Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

11.05.14
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PM LRN Newscall November 5

Even though Republican’s seized control of the Senate after last night’s mid-term elections, you should still expect the party, as well as GOP Political Action Committees, to spend significant money in Louisiana’s Senate runoff. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (27) “reporting”

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Fifth District Congressman Vance McAllister failed to make the runoff in his re-election bid. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (28) “reporting”

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Even though Republican’s seized control of the Senate after last night’s mid-term primary elections, you should still expect the party, as well as GOP Political Action Committees, to spend significant money in Louisiana’s Senate runoff. Political consultant Roy Fletcher says Republicans still want to win this seat…

CUT 3 (09)  “going, frankly”

A majority of political pundits predict Republican Congressman Bill Cassidy will defeat Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu in the December 6th runoff election. Fletcher says Democrats can’t afford not to pump some money in Landrieu’s favor…

CUT 4 (08)  “save face”

Landrieu has challenged Cassidy to six debates leading up to the December election. Fletcher doesn’t see that happening. He says the Cassidy campaign will play it safe…

CUT 5 (08)  “to a stall”

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Two-point-nine million people are registered to vote in Louisiana and half of them voted in the November fourth election. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says he anticipated a voter turnout around 50-percent…

CUT 6 (07)  “would get 60”

Schedler says there were not any major issues on election day

CUT 7 (10) “needed help”

The Secretary of State’s office says two races finished in a tie, a constable race in West Carroll Parish and a Justice of Peace election in St. Mary Parish. Schedler says those two races, plus the US Senate race will be decided in a December runoff, which he hopes will run as smooth as yesterday…

CUT 8 (11) “on December 6th”

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The big question in the 6th Congressional District race has been answered and Garrett Graves will be the Republican that takes on Democrat Edwin Edwards in the runoff. The former Governor says he is thrilled about the results in the primary…:

CUT 9 (08)  “last night”

Edwards says his opponent spent 6 years under Governor Bobby Jindal as his top coastal advisor and all he did was spend money. He says he’s got plenty of surprises up his sleeve about Graves and he looks forward to debating him…:

CUT 10 (07)   “good election”

Graves says leading up to the runoff he wants to focus on meaningful issues like Obamacare, balancing the budget and border security. He says they want to run the campaign with as much significance as possible…:

CUT 11 (10)  “into substance“

Graves says this race is about moving forward in Louisiana, not about living in the past:

CUT 12 (10) “focused on”

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Fifth District Congressman Vance McAllister failed to make the runoff in his re-election bid. McAllister finished fourth in yesterday’s primary. McAllister says when he decided to run for re-election, he was going to let the voters make their choice…

CUT  13 (05) “and at peace”

He says the people made their choice and he’s at peace with their decision. McAllister admits his infamous “kissing scandal” added unnecessary drama to his campaign…

cut 14 (10) “and rolling”

Republican Dr. Ralph Abraham and Democrat Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo will face off for McAllister’s congressional seat in the December 6th runoff. McAllister says, whoever is elected to take his place, he will support the new congressman as much as he can…

cut 15 (08) “there for them”

11.05.14
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LRN Sportscast 11:40

When LSU and Alabama meet in Tiger Stadium on Saturday night, the Bayou Bengals are expected to run the football. But the Crimson Tide are allowing just 78 yards a game on the ground. LSU senior center Elliot Porter expects a hard fought battle in the trenches…
cut 18 (17) “…come with it”
LSU brings a three-game winning streak into Saturday night’s contest. Alabama has also won three in a row, since its 23-17 loss to Ole Miss.

In the latest College Football Rankings…Mississippi State, Florida State and Auburn are still the top three. Oregon is fourth, Alabama is fifth and LSU is 16th, up three spots from last week. Ole Miss dropped to 11th.

The Pelicans snapped a two-game losing streak last night with a 100-91 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Anthony Davis had 24 points and 13 rebounds to lead the way. Jrue Holiday and Ryan Anderson each added 16 points and the Pels shot the ball better as they were 47-percent from the floor.

Saints linebacker Junior Galette has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week. He had two sacks and a forced fumble in New Orleans win over Carolina last week.

In other NFL news….Houston Coach Bill O’ Brien has announced former Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett will start at quarterback for the Texans. Mallett replaces Ryan Fitzpatrick, who has led Houston to a four-and-five record. The Texans are off this weekend.

And former LSU Tiger DJ LeMahieu has been named a National League Gold Glove winner for his play at second base for the Rockies. LeMahaieu is the first former Tiger to win this award as led N-L second baseman in defensive runs saved and double plays.

11.04.14
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AM LRN Newscall November 5th

Louisiana’s US Senate race is headed to a run-off, with political observers labeling Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu as the underdog. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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A run-off is needed in the US Senate race between Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu and Republican Challenger Bill Cassidy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “reporting”

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The Kissing Congressman, Vance McAllister, will no longer serve the 5th District in Washington D.C. It’ll be between family physician Dr. Ralph Abraham or Democratic Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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Louisiana’s US Senate race is heading to a December runoff.  In yesterday’s primary election Democrat incumbent Senator Mary Landrieu garnered 42-percent of the vote followed by Republican challenger Bill Cassidy with 41-percent.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the fact that Landrieu got less than 45-percent of the vote is not good news for her…

Cut 4  (05)  “her look vulnerable”

Pinsonat says these results show that Landrieu has a real uphill battle going into the runoff.  He says things are looking pretty grim for the incumbent…

Cut 5  (08)  “from last night”

He says there’s no way to predict what will happen in the next month that could sway the election.  Pinsonat says Cassidy just needs to stay the course leading up to the runoff…

Cut 6 (10)  “he should win”

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As expected Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu and Republican Congressman Bill Cassidy are heading into a run-off and both candidates like their chances on December sixth. Landrieu, who was critical of Cassidy for not participating in more debates prior to yesterday’s election, issued a challenge of six debates before the next election

CUT 7 (11)  “tonight”

Cassidy says the issues between himself and Landrieu are clear and Louisiana voters are seeking a change…

Cut 8 (11)   “Obamacare”

Cassidy also says Landrieu is a Washington D-C senator, not a Louisiana Senator…

Cut 9 (12)  “of the time” 

But Landrieu says President Obama will not be on the ballot December sixth, she says this race should focus on who’s best for Louisiana’s future…

Cut 10 (14)  “from the voters”

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Vance McAllister, the so-called Kissing Congressman, finished 4th in last night’s 5th District Congressional primary and will not return to Washington D.C. Pollster Darrell Glascock says that’s not a surprise…: (Jamie Mayo had 28% of the vote, Abraham had 23% and and Dasher had 22%.)

cut 11 (11)  “caught him”

The two candidates that made it to the December 6th runoff in the 5th District were family physician Ralph Abraham and Democratic Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo. Abraham barely beat out Duck Dynasty family member Zach Dasher for the runoff spot. Glascock says if the Dasher campaign had a couple more days, the results may have been different

cut 12 (13)  “holding Jamie down”

Glascock says the Democrats deserve a lot of credit, because they got out and voted for their candidate. He says come December, Mayo is seen as a heavy underdog, but anything is possible as turnouts for runoffs are traditionally low…:

Cut 13 (13)  “win this thing”

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Former governor Edwin Edwards won the sixth district congressional primary as he received 30-percent of the vote  and he’ll face republican Garret Graves in the run-off. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says it’s not a surprise to see Edwards advance to the run-off…

Cut 14 (10)  “name recognition”

Graves received 27-percent of the vote in the primary, beating out several republicans for that second run-off spot. Hogan says Governor Jindal’s former coastal advisor has run a strong campaign

Cut 15  (08)  “here”

Hogan says Graves goes into this run-off as a slight favorite, because of the voter make-up of the sixth distrct…

Cut 16  (08)   “more republican”

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LSU is a six and a half point underdog heading into Saturday’s game Alabama. But junior cornerback Jalen Collins says the Tigers have all the confidence in the world they can get a win over the Crimson Tide

Cut 17  (16)   “feeling great”

LSU is expected to run the football, but the Crimson Tide is allowing just 78 yards a game on the ground. Senior Center Elliot Porter expects a hard fought battle in the trenches….

Cut 18 (17) “come with it”

The Ragin Cajuns will take a four-game winning streak to New Mexico State where they’ll face the two and seven Aggies. U-L Lafayette Coach Mark Hudspeth says the play of the offensive line is one reason for its recent success…

Cut 19 (19)   “nice job”

Hudspeth says even though New Mexico State has lost their last seven, they are still a quality football team….

Cut 20 (20)  “a lot of breaks”

11.04.14
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LRN Newscast 17:30 November 4

The Secretary of State’s office is predicting a voter turnout just above 50-percent for today’s election. Several voters we spoke with today, were excited to cast their ballot….
cut 10 (11) “….that’s why”
The US Senate race is the marquee item on today’s ballot. Senator Mary Landrieu is seeking a third term in office. She casted her ballot this morning in New Orleans. Congressman Bill Cassidy and retired Air Force Colonel Rob Maness are her main republican challengers. Analysts are anticipating a run-off will be needed to decide this election.

A run-off is also anticipated in the fifth and sixth congressional districts. Vance McAllister is the incumbent in the fifth district, but there are other strong republicans in the field, plus democratic Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo.

The man accused of killing two teenage girls in Breaux Bridge last week remains hospitalized and has communicated very little with authorities about the crash. Jeremy Abraham, an army veteran who served in Iraq and Kuwait, may have reportedly suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. LSP Master Trooper Brooks David says Abraham will still face the charges against him whether or not he is diagnosed with PTSD…:
CUT 4 (08) “does have that”
He says they are still waiting on toxicology results to see if Abraham was impaired at the time of the crash.

Hercules Offshore has announced plans to lay off 324 offshore Gulf of Mexico workers by the end of the year. The Houston-based company says the lay offs are a result of a decline in business. The cutback will affect employees who work out of Port Fourchon, Grand Isle, Cameron, Abbeville, Lafitte, Larose and Venice.

11.04.14
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LRN Sportscast 16:45 November 4

When LSU and Alabama meet on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium, it will be the ninth time, Coach Les Miles has matched wits with Alabama’s Nick Saban. Saban has won five of the previous eight meetings. Miles says it’s enjoyable to face the style of program led by Saban….
cut 19 (17) “….talented coach”
Saban is not ruling out the possibility that his starting left tackle Cameron Robinson of West Monroe will play against LSU, even though he suffered a high ankle sprain in the Crimson Tide’s last game.

The Saints get back to work tomorrow as they’ll get ready to host San Francisco on Sunday. New Orleans is feeling good about itself, as they’ve won two in a row, to move into first place in the NFC South. The 49ers lost to St. Louis last Sunday and they are also 4-and-4. Kick-off on Sunday is at noon.

The Pelicans look to snap a two-game losing streak tonight when they host the Charlotte Hornets. New Orleans lost to Memphis 93 to 81 last night. In the two defeats, the Pelicans shot just 38-percent from the field and 26-percent from three point territory. Tip-off tonight is at seven o’ clock.

Back to college football…Louisiana Tech quarterback Cody Sokol has been named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association offensive player of the week. He threw for 335 and five touchdowns. in the Bulldogs 59-10 win over Western Kentucky.

U-L-M’s Hunter Kissinger and U-L Lafayette’s Christian Ringo are the co-defensive players of the week. Ringo had two sacks and a fumble recovery in the Cajuns 19-9 win over South Alabama and Kissinger had a game-high 13 tackles in the Warhawks loss to Texas A-and-M.

In the latest power rankings for high school football….on the non-select side….Byrd, Plaquemine, Church Point, Kinder and Mangham are ranked number one in their respective classifications. On the select side…the schools that lead their respective divisions are John Curtis, U-High, Catholic High of New Iberia and Vermilion Catholic.

11.04.14
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11:40 LRN Sportscast November 4

Alabama will arrive in Death Valley on Saturday night with a seven and one record. They once again have one of the top defenses in the Southeastern Conference and on offense they feature Amari Cooper, who leads the SEC in receiving yards. Coach Les Miles says Cooper has great speed and size…
Cut 18 (15) “talented man”
This is the ninth time Miles has matched up with Alabama Coach Nick Saban. His record is 3-and-5.

The Saints will begin their second-half of the season on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, who are struggling with a 4-and-4 record. New Orleans is also 4-and-4, but the Black and Gold have won their last two games and lead the NFC South. Kick-off this Sunday is at noon. In other action this weekend….Atlanta is at Tampa Bay and Carolina visits Philadelphia in a Monday night matchup.

Louisiana Tech’s defense is ranked near the top in the country in several categories. They are third in the country in interceptions with 16 and they are number one in points off turnovers and number one in third quarter scoring margin, a plus 91.

UL Lafayette outside linebacker David Saunders has resigned. The university has cited “personal reasons.” Matt Wallerstedt who joined the staff as a consultant, will take over Saunders position.

In the latest high school football polls….Rummel, Neville, UHIGH, Many and Mangham are all ranked number one. In Two-A, Many is number one and Catholic High of New Iberia has moved to number two, followed by Riverside, Calvary Baptist and Kinder.

In the NBA….the Pelicans shot just 33-percent from the field in a 93-81 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. New Orleans will try to snap its two-game losing streak tonight against the Charlotte Hornets, who are also off to a 1-and-2 start.

11.03.14
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LRN Newscast 17:30

The US Senate and tightly contested Congressional races in the fifth and sixth district hightlight tomorrow’s ballot. But there’s also 14 constitutional amendments. Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Scott says amendment two would allow hospitals to use state tax dollars to match with Medicaid money, to help compensate care given to the uninsured…
cut 4 (13) “….budget priorities”
For information on the constitutional amendments go to par-louisiana-dot-org.

According to the state department of education, 44-percent of voucher students reached a “basic” achievement level on standardized tests last year. That’s up from 42-percent the year before. Also 23 of the 125 participating voucher schools did not perform well enough to accept new voucher students next year.

Site Selection magazine ranks the Bayou State second for business climate. Editor in Chief Mark Arend says they came up with their rankings by talking to company executives and Louisiana ranked high on that survey, plus there’s other information that shows the state is a great place to do business…
cut 8 (09) “….going on there”

Taylor Swift apparenlty likes Louisiana too..She’ll kick-off her world tour in Bossier City next yea and then headline the Bayou Country Superfest in Baton Rouge. Michelle southern…
cut 2 (30) “…reporting’

11.03.14
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LRN sportscast 16:45 November 3rd

The 14th ranked LSU Tigers are back on the practice field today after taking the weekend off. The Bayou Bengals are getting ready for fourth ranked Alabama. LSU had some momentum going into the bye week, because of their thrilling win over Ole Miss. Coach Les Miles says the week off shouldn’t hurt his team…
cut 29 (17) ‘…as well’
Alabama also did not play this Saturday as well.

Louisiana Tech quarterback Cody Sokol threw for 335 yards and five touchdowns in the Bulldogs 59–10 win over Western Kentucky. Today he was named the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week. Sokol is the fifth Q-B in La Tech history to throw five TDS in a single game.

The Ragin Cajuns defense had its best performance of the season on Saturday in a 19-9 win over South Alabama. The Jaguars were held to 150 total yards in the second half and zero points. UL Lafayette Coach Mark Hudspeth says it was an impressive peformance….
cut 30 (11) “…big hits”
The Cajuns are at New Mexico State this Saturday.

In other college football action this Saturday…ULM is at Appalachian State. It’s the first meeting between the two schools. Southeastern Louisiana hosts Houston Baptist and McNeese State takes on Stephen F Austin. The Cowboys and Lions are tied for first place in the league, along with Sam Houston State.

NBA…the Pelicans are memphis tonight. New Orleans needs to see some more scoring from Eric Gordon. He only has eight points and six turnovers in two games.

11.03.14
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PM LRN Newscall November 3rd

In addition to the US Senate and Congressional races, Tuesday’s ballot features 14 Constitutional Amendments. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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Promoters announce the opening of Taylor Swift’s brand new “1989” tour will kick off in Bossier City next year, then headline Bayou Country Superfest in Baton Rouge. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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In addition to the US Senate and Congressional races, Tuesday’s ballot features 14 Constitutional Amendments. Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott says Amendment 1 protects the financial system that has been set up for nursing homes and care facilities, that are matched by Medicaid, to reimburse them for the care they give…

CUT 3 (09)  “this new amendment”

Scott says Amendment 2 would give hospitals in the state tax money, that they would be able to match with Medicaid dollars, to help compensate for the care they give to the uninsured…

CUT 4 (13)  “budget priorities”

Another amendment on the ballot deals with disabled veterans. Scott says Amendment 7 gives an extra homestead exemption for disabled veterans… (You can get more information on the amendments at parlouisiana-dot-org)

CUT 5 (12)  “all in there”

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Site Selection magazine names Louisiana number two in the nation in it’s Top Business Climate list for 2014. Editor-In-Chief Mark Arend says the list is compiled based on a survey of corporate real estate executives and the magazine’s proprietary New Plant Database…

CUT 6 (12)  “this year”

Georgia ranked number one in this year’s list. Arend says a big reason for Louisiana ranking second is that it finished sixth in a separate survey of business executives…

CUT 7 (06) “very impressive”

Lousiana economic development officials say the state is set to enter an industrial boom and Arend says their ranking reflects that…

CUT 8 (09) “going on there”

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State Police report a single vehicle crash in Assumption Parish has claimed the life of a 4-year-old boy. Trooper Evan Harrell says the wreck happened last night when a vehicle, driven by 22-year-old Toniska Willoughby of Napoleonville, went off the road into a ditch and struck a culvert…

CUT 9 (5)  “a child seat”

4-year-old Cason Willoughby was pronounced dead at the scene. His aunt was the driver and she suffered moderate injuries. Harrell says Toniska will be found at-fault in the crash…

CUT 10 (08)  “crime lab”

Harrell says their investigation revealed that Cason was sitting in the front seat using only the lap portion of the seat belt for restraint. He says this is another tragic reminder to follow safety procedures when children are in a motor vehicle…

CUT 11 (12)  “12-years-old“

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Louisiana got some big celebrity news today as promoters announce the opening of Taylor Swift’s brand new “1989” tour will kick off in Bossier City next year, then headline Bayou Country Superfest in Baton Rouge. The Century Link Center show will be May 20th, then Swift plays the May 22nd Friday night show in Tiger Stadium. Visit Baton Rouge President Paul Arrigo…:

CUT 12 (11) “years ago”

The seven-time Grammy Award winning artist will also be making stops in Europe, Australia and Asia in 2015. Arrigo says it’s huge that she’s making her first two stops in Louisiana…:

CUT  13 (04) “probably”

Tickets for the North American leg of Swift’s tour will go on sale to the general public on November 14th. Arrigo says Louisiana gets huge acts like this because the Lt. Governor’s Office and the different CVB’s throughout the state have done a good job labeling The Bayou State as a travel destination…:

cut 14 (06) “2015”

11.03.14
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LRN Sportscast 11:40 November 3rd

The Saints next opponent, the San Francisco 49ers suffered a heart wrenching loss on Sunday. 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick fumbled at the goal line with two seconds left, which allowed St. Louis to hold on for a 13-10 victory over San Fran. The 49ers will enter the Mercedes Benz Superdome with a 4-and-4 record.

In other NFL action…former LSU standout Jeremy Hill rushed for a career-high 154 yards and two touchdowns in the Bengals 33-23 victory over Jacksonville.

Tyran Mathieu had an interception in the Cardinals 28-17 win over Dallas. Arizona has the best record in the NFC at seven and one. And another former LSU standout, Jarvis Landry, caught a touchdown pass in the Dolphinms 37-nothing beat down of the San Diego Chargers.

Tonight its Eli Manning and the New York Giants hosting the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts lead the A-F-C South with a 5-and-3 record.

It was a complete performance for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs as they defeated Western Kentucky 59-10 on Saturday to improve to 5-and-0 in Conference USA. Tech Coach Skip Holtz saw his defense hold the Hilltoppers to less than 300 yards of total offense and they forced five turnovers…
cut 16 (20) “….all of the above”
Bulldogs Quarterback Cody Sokol was named the Conference USA offensive player of the Week. Sokol threw for five touchdown passes.

Grambling State Quarterback Johnathan Williams continues to play at a high level. Williams threw for 197 yards and two touchdowns in a win on Saturday He also rushed for 71 yards and a score. Grambling is 6-0 in the SWAC and they visit Mississippi Valley State on Thursday.