Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

01.04.16
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LRN Newscast 16:30 January 4

State Treasurer John Kennedy calls it a sad day for Louisiana. That’s his reaction to the death of activist and blogger CB Forgotston, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the age of 70. Kennedy says Forgotston was determined to uncover the truth about state government because he loved Louisiana…
cut 4 (08) “….the right course”
Forgotston was famous for pointing out how state officials or state agencies were mishandling taxpayers’ money.

Forecasters are calling for a freeze north of I-10 and I-12 tomorrow morning. State Climatologist Barry Keim says take care of pets and plants tonight, but this cold air shouldn’t stick around long…
cut 10 (08) “….during Christmas”
Keim says we’ve only seen a couple of freezes this year.

Will Sean Payton return as the coach of the Saints in 2016? It’s been reported the Saints could trade Payton to another team for a second-round pick. That’s if Payton wants to coach somewhere else next season. NFL Analyst Mike Detillier says that’s a scenario that would not favor the Black and Gold…
cut 7 (06) “….at this stage”
The Saints PR staff says Payton will meet with reporters on Wednesday.

An Alexandria man was arrested today after he allegedly fatally shot two people in Lafayette last week. Lafayette police corporal Paul Mouton says 21-year-old Tavis Jenkins was taken into police custody without incident…
cut 14 (07) “…off the street”
Mouton says Jenkins is accused of killing two men, including a 17-year-old, after he went to ex gilfriend’s apartment in Lafayette. He faces two counts of first-degree murder.

01.04.16
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 January 4

Will Sean Payton be back next season for the Saints? That’s the big question Who Dats are asking? Players met with reporters today and Quarterback Drew Brees doesn’t want to see major changes…
cut 30 (09) ‘”…few years”
It’s been reported that Payton was set to meet with General Manager Mickey Loomis today. NFL analyst Mike Detillier on what that conversation would be about…
cut 6 (10) “…and beyond”
Now if Payton were to leave the Saints, the team would have to trade him to another organiziation. It’s been reported the Saints would seek a second-round pick in return. The Saints P-R staff says Payton will address reporters on Wednesday.

Former Ragin Cajuns star Charles Tillman will not be on the field for the Carolina Panthers when the playoffs start. The veteran cornerback has suffered a torn ACL and is out for the remainder of the season.

Tiger Rag Featured Columnist and Gannett reporter Glenn Guilbeau reports that LSU quarterback Brandon Harris is having surgery to repair a sports hernia. Harris told Guilbeau its a minor medical procedure that will take six to eight weeks of rehab, but the Tigers starting QB says he’ll be ready for spring practice.

LSU will introduce new defensive coordinator Dave Aranda to the media tomorrow morning at 10 AM.

New ULM football coach Matt Viator names Mike Collins as the Warhawks defensive coordinator and Matt Kubik as the team’s offensive coordinator. Collins is the son of ULM Hall of Fame coach Pat Collins. This will be Mike Collins second stint as the D-C in Monroe. Kubik is a former Louisiana Tech quarterback and spent the past two seasons as the offensive coordinator at Stephen F Austin.

01.04.16
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LRN Sportscast 11:40 January 4

The Saints finished the 2015 season with a 20-17 win over Atlanta, improving their record to 7-9 on the year. Coach Sean Payton on the team’s effort in the regular season finale…
cut 17 (12) “…that was important”
What’s important now is whether Payton will return next season. There’s plenty of speculation going around, Payton could coach somewhere else next season. He declined to put those rumors to rest in Sunday’s postgame press conference…
cut (14) “…be more clear”
Payton is expected to meet with General Manager Mickey Loomis today.

Nice win for the LSU men’s basketball team on Saturday as they beat Vanderbilt on the road, but they can’t celebrate too hard as 10th ranked Kentucky will be at the PMAC tomorrow night. The Wildcats are 12-1 on the season and beat Ole Miss by 22 points in their SEC opener. After the game against Kentucky, LSU heads to Florida for a 12:30 Saturday afternoon game against the Gators.

Former LSU receiver Jarvis Landry broke Saints wide out Marques Colston’s record for most catches by a player in his first two seasons in the NFL. Landry has 194 grabs since he was drafted in 2014, while Colston had 168 receptions for the Saints in 2006 and 07.

LSU running back Leonard Fournette has been named the state’s top offensive player of the year according to the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. McNeese State’s Wallace Scott was selected as defensive player of the year. And Louisiana Tech quarterback Jeff Driskel earned Newcomer of the Year honors.

01.03.16
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LRN AM Newscall January 4 2016

Many are wondering if lawmakers can make up the state’s budget shortfall without raising taxes. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

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 Many people set New Year’s resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle in 2016. Emelie Gunn spoke with a doctor who has some tips to keep them….

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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We’re a week away from the swearing-in of Democrat John Bel Edwards as the state’s next governor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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It was announced last week that Louisiana is facing a $750 million deficit this fiscal year and another $1.9 billion next fiscal year. Many wonder if lawmakers can make up this shortfall without raising taxes. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin doesn’t think so, but he says legislators will look at other alternatives first…

cut 4  (11)  “things like that”

He says it seems almost inevitable that the legislature will have to raise some new revenues. Erwin says an increase in the state sales tax is one possible area lawmakers may target…

Cut 5  (08)  “in some way”

He says lawmakers have a lot of options when it comes to raising revenues, like raising income, gasoline, and “sin” taxes. Erwin says the legislature should take a broad-based approach in finding a permanent solution to the budget problems…

Cut 6 (08)  “a little bit” 4X

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The Corps of Engineers is scheduled to begin emergency operations on the Mississippi River as river levels are expected to crest later this month at a historically high level for the winter months at Vicksburg and Natchez. Fifth Louisiana Levee District President Reynold Minsky says relief wells were installed, which should reduce flooding…

CUT 7 (09)  “2011”

The Mississippi River reached an all-time high water level in 2011 and Minsky says they learned a lot from that event, which is helping them this time around…

Cut 8  (10)  “this flood”

Minsky says hesco baskets, which are filled with sand that serve as temporary levees will be used again to protect businesses in downtown Vidalia

Cut 9 (07)  “go to today”

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A lot of people are making New Year’s resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle in 2016 but that’s often easier said than done. LSU Health New Orleans Clinical Psychologist Dr. Michelle Moore has some tips for those to stay on task during the New Year. She says your resolutions should be something that carry on throughout all of 2016, not just the start of the year.

Cut 10 (09) “manageable” 

Moore says many people have good intentions to live a better lifestyle at the start of the New Year but often fall off by the end of January. She says giving yourself a plan and building on it every month will help you to keep up with your resolution.

cut 11 (10) “the diet”

Moore says not to make dramatic resolutions right off the bat because they are hard to keep. She says make sure you shoot for an obtainable goal.

Cut 12 (09) “do that”

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One week from today, Democrat John Bel Edwards will be sworn in as the state’s next governor. Since the election, Edwards has been appointing officials to serve in his administration. The governor-elect’s deputy chief of staff, Julie Baxter Payer, says they’re hearing good feedback about the team Edwards is building

Cut 13 (10)  “it’s just different”

Payer says the new administration plans to keep an open dialogue with the public when it comes to the harsh realities the state faces with its budget situation…

Cut 14 (08) “for Louisiana”

Incoming Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne has pegged the shortfall for this fiscal year at 750-million dollars and one-point-nine billion dollars next fiscal year. Payer says they seek the public’s help in solving these budget issues…

Cut 15  (06) “from everyone”

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In what might have been the final game of the Sean Payton era, the Saints defeated the Falcons 20-17 as Kai Forbath drilled a 30-yard field goal with no time left for the winning points. Payton says it was a gutsy win for his banged-up team…

Cut 16  (16)  “entire career”

The win gives the Saints a 7-9 record for the 2015 season and they end the year on a two-game winning streak. Payton is happy with how his squad finished the year

Cut 17 (12) “that was important”

But will Payton be around for the 2016 season. ESPN is reporting they will allow Payton to explore his options, as he is under contract with the Saints next season. So if he would coach somewhere else, the Saints would have to trade him. Payton didn’t want to talk about his future after the Falcons game…

Cut 18 (14) “be more clear”

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01.01.16
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LRN Sportscast 11:40 January 1

Former Neville High standout John Diarse is transferring from LSU. Diarse was a reserve wide receiver this past season and caught 13 passes for 137 yards, including a season-high 45 receiving yards in the Tigers win over Texas Tech in the Texas Bowl. Diarse graduated from LSU last month and can continue his college career somewhere else.

Alabama will meet Clemson in the College Football National Championship game on January 11th in Glendale, Arizona. The Crimson Tide crushed Michigan State 38-0 last night in Arlington, Texas, while Clemson dominated Oklahoma in the 2nd half to beat the Sooners 37-17 in the Orange Bowl.

Tonight in the Mercedes Benz Superdome, it’s the Sugar Bowl as Oklahoma State takes on Ole Miss at 7:30. The game is a sell out as the Rebels are making their first appearance in the Sugar Bowl since the days when Archie Manning was their quarterback.

The Pelicans finished off 2015 with a 95-89 loss to the red-hot Clippers. New Orleans struggled from long range, hitting just 7-of-25 from three-point land and they also gave up 24 second-chance points. Ryan Anderson had 17 to lead the Pelicans in scoring. Norris Cole had 15, while Eric Gordon had ten points on 3-of-10 shooting. New Orleans is at Dallas tomorrow night.

In college basketball…ULM is 2-0 in the Sun Belt after beating Appalachian State 72-56 at Fant-Ewing Coliseum on New Year’s eve. Senior Majok Deng had a game-high 18 points and seven rebounds. The Warhawks are at Arkansas State on Thursday.

Tomorrow…LSU begins SEC play as it visits Vanderbilt for a game that can be seen on ESPN Two at eight o’ clock. The Tigers have been up and down in their pre-conference schedule and they enter league play with a 7-5 record.

Also tomorrow…Louisiana Tech hosts Southern Miss, while the Ragin Cajuns take on Appalachian State in the Cajundome.

12.31.15
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LRN Newscast 17:30 December 31

We say goodbye to 2015 tonight. One of the biggest stories in the state this year was the mass shooting at a Lafayette movie theater that killed three, including the gunman, and injured nine others. Here’s one man who survived the attack…
cut 3 (06) “…right at people”
At the state capitol, the budget was the big story. On two occasions, students from public colleges protested on the steps of the capitol over proposed cuts in state funding to higher education…
cut 5 (11) “….cheers”
Public colleges were able to avoid cuts in state funding.

Hoverboards will not be allowed on the LSU campus or in campus-run housing when the new year begins. The university has told students that the self-balancing scooters are a potential fire hazard when they are being charged.

State Police reminds everyone ringing in the New Year with alcohol, not to drink and drive. Sgt. Nick Manale says to make sure you have a plan in place to get home safely before you start drinking, because once alcohol enters the body, your judgement becomes impaired…
cut 10 (10) “ride home”
Manale says State Police will be out in full force tonight.

Officials in northwest Louisiana are not expecting a repeat of the widespread flooding that took place in June when the Red River crested well above flood stage. It’s above flood stage again and it’s projected to crest at 31.5 feet in the Shreveport area on Saturday. Robert Jump, with the Caddo office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says they don’t expect any water in homes or businesses…
cut 14 (09) “…be effected”

12.31.15
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LRN Newscast 16:30 December 31st

2015 comes to a close tonight. Don Molino looks back at an eventful year in Louisiana…
cut 1 (30) “…I’m Don Molino”

With a new year, a handful of laws go into effect. One new measure creates stricter marriage license requirements in order to prevent illegal immigrants from getting married in Louisiana. There’s also new legislation designed to prevent fraud with the state’s film tax credit program. Both laws were approved by lawmakers earlier this year.

It’s New Year’s Eve and State Police urges motorists not to drink and drive. Sgt. Nick Manale says they will have additional troopers on the highways to get drunk drivers off the road. He says if you suspect an impaired driver, notify L-S-P…
cut 11 (09) “that vehicle”
Manale says, if you’re going to drink, make sure you have a plan in place to get home safely.

One of the most popular gifts this holiday season is the hoverboard. But it’s also sending people to the hospital. Dr. Russell Russo, a New Orleans Orthopedic Surgeon, says he’s seen a spike in hoverboard injuries in the past few weeks…
cut 7 (10) “hoverboard injuries”
Russo feels the problem with hoverboards is that people jump on them and assume they’re just going to learn to ride with no issues.

12.31.15
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16:45 LRN Sportscast December 31

LSU is looking for a new defensive coordinator after Kevin Steele left the Tigers for the same job at Auburn. Footbally analyst Mike Detillier says Steele’s departure is not a big loss for LSU…
cut 30 (10) “…late in the season”
Detillier doesn’t believe LSU will promote someone currently on staff to become the team’s next defensive coordinator. He says they spoke with several people about this same job last year and they may go back to that list to fill this void.

Louisiana Tech has promoted Tim Rattay from outside receivers coach to quarterbacks coach. Rattay has been a Bulldog assistant the last three years after a record-setting career as a quarterback for Tech in the late 1990s. Rattay was promoted after offensive coordinator Tony Peterson left La Tech for the same job at East Carolina. No word on who the Bulldogs will hire to direct their offense.

A high school football prospect in northwest Louisiana has been arrested for a second time in the last several weeks. It’s being reported that Devin White was charged with careless operation of a motor vehicle and flight from an officer. White, who had a stellar career at North Webster, was charged with carnal knowledge of a juvenile in November. He’s being recruited by LSU.

The Saints are looking to close out the regular season on a strong note when they face the Atlanta Falcons. A win would give New Orleans a 7-9 record in 2015. Some young wide receivers have emerged this year. Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead have combined to catch 145 passes and 12 touchdowns. Quarterback Drew Brees believes the future is bright for the Saints, because of those two…
cut 18 (19) “…a time”
New Orleans at Atlanta is noon Sunday.

12.31.15
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15:30 LRN Newscast December 31

Law enforcement is asking those who plan on celebrating New Year’s away from home to avoid driving home drunk. State Police Sergeant Nick Manale…
cut 12 (08) “…these holidays safe”
Manale says they’ll have extra troopers on the highways tonight looking to arrest those who are impaired behind the wheel.

The hoverboard looks fun, but it also can be painful. New Orleans Orthopedic Surgeon Russell Russo says he’s seen up to 10 injuries from hoverboard accidents in the past couple of weeks, compared to 6 in the previous four months. Russo says most hoverboard injuries occur when people try to step off the device…
cut 8 (09) “coming from”
Russo says take it slow when you first learn to ride a hoverboard and try to do it in a padded area or have someone close by to help in case you fall.

One of the big stories in Louisiana for 2015 was the election of Democrat John Bel Edwards as the state’s next governor. Here’s what Edwards had to say on election night…
cut 6 (08) “…others”
Edwards will be sworn in on January 11th.

The governor-elect has been involved in meetings with emergency prepardness officials regarding the rising Mississippi River and the Red River. The Red River is expected to crest above flood stage on Saturday in the Shreveport-Bossier area. Caddo Office of Homeland Secrurity and Emergency Preparedness deputy director, Robert Jump, says they learned valuable lessons from the June floods when the Red River busted out fo its banks…
cut 15 (11) “….pumps running”
Jump says they are not anticipating any flooding to homes and businesses with this latest event.

12.31.15
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14:30 LRN Newscast December 31

As 2015 comes to a close Don Molino looks back at an eventful year in Louisiana…

cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

State Police is reminding people ringing in the New Year with alcohol to not drink and drive. LSP will be out in full force across the state with DWI checkpoints and proactive patrols looking to get impaired drivers off the roads. They urge revelers to make sure you have a plan in place to get home safely before you start drinking.

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Dr. Russell Russo, a New Orleans Orthopedic Surgeon, says he has seen a spike in hoverboard injuries this holiday season. He feels the problem with hoverboards is that people jump on them and assume they’re just going to learn to ride with no issues. Russo says if you’ve received a hoverboard, it would be best if you learned how to properly ride it…

cut 9 (09) “jump on them”

He says most hoverboard injuries occur when people try to dismount the device

The Red River in the Shreveport-Bossier City area is expected to crest at 31.5 feet on Saturday, but officials are not expecting a huge impact to the public. Robert Jump, Caddo Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness deputy director, says they don’t predict the rising waters will cause any flood damage to businesses or homes…

cut 13 (10) “flaws are”

Jump says their largest impact right now is agriculture in the southern part of the parish