Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

10.21.15
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16:45 LRN Sportscast October 21

Junior LSU defensive end Lewis Neal is having a breakout season for the 5th ranked LSU Tigers. Neal has seven sacks and 30 tackles this season. In his first two seasons, he only had 10 tackles and zero sacks. Neal says first-year defensive line coach Ed Orgeron has been a big help this season. He says Coach O’s attitude rubs off on the rest of the players…
cut 18 (12) “….a lot”

Saints Coach Sean Payton says assistant head coach Joe Vitt is back at work after tearing his Achilles tendon and breaking his wrist while chasing down two car burglars.

While on the practice field….left tackle Terron Armstead, wide receiver Marques Colston, left guard Tim Lelito and punter Thomas Morstead all participated in the portion of practice open to the media.

The New Orleans Pelicans take on the Magic tonight in Orlando in another preseason game. It’s been a painful preseason for the Pels, who have seen several players go down with injuries. The latest is guard Tyreke Evans, who had successful arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and a timetable for his return will be announced later. Evans averaged 17 points, seven assists and five rebounds a game last season. Norris Cole, Omer Asik, Alexis Ajinca, Luke Babbit and Quincy Pondexter are also out as a result of injuries.

In college basketball….LSU’s Ben Simmons was named preseason player of the year in the SEC today. The Tigers are picked to finish fourth in the league. And U-L Lafayette’s Shawn Long has been named the Sun Belt preseason player of the year. The Cajuns are also picked to finish first in the Sun Belt, while ULM is expected to finish in third place.

And LSU coach Johnny Jones doesn’t expect freshman Antonio Blakeney to miss any games, even though is name surfaced in a report about an alleged recruit-sex scandal at Louisville.

10.21.15
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LRN PM Newscall Oct 21

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles has mailed 1.2 million letters to drivers with lapsed insurance warning them that a collections agency could be used if they don’t pay their fines. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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An arrest has been made in connection with the murder of an elderly Baton Rouge couple who was found strangled to death at truck stop in Hammond. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles has mailed 1.2 million letters to drivers with lapsed insurance warning them that a collections agency could be used if their fines of up to $525 go unpaid. A new law allows the office to send solicitations in an effort to collect money through the Office of Debt Recovery. State Police Lt. JB Slaton says these letters are just a first step…

CUT 3 (06)  “Debt Recovery”

He says these fines have been piling up over the past several years, but it wasn’t until recently the office had the means to collect them. Slaton encourages people who received letters to contact the OMV. He says it’s a good idea for motorists to get their documentation in order…

CUT 4 (10)  “proper documentation”

He says OMV phone lines have been busy so please be patient when trying to call in. Slaton says it’s unfortunate that some people claim this is a money grab by the state…

CUT 5 (08) “legislative session”

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The Baton Rouge Police Department has arrested a 42-year-old man in connection with the murder of an elderly Baton Rouge couple found dead in at a truck stop in Hammond.  Chief Carl Dabadie says Ernesto Alonso was arrested in Miami, Florida for the abduction and murder of Denis and Suzanne Duplantier. Alonso is said to have done odd jobs around the couple’s home.

CUT 6 (10) “been recovered”

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says once Alonso is returned to Louisiana, his office will present the evidence to a grand jury so they can seek an indictment.

CUT 7 (09)  “this parish”

Police Spokesperson Lt. Johnny Dunham says investigators are still investigating who drove the vehicle to Hammond with the Duplantiers in the backseat. He says they are unsure where the murders took place and are searching for others who could be involved.

CUT 8 (09)  “accomplices”

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Vice President Joe Biden ended months of speculation today by announcing he will not seek the Democratic presidential nomination. In his announcement, Biden said he didn’t think there was sufficient time to mount a winning campaign. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says this is great news for Hillary Clinton…

CUT 9 (07)  “looks like”

He says Biden’s decision smooths the way for Clinton to gain the Democratic nomination. Hogan says many Democrats are breathing easier now that Biden has chosen not to run…

cut 10 (09)  “the presidency”

National polls showed Biden consistently polling with at least 10-percent support among Democratic voters. Hogan doesn’t really see anyone else with the ability to rise up and seriously challenge for the nomination…

Cut 11 (07)  “Democratic nomination”

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The final televised debate among gubernatorial candidates will be held tonight on the LSU campus. Republicans Scott Angelle and Jay Dardenne as well as Democrat John Bel Edwards will participate, while Republican David Vitter has declined to attend. LSU Reveille Editor Fernanda Zamudio-Suarez says students’ attitude about Saturday’s election pretty much reflects the rest of the state…

cut 12 (07)  “on campus”

The debate begins at 7PM and can be viewed online at tigertv-dot-tv. Zamudio-Suarez says even though the campus is Republican leaning, some are throwing their support behind Edwards…

cut 13 (06)  “him with that”

She says Dardenne has a slight home field advantage on campus as he is a former student body president at LSU. Zamudio-Suarez says the two Republicans dominating the student crowd are Vitter and Dardenne…

cut 14 (09) “Lt. Governor” 

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10.21.15
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

Over the last two games, the LSU football team has been much better at throwing the football. They’ve thrown for over 200 yards in each contest. Sophomore wide receiver Malachi Dupre had 115 receiving yards and two touchdowns against Florida and he credits the development of quarterback Brandon Harris…
cut 19 (15) “…for him”
Dupre leads the team in receiving yards, with 311, and has caught four of Harris’ touchdown passes.

In college basketball…the Tigers have been picked to finish fourth in the SEC, according to a preseason media poll. Freshman Ben Simmons has been named the SEC Men’s Basketball Player of the year. And in the Sun Belt preseason college basketball poll, UL Lafayette is the preseason favorite, while ULM is picked to finish third.

Saints Coach Sean Payton said there was something missing in the last few weeks as he explained the reason why the team released kicker Zach Hocker and signed veteran Kai Forbath. And Payton also said Joe Vitt will be listed as doubtful on the injury report after he tore his achilles and broke his wrist, while chasing down car burglars in his neighborhood.

The Ragin Cajuns fell to 2-and-4 on the season after losing to Arkansas State 37-27. At one time the Red Wolves led 27-0. UL Lafayette was able to make it a game, thanks to the play of quarterback Jalen Nixon, who threw for 253 yards and ran for another 201 yards.

ULM Coach Todd Berry says he will not call plays this Saturday as the Warhawks visit Idaho. The Warhawks are on a four-game losing streak and scored just 14 points last week.

And former Nichools State football player Altee Tenpenny was killed in a car accident last night in Mississippi. He transferred to Nicholls in August after playing two seasons at Alabama. But was recently suspended indefinitely.

10.20.15
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LRN Newscast 17:30 Oct 20

The Hammond Police Department says a Baton Rouge couple found dead at a truck stop near I-12 was strangled and kidnapped from their home. The victims have been identified as Denis and Suzanne Duplantier. Baton Rouge Police Corporal L Jean McKneely say they did a welfare check at the victims’ home and discovered them and a vehicle missing. McKneely says they used OnStar to locate the vehicle in Hammond…
cut 9 (11) “…inside of the car”
Authorities say more than one suspect is likely involved and they believe the couple was taken from their home on Sunday.

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s office says Saints Assistant Head Coach Joe Vitt was injured while chasing two car burglars in his Metairie neighborhood. The incident happened in the early morning hours of Saturday. The Saints told a New Orleans TV station that Vitt broke a bone in his wrist and tore hsi Achilles. The suspects got away.

State Police say a 17-year-old from Alexandria lost her life today in a single vehicle wreck in Rapides Parish. Troopers says Bree Ducote lost control of her pick-up truck and ended up colliding with two trees. She was not wearing a seat belt.

And Lake Charles Police are looking for a green SUV that was involved in break-in early this morning that resulted in a three-year-old getting shot. The child is in stable condition, the two suspects are still on the run.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state set an employment record in September, but the oil and gas job losses continue at a rapid pace. Michelle Southern reports…:
voicer 4 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

10.20.15
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16:45 LRN Sportscast Oct 20

We are at about the halfway point of the college football season and the LSU Tigers are 6-0, but there are areas where they can improve. LSU has given up a bunch of big pass plays and Coach Les Miles says they are working to get that corrected…
cut 18 (12) “….to do”
Western Kentucky will be at Tiger Stadium on Saturday and they have an explosive offense.

The Ragin Cajuns will face Arkansas State in a Sun Belt contest that will be televised by ESPN 2 tonight. UL Lafayette Coach Mark Hudspeth hoping for another big game from quarterback Jalen Nixon who returned from injury and threw 238 yards and had four total touchdowns last time out…
cut 20 (11) “…other night”
UL Lafayette has won the last four times they’ve played on a Tuesday.

The Saints are back at practice tomorrow. We might get more information on what happened to assistant coach Joe Vitt. Colonel John Fortunado with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s office says Vitt injured himself as he was chasing after some car burglars. Fortunado says Vitt began chase after seeing a shadow run across his front lawn..
cut 30 (18) “…he received”
It’s been reported that Vitt injured his achilles and broke his wrist.

In the latest FCS coaches poll…McNeese State is still ranked ninth. Southeastern Louisiana and Grambling State are receiving votes. The Cowboys host Northwestern State this Saturday, while S-L-U is at Houston Baptist and Grambling hosts Mississippi Valley for homecoming.

10.20.15
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

Through six games this season, 5th ranked LSU has 17 sacks after recording just 19 sacks in 13 games last year. Coach Les Miles gives credit to first-year defensive line coach Ed Orgeron…
cut 17 (12) “…made a difference”
This Saturday, LSU hosts Western Kentucky for homecoming. Hilltoppers quarterback Brandon Doughty has averaged 387 yards through the air per game this season.

The Saints have made a change at kicker. Former Redskins kicker Kai Forbath has replaced Zach Hocker. Forbath was a Redskin from 2012 until earlier this year. He’s made 60 of his 69 field goal attempts.

It’s also being reported the Saints have signed wide receiver T-J Graham, who is a speedster out of North Carolina State. He’s played for three teams in five-year career. He had 54 catches in his first two seasons in Buffalo.

The Ragin Cajuns face Arkansas State tonight in a game that can be seen on ESPN Two. The Red Wolves are 3-and-3, 2-0 in the Sun Belt. The Cajuns won their Sun Belt opener and they are 2-3 overall. UL Lafayette has finally settled on a quarterback. Jalen Nixon threw for 238 yards and had four total touchdowns the last time out and Coach Mark Hudspeth hopes to see that kind of performance again…
cut 20 (11) “…other night”
Arkansas State has a talented quarterback, Fredi Knighten, threw for 344 yards last season against the Cajuns.

After losing to Mississippi State last Saturday, Louisiana Tech gets back into Conference USA play as they host Middle Tennessee. Both teams are 2-and-1 in league play.

In the latest FCS coaches poll…McNeese State is still ranked ninth. Southeastern Louisiana and Grambling State are receiving votes.

10.19.15
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16:45 LRN Sportscast Oct 19

It looks like LSU has found a passing game. For a second straight week, Tigers quarterback Brandon Harris threw for over 200 yards. He threw for 202 yards and two touchdowns in the Tigers 35-28 win over Florida. Harris admits he’s playing with a chip on his shoulder…
cut 18 (11) “…can’t do”
Running back Leonard Fournette says he’s proud of the sophomore Q-B…
cut 17 (12) “…good overall”
It doesn’t look like Harris will have a chance to throw the football to tight end Dillon Gordon anymore this season. Coach Les Miles said today that Gordon is likely done for the season after suffering an injury after catching a pass against the Gators.

The Saints have reportedly released rookie kicker Zach Hocker after he missed a couple of field goals in New Orleans win over Atlanta last week. It’s been reported that Kai Forbath will take Hocker’s place. Forbath is 28-years-old and was released earlier this year by the Redskins. He’s made 87-percent of his field goals during his four-year career.

Tonight’s Monday night football game has the Giants visiting the Philadelphia Eagles. New York’s Odell Beckham is listed as questionable, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Giants are “encouraged” that the former LSU star will be able to play tonight.

And it looks like former LSU Tiger Zach Mettenberger will be playing very soon. Tennessee starting quarterback Marcus Mariota has suffered a sprained M-C-L after taking a low hit on Sunday. Mettenberger threw for 63 yards in relief during a 38-10 loss to Miami.

In the NBA…the Pelicans will take on the Houston Rockets tonight at 7 PM in preseason action.

10.19.15
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14:30 LRN Newscast October 19

A federal judge ruled today that Louisiana must continue providing Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood facilities for two more weeks. This matter is in the court system, because Governor Bobby Jindal issued an executive order that seeks to oust Planned Parenthood from the state’s medicaid program. Another hearing on the matter in federal court is expected soon.

53-year-old Gary Harris and his 64-year-old brother, Ray Harris, are behind bars for their roles in them murder of Nanette Me’Shell King. Remains of her body were found in a burned out car in St. Tammany Parish. Sheriff Jack Strain says the steps the Harris brothers took to cover the crime up are appalling…
cut 14 (07) “….cold and calculating”
Strain says Gary Harris killed his former longtime girlfriend and his older brother helped burn the body.

According to the Secretary of State’s Office, 222,000 Louisianians cast an early ballot for this Saturday’s statewide election. That’s about 14,000 less than participated in last November’s election. Pollster John Couvillon says the lower early voting turnout shows a lack of public interest in the governor’s race…:
CUT 3 (09) “policy proposals”
Basing this election’s early voting numbers on historical trends, a 45 to 50 percent voter turnout is expected for the October 24th primary.
LSU announces its live mascot, Mike the Tiger, will not attend anymore home games in Death Valley, at least for the rest of this season. Ginger Gutner, with the LSU Vet School, says they tried something a little different in order to get Mike VI into his trailer for the McNeese State game, but it hasn’t worked since….
CUT 6 (06) “next game”
LSU says they will reevaluate next season.

10.19.15
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LRN PM Newscall for Monday October 19

According to the Secretary of State’s Office, 222,000 Louisianians cast an early ballot for Saturday’s election.  Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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LSU announces Mike the Tiger won’t be attending anymore home games in Death Valley, at least for the rest of this season. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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According to the Secretary of State’s Office, 222,000 Louisianians cast an early ballot for Saturday’s election. That’s about 14,000 less than participated in last November’s election. Pollster John Couvillon feels the lower early voting turnout shows a lack of public interest in the governor’s election…

CUT 3 (09)  “policy proposals”

Basing this election’s early voting numbers on historical trends, a 45 to 50 percent voter turnout is expected for the election. Couvillon says low voter turnout typically favors Republican candidates…

CUT 4 (10)  “Democratic intensity”

A breakdown of early voting numbers show that 71-percent of participants were white, while just 27-percent were black. Couvillon says the low percentage of black voters participating in early voting can have an impact on the number of voters hitting the polls Saturday…

CUT 5 (06) “October 24th”

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LSU announces Mike the Tiger won’t be attending anymore home games in Death Valley, at least for the rest of this season. Ginger Gutner, with the LSU Vet School, says they tried something a little different in order to get Mike VI into his trailer for the McNeese State game, but it didn’t work a second time…:

CUT 6 (07) “onto us”

Gutner says, this way, everyone can enjoy Mike the entire day on game days since they won’t have him in the back trying to get him into the trailer. She says anyone who visits Mike’s dwelling knows that he likes to sleep by the windows up front around people, so she doesn’t think the big crowds are keeping him from the games…:

CUT 7 (07)  “game day”

Mike VI didn’t make any games last season, and in 2013 he was only at three and some fans aren’t happy this tradition isn’t being honored. But Gutner says they can’t force this giant tiger to do anything and they will reevaluate the matter next season…

CUT 8 (09)  “and see”

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The State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Department of Agriculture and Forestry announce the arrest of a man who is accused of intentionally setting fires when he worked as a volunteer firefighter in 2010 and 2011. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the suspect faces six counts of simple arson…

CUT 9 (09)  “near Jonesboro”

They say 22-year-old Justin Murphy of Jonesboro confessed to setting small grass fires while he was a volunteer member of the Jonesboro Fire Department. Strain says Murphy’s confession came while he was being questioned about another fire in north Louisiana last week…

cut 10 (07)  “one home”

He says Murphy has not been charged in the Liberty Hill fire. Bond was set at $90,000. Strain that wildfires are something investigators take quite seriously…

Cut 11 (09)  “you cause”

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The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says two brothers are under arrest in connection with the murder of Nanette Me’Shell King whose dead body was found in a burned car near Sun. Sheriff Jack Strain says the victim’s ex boyfriend, 53-year-old Gary Harris, allegedly murdered her — and his brother, 64-year-old Ray Harris, helped him cover it up…:

cut 12 (06)  “individuals were”

Strain says investigators believe that after the breakup from a 20-year relationship, Gary Harris talked King into coming back to their house on September 20th to talk about how they were going to divide their property — and it was there that he murdered her. He says the story is disturbing..:

cut 13 (06)  “cover his crime”

Gary Harris is charged with second degree murder and Ray Harris accessory after the fact. Strain says they believe after Gary Harris murdered King, he moved her body to the car, which was found burned out, several weeks later. He says the steps the Harris brothers took to cover this up are appalling…:

cut 14 (07)  “cold and calculating”

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10.19.15
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU is the only team in the Southeastern Conference that’s still undefeated after beating Florida 35-28 on Saturday night. It was another Florida game that featured trick plays from LSU. Coach Les Miles called for kicker Trent Domingue to take a pitch from holder Brad Kragthorpe and Domingue did the rest, running 16 yards for the score on the fake field goal…
cut 16 (13) “…for sure”
LSU has its final nonconference game of the season this Saturday as they host Western Kentucky.

Tigers defensive end Lewis Neal has been named SEC defensive player of the week. He had ten tackles and three sacks versus the Gators. Senior offensive tackle Vadal Alexander was named SEC offensive lineman of the week as he posted 13 knockdowns and did not allow any sacks or pressures.

Sources say the Saints have released kicker Zach Hocker. The rookie from Arkansas missed two field goals in the win over Atlanta and he’s 9-of-13 for the season. New Orleans has reportedly signed veteran Kai Forbath.

The Saints next opponent is the Indianapolis Colts. New England beat the Colts 34-27 and Indy is 3-and-3 on the season.

Tonight’s Monday night football game has the Giants visiting the Philadelphia Eagles. New York’s Odell Beckham is listed as questionable, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Giants are “encouraged” that the former LSU star will be able to play tonight.

McNeese State’s Wallace Scott is the Southland Conference defensive player of the week for a third time this season. Scott had a 45-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown in the Cowboys 28-13 win over Central Arkansas.

Grambling State is still unbeaten in the SWAC after an emotional 35-34 win over Alcorn State. Tigers running back Martez Carter rushed for 133 yards and scored on a one-yard TD run in OT and then kicked the extra point.