Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

03.09.21
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4:45 LRN Sportscast March 9

Les Miles is out as the head football coach at Kansas University as a result of the reports that surfaced last week where Miles acted inappropriately with female students at LSU and was told to quit texting them. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says the 67-year-old’s coaching days are likely over…
cut 6 (10) “…yeah”
Miles’ attorney has denied the allegations that were investigated in 2013 that include kissing a student and performing unwanted touching.

Former LSU President F-King Alexander said in a letter to students and faculty at Oregon State where he is now the president that he regrets not taking stronger action against Coach Miles in 2013.

The Saints have slapped the franchise tag on safety Marcus Williams. This prevents Williams from becoming a free agent and the Black and Gold can still try to sign him to a long term deal.

The 15th ranked LSU baseball team hosts Texas Southern to begin a five-game week. The Tigers enter tonight’s game with a 9-3 record. Coach Paul Mainieri says despite the weekend series loss to Oral Roberts, starting pitchers A-J Labas (Lay-bus) and Landon  Marceaux (Mar-so) have pitched well so far.

The Tigers will start freshman left-hander Javen Coleman tonight. Also tonight, La Tech hosts ULM. Southern visits Tulane and Grambling is at fourth-ranked Mississippi State.

Despite leading the SEC in scoring, Cam Thomas was not named SEC Freshman of the Year. Instead that honor goes to Moses Moody of Arkansas.

Louisiana Tech’s Eric Konkol has been named Conference USA Coach of the Year, while Kenneth Lofton was named the league’s freshman of the year.

The Pelicans return from their NBA-Allstar Game break Thursday night with a game against the Timberwolves.

03.09.21
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LRN PM Newscall March 9

Louisiana has expanded the eligibility requirements for the COVID-19 vaccine. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Former LSU football coach Les Miles has been fired at Kansas after allegations of sexual misconduct were made public last week during his time at LSU. Taylor Sharp has the story.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Taylor Sharp.”  

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Louisiana has expanded COVID vaccine eligibility to anyone 16 years and older with certain health conditions, including asthma, hypertension, diabetes, smokers, and people who are overweight. Edwards says the list of health conditions for eligibility can be found on the state department of health’s website.

Cut 3 (14)  “…to the vaccine”  

Edwards says this another important step in the state’s fight against COVID-19 as he hopes getting more of the population vaccinated will reduce serious illness and death from the virus.

Cut 4 (08) “…the virus.” 

Edwards is encouraging everyone who is eligible for the vaccine to get the vaccine. He says nearly 10-percent of the state’s population have been fully vaccinated and very few people have reported serious side effects…

Cut 5  (11)  “…this pandemic.” 

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Les Miles is out as the head football coach at Kansas University as a result of the reports that surfaced last week where Miles acted inappropriately with female students at LSU and was told to quit texting them. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says the 67-year-old’s coaching days are likely over

Cut 6 (10) “…yeah.”

Miles has denied the allegations made against his client that were investigated in 2013. The former Tigers coach allegedly tried kissing a student and performing unwanted touching. Higgins says Kansas had no choice but to let him go…

Cut 7 (12) “…any level”

Higgins says the sexual misconduct allegations were initially hard to believe,   because Miles was considered a family man.

Cut 8 (10) “…long time ago.”

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State Treasurer John Schroder tells Talk Louisiana host Jim Engster he will not be taking a COVID vaccine.

Schroder was asked about the impending substantial expansion in vaccine eligibility. He says…

Cut 9 (07) “…vaccine”

Schroder says instead he’s focusing on making sure his immune system is strong. Schroder says he’s under doctor’s care…

Cut 10 (10) “…system.” 

Schroder is a COVID survivor who was hospitalized in early December.

Cut 11 (08) “say that..”

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President Biden declares Louisiana a major disaster after two winter storms last month. Deputy Director of the Governor’s Office Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Casey Tingle says it allows homeowners and renters in affected parishes to be eligible for assistance if they sustained damage.

Cut 12 (10) “ …Louisiana.” 

Tingle says this will also assist city and parish governments to pay for clean-up from the storms.

In addition to the 23 parishes, Tingle says nine others could also be eligible for assistance.  A few weeks ago, GOHSEP asked residents to complete a Damage.LA.gov for a better idea of how many were impacted by the storms.

Cut 13 (10)“…included here”

While the Bayou State is used to disaster declarations for hurricanes, Tingle says the length of the two storms and extensive damage to some water systems gave the state eligibility for a declaration in the winter.

Cut 14 (10) “…weather” 

Eligible parishes include Avoyelles, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, DeSoto, East Baton Rouge, Franklin, Grant, LaSalle, Madison, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Richland, Sabine, Webster, West Carroll, and Winn.

03.09.21
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9:30 LRN Newscast March 9

The sexual harassment complaint against a top attorney in the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office has been released and it shows that Pat Magee made several unprofessional comments about female workers in the office, including expressing that one woman should be deployed as a co-counsel because male jurors would want to have sex with her. Magee was put on leave and disciplined financially but still works for A-G Jeff Landry. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that could create a problem for Landry down the road…
cut 15 (09) “…the public”

Today marks one year since the first COVID case was confirmed in Louisiana. Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans Doctor Julio Figueroa says unlike other viruses, COVID-19 is unique in that some people are asymptomatic but can still spread the virus.
Cut 5 (07)“…of time.

Les Miles is out as the head football coach at Kansas University as a result of the reports that surfaced last week where Miles acted inappropriately with female students at LSU and was told to quit texting them. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says the 67-year-old’s coaching days are likely over…
cut 6 (10) “…yeah”
Miles’ attorney has denied the allegations that were investigated in 2013 that include kissing a student and performing unwanted touching.

The NBA and its players association are donating three million dollars to Historically Black Colleges and Universities as a result of money raised during Sunday’s NBA All-Star game. Grambling State President Rick Gallot says 90-percent of students at Grambling receive some type of financial aid and their portion of the NBA’s donation will go directly towards students.
Cut 11 (06) “…scholarships”

03.09.21
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8:30 LRN Newscast March 9

On this date last year, the Louisiana Health Department confirmed its first coronavirus case. Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans Doctor Julio Figueroa says a short time later, the state was experiencing its first surge in cases, testing hospital capacity in southeast Louisiana…
cut 6 (11) “….locally”
Five days later after the first case was confirmed, the state reported its first death from the virus, a 58-year-old man in Orleans Parish.

Sixty-seven-year-old Les Miles has likely coached his last game as he’s been fired as the head football coach of the Kansas Jayhawks, three days after he was placed on administrative leave after accusations became public that he acted inappropriately towards female students while coaching at LSU.

Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Attorney General Jeff Landry’s handling of alleged sexual harassment and sexist behavior by one of his top aides could damage his rumored future run for Governor…
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The NBA and its players’ association have donated three million dollars to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Grambling State President Rick Gallot credits Vice President Kamala Harris for putting H-B-C-U’s in the spotlight…
cut 12 (08) “….previously”

03.09.21
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7:30 LRN Newscast March 9

Today is the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 case in Louisiana, Brooke Thorington talks with a physician about the early days of COVID.
Cut 1 (31) “…Brooke Thorington.”

According to an email sent to pharmacies, Governor John Bel Edwards will expand the eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine allowing individuals from 16 years old and up to get the vaccine if they also have certain health conditions. Edwards has called for a noon press conference.

The Attorney General’s Office has released to the Advocate the sexual harassment complaint filed against a top aide for A-G Jeff Landry. The complaint alleges Pat Magee made sexist comments about women in the office, there are also accusations of inappropriate touching and emails. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this could hurt Landry’s chances if he runs for governor in 2023. He says Governor Edwards faced similar criticism about one of his aides who resigned as a result of sexual harassment allegations…
cut 14 (09) “….explaining it”
Magee still works in the A-G’s office but he was suspended for 38 days.

Lt Governor Billy Nungesser is holding a virtual grammy celebration tonight at 7 PM across Louisiana Travel’s social channels…
cut 7 (05) “….artists”
The show will feature performances by Bobby Rush, the New Orleans Nightcrawlers, Sweet Cecilia, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd with Buddy Flett.

03.09.21
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6:45 LRN Sportscast March 9

Les Miles is out as the head football coach at Kansas after allegations of inappropriate behavior with female student workers while he was the head coach at LSU. In a statement, Miles said it’s a difficult day for him and his family. The 67-year-old was 3-and-18 in two seasons at Kansas and the team failed to win a game in 2020. Tulane’s Willie Fritz and Louisiana Tech’s Skip Holtz are possible candidates to replace Miles.

Meanwhile, in Baton Rouge, a student-led organization performed a sit-in in the driveway of the LSU Football Operations Center yesterday as the students called for the firing of athletic administrators Verge Ausberry and Miriam Segar after an extensive report showed how LSU mishandled sexual misconduct cases….
cut 23 (10) “…cover ups”
LSU interim president Thomas Galligan says there are no plans to change the disciplinary decisions.

LSU baseball has dropped from eighth to 20th in the latest USA Today Coaches Poll after the Tigers dropped a weekend series to Oral Roberts. LSU Coach Paul Mainieri says he’s looking for more consistency from his bullpen. He says Blake Money has looked good and so have a couple of the other new relievers…
cut 17 (15) “…bit more”
The Tigers host Texas Southern tonight. Also tonight, La Tech hosts ULM. Southern visits Tulane and Grambling is at fourth-ranked Mississippi State.

In basketball, the Southland begins its conference tournament today as Southeastern Louisiana faces McNeese. Nicholls Austin Claunch has been named the Southland Coach of the Year while Ty Gordon has been named newcomer of the year.

The U-L Lafayette women’s basketball team lost in the Sun Belt Tournament Championship. They’ll have to wait until next Monday to see if they are in the NCAA Tournament.

03.09.21
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6:30 LRN newscast March 9

Today is the one-year anniversary of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Louisiana. Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Julio Figueroa says looking back, COVID was likely spreading in February…
Cut 4 (10)“…COVID.”
Governor John Bel Edwards will mark the one-year anniversary of the first COVID case by expanding vaccine eligibility to anyone over 16 who suffer from certain health conditions. A press conference is set for noon.

The Attorney General’s Office releases the sexual harassment complaint filed against top aide Pat Magee that resulted in his 38-day suspension and the 20,000 dollar docking of his salary. The complaint includes numerous allegations of harassment and sexist comments by Magee, who still works for the office. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the report may be costly for AG Jeff Landry.
Cut 13 (09) “…official.”

Kansas has fired former LSU football coach Les Miles. Miles has been let go after allegations surfaced last week that the coach acted inappropriately with female student workers while working in Baton Rouge.

Sunday’s NBA All-Star game helped raise three million dollars for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. And Grambling State President Rick Gallot says Major League Baseball is hosting an event this weekend focusing on Grambling and Florida A&M.
Cut 10 (08) “…universities.”

03.08.21
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

A sit-in of about 100 students formed this morning outside of LSU’s Football Operations Building. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (36) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

In the Husch Blackwell report, a 70-year-old Mercedes-Benz Superdome security guard accused Guice of agressively sexually harassing her at a high school football championship game in December 2017. Guice still played for LSU and the school was told of the incident, but Guice was not displined.

The LSU men’s basketball team is the three-seed in the SEC Tournament that begins Wednesday in Nashville, but the Tigers do not have to play until Friday. Coach Will Wade wants to make a run in the tournament…
cut 18 (15) “…for us”
The Tigers will play either Ole Miss or South Carolina in Friday night’s quarterfinal matchup.

The U-L Lafayette women’s basketball team lost 73-65 today to Troy in the Sun Belt Tournament women’s title game. The Lady Cajuns are 17-9 and will have to wait until next Monday to find out if they made the NCAA Tournament.

LSU baseball has tumbled in the polls after dropping a series to Oral Roberts. The Tigers are ranked 21st by D-1 baseball, dropping ten spots from last week and no longer ranked by Baseball America.

03.08.21
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LRN PM Newscall March 8

Police are seeking a 1st Degree Murder charge against a man they say murdered and robbed a 29-year-old New Orleanian at a meetup to sell a 2,800 dollar dirt bike. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”  

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 A sit-in of about 100 students formed this morning outside of LSU’s Football Operations Building. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (36) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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The attorney for former LSU football coach Les Miles calls Kansas’s decision to place Miles on administrative leave unfair. K-U made this move after reports that Miles acted inappropriately with female student workers while at LSU. Legal analyst Tim Meche says Miles’ attorney is upset because a Husch Blackwell investigation never spoke with Miles or other key witnesses

Cut 3 (11)  “…right now.”  

Attorney Peter Ginsberg says when LSU investigated Miles in 2013 they found no evidence he kissed a student worker or offered to take her to a hotel. Meche says Miles’s 3-and-18 record at Kansas is likely a factor in being placed on administrative leave…

Cut 4 (08) “…winning record.” 

Kansas says they want to use this time to review two reports that investigated the allegations. Meche wonders if K-U officials will use this opportunity to fire Miles…

Cut 5  (07)  “…his buyout.” 

Miles would reportedly be owed eight million dollars if he’s fired without cause.

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The pandemic has crippled the convention industry which is responsible for almost five-thousand jobs in Louisiana. Co-Chair of Meetings Mean Business Fred Dixon says the industry has been trained on how to re-open safely once the pandemic passes and most convention attendees say they’ll be there.

Cut 6 (11) “…the future.”

Dixon says a majority of those surveyed say they miss in-person professional development. Careers for example like healthcare, teachers, and attorneys are required to receive annual certified training and online classes are not always preferred.

Cut 7 (09) “…New Orleans”

Dixon says the survey also revealed that convention attendees are able to form better relationships and build trust in communications at in-person meetings.

Cut 8 (10) “…its feet.”

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A 29-year-old New Orleans man was allegedly murdered in Jefferson Parish after meeting someone through an online marketplace app to sell his dirt bike.

JP Sheriff Joe Lopinto says they tracked down and arrested Jalen Harvey after discovering messages between him and the victim, Joseph Vindel in the app.

Cut 9 (09) “…itself”

Vindel’s dirt bike was discovered outside of Harvey’s apartment.

Lopinto says meeting strangers online can be dangerous, but while the victim could’ve chosen a safer location like a police station parking lot or outside of a grocery…

Cut 10 (11) “…outside.” 

Vindel’s body was discovered this morning.

Lopinto says since the start of last year they’ve seen two armed robberies, one simple robbery, two thefts, and now a homicide connected with these marketplace sales.

Cut 11 (10) “..it to”

Police are seeking a 1st Degree Murder charge against Harvey.

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About 100 students are holding a sit-in outside of LSU’s Football Operations Building calling on LSU officials to fire athletic administrators Verge Ausberry and Miriam Segar based on findings released last week in the Husch Blackwell report. The students are part of a group called Tigers Against Sexual Assault.

Cut 12 (12) “ …responsible.” 

LSU interim president Thomas Galligan has only suspended Ausberry for 30 days and Segar for 21-days without pay.

Protesters say the suspensions of only two athletic officials after the school spent thousands on the Husch Blackwell report to investigate mishandlings of sexual assault and abuse are not enough.

Cut 13 (10)“…cover-ups”

One protester says she’s lost all faith in the university and she’s not alone.

Cut 14 (13) “…transferring” 

03.08.21
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1:30 LRN Newscast March 8

About 100 students are holding a sit-in outside of LSU’s Football Operations Building calling on LSU officials to fire athletic administrators Verge Ausberry and Miriam Segar based on findings released last week in the Husch Blackwell report. The students are part of a group called Tigers Against Sexual Assault.
Cut 12 (12) “ …responsible.”
LSU has only suspended Ausberry for 30 days and Segar for 21-days without pay.

Co-Chair of Meetings Mean Business Fred Dixon believes we’ll see a big increase in in-person meetings and conventions during the second half of this year. Dixon says healthcare professionals, teachers and attorneys are required to receive annual training and online classes are not always preferred…
cut 7 (09) “….New Orleans”

Police are seeking a 1st Degree Murder charge against a man they say murdered and robbed a 29-year-old New Orleanian at a meetup to sell a 2,800 dollar dirt bike. Matt Doyle has the story….
cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The state health department says nearly 415-thousand people in Louisiana have completed their two-dose series vaccinations. There are 618 vaccine providers providing shots this week. L-D-H also reporting 515 new coronavirus cases and ten new deaths.