Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

10.26.15
by

17:30 LRN Newscast October 26

Despite finishing second in the primary, Republican US Senator David Vitter says he will be elected as the state’s next governor on November 21st. Vitter believes voters will choose him over Democrat John Bel Edwards, because Edwards does not represent the values Louisiana is seeking…:
CUT 12 (10) “Obama liberal”
But Edwards says a vote for Vitter will continue to send Louisiana down the wrong path…:
CUT 13 (11) “people first”
Vitter got 23% of the vote in the primary and Edwards had 40%.

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning is lifting the statewide burn ban. Much of the state saw several inches of rain over the weekend. In Tangipahoa Parish, about 50 people had to be rescued from a trailer park because of flooding.

The Governor’s race is not the only statewide race heading to a runoff next month. Democrat Kip Holden narrowly came out on top in the Lt. Governor primary over Republican Billy Nungesser. But political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says signs point to Nungesser winning the runoff:
CUT 3 (10) “Lt. Governor”
In the Attorney General’s race, incumbent Buddy Caldwell is in a tight contest with fellow Republican Jeff Landry.

A Farmerville woman has been arrested in the kidnapping of an eight-year-old boy from Lincoln Parish. The child was found safe Sunday night in Ouachita Parish, while 23-year-old Sommer Hattaway was arrested this morning. Ruston Police deputy chief Clint Williams says the boy’s mother reported her son was in her vehicle asleep at a motel when a woman she was in the room with stole it…
cut 9 (09) “…issued”
Williams says at this point they don’t think the woman knew the child was in the car.

10.26.15
by

LRN Sportscast 16:45 Oct 26

The Saints are now another win away from getting back to the .500 mark as they have won two in a row, after beating Indianapolis 27-21 yesterday. Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 255 yards and one touchdown. Brees got some help from the running game. Mark Ingram rushed for 143 yards and a touchdown, Khiry Robinson ran the ball into the end zone twice and running back CJ Spiller caught six passes. Brees says it was a good day for that group….
cut 20 (20) “…plays out”
The Saints are back home this Sunday against the Giants. New York is 4-and-3 on the season and defeated the Cowboys 27-20 yesterday.

In the latest A-P Top 25 poll, LSU is ranked fourth and they received five first place votes. Ohio State is number one, Baylor is second and Clemson is ranked third. The Tigers next opponent, Alabama, is ranked seventh and they received one first place vote. The SEC announced today that the LSU-Alabama game will kickoff at 7 PM on November 7th. It will be televised by CBS.

The undefeated McNeese State Cowboys are ranked seventh in the FCS Coaches Top 25 poll. The Pokes are coming off a 47-27 win over Northwestern State. McNeese is at Abilene Christian this Saturday.

Louisiana Tech cornerback Bryson Abraham was named Conference USA defensive player of the week. Abraham returned an interception for a touchdown in the Bulldogs 45-16 win over Middle Tennessee. Tech is at Rice for a game that will be played on Friday.

And Judy MacLeod has been named the new commissioner of Conference USA. She becomes the first female commissioner of a FBS conference.

10.26.15
by

LRN PM Newscall October 26

In addition to the Governor’s race, the state’s next Lt. Governor and Attorney General will also be decided November 21st. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

Democrat John Bel Edwards and Republican David Vitter have begun to make the case on why they should be elected as the state’s next governor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Don Molino”

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

The Governor’s race is not the only statewide race heading to a runoff next month. The state’s next Lt. Governor and Attorney General will also be decided November 21st. Democrat Kip Holden narrowly came out on top in the Lt. Governor primary over Republican Billy Nungesser. But political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says signs point to Nungesser winning the runoff…

CUT 3 (10)  “Lt. Governor”

In the Attorney General’s race, incumbent Buddy Caldwell is in a tight race with fellow Republican Jeff Landry. Pinsonat says the dynamics of this race are more intriguing than the other runoffs and that will make it more difficult for Landry to claim the AG’s seat…

CUT 4 (07)  “Jeff Landry”

He says this could be the race to watch as it features two Republican candidates. Pinsonat expects Landry to identify Caldwell as the “Democrat” in this race in order to secure a majority of the Republican vote. Pinsonat says Landry has his work cut out for him to unseat the incumbent…

CUT 5 (08) “a Republican”

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

Heavy rains have inundated Louisiana over the past few days. State Climatologist says the southeast and north-central parts of the state were the hardest hit areas. Keim says a vast majority of Louisiana received 5 inches of rain or more…

CUT 6 (09) “10 inches”

He says the the wettest spot in the state was LSU in Baton Rouge with a recorded 10.5 inches of rain. But Keim says there is some good news that comes with these rains. Last week, 86-percent of Louisiana was considered in drought. Keim says he expects a 1 to 2 category improvement in drought conditions across the state following these rains…

CUT 7 (10)  “hole, up there”

The rain is expected to taper off today. But Keim says there’s more wet weather on the horizon and that could possibly knock out Louisiana’s drought…

CUT 8 (10)  “across the state”

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

The Ruston Police Department says the woman accused of kidnapping an 8-year-old boy has been arrested by the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say Dakota Johnson was located safe in the Swartz area. Ruston PD Deputy Chief Clint Williams says the boy’s mother reported her son was in their vehicle asleep at a motel when a woman she was in the room with stole it..:

CUT 9 (09)  “issued”

Williams says the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office got a call from someone in the Swartz area saying that the suspect, 23-year-old Sommer Hattaway, had left the boy at that residence. The child was located and returned to his family in Lincoln Parish. Williams says the search then began for Hattaway…:

cut 10 (09)  “our warrant”

Williams says Hattaway will be charged with theft of a motor vehicle and kidnapping. He says they don’t think the woman knew the child was in the car, but why she allegedly stole the vehicle from the hotel remains under investigation…:

Cut 11 (08)  “immediately before”

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

Despite finishing second in the October 24th primary, Senator David Vitter is confident he will be elected as the state’s next governor on November 21st. Vitter believes voters will choose him over John Bel Edwards, because Edwards does not represent the values that Louisiana is seeking

cut 12 (10)  “Obama liberal”

But Edwards says a vote for Vitter will continue to send Louisiana down the wrong path…

cut 13 (11)  “people first”

Vitter received criticism from oppponents for dodging debates prior to the primary. The Republican senator says he welcomes the opportunity for multiple debates before the November 21st runoff…

cut 14 (11) “Louisiana” 

Edwards says  he expects Vitter will use false advertising and lies to make his case to be the next governor. The state representative says the Washington style politics are not wanted in Baton Rouge….

cut 15 (08)  “things done”

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

10.26.15
by

LRN Sportscast 11:40 Oct 26

We’re all set up for what should be another great game between LSU and Alabama. The Tigers are undefeated and ranked fourth, while Alabama is 7-and-1 and ranked seventh. But first the two teams will enjoy a bye week and LSU Coach Les Miles says it comes at a good time for his team…
cut 15 (10) “….some fatigue”
Former Haughton high school football star, Dak Prescott, has been named SEC Offensive Player of the week. Prescott accounted for six touchdowns in Mississippi State’s win over Kentucky.

McNeese State is still undefeated on the season as the Cowboys defeated Northwestern State 47-27. Cowboys quarterback Daniel Sams had a big day as he scored five touchdowns and had 357 yards of total offense.

Grambling is still undefeated in the SWAC after beating Mississippi Valley State 49-14.

The Saints are on a bit of roll as they’ve won two in a row. New Orleans held on for a 27-21 win over Indianapolis on Sunday. Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 255 yards and one touchdown. But the biggest pass of the game was thrown by backup Luke McCown on a fake field goal. McCown’s 25-yard completion to Ben Watson set up New Orleans first touchdown of the game. Brees says it was awesome to see that trick play work…
cut 19 (15) “…make em”
Brees got some help from the running game. Mark Ingram rushed for 143 yards and a touchdown and Khiry Robinson ran the ball into the end zone twice.

So the Saints are now 3-4 and in third place in the NFC South. Carolina is still undefeated on the season after beating the Eagles 27-16 and Atlanta improved to 6-1 after a 10-7 win over Tennessee.

10.25.15
by

LRN Am Newscall October 26

The Louisiana National Guard Museum at Jackson Barracks will open a new exhibit in February to mark the 25th Anniversary of Operation Desert Storm. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The November 21st runoff has been decided. Democrat John Bel Edwards had 40% of the vote, and Republican David Vitter pulled it out with 23%. Michelle Southern reports..:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

A tight race is expected in the gubernatorial runoff between Democrat John Bel Edwards and Republican David Vitter. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The Louisiana National Guard Museum at Jackson Barracks will open a Desert Storm exhibit in February to mark the 25th anniversary and they’re seeking the help of current and former guardsmen. Museum Director Captain Heather Englehart says they’re searching for items to help tell the story of how the National Guard assisted in Operation Desert Storm.

cut 4  (10)  “their photographs”

Englehart says the museum is really struggling to find videos from that time period. She says if any guardsmen has a particularly interesting story, they’re willing to interview them on camera.

Cut 5  (09)  “perspective”

Any past or present National Guardsman can contact Beverly Boyko at (504) 278-8024 to donate artifacts. Englehart says anyone who participated in the operation is encouraged to come forward to share their experience.

Cut 6 (11)  “was like”

______________________________________

It’s Democrat John Bel Edwards and Republican David Vitter in the November 21st gubernatorial runoff. Edwards won the primary with 40-percent of the vote. He told his supporters he’ll run a honest campaign as he seeks to replace Bobby Jindal

CUT 7 (09)  “cheering”

On election night, Edwards was not afraid to criticize Vitter, including the incident that occurred on Friday that led to the arrest of a man who was working for the Vitter campaign. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand said the person was spying on his conversation at a coffeehouse. Edwards says that’s why the people of Louisiana should not elect Vitter

Cut 8  (13)  “governor’s office”

Vitter, who got 23% of the votes, said in his post-election speech that Edwards is a liberal who supports the president…:

Cut 9 (12) “for illegals” 

Vitter will likely continue to tie Edwards to President Obama over the next month. He told his supporters that Edwards will bring to the Governor’s mansion exactly what the president has brought to the White House…:

Cut 10 (11) “in Baton Rouge (booo)” 

______________________________________

Analysts are anticipating a close governor’s race as Democrat John Bel Edwards and Republican David Vitter will battle for votes leading up to the November 21st runoff. ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says at this moment, he gives a slight edge to Edwards, who received 40-percent of the vote in the primary

cut 11 (10) “Scott Angelle”

Stockley says Vitter will have to convince all of the republicans who didn’t vote for him in the runoff to vote for him in the runoff…

Cut 12 (06) “vote for him”

Vitter is expected to tie Edwards to President Barack Obama in this race, and Stockley says the state representative from Amite will have to show his politics are different from the Commander in Chief…

Cut 13 (12)  “conservative democrat”

_____________________________________________________

LSU enters the bye week with a perfect 7-0 record after beating Western Kentucky 48 to 20 in a mud-filled game at Tiger Stadium. It’s the eighth time the Tigers have started the season 7-0, but Coach Les Miles says there’s still room for improvement….

Cut 14 (12) “couple of weeks”

In a couple of weeks, the Tigers will visit Alabama, who is 7-and-1. Miles is glad the bye week has arrived…

Cut 15  (10)  “some fatigue”

___________________________________________________

The heavy rainfall that has impacted much of the state the last couple of days should come to an end today. Gavin Phillips, with the National Weather Service in Slidell, says the storm system that has dumped more than a half of rain in some areas is finally moving out

Cut 16  (09)  “24 hours”

Phillips says it’s rare to have this kind of prolonged rain event in Louisiana in October, but it’s much needed after several weeks without significant rain

Cut 17 (07) “rainfall” 

 _______________________________________________________

The Saints have a two-game winning streak after holding on to beat the Indianapolis Colts 27-21. It looked like New Orleans would have an easy win in Indy, but the Colts mounted a furious comeback to have a chance in the fourth quarter. Coach Sean Payton gives credits the Colts for coming back, but wishes it didn’t happen…

Cut 18 (19) “things we didn’t”

Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 255 yards and one touchdown. But the biggest pass of the game was thrown by backup Luke McCown on a fake field goal. McCown’s 25-yard completion to Ben Watson set up New Orleans first touchdown of the game. Brees says it was awesome to see that trick play work

Cut 19 (15) “make em”

Brees got some help from the running game. Mark Ingram rushed for 143 yards and a touchdown, Khiry Robinson ran the ball into the end zone twice and running back CJ Spiller caught six passes. Brees says it was a good day for that group…

Cut 20 (20) “plays out”

10.24.15
by

10:30 LRN Newscast Oct 24

It’s election day across Louisiana as polls will remain open until 8 PM. The governor’s race is the headliner on the ballot. Citizens will also be asked to vote on four constitutional amendments and there’s also local tax measures to consider.

The governor’s race is expected to go into a runoff. Republican US Senator David Vitter’s campaign has to deal with allegations of spying. That’s because a man connected to the Vitter campaign was arrested by Jefferson Parish Sheriff deputies yesterday. Sheriff Newell Normand reportedly accusses the man of trying to record a conversation he was having with associates at a coffeehouse in Metairie. Robert Frenzel was booked on criminal mischief. Vitter’s campaign has confirmed that Frenzel works for a firm they hired to do research, which is within the bounds of the law, but they said Frenzel’s work had nothing to do with Normand. Normand has endorsed Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne in the governor’s race.

Rain is falling across much of north Louisiana this morning and there’s more precipitation that will be coming in from Texas. It’s the first significant rainfall the state has seen in weeks. But state climatologist Barry Keim says there’s also a concern about flooding as the rain will stick around for a few days…
cut 4 (10) “…right now”
Central and Southwest Louisiana are under a flash flood watch until Monday morning.

Rain could impact the college football games that will be played in the state today. The undefeted LSU Tigers host Western Kentucky at six o’ clock tonight. McNeese State is also unbeaten on the season and the Cowboys will host Northwestern State tonight. Grambling is undefeated in the SWAC and they host Mississippi Valley State, while Louisiana Tech has a big Conference USA matchup with Middle Tennessee.

10.24.15
by

09:30 LRN Newscast October 24

It’s election day and the headliner on the ballot is Louisiana’s governor’s race. There are nine candidates who are seeking to replace Governor Bobby Jindal, who is term-limited. It’s expected the race will go to a runoff, which will take place on November 21st. Polls are open until 8 PM. To find out what’s on your ballot go to geaux-vote-dot-com.

There’s been an interesting development in the governor’s race. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s office arrested Robert Frenzel yesterday on misdemeanor charges after he allegedly conducted surveillance at a coffeeehouse on a group of people that included Sheriff Newell Normand. The sheriff, who supports Jay Dardenne in the governor’s race, says he believes Frenzel was snooping on him. The Vitter campaign admits Frenzel works for a firm they hired to do research, which is legal, and this has nothing to do with Normand.

Also on Friday, Senator Vitter was as a passenger in a vehicle that was involved in a minor accident. No serious injuries were reported.

Baton Rouge Police have made an arrest in the case involving a 15-year-old girl who was found bound and gagged in a drainage canal earlier this week. Authorities say 31-year-old Robert Jacobs turned himself and he’s been charged with first degree rape and sexual battery.

Get ready for a lot of rain over the next few days. State climatologist Barry Keim says we’ll be in an incredibly wet pattern until at least Tuesday…
cut 3 (10) “….of rain”
Southwest and central Louisiana are under a flash flood watch until Monday morning.

And rain could impact college football games around the state. Tonight 5th ranked LSU hosts Western Kentucky. Louisiana Tech faces Middle Tennessee this afternoon, McNeese State hosts Northwestern State and Grambling State is also home for homecoming.

10.24.15
by

LRN Newscast 08:30 October 24

Polls are open and they will remain open until 8 PM. The headliner on the ballot is the governor’s race. There are four main candidates on the ballot, Republican Scott Angelle, Republican Jay Dardenne, Democrat John Bel Edwards and Republican David Vitter.

A person connected to the Vitter campaign was arrested yesterday and accused of recording a conversation involving Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand. The incident happened at the Old Metairie coffee shop. The man arrested is Robert Frenzel, a private investigator from Texas. According to campaign finance reports, Vitter’s campaign has spent 130-thousand dollars this year on an investigative agency, where Frenzel works.

Normand, who supports Dardenne in the governor’s race, told a New Orleans television station, he believes Frenzel was spying on behalf of Vitter. A statement from Vitter’s campaign admits Frenzel works for a firm they hired to do research, which is legal, but this incident has nothing to do with the sheriff.

Amite police have arrested a mother and father after their four-year-old child allegedly brought a loaded pistol to school. Investigators believe the gun was in the parents’ vehicle and the child put it into his book sack during the ride to school. 36-year-old Kenji Steptow and 30-year-old Kenisha Steptow were charged with child desertion, which is a misdemeanor.

The Mississippi Cop who was refused access to a restaurant in Destin because he was wearing an LSU hat says he’s never going back, even though Harry T’s has issued an apology for “Unsportsmanlike conduct.” The fan is Don Bass with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office in Mississippi. He says following being told he was not welcome, he sent the owner an email…:
CUT 10 (11) “went from there”
Harry T’s is “very sorry” and is hosting an LSU party at the establishment today.

10.24.15
by

LRN Sportscast 7:30 Oct 24

Tonight 5th ranked LSU will face Western Kentucky for homecoming. It’s being reported the Tigers could be without two starters on defense. Junior defensive tackle Christian LaCouture has a foot injury and according to the Baton Rouge Advocate is not expected to play. Junior cornerback Tre’Davious White might also miss the game, because of a knee injury. LSU is going up against a team that loves to throw the football. Western Kentucky quarterback Brandon Doughty has thrown for 2,709 yards, which is second best in the nation.

Louisiana Tech is home to take on Middle Tennessee. The Bulldogs are in a three-way tie for first place in the West division of Conference USA, with a 2-and-1 record. Kickoff is at 2:30.

ULM looks to snap a four-game losing streak as they face Idaho. It’s the start of a three-game road trip for the Warhawks.

Tulane is also on the road today…as they battle Navy.

It’s homecoming for Grambling as they host Mississippi Valley. Grambling is undefeated in the SWAC, while the Delta Devils are winless in league play. Southern will take on Texas Southern. The Jags need to win to keep pace with Grambling.

In the Southland…McNeese State looks to stay undefeated as they host Northwestern State. Nicholls State tries to make it two wins in a row as they take on Sam Houston State and Southeastern Lousiaina visits Houston Baptist.

In high school football last night…Eunice clobbered Church Point 37-6, Evangel beat Airline 37-7, Ouachita Christian smashed Mangham 52-18, Riverside routed St. Charles Catholic 35-3, Teurlings Catholc topped its crosstown rivals, St. Thomas More 42-28.

In the NFL…the Saints will visit Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts tomorrow. The last time these two teams met, the Saints won 62 to 7 at home.

And the Pelicans wrapped up the preseason last night with a 93-90 win over Miami.

10.23.15
by

LRN Sportscast 16:45 October 23rd

There are some big high school football games on the schedule tonight. In Shreveport, two of the best teams in Class Five-A go at it as Airline visits Evangel. Over in Monroe, Ouachita Christisian hosts Mangham in a battle for the district lead. In Lafayette…it will be a crosstown battle as St. Thomas More visits Teurlings Catholic. Just down the road from that game….Church Point hosts Eunice and in the River Parishes….St. Charles Catholic hosts Riverside.

LSU is a 15.5 point favorite to beat Western Kentucky tomorrow night in Tiger Stadium. But Coach Les Miles has told his team not to expect an easy victory, because of what the Hilltoppers can do on offense….
cut 15 (14) “…nice match-up”
Kick-off tomorrow night is just after 6 PM.

UL Monroe and Louisiana Tech are listed as favorites in Las Vegas for their respective games. The Warhawks are at Idaho, while the Bulldogs host Middle Tennessee. ULM is favorite by one point and they are playing in Moscow for the first time since 2004. Tech is a touchdown favorite and is expected to have star running back Kenneth Dixon back for this game.

Grambling State is expected to win on Saturday. The Tigers are 5-0 in the SWAC, while Mississippi Valley state is winless in league play. Southern will travel to Texas Southern. The Jaguars need to win to keep pace with Grambling.

In Lake Charles…McNeese State will look to stay undefeated on the season as they host Northwestern State. The Demons won their first game of the year last week against Lamar.

And in the NBA….the Pelicans close out their preseason schedule with a home game against Miami tonight. New Orleans will tip it off for real on Tuesday against Golden State.