Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

12.10.14
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 December 10

The Saints reportedly worked out kicker Garrett Hartley today. Hartley was released by the Black and Gold towards the end of last season and replaced by Shayne Graham, who has been the team’s field goal kicker since. Graham is 18-of-20 field goals this year, but he missed a 42-yarder last Sunday.

There’s also report that Michigan interim athletic director Jim Hackett wants LSU’s Les Miles as the next head coach of the Wolverines. LSU athletic director Joe Alleva told the Baton Rouge Advocate that he has not been contacted by another school about speaking with Miles. Tiger Rag Editor Robert Stewart is like many who believe that the mad hatter will not return to his alma mater…
cut 10 (11) “….talent here’
Another report says that Miles’ agent has been contacted about Michigan’s football vacancy.

LSU senior left tackle La’el Collins has received the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, which goes to the Southeastern Conference’s most outstanding blocker. Collins has registered 84.5 knockdown blocks in 12 games this season.

Ragin Cajuns sophomore Elijah McGuire has been named the Sun Belt’s player of the year. The all-purpose back rushed for over 1,000 yards this season and led the league with all-purpose yards per game.

The Cajuns placed eight on the All-Sun Belt team. First teamers are offensive lineman Daniel Quave, defensive tackle Christian Ringo and nose guard Justin Hamilton. The Warhawks tallied 12 All-Conference selections. First team selections are wide receiver Rashad Ceaser, defensive lineman Gerrand Johnson, defensive back Mitch Lane and kicker Justin Manton.

And Louisiana Tech quarterback Cody Sokol is the Conference USA newcomer of the year. Sokol is ninth in the nation in passing touchdowns and 22nd in yards.

12.07.14
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AM Newscall Monday December 8th

####Corrected version. Corrected Vadal Alexander’s position and year in school####

So now that all of the major Democratic candidates lost their elections this year, where does that leave the party going forward? Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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Former Governor Edwin Edwards loses for the first time in a runoff election. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

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In January, Louisiana will have two republican US Senators as a result of Billy Cassidy’s victory over Democrat Mary Landrieu in the US Senate race. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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So now that all of the major Democratic candidates lost their elections this year, where does that leave the party going forward? LSU Media Professor Bob Mann, who is a former Democratic staffer, says the party needs to have some serious and honest reflection…:

cut 4  (09)  “in the south”

Mann says there are many in the Democratic party who may feel that the answer is to moderate its message and start leaning more conservative. He says that’s what Mary Landrieu tried to do and it’s one of the reasons she did so poorly in the election…:

Cut 5  (10)  “here’s how we’re different”

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Former Governor Edwin Edwards says even though he lost the election to Republican Garret Graves, his campaign in the 6th Congressional District race was not run in vain. This is the first time the 87-year-old has ever lost in a runoff. Edwards says this doesn’t mean he’s going to retire…:

Cut 6 (12)  “(laughter)”

Edwards was defeated by Graves 62-37. Edwards says he’s happy and he feels like he’s fulfilled his role in life…:

CUT 7 (08)  “not given up”

Edwards says while he was hoping for a better result, this is not unexpected…:

Cut 8 (12)  “willing to accomplish” 

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For the first time in 82-years, an incumbent US Senator has lost a re-election in Louisiana. Republican Congressman Bill Cassidy easily defeated three-term Democrat Mary Landrieu. Cassidy says the voters spoke loudly that they want less interference from the government

Cut 9 (10)  “to do”

Cassidy received 57-percent of the vote to Landrieu’s 43-percent. Cassidy had this message for those who have supported Landrieu throughout the years….

Cut 10 (08) “applause” 

With Cassidy’s victory, Senator Mary Landrieu’s 18-year run as US Senator is over. Landrieu says it’s been a great honor to serve the state of Louisiana

cut 11 (13)  “so much”

Many political analysts say Landrieu’s vote for the Affordable Care Act, which is unpopular in Louisiana, played a significant role in her defeat. But Landrieu says she doesn’t regret that vote

cut 12 (11)  “healthy workforce”

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Two new congressmen have been elected in the 5th and 6th Congressional Districts. In the 6th District, Republican Garret Graves defeated Democratic former four-term governor Edwin Edwards. Graves says this election result is an emphatic statement from the voters of Louisiana…

Cut 13 (11)  “for this country”

Graves will fill the seat left vacant by now Senator-elect Bill Cassidy. Graves feels voters are not happy with how government is working and they want that to change…

Cut 14 (12)  “for this country”

Republican political newcomer Dr. Ralph Abraham easily won in the 5th Congressional District race over Democratic Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo. The seat was lost last month by Republican Vance McAllister. Abraham says voters in his district know he’s one of them…:

Cut 15  (09)  “so to speak”

Mayo received 35% of the vote at Abraham got 64-percent. The physician from Richland Parish says when he gets to Washington D.C. he’s going to work on bringing more jobs and infrastructure to his district…:

Cut 16  (10)  “5th District”

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Pathetic, terrible, horrendous, all of those adjectives describes the Saints 41-10 loss to the Carolina Panthers yesterday in the Mercedes Benz Superdome. It’s the fourth straight loss at home and the largest margin of defeat for the franchise since 2007. Saints Coach Sean Payton didn’t sugarcoat the performance when he spoke with reporters after the game

Cut 17  (10)   “it was awful”

Carolina jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter and the Saints didn’t do much to get back in the game. Payton calls it an embarrassing performance

Cut 18 (17) “it was awful”

The LSU football team will play Notre Dame in the Music City Bowl on Tuesday, December 30th.  It’s the 15th straight season the Tigers will play in a bowl game and it’s their first meeting against the Fighting Irish since beating them 41-13 in the 2007 Sugar Bowl. Offensive guard Vadal (vuh-Dall) Alexander is excited to face Notre Dame…

Cut 19 (18)   “play em”

Kick-off for the game is set for two PM in Nashville. It’s been a down season for Notre Dame as they are 7-and-5, but LSU defensive tackle Chrisitan LaCouture (Lock-uh-chur) says it’s exciting to play one of the most recognizable names in college football

Cut 20 (16)  “excited for the challenge”

12.04.14
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 December 4

The Pelicans begin a difficult three-game road trip tonight at Golden State. New Orleans is coming off a win over Oklahoma City, while the Warriors have the best record in the NBA at 15-and-2. The Pels announced the signing of forward Dantee Cunningham. The five-year vet was charged last April with felony domestic assault, but that charge was dropped in August after investigators determined his girlfriend’s story didn’t add up. He’s averaged six points and four rebounds a game during his career.

In college basketball tonight…the LSU Tigers are at 16th ranked West Virginia, who is a perfect 7-0. The Bayou Bengals had a nice win over UMASS on Tuesday and they are hoping to carry that momentum into Morgantown. Tip-off is at six o’ clock on E-S-P-N 2.

The Saints are continuing preparations for Sunday’s home game against Carolina. New Orleans is listed as a nine a half point favorite.

Louisiana Tech leaves tomorrow for West Virginia where they’ll play Marshall University on Saturday in the Conference USA Championship game. The Thundering Herd are second in the F-B-S points scored as they’ve averaged 47 points a game.

Southern will meet Alcorn State in the SWAC Championship game on Saturday. These two teams met on September 27th in Lorman, Mississippi and Alcorn won easily 56-16. The Braves had 682 yards of total offense.

In other college football news…Jim McElwain is the new head coach at Florida. McElwain won ten games at Colorado State this season and he’s a former offensive coordinator under Nick Saban at Alabama.

Tomorrow in the Mercedes Benz Superdome, four state champions will be crowned in football. All from the select brackets. The Division Three title game at 1:30 will pit Calvary versus Catholic of New Iberia. The Cavaliers beat the Panthers by one point in the semi-finals last year.

12.04.14
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PM LRN newscall December 4

The Centers for Disease Control reports a widespread outbreak of the flu in Louisiana. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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Louisiana has petitioned the US Supreme Court to hear an appeal of Louisiana’s ban on gay marriage before a federal appeals court rules. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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In an interivew with an LSU journalism student on Tiger TV, Republican Congressman Bill Cassidy says he supports over-the-counter sales of birth control. Cassidy says he’s going along with the recommendation made by the College of Obstetrics and Gynecology

CUT 3 (08)  “over the counter”

Cassidy has been endorsed by pro-life groups, but on the issue of birth control, based on this interview with a Tiger TV reporter, he backs the sale of over the counter birth control…

CUT 4 (05)  “with that”

Cassidy’s was asked by the Tiger TV reporter whether the government should make it easier for young, sexually active people to get birth control.  The Congressman said yes based on a recommendation from doctors who care for women…

CUT 5 (12)  “at all”

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The Centers for Disease Control reports a widespread outbreak of the flu in Louisiana. In fact, Louisiana is the only state in the Continental US with widespread flu cases. Dr. Frank Welch, with the state Department of Health and Hospitals, says it’s not a designation the state wants, but we appear to be leading the pack…

CUT 6 (10)  “in Louisiana”

Welch says about five percent of all doctor visits in the state are for flu like symptoms. He says the CDC has found that the predominant strain of flu, H3N2, has mutated slightly and is now not exactly matched with the vaccine. Welch says this doesn’t mean that the vaccine won’t work…

CUT 7 (10) “get that vaccine”

Welch still recommends you get a flu shot as it’s the best way to protect yourself against the flu, even though it isn’t 100-percent perfect. And Welch says it’s important to remember that everybody in Louisiana who gets the flu, got it from someone else…

CUT 8 (10) “from the flu”

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Louisiana has petitioned the US Supreme Court to hear an appeal of Louisiana’s ban on gay marriage before a federal appeals court rules. Special counsel Kyle Duncan filed the request this week. Tulane Constitutional Law Professor, Keith Werhan (wer-HAN), says the state may think that this issue is on the fast track to being decided in the Supreme Court…

CUT 9 (11)  “the Supreme Court”

Federal Judge Martin Feldman upheld Louisiana’s ban on same-sex marriage earlier this year. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear the appeal January 9th. Werhan thinks side-stepping the appeals court may not be the right move…

CUT 10 (09)  “court of appeals”

Last month, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld gay marriage bans in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee. Werhan says, now that there is a circuit split on the issue, Louisiana wants to make sure their case is heard in the nation’s highest court…

cut 11 (08)  “5th Circuit”

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The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office says a staff member at Red River Academy in Lecompte is under arrest for allegedly trying to rape a female teenage student. Lt. Tommy Carnline says the local police station requested deputy assistance into a criminal sexual conduct allegation at the residential-type school…:

cut 12 (06) “with her”

Carnline says their detectives began their investigation into the complaint by the young woman…:

cut 13 (09) “of Cheneyville”

Carnline says they were able to obtain enough probable cause to issue arrest warrants for 36-year-old Charles Allen of Cheneyville…:(Allen was arrested for 1 count of sexual battery, one count of attempted forcible rape and 1 count of prohibited sexual conduct between educator and student. He is being held in lieu of $55,000 bond.)

cut 14 (09) “and a student”

12.04.14
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LRN Sportscast 11:40 December 4

It looks like Saints running back Khiry Robinson will be able to play this Sunday against Carolina Panthers. Robinson has missed the last six games because of a forearm injury, but he has returned to practice, and told reporters he’s ready to play.

It appears Kenny Stills, who was drafted in the fifth round in 2013, is starting to become a big-time weapon in New Orleans passing attack. Stills leads the team in receiving yards after catching five passes for 162 yards in last weekend’s win over Pittsburgh.

In college football news…ULM Head Coach Todd Berry says he’ll take over as the play caller on offense next season after the Warhawks finished last in points scored in the Sun Belt. And Florida has a new head coach and his name is Jim McElwain, who won ten games at Colorado State this past season and he’s a former offensive coordinator at Alabama.

For a fourth straight season, the UL-Lafayette Football team has accepted an invitation to play in the R and L Carriers New Orleans Bowl which will be played Saturday December 20th. The voice of the Ragin Cajuns Jay Walker says their fans are always fired up about heading to the Big Easy…
cut 10 (12) “…New Orleans, Louisiana”
UL-Lafayette will likely have to wait until Sunday to find out who they will play. Walker says it could either be a team from the Mountain West or Conference USA.

In high school football…Warren Easton quarterback Deshawn Capers-Smith has been named the Louisiana Football Gatorade Player of the Year. The Texas A-and-M commit has completed 63-percent of his passes for 3,722 yards and 45 touchdowns for the Eagles who host Plaquemine tomorrow night in the Class Four-a semifinals.

12.04.14
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07:30 LRN Newscast December 4

The C-D-C is reporting a widespread outbreak of flu cases in Louisiana. The bayou state is the only state in the Continental US with widespread cases. Health officials are urging Louisiana residents to get their flu shot, if you haven’t already.

Parents who have teen drivers that get a learning permit will receive a booklet that will provide information and lessons on driving basics and parental pointers for the new driver in their household. It’s part of the new “Parents Supervised Driving Program.” Last year 189 teen drivers were killed in crashes across Louisiana. State Police Sergeant Nick Manale is hopeful this new program will decrease those numbers….
cut 6 (11) “….to be safe”
Manale says a learner’s permit requires at least 50 hours of parental supervised driving

A telephone poll of the sixth District Congressional runoff shows Republican Garret Graves with a six-percentage point lead over Democrat Edwin Edwards. Scott Carwile has more…
cut 2 (30) “….reporting”

The Ragin Cajuns have accepted an official invite to the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. It’s the fourth straight year that U-L Lafayette will play in the bowl game. The voice of the Cajuns, Jay Walker, says fans love going to New Orleans for the game every year, but some are not that excited about the 10 A-M kick-off on December 20th….
cut 11 (10) “…always have”

12.04.14
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06:45 LRN Sportscast December 4

Saints running back Khiry Robinson, who has missed the last six games with a forearm injury, was back at practice yesterday. Coach Sean Payton says Robinson looked good, even though he has a brace on his arm. Robinson was averaging five yards carry and had two touchdowns on the season, before he got hurt. The Saints host Carolina this Sunday.

In other NFL news…former LSU Quarterback Zach Mettenberger expects to play this Sunday against the New York Giants, despite a shoulder injury that forced him to leave last weekend’s loss to Houston. The sixth round draft pick of the Titans has a sprained throwing shoulder.

The UL Lafayette football team is heading to the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl for a fourth straight season. The voice of the Ragin Cajuns, Jay Walker, says the Cajuns will play a team either from the Mountain West or Conference USA on December 20th…
cut 12 (09) “…gonna be Rice”

ULM Football Coach Todd Berry announces that he’ll take over play calling duties next season after the Warhawks finished last in the Sun Belt in scoring average. Steve Farmer will remain the offensive coordinator, while Jason Nichols has been promoted to passing game coordinator.

In college basketball last night….The Ragin Cajuns, who lost to Jackson State last season, beat the Tigers 76 to 53 last night. Devonta Walker had 19 points to pace the Cajuns.

Also last night…McNeese State over Southern University New Orleans 74-63 and Air Force dribbled past Grambling 59-34,

In women’s basketball Raigyne Moncrief had 18 points and ten rebounds in an LSU 73-59 win over Louisiana Tech. The LSU mens’ team is at 16th ranked West Virginia tonight. The Mountaineers are 7-and-0.

The Pelicans begin a three-game road trip in Golden State tonight. The Warriors have the NBA’s best record at 15-and-2.

12.04.14
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06:30 LRN Newscast December 4

State officials announce a new safe driving campaign aimed at reducing crashes involving teen drivers. President of Safe Roads Alliance, Jeff Larson, says the “Parents Supervised Driving Program” provides parents with information so they can do a better job with their teens while they have a learner’s permit…
cut 4 (07) “….their license”
Parents of teens who receive a learner’s permits will receive a free guide with information and lessons on driving basics.

BESE approves new licensing rules for day care facilities. The regulations include a provision that require one teacher for every 11 two-years at a child care center. Melanie Bronfin, director of the Policy Institute for Children in New Orleans, wishes it was lower…
cut 13 (11) “….high ratios”

In the final days before Saturday’s election, a new poll on the 6th District Congressional race shows Republican Garret Graves with 53-percent of the vote while Democratic former governor Edwin Edwards has 47-percent. The Glascock Group surveyed 532 voters from across the district. Pollster Darrell Glascock says Edwards’ numbers are surprising….
cut 7 (06) ‘….this thing happen”

Louisiana has joined with 16 other states in a lawsuit challenging President Barack Obama’s recent executiveorder aimed at immigration. Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwel says the President’s plan violates the Constitution, because it rewrites and ignores current federal laws.

12.03.14
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LRN Newscast 17:30 December 3

A complaint has been filed with the Office of Congressional Ethics, urging them to look into allegations whether Republican Bill Cassidy violated House rules and federal law for receiving compensation from the LSU health system that he didn’t perform. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says ethics complaints and politics go hand and hand sometimes…:
CUT 12 (11) “even up the score”
Cassidy’s opponent in the Senate, Democrat Mary Landrieu, faced an ethics complaint in September, after it was learned her office used taxpayer dollars to pay for charter flights for campaign events.

In a televised debate between Fifth District Congressional candidates, Republican Ralph Abraham and Democrat Jamie Mayo, Mayo said Abraham makes too much money to understand the needs of the district, which is one of the poorest in the nation. Abraham said he’ll bring a conservative voice and common sense approach to Washington D-C.

A telephone poll on the sixth District Congressional runoff shows Republican Garret Graves with a six-percentage point lead over Democrat Edwin Edwards. Scott Carwile has more…
cut 2 (30) “…reporting”

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approved new licensing rules for child care centers. One of the new regulations calls for fingerprint-based criminal background checks for the facilities workers and volunteers.

12.03.14
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 December 3

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees received NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors today. Brees threw five touchdown passes in New Orleans 35-32 win over Pittsburgh. It was the seventh time in Brees’ career that he threw five touchdown passes and no interceptions in a single game.

Louisiana Tech continues preparations today for Saturday’s Conference USA Championship game against Marshall. Saturday marks just the second time these two schools have ever played each other. In 1942, they played in Ruston and Tech won that game 26-0. Marshall comes into this game averaging 47 points a game, while Tech is averaging 25.

ULM Coach Todd Berry announced today that he’ll take over the play calling duties next season. Berry says Steve Farmer will remain as the team’s offensive coordinator. The Warhawks ranked last in the Sun Belt, averaging just 20 points a game this season.

It’s anticipated that U-L Lafayette will accept an invitation from the New Orleans Bowl, which could happen tonight. The Ragin Cajuns have played in the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl the last three seasons. The Cajuns Sun Belt rival, South Alabama, accepted a bid to play in the Camellia Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama.

Tonight in the Cajundome…U-L Lafayette will host Jackson State. Bob Marlin’s team is 2-and-3 on the season, but they have a chance to get some wins in the month of December. Tonight starts a stretch of four of the next five games at home.

In women’s basketball…the Lady Tigers host the Lady Techsters. La Tech is 2-and-2 on the year and led by Whitney Frazier, who is averaging 14 points a game. LSU is looking to snap a three-game losing streak. Tip-off is at six o’ clock.

And in college baseball…ULM’s Bruce Pedie has recieved a four-year contract extension. The Warhawks were 23-36 last season.