more accepting of the increase of cigarette and alcohol taxes. But he says ultimately more taxes are not the solution to our state’s budget crisis and citizens who oppose higher taxes need to speak up…

Cut 11 (10) “for us”

============================

Louisiana’s Longest Know Married Couple of 2016 has been announced by the Louisiana Family Forum. For the second year in a row, Lawrence and Varrie Player have been the married the longest in Louisiana, tying the knot 81 years ago. L-F-F President Gene Mills says Lawrence is 101-years-old and Varrie is 97.

cut 12 (07) “celebrate them”

Mills says the Player’s are unable to travel to the special reception honoring the top 10 longest married couples at the Governor’s Mansion today, so a celebration will be hosted at their home in Benton. He says this couple is a model for Louisiana families.

cut 13 (11)  “self”

=================================================

Governor John Bel Edwards says TOPS students will not get a tuition bill this semester, despite money troubles with the popular taxpayer funded program. Edwards says if the state is unable to pay a TOPS recipient’s tuition, colleges will absorb those costs…

cut 14 (06)  “current semester”

Edwards says not enough money was appropriated for the TOPS program this year. He says they are about 28-million dollars short and it will be up to each individual or college to pick up the rest of the costs

cut 15 (04)  “tuition bill”

Edwards says while TOPS students will have their scholarships fully paid for this year, next school year is a different story, if the state doesn’t raise revenue to help pay for this government program and others

cut 16 (05)  “funded next year”

02.12.16
by

13:30 LRN Newscast

In a special televised address Governor John Bel Edwards said there is a possibility there will be no LSU football next fall unless legislators resolve the state’s budget deficit. Political analyst Clancy Dubos does not think Edwards wants to make these cuts, but the governor’s hands are tied unless taxes are raised.

CUT 6 (04) “at that”

Lawmakers will meet in a special session Sunday to address the budget deficit.

The Governor’s Executive Budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year will be presented to lawmakers Saturday. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says legislators and the public aren’t going to like it, but they will be given the honest truth…:

CUT 5 (10)  “materialize”

The adopted economic forecast projects the next deficit at around $2 billion dollars.

A poll released by the Americans for Prosperity shows a majority of Louisiana residents oppose Governor John Bel Edwards’ proposals to raise personal income and sales taxes to address the state’s budget deficit. AFP released an online ad criticizing the governor’s proposals. AFP state director Phillip Joffrion says their goal is to educate the people of Louisiana about these proposed tax hikes.

cut 10 (09)  “their say”

Joffrion says the sales tax increase would put Louisiana at the highest combined local and state sales tax in the country.

Louisiana’s Longest Know Married Couple of 2016 has been announced by the Louisiana Family Forum. LFF President Gene Mills says for the second year in a row, Lawrence and Varrie Player have been the married the longest in Louisiana, tying the knot 81 years ago.

cut 12 (07) “celebrate them”

Mills says Lawrence is 101-years-old and Varrie is 97.

02.12.16
by

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Governor John Bel Edwards got the attention of Louisiana college football fans with his special address that was heard on tv and radio stations last night. Edwards says the state’s budget problems could lead to the closure of college campuses, putting college athletic programs in jeopardy…
cut 30 (17) “…next fall”
Lawmakers will meet Sunday for a special session to address the state’s budget problems.

The LSU men’s basketball team is in action tomorrow night as they host Texas A-and-M. The Tigers enter the game in a three-way tie for first place in the SEC. The Aggies beat LSU earlier this season, but A-and-M has lost four of its last five. Tip-off is at noon.

The Pelicans head into the NBA All-Star game in 12th place in the Western Conference Standings after losing to Oklahoma City last night. New Orleans is 6.5 games back of Utah, who currently owns the final playoff spot in the West. New Orleans Anthony Davis will compete in Sunday’s All-Star game in Toronto.

The Ragin Cajuns won their ninth straight last night, beating Arkansas State and they can move into a tie for first place in the league standings, if they knock off Arkansas Little Rock tomorrow. ULM beat the Trojans last night, 86-82. Majok Deng and Justin Roberson each had 23 points for the Warhawks who are now 8-5 in the league.

02.11.16
by

LRN AM Newscall Feb 12

Now that the giant burn chamber has arrived at Camp Minden, the process of disposing of the millions of pounds of M6 propellant can begin. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

In a special televised address Governor John Bel Edwards said that unless the legislature approves tax increases, colleges and hospitals will close. Halen Doughty reports…..

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

The state’s flu bug expert says Louisiana is in the middle of one of its slowest flu seasons ever. Emelie Gunn has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Now that the giant burn chamber has arrived at Camp Minden, the process of disposing of the millions of pounds of M6 propellant can begin. Louisiana National Guard spokesman Col Pete Schneider says it will take about 4 days to get the massive structure installed…:

cut 4  (10)  “operating”

The 400,000 pound tank made the journey by road from the Port of Natchitoches to Minden this week, and Schneider says they’ve had fantastic cooperation from communities, law enforcement and utility companies affected by the move. He says they expect it will take about 30-35 days to make sure everything is working properly…:

Cut 5  (04)  “of the M6”

Explosive Service International is in charge of the contained burn and Schneider says their intent is to burn non-stop once they check then double check that everything is in order…:

Cut 6 (08)  “million pounds” 

______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says colleges and hospitals will close and critical healthcare services will be eliminated if the state legislature does not approve higher taxes to help close a $940 million budget deficit this fiscal year. Edwards made the comments during a special address that was aired on TV and radio stations.

CUT 7 (12)  “as well”

Edwards even suggested there would be no college football next fall because the players would not be able to complete their spring semester if colleges are forced to close before May.  The governor says he is proposing significant cuts to the budget, but it will also take from the legislature to raise revenue in order to stabilize the budget.

Cut 8  (09)  “state strong”

After Edwards spoke, State Treasurer John Kennedy provided the Republican Party’s response. Kennedy says raising revenue is not the answer to the state’s budget problems.

Cut 9 (07)  “run deficits”

Kennedy says there are plenty of areas the state can reduce spending and he has provide the legislature with ample suggestions.

Cut 10 (09) “hurting anyone”

_________________________________________________________

Louisiana is experiencing one of its slowest flu seasons in several years. That’s according to Dr. Frank Welch, an influenza expert with the state department of health and hospitals. Welch says doctors are seeing very few flu cases…

cut 11 (09) “flu-like illness”

This slow season comes in stark contrast to last year’s terrible flu season, which exerts said was one of the worst. Welch says that the flu virus can be unpredictable, but this season is off to a slow start. He credits this year’s warmer weather for the low number of flu cases.

cut 12 (09) “a lot better”

Welch says that more people were vaccinated for the flu this year, which may be another contributing factor for this year’s slow flu season. He advises people to get flu vaccines to keep the number of flu cases at a minimum.

Cut 13 (08)  “flu shot”

The peak of the Flu season in Louisiana typically peaks in late February or early March. Welch says we will not be out of the woods until early April.

____________________________________

The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance has notified colleges and universities that due to uncertainty over potential budget cuts they are holding off on making any TOPS payments. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it would be a huge disaster for Louisiana if it’s unable to pay a TOPS recipients full tuition for this semester…

Cut 14 (08) “being taken away”

A spokesperson for the office of student financial assistance says the suspension of TOPS payments to public colleges is just a precautionary measure. Pinsonat says the state’s taxpayer funded scholarship program is very popular and this development will have TOPS recipients alarmed…

Cut 15 (10) “almost outrageous.” 

Pinsonat says he can’t see how the state doesn’t fufill it’s promise that they would pay a student’s full tuition if they reached certain academic achievements…

Cut 16  (08)  “more explanation“