Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

08.10.14
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LRN AM Newscall for Monday August 11

Now that schools are in session across the state, teachers are in classrooms with no idea what assessment test will be given this year. Michelle Southern repors.

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

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Farmers across the state are beginning to harvest another rice crop after a record harvest last year.  Eric Gill has more…

Cut 2 Audio (28) “reporting”

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The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals confirms the state’s second West Nile virus death this year. Eric Gill Reports…

Cut 3 Audio   (34) “reporting”

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Farmers across the state are beginning to harvest another rice crop.  There was a phenomenal crop last year yielding a statewide average of 7,500 pounds per acre.  LSU AgCenter Rice Specialist, Dr. Johnny Saichuck (SAY-chuck), says we shouldn’t expect those same numbers with this year’s crop…

Cut 4  (09)  “had last year”

Saichuck says this year’s rain and cloud cover has affected this year’s rice crop.  He thinks the crop is running about two weeks behind what it was last year.  Saichuck says last year’s rice crop was special…

Cut 5  (06) “on everything”

He estimates this year’s yield to come in at around 6,500 pounds per acre.  Saichuck says so far yields are okay, but he’s not ready to give up on this year’s crop…

Cut 6 (08)  “expect yieldwise”

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With school starting around the state, teachers are educating kids in the classroom with no idea what assessment test will be given this year. Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Steve Monaghan says educators are frustrated and angry about all of this…:

CUT 7 (06)  “very political process”

Monaghan says most teachers are irritated about being in the middle of a political battle between BESE and the Department of Education and Governor Bobby Jindal over Common Core. The two sides head to court this week. Monaghan says these political forces need to make this year about teaching…:

CUT 8 (06)   “on the backburner”

With no standardized test in place, Monaghan hopes principals use this time to judge teachers based on their performance in the classroom rather than how a child performs on a test…:

CUT 9 (11)  “that folks are teaching”

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A crop duster crash in Iberia Parish has claimed the life of an experienced pilot. Lieutenant Jeremy Kelley, with the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s office, says a Bell 47 helicopter crashed near a cane field north of US 90 Sunday morning

cut 10 (12) “coroner’s office”

The pilot has been identified as 60-year-old Kenneth Squires of Jeanerette. The Federal Aviation Administration is conducting an investigation into why the helicopter crash. There were some storms that rolled through south Louisiana on Sunday, but Kelley says it doesn’t appear the weather had anything to do with this crash

cut 11 (12)  “for certain” 

Kelley says Squires was a long-time pilot…

cut 12 (11) “type of work”

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The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals confirms the state’s second West Nile virus death this year. The death occurred in the Capital Area Region 2 which consists of East and West Feliciana, East and West Baton Rouge, Pointe Coupee, and Ascension Parishes. Medical Director for the Office of Public Health in central Louisiana, David Holcombe, says there are now 29 cases of West Nile in Louisiana…

Cut 13 (07)  “for the same period”

Not much is known about the latest victim other than it was a person over the age of 75. The state’s first death from West Nile was reported in Caddo Parish last month. Holcombe says to protect yourself from West Nile, you must protect yourself from mosquitoes…

Cut 14 (10)  “mosquito repellent”

DHH reports 14 new cases of West Nile, bringing the state total to 29. Holcombe says you should also protect your home from mosquitoes should eliminate standing water or any area where mosquitoes could breed. He says the threat of West Nile and mosquitoes will last, at least, until we get cold weather…

Cut 15  (09)   “very precipitously”

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Sunday was LSU media day and the first opportunity for reporters to speak with members of the Tigers second ranked recruiting class. True freshman Quarterback Brandon Harris is battling with sophomore Anthony Jennings for a starting spot and a decision on who will start the season opener is not expected anytime soon. Even Harris admits there’s not much separating himself with Jennings…

Cut 16  (13)   “don’t know”

Most of the hype with this freshmen class is center around running back Leonard Fournette. The former St Aug star has high expectations for his freshmen season

Cut 17  (07)   “Heisman candidate”

Fournette says the media attention he’s receiving both locally and nationally is not bothering him….

Cut 18 (14)  “right now”

Another young player on offense is Malachi Dupre. The former John Curtis standout says offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has them believing they can have a good season, despite the youth at the skill positions

cut 19 (14)  “of his past”

08.08.14
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 Aug 8

The Saints and Rams face off tonight in the first preseason game of the year. Quarterback Drew Brees is not expected to play because of an oblique injury, but first round pick and wide receiver Brandin Cooks will see some action, which has Saints fans excited.

Not much game planning usually goes into the first preseason game, but Saints tight end Jimmy Graham says they worked on blitz pick up packages as the Rams defensive coordinator is former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams…
cut 30 (12) “…for that”

Williams and Saints head coach Sean Payton received the harshest penalties as a result of the NFL’s investigation into the Saints bounty scandal. There’s still bad blood between them. Payton says their reunion tonight is not a big topic.

The LSU Tigers have reportedly lost their most experienced defensive tackle for the season. The Baton Rouge Advocate reports that Quentin Thomas from Breaux Bridge has torn his biceps muscle. Tiger Rag Editor Robert Stewart says redshirt freshman Frank Herron could be the player that sees increased playing time because of Thomas’ injury…
cut 14 (11) “….Maquedis Bain”

Iowa transfer Cody Sokol (SO-cull) is battling for the starting quarterback position at Louisiana Tech. Sokul says it’s only been a few days of practice in fall camp, but he feels comfortable with the Bulldogs offense…
cut 29 (17) “…easier on me”
Sokul is in competition with Ryan Higgins for the starting job.

08.08.14
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LRN Newscall Friday August 8

The President of the LSU Alumni Association has decided to go on annual leave amidst a lawsuit claiming he paid a former female employee hush money. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 1 (36) “reporting”

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The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency preparedness is sending a team to assist with storm efforts in Hawaii as they endure two separate systems. Michelle Southern has that.

CUT 2 (32) “reporting”

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The Baton Rouge Police Department says a Fed Ex man is under arrest for allegedly stealing packages he was supposed to deliver to businesses. BRPD spokesman L’Jean McKneely says they believe 50-year-old Nathaniel Smith would lie by saying he delivered goods he’d kept for himself.

CUT 3 (09) “in office”

McKneely says surveillance video from a victim shows the suspect delivering only part of an order including one package of more than $1200 worth of cigarettes.

CUT 4 (05) “following her home”

McKneely says Fed Ex launched an investigation and that’s when they interviewed Smith and booked him for felony theft…:

CUT 5 (05) “make the arrest”

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Louisiana farmers will see minimal impact from Russia’s decision to ban food imports from the United States for one year. That’s according to LSU AgCenter economic Kurt Guidry, who says over the past five years, Russia has been a relatively minor customer for most US ag products…

CUT 6 (09)  “US export”

Russia’s “full embargo” on food imports from the US, Europe and other western countries is in response to sanctions over its crisis in Ukraine. Guidry says for major row crop commodities, Russia has represented less than one percent of total US sales

CUT 7 (10) “if at all”

Guidry says Russia is a bigger player in the livestock and poultry markets, which could lead to some short-term effects to poultry and livestock prices…

CUT 8 (07) “the state”

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The President of the LSU Alumni Association has decided to go on annual leave amidst a lawsuit claiming he paid a former female employee hush money. Mary Olive Pierson says her client, Charlie Roberts, admits to having a sexual relationship with Kay Heath but didn’t do anything unethical…:

CUT 9 (08) “sex for money thing”

Health’s attorney, Jeffry Sanford, says the two entered into a contractual financial agreement that was terminated by Roberts without notice in July…:

CUT 10 (06) “quit paying”

The lawsuit alleges Roberts asked Heath to quit her job and promised to pay her money similar to her salary with the Association for the rest of her life.  Pierson says Roberts was completely shocked by this lawsuit and is taking time off work so that he’s not distracted. But Sanford calls it “paid leave” and says Health will completely drop the lawsuit if Roberts resigns or is fired because he is a continuing threat to all women at the LSU Alumni Association…;

CUT 11 (08) “in this case“

Pierson says Roberts is not going to respond to Health’s threats but right now the focus is on winning the lawsuit…:

CUT 12 (04) “or get fired”

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A potential starter on LSU’s defensive line is reportedly out for the season with a torn biceps. Junior defensive tackle Quentin Thomas from Breaux Bridge was expected to be on the first team this season after starting in the bowl game against Iowa. Tiger Rag Editor Robert Stewart says the injury comes at a position where they didn’t have much experience…

CUT 13 (12) “that line”

Stewart says an LSU spokesperson has confirmed Thomas suffered an injury, but they are not providing any other details. He says redshirt freshman Frank Herron could be the player that sees increased playing time because of Thomas’ injury…

cut 14 (11) “Maquedis Bain”

Stewart says having a significant player lost for the season at this position is a tough blow for the Tigers…

cut 15 (11) “last year”

08.08.14
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LRN Sportscast 11:40 August 8

The Saints will battle the Rams tonight in the preseason opener for both teams. Quarterback Drew Brees probably will NOT play, because of an oblique injury. That means a lot of playing time for Ryan Griffin and Luke McCown, who are vying to become Brees’ primary backup. McCown says tonight’s opportunity to get some game experience is important…
cut 19 (14) “…that week”
In preseason action last night…San Diego beat Dallas 27-7 and in a wild game…Cincinnati defeated Kansas City 41 to 39. Former LSU Tiger Jeremy Hill had six rushes for 36 yards and James Wright caught a nine yard touchdown pass.

The LSU Tigers had their first practice in pads today. A question mark on defense this season is at defensive tackle as the Tigers must find two new starters. But Head Coach Les Miles says there is good depth at that position led by Christian LaCouture (Lock-uh-chur)….
cut 17 (11) ‘…coming to play”
Sunday is Media Day and also Fan Day on campus.

McNeese State begins fall practice at 4:30 today. The Cowboys return 16 starters from a team that went 10-and-3 last season. Coach Matt Viator has yet to decide on a starting quarterback. Kansas State transfer Daniel Sams, Will Briscoe and Tyler Bolfing are the candidates.

The Ragin Cajuns have set the school’s record for season tickets sold. Just over 12-thousand season tickets have been bought for the upcoming season.

And the nonconference schedule is out for the LSU men’s basketball team. The Tigers will host Texas Tech, UMASS and Southern Miss.

08.08.14
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LRN Newscast 08:30 August 8

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says the state will lose thousands of jobs if the EPA’s proposed ozone standards are enacted. It’s anticipated the EPA will require the state to lower ground level ozone pollution. But LABI President Stephen Waguespack says a National Association of Manufacturers report indicates the regulations would hurt the state’s booming economy…
cut 13 (07) “….manufacturing reniassance
Supporters of the new regulations say it will result in improved health conditions.

The LSU Health Sciences Center says a five-point-six million dollar grant will provide patients with more access to clinicial trials and advanced cancer treatement. Doctor Augusto Ochoa, with the LSU Health Sciences Center says they’ve partnered with 25 clinics to bring cutting edge cancer treatment closer to home…
cut 6 (09) “….access to this”

Governor Bobby Jindal is in Iowa again, as he continues to test the waters for a 2016 presidential run. Eric Gill has more…
cut 2 (32) “….reporting”

The Saints preseason opener is tonight in St. Louis. No official word from Coach Sean Payton, but Drew Brees is not expected to play because of an oblique injury. That means plenty of snaps for Luke McCown and Ryan Griffin, who are battling to be Brees’ primary backup.

08.08.14
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LRN Newscast 07:30 August 8

Louisiana Governor and potential Presidential candidate Bobby Jindal is back in Iowa today, even though polls show he does not have much support to receive the republican nomination. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says visits like today to early primary states will help Jindal decide whether to run or not….
cut 8 (10) “…see Jindal continue”
Jindal says he will not decide on a potential presidential run, until after the November election.

Louisiana State Police announce photographs from non-fatal crash scenes are now available for purchase on their website. Sergeant James Anderson says the website is l-s-p-dot-org….
cut 11 (06) “…then and there”
Attorneys and insurance firms are the main clientele for crash scene photos.

The LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans received a five-point-six million dollar grant from the National Cancer Institute to build a regional cancer trials network. Eric Gill on what this means for the state…
cut 1 (35) “….reporting”

Numbers from the Commerce Departement indicate personal spending rose from an average of 28-thousand dollars per person in Louisiana in 2007 to nearly 32-thousand in 2012. That 32-thousand figure is the 15th lowest in the country.

08.08.14
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LRN Sportscast 6:45 August 8

The Saints kick off the their preseason campaign tonight against the St. Louis Rams. While fans might think four preseason games are too much, Coach Sean Payton likes the current format. He says it gives players the opportunity to rise to the occasion….
cut 18 (08) “….kicking game”
Payton hasn’t said if quarterback Drew Brees will play tonight. He’s been limited in practice, because of an oblique injury.

The LSU football team will go through its first practice in pads this morning and the entire freshman class will also compete with the veterans for the first time. Coach Les Miles says based on yesterday’s practice, the defense is ahead of the offense…
cut 16 (10) “….good defense”
Sunday is media and fan day on the LSU campus.

The NCAA Board of Directors votes to allow the five major conferences to develop their own rules . The vote clears the way for the SEC and other big conferences to provide student-athletes additional money to help cover the costs of attending college. Opponents say this will lead to a bigger gap between schools in the SEC and leagues like the Sun Belt and Conference USA.

McNeese State begins fall camp at 4:30 today. The Cowboys return 16 starters from a team that went 10-and-3 last season. Coach Matt Viator has yet to decide on a starting quarterback. Kansas State transfer Daniel Sams, Will Briscoe and Tyler Bolfing are the candidates.

The Ragin Cajuns have set the school’s record for season tickets sold. Just over 12-thousand season tickets have been bought for the upcoming season.

And the nonconference schedule is out for the LSU men’s basketball team. The Tigers will host Texas Tech, UMASS and Southern Miss, while travel to West Virginia and UAB.

08.08.14
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LRN Newscast 06:30 August 8

Governor Bobby Jindal is in Iowa today and tomorrow. This is his third visit to the Hawkeye state, which is the site of the first presidential primary in 2016. Will Jindal run? The governor has said he will not decide until after the November election. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says if Jindal declares, he’ll be in it for the long haul….
cut 9 (07) “….two or three states”
Jindal has speaking events scheduled in Iowa today and tomrrow.

 

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry is expressing concerns over proposed regulations developed by the EPA that would require the state to reach a new standard when it comes to ozone pollution. The federal agency says history proves you can reduce pollution and grow the economy at the same time, but LABI President Steven Waguespack disagrees…
cut 15 (07) “….press the pause button”
The EPA will finalize the new ozone regulations in December.

 

The LSU Health Sciences Center says a five-point-six million dollar grant from the National Cancer Institute will allow them to build a cancer clinicial trials network that will be available to patients at 26 sites across Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Doctor Augusto Ochoa, director of the Scott Cancer Center at LSU Health Sciences Center says the funding will do more than just help set up a network…
cut 5 (13) “….in everybody”
The focus of the cancer clinical trails will be on minorities and the underserved.

08.07.14
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LRN sportscast 16:45 August 7

LSU Football Coach Les Miles says he supports today’s vote by the NCAA Board of Directors that would give more autonomy to the five major conferences. This means schools in the SEC and other power conferences will have different rules than other Division One schools. Miles says he respects the smaller conferences like the MAC and Sun Belt, but they don’t generate the same level of revenues as SEC schools…
cut 30 (19) “…like rules”
One major change proposed by the power conferences is the ability to offer student athletes not only a scholarship but an allowance to cover expenses outside of college. Ragin Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth is on record against the autonomy for the power five.

Players on the defensive side of the football are learning a new defense at Louisiana Tech. Manny Diaz is the new defensive coordinator in Ruston. Diaz says learning the playbook is not the only responsiblity during fall camp. He says developing leaders is also crucial before the season opener…
cut 18 (11) “…going to strike”
Tech opens the season against third ranked Oklahoma.

The UL Lafayette athletic ticket office says they’ve sold 12,276 season tickets for the upcoming football season, which is a new record. The Cajuns home schedule begins August 30th against Southern.

The Saints preseason schedule begins tomorrow night in St. Louis against Rams. Coach Sean Payton hasn’t said if quarterback Drew Brees will play. He’s been out of pads for about a week because of an oblique injury.

08.07.14
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11:40 Sportscast Aug 7

The Saints travel to St. Louis for their preseason opener against the Rams tomorrow night. New Orleans will see a familiar face on the Rams sideline as former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is now coordinating the Rams defense. Williams and Saints Head Coach Sean Payton were suspended for the 2013 season as a result of the bounty scandal. Knowing that Williams can be aggressive, Saints tight end Jimmy Graham says they worked on blitz pick-up packages in practice this week.

At LSU’s fall camp, reserve quarterback Jared Foster was seen at practice wearing a walking boot. No word on how serious the injury is, as Foster looks to make the team as a third-string Q-B.

Northwestern State had its football media day and there’s a lot of optimism this season among the Demon players. N-S-U was six-and-six last season.

They are learning a new defense in Ruston as Louisiana Tech defensive coordinator Manny Diaz is trying to get his players up to speed on their responsibilities. Diaz says his players have to learn quickly, because the season opener is against third ranked Oklahoma….
cut 30 (17) “…day one”
After the game against the Sooners, Tech will visit the Ragin Cajuns.

UL Lafayette Head Coach Mark Hudspeth says he likes what he sees from senior linebacker Jake Molbert. Molbert started several games his freshmen and sophomore seasons, but was a reserve player last year. Hudspeth says he’s Molbert fan and that the Rayne native embodies what a Ragin Cajuns player is. As a right now, Molbert is set to start in the season opener.

Former LSU pitcher Aaron Nola had a successful debut in Class Double-A of the Phillies Minor league system. Nola threw five innings and allowed one run as his team won nine to two over Harrisburg.