Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

04.25.15
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09:30 LRN Newscast April 25

The Department of Health and Hospitals is reminding residents about the importance of taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family from West Nile. In 2014, Louisiana reported 61 cases of West Nile. State Epidemiologist Raoult Ratard says, when it comes to mosquitoes, this mantra will help reduce your risk for infection…
cut 15 (05) “not on my skin”
Due to the heavy rains we’ve received in April, it’s believed this will be a big mosquito season.

Speaking of rain, it’s in the forecast again today. Southwest Louisiana is under a severe thunderstorm watch until One P-M. The watch area covers, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jeff Davis parishes.

It was another dramatic win for the LSU baseball team last night. The Tigers rallied from a three-run deficit to beat Texas A-and-M nine to six. LSU goes for the sweep today at 1 PM.

The LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man in connection with a double homicide. 37-year-old Randy Eugene Waits is behind bars today for the deaths of 19-year-old Kylie Duncan and 76-year-old Irma Cotton. Sheriff Scott Franklin says there appears to be a connection between the suspect and one of the victims…:
CUT 4 (11) “as a witness”
Waits is charged with two counts of first degree murder.

Ochnser Health System says they are the first in the nation to use the new Apple Watch for its patients. Dr. Richard Milani says with the Apple Watch, patients can receive medication reminders, feedback from clinics, activity tracking, and exercise reminders…:
CUT 11 (08) “to the patient”‘

04.25.15
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08:30 LRN Newscast April 25

State Treasurer John Kennedy says national investors have pulled out of a multi-million dollar bond deal for LSU over concerns of a massive budget cut to higher education….
cut 19 (09) “…blame em”
Proceeds from the bond sale would have funded various construction projects on campus.

New Orleans based Ochsner Health System announces they are the first hospital in the country to use the new Apple Watch to manage patients suffering from chronic diseases. Ochsner uses the watch to track patients who are having trouble controlling their blood pressure…
CUT 9 (10) “that for us”
Dr. Richard Milani says with the Apple Watch, patients can receive medication and exercise reminders and their activity can be tracked.

A small community in LaSalle Parish was rocked this week over a double murder that led to one man’s arrest. 19-year-old Kylie Duncan and 76-year-old Irma Cotton were found dead Wednesday and 37-year-old Randy Waits is charged in their deaths. LaSalle Parish Sheriff Scott Franklin wants to assure people that this is not a mass murder situation…:
CUT 5 (10) “he thought”
Cotton was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head. Duncan was also shot in the head and her throat was cut.

Former Olympic champion Bruce Jenner went on national TV last night to tell the world that for all intents and purposes, he is a woman. Matthew Patterson of Equality Louisiana says the 65-year-old Jenner is being amazingly courageous….
cut 6 (11) “….people in your life”
Jenner did the two-hour interview so that he could help others struggling with gender identity issues.

04.25.15
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07:30 LRN Sportscast April 25

A big seventh inning propelled the LSU Tigers to a second straight win over Texas A-and-M last night. The Bayou Bengals scored four runs in that inning to help them beat the Aggies nine to six. The big hit was this two run double by shortstop Alex Bregman. Jim Hawthorne of the LSU Sports Radio Network has the call….
cut 20 (13) “…Holy Cow”
The Tigers will go for the three-game sweep of A-and-M at one o’ clock this afternoon.

In the Sun Belt…U-L Lafayette blanked Texas-Arlington five to nothing yesterday. Kyle Clement had three RBIs, including a two run homer in the third. Gunner Leger and Will Bacon combined on a seven hit shutout. And Georgia Southern doubled up ULM four to two.

Louisiana Tech and FIU were rained out last night.

Southeastern Louisiana is still in first place in the Southland after sweeping a doubleheader from Houston Baptist yesterday. The Lions won game one three to two, and the nightcap six to one at Husky Field. S-L-U has won seven straight conference games and they are 16-and-4 in the league.

Northwestern State is trying to keep up with the Lions. The Demons defeated Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi four to three yesterday to improve to 15-and-6 in the league. Adam Oller tossed his fourth complete game and CJ Webster drove in the winning run with a sacrifice fly in the ninth inning.

McNeese State thumped Nicholls State nine to one. Kaleb Fontenot threw eight innings for his sixth win of the season.

Because of the threat of severe storms, they could not complete the second round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans yesterday. As it stands now, former Georgia Bulldog Hudson Swafford is the leader at 11-under par.

And tonight’s game four of the playoff series between Golden State and the Pelicans. New Orleans will look to avoid elimination. Tip-off is at seven P-M.

04.24.15
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17:30 LRN Newscast April 24

New Orleans based Ochsner Health System announces they are the first in the nation to use the new Apple Watch to manage patients suffering from chronic diseases. Dr. Richard Milani says Ochsner uses the device to track patients blood pressure and provides medication reminders …:
CUT 10 (07) “at that time”
Milani says since the watch is on your wrist it provides individuals with nudges and feedback in a timely fashion.

Bruce Jenner, the 1976 Olympic Gold medalist and reality TV star, is expected to discuss his reported gender transition to a woman tonight. ABC airs an exclusive two-hour special with Diane Sawyer. Matthew Patterson of Equality Louisiana hopes Jenner’s celebrity status can help put an end to the discrimination against transgender people…:
CUT 7 (12) “other people”

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne, who is running for governor, announces he’s raised three million dollars so far and has one-point-eight million dollars on hand. Earlier this week, another gubernatorial candidate, David Vitter, said he had four-point-two million in his campaign warchest.

Be on the alert for severe weather tonight. Northwest Louisiana is under a tornado watch until 10 PM tonight. And a tornado watch is posted in south Louisiana until 8 PM.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says there were fewer fatal motorcycle crashes in 2014. Eighty motorcycle riders were killed last year, a seven percent drop from 2013. The commission’s deputy director, Ken Trull, says they hope to reduce the number even more in 2015 but they need help from all motorists…:
CUT 12 (09) “aware of em”
Trull says unfortunately one-third of all motorcycle fatalities in 2014 involved alcohol.

04.24.15
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16:45 LRN Sportscast April 24

The LSU baseball team tries to follow up last night’s thrilling victory with another win tonight against Texas A-and-M. The Bayou Bengals got a base hit from reserve infielder Danny Zardon to drive home the winning run in the bottom of the ninth as the Tigers won four to three. Alex Lange pitches for LSU, he’s 7-0 with a 1.40 ERA, while Ryan Hendrix is 3-0, also with a 1.40 ERA. First pitch is at seven o’ clock.

In other action around the state this weekend…U-L Lafayette hosts U-T Arlington for three games. The Ragin Cajuns are in fourth place in the Sun Belt with a 10-7 league record. The Mavericks are 8-and-10.

In the Southland…Nicholls State is at McNeese State. The Cowboys are 12-and-9 in the league, while the Colonels are 10-and-8. Nicholls has won four in a row, while McNeese will look to snap a four-game losing streak.

How will the Pelicans rebound after a demoralizing loss last night in Game 3 of their series with Golden State. The Warriors down by 20 to start the fourth quarter, closed out the period on a 20-to-5 run and went on to win in overtime, 123-119. New Orleans is now down three games to none and they’ll need to win tomorrow night to keep their season alive.

At the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, Hudson Swafford is your second round clubhouse leader after shooting a 66 today and he’s 11-under for the tournament. Former LSU golfer John Peterson is through 36 holes and at six under par and Shreveport golfer David Toms is at five-under.

In college basketball news, UL-Lafayette head coach Bob Marlin announces that Shawn Long will return for his senior season. Long is a two-time All-Sun Belt Conference selection who averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds a game last season. With Long returning, all five starters from last season will be back for the 2015-16 season.

04.24.15
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16:30 LRN Newscast April 24

State Treasurer John Kennedy says the state’s higher education funding crisis has led to national investors pulling out of a 114-million dollar bond deal that would have been used to fund construction projects on LSU’s campus. Kennedy says this is not a welcome development…
cut 20 (11) “…raising tuition”
Kennedy is concerned other universities in Louisiana will have state bond issues as well.

The LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office has charged 37-year-old Randy Eugene Waits in the double murder of 19-year-old Kylie Duncan and 76-year-old Irma Cotton. Sheriff Scott Franklin says the brutal murder scene happened in Urania…:
CUT 3 (09) “her home”
He says the teen was shot and her throat slit and the older woman was shot in the head. Waits is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and more charges are possible.

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne announces he’s raised nearly three million dollars in his pursuit to become the state’s next governor and has one-point-eight million dollars in campaign cash on hand. Senator David Vitter reported earlier this week he has four-point-two million in his campaign warchest.

Bruce Jenner, the 1976 Olympic Gold medalist and reality TV star, will reportedly confirm to the world tonight that he is transgender. Michelle Southern reports…
cut 2 (30) “…reporting”

04.24.15
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LRN PM Newscall April 24

The LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man in connection with a double homicide. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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Bruce Jenner, the 1976 Olympic Gold medalist and reality TV star, will reportedly confirm to the world tonight that he is transgender. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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The LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man in connection with a double homicide. 37-year-old Randy Eugene Waits has been arrested for the deaths of 19-year-old Kylie Duncan and 76-year-old Irma Cotton. Sheriff Scott Franklin says the incident took place Wednesday morning…

CUT 3 (09)  “her home”

Cotton was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head. Duncan was also shot in the head and her throat was cut. Franklin says there appears to be a connection between the suspect and one of the victims…

CUT 4 (11)  “as a witness”

He says Cotton was an innocent bystander and not the intended target. Waits was booked into the LaSalle Parish Jail on two counts of first degree murder. Franklin wants to assure people that this is not a serial killer or mass murder situation…

CUT 5 (10)  “he thought”

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Bruce Jenner, the 1976 Olympic Gold medalist, is going to reportedly confirm to the world tonight that he is transgender. ABC will air an exclusive two-hour special with Diane Sawyer at 8pm. Matthew Patterson of Equality Louisiana says the 65-year-old Jenner is being amazingly courageous…:

CUT 6 (11)  “people in your life”

So far, the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star has been publicly silent about his reported transition despite swirls of media frenzy. Patterson says after the interview airs, he hopes Jenner can live his life the way he wants to. He says discrimination against transgender people is unfortunately quite pervasive and severe…:

CUT 7 (12) “other people”

There are also rumors circulating which indicate there will be a reality show to document Jenner’s journey. Patterson says he hopes this story will be educational and spur more acceptance among the public. He also hopes Jenner’s very public story will be an inspiration for other transgender people…:

CUT 8 (07)  “of trans people”

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Ochsner Health System in New Orleans announces they are the first hospital in the country to use the new Apple Watch to manage patients suffering from chronic diseases. The Ochsner Hypertension Digital Medicine Program uses the watch to track patients who are struggling to control their blood pressure. Chief Clinical Transformation Officer, Dr. Richard Milani…

CUT 9 (10)  “that for us”

With the Apple Watch, patients can receive medication reminders, feedback from clinicians, activity tracking, and exercise reminders. Milani says about 40-percent of patients with chronic disease want a medication reminder…

cut 10 (07) “at that time”

Milani says the fact that the watch is on your wrist, it will provide individuals with nudges and feedback in a timely fashion. He says the first seven weeks of the program have been very successful. Milani says over 40-percent of patients have their hypertension under control, compared to a usual care group of only one-percent…

cut 11 (08)  “to the patient”

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The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reports that there was a slight decline in the number of fatal motorcycle crashes in 2014. Eighty motorcycle riders were killed last year, a seven percent drop from 2013. The commission’s deputy director, Ken Trull, says they hope to reduce that number even more in 2015, but they need help from all motorists….

cut 12 (09)  “aware of em”

Trull says helmets are helping to reduce motorcycle deaths. He says an observational study in 2014 found that 100-percent of motorcyclists wore a helmet…

cut 13 (08)  “turn signals”

Trull says a factor in motorcycle fatalities is impaired driving as one-third of Louisiana’s 2014 motorcycle deaths involved alcohol. He says motorcyclists should never ride impaired or distracted and try to make yourself more visible

cut 14 (07) “and cars”

04.24.15
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11:40 LRN Sportscast April 24

Louisiana sports produced some highs and lows last night. The high was the LSU baseball team’s dramatic four to three win over Texas A-and-M. Danny Zardon delivered the game-winning hit in the bottom of the ninth as Jared Foster scored on Zardon’s hit down the left field line. Game two of the series is tonight at seven P-M. Alex Lange will start on the mound for the Tigers.

But the low was in New Orleans, the Pelicans who had a 20-point lead heading into the fourth quarter ended up losing 123-119 in overtime. The Warriors Stephen Curry hit what appeared to be an impossible three point try from the corner with two seconds left to send the game into O-T. The bucket also completed a 20-5 run by Golden State to close out the fourth quarter. Curry finished with seven 3-pointers and a game-high 40 points. Game four is Saturday as the Pelcians will look to extend the series.

At the Zurich Classic of New Orleans….Brendon de Jonge and Greg Owen are tied at 10-under par. Boo Weekly who shot a 64 yesterday and is at eight-under, will complete his round later today. Former LSU golfer John Peterson is four-under as he plays the back nine of the second round.

In college basketball news, UL-Lafayette head coach Bob Marlin announces that Shawn Long will not enter this year’s NBA Draft and return for his senior season with the Ragin’ Cajuns. Long is a two-time All-Sun Belt Conference selection who averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds a game last season. With Long returning, all five starters from last season will be back for the 2015-16 season.

04.23.15
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16:45 Sportscast April 23, 2015

The two top teams in college baseball are set to play each other tonight at Alex Box Stadium as the number one ranked LSU Tigers host second ranked Texas A-and-M. The Aggies have the lowest team ERA in the SEC and they’ve hit the most home runs in the league. Coach Paul Mainieri says A&M also has several veteran players…
cut 19 (14) “…very good team’
First pitch tonight is at 6:30 and tonight’s game can be seen on ESPN 2.

The Smoothie King Center will be rocking tonight as the Pelicans host Golden State for game three of their best of seven playoff series. The Warriors won the first two games, but New Orleans will have the home court advantage this time around. Tip-off is at 8:30 and you can watch on TNT. It’s the first playoff game in New Orleans since 2011.

At the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, Boo Weekley is your clubhouse leader as first round play continues at the TPC Louisiana in suburban New Orleans. Weekley shot an eight-under par 64 and leads Canadian David Hearn, who shot a 65.

LSU basketball has received a signed national letter of intent from six-foot-four shooting guard Antonio Blakeney. The five-star guard from Orlando is ranked as the nation’s 14th best prospect according to ESPN.

Louisiana Tech football has announced the south end zone club seats are sold out for the upcoming season. The club level has 302 seats and it features all-inclusive dining, cushioned chairs and a five-thousand square foot lounge space.

And Major League Baseball legend Hank Aaron will receive an honorary degree at Grambling State University’s spring commencement on May 8th. Aaron is being rewarded by Grambling for his contributions to professional baseball and substantial charitable efforts. Aaron hit 715 home runs during his Hall of Fame career.

04.23.15
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PM LRN Newscall April 23rd

Strong storms moved through northeast Louisiana on Wednesday causing widespread damage throughout the region. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

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In an op-ed piece found in today’s New York Times, Governor Jindal says he’s not backing down from supporting a controversial religious liberty bill. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (28) “reporting”

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Many areas in northeast Louisiana are in recovery mode today after strong storms moved through the region Wednesday. Authorities say homes and businesses were damaged by heavy winds and at least three people were injured. Executive Director of Ouachita Parish Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Neal Brown…:

CUT 3 (11)  “not livable”

Brown says the storm produced straight line winds and hail and got worse as it moved through the Sterlington area and into Union, Richland and Morehouse parishes…:

CUT 4 (12)  “alot of hail”

Entergy reported thousands of customers were without power most of the morning and into the afternoon. Brown says Sterlington Middle sustained roof damage and classes were cancelled for today but they hope to open back up tomorrow. He says there were no reports of funnel clouds but high winds downed power lines, trees and blocked roads…:

CUT 5 (12)  “Sterlington area”

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Governor Bobby Jindal has an op-ed piece in today’s New York Times that explains his support for the religious liberty bill that will be debated in the Louisiana legislature. Some companies are concerned about the legislation. But U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Jindal lets the world know their opinions won’t deter him…

CUT 6 (09)  “a gauntlet”

Jindal also says in the op-ed column that he continues to have the view a marriage is between one man and one woman. Cross says it appears the governor is once again trying to raise his profile in a crowded republican presidential field…

CUT 7 (09) “dramatic ways”

Cross says there are some in Louisiana that will applaud the governor’s stance against gay marriage and religious liberty, but others would rather see him devote more time to state specific issues…

CUT 8 (09)  “at home”

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The Youngsville Police Department says a male youth softball coach is facing charges for allegedly punching an opposing female softball coach and breaking her nose. Chief Rickey Boudreaux says it was a highly contested game between two teams with the Lafayette City-Parish Parks and Recreation. He says after it was over words were allegedly exchanged then three players jumped on an opposing player…:

CUT 9 (11)  “in three places”

Boudreaux says the suspect in this case is a complete low life and the sports organization indicates there is no place for violence in youth recreation sports. He says the players and the coach in this case let their emotions rise above common sense…:

cut 10 (08) “youth softball game”

Boudreaux says since the victim’s nose was broken in multiple places she will have to see a specialist to repair the injury..:

cut 11 (07)  “pretty good”

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At a gubernatorial candidate forum in Baton Rouge today, all four candidates were asked what should be done about the state’s current fiscal crisis. Legislators are currently working to resolve a $1.6 billion dollar budget deficit for next fiscal year. Republican Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says the state’s tax code is outdated and needs to be totally redone…

cut 12 (11)  “people of Louisiana”

The forum was put on by the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana. Republican Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says one short term fix for the budget crisis is for legislators to increase the cigarette tax…

cut 13 (10)  “find some money”

Democratic Amite state Representative John Bel Edwards says Louisiana should reduce or eliminate tax credits that aren’t producing a the desired benefit. Edwards says tax credits are tax expenditures…

cut 14 (10) “review these things”

Republican US Senator David Vitter appeared by recorded video as he is in Washington, DC for a Senate vote. He says, if elected, he would immediately call a special legislative session focused on spending and tax reform and nothing would be off limits…

cut 15 (09) “on the table”