Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

10.30.15
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11:40 Sportscast October 30, 2015

Tonight on Fox Sports One, Louisiana Tech will visit Rice in a big Conference USA match-up. The Bulldogs and Owls are battling for first place in the West Division. Rice leads Conference USA in rushing as they are averaging close to 200 yards a game on the ground. But Tech Head Coach Skip Holtz says the Owls also have a good passing game…
cut 17 (20) “…last year”
The last time La Tech played Rice in Houston, the Owls won 52-14. Tonight’s game will kickoff at 7 PM.

LSU has released its 2016 football schedule. The Tigers open the season in Green Bay against Wisconsin. Other highlights include a trip to Auburn on September 24th, a home game against Missouri on October 1st, hosting Ole Miss October 22nd and Alabama on November 5th and the regular season concludes on Thanksgiving night at Texas A-and-M.

The Saints look to get back to the .500 mark on Sunday when they host the New York Giants. It doesn’t look like the Saints will get cornerback Keenan Lewis back for this game. He did not practice yesterday as he continues to recover from a sports hernia surgery during training camp. New Orleans has reportedly signed linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar, who was with the Saints from 2008 to 2011. He was released by the Rams earlier this week.

Elsewhere in the NFC South this weekend…the Falcons host Tampa Bay on Sunday and Carolina takes on Indianapolis in Charlotte on Monday night.

In college football Saturday….the Ragin Cajuns are double digit favorites to beat U-L-M on Saturday. U-L Lafayette quarterback Jalen Nixon is coming off a good performance against Arkansas State and it appears the Cajuns have finally found a replacement to Terrance Broadway at quarterback.

In other action on Saturday…Tulane is at undefeated and 16th ranked Memphis. McNeese State looks to stay undefeated as they visit Abilene Christian. Northwestern State and Nicholls meet in Thibodaux in a battle of one-win teams. Southeastern Louisiana has a tough game at Central Arkansas.

10.29.15
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LRN Newscast 17:30 Oct 29

The state Department of Education says the percentage of high schools in Louisiana who have received an “A” grade under the state’s accountability system have increased from 10-percent last year to 23-percent this year. Education Superintendent John White says higher graduation rates and ACT scores led to 73-percent of high schools receiving at least a “C”…
cut 12 (07) “for their students”
White says the state plans to raise the bar on standards over the next ten years.

A new survey on the governor’s race shows Democrat John Bel Edwards leading Republican David Vitter by a 52 to 40-percent margin. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says there is little time for Vitter to turn things around…
cut 10 (09) “for him”
The survey was conducted by Anzalone Liszt Grove Research on behalf of the anti-Vitter Gumbo PAC.

Three major national political forecasters now say a win for Republicans in this gubernatorial election is not as certain as it once was. Some classify the race as a “toss-up” or a downgrade from “Likely Republican” to “Leans Republican.” Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Democrat John Bel Edwards tends to be painted in a more positive light in the media which is what political forecasters see…
cut 15 (10) “…someone damaged”

Fans are scrambling to get tickets for the top 10 matchup next weekend between LSU and Alabama. But Cameron Papp with Stub Hub says tickets for the November 7th showdown are not as pricey as previous LSU-Alabama games in 2013 and 2011…
cut 7 (08) “find out”
He says the cheapest ticket available for the November 7th game is 195-dollars.

10.29.15
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16:45 LRN Sportscast October 29th

Not a good start to the season for the Pelicans as they are 0-and-2 after losing to Portland 112-94 last night. The team announced this afternoon that they’ve released guard Nate Robinson, after he failed to score in 23 minutes of action this season. New Orleans is reportedly interested in signing Toney Douglas, who played in 12 games for the Pels last season. The Pels next game is Halloween night at home against Golden State.

If you’re looking to secure tickets for next week’s SEC showdown between LSU and Alabama, Stubhub’s Cameron Papp says upper level seats behind one of the end zones are going for about 200-dollars…
cut 6 (07) “…end zone tickets”
Papp says at this point, ticket prices were higher for the 2013 LSU-Alabama matchup.

The Saints will go after their third win in a row on Sunday when they host the Giants. It will be a homecoming for Eli Manning, who is seeking his first win in the Superdome. He’s 0-and-2 in the dome as a pro.

UL Lafayette and ULM will meet on Saturday at Cajun Field. The Warhawks are desperate for a win as they’ve lost five straight, while the Cajuns are looking to bounce back from a Sun Belt loss to Arkansas State. UL Lafayette Coach Mark Hudspeth says despite the defeat, they can still win a league title…
cut 20 (20) “…against ULM”
Kick-off is at 4 PM on Saturday.

Week nine of the high school football season begins tonight. The New Orleans Saints-LHSAA Game of the Week is Rayville at Sterlington. Sterlington is 6-and-2 on the season, while Rayville has won four of its last five. Kick off is at 7 PM on Fox Sports New Orleans.

10.29.15
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LRN PM Newscall Oct 29

A new poll on Louisiana’s governor’s race shows Democrat John Bel Edwards leading Republican David Vitter by a 52 to 40-percent margin. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

The percentage of high schools in the state receiving “A” grades under the accountability system has gone up 13-percent since last year. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Shreveport Police arrest two people they believe are responsible for a deadly shooting that killed one and injured two others. Cpl. Breck Scott says 29-year-old Elbert Fredieu (FREE-doo) and 24-year-old Scarlett Groce (gross), were taken into custody Wednesday. Scott says authorities found Fredieu working at Barksdale Air Force Base…

CUT 3 (09)  “degree murder” 2X

Fredieu is charged with one count of second degree murder and two counts of attempted second degree murder. 36-year-old Verdina Crichlow was killed in the shooting. Scott says Groce was located at her home in Bossier City…

CUT 4 (09)  “degree murder”

Groce is charged with one count of principal to second degree murder. Scott says detectives are still trying to determine a motive. He says the surviving victims, 43-year-old Tammy Harris and 15-year-old Tranautica Webber, remain hospitalized…

CUT 5 (07)  “critical condition”

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With the top 10 LSU-Alabama game coming up in Tuscaloosa, fans are scrambling to get their tickets. Cameron Papp with Stub Hub says this is definitely a high demand game. He says the cheapest ticket available to Bryant Denny Stadium on November 7th is 195-dollars, which will get you an upper level seat behind one of the end zones.

CUT 6 (07) “end zone tickets”

The No. 4 Tigers and the No. 7 Crimson Tide are both off this weekend. Papp says the 2013 LSU- Alabama matchup had the highest ticket sales followed by the 2011 game of the century.

CUT 7 (08)  “find out”

Kickoff for the SEC showdown is 7pm. Papp says 26-percent of ticket sales are coming from Alabama and 11-percent are coming from Louisiana. He says ticket prices skyrocket the closer a fan wants to get to the field.

CUT 8 (10)  “sideline tickets”

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A new poll on Louisiana’s governor’s race shows Democrat John Bel Edwards leading Republican David Vitter by a 52 to 40-percent margin. The survey was conducted by Anzalone Liszt Grove Research on behalf of the anti-Vitter Gumbo PAC. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos believes Edwards lead could actually be larger than 12 points…

CUT 9 (11)  “bigger than that”

He says stories adverse to the Vitter campaign have come out since this poll was taken and Edwards lead could be 15 points or higher. The survey also shows Vitter’s unfavorability rating has climbed to 52-percent. With the election a little more than three weeks away, Dubos says there is little time for Vitter to turn things around…

cut 10 (09)  “for him”

The poll shows that more than half of the voters that supported Scott Angelle and Jay Dardenne are now supporting Edwards. Dubos thinks Edwards’ recent endorsement by the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association could be a sign…

Cut 11 (07)  “weeks to come”

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The State Department of Education says the percentage of high schools in Louisiana who have received an “A” grade under the state’s accountability system have increased from 10-percent last year to 23-percent this year. Superintendent of Education John White says higher graduation rates and ACT scores led to 73-percent of high schools receiving at least a “C” grade.

cut 12 (07)  “their students”

White says more schools also demonstrated progress with low-achieving students due to increased reading and math scores with previously low achieving students. He says schools have really stepped up to give kids the support needed to succeed in school.

cut 13 (08)  “those kids”

White says right now basic has been our expectation and our students deserve better than basic. He says the state plans to raise the bar on standards over the next ten years.

cut 14 (07) “higher expectations” 

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10.29.15
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11:40 LRN Sportscast October 29

The Pelicans are off to an 0-2 start after losing to Portland 112 to 94 last night. Anthony Davis played better in this game compared to his performance in the season opening loss to Golden State. Davis had 25 points and 10 rebounds against the Trail Blazers, but the Pels allowed Portland to shoot 50-percent from the field and New Orleans was outrebounded 51-39.

The Saints Drew Brees will need to be careful with the ball on Sunday when they take on the Giants. New York is second in the NFL with 11 interceptions. They had three picks last week in a win over Dallas. Brees says the Giants are an aggressive defense that likes to dial up blitzes…
cut 17 (13) “…quite a bit”
Kick-off on Sunday is at noon.

Louisiana Tech leaves for Houston today where they’ll play Rice in a big Conference USA match-up that will be shown on Fox Sports One. The Bulldogs are 3-and-1 in league play, while Rice is 2-and-1. It’s a must win for both teams as the loser will likely be out of contention to win the league’s West Division.

It’s homecoming weekend on the UL Lafayette campus as the Cajuns host in-state rival U-L-M. Coach Mark Hudspeth doesn’t want his players getting caught up with all of the festivities…
cut 19 (11) “….out stadium”
The Cajuns are coming off a loss to Arkansas State, while ULM is trying to snap a five-game losing streak.

In high school football tonight….the New Orleans Saints-LHSAA Game of the Week is Rayville at Sterlington. Sterlington is 6-and-2 on the season and Rayville has won four of its last five. Kick off is at 7 PM on Fox Sports New Orleans.

10.28.15
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17:30 LRN Newscast Oct 28

One of the men that was video taped by a private investigator from a firm working for the David Vitter campaign believes Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand was the target of the so-called spying incident. Attorney John Cummings says, he believes the P-I was trying to dig up dirt on Normand because the Sheriff’s Association was set to endorse Democrat John Bel Edwards in the gubernatorial runoff…:
cut 13 (10) “their endorsement”
A Vitter campaign spokesperson says there was a video taping episode also involving the Senator while me wtih private citizens in Lafayette earlier this week.

Several parishes and cities in south Louisiana have moved trick or treat to Friday because of the potential of stormy weather on Halloween. After several weeks of dry weather, it looks like Louisiana will have a second consecutive stormy weekend.

Recent results from the National Assessment of Education Progress exams shows Louisiana public school students rank from 43rd to 49th nationally in reading and math. But BESE President Chas Roemer says there are some positives…:
CUT 3 (09) “or state”
29-percent of eighth graders are considered proficient in reading and 18-percent in math.

Higher Education Commissioner Joseph Rallo says public colleges and universities are seeking a 636-million dollar increase in state funding next year. That’s nearly doubled what they received this fiscal year. Rallo says the gubernatorial candidates say higher education will be a priority and he hopes whoever is elected will stick to that promise…
cut 15 (06) “…number one”
Rallo says an increase in state funding is needed to meet the state’s workforce demands.

10.28.15
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 October 28

After losing last night to the Warriors, the Pelicans try to get in the win column tonight against Portland. The Trail Blazers look much different this year as they have four new starters in their lineup. But they still have All-star point guard Damian Lillard who averaged 21 points and six assists a game last year. New Orleans Anthony Davis is looking for a bounce back performance tonight after a 4 for 20 shooting performance last night in Golden State. Tip-off tonight is at 9:00.

LSU football coach Les Miles is hopeful some of his injured starters will return for the Alabama game. Miles hopes defensive tackle Christian LaCouture, fullback JD Moore and cornerback TreDavious White will practice on Monday. Miles also says freshman Donte Jackson might keep returning punts, after taking over for the injured White.

Louisiana Tech only has a couple more days to get ready for Friday’s game against Rice. The Bulldogs should be able to run the ball against the Owls defense, which is allowing 205 rushing yards a game.

UL Lafayette and ULM meet for the 51st time on Saturday in Lafayette. The Cajuns lead the all-time series 26 to 24. UL Lafayette has won six of the last seven meetings, but the last game played at Cajun Field was won by ULM. Warhawks Coach Todd Berry says he’ll bring a young team to Lafayette, many of them have never played in a college rivalry game…
cut 18 (15) “…that opportunity”
Kickoff is at 4 PM and it is homecoming on the UL Lafayette campus.

In men’s college basketball…Stephen F Austin goes into the season as the favorite to win the Southland Conference. That’s according to a preseason poll of the coaches and sports information directors in the league. The Lumberjacks return four starters from a team that won 29 games last year. Northwestern State is picked to finish in second place.

10.28.15
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LRN PM Newscall oct 28

Results from the National Assessment of Education Progress exams shows Louisiana public school students ranking from 43rd to 49th nationally in reading and math. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (27)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

One of the men video taped by a private investigator from a firm working for the David Vitter campaign believes Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand was the intended target of the so-called spying incident. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

Results from the National Assessment of Education Progress exams, also known as the Nation’s Report Card, shows Louisiana public school students ranking from 43rd to 49th nationally in reading and math. Fourth graders finished 43rd nationally in reading while ranking 45th in math with eighth grade students ranking 48th and 49th respectively. But BESE President Chas Roemer says there are some positives in these results…

CUT 3 (09)  “or state”

While fourth grade performance improved, only 30-percent were deemed proficient in math and 29-percent in reading. Roemer says most student gains came from African-American and at-risk students…

CUT 4 (07)  “a positive”

29-percent of eighth graders are considered proficient in reading while just 18-percent are regarded as proficient in math. Roemer hopes the improvement among fourth graders is setting a foundation for the future. He says educators must continue to demand better performance from students…

CUT 5 (10)  “this state”

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Shreveport Police are looking for a gunman who fatally shot one woman multiple times and seriously injured two others. Cpl. Breck Scott says 36-year-old Verdina Crichlow was killed, while 43-year-old Tammy Harris and a 15-year-old were shot multiple times in the upper body inside an apartment.

CUT 6 (10) “the hospital”

Scott says they’re unsure of who the shooter is at this time. He says the suspect is still on the loose but detectives are following up on leads and got a description of the man.

CUT 7 (08)  “unknown direction”

Scott says authorities have not determined a motive. He says they’re talking with one of the victims to determine what they know about the suspect.

CUT 8 (06)  “to justice”

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The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office says a woman is under arrest amid allegations that she tried to kill her 2-year-old little boy. EBRSO spokeswoman Casey Hicks says they received a call from a local hospital indicating that the toddler had been brought in by his mother, 29-year-old Samantha Snell, in critical condition and with multiple fractures:

CUT 9 (07)  “trauma to it”

Hicks says deputies responded to the hospital and interviewed Snell…:

cut 10 (09)  “in and out of consciousness”

Hicks says Snell admitted to beating her child and biting him as a form of discipline. She says the woman was angry that her son got water out of the refrigerator which is when she hit him with a belt causing him to fall on the tile floor and hit his head…:(Snell is charged with attempted first degree murder and second degree cruelty to juveniles.)

Cut 11 (06)  “to juveniles”

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One of the men that was video taped by a private investigator from a firm working for the David Vitter campaign believes Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand was the target of the so-called spying incident. Attorney John Cummings says, to him, Normand was without a doubt the target of the investigator…

cut 12 (10)  “not at me”

Robert J. Frenzel, the investigator, is charged with one count of misdemeanor criminal mischief in the incident. Cummings says he believes Normand was the target because the Sheriff’s Association was going to endorse Democrat John Bel Edwards in the gubernatorial runoff…

cut 13 (10)  “their endorsement”

Vitter has called the entire episode a “bizarre and silly incident”. But Cummings says Vitter is a strange duck himself…

cut 14 (06) “something sneaky” 

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10.28.15
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LRN Sportscast 11:40 Oct 28

The Pelicans dropped their season opener to Golden State last night as the defending champion Warriors got 40 points from reigning MVP Stephen Curry in a 111-95 win. Tough game for Anthony Davis as he was 4-of-20 from the field and scored 18 points. Eric Gordon had 14 points and turned it over four times. New Orleans will try again tonight at Portland.

LSU Coach Les Miles says the bye week is helping some of there injured players return to health. Miles says defensive tackle Christian LaCouture, fullback JD Moore and cornerback TreDavious White did not practice yesterday, but he hopes they’ll be able to practice on Monday, when the Tigers begin Alabama game week. Miles also says freshman Donte Jackson might keep returning punts, after taking over for the injured White.

The Saints are getting ready to host the New York Giants this Sunday. Former LSU Tiger and Giants star receiver Odell Beckham has been dealing with a hamstring injury, but he’s expected to practice today.

This is Saturday its the big rivalry game between ULM and UL Lafayette. Warhawks Coach Todd Berry admits its been a difficult season for his 1-and-6 team. The Warhawks had tough games against Georgia and Alabama earlier in the year and they’ve also dealt with numerous injuries. He says some guys are coming back to full health and he’s optimistic they can turn their season around starting this Saturday…
cut 17 (15) “…boost morale”
UL Lafayette leads the all-time series between the two teams, with a record of 26-and-24.

10.27.15
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LRN Newscast 17:30 Oct 27

The ad wars have erupted in Lousiaina’s governor’s race. Democrat John Bel Edwards has a new TV ad that tells viewers Republican David Vitter only offers deception and hypocrisy. The Republican Governor’s Association released a spot that calls Edwards just another Obama liberal. UL Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says a negative tone has already been set in this race…
cut 10 (07) “…of voters”

Authorities in Tangipahoa Parish say a 14-year-old has been arrested after allegedly making an online threat against Hammond Schools…
cut 13 (10) “…go tomorrow”
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards says the suspect was taken into custody around 9AM.

In the November 21st runoff election, voters will decide who will become the next Lt. Governor between Democrat Kip Holden and Republican Billy Nungesser. Eric Gill reports…
cut 1 (27) “…Eric Gill”

Slidell police say they are trying to determine who killed a family dog by placing a bag around its head. The deceased canine was found inside a home and it appears someone broke into the residence to kill the dog. Authorities say the homeowner recently received social media threats from an individual and had his property vandalized prior to the dog’s death.