Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

03.26.16
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LRN AM Newscall Monday March 28

The Public Service Commission holds a special meeting today on the sale of the Cleco  to a foreign investment group. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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It was a common belief that vipers, which are venomous snakes like cottonmouths, had the fastest strike, but new research from UL-Lafayette suggests that isn’t true. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (24) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A proposed bill would establish the process by which pharmacies go about selling medical marijuana, including a 5-thousand dollar application fee. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Public Service Commission is expected to meet today for a special hearing on the sale of Pineville-based CLECO to Macquarie Infrastructure. The PSC rejected the proposal last month, and since then two sides have revised terms they say would further benefit the utility company’s employees and customers. PSC member Foster Campbell says “real” money from the sale should go to customers..

cut 4  (06)  “not enough”

CLECO says during the last meeting with the sale was turned down, inaccurate statements were made that they hope to clear up today. Commissioner Lambert Boissiere says, no matter what the new proposal entails, they all want to see rate reductions for CLECO customers…:

Cut 5  (04)  “anyone else”

CLECO and Macquarie have offered additional commitments including 100 million dollars of immediate rate relief for customers, and a 15 million dollar contribution to economic development in Louisiana. Commissioner Clyde C. Holloway says they want to know where all this money is coming from…:

Cut 6 (10)  “with money” 

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Vipers, which are venomous snakes like rattlesnakes and cottonmouths, were thought to have the quickest strike, but researchers at UL-Lafayette say that’s not the case. Doctoral student David Penning says their study shows that all snakes can strike quickly.

CUT 7 (09)  “snake world”

Penning says to observe snakes striking they filmed them with cameras capable of capturing high-speed action. He says they noticed that nonvenomous Texas rat snakes struck with the same velocity and acceleration as vipers.

Cut 8  (06)  “as vipers”

Penning says it takes a snake 70 milliseconds to strike, and it takes a human 200 milliseconds just to blink. He says what people can take away from this study is that they should not try to grab a venomous snake before it strikes.

Cut 9 (10)  “animals alone”

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It appears pharmacies who want to sell medical marijuana in the state will have to jump through a lot of hoops. Based on a bill moving through the legislature, an application fee of $5-thousand would be needed to cover inspections, background checks and paperwork. And Ville Platte Representative and pharmacist Harvey LeBas says federal law prohibits the sale of medical marijuana in the same facility where other prescriptions are sold.

Cut 10 (07) “Medical marijuana”

LeBas says once medical marijuana is available, it will only be sold at ten different locations around the state. He says there are still a lot of unknowns surrounding the issue.

cut 11 (09) “start somewhere”

LeBas says this situation will not be like what’s happening in Colorado. These dispensaries will only offer medications derived from the plant for medical uses, not the actual plant itself. He says this will be quite an investment for pharmacies, between the application fee and opening a new facility.

cut 12 (07) “to be seen”

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Legislative hearings begin today on the state’s spending plan for the fiscal year that starts July 1st. Over the course of the next two months, legislators will have to pass a budget that will contain 750-million dollars in cuts from the previous year. Governor John Bel Edwards says since he’s been in office, 170-million dollars in budget cuts have been put in place…

Cut 13 (07)  “about to do”

Edwards says despite the recent cuts to state funding and revenue increases, legislators will have to make some more difficult cuts, because of the large shortfall they are still facing…

Cut 14 (11)  “750-million dollars” 

By law, legislators must approve a balanced budget. Edwards predicts legislators will find out during this regular session that state government can’t sustain anymore deep cuts

Cut 15 (07) “more revenue”

03.25.16
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LRN PM Newscall March 25

There’s another election coming up and early voting for the April election begins Saturday morning. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (27)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s concerned about the the future of  TOPS. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Many Louisiana residents probably do not know this, but there is an coming up. And early voting for the April 9th Municipal Election begins Saturday morning. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says there are 41 parishes statewide holding elections…:

CUT 3 (07)  “g-e-a-u-x”

The early voting period runs through Saturday April 2nd, but polls are closed Easter Sunday. Schedler says items on the ballot include local tax renewals, or runoffs if there were municipal elections in March to fill city council or mayoral seats…:

CUT 4 (11)  “April”

Schedler says there was a 30 percent turnout in the March Presidential primary, and this ballot will not generate as much buzz, but people still need to know it’s important to vote…:

CUT 5 (10)  “than 30%”

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The Louisiana Attorney General’s office is warning flood victims or those donating to charities that there are fraudulent people looking to make a quick buck. Spokesperson Ruth Wisher says educate yourself before you donate to a charity or hire a contractor.  She says never donate to a charity that asks for cash or wire transfers and doesn’t provide proof your contribution is tax deductible.

CUT 6 (10) “.com”

Wisher says they’re encouraging flood victims looking for home repair to get at least itemized, detailed bids from licensed contractors. She says if they are unlicensed that should be viewed as a red flag.

CUT 7 (10) “never hurt”

Wisher says FEMA will never call asking for financial account information and they always carry identification badges. She says don’t hesitate to call the Attorney General’s Office to ensure a contractor or charity is legitimate.

CUT 8 (10) “double check”

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A few years ago, Louisiana was ranked in the top ten nationally in tuberculosis rates, but the state Department of Health and Hospitals announces Louisiana’s case rate has fallen 43-percent since 2010.  DHH Tuberculosis controller Michael Lacassagne says the potentially fatal bacterial infections can be both prevented and cured with proper treatment and the state has taken steps to do that

CUT 9 (07) “for us”

Lacassagne attributes the decrease to a new blood testing procedure to improve the diagnosis and a new therapy to prevent the progression of the tuberculosis. He says to keep the number down, they focus on high risk populations, like those with HIV or born outside of the country…

cut 10 (10)  “that group”

Lacassagne says Louisiana is the first state to adopt a statewide blood test for the detection of tuberculosis.

Cut 11 (09) “of cases”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says changes to the TOPS scholarship program as we know it are likely coming, because of a 750-million dollar shortfall for next fiscal year’s budget. Edwards says because lawmakers are not able to raise additional revenues in this regular session, some tough cuts are needed…

cut 12 (09) “of those”

Edwards says the cost of the TOPS scholarship program is 300-million dollars this fiscal year and the price tag is expected to rise as colleges and universities hike tuition costs. The governor says in these tough budget times, many government services and programs will unfortunately suffer…

Cut 13 (07)  “at risk”

If no legislation comes out of this session that changes the TOPS program, Edwards says there are policies already in place spelling out who would  receive the scholarship, if the state can’t afford the program under the current eligibility requirements…

cut 14 (12)  “financial need”

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03.25.16
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11:40 LRN Sportscast March 25

The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that free agent defensive tackle Nick Fairley is expected to sign with the Saints. Fairly played in 15 games with the Rams last season and registered a half sack. His best seasons were in 2012 and 2013 with the Lions, when he had a combined 11.5 sacks those two years.

It turns out Pelicans star Anthony Davis does not need surgery on his shoulder. A-D did have surgery on his injured knee and it’s expected he’ll be away from the basketball court for three to four months. He could have been sidelined for up to six months, if he had work done on his shoulder. New Orleans lost to Indiana 92-84 last night and they’ll host Toronto tomorrow night.

No big surprises in last night’s NCAA Tournament, let’s see if that changes tonight. The marque game is North Carolina versus Indiana.

The LSU baseball team is off to a 1-3 start in SEC play after losing to Texas A-and-M six to one last night. It’s the third time this season, LSU has been held to one or fewer runs. Tiger pitchers walked eight hitters last night. Alex Lange is on the hill tonight for the 8 PM first pitch.

Southeastern Louisiana won its 10 straight last night as they defeated Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi three to one. Webb Bobo’s two run homer was the difference.

Elsewhere…Sam Houston over Nicholls four to two, McNeese thumped Abilene Christian 10-6 and Northwestern State also reached double digits as they defeated Stephen F Austin 10-3.

ULM also put 10 runs on the score board as the Warhawks defeated Appalachian State 10-5, the Ragin Cajuns ended a three-game losing streak with four to two victory over Georgia State And the Bulldogs have a three-game winning streak after beating Charlotte 3-2 in walk-off fashion.

03.25.16
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09:30 LRN Newscast March 25

To close a budget deficit for this fiscal year, Governor John Bel Edwards has announced a 70-million dollar reduction in state funds for the state department of health and hospitals. Edwards says 40-million of that is lower than projected Medicaid expenditures and efficiencies his administration put in place when he took office…
cut 7 (11) “…to our people”
Colleges and universities avoided the budget ax for at least the next three months.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff deputies are still trying to determine why 73-year-old John Thomas of Kenner fatally shot a 75-year-old urologist while he was treating a patient near the East Jefferson General Hospital. Authorities say Thomas took his own life at a nearby fast food restaurant. Thomas did not have a prior criminal history.

Because of the flooding, hundreds of Louisiana residents will spend this Easter weekend out of their homes. Mike Steele, with the governor’s office of homeland security and emergency preparedness, says if the water has gone down, you don’t have to wait on a FEMA inspector to begin repairs…
cut 30 (10) “…assessment teams”
Steele also advises people to document and take pictures of damage to their homes.

Louisiana may have to relinquish control of state museums over to local agencies due to money concerns. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says his budget has taken a massive hit amid the fiscal crisis….
Cut 9 (05) “proposed scenario”
Schedler says there’s legislation moving through that would allow local governments to run several musuems like the Germantown Colony Musuem in Minden and the Chennault Musuem in Monroe.

03.25.16
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08:30 LRN Newscast March 25

The state department of health and hospitals will receive a 70-million dollar cut in state funding this fiscal year, while higher education is spared. Governor John Bel Edwards says DHH was better positioned to absorb these cuts…
cut 8 (09) “…our citizens”
30 million of the 70-million dollar cut is the result of lower-than projected expenditures with the state’s medicaid program.

Secretary of State Tom Schedler says money problems is making it difficult for his office to operate various state musuems. Schedler says he may turn some of the state museums over to local governments for them to run…
cut 11 (07) “…local community’
He says that includes the Eddie Robinson Museum on Grambling’s campus.

There will be plenty of crawfish boils this Easter weekend. But Louisiana Crawfish Farmers Assocation president David Savoy says the untold story is that the farmers are not making as much money for their catch as they did last year. He says someone has to be making money, because customers are not seeing a break…
cut 5 (11) “…gone down”
Savoy says the middle man is the one making money this year.

Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain is urging those affected by the recent flooding to take precautions to prevent termites during clean-up and remodeling. Strain says flooding can ruin the termite traps around your home…
cut 12 (10) “….barrier out”
Strain also warns flooded structures are prone to infestation by termites.

03.25.16
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07:30 LRN Newscast March 25

Governor John Bel Edwards says the state’s $70 million dollar budget holef for this fiscal year will be filled within the state Department of Health and Hospitals. Edwards says he could not in good conscious make any more reductions to higher ed…
cut 6 (12) “….in the contry”
But Edwards says more reductions to higher education could come next year as the state is staring at a 750-million dollar shortfall for the fiscal year that starts July 1st.

It’s a big weekend for crawfish. Louisiana Crawfish Farmers Association president David Savoy says there’s plenty of mudbugs to go around, but consumers are still paying the same prices for crawfish, even though production costs are down…
cut 4 (10) “…the same”
Savoy says crawfish farmers are also not seeing more money for their catch.

The state may have to give up control of its museums because of budget concerns. Halen Doughty has more…
voicer 2 (31) “..Halen Doughty”

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain is concerned about an increase in the termite population in areas that experienced flooding. Strain says once the water is gone, termites that remain tend to come back more prevalent than before…
cut 14 (07) “….to infest”
Strain says if you had a termiticide barrier around your house, flood waters most likely washed it away and the area needs to be retreated.

03.25.16
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06:45 LRN Sportscast

Not much offense and LSU’s pitchers had trouble finding the strike zone in a six to one loss to second ranked Texas A-and-M last night. The Tigers were 2-of-12 with runners in scoring position and LSU pitchers walked eight Aggie hitters. Jared Poche suffered the loss and he walked four in five-plus innings.

Southeastern won its 10th straight as they defeated A-and-M Corpus Christi three to one. Kyle Cedotal won his fourth game as he allowed just one run over eight innings.

Elsewhere in the Southland…Sam Houston doubled up Nicholls four to two, Lamar outscored UNO 10-7, McNeese thumped Abilene Christian 10-6, and Northwestern pounded Stephen F Austin 10-3.

Matt Holcombe’s pinch hit walk-off single lifted Louisiana Tech to a three to two win over Charlotte. The Cajuns doubled up Georgia state four to two and ULM’s Cade Stone homered and drove in five runs in a 10-5 win over Appalachian State.

The Pelcians only suited up eight players last night and lost to Indiana 92-84. Alexis Ajinca led all New Orleans scorers with 22 points and Tim Frazier had a career-high 18. But the Pels have received some good news about All-star forward Anthony Davis. A-D will not need surgery on his left shoulder to repair a partially torn labrum. He sill had surgery on his left knee, but instead of being out five to six months, he’ll only be off the basketball court for three to four months.

Newly signed Saints linebacker James Laurinaitis is eager for his time in New Orleans to start. Laurinaitis plans to dive into the playbook so that he can serve as a coach on the field….
cut 30 (22) “…football field”
Laurinaitis says he’s selling his home in St. Louis and plans to be a fulltime resident of New Orleans.

03.25.16
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06:30 LRN Newscast March 25

Governor John Bel Edwards says one state agency will aborsb 70-million dollars worth of cuts for this fiscal year to make up for a budget deficit….
voicer 1 (27) “….I’m Michelle Southern”

Authorities in Jefferson Parish are trying to determine why a 73-year-old man walked into the East Jefferson General Hospital and fatally shot 75-year-old Doctor Elbert Goodier. Authorities say the gunman, John Thomas of Kenner, left the hospital and shot himself at a nearby Wendy’s. Investigators have learned Thomas was a patient of Doctor Goodier.

Crawfish-lovers can expect to find a good batch of mudbugs this Easter weekend. That’s according to David Savoy, president of the Louisiana Crawfish Farmers Association, who says they should be able to meet the demand…
cut 3 (03) “…right time”
Savoy says while there’s plenty of mudbugs, the price for consumers is as high as last year, despite lower gas prices.

Budget constraints could result in Secretary of State Tom Schedler turning control of several state museums to local governments. Schedler says he’s already returned a few musuems back to local governments, like the Louisiana State Cotton Museum in Lake Providence. He says tough decisions are coming regarding the rest…
cut 10 (08) “….close some”
Schedler says one of the museums he may have to give up is the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe.

03.24.16
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LRN PM Newscall March 24

Three people were killed and three more were seriously injured in a fire in Winnsboro during the overnight hours. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Alto Congressman Ralph Abraham is visiting Cuba next month to establish potential agriculture trade with the island…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Three people were killed in a tragic fire during the overnight hours in Winnsboro, a father and two sons. A mother, a daughter, and another son were also seriously injured. Brant Thompson, with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, says when the firefighters arrived, they found the singlewide trailer fully engulfed in flames.

CUT 3 (10)  “8-year-old-child”

Derrick Boley, his 3-year-old son Kenderrick Boley, and 8-year-old Bryson Scobbee were killed in the fire. Thompson says the investigation will continue throughout the day as fire investigators systematically examine debris from the home.

CUT 4 (09)  “at this time”

Thompson says 29-year-old Victoria Guthrie, a 6-year-old, and a 19-month-old child were transported to an area hospital, where they are being treated for injuries.

CUT 5 (09)  “at this time”

Thompson says their thoughts and prayers go out to the survivors and their family.

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Alto Congressman Ralph Abraham is traveling to Cuba in April to ensure Louisiana becomes a trading partner with the country, once Congress lifts the trade embargo. Abraham says he’ll speak with Cuban officials to determine potential delivery and distribution. He says currently, the island receives imports from Asian countries, but the Port of New Orleans is only 36 hours away so a partnership makes sense.

CUT 6 (06) “right there”

Abraham says we’re on the tip of the spear to be the first state to get our goods to Cuba in a big way. He says Cuba imports about 80 to 90 percent of their agricultural products.

CUT 7 (10) “Louisiana”

Abraham expects the trade embargo with the island to be lifted by 2017. But he understands Cuba still has some significant human rights issues to fix…

CUT 8 (11) “those changes”

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Matthew Flugence of Marrero has entered a guilty plea in the death of a 6-year-old girl who was killed then stuffed into a trashcan in 2013. Flugence was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree murder. Jefferson Parish District Attorney Paul Connick Jr. will not pursue the death penalty. Legal analyst Tim Meche says money may be a factor in the DA’s decision.

CUT 9 (12) “pleasant experience”

Meche says in Louisiana there is no chance of getting out of a life sentence, like there may be in other states.

cut 10 (05)  “in Angola”

Meche says the process of prosecuting a death penalty case takes time. He says the family needs closure, and this decision gives it to them.

Cut 11 (08) “in America”

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The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says so far over 12-thousand homes have received flood damage and 26 parishes are available for federal assistance. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele recovery efforts are still underway and more severe weather is possible Easter Sunday.

cut 12 (09) “cause problems”

Steele advises people to document and take pictures of damage to their homes sooner than later.

Cut 13 (09)  “assessment teams”

Steele says begin your cleanup if possible but you still must register your damage with FEMA, even if you’re in a parish that hasn’t yet been declared as part of the emergency process. He says registering lets GOHSEP get a better picture of the state’s total damage.

cut 14 (08)  “3362”

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03.24.16
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11:40 LRN Sportscast March 24

The 10th ranked LSU baseball team will need to play well over the next three days to come away with a series victory over 2nd ranked Texas A-and-M. The Aggies are 19-and-2 and have the highest team batting average in the SEC. Junior left-hander Jared Poche will start on the hill for the Tigers. Poche knows the Aggies have the potential to score a bunch of runs…
cut 17 (14) “….to it”
First pitch is at 6 PM from Blue Bell Park, where A&M has won 18 straight games.

Because of Easter on Sunday, the Sun Belt will begin their series today. The Cajuns will look to snap a three-game losing streak when they host Georgia State. ULM welcomes Appalachian State to Warhawk field for a three-game series. The Mountaineers are just 4-17 on the year.

The Saints are reportedly adding another linebacker to their roster. His name is Craig Robertson and he recorded 59 tackles for the Cleveland Browns last season. He has served as an inside linebacker in Cleveland’s 3-4 defense. New Orleans has also added veterans James Laurinatis and Nate Stupar in this offseason.

Former LSU standout and Bastrop High star Rueben Randle has a new home in the NFL, but he’s staying in the NFC East. Randle has signed with the Philadelphia Eagles after catching eight touchdown passes for the New York Giants last year.

The UL Lafayette men’s basketball team’s season is over. The Cajuns fell to UC Irvine 67-66 in the quarterifnals of the CIT.

The Pelicans will face the Pacers tonight in Indiana. New Orleans has not defeated the Pacers since April 3rd 2011. The Pels are headed for the NBA Draft Lottery, while Indiana is trying to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference.