Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

08.14.15
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 August 14

After a poor showing in the preseason opener, the Saints will get back to work on Saturday afternoon as they’ll resume training camp at the Greenbrier. Coach Sean Payton says cutting down on penalties will be a point of emphasis…
cut 29 (21) “…work to do”
Improving the defense is also on the to-do list for the Saints. The first unit couldn’t stop the Ravens in a 30-27 loss on Thursday night.

Jim Harris has been named as the first executive director of the Ragin Cajuns Athletics Foundation, which is the official fundraising arm for UL Lafayette. Harris most recently worked at South Florida, where he was successful in raising cash.

LSU football coach Les Miles has not made any players available to talk with the media this week. The mad hatter says he’s trying to limit distractions as the team prepares for a scrimmage inside Tiger Stadium on Saturday night…
cut 30 (12) “….and day dream”
Miles says Brandon Harris will take the initial snaps with the first team when the scrimmage starts. Quarterback is the big concern for the 2015 Tigers, but so is depth on the defensive line. Miles likes how defensive tackles Greg Gilmore and Frank Herron are coming along…
cut 18 (11) “….really good”
On Sunday, don’t forget it’s fan day, a chance to meet with players and coaches. It gets underway at five o’ clock at the Maravich Center.

08.14.15
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LRN PM Newscall August 14

The Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Gretna truck driver accused of the rape of a 14-year-old girl. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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State lawmakers learn next fiscal year’s Louisiana budget shortfall already projects at 713 million dollars. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office says a Gretna truck driver is charged in the rape of a 14-year-old girl. Commander Eric Becnel says 29-year-old Peter James Wilson III arranged to meet the girl through a smartphone app last month. He says after meeting up, Wilson took the girl to the Naval Air Station in Belle Chasse where he was making a delivery…

CUT 3 (09)  “of the truck”

He says Wilson forced the victim to perform sexual acts in the sleeper compartment of his truck. Becnel says Wilson dropped the victim off the following morning at the same location where they met. He says it took a few days for the girl to come forward…

CUT 4 (08)  “an investigation”

Wilson is charged with forcible rape. He claims that he has never seen the victim in person. Becnel says it took a little time to capture Wilson because they wanted to make sure their investigation was thorough…

CUT 5 (09) “juvenile victim”

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State Police say a young girl was killed in Grant Parish after being involved in a high speed collision. Master Trooper Scott Moreau says, 26-year-old Kristopher Silk of Pollock, was speeding when he crashed into the back of an 18-wheeler going in the same direction on Hwy 165.

CUT 6 (10)  “the road”

7-year-old Adrein Silk was pronounced dead. Moreau says the driver, Kristopher Silk received minor injuries. He says crashes like this are highly uncommon.

CUT 7 (10)  “speed limit”

Moreau says they’re unsure if Silk was under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the accident but routine toxicology tests and charges are pending. He says if the child was properly restrained, her life might’ve been saved. The crash investigation is ongoing.

CUT 8 (10)  “the vehicle”

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State lawmakers have learned the budget shortfall for the next fiscal year is already projected at 713 million dollars. Director of the Louisiana Budget Project Jan Moller says it’s not a surprise that we’re looking at a big deficit but we’re in better shape than we were a year ago, when the deficit reached 1.6 billion dollars.

CUT 9 (10)  “next legislature”

Moller says this is another sign that the next governor and legislature have big fiscal problems to deal with next year. He says all the four gubernatorial candidates have emphasized the importance of budget reform.

cut 10 (08)  “the state”

At today’s joint legislative budget committee meeting, lawmakers also raised concerns that the current budget might need to be cut to make up for low oil prices. Moller says that’s not a surprise either since, mid-year budget cuts have become the norm in recent years.

Cut 11 (09)  “the budget”

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Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso says the crime scene authorities had been searching under the I-10 bridge this week was related to a body dumping case — but it’s now clear. He says no human remains were found, but the search began after a credible informant told authorities that 35-year-old Gammion McCloud of Phoenix Arizona killed someone then tossed them over the bridge…:

cut 12 (09)  “informant”

Mancuso said they already had a warrant for rape out on McCloud in connection with a 2014 incident in which he allegedly continually raped and beat a woman at a local motel in front of a young child. He says there is plenty of evidence that McCloud dumped a body in 2013 but it could have been washed away…:

cut 13 (07)  “and bones”

McCloud, who was arrested in Oregon this week on unrelated charges, will be extradited back to Calcasieu and arrested with one count of aggravated rape, 1 count of aggravated incest and 2 counts of second degree battery. He says even though no body was found, they still believe the informant’s claims about the murder…:

cut 14 (08)  “factual”

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08.14.15
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11:40 Sportscast August 14, 2015

It was not a good debut for the Saints, who lost to Baltimore 30-27 in last night’s preseason opener. The defense was supposed to be better this year, but the starting unit allowed Baltimore to march down the field for an 80-yard touchdown scoring drive to open up the game. The Saints also committed 16 penalties.

If you’re looking for a positive. The young quarterbacks played well. Ryan Griffen threw for 112 yards and one touchdown and Garrett Grayson was 8 of 12 for 87 yards. Drew Brees did not play in this one, we’ll see if he gets any action in preseason game number two, which is August 22nd at home against the Patriots.

Saints cornerback Brandon Browner was carted off the field during last night’s game. But according to Mike Triplett of ESPN.com, Browner is fine, but it’s unclear how long the injury will keep him on the sidelines. Browner left the game after taking a hit to his right knee. Dannell Ellerbe also left the game with an injury. It’s been reported he re-aggravated a toe injury.

The battle for starting quarterback at LSU is getting the most headlines during the Tigers preseason camp. Brandon Harris appears to have the lead in that battle over Anthony Jennings. Another position battle is at field goal kicker. Colby Delahoussaye was the place kicker for much of the 2014 season, but struggled late in the year. Coach Les Miles says Trent Domingue from Mandeville is battling Delhoussaye for that role…
cut 17 (18) “….it’s still Colby’s job”
The Tigers will hold a scrimmage tomorrow and then Sunday is fan Day.

Jim Harris has been named the new executive director of the Ragin Cajuns Athletic Foundation. Harris will lead fundraising efforts as UL Lafayette is in the middle of a 115-million dollar athletic facilities upgrade. The program has been without a chief fundraiser the last two years.

08.13.15
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LRN Newscast 17:30 August 13th

A statewide survey finds few Louisiana voters are paying attention to the governor’s race. Emeli Gunn has more…
cut 2 (29) “….I’m Emelie Gunn”

There’s been a lot of discussion across the state this summer about confederate monuments. There was a lengthy hearing about that subject in New Orleans today and the city’s Historic District Landmarks Commission voted to remove four confederate monuments from where they currently stand. The proposal still needs city council approval.

The Jindal Administration has added tracking devices to state vehicles as a way to monitor employee driving habits. Jan Cassidy, assistant commissioner for procurement, believes the GPS will make state workers more responsible drivers…:
CUT 5 (08) “premiums go down”
The program is expected to save the state $30 million over the next five years in fuel, maintenance, and insurance cost reductions.

The Louisiana Lottery Corporation’s revenue is up for the 5th consecutive year as it ended its 2015 fiscal year with 453 million dollars which is more than 3 million dollars from the prior year. Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says they’re excited about this progress because it benefits the state.
CUT 6 (08) “million dollars”
Chopin credits the increase to the rise in popularity of scratch-offs.

08.13.15
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 August 13

The Saints kick-off the preseason tonight against the Baltimore Ravens. Quarterback Drew Brees will likely play one or two series, but it’s a big game for several wide receivers who are trying to make the team. Brandin Cooks and Marques Colston are the likely starters. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Brandon Coleman is trying to be that number three wide out…
cut 18 (13) “…impressive”
Kick-off is at 6:30.

Former Louisiana Tech star IK Enemkpali met with reporters today after his first practice with the Buffalo Bills. He apologized to the Jets organization and said it was never his intention to hurt anybody. Enemkpali added he’s grateful the Bills gave him a chance, following his release from the Jets for breaking the jaw of quarterback Geno Smith in a locker room fight.

LSU Coach Les Miles says he ran his team through a 30 to 35 play scrimmage today at the team’s practice facility. Miles says he likes how the passing game is coming along and its just not the quarterbacks who are getting better….
cut 29 (13) “…our guys”
Miles says Brandon Harris was the quarterback who took the snaps with the first team.

Louisiana Tech football announced today that it will open the 2019 season at Texas. The Bulldogs will also visit Clemson in 2022 and kick-off the 2017 season at home against Northwestern State.

Former Southland Conference defensive player of the year, Bryan Smith, will be one of five former Cowboy athletes to be inducted into the McNeese State athletics Hall of Fame this year. Smith holds the school record for career sacks with 31.

08.13.15
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11:40 Sportscast August 13, 2015

It’s gameday for the Saints as they open the preseason campaign by playing the Ravens in Baltimore. NFL Analyst Mike Detillier says for players on the bubble to make the roster, they’ll need to make plays on special teams…
cut 17 (17) “…return game”
A big position battle in camp is at wide receiver as there are a dozen wide outs trying to make the team. Kick-off is set for 6:30.

The Pelicans 2015-16 NBA schedule is out and Anthony Davis and company will appear on national television 21 times, including on opening night and Christmas Day. New Orleans will visit the defending champion Warriors on TNT on October 27th to tip-off the season. The Pels travel to Miami on Christmas Day. Lebron James and the Cavs make their lone trip to the Big Easy on December fourth.

According to the Baton Rouge Advocate, LSU wide receiver Travin Dural along with his cousin, Randall Menard, rescued a woman, who was trapped in an overturned vehicle. The incident happened last month in Dural’s hometown of Breaux Bridge. Dural and his cousin were able to open a rear passenger door, so that the woman was able to get out.

Louisiana Tech football announces they’ll play Texas in 2019. The game is scheduled for August 31st that year in Austin. It will be the first meeting between the two schools on the gridiron. It’s been reported the Bulldogs will get one-point-one million dollars to play the game.

Former Bulldog star IK Enemkpali is now a Buffalo Bill. The Bills claimed him off waivers after he was released by the Jets after breaking the jaw of quarterback Geno Smith with a punch in the locker room.

UL Lafayette held its first scrimmage of fall camp and quarterbacks Brooks Haack, Jalen Nixon and Jordan Davis each directed the number one offense on scoring drivers. Freshman Keenan Barnes caught two TD passes.

08.12.15
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LRN Newscast 17:30 August 12

A new poll from CNN shows that Governor Bobby Jindal is not gaining ground on the republican presidential front runners in Iowa. Jindal only received support from two percent of the 544 republican likely caucus goers who were surveyed following last week’s debate on Fox News. Donald Trump led the pack at 22-percent.

BESE approves a plan to increase funding to send more children of low income families to daycare. Emelie Gunn has more…
cut 2 (30) “…I’m Emelie Gunn”

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says Louisiana’s insurance market is stronger and more competitive today than it was before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Donelon says one indicator is the number of insurance companies active in Louisiana…
cut 3 (09) “…in 2005”
Donelon credits the creation of a mandatory statewide building code and the legislature passed incentives encouraging homeowners to strengthen their properties against storms in helping the insurance market recover.

State Police say they are looking for a driver from Pineville they believe is at fault in a fatal hit and run crash in St. Mary Parish. Trooper Dustin Dwight says a motorcyclist was hit by 31-year-old Mark Montie Jr who pulled his truck out in front of him. He says the motorcyclist, identified as 22-year-old Jerome Rudolph Jr. of Patterson, was pronounced dead on scene…:
CUT 7 (08) “in this case”
He says Montie stopped at the scene, then fled on foot and is still on the run.

08.12.15
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 August 12

Louisiana Tech head coach Skip Holtz calls former Bulldog defensive end IK Enemkpali a leader, who was involved in community service in Ruston. Holtz made the comments in response to the Jets releasing Enemkpali after he punched New York quarterback Geno Smith in the face in the locker-room, fracturing his jaw. Holtz says he hates that this happened to IK….
cut 30 (06) “…your life”
But it looks like Enemkpali has caught on with another team as there’s multiple reports saying the Bills have claimed IK.

The LSU football team is about a week into fall camp and the players are saying they feel comfortable in what new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele is teaching them. Defensive end Tashawn Bower…
cut 29(09) “…trying to do”
Bower says a big emphasis is putting more pressure on the quarterback.

The Saints first preseason game is tomorrow night as they visit the Baltimore Ravens. These preseason games are big for the players who are on the bubble to make the roster, like safety Vinnie Sunseri. Sunseri has been able to get more reps, because fellow safety Jairus Byrd remains on the physically unable to perform list…
cut 18 (19) “…really easy”
Kick-off tomorrow in Baltimore is at 6:30.

There’s been a very strange court room sketch released today of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady who appeared in federal court as part of a deflategate hearing. In the background of the sketch, it appears LSU’s Les Miles, wearing his customary white hat, is sitting behind Brady. Miles even noticed and went on twitter to say he’s been busy at LSU, and he was not in the court room.

08.12.15
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LRN PM Newscall August 12

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says Louisiana’s insurance market is stronger and more competitive today than it was before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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BESE approves a plan to increase funding to send more children of low income families to daycare. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says Louisiana’s insurance market is stronger and more competitive today than it was before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Donelon says one indicator is the number of insurance companies active in Louisiana…

CUT 3 (09)  “in 2005”

He credits the creation of a mandatory statewide building code and the legislature passed incentives encouraging homeowners to strengthen their properties against storms in helping the insurance market recover. In fact, Donelon says in 2014 Louisiana homeowner’s rates rose by just 2.8-percent on average…

CUT 4 (10)  “or five years”

He says that’s the lowest average rate increase since 2005. Many major insurers pulled out of coastal regions after the storms, allowing smaller, more regional insurance companies to move in. Donelon says the tripling of the state’s Guaranty Fund Protection has given consumers confidence to purchase coverage from these smaller companies…

CUT 5 (07) “five hundred thousand dollars”

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State Police say they are looking for a driver they believe is at fault in a fatal hit and run crash in St. Mary Parish Tuesday evening in Bayou Vista. Trooper Dustin Dwight says the preliminary investigation revealed 31-year-old Mark Montie Jr. of Pineville was pulling out of the Wal-Mart on US 90 and failed to yeild to an oncoming motorcycle…:

CUT 6 (06)  “the crash”

Dwight says after the crash, Montie stopped at the scene and then fled on foot. He is being sought by law enforcement throughout the state at this time. He says the deceased motorcyclist is identified as 22-year-old Jerome Rudolph Jr. of Patterson…:

CUT 7 (08)  “in this case”

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State Police say a suspect who was shot by a Union Parish Sheriff’s Deputy and a trooper Tuesday night is in serious condition. Troop F spokesman Michael Reichardt says the sheriff’s office was called out to a disturbance around 10:30pm in Downsville regarding a man who was apparently threatening family members with a firearm…:

CUT 8 (11)  “all their commands”

Reichardt says charges are pending against the suspect pending his release from a Shreveport hospital where he is now in serious condition. He says they believe the man did not listen to cops when they told him to put his weapon down…:

CUT 9 (10)  “by air”

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The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approves a plan that will help more low income families receive federal assistance so they can send their young children to daycare. State Superintendent of Education John White says today’s action provides 10 million dollars in subsidies to assist impoverished parents….

cut 10 (06)  “good things”

The program is called the Child Care Assistance Program. At one time there were about 40-thousand children enrolled, now there are only 15-thousand. White says hopefully this federal assistance can get more kids in daycare…

cut 11 (08)  “working families”

White says because of the additional 10-million dollars, the maximum annual subsidy to send a child to day care will increase from 17-hundred dollars to four-thousand dollars…

cut 12 (05)  “for families”

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A Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s deputy is being called a hero today after rescuing three people who were sleeping inside a burning home in Lacassine. Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Chris Ivey says Deputy Josh Bienvenu used his quick thinking after driving by the burning house at around 3:40 Tuesday morning while on duty.

cut 13 (08)  “the family up”

Ivey says when Deputy Bienvenu arrived on the scene, the front of the residence was completely engulfed in flames up to the roof. He says Bienvenu was able to enter the home and locate three occupants sleeping.

cut 14 (05)  “any injury”

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08.12.15
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11:40 LRN Sportscast august 12

Louisiana Tech football coach Skip Holtz says he hates what happened to former Bulldogs defensive end IK Enemkpali. Enemkpali has been cut from the New York Jets after he threw a punch in the locker room that broke the jaw of starting quarterback Geno Smith. Holtz says he had a positive experience with Enemkpali when he coached him in 2013…
cut 30 (15) “…he was a leader”
ESPN’s Chris Mortenson says Enemkpali could face discipline from the NFL as a result of the incident.

At LSU….the Tigers will practice twice today.

And the Ragin Cajuns will hold their first of three closed scrimmaages today at Cajun Field. Coach Mark Hudspeth says he likes the toughness he’s seen from his team.

The Saints’ first of four preseason games is tomorrow night when they visit Baltimore. Many NFL fans have suggested there should only be two preseason games. But Coach Sean Payton says guys like, former Saints running back Pierre Thomas, may not have made the team in 2007, if there were only two preseason games…
cut 17 (20) “…two game exposures”
Kick-off tomorrow night is at 6:30.

The NBA schedule will be released at five o’ clock today. There’s already been reports the Pelicans will play at Miami on Christmas Day and open the season by playing the defending champs, the Golden State Warriors, at Oracle Arena on October 27th.