Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

05.14.25
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10:30 LRN Newscast

Senator Bill Cassidy could be in for the fight of his political life next year. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Governor Landry is urging the Legislature to spend 93-million dollars on LA Gator, which is the state’s new voucher program that will provide tax dollars to families to pay for tuition at private schools and other expenses. Senate President Cameron Henry has said he doesn’t want the state to spend no more than 50-million dollars on the program next school year.

A Senate committee has approved three tort reform bills that supporters say will help bring down the state’s escalating auto insurance rates. House Insurance Chairman Gabe Firment says the legislation attempts to correct a big problem in Louisiana…

Cut 16 (11) “….excessive payouts”

But Democrats say tort reform was done in the past and it has not lowered rates.

Spirits are high in West Baton Rouge Parish as folks their welcome home American Idol finalist John Foster. The 18-year-old LSU student is one of three contestants vying to be next American Idol and a winner will be chosen on Sunday night. Today at 5 PM, there will be a parade in Foster’s hometown of Addis. Addis Mayor David Toups says something like this brings the community together…

Cut 9 (14) “….planned for him”

05.14.25
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6:45 LRN Sportscast May 14

I’m Jeanne Burns and this sportscast on the Louisiana Radio Network is brought to you by the Louisiana Department of Health, when gambling is more than a game, no one wins…

The NFL releases its schedule tonight, the Saints are not expected to have many prime time games, maybe just a game or two. We know they are not going overseas. The NFL has released the schedule for its international games and the Saints are not a part of any of those matchups.

You can make your plans now, the LSU-Clemson season opener will kick off at 6:30 central time on August 30th ABC will televise the game.

In college baseball last night, Louisiana Tech scored five runs in the second inning and the Bulldogs defeated ULM seven to four. Sebastian Mexico drove in three runs. The Warhawks have lost ten in a row.

South Carolina scored five runs in the eighth inning to come from behind to beat Winthrop. The top ranked LSU Tigers will begin a three-game series against the Gamecocks in Columbia tomorrow night.

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The LSU women’s basketball team added to its freshmen recruiting class by signing six-foot-two forward Meghan Yarnevich out of Maryland. The top 100 prospect adds to the number one ranked recruiting class in the country. Coach Kim Mulkey says Yarnevich brings a physical presence and relentless toughness to the frontcourt.

At the state baseball tournament in Sulphur…Oak Grove doubled up Mangham four two to advance to the Division Four non-select state championship game. The Tigers will play Welsh at 2 PM today. The Greyhounds beat DeQuincy seven to six in eight innings.

Vermilion Catholic outscored Riverside Academy nine to eight and the Eagles will play Ouachita Christian at 2 PM in the Division Four select title game. O-C-S beat top seeded Covenant Christian 12 to seven.

The Class B state title game is at 11 AM as Pitkin plays Family Christian and in the Class C title game. Ebarb faces Harrisonburg at 11 AM.

05.13.25
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

The NFL releases its full schedule tomorrow night. The league announced its international matchups today and the Saints will not play overseas. Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings will be the first team to play in two different cities during their trip to Europe. They will play the Steelers in Ireland and the following week they’ll play the Browns in London. Jayden Daniels and the Commanders will face the Dolphins in Spain on November 16th.

Former Saints defensive end Trey Hendrickson says he will not play for the Bengals unless he gets a new contract. Hendrickson says he’s disappointed with Cincinnati’s lack of communication and the situation has become personal. The 30-year-old is entering his final year of his contract that pays him a base salary of 15-point-eight million dollars. Last season he led the league with 17.5 sacks.

Former Saints punter Thomas Morstead had been released by the Jets as New York reportedly wants to go younger at that position. Morestead has spent 16 seasons in the NFL since he was drafted by the Saints in 2009.

According to a report from Brett McMurphy, LSU’s season opener at Clemon on August 30th will kick off at 6:30 on Saturday night and ABC will televise.

Former Georgia Bulldogs signee Megan Yarnevich has committed to the LSU women’s basketball team. The six-foot-two four-star recruit out of Maryland is an addition to the Lady Tigers 2025 recruiting class that’s ranked number one in the country. Yarnevich is the fourth front court player on the roster.

The Pelicans didn’t get any help from the NBA draft lottery last night. They had the fourth worst record last season, but will pick seventh overall in the June 25th draft.

D1 baseball has LSU as a number two national seed in it’s latest Regional Projection. D-1 Baseball has Southeastern Louisiana playing in the Baton Rouge Regional as a three seed.

LSU begins its final SEC regular season series of the year on Thursday against South Carolina. Coach Jay Johnson says left-hander Kade Anderson is good to go after having to leave his last start because of cramping in his left wrist.

Former LSU pitcher Paul Skenes announced today he will play for Team USA in next year’s World Baseball Classic.

Tonight, ULM is at Louisiana Tech in a makeup game.

05.13.25
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LRN PM Newscall May 13

State Police is putting an emphasis this week on enforcing the state’s Move Over Law. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The House Appropriations Committee approves a bill that would create a new TOPS award called the TOPS Excellence Award, and it would go to high-performing students. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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State Police is putting an emphasis this week on enforcing the state’s Move Over Law. Trooper Ryan Davis says several L-S-P Troops will participate in a special enforcement day tomorrow…

Cut 3 (12) “…come from this.” 

The “Move Over Law” requires motorists to slow down and change lanes, if safe, when approaching emergency vehicles with flashing lights that are stopped on the side of the road. Davis stressed that drivers must move away from stopped emergency vehicles and reduce speed.

Cut 4 (11) “…from the roadside”

Davis reminds drivers to stay alert, avoid distractions, and respect roadside responders’ safety.

Cut 5 (07) “…if the need arises.”

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The House Ways and Means Committee advanced a pair of bills aimed at lowering homeowners insurance premiums by strengthening the state’s fortified roof program. One of them is House Bill 145, proposed by Denham Springs Republican Roger Wilder 

Cut 6 (08) “…a fortified roof.” (Doubles deduction from $5,000 to $10,000)

The bill has the support of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple, who says it would encourage people to get a fortified roof put on their homes and not wait for a grant program to open up to do so.

Cut 7 (07) “…fortified roof on.”

Also, House Bill 663 would create the Fortify Coastal Homes Fund. It’s proposed by Pollock Republican Gabe Firment, who says it would direct a portion of sales and use taxes in coastal areas following a natural disaster to the fund.

Cut 8 (11) “…into the fund.”

Firment says that amount would be capped at 60-million dollars. Both bills advanced to the full House without objection.

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St. Tammany Parish deputies arrested a 23-year-old Folsom man and his 45-year-old mother yesterday after a concerned resident reported them for a possible dog-fighting operation on their property. Lt. Suzanne Carboni says STP Animal Control investigated and seized 28 pit bulls.

Cut 9 (08)  “…dog fighting.”

Austin Alexander faces 28 counts of dogfighting, while Natia Alexander faces 28 counts as a principal to dogfighting. Carboni says deputies found other items on the property that are normally associated with dog fighting on the property.

Cut 10 (11) “…machine pistol.”

Both suspects were booked into the parish correctional center. Carboni reminds residents that if they see something, say something.

Cut 11 (06) “…will be arrested.”

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A Rapides Parish man is under arrest for stealing hundreds of pounds of crawfish from a farmer’s traps. Chief of Staff Tommy Carnline with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says a crawfish farmer told investigators late last month that someone had emptied his traps, and it happened again a few days later. He says deputies launched what they dubbed “Operation Tail Chaser,” and they caught the suspect, 47-year-old Tony Hicks, red-handed.

Cut 12 (11) “…on May 10th.”

Hicks is facing several charges, including theft and criminal trespass. Carnline says Hicks stole a boatload of crawfish from the farmer.

Cut 13 (05)  “…and 500 pounds.”

Given the wholesale price of live crawfish, that cost the farmer about 12-hundred dollars in lost sales. Carnline says what’s worse is that the thief used some of the farmer’s own property to steal the crawfish.

Cut 14 (07) “…that’s pretty bad.”

Carnline says this is still an active investigation, and more arrests are possible.

05.13.25
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1:30 LRN Newscast

The House Ways and Means Committee has approved legislation that would double the tax deduction from five thousand to ten-thousand dollars for a homeowner who installs a fortified roof on their home. The bill has the support of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple, who says it would encourage property owners to get a fortified roof.

Cut 7 (07) “…fortified roof on.”

A similar bill is also making its way through the Senate.

St. Tammany Parish deputies arrested a 23-year-old Folsom man and his 45-year-old mother yesterday after a concerned resident reported them for a possible dog-fighting operation on their property. Lt. Suzanne Carboni says STP Animal Control investigated and seized 28 pit bulls.

Cut 9 (08)  “…dog fighting.”

Austin Alexander faces 28 counts of dogfighting, while Natia Alexander faces 28 counts as a principal to dogfighting.

State Police is putting an emphasis this week on enforcing the state’s Move Over Law. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Former LSU pitcher Paul Skenes announced today he will play for Team USA in next year’s World Baseball Classic. And Skenes’ girlfriend, former LSU gymnast, Livvy Dunne was named today as one of the cover models for this year’s upcoming SI Swimsuit edition.

05.13.25
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11:30 LRN Newscast

The Senate Judiciary “A” Committee is hearing several tort reform auto insurance bills today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrlli says a man who is not in the country legally has been sentenced to ten years in prison for fatal wreck he caused in New Orleans last August. State Police say Jorge Martinez-Sanchez struck a motorcyclist, killing longtime WGNO sports producer Marke Deane. Martinez-Sanchez pleaded guilty to negligent homicide and sentenced ten years in prison and he’ll serve at least six years,

The House Ways and Means Committee failed to support a proposal that would eliminate the state and local sales tax on groceries. Guy Cormier, the executive director of the Louisiana Police Jury Association, voiced his opposition to the bill. He says the proposed tax break would cost local governments 600 to 700-million dollars a year statewide…

Cut 14 (10) “…taxpayers monies.”

No one on the committee made a motion to vote on McCormick’s proposal so the idea is dead for the session.

State Police is putting an emphasis this week on enforcing the state’s Move Over Law. Trooper Ryan Davis says Troop F in northeast Louisiana will participate in a special enforcement day tomorrow, targeting drivers who fail to merge into the lane furthest away from a disabled vehicle or a traffic stop on the side of the road.

Cut 3 (12) “…come from this.”

The “Move Over Law” requires motorists to slow down and change lanes, if safe, when approaching emergency vehicles with flashing lights.

05.13.25
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

I’m Jeanne Burns and this sportscast on the Louisiana Radio Network is brought to you by the Louisiana Department of Health, when gambling is more than a game, no one wins…

The ping pong ball did not bounce the Pelicans way last night. Despite having the fourth best odds to get the number one pick in the June 25 NBA draft, New Orleans will pick seventh. The Dallas Mavericks won the draft lottery and they’ll pick first and likely select Duke’s Cooper Flagg.

LSU football has scheduled a home and home series with SMU. The Tigers will kick off the 2028 season by hosting the Mustangs and in 2029 LSU will travel to Dallas to play SMU in the season opener. It’s possible that game will be played in the Dallas Cowboys home stadium.

Former LSU running back John Emery is headed to Texas. Emery has signed with UTSA. This will be Emery’s seventh and final season of college football. The former five-star recruit started at LSU in 2019 but has suffered two major injuries and missed a year because of academics.

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The LSU Tigers are ranked number one in all of the major college baseball polls. The Tigers are 40-12 overall, 17-10 in the SEC. They have a chance at winning 20 league games, with a sweep of South Carolina. The Gamecocks are really struggling with first year coach Paul Mainieri. The Gamecocks are 5-22 in the SEC and have lost six in a row.  That series starts on Thursday.

Tonight, Louisiana Tech hosts ULM. The Bulldogs lost to the Warhawks three to two earlier this season. ULM has lost nine in a row.

The state high school baseball tournament begins today with semi-final action for the small schools On the LHSAA Network at 11 AM Pitkin plays Hicks in a Class B semifinal. At 2 PM, Ouachita Christian will take on Covenant Christian at 3 PM. And at 5:30 PM. Oak Grove faces Mangham at 5:30.

The Saints have signed receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones. Jones caught 61 passes for the Browns in 2022, but hasn’t done much since then.

05.12.25
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU Tigers are ranked number one in the country after taking two of three from Arkansas, LSU won the first game of the series early Saturday morning in extra innings after another long rain delay on Friday night. On Saturday, LSU played one of its best games of the year in a 13-3 victory. Coach Jay Johnson says Sunday was a tough loss, but the series helped his team get ready for postseason play…

Cut 18 (06)  “…from this weekend.”

LSU is 17-10 in SEC play and has a chance to get to 20 wins as they will be at South Carolina for the final three games of the regular season. The Gamecocks are 5-and-22 and there’s speculation Paul Mainieri will be fired after just one season in Columbia.

The Ragin Cajuns and Warhawks were both swept, Louisiana Tech avoided a sweep with an 11-8 win over Jacksonville State yesterday. Sebastian Mexico drove in four runs.

Southeastern, McNeese, Northwestern and UNO made the Southland Tournament and they will play in the Hammond bracket starting on Thursday.

 

The Saints need a new starting quarterback now that Derek Carr has announced his retirement. New Orleans has taken quarterbacks in the last two drafts – Spencer Rattler in the fifth-round last year and Tyler Shough in the second round this year. Luke Johnson, who covers the Saints for NOLA-dot-com and The Advocate, says depending on what happens this season, they may do so again next year.

Cut 11 (08) “…next year’s draft.”

But Johnson expects this new coaching staff will go with Shough as the starter, since that’s the one they selected. The NFL releases its schedule on Wednesday.

LSU will reportedly open the 2028 season by hosting SMU and then will open the 2029 season in Dallas by returning the trip to play the Mustangs.

Former LSU running back John Emery has signed to play at UTSA.

Tonight is the NBA draft lottery. The Pelicans have a 12.5 percent of winning the lottery and receiving the first overall pick. They won it in 2019 and they took Zion Williamson, who will be on the stage tonight representing the franchise.

05.12.25
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LRN PM Newscall May 12

Louisiana’s education comeback continues with another increase in a national ranking. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Could US Representative Julia Letlow run for U-S Senate next year? Jeff Palermo reports President Trump and Governor Landry have reportedly discussed it…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The House Appropriations Committee approves a budget for next fiscal year that keeps teacher salaries at their current level. There’s been a concern that a two-thousand dollar stipend that teachers have received the last couple of school years would go away, but House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland announced today they have moved money around to make sure teachers do not see a drop in pay…

Cut 3 (10) “…charter school systems.” 

The two-thousand dollar stipend for teachers and one-thousand dollars for school support workers costs the state nearly 200-million dollars. The teacher stipend money was not included in the governor’s proposed budget. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle says the committee amended the budget proposal so  teachers will not receive a pay cut.

Cut 4 (12) “…support staff”

The House Appropriations Committee found money to pay for the teachers stipend by blocking 91-million dollars in funding for new vehicle and heavy equipment purchases for state agencies. The panel also cut 26-million dollars in benefits for ineligible Medicaid recipients. Louisiana has also saved 20-million dollars because of a hiring freeze and the state has also paid down debt early, saving 25-million dollars in interest.

New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says the budget bill heading to the House floor is balanced and contains no new taxes

Cut 5 (06) “…pledged to do.”

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Louisiana continues moving up the national rankings in education. U.S. News and World Report now ranks Louisiana 37th in K-through-12 education – that’s up from number 40 last year and 46 two years ago. Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says there are two main catalysts behind the increase in ranking. 

Cut 6 (08) “…additional support.”

Dr. Brumley says while innovation in education is important, this is a time when going back to the basics is what the state needs right now.

Cut 7 (11) “…little extra help.”

Brumley says while the state can certainly be proud of moving up nine notches in the education ranking by U.S. News and World Report, the number-37 ranking means that the job is nowhere close to being done yet.

Cut 8 (07) “…left to do.”

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The Derek Carr era in New Orleans, as brief as it was, is over. The Saints quarterback announced his retirement over the weekend, saying his right shoulder developed a degenerative condition that will prevent him from continuing his NFL career. Luke Jackson, who covers the Saints for NOLA-dot-com and The Advocate, says it’s a crushing blow for Carr.

Cut 9 (12)  “…it a career.”

Carr’s retirement leaves a trio of youngsters in the Saints’ quarterback room – Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough (“shuck”). Shough is a rookie, and Haener and Rattler have a combined total of zero wins as starting quarterback. Jackson says the quarterback competition is on.

Cut 10 (08) “…leg up already.”

The Saints have taken a quarterback in the last two drafts – Rattler in the fifth round last year and Shough in the second round this year. Jackson says depending on what happens this season, they may do so again next year.

Cut 11 (08) “…next year’s draft.”

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The Associated Press is reporting that President Trump and Governor Jeff Landry have discussed Congresswoman Julia Letlow challenging Senator Bill Cassidy in next year’s Republican primary. Cassidy is seeking a third term, but ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says Cassidy’s vote in 2021 to convict Trump in his impeachment trial still has many Republicans upset…

Cut 12 (11) “…for this state.”

A spokesperson for the Cassidy Senate campaign says Senator Cassidy delivers conservative results for the people of Louisiana and he works hard to support the President’s agenda.

Letlow has served in the U-S House Representatives since 2021 and already has a seat on the powerful House Appropriations Committee. She’s well respected among the Louisiana Congressional delegation and Republicans. But Stockley says it’s not easy to defeat an incumbent U-S Senator…

Cut 13 (11)  “…chooses to do.”

Cassidy is already well-funded. Last month, Louisiana’s senior senator announced he has seven-point-five million dollars in campaign donations.

Stockley says he’s not surprised President Trump is getting involved in Louisiana’s 2026 U.S. Senate race, especially considering Cassidy voted to convict Trump in 2021. And Cassidy had concerns about the President’s pick for U-S Health Secretary, before eventually voting to confirm Robert F Kennedy…

Cut 14 (14) “…to him.”

Cassidy is already facing one well-known challenger, former Congressman and now State Treasurer John Fleming.

05.12.25
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12:30 LRN Newscast

The Associated Press is reporting that President Trump and Governor Jeff Landry have discussed Congresswoman Julia Letlow challenging Senator Bill Cassidy in next year’s Republican primary. Cassidy is seeking a third term, but ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says Cassidy’s vote in 2021 to convict Trump in his impeachment trial still has many Republicans upset…
cut 12 (11) “…for this state”
A spokesperson for the Cassidy Senate campaign says  Senator Cassidy delivers conservative results for the people of Louisiana and he works hard to support the President’s agenda.
At the state capitol, the House Appropriations Committee sent the budget bill to the House floor. It contains money to keep paying teachers a two-thousand dollar stipend they’ve received the last couple of years. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says the proposed budget for next fiscal year is also balanced and contains no new taxes…
cut 5 (06) “…pledged to do”
There’s a possibility the House could approve the budget and send it to the Senate by the end of the week.
Louisiana’s education comeback continues with another increase in a national ranking. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
The LSU baseball team is now ranked number one in the country after winning two of three from the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Tigers won their second game this season after one o’ clock in the morning when Rosepine’s Ethan Frey drove home the winning run at 1:15 in the morning on Saturday for a thrilling extra innings win over the Razorbacks.