Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

04.03.15
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07:30 LRN Newscast April 3rd

Legislation to reform the state’s film tax credit program has been filed for the upcoming session. The program has made Louisiana a major player in the motion picture industry, but the department of economic development says it costs $4.48 for every dollar of state revenue it creates. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says one of the goals with his legislation is to make the tax credit more predictable…
cut 10 (09) “…unsustainable”
The state senator says he also has three different bills that attempt to control fradulent behavior.

A deputy with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office had to use lethal force yesterday. Lt. Tommy Carnline says deputies responded to a disturbance at a home in Pineville, where they encountered a man who was upset and then after an hour he suddenly left the room and came back with a gun pointed at deputies…
cut 14 (07) “…the scene”
The deceased man has not been publicly identified.

The state department of education reports that the number of public school graduates entering college rose six-percent in 2014. Superintendent of Education John White says the results show that Louisiana is taking the right steps forward and that includes the implementation of Common Core….
cut 6 (08) “….political whims”

A must-have for many Louisiana Easter baskets this Sunday is a candy manufactured in Ponchatoula. Elmer’s chocolates have been around over 160 years and President Rob Nelson says the Easter Sunday tradition is highlighted by their top sellers — Heavenly Hash and Gold Brick…
cut 7 (08) “…turn of the century”
The company started in the Big Easy in 1855 as a pastry business but eventually became Elmer Candy Corporation.

04.03.15
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06:45 LRN Sportscast April 3rd

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has made his first public comments since New Orleans traded tight end Jimmy Graham to Seattle. Brees appeared on WWL Radio yesterday and said the trade shocked everyone…
cut 30 (17) “…different team”
There were trade rumors involving Brees during this offseason, but the veteran QB says he didn’t pay attention to them.

The Saints have reportedly re-signed wide receiver Joe Morgan. Morgan was released by the team in December. He has caught 14 passes in his career and averages 34 yards a catch.

Also, the Jahri Evans contract extension that he signed earlier this week helps provide a reported four-point-six million dollars in salary cap space.

LSU baseball was involved in another crazy game last night, but the Tigers prevailed eight to five in 16 innings. Conner Hale had the big hit that gave LSU the lead for good…
cut 20 (20) “…two run lead again’
Most of LSU’s bullpen had a rough night as they gave up three leads, starting in the ninth inning. But freshman Doug Norman threw scoreless innings to get the win. Game two is this afternoon at 3 PM.

Northwestern State has moved into first place in the Southland Conference as the Demons topped Southeastern Louisiana three to one. Adam Oller improved to 5-and-1 with his third complete game of the year.

McNeese State knocked off UNO 7-3 and Nicholls State defeated Incarnate Word four to one.

04.03.15
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06:30 LRN Newscast April 3rd

The Louisiana Department of Education announces that 22,972 recent public high school graduates enrolled in college in 2014, an all-time high for the state. That’s a six-percent increase from 2013. Education Superintendent John White says the numbers in this report are very exciting…
cut 4 (08) “….several years”
He says this year’s gains are fueld by an increase in low-income and minority students attending college.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office is investigating a fatal shooting involving one of their deputies. Lt. Tommy Carnline says they responded to reports of a distrubance at a home in Pineville. Carnline says a subject inside did not listen to orders to drop a weapon, which is when he was shot and killed. He says the deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave…
cut 15 (09) “….choice that we’re given”
The deceased man’s name has not been released.

New Orleans Senator JP Morrell files a package of bills that seeks to reform the state’s film tax credit program. Scott Carwile has the story…
cut 3 (31) “….reporting”

State Police say a fire at a plant in Ascension Parish injured two people. The blaze was extinguised around 8 P-M. Authorities say a broken hydraulic pump seal is the likely cause of the fire.

04.02.15
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LRN Newscast 17:30 April 2nd

For the third year in a row, Louisiana has increased the number of tourists and set another record for the industry…
cut 2 (30) “…reporting”

A civil judge in New Orleans has received a confidential mental health report on Saints and Pelicans Owner Tom Benson. Judge Kern Reese has set a hearing for June first to discuss the implications of the report. Spurned heirs to Benson’s estate say Benson is not mentally competent to make important business decisions.

In the state’s governor’s race — US Senator David Vitter has picked up a couple of significant endorsements in Republican Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany and three-term Lafayette City-Parish President Joey Durrel. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross…:
CUT 4 (05) “to beat”
Cross says this is kind of a slap in the face for gubernatorial candidate Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle as these endorsements come from his home region.

Former four-term governor Edwin Edwards is now a licensed real estate agent. Edwards says he got his broker’s licence last week and he’s excited at the prospect of getting back to work.…:
CUT 9 (09) “obvious reasons”
Edwards says that while he wants to focus on commercial properties, he’s just getting started and all options are open.

04.02.15
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 April 2nd

LSU begins a three-game series tonight against Alabama. The Fighting Tigers blew a couple of late leads in dropping their series with Kentucky last weekend. But Coach Paul Mainieri says he still has faith in his bullpen and he’s seen arms emerge as the season has gone on…
cut 18 (13) “….count on”
LSU will send left-hander Jared Poche to the mound tonight. Alabama counters with senior southpaw Taylor Guilbeau, who is 2-and-2 with a 3.07 ERA.

Also the second game of the series has been moved up to 3 PM tomorrow to avoid the potential for bad weather Friday night.

ULM has adjusted its baseball series with UT Arlington. Game one is tomorrow at one o’ clock and then the two teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday.

A big baseball series starts tonight in Hammond as Northwestern State faces Southeastern Louisiana. The Lions have a half-game lead over the Demons for first place in the league standings. The Lions have won seven of their last eight, while Northwestern will send right-hander Adam Oller to the mound. He’s 4-and-1 with a 2.09 ERA.

In other Southland action…UNO is at McNeese State and Nicholls State hosts Incarnate Word.

Northwestern State’s spring game is tonight as the Joe Delaney Bowl is set to begin at 5:30 at Turpin Stadium. Coach Jay Thomas expects a lot of passing during the 60 to 75 minute scrimmage.

The Saints head equipment manager, Dan Simmons, has announced he’s retiring. Simmons has held that job since April 1, 1973.

Civil district court officials in New Orleans say the doctors that were appointed to provide a medical evalution of Saints-Pelicans owner Tom Benson have turned those evaluations into a judge and a hearing will take place June 1st.

04.02.15
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11:40 LRN Sportscast April 2nd

LSU baseball begins a three game series against Alabama tonight. The series will NOT be played in Tuscaloosa, because of ongoing renovations with Alabama’s ball park. So the games will be played just outside of Birmingham at the same ball park where the SEC Tournament is held. Mainieri says his teams have won five SEC Tournament titles at the Hoover Met….
cut 17 (15) “….big hits”
Because of the Easter holiday, weekend series in the Southland will get underway today. Southeastern Louisiana and Northwestern State are the top two teams in the league and they will face off in Hammond. McNeese State hosts UNO, while Nicholls hosts Incarnate Word.

And the NCAA says home runs are up 39-percent over last year thanks to the new flat-seamed baseballs.

The Pelicans won last night and the Thunder lost, so New Orleans is just 1.5 games back of Oklahoma City for the final playoff spot in the Western. New Orleans beat the Lakers 113 to 92 as Anthony Davis had 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists. New Orleans is at Sacramento tomorrow night, while O-K-C visits Memphis.

U-L-M’s season ended last night as they fell to Loyola of Chicago 63 to 62. The Ramblers won the best of three series in the C-B-I two games to none. The Warhawks were led by Majok Deng who had 17 points, while Tylor Ongwae had 15 points in his final game in a Warhawks uniform.

In last night’s McDonald’s All American game….Antonio Blakeney, who is committed to play at LSU, scored 14 points, while LSU signee Ben Simmons had seven points and ten rebounds.

Two games on Louisiana Tech’s football schedule have been moved for national television. The Bulldogs game against Western Kentucky is now Thursday September 10th. And Tech’s game at Rice has been moved to Friday, October 30th.

04.01.15
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LRN Newscast 17:30 April 1, 2015

Higher education leaders are rallying behind a bill that attempts to keep the cost of the TOPS scholarship program from escalating out of control….
cut 4 (29) “…reporting”

The New Orleans Police Department says they’ve arrested a suspect in the killing of a Dominos pizza delivery driver. They say 24-year-old Michael Portis is believed to be responsible for the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Michael Price who was a married father of three. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu…:
CUT 12 (06) “gonna convict you”
There was a $15,000 reward being offered in the case and cops say it was multiple tips to Crimestoppers which help lead detectives to Portis.

A former Elton High School teacher and basketball coach has pleaded guilty to having inappropriate sexual relationships with students. 35-year-old Justin Fruge (froo-JHAY’) pleaded guilty to one count of felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Jeff Davis Parish District Attorney Michael Cassidy says Fruge faces up to ten years in prison…:
CUT 9 (10) “for 15 years”
Sentencing is scheduled for July 20.

Governor Bobby Jindal is sending a couple of his staffers to Iowa to possibly begin working on a presidential campaign. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Jindal is considered a longshot to get the republican nomination, but a run at the White House could set himself up for something else…
cut 5 (08) “…their future”
The governor is expected to announce after the legislative session his intentions.

04.01.15
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 April 1 2015

The Pelicans continue their playoff push tonight as they visit the Los Angeles Lakers. The team says Ryan Anderson, who has missed the last 18 games because of a right knee injury, is expected to play. New Orleans is 2-and-a-half games back of Oklahoma City for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. O-K-C hosts Dallas.

ULM will try to even its best of three CBI championship series with Loyola of Chicago at one game a piece as the two teams meet tonight at Fant-Ewing Coliseum. A big crowd is expected as U-L-M is 14-and-3 at home this season.

LSU signee will play tonight in the McDonald’s All-Star game in Chicago. Simmons has won at least three major high school player of the year awards. LSU commitment Antonio Blakeney will also play in the game and so will LSU recruit Malike Newman. Salmen star Kalani Brown will play the girls McDonald’s All-Star game at 5:30 PM.

The Saints announced today that they’ve agreed to a one-year contract with veteran right guard Jahri Evans. The extension likely provides the team with more salary cap flexibility for the upcoming season and keeps Evans under contract through the 2017 season. The Black and Gold also announced the signing of cornerback Kyle Wilson to a one-year contract. Wilson was drafted in the first round by the Jets in 2010, but he was a considered a disappointment in New York.

Two games on Louisiana Tech’s football schedule has been moved for national television. The Bulldogs game against Western Kentucky has been moved to Thursday September 10th. It was originally scheduled to be played on the 12th. And Tech’s game at Rice has been moved to Friday, October 30th. Broadcast details. including television networks and game times, will be announced at a later date.

Tonight on the college baseball diamond…Louisiana Tech hosts U-L-M. The Bulldogs belted Grambling State 17 to 12 last night. It’s the first time the two schools have played each other in baseball since 2008.

04.01.15
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PM LRN Newscall Wednesday April 1

Governor Bobby Jindal takes another step toward a potential presidential run by sending two members of his staff to Iowa. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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The New Orleans Police Department says they’ve arrested a suspect in the killing of a Dominos pizza delivery driver. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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Governor Bobby Jindal takes another step toward a potential presidential run by sending two members of his staff to Iowa. Taylor Teepell and Matt Parker will move to the Hawkeye State where they’ll work for the governor’s new political organization called the America Future Project. LaPolitics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says this shows how serious Jindal is about running for president…

CUT 3 (09)  “governor’s office”

Recent poll numbers have not been kind to the governor. They show Jindal polling in the single digits, well behind other expected Republican candidates for the nomination. Alford says no eventual president has polled below 15-percent at this point in the process and been successful with the exception of Bill Clinton…

CUT 4 (10)  “comeback kid”

Alford says despite the seemingly steep uphill battle in front of him, Jindal is moving forward with his campaign plans. The governor is expected to make an announcement following this year’s legislative session. Alford says presidential candidates often run for the office with other aspirations in mind…

CUT 5 (08)  “in their future”

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The prison population in Louisiana is going down for the first time in years. Secretary of Corrections Jimmy LeBlanc told the House Appropriations Committee that from 2006-2009 the state added about 1200 new prisoners a year. He says if that would have continued, there would have been about 44,000 inmates at the end of 2014 instead of closing the year with about 38,000 prisoners…:

CUT 6 (07)  “on that same pace”

LeBlanc says since 2012, Louisiana has seen a drop of almost 3000 inmates. He credits changes in sentencing laws and strong re-entry programs…:

CUT 7 (05)  “annually”

Louisiana has the highest incarceration rate in the nation. LeBlanc says the numbers not coming back to prisons annually is a huge financial gain for the state and it continues to get better. He says these numbers indicate that what they are doing to keep people from coming back to prison after the leave is working…:

CUT 8 (05)  “good things”

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A former Elton High School teacher and basketball coach has pleaded guilty to having inappropriate sexual relationships with students. 35-year-old Justin Fruge (froo-JHAY’) pleaded guilty to one count of felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Jeff Davis Parish District Attorney Michael Cassidy says Fruge faces up to ten years in prison…

CUT 9 (10)  “for 15 years”

Fruge will also lose his teaching certificate and have to register as a sex offender for 15 years. Sentencing is scheduled for July 20. Cassidy says most of Fruge’s victims preferred to not have to testify in court, but thought Fruge should have a felony on his record and not be allowed to teach again…

cut 10 (07) “his actions”

Fruge was facing numerous charges of sexual misconduct, but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge after parents of the victims requested the charges be reduced. Cassidy says all of the victims supported the plea. He says by pleading this quickly, it allows the victims and the Town of Elton to move on and let the healing begin…

cut 11 (08)  “or coach, again”

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The New Orleans Police Department says they’ve arrested a suspect in the killing of a Dominos pizza delivery driver. They say 24-year-old Michael Portis is believed to be responsible for the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Michael Price who was a married father of three. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu says the community is sending a strong message…:

cut 12 (06)  “gonna convict you”

There was a $15,000 reward being offered in the case and cops say it was multiple tips to Crimestoppers which help lead detectives to Portis. Robert Redesco is the regional vice president for local Domino’s franchisee RPM Pizza LLC. He says their number one goal is to keep their team members safe…:

cut 13 (09)  “by voice”

Redesco says online donations for Price’s family have gone over $30,000 and there have also been several thousands of dollars given by Dominos chains across the region. Darlene Cusanza, president and CEO of Crimestoppers GNO says the entire $15,000 reward will be paid out…: (Portis is expected to face first-degree murder charges.)

cut 14 (06)  “a reward”

04.01.15
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11:40 LRN Sportscast April 1

The Saints have made a couple of moves today. They have signed cornerback Kyle Wilson, who is a first round draft pick of the New York Jets. He was selected 29th overall in the 2010 draft and has three interceptions during his career. He’s made just one start since 2013. And the Saints have announced a one-year contract extension for six-time Pro Bowler Jahri Evans. The move likely saves the Saints some money against this year’s salary cap.

The Pelicans begin a three-game road trip tonight as they face the Lakers. New Orleans is two and a half games back of Oklahoma City for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Thunder host Dallas tonight.

Tonight’s Game Two of the CBI championship series between ULM and Loyola of Chicago. The Warhawks are trying to force a deciding game three, which will be played in Monroe. Tonight’s game at Fant Ewing Colisuem will begin at 7 PM.

The LSU Tigers hit three home runs last night as they defeated U-L Lafayette eight to six. Alex Bregman hit one of those home runs and he finished a single away from hitting for the cycle.

In other action last night….Louisiana Tech outslugged Grambling State 17 to 12. Freshman designated hitter Brent Diaz drove in seven runs as he hit a grand slam and also had a triple.

Nicholls State thumped Alcorn State 14 to 3. Tanner Vandevere drove in four runs. Southern edged McNeese State five to four as the Jaguars have won four in a row and Tulane topped UNC Wilmington eight to four.

LSU sophomore forward Jordan Mickey announces he’s leaving LSU after two years so that he can enter the NBA draft. The Dallas native was an All SEC first team selection this past year as helped the Tigers make their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2009.