Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

10.19.15
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LRN PM Newscall for Monday October 19

According to the Secretary of State’s Office, 222,000 Louisianians cast an early ballot for Saturday’s election.  Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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LSU announces Mike the Tiger won’t be attending anymore home games in Death Valley, at least for the rest of this season. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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According to the Secretary of State’s Office, 222,000 Louisianians cast an early ballot for Saturday’s election. That’s about 14,000 less than participated in last November’s election. Pollster John Couvillon feels the lower early voting turnout shows a lack of public interest in the governor’s election…

CUT 3 (09)  “policy proposals”

Basing this election’s early voting numbers on historical trends, a 45 to 50 percent voter turnout is expected for the election. Couvillon says low voter turnout typically favors Republican candidates…

CUT 4 (10)  “Democratic intensity”

A breakdown of early voting numbers show that 71-percent of participants were white, while just 27-percent were black. Couvillon says the low percentage of black voters participating in early voting can have an impact on the number of voters hitting the polls Saturday…

CUT 5 (06) “October 24th”

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LSU announces Mike the Tiger won’t be attending anymore home games in Death Valley, at least for the rest of this season. Ginger Gutner, with the LSU Vet School, says they tried something a little different in order to get Mike VI into his trailer for the McNeese State game, but it didn’t work a second time…:

CUT 6 (07) “onto us”

Gutner says, this way, everyone can enjoy Mike the entire day on game days since they won’t have him in the back trying to get him into the trailer. She says anyone who visits Mike’s dwelling knows that he likes to sleep by the windows up front around people, so she doesn’t think the big crowds are keeping him from the games…:

CUT 7 (07)  “game day”

Mike VI didn’t make any games last season, and in 2013 he was only at three and some fans aren’t happy this tradition isn’t being honored. But Gutner says they can’t force this giant tiger to do anything and they will reevaluate the matter next season…

CUT 8 (09)  “and see”

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The State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Department of Agriculture and Forestry announce the arrest of a man who is accused of intentionally setting fires when he worked as a volunteer firefighter in 2010 and 2011. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the suspect faces six counts of simple arson…

CUT 9 (09)  “near Jonesboro”

They say 22-year-old Justin Murphy of Jonesboro confessed to setting small grass fires while he was a volunteer member of the Jonesboro Fire Department. Strain says Murphy’s confession came while he was being questioned about another fire in north Louisiana last week…

cut 10 (07)  “one home”

He says Murphy has not been charged in the Liberty Hill fire. Bond was set at $90,000. Strain that wildfires are something investigators take quite seriously…

Cut 11 (09)  “you cause”

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The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says two brothers are under arrest in connection with the murder of Nanette Me’Shell King whose dead body was found in a burned car near Sun. Sheriff Jack Strain says the victim’s ex boyfriend, 53-year-old Gary Harris, allegedly murdered her — and his brother, 64-year-old Ray Harris, helped him cover it up…:

cut 12 (06)  “individuals were”

Strain says investigators believe that after the breakup from a 20-year relationship, Gary Harris talked King into coming back to their house on September 20th to talk about how they were going to divide their property — and it was there that he murdered her. He says the story is disturbing..:

cut 13 (06)  “cover his crime”

Gary Harris is charged with second degree murder and Ray Harris accessory after the fact. Strain says they believe after Gary Harris murdered King, he moved her body to the car, which was found burned out, several weeks later. He says the steps the Harris brothers took to cover this up are appalling…:

cut 14 (07)  “cold and calculating”

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10.19.15
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU is the only team in the Southeastern Conference that’s still undefeated after beating Florida 35-28 on Saturday night. It was another Florida game that featured trick plays from LSU. Coach Les Miles called for kicker Trent Domingue to take a pitch from holder Brad Kragthorpe and Domingue did the rest, running 16 yards for the score on the fake field goal…
cut 16 (13) “…for sure”
LSU has its final nonconference game of the season this Saturday as they host Western Kentucky.

Tigers defensive end Lewis Neal has been named SEC defensive player of the week. He had ten tackles and three sacks versus the Gators. Senior offensive tackle Vadal Alexander was named SEC offensive lineman of the week as he posted 13 knockdowns and did not allow any sacks or pressures.

Sources say the Saints have released kicker Zach Hocker. The rookie from Arkansas missed two field goals in the win over Atlanta and he’s 9-of-13 for the season. New Orleans has reportedly signed veteran Kai Forbath.

The Saints next opponent is the Indianapolis Colts. New England beat the Colts 34-27 and Indy is 3-and-3 on the season.

Tonight’s Monday night football game has the Giants visiting the Philadelphia Eagles. New York’s Odell Beckham is listed as questionable, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Giants are “encouraged” that the former LSU star will be able to play tonight.

McNeese State’s Wallace Scott is the Southland Conference defensive player of the week for a third time this season. Scott had a 45-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown in the Cowboys 28-13 win over Central Arkansas.

Grambling State is still unbeaten in the SWAC after an emotional 35-34 win over Alcorn State. Tigers running back Martez Carter rushed for 133 yards and scored on a one-yard TD run in OT and then kicked the extra point.

10.18.15
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LRN AM Newscall October 19

It looks like has found itself a passing game. Jeff Palermo has more on the Tigers 35-28 win over Florida…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The State Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is calling on waterfowl hunters to voice their opinions on proposed changes to hunting zones. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (23) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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NOAA weather forecasters predict that a very strong El Nino will bring some much needed rain to Louisiana in the coming months. Eric Gill has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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An LSU Public Policy Research Lab report surveying people’s opinions about the 2015 election cycle found that 56-percent of Louisianans believe the state is heading in the wrong direction. Dr. Michael Henderson says only 29-percent of voters surveyed thought the state was going in the right direction

cut 4  (07)  “wrong direction”

Henderson says none of the gubernatorial candidate have capitalized on this pessimism. He says the closer we get to the election the more negative voters feel about the future of Louisiana.

Cut 5  (06)  “up today”

Henderson says even though voters feel this way, these negative sentiments don’t seem to be translating into positive or negative attitudes toward the candidates. He says none of the four major candidates have succeeded in consolidating the support of the dissatisfied voters.

Cut 6 (08)  “or another”

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Recent polls show Republican David Vitter has the highest unfavoribility ratings out of the four candidates running for governor, but yet, analysts believe Vitter has the best shot at succeeding Bobby Jindal. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says once Vitter makes the runoff, his negatives will begin to go away.

CUT 7 (10)  “John Bel Edwards”

Based on the latest poll from LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab, Vitter’s unfavorable rating is 41-percent, the three other candidates were in the teens or single digits. Pinsonat says Vitter’s high unfavorability is due to a strong stance against President Obama.

Cut 8  (10)  “Medicaid expansion”

Many analysts predict a Vitter versus John Bel Edwards runoff. Pinsonat says if that’s the case, Vitter can still win because Louisiana voters are expected to vote for a Republican over a Democrat

Cut 9 (08) “looking for” 

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The State Department of Wildlife and Fisheries wants to hear from hunters about the proposed changes to the waterfowl hunting zones.  Waterfowl program manager Larry Reynolds says they’re seeking public comment through November 5th and the changes they are proposing could be significant for some hunters.

Cut 10 (10) “good ideas”

Reynolds says it’s important to get public input because it’s the hunters who are influenced by these decisions more than anyone else. He says time is short to get your voice heard.

cut 11 (10) “2016 season”

Reynolds says the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission can alter waterfowl hunting zones every five years and want to make sure these choices are what hunters want. He says these are pretty significant changes being purposed.

Cut 12 (11) “season dates”

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NOAA weather forecasters predict that a very strong El Nino will bring some much needed rain to Louisiana in the coming months. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the state can expect cooler and wetter than normal conditions for the coming winter and spring…

Cut 13 (07)  “above normal”

He says rainfall typically runs about 25-percent above average during an El Nino event. Forecasters call this El Nino one of the strongest on record. In addition to rainfall, Keim says El Ninos tend to bring more freezing weather, too…

Cut 14 (06) “that’s incredible”

He says, during El Nino years, the number of freeze days in Louisiana doubles. Because of the strength of this El Nino, Keim says it could cause some adverse weather conditions for Louisiana this winter…

Cut 15  (07)  “this winter”

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LSU kicker Trent Domingue will be big man on campus this week after scoring on a fake field goal to help the Tigers beat the previously unbeaten Florida Gators 35-28. Coach Les Miles called for Domingue to take a pitch from Brad kragthorpe and Domingue did the rest, running 16 yards for the score…

Cut 16  (13)  “for sure”

Domingue was LSU’s second leading rusher, behind Leonard Fournette who had 180 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Brandon Harris threw for 202 yards and two scores and Fournette is proud of his sophomore QB…

Cut 17 (12) “good overall” 

 Harris has thrown for over 200 yards in back-to-back games and admits he’s playing with a chip on his shoulder…

Cut 18 (11) “can’t do”

10.16.15
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 October 16

It will be a battle of the unbeatens on Saturday as the LSU Tigers face the Florida Gators in a matchup of two teams ranked in the top ten. But Florida will be without its starting quarterback. Will Grier has been suspended for taking a banned over the counter supplement, so Treon Harris will get the start for the Gators. Coach Les Miles says Harris is just as talented as Grier…
cut 30 (15) “…pocket presence”
Kick-off time on Saturday is at six PM and the game will be shown on ESPN.

LSU athletic director Joe Alleva is set to get a one-year contract extension. The LSU Board of Supervisors will vote next Friday whether to extend his seal through June 30, 2020. According to university documents, Alleva’s base salary of 525-thousand dollars will stay the same.

LSU is not the only big college football game on Saturday….Louisiana Tech looks to pull off the upset as they visit Mississippi State. In the Southland Conference…McNeese State and Central Arkansas face off against each other. Both teams are undefeated in Southland Conference play. And Grambling State will battle Alcorn State in a match-up of two teams undefeated in the SWAC. Southern and Southeastern Louisiana celebrate homecoming this weekend.

The Saints convincing 31-21 win over Atlanta on Thursday night has the Who Dat nation thinking the Black and Gold can turn this season around. In the victory, there was a blocked punt for a touchdown, the defense forced three turnovers and quarterback Drew Brees threw for over 300 yards
cut 13 (10) “…pay off”
The Saints have the weekend off, they’ll be at Indianapolis on October 25th where they’ll play the Colts.

10.16.15
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LRN Sportscast Oct 16

What a performance by the Saints last night as they took it to their NFC South Rival and handed Atlanta its first loss. Quarterback Drew Brees threw for over 300 yards for the 90th time in his career, running back Mark Ingram had two touchdown runs and the defense forced three turnovers in the Saints 31-21 victory. But the play of the game was Michael Mauti’s block punt for a touchdown that gave the Saints a 14-0 lead…
cut 30 (15) “…I’m enjoying it”
And Steve Gleason, who continues to bravely battle A-L-S was honored before the game as he received the George Halas Award.

In high school football tonight, there are some big games in Class 3-A. Lutcher visits St. James as these parish rivals meet for the first time since 2004, U-High hosts Parkview in a rematch of last year’s Division Two state title game, which was won by U-High.

After playing in front of a half-full stadium last week, there will be over 100-thousand screaming fans inside Tiger Stadium on Saturday for the top ten match-up between LSU and Florida. Tigers running back Leonard Fournette says he’s looking forward to it….
cut 14 (08) “…be crazy”
LSU is a seven-point favorite. The other big game in the SEC is in College Station as Texas A-and-M hosts Alabama. The Crimson Tide thrashed the Aggies 59 to 0 last year.

Mississippi State will host Louisiana Tech at 11 AM tomorrow. These two teams last met in 2011 and State won in overtime 26-20.

1-and-4 ULM will host Appalachian State on Saturday at six PM. These two teams played a nail bitter last year and it was won by the Mountaineers with a last minute field goal.

In the NBA…the Pelicans next preseason game is tomorrow night in Lexington, Kentucky as New Orleans will face Sacramento.

10.15.15
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17:30 LRN Newscast October 15

The federal government has announced there will not be an increase in benefits for millions of Social Security recipients. Brenda Hatfield with Louisiana AARP says this is especially devastating because next year Medicare costs are expected to increase for seniors, veterans and the disabled:
CUT 9 (10) “from Social Security
The main reason given for no increase in social security benefits, low gas prices.

In the governor’s race, Republican David Vitter was heavily critized by his opponents for missing a debate last night and for running attack ads against them. Republican Scott Angelle says Vitter doesn’t want to answer questions about his prostitution scandal…
CUT 5 (10) “means yes”
Early voting for the October 24th primary comes to an end on Saturday.

A lack of rainfall in Louisiana in the past several weeks has put most of the state in drought conditions. The US Drought Monitor reports that 86-percent of Louisiana is currently dealing with drought conditions. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the last 90 days have been extremely dry…:
cut 12 (09) “three months”
The report shows that 51-percent of Louisiana is suffering from extreme drought conditions.

Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff Ivy Woods says a Jennings woman has been able to find the whereabouts of her mother, who was last seen in this state in 1982. Woods says it turns out that Lee Marie Kratzer started a whole new life in Memphis as Lisa Neese, but passed away in 2008. Woods says DNA and help from a Tennessee woman helped Kathernie Renee Kratzer find her mother after filing a missing person’s report last year…
cut 8 (06) “…missing relative”

10.15.15
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16:45 LRN Sportscast Oct 15

The Saints face their hated rival tonight, the Atlanta Falcons, in a Thursday night matchup inside the Mercedes Benz Superdome. Atlanta is favorite to win this game as they’ve been explosive on offense, while the Saints can’t stop opposing offenses. New Orleans running back CJ Spiller says Atlanta’s defense is also playing well under first-year head coach Dan Quinn…
cut 30 (14) “…division game”
And heading into tonight’s game, Ian Rapoport with the NFL Network is reporting Saints head coach Sean Payton is open to fielding offers from other teams. Rapoport says Payton will receive interest from multiple teams looking to make a coaching change and that includes Miami and the Dallas Cowboys. Payton has two years left on his contract and he denied speculation that he’s looking to leave New Orleans when he spoke with reporters on Monday.

Big time match-up in Tiger Stadium on Saturday night as sixth ranked LSU faces eighth ranked Florida. Can the Gators slow down Tigers running back Leonard Fournette, who has already rushed for over one-thousand yards this season. Last season, Fournette had 140 yards and two touchdowns in a win over Florida in the swamp.

Louisiana Tech takes on Mississippi State on Saturday at 11 AM in Starkville. State’s defensive coordinator is Manny Diaz, who was the defensive coordinator at Tech last season. Bulldogs head coach Skip Holtz says that does present some challenges…
cut 20 (20) “…normally be”
Mississippi State is a 13-point favorite on Saturday.

10.15.15
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LRN sportscast 11:40 Oct 15

The Saints are 3.5 point underdogs at home tonight against Atlanta. The Falcons offense has been impressive, averaging 32 points a game. Quarterback Matt Ryan is third in the NFL in passing yards and second-year running back Devonta Freeman is the league’s second leading rusher and has also caught 24 passes out of the backfield. Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan says Freeman has looked impressive on the game film….
cut 17 (18) “….the defense”
Kick-off is at 7:25.

LSU Coach Les Miles says he expects senior defensive back Jalen Mills will play this Saturday against eighth ranked Florida. Mills has been sidelined since injuring his ankle on August 19th.

Lousiaina Tech visits Mississippi State on Saturday. Bulldogs coach Skip Holtz says State is playing well on offense and defense, but they may excel the most on special teams…
cut 19 (21) “….any time”
Kick-off is at 11 AM.

The preseason men’s basketball coaches poll is out and the LSU Tigers are ranked 19th. The Bayou Bengals have one of the top freshman in the country, Ben Simmons, who along with his teammates, worked out in front of about 40 NBA scouts earlier this week.

Meanwhile, CBS sports-dot-com says Grambling State is the worst basketball team in the country heading into the 2015-16 season.

10.14.15
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17:30 LRN Newscast Oct 14

Authorities in north Louisiana are searching for an arsonist responsible for several fires. Emelie Gunn has more…
cut 1 (27) “….reporting”

We saw record high temperatures in north Louisiana today and more are expected tomorrow. Highs tomorrow in north Louisiana are expected to be in the mid 90s.

A new Orleans television station is reporting that two people were killed when a small merchant plane crashed at the Hammond airport this afternoon. A cause of the crash is not known.

The head of LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab says were seeing a lot more negative commercials for this governor’s race compared to 2003, which was the last compeitive race for governor we had in Lousiaina. Michael Henderson says we can expect to see more negative ads as we approach election day and head into a runoff…
` cut 11 (09) “….2000 to 2014”
The four main candidates for governor will be involved in a televised debate tomorrow night.

An Ascension Parish judge has decided that a 16-year-old accused of murder should be tried as an adult. Authorities say Jacob Westbrook stabbed 18-year-old Todd Toups, who went to a trailer home to give a girl a ride to the St. Amant homecoming dance. Legal analyst Tim Meche says it’s too early in the process to anticipate how this case will turn out…
cut 14 (04) “….make predictions’

10.14.15
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16:45 LRN Sportscast Oct 14

The Saints take on their biggest rivals on Thursday as they host the Atlanta Falcons. First-year coach Dan Quinn has the Dirty Birds out to a 5-0 start. The Falcons had a losing record last year and Quarterback Drew Brees says their personnel is not much different from a year ago…
cut 19 (17) “…well right now”
Brees is seven and two against the Falcons in games played in the Superdome.

The LSU Tigers will face the Florida Gators on Saturday night. It’s not been a quite week in Gainesville. It all started with the one-year suspension for starting quarterback Will Grier for taking a banned over-the-counter supplement. Now a freshman defensive back, Deiondre Porter, has been suspended indefinitedly for allegedly firing a gun in the direction of his pregnant girlfriend.

LSU Coach Les Miles says fullback JD Moore will not play against eighth ranked Florida. Moore went down with a knee injury last Saturday against South Carolina. Miles says it would be great if Moore can return for the Western Kentucky game on October 24th.

Louisiana Tech continues preparations for its trip to Mississippi State by piping in the sound of cow bells ringing while they practice. Mississippi State has won eight of the eleven match-ups between the two schools and kick-off on Saturday is at 11 AM.

In the Southland Conference this weekend…Nicholls State seeks its first win of the year as they Houston Baptist. McNeese State looks to stay undefeated as they visit Central Arkansas. Northwestern State is coming off a bye week and they’ll host Lamar, while Southeastern Louisiana takes on Stephen F Austin in Hammond. Lions leading receiver Jeff Smiley is out for the year with a torn ACL.

In the SWAC this weekend….It’s homecoming for Southern as they take on Prairie View, while Grambling travels to Alcorn State in a matchup of two teams undefeated in league play.