Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

01.20.21
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4:45 LRN Sportscast January 20

We knew Saints Quarterback Drew Brees suffered crack ribs and a punctured lung, but the 42-year-old also had a littany of other injuries according to his wife Britanny Brees. Brittany said on an Instagram post today that Brees also had a torn rotator cuff and torn fascia in his foot. Brittany Brees says Drew never complained once and while this has been the hardest year of their lives, in some ways it has been their best. Drew Brees is expected to retire, but was non-commital when he spoke with reporters after Sunday’s loss to the Bucs.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Saints receiver Michael Thomas likely needs surgeries to repair a torn deltoid and other injured ligaments in his ankle. Thomas injured his ankle in week one and was never the same. A source told Schefter that Thomas wanted to keep playing knowing that this might be the last year for Brees and he wanted to win a Super Bowl with him. If Thomas has surgery, he’ll reportedly be ready for summer OTAs.

LSU cornerback Eli Ricks and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has been named to the Football Writers Association of America’s All-Freshman team. Boutte set an SEC single-game receiving record with 308 yards against Ole Miss and that was named as the Freshman performance of the year. Boutte says he knew after Terrance Toliver opted out that he had to step up his game…
cut 18 (14) “…just happened”

What the heck happened last night with the LSU basketball team. The Tigers allowed an SEC record 23 three point shots as 18th ranked Alabama trounced LSU 105-75. John Petty hit eight three-pointers and finished with 24 points.

Utah hit 21 threes and defeated the Pelicans 118 to 102. New Orleans will face the Jazz again on Thursday night in Salt Lake City.

01.20.21
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LRN PM Newscall January 20

The feds are pitching in 12.5 million dollars to help fund the Morganza-to-the-Gulf Hurricane protection project. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The race is officially on to replace the outgoing Cedric Richmond as Louisiana’s second district Congressional member. Jeff Palermo has more…

cut 2 (37) ….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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The Morganza-to-the-Gulf Hurricane protection project, which will protect Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes, is awarded 12.5 million dollars by the Corps of Engineers.

Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority head Chip Kline says the project as a whole will cost three billion dollars, but it’s a good start…

Cut 3 (06)  “…system.”

The Morganza-to-the-Gulf project was initially forecasted to cost 10 billion dollars, but that price has come down to three billion after the cost was updated in 2019.

Kline says because the feds have taken so long to appreciate the project’s significance the state has already moved ahead with constructing parts of it.

Cut 4 (08) “….system.” 

Kline says it’s great to see this system, which protects tens of thousands of homes, get some attention after watching the New Orleans Levee System get fully funded.

Cut 5  (07) “..2005″ 

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The drawing for tonight’s Powerball is historic, according to Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin it’s the fourth largest in the game’s history with a jackpot of 730 million.

Cut 6 (07) “..its history”

On Friday the drawing for Megamillions will be held, similar to Powerball it’s been rolling over since September of 2020. Chopin says there’s lots of money up for grabs.

Cut 7 (11) “…dollars.”

Large Jackpots have also brought about an increase in weekly sales, Chopin says they sold $4.3 million in tickets last week for Megamillions and Powerball sales reached almost $5-million. She says that’s great news for the state because about 35-percent goes to K-12 education.

Even though no one’s hit the Jackpot since last fall Chopin says always check your numbers, while it might not be the jackpot it could still be a winning ticket.

Cut 8 (12) “…one number”

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Four Democrats have signed up to replace outgoing U.S Representative Cedric Richmond as the state’s 2nd District Congressman. The election is March 20th. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter found it significant that he qualified for this race on the same day as a new president was sworn in…

Cut 9 (08) “..being better”

Carter previously served in the Louisiana House of Representatives, the New Orleans City Council and he’s currently a state senator. His main opponent will be New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson. The former chairperson of the Louisiana Democratic Party has served in the state legislature since 1999

Cut 10 (07) “…has experience.”

Carter says during his time in the legislature and away from public office he’s worked to change lives

Cut 11 (10) “..for it”

Both legislators have fought to raise the minimum wage and pushed to pass equal pay legislation at the state capitol. Peterson plans to take that fight up to Washington

Cut 12 (10) “…done it before” 

Baton Rouge community activist and small business owner Gary Chambers junior has also qualified for the race. Chambers says not being a career politician will be benefit him…

Cut 13 (07)“.being honest”

Chambers says he supports Medicare for All and the Green New Deal

Cut 14 (09) ” last 100 years.” 

A fourth democrat announced their candidacy today is Jenette M. Porter, from New Orleans. 

Mindy McConnell, a Libertarian from New Orleans, also qualified today. She says the two major parties have torn the country apart and voters need another option.

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The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office is investigating the fatal shooting of a teenager. Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodaux says the shooting took place during the over night hours

Cut 15 (10) “…Opelousas” 

Thibodaux says the victim was shot in the 200 block of Guilno Street in Opelousas…

Cut 16 (10) “…later died” 

Thibodaux says the investigation is ongoing and no other information is being released.

01.20.21
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8:30 LRN Newscast January 20

Inauguration Day festivities are set to get underway in Washington D-C as President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn in as the United States’ 46th president. There are 25-thousand National Guard members in the nation’s capital to help provide security. Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise hopes the country can soon reunite again…
cut 8 (10) “….together”

Qualifying has started for the 2nd and 5th district Congressional races. The two main candidates in the 2nd district, New Orleans Senators Troy Carter and Karen Carter Peterson, both showed up at 8 AM to get their names on the March 20th ballot. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat expects others to sign up, but Carter and Peterson are the favorites….
cut 6 (07) “….well known”
The fifth district race will feature Julia Letlow, the wife of the late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow.

The state is seeking retired healthcare workers who’d be interested in volunteering to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The state health department has told healthcare providers they should not prioritize their own patients when distributing vaccines. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter said in a memo that preferential access to vaccines must immediately cease. An L-D-H spokesperson told the A-P that violators could face fines and limits on future vaccine allocations.

01.20.21
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7:30 LRN Newscast January 20

25,000 National Guardsmen and numerous other security forces are on the ground in D.C. ahead of today’s inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. Metairie Congressman and House Minority Whip Steve Scalise…
Cut 7 (08) “…alert.”
The Louisiana State Capitol building is closed today in an abundance of caution because of possible protests.

Meanwhile, candidates for the 2nd and 5th district Congressional seats can sign up today to have their names on the March 20th ballot. The two announced candidates in the fifth district are Republican Julia Letlow and Democrat Candy Christophe. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Luke Letlow voters will return to the polls and vote for his wife…
cut 5 (07) “….odds on favorite”
Pinsonat says in the second district, it looks to be a two-person race, between New Orleans Senators Troy Carter and Karen Carter Peterson.

The state Department of Health is seeking retired medical providers to help vaccinate thousands of Louisiana residents. Interim Executive Director of the Bureau of Community Preparedness, Doctor Sundee Winder, says they expect the feds will ramp up the availability of vaccines in the spring or summer and want to be prepared when that happens…
cut 14 (08) “….to us”
Those interesting in volunteering should email D-H-H-O-C-O-3 at l-a-dot-gov.

And LSU is still looking for a defensive coordinator after its latest top candidate, Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen, will remain in New Orleans after getting a promotion and a new contract. Football Analyst Mike Detillier says it’s likely LSU Coach Ed Orgeron has another option…
cut 12 (10) “…very quickly too”

01.20.21
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6:45 LRN Sportscast January 20

LSU is still searching for a new defensive coordinator after Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen remains in New Orleans with a new contract. Nielsen has also been named assistant head coach after the Tigers tried to hire Nielsen to replace Bo Pelini as their defensive coordinator. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Saints Coach Sean Payton got Nielsen to stay by promoting him and giving him a new three-year contract…
Cut 20 (11) “.they have done”
LSU was also reportedly close to hiring Marcus Freeman as defensive coordinator, but he took the D-C job at Notre Dame.

LSU and the Pelicans both got blown out last night on the hardwood. Alabama made 23 three-pointers in a 105-75 win over the Tigers, while Utah hit 21 threes in a 118 to 102 victory over New Orleans.

Lake Charles native and former Saints general manager of pro personnel has been introduced as the new general manager of the Atlanta Falcons. The 40-year-old says he will be forever grateful to Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis for giving him a chance 18 years ago…
cut 30 (09) “…Mr Benson”
Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will reportedly for Philadelphia’s head coaching job today. ESPN reports Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas will have surgery on his injured ankle.

The Football Writers Association of America has named LSU wide receiver Kayson Boutte’s SEC record 309 receiving yard game against Ole Miss as the Freshman Performance of the Year. Boutte says he needed to have a big game because of the Rebels’ explosive offense…
cut 17 (11) “….I can be”

01.20.21
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6:30 LRN Newscast

Qualifying begins today at the Secretary of State’s Office for two special Congressional elections on March 20th. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Julia Letlow is the favorite to win the 5th district race. She’s the wife of late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow
Cut 4 (11) “…gone through”
In the 2nd district, Democratic state senators Troy Carter and Karen Carter Peterson will qualify and they are the two main candidates.

LSU remains without a defensive coordinator after its top candidate, Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen stays in New Orleans. Nielsen was reportedly working on a contract with LSU to become the Tigers next defensive coordinator, but NFL analyst Mike Detillier says coach Sean Payton would not let Nielsen out the door
Cut 10 (08) “…other coaches”
Nielsen has been promoted to assistant head coach and has a new three-year contract.

The State Office of Public Health is looking for retired medical providers who would be interested in volunteering to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Bureau of Community Preparedness interim director Dr. Sundee Winder says they need anyone who’s available to augment their current force of vaccinators.
Cut 13 (11) “….pandemic”
Those eligible include physicians, osteopaths, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, paramedics, and EMTs.

The state health department reported yesterday that 267-thousand vaccines have been administered statewide. 35-thousand individuals have received both of their doses.

01.19.21
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4:45 LRN Sportscast January 19

LSU is still searching for a new defensive coordinator after Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen remains in New Orleans with a new contract. Nielsen has also been named assistant head coach after the Tigers tried to hire Nielsen to replace Bo Pelini as it’s defensive coordinator. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Payton got Nielsen to stay by promoting him and giving him a new three-year contract…
Cut 20 (11) “.they have done”
LSU was also reportedly close to hiring Marcus Freeman as defensive coordinator, but he took the D-C job at Notre Dame. Detillier says it’s likely LSU Coach Ed Orgeron has another option.

The Saints are reportedly losing secondary coach Aaron Glenn. He’s reportedly heading to Detroit to become the Lions defensive coordinator for new head coach Dan Campbell, who just left New Orleans as tight ends coach and assistant head coach.

LSU men’s basketball will welcome the 18th ranked Alabama Crimson Tide to the PMAC Tonight. The Crimson Tide are in first place in the SEC at 6-0 and they’ve won seven in a row. Coach Will Wade says Bama is playing as well as anyone in the country…
Cut 19 (19) “…for us.”
A win for the Tigers and they will claim a share of first place in the Southeastern Conference. Tip-off is at 8 PM.

The Pelicans, who ended a five-game losing streak on Sunday with a win over Sacramento, will visit Utah tonight. The Jazz have won five in a row.

The LSU baseball team’s schedule came out today and it’s a 56-game regular season that the Tigers typically play, including ten three-game SEC series. The season begins February 19th with LSU hosting Air Force, they’ll travel to Lafayette for a game against the Cajuns on February 24th.

01.19.21
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06:45 LRN Sportscast January 19

With Drew Brees expected to retire, who will be the Saints starting quarterback in 2021? Coach Sean Payton has previously said that he believes the next starting quarterback for the Saints is already on the roster. NFL Analyst Mike Detillier says we’ll find out if that’s the case…
cut 18 (22) “…winning quarterback”

LSU’s next defensive coordinator is apparently on the Saints coaching staff. The school is reportedly trying to finalize a deal with New Orleans defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen, but there are reports the Saints say Nielsen’s contract does not allow him to take a job in the college ranks.

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The LSU men’s basketball will welcome the 18th ranked Alabama Crimson Tide to the PMAC Tonight. The Crimson Tide are in first place in the SEC at 6-0 and they’ve won seven in a row overall. Coach Will Wade says Bama is playing as well as anyone in the country…
cut 19 (19) “…for us”
Alabama has won its six games in the SEC by an average margin of victory of 16 po9nts. Tip-off is at 8 PM.

Southern hit the century mark yesterday as the Jaguars clobbered Mississippi Valley State 102-61 to improve to 3-0 in league play. And Grambling lost to Prairie View A-and-M 59-50.

01.18.21
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

Quarterback Drew Brees 20-year Pro Football Hall of Fame career most likely ended last night with Tampa Bay’s 30-20 win over the Saints in the NFL playoffs. In the past few years, the 42-year-old QB has contemplated retirement but Brees but kept coming back, trying to win that second Super Bowl. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the skills are no longer there to get the job done in the playoffs…
Cut 7 (12) “…known it.”
Brees threw three interceptions last night. There was also a critical fumble by tight end Jared Cook. Tampa Bay scored 21 points off of four Saints turnovers. Coach Sean Payton…
cut 15 (14) “…well to win”

LSU could be close to naming a new Defensive Coordinator as Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen will reportedly be named the new D-C in Baton Rouge this week. Nielsen played at U-S-C for Coach Ed Orgeron in the late 1990s and early 2000s and he was Coach O’s defensive line coach at Ole Miss when Orgeron was the head coach in Oxford.

Tennessee is looking for a new head coach. The Volunteers have fired Jeremy Pruitt after three seasons and a 16-19 record.

In recruiting news…Many running back Terrence Williams has committed to the Ragin Cajuns. The three-year starter at Many has rushed for over 35-hundred yards the past two seasons.

Calvary Baptist quarterback Landry Lyddy has been named the Class 1A offensive player of the year and Oak Grove’s Bud Holloway has been named the defensive player of the year in One-A. Both players led their respective schools to state championships, Lyddy set a Prep Classic record for most passing yards in a championship game and he’ll be back next year for his senior season.

01.18.21
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LRN PM Newscall January 18

No official announcement yet from Quarterback Drew Brees, but many believe he’s played his last game in the NFL. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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A second person from Louisiana has been arrested for their alleged participation in the January 6th storming of the US Capitol. Brooke Thorington has more.

cut 2 (31) ….I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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There’s been a development in Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District race as outgoing Congressman Cedric Richmond has endorsed New Orleans Senator Troy Carter as the person who should take over his seat. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says it’s a significant endorsement for Carter.

Cut 3 (09)  “..influence.”

Richmond has resigned from Congress to be a senior advisor for President-elect Joe Biden.

The other major candidate to replace Richmond is New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson, who is also a former chairperson for the Louisiana Democratic Party. DuBos says Peterson has picked up the endorsement of political activist Stacey Abrams of Georgia.

DuBos says it looks like this will be a two-person race between Carter and Peterson.

Cut 4 (11) “….who’s not.” 

The other announced candidate is Gary Chambers, a social justice activist from Baton Rouge. Qualifying for the race begins Wednesday and ends Friday. The election is in March 20th.

DuBos expects this will be a low-turnout election.

Cut 5  (08) “…March 20th” 

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Quarterback Drew Brees 20-year Pro Football Hall of Fame career most likely ended last night with Tampa Bay’s 30-20 win over the Saints in the NFL playoffs. Brees has been contemplating retirement after the last couple of seasons and once again plans to think it over

Cut 6 (09) “..make a decision”

Heading into last night’s playoff game, Brees threw 36 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions in 17 postseason games, but last night he threw just one TD pass and he was intercepted three times. Brees has kept coming back, trying to win that second Super Bowl, but NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the skills are no longer there to get the job done in the playoffs…

Cut 7 (12) “…known it.”

This was a difficult season for the 42-year-old Brees, who missed four games with multiple rib fractures and a punctured lung. But he has no regrets…

Cut 8 (12) “…absolutely”

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Louisiana received 308 million dollars for rental assistance as part of a new round of COVID relief passed in late December.

Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center spokesperson Maxwell Ciardullo says it’s a good start, but not enough…

Cut 9 (10) “..since then”

The assistance will be dispersed to eligible landlords who apply for it and have tenants who have not been able to pay rent due to the pandemic.

The state has had trouble during the pandemic dispersing rental assistance in a timely manner. Ciardullo says that can’t happen this time.

Cut 10 (07) “…gunna work”

Last week the state reported that they are reviewing the program’s rules and awaiting final federal guidelines.

The incoming Biden Administration says the expiring CDC eviction moratorium will be extended through the end of September. Ciardullo says it’s vital they follow through with that, or…

Cut 11 (11) “… landlords”

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174 Louisiana National Guard soldiers and airmen have been sent to Washington D.C. to help bolster security for President-elect Joe Biden’s Wednesday inauguration.

Sargent Denis Ricou says they are there at the request of the National Guard Bureau to augment the D.C. National Guard’s forces…

Cut 12 (10) “…state” 

Ricou says the Guard flew out of Alexandria airport Saturday and they are scheduled to return Thursday, assuming nothing happens between now and then.

Cut 13 (06)“.support”

Ricou says the Guard is proud to send Louisianans to help manage such an important event, and it should be a rewarding experience for those who are there.

Cut 14 (07) “area.” 

25,000 Guard from across the country are being flown in ahead of the event to help manage security amidst fears of unrest on and before inauguration day.