Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

12.30.19
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints did not get a first-round bye in the playoffs, but they are playing as good as anyone heading into the postseason following a 42-10 win over Carolina on Sunday. Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 253 yards and three touchdowns and Alvin Kamara had two rushing touchdowns. The defense has allowed just 45 points over the last three games and Coach Sean Payton says that’s a good sign heading into the postseason…
cut 9 (08) “…playoff football”
The Saints will host Minnesota at noon on Sunday in the wild card round. The Black and Gold needed San Francisco or Green Bay to lose on Sunday to get a first-round bye in the playoffs, but the Packers rallied to beat Detroit 23 to 20 and the 49ers held on to beat Seattle 26 to 21, Seahawks tight end Jacob Hollister was stopped at the one-inch line in the final seconds as Seattle failed to complete the comeback.

LSU is a 5.5 point favorite in the January 13th national championship game versus Clemson. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney likes playing the underdog role…
cut 14 (09) “…disrespected”
LSU’s defense which has played so well over the last four games will have to defend one of the nation’s top quarterbacks in Trevor Lawrence and the A-C-C offensive player of the year Travis Etienne from Jennings.

LSU basketball handed Liberty its first loss on the season as the Tigers put out the Flames 74-57. Darius Days had 14 points. Oklahoma State crushed Southeastern Louisiana 82-31, U-C Santa Barbar defeated U-L Lafayette 85-77. Northwestern State thumped Champion Christian 101 to 61.

The Pelicans defeated the Rockets 127 to 112. Lonzo Ball hit seven three-pointers, a new career-high and E-Twaun Moore had 25 points off the bench. New Orleans has won four in a row. James Harden did not play because of a leg injury.

12.30.19
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6:30 LRN Newscast December 30

The National Transportation Safety Board says it could take 12 to 18 months before they know what led to Saturday’s fiery airplane crash in Lafayette that resulted in five deaths including sports broadcaster Carley McCord. Officials say there was no distress call before the plane went down shortly after take off. Lafayette Fire Chief Rob Benoit says the twin-engine plane also did not have an onboard flight data recorder…
cut 5 (11) “….records”
Investigators say most of the aircraft was crushed and consumed by fire.

Despite by a 13-and-3 record, the Saints will not have a bye in the playoffs. Because Green Bay and San Francisco both won yesterday, New Orleans will host Minnesota on Sunday in the wild card round. After yesterday’s 42-10 win over Carolina Coach Sean Payton says they are not sweating it…
cut 8 (09) “…home game”

2019 was a memorable year for Louisiana. Kevin Barnhart looks back…
voicer 2 (52) “….I’m Kevin Barnhart”

12.30.19
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LRN AM Newscall December 30 ###corrects spelling of Payton’s last name###

Five people, including a beloved Louisiana sports reporter, died Saturday after their plane crashed in Lafayette. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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2019 was a memorable year for Louisiana.  Kevin Barnhart takes a look back.

Cut 2 (52) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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LSU looks unstoppable after devastating Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl, but two weeks from in the Championship they face a Clemson team that hasn’t lost since 2017…

Cut 3 (30) I’m Matt Doyle” 

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A twin engine plane crashed in Lafayette Saturday, killing five on their way to see the Tigers in the Peach Bowl.

National Transportation Safety Board investigator Dr. Jennifer Rodi says the plane climbed to 900 feet, before descending below 700, the local minimum safe altitude, for reasons unknown…

Cut 4 (11) “trees”

The plane then skidded into a post-office parking lot, striking a vehicle, causing additional non-fatal injuries.

No emergency distress call was put out before the plane began to descend, and no contact was had with ground flight crew. Lafayette Fire Chief Rob Benoit says the craft also had no onboard flight data recorder, making the investigation more difficult…

Cut 5 (11) “…records”

The plane was a PA31-T Cheyenne, built in 1980.

Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux says the community wants to get to the bottom of what happened, but first, the focus must be on the victim’s families…

Cut 6 (07) “…period”

Among those killed was Louisiana sports reporter Carly McCord, daughter-in-law to LSU offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger.

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Despite a dominant 42-10 win over Carolina Sunday, the Saints will not get a week off and instead host the 6th seed Vikings this weekend.

New Orleans needed a win and a loss by either the Packers or 49ers to get a week off and the two seed. Coach Sean Payton says it was out of their hands, but the team certainly held up it’s end of the bargain.

Cut 7 (08) “…edge.”

Drew Brees tossed three touchdowns and 253 yards while running back Alvin Kamara continued his late-season resurgence with two TDs.

The Saints could have used the rest, but the good news is they get at least one dome game before having to hit the road to face the 49ers in the divisional round. Payton says they aren’t sweating it.

Cut 8 (09) “home game.”

San Fran’s 48-46 victory in the dome earlier this year is the reason why the Saints lost home-field advantage.

The Saints have strung together three strong halves in a row heading into the playoffs, and Payton says they’re riding some strong momentum heading into the offseason.

Cut 9 (08) “…football.”

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2019 was a year full of memorable moments.  The Louisiana sports world was left with a bad taste in its mouth when the Saints lost the opportunity to go to the Super Bowl because of poor officiating in the NFC Championship game.  But the year is ending well, as the Saints are NFC South champs, LSU has a perfect regular season, and Joe Burrow brought the Heisman Trophy back to LSU for the first time in 60 years.

Cut 10 (14) “…(applause).”

Governor Edwards won reelection after defeating GOP challenger Eddie Rispone in a runoff by a margin of 2%.  In his victory speech, Edwards outlined his plans for what to expect in the next four years.

Cut 11 (10) “…the minimum wage.”

Governor Edwards also secured the first teacher pay raise in a decade.  And he eulogized Louisiana’s first female Governor, Kathleen Blanco, who died in August at the age of 76. Blanco was at the helm of the state through hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Cut 12 (13) “…a brighter future.” 

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After a historic dismantling of Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl LSU heads home to take on Clemson two weeks from now in the Superdome for the National Championship Game.

LSU ran up 49 points in the first half against the Sooners in their 63-28 win. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says considering the competition, it was the greatest single-game performance by any LSU team, ever.

Cut 13 (12) “…complete”

The Tigers did it all with little help from 1st Team All Sec running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who was limited by a hamstring injury.

If they want to raise the trophy on January 13th, the Tigers will have to be the first team to beat the Tigers since 2017. Higgins says LSU will be favored, which is likely to just fire up Dabo Swinney’s team even more…

Cut 14 (09) “disrespected”

They’ll also have to hand Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence his first ever collegiate loss.

LSU features the current number one offense, but Clemson is right behind at number three, and Higgins says they have a very similar style of play.

Cut 15 (09) “the ball”

12.26.19
by

06:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints Coach Sean Payton says there are no plans to rest the starters for the regular-season finale at Carolina. Payton says they are still playing for a chance to get the first seed in the N-F-C playoffs or at least a bye. The team had a walk-thru practice on Christmas Day and Drew Brees, Michael Thomas, CJ Gardner Johnson and Vonn Bell were among a large group of players listed as limited because of injuries.

The last time LSU’s defense was on the field, we saw them put together domianting performances against Georgia and Texas A-and-M. Defensive Coordinator Dave Aranda credits the players for trying to improve, even though the team was winning…
cut 17 (14) “…winning”
LSU will face an explosive Oklahoma offense on Saturday.
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How motivated will Miami be to play in today’s Independence Bowl contest against Louisiana Tech? The Hurricanes are 6-and-6 and playing a group of five school. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says there are several reasons why his team is fired up to play in the Indy Bowl…
cut 20 (18) “….them play”
Since 2006, the Hurricanes have just one bowl win and that was in 2016 over West Virginia.

The Pelicans concluded a four-game road trip with a 112-100 victory over Denver on Christmas night. Brandon Ingram had 31 points to end the Nuggets 7-game winning streak. Ingram hit a career high 7 3-pointers. New Orleans went 3-and-1 on the road swing. They return home Saturday to host Indiana.

12.24.19
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8:30 LRN Newscast December 24

It’s Christmas Eve but it doesn’t feel like it outside as warm Gulf air is making it feel more like spring outside…
cut 11 (08) “…Christmas like”
That’s State Climatologist Barry Keim, who says rain chances are low, maybe a couple of pop up showers until Sunday when a cold front arrives.

Louisiana’s Songs for Veterans, a program that helps vets cope with their experiences through songwriting, is gaining nationwide acclaim, and the attention of the National Endowment for the Arts. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says early results show promise as a new form of therapy for struggling vets.
Cut 6 (09) “…suffering”
One of the songs written called “Fall of Saigon” is being produced in Nashville. Two more workshops are planned in 2020.

One of the more unique Christmas traditions takes place tonight along the Mississippi River levees in St. James and St. John parishes with the lighting of bonfires. The bonfires range in shapes and sizes, from an original teepee layout to a 74-foot long alligator. Rivers Parishes Tourism Commission Executive Director Buddy Boe says visitors can part at Lutcher High School and take a shuttle to the celebration…
cut 14 (10) “…tradition”
Or, you can hop in your car and ride down the East and West Bank River Roads on Highways 44 and 18.

LSU is spending Christmas in Atlanta getting ready for its semifinal matchup with Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl. Tigers Center Lloyd Cushenberry on what he sees from Oklahoma’s defense…
cut 4 (11) “…play hard”
LSU offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger believes running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire will play Saturday, despite a hamstring injury.

12.24.19
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7:30 LRN Newscast December 24

There is good economic development news today. Roy O Martin says it will invest 25-million dollars to modernize its facilities in Oakdale and Chopin. And London-based Liberty Steel Group says it will purchase a shuttered steel mill in LaPlace and reopen the facility in the second half of 2020 after they make improvements to the mill once operated by Bayou Steel Group.

A songwriting project that helps vets cope with their experiences through songwriting is so successful it’s set to have one of its works recorded in Nashville…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

If Oklahoma is to upset LSU in Saturday’s Peach Bowl, Sooners starting quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Jalen Hurts will need to have a big game. Hurts already owns two victories over LSU during his time as the starting quarterback at Alabama. LSU defensive end Rashard Lawrence is familiar with what Hurts will try to do…
cut 5 (11) “…for it”
The Tigers defense will also have to account for All-American wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who has 14 touchdown catches.

No chance for white Christmas in Lousiiana this year, In fact the weather will be very spring like, with high temperatures around 70-degrees…
cut 10 (11) “…until Sunday”
State Climatologist Barry Keim says Sunday is the next time we’ll see a cold front.

12.24.19
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6:45 LRN Sportscast December 24

Much of the talk heading into Saturday’s semifinal game between LSU and Oklahoma has been about the offenses. These two teams are ranked one and two in total offense in the country. The Sooners defense has improved over last year when they allowed 33 points a game. This year under first-year defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, they are allowing 25 points a contest. Tigers Center Lloyd Cushenberry on what he sees from Oklahoma’s defense…
cut 4 (11) “…play hard”
Despite a hamstring injury, Coach Ed Orgeron says there is a chance leading rusher Clyde Edwards-Helaire will play Saturday against the Sooners. Edwards-Helaire hurt his hamstring in practice last week and Coach O says they are taking it day-by-day. Kick-off on Saturday is at 3:00

The Saints did not get any help from Minnesota last night as the Packers defeated the Vikings 23-10 to improve to 12-and-3. So for the Saints to get the number one seed in the playoffs, they will need Green Bay to lose to Detroit, which is not likely and the 49ers have to lose to Seattle. The Seahawks are so banged up at running back, they are bringing back Marshawn Lynch. If New Orleans beats Carolina and either the Packers or 49ers lose, then the Saints will be the two seed.

Louisiana Tech will not have all-American cornerback Amik Robertson for Thursday’s Independence Bowl game against Miami, Robertson is entering the N-F-L draft and elected not to play in the bowl game. Former Ouachita Parish standout Zach Hannibal is expected to get the start in Robertson’s place.

The Pelicans won last night on the road in Portland, beating the Trail Blazers 102 to 94. Jrue Holiday led the way with 21 points and six rebounds. Brandon Ingram had 19 points and 11 rebounds. New Orleans is at Denver Christmas night.

12.24.19
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6:30 LRN newscast December 24

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says a program called Louisiana’s Songs for Veterans was a big hit this year. Nungesser says four workshops were held that gave veterans the opportunity to learn the craft of songwriting with the help of professional songwriters and touring musicians…
cut 7 (07) “….recorded”
Nungesser says they plan to have at least two more workshops in 2020.

A centuries-old River Parishes Christmas Eve tradition continues tonight as about 190 bonfires will be lit along the Mississippi River levees in St. James and St. John parishes. River Parishes Tourism Commission Executive Director Buddy Boe….
Cut 12 (10) “Noel”
The bonfires will be lit around 7 PM.

LSU has faced good offenses this season, but Oklahoma might be the best. The two teams will clash Saturday in Atlanta at the Peach Bowl. The Sooners are second in the nation in total offense and led by Heisman Trophy finalist Jalen Hurts and big-play receiver Ceedee Lamb. Coach Ed Orgeron on the Oklahoma “O”…
Cut 3 (09) “…tackling”
Orgeron also says there is a chance that running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire will play, despite a hamstring injury.

If you’re traveling over the river and through the swamp to grandmother’s house you can leave the winter coat at home. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s a very un-winter like Christmas for the Bayou State.
Cut 9 (06) “Gulf of Mexico”
High temperatures will be around 70 degrees this week.

12.23.19
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

Big win for the Saints on Sunday as they came back from 14 down to beat Tennessee 38-28. Michael Thomas set the N-F-L record for catches in a season and running back Alvin Kamara had two touchdowns, his first scores since Week three, but he’s more worried about winning…
cut 17 (12) “…I’m Good”
New Orleans is 12 and 3 and they can still get the number one seed in the N-F-C playoffs.

NFL analyst Mike Detillier says New Orleans must beat the Panthers on Sunday and hope a couple of teams lose…
Cut 10 (10) “…hands”
If the Saints have to go on the road in the postseason, they are 13-2 away from the Dome over the last two seasons.

There is some good news regarding LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s hamstring. Coach Ed Orgeron says his leading rusher is feeling better…
cut 30 (15) “…day-by-day”
Edwards-Helaire suffered the hamstring injury in practice last week.

The 7-and-23 Pelicans will try to get a win tonight in Portland. The Trail Blazers have won four in a row. New Orleans is coming off a loss to Golden State, who has the worst record in the N-B-A. The Pelicans had a late six-point lead in that contest, but like so many this season, they could not pull off a close victory. Tip-off tonight is at 7:00.

Speaking of close losses, LSU had another one on Saturday in Los Angeles as Coach Will Wade’s team dropped an 80-78 loss to U-S-C. The Tigers are 7-and-4 and three of the losses were two point defeats. LSU hosts undefeated Liberty on Sunday.

12.23.19
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LRN PM newscall December 23

Over 300 Louisiana farmers have attended hemp seminars as Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says federal approval for local production is imminent…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle 

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There’s a chance LSU’s leading rusher could play Saturday against Oklahoma. Jeff Palermo has the story….

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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As more people take to the roads for holiday celebrations Louisiana State Police want to remind motorists to take action to prevent accidents. State Trooper Michael Reichardt says never get behind the wheel when impaired and always buckle up.

Cut 3 (09) “…up correctly.”

Troopers are partnering with law enforcement across the state in operation of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Reichardt says to add a designated driver to your holiday list of things to do.

Cut 4 (07) “…drink and drive”

According to LSP during the Christmas holidays last year, 16 people were killed and 12 of those fatalities were alcohol-related. Reichardt says never get behind the wheel or in the vehicle with someone who is impaired.

Cut 5 (11) “one too many”

For the latest road conditions visit 511-LA-dot-org or dial 511 from any cell phone in Louisiana.

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Ag Commissioner Mike Strain expects Louisiana will receive federal approval to begin selling hemp licenses to state farmers by the first of January.

Strain says obtaining one of those licenses is a bit of a lengthy process due to how regulated the industry is, but so far it appears Louisiana growers are intrigued by the plant’s possibilities…

Cut 6 (10) “…the road.”

Strain expects the next session to be held on January 8th or 9th. For more information about attending a hemp seminar, visit www-dot-L-D-A-F-dot-LA-gov

Not everyone will be allowed to get a hemp license. Because hemp is a cousin of the marijuana plant, Strain says applicants will have to complete a State Police background check after applying…

Cut 7 (05) “…years”

Strain says after passing the background check, you won’t be able to put seeds in the ground until after they verify the product will be profitable, and legal…

Cut 8 (11) “THC-A.”

While related to marijuana, hemp’s THC levels are so low that it is not psychoactive.

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The Saints Michael Thomas is making a case as one of the best wide receivers ever. In Sunday’s 38-28 win over Tennessee, Thomas set the record for most receptions in an NFL season. He’s caught more passes and has more receiving yards than any other player during their first four years in the league. NFL Analyst Mike Detillier…

Cut 9 (10) “…this game”

The Saints finish the regular season on Sunday against Carolina. The Black and Gold can still get the number one seed and home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs. Detillier says New Orleans must beat the Panthers and hope a couple of teams lose…

Cut 10 (10) “…hands”

The Saints are 13-2 on the road over the last two seasons.

Detillier says his biggest concern heading into the postseason is the health of the offensive line. He says starting guard Andrus Peat could return this Sunday from a broken arm, but the other starting guard, Larry Warford, also has a knee injury…

Cut 11 (10) “out there”

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Four people have been arrested and the search is on for three others allegedly involved in a dog fighting case in Donaldsonville. Ascension Sheriff Bobby Webre says they received a tip about dog fighting taking place at a residence and when deputies arrived about 15 fled people the scene where a dog fight was in progress

Cut 12 (10) “…just horrible” 

Webre says not only did they arrest four people, drugs, guns and dog fighting paraphernalia were also seized….

Cut 13 (10) “      terrible

Webre says cases of animal cruelty will always be taken seriously. He says Ascension parish will not tolerate dogfighting or anything like it

Cut 14 (10) “…bond.”

Deputies have charged 36-year-old Joseph Duncan of Donalsonville, 30-year-old Jarret Bringier of Darrow, 37-year-old Keith Williams Junior of Donaldsonville and 32-year-old Joshua Jones of Donaldsonville.

Detectives are still looking for  34-year-old Blake Chatman, 32-year-old Kenneth Miller and 50-year-old Michael Williams, all of Donaldsonville.