Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

04.19.24
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LRN PM Newscall April 19

The U-S House is expected to take a vote on Saturday to send foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel, a move that puts Mike Johnson’s position as House Speaker in jeopardy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Oklahoma stumbles at the NCAA gymnastic championships, giving LSU an excellent chance to win its first national title in gymnastics. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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House Speaker Mike Johnson of Benton’s political future is on the line as the US House is scheduled to vote on Saturday to provide funding for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says far right Republicans oppose additional funding to Ukraine

Cut 3 (11) “…as speaker” 

Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene has said she will move forward with her motion to vacate Johnson if he puts a Ukraine aid bill up for a vote in the House. A divided House Republican caucus led to the removal of Johnson’s predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, last October. But Hogan says the desire for a new House Speaker is not as strong as it was last Fall…

Cut 4 (08) “…seeing now ” 

Johnson has separated the foreign aid package into separate bills, so lawmakers will vote specifically on whether the U-S should send 60-billion dollars to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia.

Republican hardliners have demanded that any foreign aid bill must be tied to strong border security policies. Hogan says Johnson is doing what he thinks is right and is not worrying about the political ramifications…

Cut 5 (11)  “..United States.”

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LSU could win its first national championship in gymnastics on Saturday. They will compete against Utah, Florida and Cal, but not Oklahoma. The two-time defending champion Sooners suffered multiple falls in the semifinals and they are out. College Gym News co-managing editor Brandif Heffner

Cut 6  (10) “..slight edge.” 

Heffner says Cal, Florida and Utah are more than capable of winning a national championship as well, but the Tigers benefit from having the best gymnast in the country….

Cut 7 (10) “…in the final”  

Utah is looking for its 10th national championship in women’s gymnastics, which would tie a record. Florida is seeking its fourth and Cal is fresh off a Pac-12 title and they’ve flipped flopped with LSU for most of the season as the second ranked team in the country. But Heffner likes LSU’s depth…

Cut 8 (08) “…championship final.” 

The NCAA Championships will begin at 3 PM on Saturday.

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U.S. Department of Homeland Security has launched the Know2Protect campaign to educate parents about the dangers of online sexual exploitation and abuse of children. Special Agent Jessica Zuppardo says you can learn more at dhs-dot-gov Know 2 Protect, that’s with the number two.

Cut 9 (12) “…the police.” 

The problem is rampant in Louisiana and the State Attorney General’s office indicates an almost 100-percent increase in cases from 2022. Zuppardo says there are two reasons they are seeing an increase…

Cut 10 (10) “…reporting it.”

If your child is a victim of such abuse Zuppardo says not to delete any messages, don’t engage with the perpetrator, and to contact local law enforcement.

Cut 11 (12) “…law enforcement.”

https://www.dhs.gov/know2protect

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Louisiana has the 3rd highest rate of pickup truck fatalities according to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and this week some Law enforcement officers will be focused on pickup truck drivers during the Buckle UP in Your Truck Campaign. Why the special focus? DOTD Spokesperson, Gregory Fischer…

Cut 12 (10) “…their seatbelts” 

Because trucks are large and heavy, Fischer believes Pickup Truck Drivers may have an elevated sense of safety causing some to feel comfortable unbuckled…

Cut 13 (13) “…big trouble.”

During the campaign, there’s an opportunity for state Law enforcement to receive extra funding for overtime patrols, but Fischer says It’s not about issuing tickets. He hopes the desire to avoid a ticket will help pickup drivers establish the habit of buckling up…

Cut  14 (09) “…these things.” 

The Buckle Up in Your Truck campaign runs through Saturday, April 27th.

04.19.24
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11:30 LRN Newscast

House Speaker Mike Johnson of Benton’s political future is on the line as the US House is scheduled to vote on Saturday to provide funding for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says far right Republicans oppose additional funding to Ukraine
Cut 3 (11) “…as speaker”
Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene has said she will move forward with her motion to vacate Johnson if he puts a Ukraine aid bill up for a vote in the House.

Rural and Smaller Louisiana towns now have Faster internet thanks to a 290 Million dollar upgrade just completed by T-Mobile. 92% of Louisiana Parishes now have access to mid-band ultra capacity 5-G. T-Mobile Vice President Jennifer Silveira…
Cut 8 (11) “…our network.”

It’s awaiting a hearing in the House Criminal Justice Committee, but teacher unions are opposed to legislation that would allow administrators and certified teachers to possess a gun inside a school. Some are concerned about allowing guns in a firearm-free zone. But Greenwell Springs Representative Lauren Ventrella says gun-free zones do not matter to someone who wants to kill multiple people…
Cut 12 (13) “…when called.”

LSU could win its first national championship in gymnastics on Saturday. They will compete against Utah, Florida and Cal, but not Oklahoma. The two-time defending champion Sooners suffered multiple falls in the semifinals and they are out. College Gym News co-managing editor Brandif Heffner…
cut 6 (10) “…slight edge”
The NCAA Championships will begin at 3 PM on Saturday.

04.19.24
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU gymnastics squad is in position to win its first national championship after winning the first semifinal session and Oklahoma, the two time defending champs did not advance to the finals. The Sooners had multiple falls on vault and beam, while LSU’s Haleigh Bryant and Aleah Finnegan continued to shine. The national championship is at 3 PM Saturday and coach Jay Clark says they will keep their preparations the same for Saturday…
cut 29 (12) (laugh)
LSU will compete against Cal, Utah and Florida on Saturday.

LSU baseball will look to win its first SEC series of the season this weekend as they are at Missouri. The Tigers have three league wins, Mizzou has five.

The 14th ranked Ragin Cajuns are at 19th Coastal Carolina, while Louisiana Tech visits 25th ranked Dallas Baptist.

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It’s win or go home tonight for the Pelicans who play in an elimination game tonight against the Sacramento Kings. The winner advances to the Western Conference playoffs as the eight seed and will play at Oklahoma City on Sunday. The Pels are 5-and-0 against the Kings this season, but they’ve lost six in a row at home. Locked on Pelicans podcast host Jake Madison says it’s strange to have a better record on the road than at home…
cut 17 (20) “….baffling”
Tip off tonight at 8:30.

Hailey Van Lith has found a new home. The Lady Tigers starting point guard last season has decided to transfer to T-C-U. It will be the third school for Van Lith, who spent three years at Louisville prior to her lone season at LSU.

04.18.24
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans are getting ready for tomorrow night’s play-in elimination game against the Sacramento Kings. The winner advances to the Western Conference playoffs to play top-seeded Oklahoma City in a best of seven series. The loser has its season come to an end. Coach Willie Green says Brandon Ingram looked good at practice today. Friday will mark his third game back after missing several weeks with a knee injury.

Former LSU guard Haily Van Lith has committed to T-C-U. It will be Van Lith’s third school after playing for three seasons with Louisville. She played one season for the Lady Tigers, starting at point guard, but her more natural position is shooting guard.

Angel Reese was known as the Bayou Barbie during her two seasons at LSU. Now that she’s a member of the Chicago Sky, Reese says she will now be known as the Chi Barbie, but you can still call her the Bayou Barbie.

LSU men’s basketball coach Matt McMahon has named former Tiger Jalen Courtney-Williams as an assistant. He spent the last three years on Creighton’s staff. Courtney-Williams played for LSU from 2010 to 2013.

The second half of the SEC schedule begins this weekend and the LSU Tigers will start a series tomorrow night against Missouri. Coach Jay Johnson’s team is 3-and-12 in league play. He says his team has not delivered in the clutch moments…
cut 18 (18) “…Christian Moore”
Johnson has announced Gage Jump will start on the mound on Friday night and Luke Holman will start Sunday. Sunday’s starter is to be announced.

After beating Southeastern Louisiana on Tuesday and Wednesday night, 14th ranked U-L Lafayette gets ready for a huge series against 19th ranked Coastal Carolina. Coastal is 19-and-4 at home this season and they are the preseason pick to win the Sun Belt.

Louisiana Tech also has a tough test as the Bulldogs are at 25th ranked Dallas Baptist.

04.18.24
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LRN PM Newscall April 18

Webster Parish’s largest employer is expanding its facility and the project is expected to produce hundreds of new jobs. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A bill to remove the required 30-minute meal break for minors who work five or more hours advances from House Labor. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Big economic development news in northwest Louisiana as industrial manufacturer Fibrebond announces a 50-million dollar expansion of its production facility in Minden. Officials say this will result in an estimated 650 new jobs to support the expansion. Mayor Nick Cox says Fibrebond is the cornerstone of Webster Parish’s economy

Cut 3 (14) “…here to stay.” 

The expansion allows Fibrebond to retain more than 450 existing jobs in northwest Louisiana. The family-owned company supports data center, telecommunications, industrial and utility projects across the United States.

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says Fibrebond is taking advantage of a retention and  modernization state tax credit to build a new production facility…

Cut 4 (13) “…shiny things ” 

Construction will begin in June and Mayor Nick Cox says this latest expansion will bring Fibrebond’s total manufacturing and warehouse space to more than one million square feet on its 254-acre campus…

Cut 5 (10)  “…north Louisiana.”

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Legislation to remove the required 30-minute meal period for minors who work five or more hours advances from House Labor Committee.  Bill author, Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says of the businesses he owns in Louisiana, the required break forces his employees who want to work to lose 30 minutes of pay.

Cut 6  (07) “…want to.” 

Shreveport Representative Tammy Phelps questioned Wilder if he considers a 16 or 17-year-old a young adult. He countered that the emancipation age is 16, and you’re allowed to marry at age 16.

Cut 7 (13) “…a minor.”  

Haughton Representative Dodie Horton supports the bill because she wants to ensure the state allows private businesses to operate as they see fit.

Cut 8 (12) “…all over.” 

The bill passed on a 10 to 2 vote and advances to the House.

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Every spring millions of beautiful birds migrate through Louisiana but the lights from our homes and buildings can be hazardous to them especially during storms so The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is asking Louisianans to turn off bright lights from 11 pm to 6 am each night from now to May 31st. Federation Communications Director Jimmy Frederick…

Cut 9 (11) “…used to” 

Frederick understands the need to light our homes for safety and security and suggests other options to help the flying visitors make it safely though the Bayou State…

Cut 10 (09) “…huge difference”

Diming lights or using motion activated lights are other ways to protect the migrating birds.

Frederick says, establishing the habit of diming or turning off lights at night brings other benefits like more visible stars in the sky while helping the birds make their way back to their northern nesting sites. He says over 450 million fly over and include multiple beautiful varieties of shore birds and song birds…

Cut 11 (07) “…his wings”

Frederick also says some indoor lights can also confuse the birds but closing blinds will help.

04.18.24
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12:30 LRN Newscast

Big economic development news in northwest Louisiana today as industrial manufacturer Fibrebond announces a 50-million dollar expansion of its production facility in Minden. Mayor Nick Cox says for over four decades Fibrebond has been the cornerstone of their economy…
cut 3 (14) “…here to stay”
The expansion will enable Fibrebond to retain more than 450 exisiting jobs in northwest Louisiana.

The House Labor Committee approves legislation to remove the required 30-minute meal period for minors who work five or more hours. Bill author and Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder is a business owner and says the required break forces his teen age employees to lose 30 minutes of pay when they rather stay on the clock.
Cut 6 (07) “…want to.”
The measure passed on a ten to two vote.
Fire ant mounds are a sign of Spring that isn’t so welcome because they bring swarms of stinging pests to yards and gardens. Colleen Crain has more on getting rid of the tiny tormentors.
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Colleen Crain.”

04.18.24
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

The 14th ranked Cajuns baseball team continued their winning ways last night as U-L Lafayette defeated Southeastern Louisiana eight to one. The Cajuns won for the 24th time in 26 games and it was their second straight win over the Lions. Conor Higgs who had three doubles on Tuesday, hit two home runs last night. U-L is at Coastal Carolina this weekend.

The LSU baseball team left this morning for Missouri, where they’ll face the Missouri Tigers in a three-game series starting tomorrow night in Columbia. LSU is 3-and-12 in SEC Play and have lost their first five conference series for the first time since 1977. Coach Jay Johnson says the coaching staff is trying to get the best out of this team…
cut 17 (09) “…right now”
Missouri has struggled too. They are 5-and-10 in conference play and in last place in the SEC East.

The second ranked LSU gymnastics squad competes in the semifinal round of the NCAA Championships today at 3:30 in Fort Worth, Texas. Coach Jay Clark has told the team to keep their same mindset…
cut 15 (06) “…be successful
During today’s afternoon session, the second seeded Tigers will compete against third seeded California, 12th seeded Arkansas and 19th seeded Stanford. The top two highest scoring teams will advance to the NCAA Championships meet on Saturday. The other semifinal meet has Oklahoma, Florida, Utah and Alabama.

Hailey Van Lith will continue her college career at TCU as the guard has announced her commitment to the Horned Frogs. Van Lith was the Lady Tigers starting point guard last season. She was seeking a school where she can be a shooting guard again.

04.18.24
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9:30 LRN Newscasts

Legislation to create a Gun Free Zones for entertainment districts like the New Orleans French Quarter was pulled from House Criminal Justice. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says two people shot over the weekend in the parking lot of a convenience store in Gardner have died. The shooting occurred after a fight broke out involving a 17-year-old and his mother. Deputies say the 17-year-old shot himself and 27-year-old Michael Grossie, who authorities say tried to bring peace to the scene. The 17-year-old and Grossie are now dead.

It’s that time of year for fire ant mounds to start popping up in lawns across the state. LSU Ag Center horticulturist, Doctor Heather Kirk Ballard, says be careful to follow instructions on baits and poisons and pay attention to the time of your treatment…
cut 8 (11) “….wash away”
Kirk-Ballard says coordinate with neighbors since the pests can create extensive underground tunnels and treat them in both April and October when the insects are active.

The LSU gymnastics squad will compete in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships today at 3:30 in Fort Worth, Texas as the Tigers are in search of the program’s first national championship. This might be the school’s most talented team. Coach Jay Clark…
Cut 14 (08) “…love to have.”

04.18.24
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8:30 LRN Newscast

Legislation that sought to create firearm free zones in areas classified as major entertainment districts failed to advance out of House Criminal Justice Committee. Firearm professionals Louisiana political director Chris Patron spoke in opposition…
cut 5 (11) “….need is enforcement”
New Orleans Representative Alonzo Knox is the author of the bill. He’s concerned about more people carry guns in the New Orleans French Quarter because of the state’s new permitless conceal carry law.

Do you have a bunch of fire ant mounds in your yard? LSU Ag Center horticulturist Heather Kirk Ballard says there are some organic options available and one is non-toxic…
cut 9 (12) “….or rotenone”
Kirk Ballard also advises to work with your neighbors so fire ants stay off your block.

Members of the news media and good-government groups strongly oppose a bill supported by Governor Jeff Landry that would prevent journalists and the public from obtaining records that can now be accessed through public records requests. New Orleans investigative TV reporter Lee Zurik says public record requests he obtained helped shine a light on what led to the collapse of the New Orleans Hard Rock Hotel in 2019…
cut 11 (12) “…this law”
Governor Jeff Landry says current public records law stifles deliberative speech.

U-S House Speaker Mike Johnson of Benton has scheduled votes on Saturday for stand alone bills to provide aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. They will be separate votes for each country. But Republicans have said any foreign aid package should also result in improved southern border security. Johnson is facing pressure from his Republican colleagues…
cut 28 (11) “….right think”

04.18.24
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7:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Senate approves a bill that would prohibit public schools from teaching that students endure or cause oppression due to their race or national origin. Opponents are concerned this will prevent teachers from doing lessons on racism in America. Denham Springs Senator Valerie Hodges says her legislation will not prevent educators from teaching history lessons…
Cut 29 (09) “…America.”
The bill heads to the House for more discussion.

A proposal to expand gun free zones in New Orleans did not get out of House Criminal Justice Committee. Opponents to the legislation say adding another firearm free zone infringes on a person’s second amendment rights. New Orleans metro councilwoman Helena Moreno says there’s also a bill on the Senate side, so the issue is not dead for this session…
cut 6 (13) “…better shape”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee has approved legislation that makes major changes to the state’s public records law. Opponents to the bill say many documents currently available through public record requests would no longer be available. The bill, which is also touted as legislation to keep the governor and his family safe, passed on a six to two-vote. New Orleans Senator Gary Carter voted against it…
Cut 12 (10) “…know that.”
Governor Jeff Landry says the state’s current public records law is stretched and being weaponized to stifle deliberative speech.

Fire ant mounds are popping up in yards across Louisiana. LSU Ag Center Horticulturist, Heather Kirk-Ballard says each mound could contain up to 200,000 stinging insect…
Cut 7 (12) “…pretty formidable.”
Kirk-Ballard says coordinating efforts with neighbors is the best way to keep fire ant mounds out of your yard.