Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

11.17.15
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 November 17

If LSU wants to break out of its two game-losing streak, the offensive line will need to play better. That group was dominated by Alabama’s front seven and last week against Arkansas, Quarterback Brandon Harris was sacked five times and LSU rushed for only 59 yards. Coach Les Miles was asked if his o-line was in a slump after performing well in the first seven games of the season…
cut 19 (21) “…more productive”
This Saturday LSU will have to contend with one of the best defensive lineman in the country, Robert Nkemdiche. There’s also sophomore defensive end Marquis Haynes, who has 8.5 sacks on the year.

The Saints have made the move everyone was expecting them to make and that’s the dismissal of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. Dennis Allen, who was a special assistant on the Saints staff, takes over as defensive coordinator. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Allen has a tough job trying to improve his defense…
cut 30 (05) “…have it”
Allen will get his chance calling the defensive plays when New Orleans visits Houston on November 29th. The Texans handed Cincinnati its first loss of the season last night.

The Pelicans have won win on the year and they’ll look to make it two as they host Denver. New Orleans ranks last in the NBA in points allowed, averaging 114 a game.

In college basketball…McNeese State’s home opener is tonight against Louisiana College. Northwestern State star Jalan West will miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL. And former LSU coach, John Brady, says this will be his last season at Arkansas State as he’s retiring at the end of the year.

11.17.15
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LRN PM Newscall November 17

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Louisiana ranked number two nationally for worker safety in 2014. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Natchitoches Mayor Lee Posey has banned the Confederate flag from the city’s annual Christmas Parade. Many residents have differing opinions on this decision. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Louisiana ranked number two nationally for worker safety in 2014. The survey showed Louisiana improved to 2 incidents per 100 full time workers. The national average is 3.2. Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive Director Curt Eyesink says credit for this has to go to business and industry in the state, as well as their workforce…

CUT 3 (09)  “number of years”

Louisiana’s rate of work related injuries and illnesses has improved to its best level in 13 years. Worker’s comp rates have dropped 17-percent since 2008. Eyesink says the business community’s commitment to safety is leading to lower worker’s comp costs…

CUT 4 (09)  “to the employees”

Eyesink says these results show that workplace safety has become a top priority for Louisiana companies and their employees…

CUT 5 (08)  “that seriously”

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Natchitoches Mayor Lee Posey has banned the Confederate battle flag from their annual Christmas Parade. The Sons of Confederate Veterans have had a float in the parade for more than 20 years, but decided not to partake this year because of the ban. Northwestern State University Professor Holly Stave says she understands some people want to honor their families, but agrees with Mayor Posey’s decision.

CUT 6 (09) “a symbol”

Posey told The Sons of Confederate Veterans they could fly any other Confederate flag except the battle flag. Stave says she doesn’t believe this will affect attendance to the parade because people go to see the lights and eat the great food. She says there are other ways to honor our Southern heritage.

CUT 7 (10)  “were made”

Dakota Scoggins, owner of a Natchitoches clothing shop called Old River Clothier, says he’s defending his family by selling t-shirts displaying the Confederate battle flag. He says he is worried that the mayor’s decision will lead to less people attending the parade and hurt their economy later down the line.

CUT 8 (09)  “hurts us”

Scoggins says Mayor Posey did not go through the correct processes to keep something out of the parade. He believes this decision is hypocritical because Melrose Plantation brings in thousands of tourists each year.

CUT 9 (08)  “like that”

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The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says, despite increased seat belt usage, the number of fatal crashes in Louisiana increased from 2013 to 2014. According to finalized data, there were 664 fatal crashes on Louisiana roadways killing 739 people last year. Spokesperson Jessica Bedwell says there was a 2-percent increase in fatal crashes in 2014…

cut 10 (08)  “over the years”

The number of crashes and fatalities are down about 26-percent since 2007. Bedwell says most of these fatal crashes happen at night and often involve younger drivers…

Cut 11 (08)  “distracted driving”

The fatality rate of 18 to 20-year-olds increased in 2014 and the alcohol related crash rate of 18 to 24-year-olds increased for the first time in five years. Bedwell says the results of this report show that more needs to be done to keep impaired drivers off the road…

cut 12 (04)  “alcohol impaired”

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The debate on whether or not to accept Syrian refugees has become an issue in Louisiana’s gubernatorial race. In a new TV commercial, Republican David Vitter claims Democrat John Bel Edwards has pledged to work with President Obama to bring Syrian refugees to Louisiana. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says this is an issue that matters if you think it matters…

cut 13 (10)  “to be important”

Edwards has fired back at Vitter claiming the senator missed key votes regarding the Syrian refugee issue. Recent polls show Edwards enjoying a double-digit lead over Vitter in the race. Cross says Vitter is looking for an issue that will sway undecided voters in his favor…

cut 14 (09) “something else” 

He says Edwards seems to be pushing back effectively against Vitter’s claims on the issue. On the other hand, Cross says Vitter appears to be chipping away at Edward’s lead. He says, right now, this is a race to election day…

cut 15 (10)  “It’s unclear”

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11.17.15
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11:40 LRN Sportscast November 17th

The Saints are moving on with Dennis Allen as their new defensive coordinator. Coach Sean Payton announced on his radio show last night that Rob Ryan had been fired, one day after an embarassing 47-14 loss to the Washington Redskins. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the decision to let Ryan go was a good one, but Allen will have a hard time trying to make this defense better, because of the personnel on the roster…
cut 30 (10) “…of the football’
We won’t hear much from the Saints this week as they don’t have a game scheduled this Sunday.

ULM athletic director Brian Wickstorm says he’ll meet with school president Nick Bruno over the the next couple of days to finalize a plan on how they’ll conduct their search for a new football coach. The Warhawks are looking for a new leader for their football program after firing Todd Berry on Saturday.

Freshman Ben Simmons had 22 points last night as the 23rd ranked LSU men’s basketball team defeated Kennesaw State 91-69. Also last night…Southern upset Mississippi State 74-72, Miami trounced UL Lafayette 93-77 despite 21 points from Shawn Long and LSU-Alexandria was a winner over Northwestern State 99-97. And former LSU coach John Brady has announced he’ll retire at the end of the year at Arkansas State.

The frustration level is high among the LSU fan base as the Tigers are mired in a rare two-game losing streak. Coach Les Miles says he’s working hard trying to fix the issues that have led to losses against Alabama and Arkansas…
cut 18 (15) “….step up”
LSU is at Ole Miss this Saturday.

11.16.15
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LRN sportscast 16:45 November 16

Rob Ryan is still the Saints defensive coordinator. Alex Marvez with Fox Sports reported earlier today the team was letting Ryan go after a dismal defensive performance in a 47-14 loss to Washington. But Head Coach Sean Payton met with the media today and said Ryan is still on the team’s staff, but hinted some changes are on the horizon…
cut 4 (10) “…us collectively”
The Saints are entering the bye week with a four and six record. Quarterback Drew Brees said after yesterday’s loss that he hopes the week off will help his team…
cut 20 (13) “…no other choice”
The Saints next game is November 29th against Houston, who plays the Bengals tonight on Monday night football.

The 17th ranked LSU football team is on a two-game losing streak after losing to Arkansas 31-14 on Saturday. It was an up and down performance for quarterback Brandon Harris, who threw for 271 yards and one touchdown. But he also fumbled once and tossed an interception. Coach Les Miles says he still has faith in Harris…
cut 17 (17) “…and brillant”
LSU is at 25th ranked Ole Miss on Saturday. Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly leads the SEC with 32-hundred passing yards and 23 touchdowns.

In college basketball tonight…LSU hosts Kennesaw State. Freshman Antonio Blakeney had 22 points and Ben Simmons had a double-double in the Tigers first win of the year against McNeese on Friday. U-L Lafayette is at Miami, while Southeastern Louisiana is at Texas A-and-M to face their former coach Billy Kennedy.

11.16.15
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LRN Sportscast 11:40 November 16

There was a report that the Saints fired defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, after the defense allowed 514 total yards in 47-14 loss to Washington. But when Coach Sean Payton met with the media this morning, he said Ryan remains on the coaching staff. Here’s what Coach Sean Payton said after the game about the team’s defense….
cut 19 (13) “…underneath coverage”
NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the time has come for Ryan to go…
cut 30 (07) “…downhill since”

ULM has also made a coaching move as Todd Berry was relieved of his coaching duties. The Warhawks are 1-and-9 on the year and defensive line coach John Mumford will take over as the interim head coach. Berry has been the head coach since 2010 and led the Warhawks to an appearance in the Independence Bowl in 2012.

LSU Coach Les Miles takes the blame for the Tigers 31-14 loss to Arkansas on Saturday night…
cut 15 (06) “…it’s me”
Running back Leonard Fournette was held to less than 100 yards for a second consecutive game as his Heisman chances are slipping away. Just like many LSU fans, Fournette was dejected after the game, but said they can’t give up on the season…
cut 16 (09) “….whatever happens”
LSU is at Ole Miss this Saturday for a 2:30 kickoff.

In the NBA…the Pelicans are now 1-and-9 after losing to the New York Knicks 95-87. New Orleans has the worst record in the Western Conference.

In college basketball….LSU hosts Kennesaw State at 8 PM, while UL Lafayette travels to Miami to play the Hurricanes at 6 PM. Both the Tigers and Cajuns won their season openers on Friday night.

11.15.15
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LRN AM Newscall November 16

Republican David Vitter and Democrat John Bell Edwards will meet in another televised debate this evening. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Eric Gill”

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The governor’s race hits the homestretch as Democrat John Bel Edwards and Republican David Vitter make their final pitch before the November 21st election. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 After over 8 million turkeys died from the bird flu this year, does that mean we’ll see a shortage of turkeys for the holiday season? Emelie Gunn has more…..

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Republican David Vitter and Democrat John Bel Edwards will meet in another televised debate this evening. The debate will begin at 6PM and is being hosted by Nexstar Television stations. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat feels the dynamics of this debate are interesting…

cut 4  (08)  “months back”

He says Vitter needs to show a kinder, gentler side of himself while still criticizing Edwards of being liberal and pro-Obama. Pinsonat says Vitter really needs to fire up his supporters to cast their ballot Saturday…

Cut 5  (10)  “to Louisiana”

He says you can expect Edwards to continue to attack Vitter’s character as it has been working well for his campaign to date. Pinsonat says Edwards will probably play it safe tonight…

Cut 6 (07)  “to win”

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It’s the final week of the gubernatorial campaign as Democrat John Bel Edwards and Republican David Vitter will make their case on why they should be the state’s next governor. Edwards says his campaign is not about political parties, but putting Louisiana first…

CUT 7 (05)  “a like”

Vitter says a vote for Edwards will take Louisiana down the wrong path

Cut 8  (09)  “Pro Obama liberal”

Edwards says if Vitter is elected, he’ll divide the state, keeping Louisiana from making great strides…

Cut 9 (05) “restore opportunity”

Recent polls have shown Vitter trailing by double-digits, but his internal polling shows the race to be much tighter…

Cut 10 (12) “as a liberal”

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Due to this year’s outbreak of avian influenza, will there be enough turkeys for Thanksgiving? Professor and Poultry Extension Specialist with the LSU Ag Center Theresia Lavergne says the last confirmed case of this flu was in June and it affected almost four percent of turkeys in the country. She says but you’ll still be able to find a turkey.

cut 11 (10) “in price”

 Lavergne says it’s all based on the laws of supply and demand on whether or not there will be a shortage or turkeys and if the price will increase. She says in a report by Poultry Times, we could see a 20 to 40 cent increase per pound for the bird, but….

Cut 12 (10) “to year”

Lavergne says a lot of turkeys are also kept in cold storage to have in the event of a shortage. She says typically people eat the smaller hens during their family’s feast, which weren’t as effected by the flu.

Cut 13 (09)  “at Thanksgiving”

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LSU is in jeopardy of having its once promising football season spiral out of control. The Tigers were manhandled for a second straight week on Saturday, this time by Arkansas, who beat LSU 31-14. It was a rough game for the offense line as LSU only rushed for 59 yards and allowed five sacks. Offensive tackle Vadal Alexander says they have to keep working…

Cut 14 (14) “don’t come easy”

Coach Les Miles says the team’s two-game losing streak is his fault…

Cut 15  (06)  “it’s me”

Running back Leonard Fournette was held to less than 100 yards for a second consecutive game as his Heisman chances are slipping away. Just like many LSU fans, Fournette was dejected after the game, but they can’t give up on the season…

Cut 16  (09)  “whatever happens”

Quarterback Brandon Harris threw for 271 yards and one touchdown. But he also fumbled once and he was intercepted. Miles says he still has faith in Harris…

Cut 17 (17) “and brillant”

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It was a brutal performance for the Saints on Sunday as they were routed by the Redskins 47-14. Coach Sean Payton says it will be hard to look at the tape and find anything that went well

Cut 18 (08) “….on box off“

The Saints defense set the tone for this one, as they allowed Washington to march 96 yards down the field on its first drive and score a touchdown. New Orleans allowed 514 yards of total offense. Payton on the defense’s poor performance…

Cut 19 (13) “underneath coverage”

It wasn’t a great day for Quarterback Drew Brees either. He threw for just 209 yards and two touchdowns, but was intercepted twice. The Saints are entering the bye week with a 4-6 record and Brees hopes the week off will help the team….

Cut 20 (13) “no other choice”

11.14.15
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LRN Newscast 10:30 November 14

Early voting ends today and Secretary of State Tom Schedler encourages everyone to go out and exercise your right to vote. Total voter turnout in October was 39-percent and Schedler says we could possibly have an anomaly where the general election receives a better turnout than the primary, because early voting has been brisk this week…
cut 25 (05) “in October”
Schedler says voters are more engaged now that the ballot is smaller, especially with the governor’s race down to just two candidates.

Some people may early vote and then head to Tiger Stadium to see ninth ranked LSU host Arkansas. The Tigers are looking to rebound after a tough loss to Alabama last week. Les Miles is 27-and-2 at LSU in games after a loss. But both losses were against the Razorbacks. Kick-off is at 6:15.

Also today…ULM hosts Arkansas State, who is undefeated in the Sun Belt, and Nicholls State will face Central Arkansas for a six o’ clock kickoff in Thibodaux.

The 2015 gubernatorial poll by UNO showed Democrat John Bel Edwards with a 22 point lead over Republican David Vitter. Pollster Ed Chervenak says nearly half of people who voted for the other two GOP candidates in the primary, said they would push the button for Edwards next Saturday…:
CUT 8 (11) “certainly shift”
The latest Hayride–Marble-Port poll shows Edwards with only a six-percentage point lead.

Ready for mudbugs? Crawfish are already starting to pop up in stores across some coastal parishes in Louisiana. Michelle Southern reports…:
voicer 4 (27) “I’m Michelle Southern”

11.14.15
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LRN Newscast 09:30 November 14

In the 2015 University of New Orleans Louisiana Gubernatorial Runoff survey, Governor Bobby Jindal came out with a 70 percent disapproval rating. Ed Chervenak, director of the UNO Survey Research Center believes the Governor and now Republican Presidential candidate is having a major impact on the upcoming runoff…:
CUT 7 (08) “would be in trouble”
Jindal has told reporters that if David Vitter is facing challenges in his race, those are due to other issues.

Today is the last day of early voting as polls will close at 6 PM. To find a polling location near you, go to geauxvote dot com. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says early voting totals are up compared to the early voting period for the primary…

cut 26 (06) “…early voting cycle”
Election day is next Saturday.

Many people in Louisiana have heavy hearts today for the people in France who were victims of an attack by the Islamic group ISIS. French authorities say 127 people were killed in multiple shootings. House Majority Whip and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise said today America stands in solidarity with our ally France. Terror will not prevail.

Lawyers for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson and his former heirs have agreed to mediation over Benson’s lawsuit to remove them as future owners of the teams. Benson’s lawsuit seeks to take back stock in the team from his heirs and force them out as non-voting owners of the teams. Legal analyst Tim Meche says it’s normal for a judge to order mediation in a case like this…:
CUT 4 (11) “as his heirs”
He says, at the end of the day, both parties will have to sit down together and come to some understanding.

11.14.15
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LRN Newscast 08:30 November 14

Republican gubernatorial candidate David Vitter’s latest campaign commercial features “Duck Dynasty” star Willie Robertson backing the senator in the governor’s election. Eric Gill reports…
voicer 2 (26) “…I’m Eric Gill”

Cook Political Report publisher Charlie Cook predicts races all around the country and he has Democrat John Bel Edwards as a slight favorite to beat Republican David Vitter on November 21st. Cooks says polls show Vitter losing the race as he’s unpopular with women voters because of his past prostitution scandal.

Lawyers for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson and his estranged heirs have agreed to mediation over Benson’s lawsuit to remove them as future owners of the teams. Legal analyst Tim Meche believes this is a sign that Judge Jane Triche Milazzo indicated to Benson’s lawyers they would not win the case if it went to trial…:
CUT 3 (10) “with them”
Benson’s lawsuit seeks to take back stock in the team from his heirs and force them out as non-voting owners of the teams.

After a tough loss last week to Alabama, ninth ranked LSU returns to the football field tonight to Arkansas. LSU is 27-and-2 under Coach Les Miles in games following a loss. But last year, The Tigers lost to Arkansas a week after falling to Alabama. Kickoff tonight is at 6:15.

11.14.15
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LRN Sportscast 07:30 November 14

The first round of the high school playoffs got underway last night and there was a big upset in Monroe as Live Oak, the 25th seed in Class Five-A, defeated 8th seeded Ouachita Parish 33-28. In Four-A…25th seeded Loranger beat Lakeshore 43 to 30. In 3-A…25th seeded Winnfield edged out eighth seeded South Beauregard 35 to 34. 21st seeded Iowa over 12th seeded Erath 54 to 48 and 19th seeded Bogalusa beat 14th seeded Union Parish 34-29.

In college football tonight…ninth ranked LSU will host Arkansas. Where will the Tigers be emotionally after losing to Alabama 30 to 16 last week. The Razorbacks come into Tiger Stadium riding a three-game winning streak as they are getting good play from quarterback Brandon Allen.

In Monroe…ULM will look to end a seven-game losing streak by playing the best team in the Sun Belt, Arkansas State. Kickoff is at 2 PM.

In the Southland Conference today…Northwestern State looks for its fourth win of the season overall and in conference when travel to Hunstville to take on Sam Houston state. Nicholls State hosts Central Arkansas. The Colonels are coming off a 30-28 win at Lamar. And Southeastern Louisiana will look to get past a 16-2 loss to Incarnat e Word when they visit Abilent Christian tonight. In the SWAC….Grambling can clinch a spot in the league title game with a win at Arkansas Pine Bluff. While Southern takes on Alabama A-and-M in the final game of the year at Mumford Stadium.

The college basketball season got underway last night and LSU beat McNeese State 81-70. Ben Simmons had 11 points and 13 rebounds, and fellow freshmen Antonio Blakeney had 22 points, while Brandon Sampson chipped in with 18 points.

Elsewhere…ULM thumped McMurry 88 to 43 for the largest win to begin a season in school history…Ole Miss dribbled past Northwestern State 90 to 76, Louisiana Tech trounced Millsaps. And the Cajuns won easily over Louisiana college.

And in the NBA…Toronto over the Pelicans 100 to 81.