Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

11.20.15
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LRN Newscast 17:30 November 20

Polls heading into election day show Democrat John Bel Edwards lead slipping over Republican David Vitter in the race for governor. The latest JMC Analytics survey shows Edwards lead over Republican David Vitter in the single digits. LAPolitics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says it may be too little too late for Vitter as Edwards’ “Get Out The Vote” campaign is very strong…:
cut 5 (07) “….John Bel Edwards”
Polls are open Saturday from seven AM to eight PM.

The joint legislative budget committee approves Governor Bobby Jindal’s proposal to close a 487-million dollar budget deficit. Covington Representative John Schroder was one of a handful of lawmakers who voted against it. He says the plan doesn’t address the state’s spending problems:
cut 13 (09) “in reductions”
The Jindal administration touted the plan as one that doesn’t result in cuts to higher education.

A Denham Springs man charged with murder in the death of his fiancee who he shot up with a lethal dose of heroin was found guilty and will spend life behind bars. In 2013, 26-year-old Jarret McCasland administered a needle with the drugs into 19-year-old Flavia Cardenas and she died of an overdose. East Baton Rouge Parish DA Hillar Moore says this case illustrates that heroin is a deadly drug, with lasting consequences…
CUT 11 (10) “person’s death”
McCasland will be formally sentenced in January.

One of the top high school football prospects in the state is one of two players from North Webster High School that’s been arrested and charged with carnal knowledge of a juvenile. 17-year-old Devin White and 18-year-old Keuntra Gipson of Springhill allegedly had sexual relations with a juvenile. White, a running back and linebacker for the Knights, is being recruuited by LSU and Alabama.

11.20.15
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 November 20

There’s a slight chance for rain tomorrow when LSU faces Ole Miss in a top 25 match-up. Temperatures will also be falling throughout the game after the 2:30 kickoff. Tigers sophomore quarterback Brandon Harris has been hot and cold in the last two defeats for LSU. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron says they are looking for more consistency from their young QB…
cut 18 (14) “…with him”

McNeese State will look to complete an undefeated regular season when they face Lamar in Beaumont on Saturday. The Cowboys are also looking to secure a top 2 or four seed in the FCS Division One playoffs.

Louisiana Tech is at UTEP. Bulldogs running back Kenneth Dixon is two touchdowns away from tying the NCAA record for career touchdowns.

In the NBA…the Pelicans host the San Antonio Spurs tonight. New Orleans all-star Anthony Davis says he’ll be able to play, despite a banged up a shoulder. And shooting guard Tyreke Evans says he can be back in a week from a knee injury.

In college hoops action tonight…McNeese State is at 8th ranked Oklahoma, while U-L Lafayette visits Alabama. Both the Cajuns and Crimson Tide are 1-and-1. UL Lafayette is led by Shawn Long who is averging 17.5 points a game.

In college basketball last night….23ranked LSU beat South Alabama 78-66, ULM defeated winless Northwestern State 80-64, Southern topped Tulane 90-82 and Memphis beat Grambling 83-65.

The high school football playoffs continues tonight. The New Orleans Saints–LHSAA Game of the Week is West Monroe versus Ponchatoula. That game can be seen on Fox Sports New Orleans plus at 7 PM. The Catholic High-Brother Martin matchup will be on CST.

11.20.15
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16:30 LRN Newscast November 20

A recent JMC Analytics poll shows Democrat John Bel Edwards’ lead over Republican David Vitter is down to the single digits. Jeff Palermo reports…
cut 1 (25) “….I’m Jeff Palermo”

The state’s unemployment rate rose slightly to six-point-two percent in October based on figures from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. But that’s lower than last October when the unemployment rate was seven-percent. The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the civiillan labor force lost nearly 12-thousand workers from September to October. The two main factors, low oil prices and a decline of government workers.

Law enforcement’s Click it or Ticket campaign begins Sunday. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says they’ll increase enforcement through the 29th and if you don’t buckle up, it could turn your happy holiday into a nightmare…:
CUT 7 (10) “tragedy”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of fatal injury to front seat passengers by 45-percent.

The joint legislative budget committee approves Governor Bobby Jindal’s proposal to close a 487-million dollar budget deficit. The plan calls for cuts to state agencies, patchwork financing and tapping into the rainy day fund. Senate president John Alario says it’s not a perfect plan, but it puts something in place until a new governor takes over in January…
cut 12 (09) “…what’s happening”
Higher education was not cut under the plan.

11.20.15
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LRN PM Newscall November 20

A recent JMC Analytics poll shows Democrat John Bel Edwards’ lead over Republican David Vitter is down to the single digits as voters head to the polls to elect the state’s new governor. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (25)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Sunday begins the Click it or Ticket campaign to get drivers to buckle up during the holiday season. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana voters will head to the polls Saturday to elect the state’s new governor. A recent JMC Analytics poll shows Democrat John Bel Edwards’ lead over Republican David Vitter has shrunk down to the single digits. LAPolitics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says the Syrian refugee issue has helped Vitter gain ground…

CUT 3 (08)  “leverage that”

Polls will be open from 7AM to 8PM. Alford says, in order for Vitter to win, he’ll need conservative voters to return to his camp. He says tracking numbers have shown that has happened in the last week…

CUT 4 (08)  “to do”

He says Edwards was polling highest during early voting, but that is not considered in these poll leading to election day. Alford says the Democratic Party’s “Get Out The Vote” campaign for Edwards is very strong, as evidenced during the early voting period…

CUT 5 (07)  “John Bel Edwards”

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With the Thanksgiving holiday right around the corner, The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission kicks off their Click it or Ticket campaign this Sunday. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says make sure you buckle up, because it’s the first step in saving your life in case you’re in an accident.

CUT 6 (08) “that easy”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of fatal injury to front seat passengers by 45-percent. Reichardt says the campaign runs from November 22 until the 29th. He says if you don’t buckle up, it could turn your happy holiday into a nightmare.

CUT 7 (10)  “tragedy”

Reichardt says in addition to checking for seatbelt violations, troopers will also be on the lookout for motorists drinking and driving.

CUT 8 (08)  “home safe”

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A 26-year-old Denham Springs man will spend the rest of his life in prison for shooting up his fiancee with heroin, causing a fatal overdose. An East Baton Rouge Parish jury found Jarret McCasland guilty of second-degree murder, which carries a mandatory life sentence. District Attorney Hillar Moore says a seldom used statue was used in his case

CUT 9 (08)  “deadly drug”

McCasland, who did not take the stand in his defense, will face formal sentencing in January for the death of 19-year-old Flavia Cardenas. Moore says the evidence against McCasland was overwhelming and a verdict came quickly…

cut 10 (10)  “that testified”

Cardenas died in July of 2013. Moore says this case illustrates that heroin is a deadly drug and could have lasting consequences…

Cut 11 (10) “person’s death”

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The joint legislative budget committee approves Governor Bobby Jindal’s proposal to close a 487-million dollar budget deficit. The plan calls for cuts to state agencies, patchwork financing and tapping into the rainy day fund. Senate president John Alario says it’s not a perfect plan, but it puts something in place until a new governor takes over in January…

cut 12 (09)  “what’s happening”

Gubernatorial candidates, David Vitter and John Bel Edwards, had asked legislators to reject Jindal’s deficit reduction plan. Covington Representative John Schroder was one of a handful of lawmakers who voted against it. Schroder says it doesn’t address the state’s spending problems…

cut 13 (09)  “in reductions”

Higher education was not cut under the plan. Commissioner of Administration Stafford Palmieri says the governor made it a priority to make sure public colleges were not hit with cuts…

cut 14 (07)  “Louisiana forward” 

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11.20.15
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LRN Sportscast November 20

LSU and Ole Miss resume their football rivalry on Saturday afternoon in Oxford. It’s the 104th meeting alltime between the SEC West rivals. The last three games have been decided by six points or less. Last year, the Tigers beat the Rebels 10-7 and LSU’s fans stormed the field afterwards. This is a big game for Les Miles as media reports say he’s coaching for his job.

If the UL Lafayette football team wants to play in a bowl game for a fifth straight season, they’ll need to win two of its next three games to get to six wins on the year. Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth says they have yet to play up to their expectations this season, but hopes that starts on Saturday at home against New Mexico State….
cut 19 (16) “winning record”
The game starts at 4PM and you can watch on ESPN3.

Last night in college football…Nicholls State rallied to beat Southeastern Louisiana 27-24. And Texas State beat ULM 16-3.

The high school football playoffs continue tonight…In Class 4A…top seeded Neville hosts 16th seeded Carencro…9th seeded North DeSoto is at Loranger…11th seeded Bastrop visits Assumption. Also…7th seeded Minden hosts 10th seeded Franklinton, 4th seeded Benton hosts McDonogh 35 and 2nd seeded Crowey is at Livonia.

In Division three…two-time defending champ. Calvary Baptist is at third seeded Notre Dame, who has one of the top defenses in the state.

In college basketball last night….LSU’s Ben Simmons had 23 points and 16 rebounds last night as the Tigers topped South Alabama 78-66. ULM beat Northwestern State 80-64. That’s win number 200 for Warhawks coach Keith Richard.

Tonight…the Ragin Cajuns are at Alabama. Both teams are 1-and-1. McNeese State is at 8th ranked Oklahoma. And the Pelicans, who 1-and-11, host the 9-and-2 San Antonio Spurs.

11.19.15
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LRN Newscast 17:30 November 19th

Federal, state, and local authorities held a news conference in New Orleans today to reassure residents that an attack similar to the one in Paris last week is not imminent in Louisiana. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu says facts have been confused in the days following the Paris attacks…:
CUT 9 (10) “threats at all”
He says they are utilizing every effort to keep it that way.

Baton Rouge Police say a second man has been arrested in the slaying of an elderly couple whose bodies were discovered at a Hammond truck stop last month. Lt. Johnny Dunham says 48-year-old Frank Garcia was arrested in Florida and will be charged with two counts of first degree murder. He didn’t say what led to the arrest…:
CUT 4 (10) “at this point”
Denis and Suzy Duplantier of Baton Rouge were killed in October. 42-year-old Ernesto Alonso was previously arrested and charged in the deaths.

Today is the Great American Smokeout and Mike Rogers with the Smoking Cessation Trust reminds longtime smokers that they offer a program which provides free medications and other necessary services to Louisianians who started smoking before September 1988…:
CUT 14 (06) “tobacco’s money”
For more information visit smokefreela.org

Jim Hawthorne returns to broadcasting for LSU tonight as he has the call for LSU-South Alabama basketball game at the PMAC. Hawthorne has missed the last two football games, after undergoing heart surgery. The legendary broadcaster says it’s been an unique experiience to watch LSU football games as a fan on TV…
cut 8 (11) “…watch a game”
Hawthorne will return as LSU’s football play-by-play man for the regular season finale against Texas A-and-M.

 

11.19.15
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 November 19

The voice of the LSU Tigers Jim Hawthorne will be on the call when the LSU men’s basketball team hosts South Alabama tonight. It will be Jim’s first broadcast, since undergoing heart surgery in late October. Hawthorne says he has been humbled by the many friends and LSU fans who have reached out and wished him a speedy recovery….
cut 7 (11) “…very supportive”
Hawthorne will not call Saturday’s football game against Ole Miss, but plans to be on the mic for the regular season finale against Texas A-and-M.

As far as the game goes, the LSU Tigers are looking to improve their record to 3-and-0 over South Alabama who is 1-1. Also tonight…ULM is at Northwestern State. It’s the 111th meeting between the two teams and ULM has won the last two contests played between the two schools.

Nicholls State and Southeastern Louisiana will play for the River Bell Classic Trophy tonight as the two teams meet in the regular season finale for both teams. The Lions have won four straight over the Colonels. S-L-U brings a 4-6 record into the contest, while S-L-U is 2-and-8.

ULM seeks its second win of the year as they visit Texas State. It’s the first game for the Warhawks since they fired head coach Todd Berry. Defensive line coach John Mumford serves as head coach as ULM looks to snap an eight game losing streak.

In the NBA…the Pelicans are off tonight after losing again last night to Oklahoma City. New Orleans is now 1-and-11 after losing 110 to 103 to the Thunder. New Orleans hosts San Antonio tomorrow night. The team made one move today and that was to release guard Jimmer Fredette.

11.19.15
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LRN PM Newscall November 19

The Voice of LSU, Jim Hawthorne, is back tonight for the call of the men’s basketball game. Eric Gill reports its his first broadcast since undergoing a medical procedure last month…:

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Authorities held a press conference in New Orleans this morning to reassure residents that an attack similar to the one in Paris last week is not imminent in Louisiana. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (27)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Baton Rouge Police report a second man has been arrested in the slaying of an elderly Baton Rouge couple whose bodies were discovered at a Hammond truck stop last month. Lt. Johnny Dunham says 48-year-old Frank Garcia was arrested in Hollywood, Florida Wednesday…

CUT 3 (08)  “homicide case”

71-year-old Denis Duplantier (doo-PLAHN-shay) and 70-year-old Suzanne Duplantier were taken from their home, robbed, and killed October 18th. Garcia is charged with two counts of first degree murder. Dunham did not disclose what information led to issuing the warrant for Garcia’s arrest…

CUT 4 (10)  “at this point”

42-year-old Ernesto Alonso was previously arrested and charged in the deaths of the Duplantiers. Dunham says this is still an active investigation and it’s possible more arrests could be made…

CUT 5 (07)  “call Crime Stoppers”

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The Voice of LSU, Jim Hawthorne, returns to his play-by-play calling duties tonight for the first time since having a medical procedure last month. Hawthorne will broadcast tonight’s men’s hoops game at the PMAC, after missing the Alabama and Arkansas football games. He says the doctors gave him the green light…:

CUT 6 (07) “very fortunate”

The LSU men’s basketball team is 2-0 after a win over McNeese State on Friday and victory over Kennesaw State on Monday. Hawthorne says he’s been extremely humbled by how many friends and LSU fans have reached out and wished him the best for a speedy recovery…:

CUT 7 (11)  “very supportive”

The 71 year old had previously announced he’d retire from LSU after this men’s basketball season. Hawthorne says he plans to call the final regular season football game next week. He admits it was an extremely unique experience to watch football games as a fan, which you don’t get to do when you’re working it…:

CUT 8 (11)  “watch a game”

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Federal, state, and local authorities held a press conference in New Orleans this morning to reassure residents that an attack similar to the one in Paris last week is not imminent in Louisiana. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu says facts have been confused in the days following the Paris attacks…

CUT 9 (10)  “threats at all”

Landrieu says he’s been assured that there are no credible threats from any of the Syrian refugees in the New Orleans area. FBI Special Agent Jeffrey Sallet (sa-LET) says there is a very strong Joint Terrorism Task Force in the state. He says their job is to protect the citizens of Louisiana from these type of attacks…

cut 10 (11)  “preparing for”

He says, prior to the Paris attacks, the task force has been preparing to respond and prevent multi-event attacks. Sallet says there are currently no credible terrorist threats to Louisiana and authorities will strive to keep it that way…

Cut 11 (08) “are safe”

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Today is the Great American Smokeout, a day that has been designated for smokers to quit their habit. According to the Center for Disease Control 24-percent of Louisiana adults smoke, which is higher than the national percentage. Mike Rogers with the Smoking Cessation Trust says there are free products and services to help long time smokers put cigarettes down for good.

cut 12 (10)  “for it all”

Rogers says the only requirements to sign up are, you live in Louisiana and started smoking prior to September 1, 1988. He says the Smoking Cessation Trust has been around since 2012 and is showing much success.

cut 13 (09)  “receive benefits”

Rogers says 43-percent of those who sign up report that they actually quit. He attributes the success to the trust providing free medications and other necessary services and encourages everyone eligible to try it out.

(For more information visit smokefreela.org)

cut 14 (06)  “tobacco’s money” 

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11.19.15
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LRN Sportscast 11:40 November 19

There are a couple of college football games involving Louisiana teams tonight. In Hammond, Southeastern Lousiiana hosts Nicholls State in the Red River Bel Classic. The Lions have won four straight over the Colonels, but Nicholls has been playing much better since starting the season with five consecutive losses. Kick-off is at 6 PM.

In San Marcos, Texas, U-L-M is at Texas State. It’s the first game for John Mumford as interim coach for the Wahrawks, who are looking to snap an eight game losing streak. The Bobcats are 2-and-7. Kick-off is at 8:30.

The 17th ranked LSU football team continues to prepare for Saturday’s road game at 25th ranked Alabama. Coach Les Miles has a strong belief that his team can snap its two game losing streak…
cut 28 (07) “…on track”
Kick-off in Oxford is at 2:30.

Louisiana Tech announces a five-year agreement with adidas that will result in the clothing designer outfiting Bulldog men’s and women’s sports teams in adidas uniforms, apparel, footwear and equipment. Tech football coach Skip Holtz says the deal is a game changer and an exciting opportunity to partner with a global leader like adidas.

ULM athletic director Brian Wickstrom is one of five finalists to be the next athletic director at Tulane. Wickstorm is expected to be interviewed either today or tomorrow.

The voice of the LSU Tigers, Jim Hawthorne, returns to the mic tonight as he’ll call the LSU basketball game against South Alabama. Hawthorne has been recovering from heart surgery, but doctors have given him the ok to call tonight’s game. He will not on the air this Saturday for LSU’s football game at Ole Miss, but plans to call the regular season finale against Texas A-and-M.

The Pelicans are now 1-and-11 on the season after losing to Oklahoma City 110-103. The Pels are back home Friday to take on the San Antonio Spurs.

11.18.15
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17:30 LRN Newscast November 18

Governor Bobby Jindal is back in Louisiana after ending his bid for the Republican presidential nomination. At a Governor’s Mansion news conference in Baton Rouge, Jindal said he has no regrets seeking the nation’s highest elected office. He stated that the failure of his campaign rests solely on his shoulders…:
CUT 12 (10) “my responsibility”
The governor, who has a little over seven weeks left in his second and final term, said he’s not sure what his political future holds.

The Jindal administration released a plan today on how to deal with a 487-million dollar budget deficit. It calls for 150-million dollars in cuts across state agencies, dipping into the state’s “rainy day” fund and using revenues from lawsuit settlments. The plan does NOT call for cuts to higher education or state worker layoffs.

According to officials with Catholic Charities of Baton Rouge, a gun threat came in because they help Syrian refugees resettle in Louisiana. State Police Col Mike Edmonson says a phone call came in from out of state and they are taking it very seriously…:
CUT 9 (06) “making threats”
As concerns over the Syrian refugee situation continue to grow, Edmonson says several other Catholic Charities in other states have also received threats and that’s unacceptable.

Five straight losses to Alabama and a possibly seven-win regular season might not be acceptable to LSU athletics director Joe Alleva. The Advocate is reporting Coach Les Miles is coaching for his job in the next two regular season games. On today’s SEC coaches teleconference, Miles says there is no added pressure to win…
cut 6 (10) “…than I have”
Miles’ contract runs through the 2019 season, but LSU can buy him out of his remaining years, but it would cost them at least 12.9 million dollars.