Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

08.29.26
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7:30 LRN Sportscast

After a dismal performance last week against the Rams, the Saints finished the preseason on a high note with a 27-24 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Daniel Carlson might have won the job as the team’s field goal kicker, as he made the game-winning kick. A 53-yard boot with just under two minutes to go. He also made a 38-yarder in the first quarter.

Both quarterbacks put up similar numbers. Zach Wilson threw for 93 yards, while Spencer Rattler had 79 yards passing. New Orleans ran the ball much better in this game, led by Audric Estime with 46 yards on four carries. Zamir White had a nifty 11 yard TD Run. And the Saints only committed four penalties.

In other preseason action, Former LSU Tiger Jack Pyburn had two more sacks for Tampa Bay to finish the preseason with four sacks. We’ll find out this weekend if he makes the Bucs, or does he get cut and return to the LSU Tigers for a fifth season.

 

There were a couple of upsets in the Southland on Thursday, and McNeese would like to pull another upset tonight as the Cowboys host reigning Southland Champion Stephen F Austin. McNeese returns 71-percent of its offensive output from last season, including quarterback Jake Strong, who threw for two thousand yards and had 18 total touchdowns last season.

In the SWAC.. Grambling State kicks off the season tonight against Clark Atlanta at 6 p.m.. Head coach Mickey Joseph named junior quarterback Jacobe Robinson as the starter in the spring but has not committed to who will take the first snap in the opener.

Southern will start Christian Johnson at QB today as the Jags battle Alabama State in Birmingham. Coach Marshall Faulk likes Johnson’s attitude…

Cut 17 (14) “…win football games”

Kick off is at 2.

08.28.26
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4:30 LRN Newscast

in less than three years in office Governor Jeff Landry has already issued more executive orders than Governor John Bel Edwards.  LaPolitics Weekly publisher Jeremy Alford says Landry has used executive orders to reshape state government and to advance his education agenda.

Cut 29 (12) “…funds public education.”

Not every executive order has involved major policy. Landry issued one this week commemorating the life of Dolly Parton.

The Houma-Terrebonne Airport has been chosen as a site to test how the next generation of aircraft can co-exist safely with established helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Louisiana Transportation Secretary Glenn Ledet says electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and autonomous heavy-cargo drones will be used to move people and cargo…

Cut 11 (08) “…places”

The initiative is called LiftOff Louisiana.

 

Governor Landry is backing football players with NFL ties in their lawsuit against the NCAA and the SEC for a fifth season of eligibility. In an interview on Talk 107-3, Landry said it is unfair to punish the athletes for choosing to sign pro contracts when they thought their eligibility had expired…

Cut 4 (12) “…five-year rule.”

Louisiana Christian in Pineville is celebrating its biggest football win in school history as the Wildcats upset Northwestern State 42 to 37 on Thursday night. It’s the 13th time an NAIA school has defeated an FCS school. Wildcats Coach Ben McLaughlin’s team trailed by 13 at halftime, but took the lead in the third quarter by scoring two quick touchdowns…

Cut 12 (09) “…lot of fun.”

L-C-U outscored the Demons 28 to 10 in the second half to pull off the stunning victory.

08.28.26
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LRN PM Newscall August 28

During an appearance on Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge, Governor Jeff Landry said that the former NFL players suing the NCAA and SEC to return to college football deserve that chance. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Louisiana Christian has gained national attention for beating Northwestern State in football. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The SEC and Commissioner Greg Sankey have been added as defendants in a Louisiana lawsuit involving more than 30 former college athletes seeking a fifth season of eligibility. Attorneys argue the SEC’s rule preventing former professional athletes from returning to college violates a judge’s previous ruling against the NCAA. Governor Jeff Landry told Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge that he agrees…

Cut 3 (10) “…college football.”

The lawsuit includes LSU football commits Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris and former Tiger Jack Pyburn. All three signed NFL contracts but are considering returning to college to play for LSU. Landry said it is unfair to punish the athletes for choosing to sign pro contracts when they thought their eligibility had expired…

Cut 4 (12) “…five-year rule.”

The preliminary injunction hearing in the case is scheduled for Thursday, two days before LSU’s season opener against Clemson. The lawsuit is one of several across the country in which players have been granted eligibility. Landry said this chaos could have been avoided if Congress approved the Protect College Sports Act…

Cut 5 (12) “…college sports.”

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With thousands of new jobs coming to Vermilion Parish with the arrival of the SpaceX launch facility, the big question is where to put them all. Luke Bullock, the governmental affairs director of Louisiana Realtors, says SpaceX’s arrival should lead to a new construction boom in what is currently a sparsely-populated parish.

Cut 6 (07) “…stock of homes.”

Bullock says while SpaceX’s arrival will yield a huge economic impact by itself, the resulting influx of new housing will also generate big bucks for Vermilion Parish.

Cut 7 (06) “…that it’s in.”

Bullock urges SpaceX and the state to work with the association to approach this in a sensible way.

Cut 8 (07) “…better than anyone.”

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The federal government has selected the Houma-Terrebonne Airport as one of eight sites nationwide to test how next-generation aircraft can safely integrate into the National Airspace System. Louisiana Transportation Secretary Glenn Ledet told Talk 1073 highly automated and electrically powered aircraft will take off and land there…

Cut 9 (07)  “…Gulf Coast.”

Ledet says the airport’s high volume of air traffic provides a real-world setting for evaluating how emerging aircraft can operate safely alongside established helicopters and fixed-wing planes.

Cut 10 (09) “…the U.S..” 

Ledet says Louisiana was chosen because of its strong connection with the energy industry. He says the aircraft that will be used is electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and autonomous heavy-cargo drones…

Cut 11 (08) “…from places.”

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Louisiana Christian in Pineville is celebrating its biggest football win in school history as the Wildcats upset Northwestern State 42 to 37 on Thursday night. It’s the 13th time an NAIA school has defeated an FCS school. Wildcats Coach Ben McLaughlin’s team trailed by 13 points at halftime, but took the lead in the third quarter by scoring two quick touchdowns…

Cut 12 (09) “…lot of fun.” 

L-C-U outscored the Demons 28 to 10 in the second half to pull off the stunning victory. It’s the first time the Wildcats have defeated a D-1 school. McLaughlin says the national exposure the school has received has been amazing…

Cut 13 (10) “…on that.”

McLaughlin also played football at L-C-U and the reaction from the school’s alumni has been fantastic…

Cut 14 (11) “…together.”

McLaughlin says they can’t celebrate too much, because they have to prepare for their home and conference opener against Langston on September.

Meanwhile the Demons are now 1-24 under third year coach Blaine McCorkle. Northwestern is at Louisiana Tech next Saturday.

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08.28.26
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1:30 LRN Newscast

In less than three years in office, Governor Jeff Landry has already issued more executive orders than his predecessor, John Bel Edwards….

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Louisiana Republican Party is now endorsing both GOP state senators, Blake Miguez and Rick Edmonds, in the sixth district Congressional race. Previously it was just Miguez. And in the fifth district, the party is backing Board of Regents chairwoman Misti Cordell over three Republican state legislators.

 

Governor Jeff Landry supports the Baton Rouge court case where football players, who were on NFL training camps, are now fighting for another year of college eligibility. In an interview on Talk 107-3,  Landry said this chaos could have been avoided if Congress approved the Protect College Sports Act…

Cut 5 (12) “…college sports.”

Another hearing in this case is scheduled for Thursday.

Louisiana Christian outscored Northwestern State 28 to 10 in the second half last night to upset the Demons 42 to 37. It’s the first time NAIA school located in Pineville has defeated a D-1 school. Wildcats coach Ben McLaughlin says the national exposure the school has received has been amazing…

Cut 13 (10) “…on that.”

Meanwhile the Demons are now 1-24 under third year coach Blaine McCorkle. Northwestern is at Louisiana Tech next Saturday.

08.28.26
by

12:30 LRN Newscast

During an appearance on Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge, Governor Jeff Landry said that the former NFL players suing the NCAA and SEC to return to college football deserve that chance.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The sports world found out about Louisiana Christian last night as the Wildcats upset Northwestern State 42 to 37. It’s been reported that this is just the 13th time, an NAIA school has defeated a school in the FCS.

 

With SpaceX’s announcement that its rocket launching facility in coastal Vermilion Parish plans to produce thousands of construction jobs and at least three-thousand permanent jobs, having enough housing for these workers becomes a real issue. Luke Bullock, the governmental affairs director of Louisiana Realtors, urges SpaceX and the state to work with the association to approach this in a sensible way.

Cut 8 (07) “…better than anyone.”

The Houma-Terrebonne Airport has been chosen as a site to test how the next generation of aircraft can co-exist safely with established helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Louisiana Transportation Secretary Glenn Ledet says electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and autonomous heavy-cargo drones will be used to move people and cargo…

Cut 11 (08) “…places”

The initiative is called LiftOff Louisiana.

08.28.26
by

11:30 LRN Newscast

The SEC and Commissioner Greg Sankey have been added as defendants in a Louisiana lawsuit involving more than 30 former college athletes seeking a fifth season of eligibility. Attorneys argue the SEC’s rule preventing former professional athletes from returning to college violates a judge’s previous ruling against the NCAA. Governor Landry told Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge that he agrees…

Cut 3 (10) “…college football.”

The lawsuit includes LSU football commits Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris and former Tiger Jack Pyburn. All three signed NFL contracts but are considering returning to college to play for LSU.

With thousands of new jobs coming to Vermilion Parish with the arrival of the SpaceX launch facility, the big question is where to put them all. Luke Bullock, the governmental affairs director of Louisiana Realtors, says SpaceX’s arrival should lead to a new construction boom in what is currently a sparsely-populated parish.

Cut 6 (07) “…stock of homes.”

 

At the urging of the legislature, the Board of Regents is cracking down on hazing and bullying. The board approved sweeping enhancements to the Uniform Anti-Hazing Policy to align it with the Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act. Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says there is now a severe punishment for a fatal hazing incident

Cut 4 (09) “…a college campus.”

Reed says under the new policy, schools are also required to be more transparent in disclosing a hazing incident.

The federal government has chosen the Houma-Terrebonne Airport to determine how next-generation aircraft can be safely integrated into the National Airspace System. Louisiana Transportation Secretary Glenn Ledet told Talk 107-3 Baton Rouge says this is one of eight sites in the nation where highly automated and electrically powered aircraft will be used extensively…

Cut 9 (07) “….Gulf Coast”

Ledet says the airport’s high volume of air traffic provides a real-world setting for evaluating how emerging aircraft can operate safely alongside established helicopters and fixed-wing planes.

08.28.26
by

6:45 LRN Sportscast

History happened in Natchitoches last night as Louisiana Christian upset Northwestern State 42 to 37 marking just the 13th time that an NAIA school has defeated an FCS school. Bryce Perkins threw for two touchdowns and Datlan Cunningham from Alexandria rushed for two touchdowns in the biggest win in school history.

There was also a major upset in Hammond last night as Houston Christian stunned 19th ranked Southeastern Louisiana 34 to 28 as the Lions could not overcome three turnovers.

Nicholls was an easy winner over Mississippi Valley state 44 to 10 as Ean Rodrigue threw for 264 yards and three touchdowns.

The Saints conclude the preseason tonight as New Orleans visit the Cowboys. Most of the starters are not expected to play. Two position battles to watch, back-up quarterback and place kicker. Charlie Smyth, Tanner Brown and Daniels Carlson are batting for the kicking job.

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SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has been added as a defendant in the Louisiana case over a fifth-year of eligibility for several college athletes. Attorneys for the plaintiffs believe Sankey is going against a court order by threatening severe punishment if players who signed pro contracts with NFL and NBA teams play in SEC games. A preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

The Marshall Faulk era begins tomorrow for the Southern Jaguars as the Jags face Alabama State in Birmingham. The Pro Football Hall of Famer for New Orleans is ready get his new career started with a “W”…

Cut 16 (13) “…perform within them”

Southern star defensive end Ckelby Givens is expected to play. For now he has been granted a fifth year of eligibility.

08.27.26
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LRN PM Newscall August 27

The reward for information leading to a conviction in the killing of a bald eagle in Vermilion Parish last December has increased. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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The SEC passed a bylaw banning schools from signing former pros made eligible by a temporary restraining order, but the athletes’ attorneys say that rule is illegal. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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As the investigation into the killing of a bald eagle in Vermilion Parish last December continues, the reward for information leading to a conviction is now up to 20-thousand dollars. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Corporal Stuart Guillory says while tips have come in since the December 5th incident, investigators need additional information.

Cut 3 (09) “…who shot this.”

The biggest chunk of that 20-thousand-dollar reward money comes from the Center of Biological Diversity, which is offering 13-thousand dollars. Corporal Guillory says others have chipped in.

Cut 4 (08) “…35-hundred dollars.”

The rest of the reward money consists of 25-hundred dollars from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and one-thousand dollars from Louisiana Operation Game Thief. Guillory says investigators believe that the bald eagle was deliberately shot.

Cut 5 (13) “…an intentional act.”

Killing a bald eagle is a federal crime, and those who kill bald eagles face one year in jail, a five-thousand dollar fine plus five-thousand dollars in restitution.

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The Board of Regents’ effort to address food insecurity among college students has received a historic one-million-dollar investment from the Louisiana Legislature. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says food is a critical part of a student’s ability to learn…

Cut 6 (08) “…supporting work.”

A recent study found that 23-percent of college students nationwide, which is almost four-million, experience food insecurity. Reed says half of the one-million-dollar allocation from the state legislature will help colleges address barriers to food access…

Cut 7 (12) “…for that.”

Louisiana was one of the first states to establish a Hunger-Free Campus program. The one-million-dollar investment is a significant expansion. Reed says House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland committed to increasing the funding after speaking with a college student who needs food assistance…

Cut 8 (09) “..of this.”

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The attorneys representing ex-NFL commits Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavien Harris plan to fight the SEC’s new rule banning schools from signing former pro players. The SEC approved the ban after a Baton Rouge judge granted 33 athletes a temporary restraining order against the NCAA to return for a fifth season. Attorney Tony Clayton says that ruling also prohibits the SEC from punishing schools and players.

Cut 9 (14)  “…are too.”

Clayton says the SEC cannot retroactively create a rule to circumvent the ruling of a state court. He says the players who signed pro contracts had no other choice at the time and are now being barred from the same fifth year the NCAA has given to every athlete moving forward.

Cut 10 (10) “…advantage of it.” 

The temporary restraining order allowing players to enter the transfer portal and participate in team activities expires tomorrow, and a hearing in the case is scheduled for Monday. Clayton says he expects the plaintiffs to be successful in receiving an injunction.

Cut 11 (12) “…collegiate level.”

08.27.26
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2:30 LRN Newscast

Attorney Tony Clayton, who is assisting in the lawsuit that’s attempting to give college athletes a fifth year of eligibility believes SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey should come to Louisiana to explain how he can prohibit a football player from playing college football this season just because he was on an NFL roster for a brief time…

Cut 10 (10) “….take advantage of it”

A preliminary injunction hearing is set for Monday where Judge William Jorden could rule that it’s illegal for the SEC to ban pro athletes and the conference can not punish its member schools for doing so.

A reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who fatally shot a bald eagle in Vermilion Parish last December is up to 20-thousand dollars. LDWF Corporal Stuart Guillory says investigators believe the bald eagle was deliberately shot…

Cut 5 (13) “…an intentional act”

 

The late Dolly Parton made her mark on Natchitoches as she spent the summer of 1988 there to film “Steel Magnolias.” That September, Parton returned to Natchitoches to perform her hit song “Nine to Five” at halftime of a football game. Northwestern State Marching Band director, Bill Brent, says she nailed it…

Cut 15 (13) “…she was”

Louisiana’s Hunger Free Campus program has received a one million dollar allocation from the state legislature. Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland committed to increasing the funding after speaking with a college student who needs food assistance…

Cut 8 (09) “..of this.”

A recent study found that nearly out of four college students nationwide experience food insecurity.

08.27.26
by

1:30 LRN Newscast

The attorneys representing ex-NFL commits Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavien Harris plan to fight the SEC’s new rule banning schools from signing former pro players. The SEC approved the ban after a Baton Rouge judge granted 33 athletes a temporary restraining order against the NCAA to return for a fifth season. Attorney Tony Clayton says that ruling also prohibits the SEC from punishing schools and players.

Cut 9 (12)  “…are too.”

There will be a hearing on Monday and Clayton is confident Judge William Jorden will clear Wright and Harris to play this season.

We do have action on the gridiron tonight as the 2026 season kicks off. Northwestern State hosts Louisiana Christian, Nicholls takes on Mississippi Valley State and Southeastern battles Houston Chrisitan.

 

The reward for information leading to a conviction in the killing of a bald eagle in Vermilion Parish last December has increased. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says Louisiana’s Hunger-Free Campus Program has received a one-million dollar allocation from the state legislature. Reed says half of that money will help colleges address barriers to food access…

Cut 7 (12) “…for that.”

A recent study found that 23-percent of college students nationwide, which is almost four-million, experience food insecurity.