Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

02.09.21
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4:45 LRN Sportscast February 9

LSU added to its 2021 recruiting class today as four-star wide receiver Brian Thomas Junior of Walker High School announced he’s signing with the Tigers. 24-7 sports ranks Thomas as the ninth-best wide receiver in the class of 2021 and his addition moves the Bayou Bengals to number three in the rankings for best-recruiting classes of 2021. Alabama and Ohio State are one and two. Bama and Texas A-and-M were also after Thomas.

The Ragin Cajuns are losing their offensive coordinator and offensive line coach to the NFL as Rob Sale is reportedly leaving Lafayette to become the offensive line coach of the New York Giants. The former Neville and LSU star has been with U-L Lafayette for the last three seasons.

The Pelicans take a three-game winning streak into tonight’s home game against Houston. New Orleans is 10-and-12 on the season, while the Rockets are 11-and-12. Tip-off is at 6:30.

McNeese will play its first football game in 447 days when they take on Tarleton State in Stephenville, Texas on Saturday night. The Lake Charles school is still in recovery mode following Hurricane Laura. Coach Frank Wilson admits he didn’t know they would play in the spring after Laura produced three feet of water inside Cowboy Stadium…
cut 19 (25) “….with us”
The game will be televised by Fox Sports Southwest Plus at 6 PM on Saturday.

The SWAC has announced that Grambling’s game against Jackson State on March sixth will be televised on an ESPN channel.

02.09.21
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LRN PM Newscall February 9

State Police has announced the arrest of four Troopers in the Monroe area for using excessive force. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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The number of first doses of the COVID vaccine administered now exceeds the number of people who have tested positive for the virus. Don Molino has the story…

cut 2 (30) …I’m Don Molino”  

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Four state troopers in the Monroe area have been arrested for allegedly using excessive force in two separate incidents. Troop F spokesperson Michael Reichardt says the first incident took place during a traffic stop on I-20 in Ouachita Parish in July 2019

Cut 3 (10)  “…the suspect”

The second incident occurred last May following a vehicle pursuit in Franklin Parish. Reichardt says when the chase ended, the driver laid on the ground in a compliant position

Cut 4 (11) “…arrest report” 

One trooper, 30-year-old Jacob Brown, was involved in both incidents.  The other troopers arrested are 28-year-old Dakota DeMoss, 26-year-old George Harper, and 34-year-old Randall Dickerson. Each trooper faces battery and malfeasance charges. Reichardt says the leader of State Police is not happy excessive use of force occurred

Cut 5  (09)  “…public safety” 

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A Union Parish woman is facing attempted manslaughter and aggravated arson charges after allegedly setting her boyfriend’s bed on fire with him in it. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says 31-year-old Julianna Goodson of Bernice was arrested after investigators determined she intentionally set the fire after an ongoing disagreement with her boyfriend.

Cut 6 (09) “…on fire.”

Rodrigue says the Bernice Fire Department responded to the house fire Saturday morning. She says the two had apparently been arguing throughout the evening.

Cut 7 (11) “…sleep.”

The investigation reveals it was then when he tried to go to sleep that Goodson set the bed on fire.

Rodrigue says upon interviewing Goodson they learned she had knowledge of elements of the fire and she was placed under arrest. Rodrigue says it’s always better to cool down during an argument so you won’t make a rash decision.

Cut 8 (11) “…decision.”

Investigators did not indicate what the argument was about.

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Former President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial began today with Democrats pushing to make the case he incited a mob to attack the US Capitol on January 6th. Senator John Kennedy announced he will vote against convicting President Trump. Senator Bill Cassidy says he hasn’t made a decision yet.

Cut 9 (09) “..can do”

All of the state’s Republican Congressional Delegation voted against articles of impeachment in the House.

To convict in the Senate you need two-thirds majority support. Cassidy says conviction supporters are already more than halfway there…

Cut 10 (10) “. …that” 

Democrats point to a pre-riot speech the President made on January 6th as their key piece of evidence, along with other claims the President interfered in the response to the riot.

It seems likely Trump will see more Republican defections this time around. Cassidy says the exact number is still up in the air.

Cut 11 (07) “..themselves”

President Trump is not expected to testify at the trial despite requests from Democrats to do so.

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Beginning in July Shreveport Regional Airport will start offering non-stop flights to Los Angeles through Allegiant for a limited time.

Spokesperson Mark Crawford says it’s an exciting development because L.A. has always been one of the top ten most popular destinations out of the airport…

Cut 12 (12) “   to the left” 

L.A. is now one of four Allegiant non-stop flight options at the airport.

Crawford says they announced this at about 2 AM this morning and have already been getting social media posts from Shreveport natives who are living in southern California…

Cut 13 (08)“. college football world”

Crawford says tickets are on sale now and mentions this is a bit of a trial run.

Cut 14 (10) “.on our website”

Flights begin July 2nd and will run through August 16th.

02.09.21
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11:30 LRN Newscast February 9

State Police has announced the arrest of four Troopers in the Monroe area for using excessive force…
Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”

Governor Edwards will receive his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this afternoon during a press event in Baton Rouge. In Washington-DC, the second impeachment trial for former President Donald Trump will begin. Senator Bill Cassidy told reporters he doesn’t know how he’ll vote.

Governor Edwards has said he does not support an increase in the state’s gasoline tax, but Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland still plans on filing a gas tax bill to be debated in the upcoming session. McFarland says 34 other states have increased the investment into their roads and bridges since 2013, including every southern state
Cut 10 (11) “…in infrastructure”

Health officials are warning the public it can take up to two weeks after your second COVID vaccination to receive maximum immunity. Ochsner Regional Medical Director Dr. Aldo Russo says he was vaccinated, then a week later unknowingly was exposed to a positive case, and a week after that began developing symptoms…
Cut 13 (08) “…disease.”
But Russo still urges the public to get the vaccine when it becomes avaiable to them.

02.09.21
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9:30 LRN Newscast February 9

Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland faces opposition on his proposal to increase the state’s gasoline tax by 22-cents over the next 12 years. He says the additional revenue will go towards improving the state’s roads and bridges. Governor Edwards has said he does not support the proposal, but McFarland says several small business owners are behind his effort…
cut 12 (12) “…closed bridge”
McFarland’s legislation will be heard in the regular session that begins April 12th.

Seven bars in New Orleans have been shut down for violating COVID restrictions. The city’s chief administrative officer, Peter Bowen, says these bars will not be allowed to reopen until…
cut 6 (10) “…safely”
No bars in New Orleans will be open from Friday to Tuesday to prevent large Mardi Gras crowds.

Ochsner Regional Medical Director Aldo Russo says he contracted the coronavirus even after he got the COVID vaccine. Russo says he received the vaccine on December 17th and came down with symptoms ten days later. Russo says his experience shows that it may take two weeks after the second dose to reach maximum immunity. He still strongly encourages people to get the vaccine
cut 15 (11) “…of this”

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles is selling a 2019 LSU National Championship specialty license plate. Tiger fans can purchase the plate for around 100 dollars and OMV spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says the easiest way is to buy it online.
Cut 24 (10) “on our website”
Proceeds for the plate will go back to LSU.

02.09.21
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8:30 LRN Newscast February 9

At the next Public Service Commission meeting, the PSC plans to hire a third party to do an independent investigation into why many Entergy customers recently saw a spike in their utility bills. Entergy blames cold weather in December. P-S-C Chairman Craig Greene says that’s a possibility given heaters pull three to four times as many amps as air conditioners…
Cut 00357 (08) “…expensive”

The City of New Orleans shut down seven bars over the weekend for COVID violations as the city prepares to close all bars ahead of the upcoming Mardi Gras weekend. New Orleans Deputy CAO Peter Bowen says these business owners are risking lives and damaging the city’s economy.
Cut 00354 (11)“…tunnel.
The closed bars could also face penalties for state fire code violations.

Four state troopers in the Monroe area have been arrested for allegedly using excessive force. L-S-P says the charges stem from an incident in July of 2019 and last May in which the Troopers’ actions rose to the level of Battery and Malfeasance in Office. 30-year-old Jacob Brown was allegedly involved in both arrests that used unjustifiable force.

Despite opposition from Governor Edwards, Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland still plans on filing a bill that would raise the state’s gasoline tax 22-cents over the next 12 years…
Cut 00352 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

02.09.21
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7:30 LRN Newscast February 9

The Public Service Commission plans to investigate why many Entergy customers saw their utility bills spike after December. P-S-C Chairman Craig Greene says a third party will be tasked with doing a random survey of customers’ bills and they will not rush to come to a conclusion…
cut 9 (07) “….answers”

Governor John Bel Edwards has said he does not support an increase in the state’s gasoline tax, but Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland still plans on filing a gas tax bill to be debated in the upcoming session. McFarland says 34 other states have increased the investment into their roads and bridges since 2013, including every southern state
Cut 10 (11) “…in infrastructure”

An Ochsner Regional Medical Director shares a warning to those who’ve just been vaccinated and think they can immediately return to pre-pandemic life…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Governor Edwards will receive his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this afternoon and he’ll also announce that the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge will serve as a mass vaccination site.

State Police has announced the arrest of four Troopers in the Monroe area for allegedly using excessive force during two different incidents.

02.09.21
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6:45 LRN Sportscast February 9

The Pelicans have won three in a row heading into tonight’s match-up against the Houston Rockets. New Orleans is averaging 116 points a game in their last ten contests and Coach Stan Van Gundy likes the team’s efficiency on that end of the court. But he still wants to see a lot of improvement on defense…
cut 17 (12) “….together more”
New Orleans is 10-and-12 on the season, while Houston is 11-and-12. The tip-off is at 6:30.

Grambling won its fourth straight last night as the Tigers took down Alcorn State 67-62. Grambling is now 7-and-3 in SWAC play. Southern fell to 4-and-4 after losing to Jackson State 57-53.

LSU will visit Mississippi State tomorrow night. The Tigers are 6-and-4 in league place, while the Bulldogs are 5-and-6.

One of the state’s top wide receivers will sign his national letter of intent today at one o’clock. Walker High wide receiver Brian Thomas has been weighing offers from LSU, Alabama, and Texas A-and-M. Thomas is six-foot-four, 185 pounds, rated as the 13th best wide receiver in the nation.

There will be a college football game this Saturday as McNeese kicks-off its spring season with a road game at Tarleton State, who plays in the Western Athletic Conference. Cowboys Coach Frank Wilson says the Texans were 11-and-1 in 2019 but lost a lot of starters from that team…
cut 20 (17) “….as well”
Cody Orgeron, the son of LSU Coach Ed Orgeron, is set to start at quarterback for the Cowboys.

02.09.21
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6:30 LRN Newscast February 9

Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland will file a bill for the upcoming regular session that would increase the state’s gasoline tax 22-cents over the next 12 years. He says each penny would result in 30-million dollars in additional revenue to improve the state’s roads and bridges. McFarland believes Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson might support the proposal…
cut 11 (08) “…coming down”
McFarland says his legislation will also help the state receive 780-million dollars in federal transportation dollars.

The city of New Orleans shut down seven bars for allegedly failing to follow COVID protocols. New Orleans Deputy CAO Peter Bowen says at the Red Eye in the Warehouse District, patrons entered through a back door, while the front door was locked to hide the bar’s operation from authorities…
cut 5 (09) “…casualty”
These bars will remain closed until they submit a plan to safely reopen.

The Public Service Commission will investigate why many Entergy customers saw their bills balloon after December. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

02.08.21
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2:30 LRN Newscast February 8

An overnight amber alert leads to two sanitation workers saving a 10-year-old New Iberia girl who authorities say had been kidnapped. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”

W-B-R-Z-TV in Baton Rouge is reporting that four troopers with Louisiana State Police are facing criminal charges for using excessive force during arrests. The troopers are from Troop F, which covers the Monroe area. State Police from Troop F was involved in the death of Ronald Greene, who died during an encounter with Troopers in 2019.

Webster Parish native Devin White is a Super Bowl champion today as he helped lead the Buccaneers to a 31-9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. White had a team-high 12 tackles and picked off a pass in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Afterward, White broke down the play with the media…
cut 4 (10) “…run the clock out”
Fellow former LSU Tigers Leonard Fournette and Kevin Minter are also Super Bowl champs.

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles began selling specialty license plates commemorating LSU’s 2019 national championship season. O-M-V spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says the purple license plate actually mentions all four of the Tigers national titles in football…
cut 13 (08) “….college football world”
He says you can order one at express-lane-dot-org.

02.08.21
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LRN PM Newscall February 8

An overnight amber alert leads to two sanitation workers saving a 10-year-old New Iberia girl who authorities say had been kidnapped. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”  

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LSU fans can purchase a specialty license plate that commemorates the Tigers 2019 national championship in football. Taylor Sharp has more…

cut 2 (30) …I’m Taylor Sharp”  

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated Kansas City 31-9 to win Super Bowl 55.  A trio of former LSU Tigers are now world champions with Devin White, Leonard Fournette, and Kevin Minter all getting the victory last night.  Linebacker Devin White says this is the first major championship he’s won during his football career.

Cut 3 (12)  “…best in the world” (2x)

White had 12 total tackles on the night and reeled in an interception late in the fourth quarter to seal the win for the Bucs.  White breaks down his big play.

Cut 4 (10) “…(chuckles)” 

While Tampa Bay has plenty of talent on the roster, running back Leonard Fournette says it was Tom Brady who gave them confidence heading into the game.

Cut 5  (10) “…ran with it.” 

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State Police is seeking information from the public about the July 4th, 2016 disappearance of Erica Nicole Hunt of Opelousas. Trooper Thomas Gossen says it’s a homicide investigation now that investigators have confirmed that skeletal remains found in December of 2018 were Hunt’s

Cut 6 (10) “…Erica Hunt”

The family told N-B-C’s Dateline that the 20-year-old Hunt was last seen at a family gathering at her uncle’s home in Opelousas. He says State Police hope the public can provide clues on what happened to Hunt and how she ended up in Evangeline Parish

Cut 7 (06) “…Louisiana State Police.”

The skeletal remains were found while investigators were trying to find a missing boy. Gossen says Hunt was identified through genetic genealogy…

Cut 8 (11) “…past Friday.”

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A missing 10-year-old New Iberia girl has been found safe after two sanitation workers IDed the kidnapper’s car thanks to an Amber Alert that went out overnight. State Police issued the Amber Alert asking the public to be on the lookout for a gray Nissan Altima and Dion Merrick says when he and his coworker saw the vehicle in a field St. Martin Parish they blocked it in and called 9-1-1…

Cut 9 (11) “..thing”

The Amber Alert mentioned 33-year-old Michael Sereal. He is a registered sex offender, first convicted in 2006 of carnal knowledge of a juvenile.

The vehicle had driven a few dozen yards off the side of a road and was sitting back past some marsh. Merrick says it looked very suspicious.

Cut 10 (11) “. …little girl” 

Merrick and his coworker, so far identified only as Brandon, filmed a Facebook Live Video at the scene as the suspect was dragged away by police.

Merrick says when stuff goes wrong like this and you see something, say something.

Cut 11 (06) “…right now”

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The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles announced that a 2019 LSU National Championship specialty license plate is available for purchase, meaning Tiger fans can celebrate the historic season wherever they go.  OMV Spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux explains what the unique plate looks like.

Cut 12 (12) “   to the left” 

Boudreaux says that the plate actually commemorates all of the football program’s titles throughout history.

Cut 13 (08)“. college football world”

For fans looking to purchase the plate, it will cost around 100 dollars and Boudreaux says the easiest way is to buy it online.

Cut 14 (10) “.on our website” 

The plate can also be purchased at the OMV specialized vehicle unit and select OMV field offices.