Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

09.30.15
by

08:30 LRN Newscast September 30

Hundreds of cancer patients and survivors are in Washington to lobby Congress to make the fight against cancer a national priority. Amber Stevens of Metairie says they’re calling on the federal government to increase funding for cancer research by an additional six billion dollars over the next two years…
cut 4 (05) “…research”
Stevens says legislation is also needed to be signed that ensures cancer patients and doctors are on the same page when it comes to treatment.

A new airline will offer daily non-stop flights between New Orleans and Shreveport. The airline is called Glo and founder Trey Fayard says they’ll also have flights from Louis Armstrong to Little Rock and Memphis. Fayard says he started the airline after experiencing years of trouble getting around the mid-South….
cut 13 (10) “…these cities”
Flights begin in mid-November.

Secretary of State Tom Schedler says the ballots for the October 24th primary were sent to the printer, but it’s possible more names will be removed before election day. Michelle Southern reports…:
voicer 1 (31) “…reporting”

A couple of employers in Louisiana have notified the Louisiana Workforce Commission about layoffs. The ALCOA Lake Charles-Anode Production company plans to lay off 130 employees. Hercules Offshore is letting 50 employees go, who are part of efforts to transport workers to offshore rigs from Cameron Parish and Port Fourchon.

09.30.15
by

07:30 LRN Newscast Sept 30

Secretary of State Tom Schedler says the ballots for the October 24th primary were sent to the printer, but it’s possible several names will be removed before election day. He says they started out with about 1150 races statewide, but due to offices running unopposed, challenges or candidates dropping out, there are now about 575 active races…:
cut 7 (10) “…withdraw”
He says accurate ballots can be found at geaux-vote-dot-com.

A new independent poll on the Lieutenant Governor’s race shows a very tight election. The Clarus Research survey, paid for by the Advocate and W-W-L-T-V, shows Democrat Kip Holden leading Republican John Young by two percentage points. Fellow Republican Billy Nungesser is not far behind, while GOP candidate Elbert Guillory is polling in the single digits.

According to the American Cancer Society Action Cancer Network, more than nine-thousand Louisiana residents will die of cancer in 2015. That’s why hundreds of cancer survivors and patients are in D-C to urge Congress to make the fight against cancer more of a priority. Amber Stevens of Metairie says one of their concerns is the cost barrier some Medicare patients deal with when it comes to colorectal screening…
cut 6 (11) “….dollars”
Stevens says they are also asking Congress to increase funding for cancer research.

A start-up airline called “Glo” is offering non-stop daily flights from New Orleans to Shreveport, Little Rock and Memphis. Founder Trey Fayard says this will help the business person get around the mid-south quick…
cut 15 (07) “…for tickets”
Flights begin November 15th.

09.30.15
by

06:45 Sportscast September 30

The Saints return to practice today to get ready for Sunday night’s game against Dallas. Michael Farrar has the latest on injured quarterback Drew Brees…
voicer 2 (25) “…reporting”

Training camp is underway for the Pelicans. They are at the Greenbrier in West Virginia, the same place the Saints train prior to the season. New Pelicans Head Coach Alvin Gentry is bringing an up tempo style of basketball to the Crescent City…
cut 30 “…what we are doing”
The Pelicans first preseason game is Saturday at Indiana.

So far this season much of LSU’s offensive production is coming from one man. Running back Leonard Fournette has 647 all-purpose yards, which accounts for 45-percent of the Tigers total yards. LSU offensive coordinator Cam Cameron says they are seeking to get more touches for the other skill position players…
cut 18 (15) “…even more”
LSU hosts Eastern Michigan on Saturday.

Coming off a win over FIU at Joe Aillet Stadium, the Bulldogs are back at home this Saturday to host U-L Lafayette, a team they beat 48-20 last year. Tech quarterback Jeff Driskel says they look at the Cajuns as a rival and would like to beat them again…
cut 16 (15) “…other game”
The Bulldogs have won seven straight games over the Cajuns.

09.30.15
by

06:30 September 30th LRN Newscast

The election is less than a month away and the Secretary of State is busy removing names from the ballot. Tom Schedler says for last year’s federal election, about five-percent of the candidates that qualified either withdrew or were disqualified and this year it’s up to eight-percent of the candidates who qualified. He says the Louisiana Ethics Administation has been a lot more agressive in making sure candidates are eligible to run…
cut 8 (08) “…of that”
Schedler says if a candidate is listed on the ballot but is not in the race come voting day, notices will be posted near the voting booths.

The search continues for a convicted killer who was released from prison on a technical glitch. Thirty-two-year-old Benjuiel Johnson of Plaquemine, was convicted on manslaughter and serving 40-years, but was released as a result of an error by the Louisiana Department of Corrections. If someone spots Johnson, they are urged to call 9-1-1.

A new airline will offer daily non-stop flights out of New Orleans to Shreveport. Emelie Gunn has more…
cut 3 (30) “….I’m Emelie Gunn”

For those waiting for cooler weather you’ll get your wish, a cold front will move through the state, dropping high temperatures into the mid and lower 80s starting tomorrow.

09.29.15
by

17:30 LRN Newscast Sept 29

An independent poll on the Louisiana governor’s race reveals that 44-percent of voters view Republican David Vitter unfavorably. The poll was paid for by The Advocate and WWL-TV. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says, during Vitter’s years in public office, it appears the Senator has managed to alienate some voters…:
CUT 9 (09) “don’t like you”
The survey also shows that over 40-percent of voters could not give a favorability rating to any of the other three major candidates.

Blueprint Louisiana, which is a group of businessmen and executives, is calling on the next governor to expand Medicaid. Blueprint chairman, Doctor Phillip Rozeman, says the group doesn’t necessarily agree with the Affordable Care Act, but an expansion of Medicaid could save the state 165-million dollars over five years…
cut 7 (10) “…this state”
Rozeman says the group would also like to see an increase in the gasoline tax to pay for better roads.

The American Civil Liberties Union is accusing the Bossier Parish School Board of violating the US Constitution by allowing the Fellowship of Student Athletes to set up prayer boxes at Airline High School in Bossier City. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says this does appear to go against the First Amendment’s Establishment of Religion Clause…:
CUT 3 (09) “particular Christianity”
The School Board says they plan to address the issue at their next meeting.

The US Marshals office along with Louisiana authorities are looking for a convicted killer who was mistakenly released from prison. He’s 32-year-old Benjuiel Johnson and an error led to him being released on bond. He was serving time at the Dixon Correctional Center and Iberville Parish Sheriff Major Ronnie Hebert says they are not sure where Johnnson my have gone…
cut 14 (04) “…this time”
Johnson was convicted on manslaughter for a fatal shooting in Plaquemine in 2010.

09.29.15
by

16:45 LRN Sportscast September 29

ESPN’s Ed Werder reports Drew Brees’ throwing session went well today and the Saints quarterback expects to take some practice reps tomorrow. Brees hasn’t thrown in practice since suffering a bruised rotator cuff in Week 2. Earlier this week, Brees and Coach Sean Payton sounded optimstic that number nine will play this Sunday against Dallas.

Payton talked about the game against the Cowboys. He sees it as a good time to get their first win of the year…
cut 20 (16) “…so it’s improtant”

Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson has moved up 76 spots on Forbes’ list of wealthiest people in the United States. According to Forbes, the 88-year-old Benson has a net worth of two-point-two billion dollars and comes in at number 307 on their list.

Heading into game number four, LSU is last in the SEC in pass offense, averaging just 100 yards through the air a game. But quarterback Brandon Harris is completing 62-percent of his passes and has not turned the ball over. Coach Les Miles expects the passing game will become more explosive…
cut 18 (16) “….getting it done”

Louisiana Tech heads into its game with UL Lafayette, leading Conference USA in total offense, as they are averaging 523 yards a game. But Bulldogs quarterback Jeff Driskel says there’s room for improvement…
cut 17 (17) “…they are there”
Coach Skip Holtz says he would like to see Joe Aillet Stadium sold out for this Saturday’s game.

09.29.15
by

LRN PM Newscall Sept 29

A group of businessmen called Blueprint Louisiana are urging the next governor to raise the gasoline tax, expand Medicaid and alter the TOPS program. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

================

A recent Clarus Research Group poll on Louisiana’s governor’s race reveals that 44-percent of voters view Republican David Vitter unfavorably. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

===================

The American Civil Liberties Union is accusing the Bossier Parish School Board of violating the US Constitution by allowing the Fellowship of Student Athletes to set up prayer boxes at Airline High School in Bossier City. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says this does appear to go against the First Amendment’s Establishment of Religion Clause…

CUT 3 (09)  “particular Christianity”

The Louisiana ACLU sent a letter to the School Board asking them to immediately remove the prayer boxes from the school. The School Board will discuss the situation at their next meeting Thursday. Ciolino says it won’t serve the public well for Bossier Parish School officials to take this issue to court…

CUT 4 (11)  “Supreme Court”

In response to the letter, Governor Bobby Jindal says this is an example that the war on Christianity has gone too far. Ciolino says that although school prayer is something that the public seems to strongly favor, the nation’s highest court stands firm with the Constitution…

CUT 5 (09) “the Constitution”

============================

A group of businessmen and executives that are part of Blueprint Louisiana is calling on the next governor to raise the gasoline tax, expand Medicaid and change TOPS, so it no longer covers the full cost of tuition. Blueprint Chairman Dr. Phillip Rozeman says our roads need about one billion dollars a year to improve our transportation and raising the taxes on gasoline could help defer this cost.

CUT 6 (09) “our roads“

Rozeman says there is a need for Medicaid coverage expansion so working residents that normally make too much to qualify and not enough to buy their own insurance will be included. He says the group doesn’t necessarily agree with the Affordable Care Act but an expansion of Medicaid could save the state 165 million dollars over five years…

CUT 7 (10)  “this state”

Rozeman says TOPS is a great program but needs to be altered so it doesn’t automatically include the full cost of tuition and becomes more like a scholarship. He says this way it could be used more in the community and technical college system.

CUT 8 (08)  “our state” 

============================

A recent Clarus Research Group poll on Louisiana’s governor’s race reveals that 44-percent of voters view Republican David Vitter unfavorably. The poll was paid for by The Advocate and WWL-TV. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says, during Vitter’s years in public office, it appears the Senator has managed to alienate some voters…

CUT 9 (09)  “don’t like you”

The survey also shows that over 40-percent of voters could not give a favoribility rating to any of the other three major candidates, Republicans Jay Dardenne and Scott Angelle and Democrat John Bel Edwards. Cross says this is a sign that voters are not quite fully engaged with the election…

cut 10 (08)  “known candidates”

Cross doesn’t think this is a sign that Vitter should abandon his campaign. He says just because Vitter’s unfavorability rating is high, it doesn’t mean he can’t be elected governor…

Cut 11 (08)  “of two evils”

============================

The Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office is searching for a convicted killer who was released from prison due to a computer glitch. 32-year-old Benjuiel Johnson was serving 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter and other charges in the 2010 death of Cordies Gales. Major Ronnie Hebert says Johnson was sent to East Feliciana Parish to face some prior charges…

cut 12 (09)  “he was released”

It’s reported that when Johnson’s name was checked through the Department of Corrections computer system, the manslaughter conviction did not show up, so Johnson was released on bond. Hebert says they’re doing all they can to track down Johnson…

cut 13 (05)  “this problem”

The US Marshals Office is assisting with the search. If you see Johnson, you are asked to immediately call 9-1-1. Hebert says details are limited as to where Johnson may have fled…

cut 14 (04)  “at this time”

============================

09.29.15
by

11:40 LRN sportscast September 29

According to a report from ESPN, Saints quarterback Drew Brees will throw the football around today to test his injured shoulder. According to ESPN’s Ed Werder, Brees hasn’t thrown since Friday. He missed last Sunday’s loss to Carolina and this Sunday the Saints host the Dallas Cowboys.

Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson has moved up 76 spots on Forbes’ list of wealthiest people in the United States. According to Forbes, the 88-year-old Benson has a net worth of two-point-two billion dollars and comes in at number 307 on their list.

Southern University has launched a fund to help provide financial assistance for wide receiver Devon Gales, who suffered a neck injury in the loss to Georgia. Gales underwent surgery Sunday in Athens and there’s been no news on his condition or prognosis. Contributions to the Devon Gales Fund can be made by visiting the Devon Gales Fund webpage.

After three games, LSU ranks last in the SEC in penalties, as they are avaraging 86 penalty yards a game. Coach Les Miles says yellow flags cost his squad two touchdowns in the win over Syracuse…
cut 17 (10) “….to do”
LSU running back Loenard Fournette has been named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association offensive player of the week. Fournette rushed for a career-high 244 yards and two touchdowns against Syracuse. Louisiana Tech senior linebacker Beau Fitte is the defensive player of the week as he was in on 14 tackles for the Bulldogs in a win over FIU. And Grambling’s Martez Carter is the Special Teams player of the week. He returned two kickoffs for a touchdown in a 70-54 win over Prairie View.

In the latest high school football polls…here are the teams ranked number one, Rummel, Neville, University, Sterlington and St. Mary’s.

09.28.15
by

LRN AM Newscall Sept 28

LSU President F. King Alexander hopes the next governor reverses the trend of fewer state dollars going towards higher ed.  Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Authorities are still trying to figure out why a mother in Eunice may have shot and killed her two daughters before setting their house on fire then turning the gun on herself. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

The US Department of Veterans’ Affairs announces it has awarded a least for a permanent Veterans Clinic for Lake Charles. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

LSU President F. King Alexander is concerned about the continuing decline in state funding for higher education. Alexander says if trends keep continuing, Louisiana will become the second state to not pay a penny on higher education by the year 2027. Alexander hopes the trend reverses with the next governor…

cut 4  (10)  “to ask”

During a speech at the Baton Rouge Press Club, Alexander also called on for more state dollars to conduct research. He says it would be a wise investment for the state….

Cut 5  (11)  “other areas”

Alexander says public colleges and universities have one billion dollars in deferred maintenance on the campuses. He says there is no consistent source of funding to address the problem.

Cut 6 (08)  “backlog”

______________________________________

Authorities are still trying to figure out why a mother in Eunice may have shot and killed her two daughters before setting their house on fire then turning the gun on herself. The mother is identified as 39-year-old Carla Watford and her two deceased daughters are 16-year-old Julia Watford and 9-year-old Tayla Watford. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning…:

CUT 7 (08)  “her own death”

Browning says they recovered the weapon they believe was used in the murder suicide and also chemical accelerant that was used to set the fire. Eunice Police Chief Randy Fontenot said the family wants the public to know that Carla Watford was a good person, and what lead her to do this we may never know…:

Cut 8  (08)  “in this community” 

Browning says investigators have learned the fire started near the master bedroom, and they also found a note believed to have been written by Carla Watford…

Cut 9 (05) “murder-suicide” 

___________________________________________

A 16-year-old is behind bars after wielding a shotgun while committing a series of armed robberies in the Uptown area, according to New Orleans Police. Mayor Mitch Landrieu spoke out about violence in the city and says he is dedicated to stopping this trend.

Cut 10 (09) “higher priority”

Extra police patrolling the area arrested the teenage while riding a bike. Landrieu says we continue to aggressively recruit more police officers and are investing thousands of dollars to advance protection for the people of New Orleans.

cut 11 (09) “behind bars”

Authorities found five smart phones, similar clothes described by victims and a lever action rifle inside a chair bag while searching the suspect’s home. Landrieu says we must do everything we can to build a city of peace.

Cut 12 (08) “remain safe”

____________________________________________________

After months of wrangling, the US Department of Veterans Affairs announces it has awarded a lease for a permanent Veterans Clinic in Lake Charles. Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany has been applying pressure on the V-A to get this done

Cut 13 (04)  “progress now”

The permanent Lake Charles veterans’ clinic will be on a 4.5 acre site on Gerstner Memorial Parkway. Boustany is glad to see progress, but more work is needed to ensure quality healthcare needs for veterans living in southwest Louisiana

Cut 14 (10) “our veterans”

Boustany says it’s been a long journey to get this point. He says the 24-thousand square foot building is expected to be ready for use by 2017….

Cut 15  (09)  “getting started”

_____________________________________________

LSU’s Leonard Fournette is on his way to a record breaking season as he already has 631 rushing yards through games. He’s getting a chance to carry the football over 20 times a game and opposing defenses are keying on him. Coach Les Miles was asked about if he plans on changing Fournette’s running style to avoid some punishment from opposing tacklers

Cut 16  (15)  “would want”

Miles would like to see his team cut down on penalties. They’ve been flagged 28 times and they are averaging 86 penalty yards a game, which is the seventh highest in the country. The head coach says penalties will be a focus in practice this week…

Cut 17 (10) “to do” 

LSU is last in the SEC in pass offense, averaging just 100 yards through the air a game. But Quarterback Brandon Harris is completing 62-percent of his passes and has not turned the ball over. Miles expects the passing game will become more explosive…

Cut 18 (16) “getting it done”

________________________________________________________

The Saints are one of four teams in the NFL that are winless. Coach Sean Payton says there is no way to sugarcoat it, they are in hole and they have to find a way to get their first win of the season

Cut 19 (15) “good week”

The Saints host Dallas this Sunday and Payton is looking forward to ending the losing streak….

Cut 20 (16)  “so its important”

09.28.15
by

16:45 LRN Sportscast September 28

The LSU football team is 3-0, but Coach Les Miles knows there’s room for improvement. The Tigers are last in the Southeastern Conference in penalties, as they’ve been penalized 28 times for 258 yards, averaging 86 penalty yards a game, which is tied for seventh most in the country. Miles says they are trying to do something about all of the yellow flags…
cut 30 (06) “…get it fixed”
In the last game against Syracuse, LSU was flagged 14 times for 120 yards.

For a third straight week, LSU’s Leonard Fournette has been named SEC Offensive Player of the Week. Fournette rushed for a career-high 244 yards and a pair of touchdowns against Syracuse.

And LSU has another 11 o’ clock game coming up on their schedule. The Tigers contest at South Carolina on October 10th will begin at noon eastern time.

Luke McCown played well on Sunday but it wasn’t good enough to beat the Carolina Panthers. New Orleans will now look for its first win of the season on Sunday night against Dallas. Drew Brees says he’s very optimistic that he can play against the Cowboys. The first injury report of the week comes out on Wednesday.

In the latest F-C-S coaches poll….McNeese State is ranked 15th, while Southeastern Louisiana is 19th. The Lions host Lamar this Thursday, while the Cowboys are at Nicholls State on Saturday. The Colonels are still looking for their first win after losing 48 to 0 to Colorado on Saturday.

Northwestern State is also winless on the year after losing to Central Arkansas 49-21. The Demons are Incarnate Word on Saturday.

Did you happen see the Grambling-Prairive View score. Grambling won 70 to 54. Grambling QB Johnathan Williams threw six touchdown passes and ran for another. Martez Carter returned two kicks for touchdowns. Carter had four touchdowns on the day.