Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

03.02.20
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

Lebron James and Zion Williamson put on a show last night inside the Smoothie King Center, but once again it was the Lakers who beat the Pelicans 122 to 114 to sweep the season series over New Orleans. James had a triple-double, 34 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds as he had to step up his game with Anthony Davis out with a sore right knee. Williamson had 35 points and six turnovers. After the game, James shared some words of encouragement to Williamson.

Over in Houston, Oklahoma junior right-hander Dane Acker threw a no-hitter against LSU as the Sooners defeated the Bayou Bengals one to nothing. It’s the first time the Tigers have been no-hit since 1978. Coach Paul Mainieri tips his cap to Acker…
cut 30 (12) “…to him”
LSU lost two of three in Houston and struck out 34 times.

Southern University pitcher Joseph Battaglia threw a seven-inning no-hitter as the Jaguars defeated Prairie View 20-0. Battaglia has not allowed a run in 15 innings this season. Bubba Thompson homered and 4 RBIs.

The Ragin Cajuns won their first series of the season as they won yesterday’s rubber match with Sam Houston State seven to five.

ULM improved to nine and two with a four to two win over Illinois State four to two. Mason Holt had three hits and a solo home run. Freshman Nicholas Judice picked up his first career win in his first collegiate start.

Louisiana Tech trounced Maine 26 to 3. The Bulldogs have scored 60 runs in their last three games. Tech tied a school record yesterday with seven home runs. Steele Netterville hit two home runs and drove in seven runs.

Elsewhere…Tulane trounced Middle Tennessee 11 to seven. Nicholls swept a doubleheader from L-I-U Brooklyn, and Mcneese beat Southern Miss 18 to six in seven innings and Valparaiso eight to three.

03.02.20
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6:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Edwards speaks today at the Baton Rouge Press Club, one week ahead of the start of the 2020 regular session. Efforts to reduce auto insurance rates through tort reform will be a big topic. Edwards helped to defeat this approach last year, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the governor will have little choice but to try and reach a compromise this year…
cut 8 (07) “…veto it’

With Corononavirus fears spreading, LSU’s National Center for Biomedical Research and Training is developing programs that provide emergency management and response professionals with the knowledge to better prevent, prepare and respond in the event their communities are faced with coronavirus cases. N-C-B-R-T Associate Director of Research Jerry Monier says they’ve done this before…
cut 5 (10) “…occurred”

An LSU professor is shedding light on how to detect fake news. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

02.29.20
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7:30 LRN Sportscast

LSU and Texas hooked up for a terrific baseball game at Alex Box Stadium and it was the Bayou Bengals who came out on top, beating the Longhorns four to three. Daniel Cabrera’s two-run homer in the sixth inning gave the Tigers the lead for good. Cole Henry was the winning pitcher, he gave up three runs but struck out 10. Jaden Hill was sensational out of the bullpen as he threw three shutout innings, striking out six. LSU improves to seven and three and they’ll face Baylor at Houston’s Minute Maid Park at 3 PM today.

In other action, Louisiana Tech topped Maine five to one to improve to 6-3. Illinois State doubled up ULM six to three. The Ragin Cajuns lost a tough one in Lafayette as they fell to Sam Houston State five to four in eleven innings. Nicholls edged Long Island four to three, McNeese doubled up Valparaiso four to two, Southeastern Louisiana banked Stony brook 11 to 0. And Northwestern State won again three to nothing over Eastern Illinois.
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The Pelicans took care of business last night as they defeated Cleveland 116 to 104. New Orleans took control with a 43-point first quarter. Brandon Ingram had 29 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Zion Williamson had 24 points. That’s ten straight games with 20 points or more, which is a record for a teenager. Memphis also lost, so the Pels are just two games back of the Grizzlies for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. New Orleans will get ready to host the Lakers on Sunday night. The game is a sell out.

LSU baskeball has an 11 AM tip off today against Texas A-and-M. The Tigers are coming off a blowout loss in Florida, while the Aggies have won three of their last four. LSU needs to win to at least maintain a tie with Florida for third place in the league standings.

In other action, the Ragin Cajuns are at Little Rock, UNO is at Nicholls, Northwestern State visits Southeastern Louisiana and McNeese is at Houston Baptist. Grambling hosts Arkansas Pine-Bluff. Louisiana Tech is off today, they are home on Wednesday against F-I-U.

02.28.20
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU has beaten Texas in football and basketball this season and now they’ll try to knock of the Longhorns in baseball as the two teams meet tonight in Houston at Minute Maid Park. LSU won Wednesday night seven to one over Louisiana Tech. Coach Paul Mainieri says he’ll use that same line-up over the course of this weekend, because at this point he feels that group gives them the best chance to win…
cut 18 (18) “…is going to work”
Sophomore right-hander Cole Henry will get the start on the hill for the Tigers, while Texas will counter with junior right-hander Bryce Elder, who is 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA.

Also tonight, La Tech hosts Maine at Ruston High, the Cajuns host Sam Houston State, Illinois State is at ULM and Eastern Illinois is at Northwestern State.
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The Pelicans host the Clevland Cavaliers tonight to start a three-game home stand. New Orleans is in tenth place, three games back of Memphis for the final playoff spot in the West. The Cavs are 17-and-41, but they’ve won four of there last five. On Sunday, the Pels host Anthony Davis and the Lakers.

LSU baskeball has an 11 AM tip off tomorrow against Texas A-and-M. The Tigers are coming off a blowout loss in Florida, while the Aggies have won three of their last four.

In other action, the Ragin Cajuns are at Little Rock, UNO is at Nicholls, Northwestern State visits Southeastern Louisiana and McNeese is at Houston Baptist. Grambling hosts Arkansas Pine-Bluff.

At the combine, former LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson ran the 40 in 4-point-4 seconds which will improve his draft stock. Safety Grant Delpit will reportedly not work out at the combine. Delpit says he’s still recovering from a right ankle sprain suffered during the season. Former LSU Coach Les Miles has sold his Baton Rouge home.

02.28.20
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans begin a three-game homestand tonight by hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers. New Orleans is three games back of Memphis for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Pels Coach Alvin Gentry says if they are going to make the playoffs, they need to win at home…
cut 20 (12) “….the game”
Tip off is at 7 PM.

In Houston, LSU baseball will tangle with Texas at Minute Maid Park at 7 PM. Coach Paul Mainieri says the the Longhorns are undefeated because they have not given up many runs…
cut 17 (11) “…their game”
LSU will play Baylor on saturday and Oklahoma on Sunday.

Louisiana Tech basketball was up by 17 points with just over five minutes to go last night, but lost to Western Kentucky 95-91 in overtime. The Hilltoppers hit three straight three-pointers to force overtime and then outscored the Dunkin Dogs 15-11 in the extra period.

ULM fell to 5-and-14 in the Sun Belt as they lost to Little Rock 79-63.

At the NFL combine, former LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson ran a 4-4 in the 40 to help improve his draft stock. Former Tigers tight end Thaddeus Moss has a broken bone in his foot and he will not be able to work out at the combine. And the Cincinnati Bengals reportedly came away very impressed after meeting with Joe Burrow for the first time.

And the Saints and Quarterback Drew Brees reportedly would like to agree on a new contract before the start of a new league year, which is March 18th. Brees announced earlier this month that he’s coming back to the Black and Gold for his 20th season.

 

02.27.20
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

Rough night in Gainesville last night for the LSU basketball team as they fell to Florida 81-66. Florida shot 55-percent from the field and was seven of 10 from three-point range in the second half. The Tigers did not have reserve Charles Manning. He’s already missed time with a broken bone in his right foot, now he has a fracture in his left foot and will miss the next few games. The Bayou Bengals host Texas A-and-M at 11 AM on Saturday.

Tonight, Louisiana Tech basketball visits Western Kentucky. The Bulldogs and Hilltoppers are tied for second place in Conference USA, one game back of North Texas. Western Kentucky beat Tech in Ruston earlier this year. Tip-off for the final regular-season road game is at seven PM.

The Pelicans are getting ready for a three-game homestand that starts tomorrow against Cleveland. The Lakers will be in the Smoothie King Center on Sunday and then it’s Minnesota on Tuesday night. The Pelicans are three-games back of the Grizzlies for the final playoff spot in the West.

Legislation filed for the upcoming session could result in sports wagering having a spot on the statewide ballot in November…..
cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

The 11th ranked LSU baseball team is in Houston, they have a game tomorrow night against undefeated Texas at Seven PM in Minute Maid Park. The Tigers will play Baylor on Saturday and 15th ranked Oklahoma on Sunday. The Bayou Bengals beat Louisiana Tech seven to one last night. The Bulldogs will start a four-game series versus Maine on Friday at Ruston High School.

02.27.20
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LRN PM Newscall February 27

A brutal allergy season is ahead for allergy sufferers. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Congressman Ralph Abraham tells Matt Doyle his support for term limits guided his decision not to seek a 4th term in office…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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According to the annual AccuWeather spring allergy forecast predicts we’ll see a brutal allergy season. In Louisiana, the forecast calls for an above-average season.  LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Allergy/Immunology Dr. Sanjay Kamboj says the pollen is already here.

Cut 3 (10)  “…end of January”  

Kamboj says humidity, hot weather, and carbon dioxide from cars all contribute to this being a brutal season.

Cut 4 (07) “…by the plants.”

In order to prevent an allergy flair up, Kamboj recommends not opening windows and doors until the early afternoon. If an allergy sufferer goes outside, there are steps to take upon getting home.

Cut 5 (11)  “…home from outside.”

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U.S. Representative Ralph Abraham will not seek a fourth term in office, citing a promise he made before being elected in 2014 that he would term limit himself.  Abraham says the decision to serve only three terms in the House is one he made six years ago on the campaign trail….

Cut 6 (09) “good thing.”

The Congressman says the decision was not hard, and he’s proud of the votes he cast on behalf of Louisiana’s sprawling 5th district.

Cut 7 (09) “…Iraq”  

Abraham isn’t completely ruling out future public service, and assuming the President were to win reelection, he would be interested in a position in his administration if offered.

Cut 8 (10) “…history”

Abraham finished third in the gubernatorial primary last October.

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A House bill filed by Jonesboro Republican Jack McFarland aims to allow nighttime hunting for feral hogs on private property any time of the year.  Similar legislation has been attempted in the past, but McFarland believes the problem has gotten worse and feels it would have more support this year.

Cut 9 (12) “…out of it.″

A hunter would need a basic hunting license and as well as permission from the land owner.  McFarland says the bill would also extend to other damaging species.

Cut 10 (11) “…that you did.”

Current law McFarland says feral hogs will eat anything and have a negative impact of row crops as well as other wildlife, but adds the problem isn’t just limited to rural communities.

Cut 11 (11) “…hog problem now.”

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Oil prices continued to fall today as demand weakens over concerns from the coronavirus. The U-S West Texas Intermediate crude fell below 46-dollars a barrel, it’s lowest level since January 2019. LSU Energy Studies Director David Dismukes says there’s a lot of uncertainty right now

Cut 12 (10) “…globally”

Dismukes says if oil prices continue to drop, it will cause problems in the oil patch for businesses who are already struggling to make a profit

Cut 13 (12) “…balance sheet.”

With oil prices dropping, motorists are seeing gas prices for regular gasoline just above two-dollars a gallon and the cost of natural gas has also declined. But Dismukes Louisiana’s economy is at its best when energy companies are making money and profits are hard to pull off right now

Cut 14 (06) “…coastline”

02.27.20
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1:30 LRN Newscast February 27

Baton Rouge area State District Judge Jessie Leblanc has submitted her resignation one day after Governor John Bel Edwards called for her to step down. Leblanc admitted to using racial slurs in an angry text message sent to a former sheriff’s deputy. The message was sent after an eight-year extramarital affair had ended with the cop from Assumption Parish.

Congressman Ralph Abraham tells Matt Doyle his support for term limits guided his decision not to seek a 4th term in office…
cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Oil prices continued to fall today as demand weakens over concerns from the coronavirus. The U-S West Texas Intermediate crude fell below 46-dollars a barrel, it’s the lowest level since January 2019. LSU Energy Studies Director David Dismukes says there’s a lot of uncertainty right now…
cut 12 (10) “…globally”
Dismukes says if oil prices continue to drop, it will cause problems in the oil patch for businesses who are already struggling to make a profit.

Jonesboro Republican Jack McFarland has filed legislation that would allow for year-round nighttime hunting of feral hogs on private property. There’s been opposition to this bill in the past, but McFarland says he’s worked to address the opponent’s concerns…
cut 10 (11) “….that you did”
The legislative session begins March 9th.

02.27.20
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11:40 LRN sportscast

LSU men’s basketball played one of its worst games of the year last night as the Tigers lost to Florida 81-66. The Tigers are now 10-5 in the SEC and tied with the Gators for third place. LSU will host Texas A-and-M on Saturday.

The Ragin Cajuns are now tied for eighth place in the Sun Belt after rallying to beat Arkansas State 77-74 in the Cajundome last night. Cedric Russell had a team-high 22 points, 19 of them came in the second half.

Nicholls clinched a top-four seed and a first-round bye in the Southland Tournament with a 93-85 win over Houston Baptist. Redshirt senior Dexter McClanahan led the way with 20 points.

McNeese snapped a six-game losing streak with a 108-82 win over Southeastern Louisiana. The Lions have lost eight straight.

Northwestern State turned it over 26 times and lost to Southland leader Stephen F Austin 90-59.

Tonight Louisiana Tech is at Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers beat the Bulldogs by 11 earlier this season in Ruston. Tip-time tonight is at seven.

Zach Mathis, Cade Beloso and Maurice Hampton each drove in two runs and LSU defeated Louisiana Tech seven to one as the Bulldogs were held to five hits and they also committed five errors on a cold night at the Box.

ULM scored a school-record 19 runs in the fourth inning and defeated Southeastern Louisiana 23-5 to complete a mid-week sweep.

Northwestern State is now seven and one after beating the Ragin Cajuns 10 to 8. U-L Lafayette falls to two and seven. Peyton Davis three-run homer sparked a five-run fourth inning.

McNeese scored nine runs in the third inning and the Cowboys defeated Missouri in Lake Charles 12 to 4. Clayton Rasbeary and Julian Gonzales each hit two-run homers. The 6-and-3 Pokes host Valparaiso on Friday.

Metairie Senator Cameron Henry has filed legislation to legalize sports betting in Louisiana after an effort to do so last year failed. Henry’s bill would allow voters to decide in November if sports betting should be legal in their parish.

02.27.20
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9:30 LRN Newscast February 27

Congressman Ralph Abraham announces he will not seek re-election this fall. Brooke Thorington has a reaction from a political analyst…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Captains of New Orleans krewes will meet with New Orleans public safety officials, including N-O-P-D Superintendent Shaun Ferguson at five o’clock today to discuss how they can make Mardi Gras parades safer. Two parade-goers were killed within days of each other last week.

Health officials say there have been over 81-thousand cases of the coronavirus since it emerged in China. Symptoms include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath or pneumonia. LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Chief of Infectious Diseases, Doctor Julio Figueroa, says research shows 80-percent of those diagnosed with the virus have mild symptoms, and 20-percent require medical attention…
cut 5 (08) “…being told”

Last year an effort to legalize sports betting in Louisiana failed, but the issue will come up again in the 2020 legislative session. Metairie Senator Cameron Henry has filed a bill that would give voters on November third an opportunity to decide if sports betting should be legal in their parish…

Cut 13 (10) “…parish or not.”

If voters approve sports betting than the legislature in 2021 would work to pass legislation on taxing and regulation.