Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

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”

04.23.15
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11:40 LRN Sportscast April 23

The first NBA playoff game since 2011 will be played in New Orleans tonight as the Pelicans host the Golden State Warriors at the Smoothie King Center. The Pels find themselves down two games to none, but they hope that the home crowd will provide them the lift needed to get a win against the top-seeded Warriors. Tip-off is at 8:30.

The number one ranked LSU baseball team will host second ranked Texas A-and-M tonight to begin a much anticipated three game series with the Aggies. Jared Poche will start on the mound for the Tigers. Coach Paul Mainieri says he went with Poche instead of freshman phenom Alex Lange, because Lange has recent arm trouble and Poche has more experience…
cut 18 (10) “….for game one”
Texas A-and-M will start Grayson Long, who is 8-and-0 with a 2.73 ERA.

In college baseball last night…the Ragin Cajuns rallied back from a four-run deficit to beat Southern five to four. U-L Lafayette scored all of its runs in the fifth inning. The Cajuns have won 10 of their last 12 as they begin a three-game series with U-T Arlington on Friday.

Louisiana Tech has swept its season series with U-L-M by beating the Warhawks five to four. Taylor Love blasted a three-run homer in the seventh as the Bulldogs are now 19-and-19 on the season. The Warhawks fall to 20-and-21.

Louisiana Tech 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.

The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is underway at the TPC Louisiana in suburban New Orleans. Former LSU Tigers David Toms and John Peterson begin their rounds this afternoon.

04.23.15
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07:30 LRN Newscast April 23rd

Two bills that attempted to make sure women are paid the same wages or salary as males in the workplace were defeated in the House Labor Committee. Republicans on the panel voted against the measure. Hammond Representaitve Chris Broadwater says laws like this would open up the floodgates for litigation…
cut 13 (09) “…treated unfairly”
The vote was 9-to-5 against the bills.

The Senate Education Committee approves legislation that seeks to control the amount of state funding that goes towards the TOPS scholarship program. Governor Bobby Jindal opposes the measure, his deputy chief of staff, Stafford Palmieri, says Donahue’s bill breaks a promise Louisiana made to TOPS recipents that the state would fully pay their tuition…
cut 16 (11) “…education”
The bill heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

Police in Lake Charles have charged a recently dismissed teacher from Lake Charles Charter Academy with multiple counts of oral sexual battery and indecent behavior with a juvenile. Deputy Chief Mark Kraus says more charges could be coming against 35-year-old Sommer Odom of Iowa, but right now they have enough evidence to turn over to the DA…
cut 11 (05) “….or not”

If you’ve ever traveled through Baton Rouge on I-10 during the morning or afternoon commute, you know it can be a traffic nightmare. That’s why the department of transportation will conduct surveys so they can receive feedback from the public on what could be done to ease the congestion. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett…
cut 8 (13) “…this area”
Mallett says they also plan to hold a series of public meetings in August.

04.23.15
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06:45 LRN sportscast

A sea of red is expected tonight in the Smoothie King Center as the Pelicans host Golden State for game three of their best of seven series. New Orleans needs a win to get back in the series, as they are down two games to none. Every fan that enters the arena will receive a red Pelicans playoff T-Shirt. The game is a sell out and Tip-off is at 8:30.

The number one ranked baseball team in the country meets the second ranked team tonight in Baton Rouge as the Tigers host Texas A-and-M. Coach Paul Mainieri admits this isn’t your normal three-game series.
Cut 17 (20) “three days”
First pitch tonight is at 6:30 on ESPN 2.

In college baseball last night…the Ragin Cajuns rallied back from a four-run deficit to beat Southern five to four. U-L Lafayette scored all of its runs in the fifth inning. The Cajuns have won 10 of their last 12.

Louisiana Tech has swept its season series with U-L-M by beating the Warhawks five to four. Taylor Love blasted a three-run homer in the seventh as the Bulldogs are now 19-and-19 on the season. The Warhawks fall to 20-and-21.

The Zurich Classic of New Orleans gets underway today today at the TPC in Louisiana. Justin Rose, who was a runner-up at the Masters, will tee-off from the 10th hole at 7:40 this morning. Former LSU Tigers David Toms and John Peterson begin their round this afternoon.

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.

04.23.15
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06:30 LRN Newscast April 23

Despite opposition from Governor Jindal, the Senate Education committee approves legislation designed to control the cost of the TOPS scholarship program. Mandeville Senator Jack Donahue, says as tuition costs rise, so does the cost for TOPS and something needs to be done to preserve the program…
cut 14 (10) “….in the future”
Donahue’s bill sets a base amount that students receive and it will not automatically increase with the rise in tuition.

Another teacher in Louisiana has been arrested for inappropriate conduct with a student. Cops in Lake Charles say 35-year-old Nicole Odom of Iowa had sexual encounters with a juvenile on several occassions…
cut 10 (11) “…support the allegation”
Odom has been dismissed as a teacher from Lake Charles Charter Academy.

Funeral services are scheduled for Monday for Caddo Parish District Attorney Charles Scott, who was found dead at a hotel on LSU’s campus. An autopsy on Scott’s body is expected today. Officials believe he died of natural causes.

A benefit will be held today for St. Charles Parish deputy Corporal Burt Hazeltine. Eric Gill has more…
cut 1 (29) “….reporting”

04.22.15
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 April 22nd

The Saints will open the 2015 season against the Arizona Cardinals and then play their home opener on September 20th against the Tampa Bucs. The entire 16-game slate, with dates and times, has been released. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the final month of the season shapes up well, as the Saints have home games against the Lions and Jaguars and visit Tampa and finish the season at Atlanta. He says that should allow New Orleans to make a strong playoff push….
cut 18 (13) “….ten wins”
The Saints and Pelicans have announced plans to make renovations to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and the Smoothie Kinger. The estimated cost is 40-million dollars. The project will focus on improving the fan experience, including new video boards, enhanced lighting and audio systems.

The hype is building for LSU’s baseball series against Texas A-and-M, which begins tomorrow night at Alex Box Stadium. The Tigers are ranked number one and the Aggies are ranked second. Jared Poche is scheduled to be the starting pitcher for the Tigers and each game of the series will be on television. ESPN-U on thursday, SEC Network Alternate channel on Friday and ESPN on Saturday.

In college basetball action tonight….Louisiana Tech hosts ULM. The Bulldogs beat Stephen F Austin nine to two yesterday, while the Warhawks lost to Southern Miss nine to three. And UL Lafayette, who beat Southeastern Louisiana last night, will host Southern tonight.

Tomorrow night is Game 3 of the Pelicans-Golden State Western Conference playoff series. Jrue Holiday, who missed Game two with a leg injury, is listed as day-to-day. The Warriors lead the series two games to none, but Game 3 is in New Orleans.

And Zurich Classic of New Orleans tees off tomorrow at the TPC of Louisiana in suburban New Orleans.

04.22.15
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PM LRN Newscall April 22nd

New employment numbers show Louisiana’s labor force continues to grow while the state’s unemployment rate dropped for a third month in a row. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

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The House Education Committee approves legislation to give public colleges and universities more authority to raise tuition and fees. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

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New employment numbers show Louisiana’s labor force continues to grow while the state’s unemployment rate dropped for a third month in a row. Louisiana’s unemployment rate currently sits at six-point-six-percent. Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive Director, Curt Eysink, says the unemployment rate dropped because hiring is catching up with the growth in the labor force…

CUT 3 (10)  “find a job”

Data shows that there were almost 2 million nonfarm jobs in Louisiana, the highest March on record. Eysink is hopeful the state’s job market will continue to improve…

CUT 4 (10)  “the job growth”

Eysink says the drop in oil prices has caused some decline in employment in the oil and gas industry. But, he says overall, the state is weathering that storm pretty well…

CUT 5 (07)  “up for that”

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Legislation that would give public colleges the authority to raise tuition and fees without legislative approval advanced out of the House Education Committee today. Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater says this legislation is needed because state funding for universities has been on the decline since 2008

CUT 6 (08)  “some point”

Broadwater says he would rather see more state dollars go into higher education, but that hasn’t been the trend lately, so it’s time give colleges more autonomy to raise fees…

CUT 7 (10) “as a shell”

Many lawmakers are not comfortable with the idea of allowing colleges and universities to raise tuition and fees. Thibodaux Representative Dee Richard says it’s already too costly for some people to attend a four-year university…

CUT 8 (10)  “I support that”

Homer Representative Patrick Jefferson says he’d rather see state funding for higher education increase rather than tuition and fees, but so far a funding source involving state dollars has yet to emerge

CUT 9 (07)  “do something”

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Caddo Parish District Attorney Charles Scott died in his sleep last night in Baton Rouge while in town to meet with lawmakers at the Capitol. Shreveport Representative Thomas Carmody announced the news in the House Education Committee this morning after he and Haughton Representative Henry Burns had just found out. He said they saw Scott Tuesday.

cut 10 (08) “for his family please”

LSU police say Scott was staying at the Lod Cook Hotel on campus. Captain Corey Lalonde says they were called to Scott’s room around 8:15 this morning…:

cut 11 (06)  “was deceased”

Scott was 67 according to public records. Lalonde says by all indications this was just an extremely tragic sudden death…:

cut 12 (06)  “natural causes”

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Now that Blue Bell has pulled all of its product off of supermarket shelves due to the potential they could be contaminated with Listeria, what can we expect next from the company? Tulane Business Professor, Mark Rosa, says, unfortunately, we’ve seen this type of situation before…

cut 13 (09)  “reputation risk”

Federal health officials say three people have died and five others have fallen ill from bacteria that may have come from Blue Bell products. A company spokesperson says they are focusing on cleanup and working to make sure they have a safe product. Rosa says, after all this negative attention, Blue Bell faces a huge undertaking in regaining their reputation and customers…

cut 14 (10) “herculean effort”

A Blue Bell spokesperson says the company could start shipping product to stores again in the next couple of weeks. Rosa says this is something that will stick in the minds of customers…

cut 15 (05) “and so on”

 

04.22.15
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11:40 LRN sportscast April 22nd

The Saints 2015 schedule is out and New Orleanswill have three primetime games this year, starting with a home game against the Dallas Cowboys on October fourth. In years past, the Saints had more primetime contests but NFL analyst Mike Detillier says three is still a good number considering the team went 7-and-9 last year…
cut 17 (06) “….the past”
The Saints other two primetime games are also at home. A Thursday night matchup against Atlanta on October 15th and a Monday night contest against Detroit on December 21st.

The Saints and Pelicans have announced plans to make 40 million dollars worth of renovations and enhancements to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and the Smoothie King Center. Tom Benson is committing 25 million dollars to the project, which will feature new video scoreboards in the Smoothie King Center and the Dome.

The number one ranked LSU baseball team blanked the Tulane Green Wave six to nothing last night. Nine pitchers combined on a one-hitter and Chris Chinea homered for the Tigers. LSU can now get ready for its match-up with second ranked Texas A-and-M on Thursday night. Coach Paul Mainieri says Jared Poche will start on the mound in game one.

In other action last night…the Ragin Cajuns ended Southeastern Louisiana’s four game winning streak by beating the Lions seven to two . McNeese State scored two runs in the ninth last night, but it wasn’t enough as the Cowboys lost to 22nd ranked Houston five to four. Southern Miss thumped ULM nine to three, Nicholls State doubled up Grambling four to two. Christian Correa had a two-run double for the Colonels and Louisiana Tech topped Stephen F Austin nine to two. The Bulldogs scored five runs in the first inning and Braden Bristo struck out a career-high nine hitters.

The Bulldogs are ULM tonight. First pitch is at six PM at Warhawk Field.

Louisiana Tech has announced that homecoming this season will be the North Texas game on November seventh.