Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

11.12.14
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU has scored just 23 points in its last two games. So is it time for a change at quarterback? True freshman Brandon Harris hasn’t played much since he started against Auburn on October fourth. Tiger Rag Editor Robert Stewart says more playing time for Harris would not be a bad thing….
cut 20 (07) “…things up”
The weather in Fayetteville on Saturday night might not allow for much passing. There’s now a 70-percent chance for snow showers during the game.

One other LSU note…Tigers middle linebacker Kendell Beckwith says he has a tender hamstring, but expects to play against the Razorbacks.

The Saints return to the practice field today to get ready for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati has one of the worst defenses in the NFL as they rank 30th in the league in total yards given up per game and next to last in rush defense.

The big game in the Southland Conference this Saturday is between McNeese State and Southeastern Louisiana. Both teams are ranked and have injuries at the quarterback position. The Cowboys Daniel Sams has a thumb injury and is questionable for Saturday, while S-L-U’s Bryan Bennett has a foot injury. Lions Coach Ron Roberts is optimistic Bennett will play, but also knows injuries are part of the game…
cut 17 (16) “….some plays”
McNeese State linebacker Deontate Thompson is done for the season. The four-year starter has decided to stop playing after suffering a concussion.

In the NBA tonight…the Pelicans host Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers tonight. L-A dropped to 1-and-6 on the season with a 107-102 loss to Memphis last night.

And today LSU should receive a signed national letter of intent from six-foot-eight power forward Ben Simmons, who is one of the top recuits in the nation.

11.11.14
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17:30 LRN Newscast November 11

Freeze warnings are in effect for five parishes along the Arkansas border as a cold front continues to trek across the south through Louisiana. Eric Gill has more…
cut 2 (29) “….reporting”

Two adults and three children were killed in an overnight fire in New Orleans. The children were ages 6, 11 and 12. New Orleans Fire Chief Timothy McConnell says they have learned there were no working smoke alarms inside the home:
CUT 8 (09) “that enough”
The father of the children escaped but he lost his girlfriend and mother in the blaze.

Three people were killed last night in fiery wreck in Terrebonne Parish involving two vehicles. State Police troooper Evan Harrell says a 19-year-old driver was traveling at a high rate of speed, lost control of the vehicle and entered the southbound lanes of L-A 24…
cut 3 (08) “….and they struck”
Harrell says both adult occupants of the other vehicle were killed, as well as the 19-year-old driver.

Today is Veteran’s Day, a day to honor the men and women who have fought for our freedom….
voicer 5 (24) “….reporting”

11.11.14
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 November 11

LSU has issued an apology, because fans sitting in the student section can be heard chanting a cuss word in the direction of Alabama Coach Nick Saban last Saturday night. Coach Les Miles hopes that doesn’t happen again…
cut 10 (05) “…respecting that opponent.
Alleva says if it happens again, they’ll seek out the people responsible and make sure they are no longer welcomed at Tiger Stadium.

The Tigers are at Arkansas this Saturday, where the game time temperature could be below freezing. There’s also a 50-percent chance of a light wintry mix. Miles says the weather should not impact his players performance…
cut 19 (12) “….that will happen’
LSU sports information director Michael Bonnette says the coldest game temperature for an LSU game was 31-degrees. That was 1992 at Arkansas.

Saints cornerback Kennan Lewis hopes to play this Sunday against the Bengals, even though he was seen walking gingerly around the locker room yesterday with a left knee injury. In case Lewis can’t go, New Orleans has reportedly signed safety Jamarca Sanford, who was released by the Redskins two weeks ago. He also spent five seasons playing for Minnesota, starting 44 games.

The high school football playoffs kick-off this weekend. In Four-A, Neville is ranked number one by the sports writers, but they have the number two seed in the 4-A bracket. Plaquemine is the number one-seed and the Green Devils will begin their run through the playoffs by hosting McDonough 35. Neville has Riverdale. If Neville advances, they’ll face either Breaux Bridge or West Ouachita in Round 2.

The Pelicans are off tonight after losing last night in Cleveland 118-111. Tomorrow night, New Orleans hosts the 1-and-5 Lakers, who are at Memphis tonight.

11.11.14
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PM LRN Newscall November 11

State Police is investigating a fiery two vehicle crash that has claimed the lives of three people in Terrebonne Parish. Eric Gill has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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Freeze warnings are in effect for five parishes along the Arkansas border as a cold front moves through Louisiana. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

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State Police is investigating a fiery two vehicle crash that has claimed the lives of three people in Terrebonne Parish. Trooper Evan Harrell says 19-year-old Jordan Mayon of Houma was driving north on LA-24 at a high rate of speed when his truck failed to negotiate an S-curve and traveled off the left side of the roadway, entering the southbound lanes of the highway…

CUT 3 (08)  “and they struck”

Harrell says a truck, driven by 30-year-old Kendric Prince of Patterson, traveling south was unable to avoid Mayon’s truck and the two trucks collided. Harrell says, due to the nature of the impact, the two vehicles almost instantaneously caught fire…

CUT 4 (07)  “in this crash”

Mayon, Prince, and 54-year-old Shannon Tassin, a passenger in Prince’s truck, were pronounced dead at the scene. Harrell says impairment is unknown at this time and the investigation is ongoing…

CUT 5 (11)  “at this point”

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Five people dead, including three-children as a result of an overnight house fire in New Orleans. The three children that died range from ages seven to 12. The children’s father escaped uninjured, but he also lost his girlfriend and mother in the blaze. New Orleans Fire Chief Timothy McConnell says two-story home did not have smoke detectors

CUT 6 (08)  “your home”

McConnell says the fire department began receiving 9-1-1 calls at around 12:20 Tuesday morning. He says it appears there was not a clear path out of the home for the victims to escape…

CUT 7 (04) “belongings”

McConnell says when firefighters first arrived at the scene, a heavy fire was spotted on the first and second floor of the home. He says they have learned there were no working smoking detectors in the home…

CUT 8 (09) “that enough”

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LSU athletic director Joe Alleva has sent out a written statement apologizing for fans using a “profane” chant that was directed towards Alabama Coach Nick Saban. Alleva called it crude behavior by a small minority of people. Coach Les Miles was unaware it happened at the time and didn’t like hearing that LSU fans would do that

CUT 9 (09)  “arrives here”

Alleva says if it occurs in the future, they will make every effort to identify those who choose to act in this maner and make sure they are no longer welcomed in Tiger Stadium. Miles hopes it never happens again

CUT 10 (05)  “respecting that opponent”

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A cold front is currently moving through Louisiana and bringing some cold Canadian air behind it. Marty Mayeaux, with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, says freeze warnings are in effect for five parishes along the Arkansas border tonight. He says the cold front has already moved through the Shreveport area…

CUT 11 (11)  “areas overnight“

A freeze warning has been issued for Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Union, and Webster Parishes due to expected freezing conditions overnight tonight. Mayeaux says early morning freezing temperatures should be expected across north Louisiana for the next few days…

CUT 12 (07) “southwest Louisiana”

He says temps could drop in the 20s Friday morning for north Louisiana and portions of southwest Louisiana. Mayeaux expects the cold front to move through southeast Louisiana sometime tonight…

CUT  13 (10) “the colder weather”

11.11.14
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11:40 LRN Sportscast November 11

LSU Football Coach Les Miles still believes the unsportsmanlike penalty late in the fourth quarter against offensive lineman Vadal was a poor call. But Miles says after talking with the head of SEC officiating, Steve Shaw, for 20 minutes on the phone, he’s comfortable with how the refs are instructed…
cut 18 (16) “…make mistakes”
LSU athletic director Joe Alleva has sent out a written statement apologizing for fans using a “profane” chant that was directed towards Alabama Coach Nick Saban. Alleva called it crude behavior by a small minority of people. Miles was unaware it happened at the time and didn’t like hearing that LSU fans would do that…
cut 9 (09) “…arrives here”
Alleva says if it occurs in the future, they will make every effort to identify those who choose to act in this maner and make sure they are no longer welcomed in Tiger Stadium.

The Pelicans had a five point lead at halftime last night, but were outscored by 11 points in the third quarter and lost to the Cavaliers 118 to 111. Lebron James had his first triple-double of the season for the Cavs, 32 points, 12 rebounds and ten assists. He had 17 points in the third quater. Ryan Anderson led the Pels with 32 points, 23 of them came in the first half.

In high school football…Rummel, Neville, University High, Many and Mangham are ranked number one in their respective classes by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. Neville opens the playoffs by hosting Riverdale on Friday, while Many takes on Homer.

Last night in the NFL…former Saint Darren Sproles became the first player in league history to rush for a touchdown and return a punt for a score in the first quarter. That helped the Eagles beat the Panthers 45-31 and it keeps New Orleans in sole possession of first place in a less than mediocre NFC South.

11.10.14
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LRN Newscast 17:30 November 10

The Louisiana Poison Control Center is sending out a warning to parents about the dangers of laundry detergent pods which have harmed hundreds of children nationally who mistake them for toys or candy. Director Mark Ryan says kids who ingest the concentrated detergent in these pods can quickly have central nervous system depression and become lethargic:
CUT 6 (12) “with is extremely dangerous”
He says as with any cleaning product, the first rule is to keep them up and away from a child’s reach.

A Shreveport woman is in jail after she allegedly threw her 17 month-old baby across the room while intoxicated as a form of punishment…:
CUT 14 (05) Q: “to do”
Shreveport Police Cpl. Breck Scott who says 25 year-old Gabrielle Kirkendoll was arrested for cruelty to a juvenile.

Former Governor Edwin Edwards doesn’t seem to be bothered much by the fact that the National Democratic Party isn’t endorsing him in his 6th Congressional District race against Republican Garret Graves. He says he was never one to fall in line with some of the policies and values of the National Democratic Party which is struggling in the south..:
CUT 4 (12) “of their programs”
He says this election is about issues facing the 6th Congressional District, not about party affiliation.

In the fifth Congressional District race, republican Zach Dasher has endorsed fellow republican Ralph Abraham, who is in a runoff with democratic Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo. Dasher just missed being in the runoff against Abraham. And former US Senate candidate Rob Maness threw his support behind fellow republican Bill Cassidy today. Maness finished third in the primary last week.

11.10.14
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LRN Sportscast 16:45

The Saints are now 4-and-5 after a tough 27-24 overtime loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday. New Orleans ralled from a 14-0 deficit to take a 24-21 lead, only to see the 49ers kick a field goal to tie and eventually win it with another field goal in overtime. Despite the loss and losing record, the Saints are in first place in the NFC South with a 4-5 record and will host the Bengals Sunday.

Former Ragin Cajuns star and NFL Pro Bowler Orlando Thomas has lost his battle with A-L-S. Thomas passed away last night at the age of 42. When Thomas finished at U-S-L, he was the school’s all-time leading tackler among defensive backs. Legendary high school football coach Louis Cook coached Thomas at Crowley High School…
cut 11 (08) “….that he was”
Thomas was diagnosed with A-L-S ten years ago.

The LSU Tigers are back on the practice field this afternoon, trying to forget about their tough loss to Alabama and look ahead to their match-up with Arkansas this Saturday. Wide Receiver Malachi Dupre…
cut 30 (10) “…tomorrow”
LSU cornerback Rashard Robinson didn’t play in Saturday’s loss to Alabama. The school announced prior to kick-off that he was suspended and Coach Les Miles indicated today that he wouldn’t be back with the team anytime soon.

In other college football news…Ragin Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth became a father again. Captain Ty Hudspeth was born on Hudspeth’s birthday. It’s also Les Miles 61st birthday.

Louisiana Tech gets a chance to rest this Saturday. The Bulldogs lead Conference USA’s west division with a 6-0 record after beating UAB this Saturday. Tech’s next game is November 22nd at Old Dominion.

And tonight in the NBA…the Pelicans go after their third straight win as they visit Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

11.10.14
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11:40 LRN Sportscast November 10

A frustrating loss for the Saints yesterday as they made too many mistakes and lost to the San Francisco 49ers 27-24 in overtime. Head Coach Sean Payton says it was a hard fought, physcial game…
cut 17 (14) “…guys played hard”
Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns. He was also intercepted twice and fumbled in overtime, which set up Phil Dawson’s game winning 35-yard field goal.

Sad news to report out of the Lafayette-area. Former Ragin Cajuns star and Minnesota Vikings standout Orlando Thomas has passed away. Thomas has been battling A-L-S, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, the last ten years of his life. Thomas won a state championship at Crowley High, was an All-American at U-S-L and played seven seasons with the Vikings.

Referees are not a loved occupation by Louisiana sports fans today. You had Saints tight end Jimmy Graham called for pass interference that took away a game-winning touchdown pass and there were some questionable calls in LSU’s overtime loss to Alabama. Tigers quarterback Anthony Jennings says pass interference should have been called when he threw a pass to Travin Dural in overtime…
cut 15 (08) “….first down”
LSU will have to regroup and face Arkansas this Saturday.

Appalachian State quarterback Taylor Lamb has been named Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week. Lamb threw for 276 yards and two touchdowns in the Mountaineers win over ULM on Saturday. The Warhawks have lost five in a row, heading into Saturday’s home game against the Cajuns.

Tonight in the NBA…the Pelicans , who have won two in a row, take on Lebron James and the Cavaliers tonight in Cleveland.

11.07.14
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LRN Newscast 17:30 November 7

Should Mary Landrieu change her campaign message? LSU Mass Communications Professor Bob Mann, who formerly worked under Democrats Kathleen Blanco and John Breaux, says yes. Mann says the Senator needs a message that will appeal to white voters and women…:
CUT 10 (09) “to do so”
Mann says Landrieu’s current message of Capitol Hill clout isn’t working, as folks aren’t too hot on Washington D.C. these days.

Baton Rouge area businesses should have a good weekend as a result of the LSU-Alabama game. Visit Baton Rouge President Paul Arrigo….
cut 13 (09) “…gas stations etc”
About 150-thousand people are expected on campus for the game. LSU is asking fans to arrive on campus early as traffic is expected to be heavy in the hours leading up to the game.

The LSU School of Public Health in New Orleans receives a $2.2 million dollar grant to provide health information and support services for young breast cancer survivors. Project Coordinator Helen McMillan says the issues facing young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 45 are much different from older breast cancer victims. She says they’ve also partnered with Mississippi and Alabama schools…:
CUT 5 (08) “rural and urban”
McMillan says information and resources can be found on their website, survivedat-dot-org.

There’s one week left to take advantage of Louisiana’s tax amnesty period. Department of Revenue Deputy Secretary Jarrod Coniglio urges those who are behind on their taxes to participate…

CUT 8 (10) Q: ‘of the interest”

For more info go to l-d-r-taxamnesty-dot-com.

11.07.14
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 November 7

The big game of the season has arrived for the LSU Tigers as they will host the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. No one can argue that the Tide doesn’t have the advantage at the quarterback position. Senior Blake Sims has thrown for two-thousand yards and he’s rushed for 250 yards and five scores. LSU Sports Radio Network color analyst Doug Moreau says Sims is a tough assignment for LSU…
cut 30 (14) “….very well defending”
Last time out, Sims threw for 286 yards and rushed for 42 yards in Alabama 34 to 20 victory over Tennessee.

In other college football action on Saturday…U-L-M looks to snap a four-game losing streak as they visit Appalachian State. Louisiana Tech looks for its fifth win in a row at U-A-B. And the Ragin Cajuns begin a two-game road trip at New Mexico State.

The Saints begin a three-game homestand on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. This stretch of home games gives Drew Brees and the Saints a chance to extend their two-game winning streak and solidfy their first place standing in the NFC South….
cut 19 (16) “…getting better”
The Saints say running backs Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson will not play on Sunday. Linebacker David Hawthorne is also out. Mark Ingram, Jonathan Goodwin, Zach Strief and Robert Meachem are questionable. And Jimmy Graham and Kenny Still are listed as probable. 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis is listed as questionable with a toe injury. The Saints are a five-point favorite.

Southeastern Louisiana and McNeese are both hosting schools from Texas on Saturday. The Lions will take on Houston Baptist, while the Cowboys will face Stephen F Austin.