Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

01.10.20
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

In Monday’s national championship game, LSU’s defense will have to figure out a way to slow down two-time ACC Offensive Player of the year in Clemson running back Travis Etienne. The junior from Jennings understands he has a unique opportunity in front of him…
cut 18 (09) “…take care of business”
Clemson brings a 29-game winning streak to the natty. Both teams will travel to New Orleans later today.

New Mississippi State football coach Mike Leach will be introduced during a press conference in Starkville today. Leach is known for his quirky style and he got off the plane last night ringing a cowbell. In 18 seasons at Texas Tech and Washington State, he was 139-and-90.

The 13-and-25 Pelicans visit the Knicks tonight, who have 10 wins. Brandon Ingram is making a run for the All-Star team, he’s averaging 25 points a game and shooting 40-percent from three-point territory.

ULM’s JD Williams had 20 points, but the Warhawks lost to Georgia Southern 67-56 last night. ULM is 6-9 overall, 2-and-4 in the Sun Belt.

The Ragin Cajuns fell behind 25 to 2 and lost to Georgia State 90-52 in Atlanta. U-L Lafayette dressed just seven scholarship players as freshman Mylik Wilson did not play because of a knee sprain. The Cajuns are 7-and-10 overall, 2-and-4 in Sun Belt action.

Louisiana Tech also got off to a slow start last night and lost to UTSA 89-73 in San Antonio. The Roadrunners hit a program-record 18 three-pointers. Tech is 11-and-4 overall, 2-and-1 in Conference USA.

The LSU Lady Tigers upset 10th ranked Texas A-and-M in College Station. Jailin Cherry came off the bench to score 12 points.

Louisiana Tech has released its 2020 football schedule. The Conference USA opener is at Southern Miss in Week 2. The Bulldogs conclude the regular season at FIU.

01.10.20
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6:30 LRN Newscast

LSU students will not have Monday or Tuesday off for the National Championship game…
Cut 3 (30) “… I’m Matt Doyle”

The Board of Regents has postponed a vote on a proposal that would penalize public colleges financially for not complying with admission standards. Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says LSU has violated the board’s constitution by relying less on standardized test scores and grade point averages for admission. The Board is seeking more info before making a vote.

Bossier City Senator Barrow Peacock would like to see the Board of Regents approve construction for a new dental school in the Shreveport-Bossier area. The only dental school in the state is in New Orleans. Peacock says the dental school in north Louisiana could result in more dentists in the region and more dentists are needed because some residents are using the ER for their emergency dental needs…
cut 8 (10) “….setting”
The Board of Regents is waiting for more information from LSU on the feasibility of building a new dental school before making a decision.

There’s a moderate risk for severe weather in for much of north Louisiana tonight as a strong cold front is set to sweep through the state…
cut 5 (06) “….the front”
That’s National Weather Service Shreveport meteorologist Brandon Thorne.

01.09.20
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16:45 LRN Sportscast

Just one more practice in Baton Rouge tomorrow and then it’s off to New Orleans to play Clemson on Monday night in the national championship game. Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron says winning the turnover battle will be a key…
cut 17 (12) “….best game”
Former LSU athletics director Joe Alleva gave a candid interview to the Advocate where he told columunist Scott Rabalais he did not want to hire then Florida State Coach Jimbo Fisher in 2015 when there was a push to fire Les Miles. Rabalais says Alleva told him in an interview yesterday that he preferred Miles at that time…
cut 6 (11) “…about that”
Rabalais says Alleva was also frustrated Miles did not want to change the offense.

SEC Football got a whole lot more interesting today as Mississippi State hired Mike Leach as its new head football coach. Leach has had successful stints at Washington State and Texas Tech and will go head-to-head in recruiting with new Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffen. Leach and the Bulldogs will be in Tiger Stadium to face LSU on October 24th next year.

Louisiana Tech has released its 2020 football schedule. The Bulldogs will kick-off the season on September 5th at UNLV. The Conference USA opener is the next week versus Southern Miss in Hattiesburg. Tech will host league opponents UTEP, Marshall, UAB and Rice and conclude the season at FIU.

Louisiana Tech basketball visits UTSA tonight at 6 PM in a game that can be seen on E-S-P-N-U. The Bulldogs are off to a 2-0 start in Conference USA Play, with two victories over Southern Miss. The Roadrunners were picked to finish second in the conference in the preseason, but they are off to an 0-and-2 start.

01.09.20
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LRN PM Newscall January 9

A study shows Louisiana lost a net 28,000 college-educated workers to other states in a ten year period starting in 2007. Matt Doyle spoke with the study’s author…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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President Donald Trump officially qualifies to be on the Louisiana Republican primary ballot for the April 4th primary. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A study shows a net 28,000 college educated Louisianans migrated out of the state between 2007 and 2017, with a net 38,000 aged 25-54 leaving for greener pastures.

UL Lafayette Professor of Economics Gary Wagner conducted the study and says that’s bad news for the state because you need college-educated workers to power a modern economy.

Cut 3 (10)  “…have been.” 

Dating back to 2000, a net 88,000 college-educated people migrated away.

So where are these folks heading? Wagner says three-quarters of the migration is heading to just four states.

Cut 4 (09) “…Virginia.”

A few states are bucking that trend. Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, New York, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania all had net positive migration of over a thousand.

There’s concerns that continuing outmigration could create an economic death spiral, but Wagner says if we can create more high paying jobs, that trend could reverse itself quickly.

Cut 5 (10) “…back.”

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Former LSU athletics director Joe Alleva spoke candidly to Advocate columnist Scott Rabalais about moves made during his tenure. Alleva hired Ed Orgeron as head football coach in 2016. But in 2015 there were reports LSU wanted to fire Les Miles and hire then-Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher. In the Rabalais’ column, Alleva said he was not interested in Fisher

Cut 6 (11) “about that”

Rabalais’ column also says LSU could have hired then-Houston coach Tom Herman in 2016, but Alleva told Rabalais he didn’t want to pay Herman the money he wanted and thought Orgeron was the better choice

Cut 7 (06) “he’s had.”

Alleva is also quoted in the column that Miles squandered and didn’t’ utilize the players properly. Rabalais says Alleva told him that talking to Les was like talking to a wall…

Cut 8 (11) “…at Michigan”

Alleva also told Rabalais that he regrets hiring current basketball coach Will Wade. It was the Wade F-B-I wiretap scandal that led to Alleva being pushed out as AD.

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President of the Louisiana Association of Educators Dr. Tia Mills says the recent resignation of the state’s education superintendent John White is a welcomed change. Mills says many educators were not thrilled with his administration.

Cut 9 (07) “…across the state.”

White clashed with teacher unions on several issues, including the expansion of the state’s voucher program and student-testing is now a major component of teacher evaluations.

Mills says the union is hoping for that the new leader is someone who has worked directly in the classroom.

Cut 10 (07) “…low rated schools.”

Mills says the union will be very vocal with the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Senate in the selection process of a successor.

Cut 11 (06) “…our great state.”
White has served in his role since 2012. The resignation is effective March 11.

______________________

President Donald Trump officially qualifies to appear on the ballot for the April 4th presidential primary in Louisiana. Attorney General Jeff Landry filed the paperwork on behalf of the President at the Secretary of State’s office this morning.

Cut 12 (12) “…I happily accepted.”

Landry says it is important for President Trump to be victorious in 2020 because nearly 300,000 Louisiana jobs are supported by the oil and gas industry.

Cut 13 (11) “…that doesn’t happen.”

Landry also serves at the national co-chair of Veterans for Trump and says the President’s administration has help vets, military and their families.

Cut 14 (12) “…Democrat is nominated.”

So far, nine Democrats have qualified in Louisiana for the primary. In November 2016, Donald Trump received one-point-one million votes, the most votes ever in Louisiana history.

01.09.20
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU fans are familiar with Clemson’s stars on offense, running back Travis Etienne and quarterback Trevor Lawerence. On defense, the defending national champs are led by Butkus Award Winner Isiah Simmons, who has 14 tackles for a loss. Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron says Simmons can do it all
Cut 16 (24) …the field”
The man who hired Orgeron as head coach gave some eye-popping comments to Advocate columnist Scott Rabalais. Joe Alleva told Rabalais he was not interested in hiring Jimbo Fisher in 2015 and could have hired Tom Herman in 2016, but was not willing to pay Herman the money he was looking for.

Last night was a good night for Louisiana basketball teams. The Pelicans beat the Bulls 123 to 108. New Orleans has won seven of its last ten and will visit the Knicks on Friday night.

LSU improved to 2-and-0 in the SEC with a 79-77 home win over Arkansas. Freshman Trendon Watford had a career-high 21 points and had two three-point plays in a span of 24 seconds in the final minute.

Nicholls is in a three-way tie for first place in the Southland after beating Lamar 61-52. The Colonels are 4-and-1 in league play. McNeese upset Abilene Christan 88-84 as A-J Lawson had a career-high 35 points. Sha’markus Kennedy had a double-double, 24 points and 10 rebounds.

Northwestern State is 3-and-2 in the Southland, its best start in league play since 2015 after beating Incarnate Word 77-66.

01.09.20
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9:30 LRN Newscast January 9

Following a White House briefing on the killing of Iran’s top military commander, Republican US Senator John Kennedy said the president did the right thing by taking out Qassem Soleimani without Congress’ approval…
cut 12 (12) “…window would have closed”
But Democratic Louisiana Congressman Cedric Richmond says the killing of Qassem Soleimani was impulsive and what’s needed is strategic diplomacy.

Severe weather is possible beginning tomorrow night. Much of the state is under an enhanced risk for severe weather, which means the possibility of tornadoes. National Weather Service Meteorologist Brad Bryant says have a plan in place if a tornado warning is issued…
cut 6 (06) “…last second”

US Cancer deaths have declined since 1991 at about a rate of 1.5 percent annually, but recent data shows a sizable increase in that dip. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “… I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Last night was a good night for Louisiana basketball teams. The Pelicans beat the Bulls 123 to 108. New Orleans has won seven of its last ten. LSU improved to 2-and-0 in the SEC with a 79-77 home win over Arkansas. Northwestern State, McNeese, Nicholls and UNO also won last night.

01.09.20
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LRN Newscast 8:30 LRN Newscast

Much of Louisiana is under an enhanced risk for severe weather tomorrow and the severe weather threat continues into Saturday for southeast Louisiana. National Weather Service Meteorologist Brad Bryant says they are anticipating a strong squall line…
cut 5 (11) “….the squall line”

State Supertinendent of Education John White who led sweeping changes with public schools since 2012 is leaving his post effective March 11th. White supported the growth of charter schools and led the effort to to place a bigger emphasis on standardized test scores in teacher evaluations. He battled with teacher unions, but Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says that comes with the job…
cut 8 (06) “…expect”
White has not said why he’s stepping down.

Senator John Kennedy applauds the President’s decision not to retaliate militarily against Iran after the country fired rockets at two US bases. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Did you see Saints Quarterback Drew Brees on last night’s episode of Undercover Boss on CBS. Brees who is a minority owner of the Walk On’s restaurant chain washed dishes in the kitchen. He had long hair and a beard. On social media, many were left crying over the appreciation Brees and Walk-on’s co-founder Brandon Landry showed to their employees.

01.09.20
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7:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says President Donald Trump saved lives by ordering the military to assassinate Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Iran retaliated by firing missiles at Iraqi bases that house U-S troops. But since then there’s been no further military action and Louisiana Senator John Kennedy hopes that remains the case…
cut 10 (12) “…him”

The American Cancer Society says the cancer death rate between 2016 and 17 had its largest decline since 1930 when health officials began tracking cancer deaths. Director of the Stanley Scott Cancer Center at LSU Health New Orleans, Doctor Augusto Ochoa, credits the dedication to cancer research…
cut 14 (11) “…clinical research”
State Superintendent of Education John White has submitted his resignation letter, and Matt Doyle spoke with Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin about White’s legacy.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

To celebrate LSU’s successful football season, Raising Cane’s is offering its customers free coleslaw. That’s Coach Ed Orgeron’s favorite item at the fast-food chain.

And the governor’s office of homeland security and emergency preparedness wants residents to prepare now for the threat of severe weather starting late tomorrow afternoon and into Saturday.

01.09.20
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

On Monday, LSU will try to win its fourth national championship. They won the previous three in New Orleans, including their 1958 title when the Tigers completed an undefeated season by beating Clemson in the Sugar Bowl. Coach Ed Orgeron says when New Orleans was awarded the 2020 national championship game, it was a goal to play in that game…
cut 18 (19) our best”
The LaRose native also says he always felt that he would be part of an LSU team that would play for a national championship.

On the injury front, Coach O says he expects starting wide receiver Terrace Marshall and right guard Damien Lewis will play in the title game after missing practice last week because of injuries.

Last night was a good night for Louisiana basketball teams. Brandon Ingram had 29 points and 11 assists as the Pelicans beat the Chicago Bulls 123 to 108 at the Smoothie King Center. New Orleans had a big third quarter, scoring 44 points.

LSU improved to 2-and-0 in the SEC with a 79-77 home win over Arkansas. 19 lead changes in this game and freshman Trendon Watford was huge down the stretch. He completed two three-point plays in the final minute and finished with 21 points and nine rebounds. Skylar Mays had 19 points.

Northwestern State is 3-and-2 in Southland play after a 72-66 victory over Incarnate Word. The Demons are off to their best league start since the 2014-15 season. Chudier Bile scored a career-high 22 points last night.

Nicholls is 4-and-1 in league play after a 61-52 win over Lamar. A-J Lawson had 37 points as McNeese defeated Abilene Christian 88-84 for the Cowboys first Southland win.

Southeastern Louisiana could not hold on to a 15-point halftime lead and lost to Sam Houston State 67-62. UCONN topped Tulane 67-61.

01.09.20
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6:30 LRN newscast January 9

State Superintendent of Education John White announces he is stepping down from the post he’s held since 2012. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says John White pushed for and oversaw significant changes in public schools…
Cut 7 (11) “…schools.”
The resignation is effective March 11.

The U-S House is expected to vote today on a measure that would limit the Trump administration’s military action against Iran. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy doubts it will find a lot of support in the Senate….
cut 11 (11) “….Soleimani”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says members of Congress have serious concerns about the administration’s decision to engage in hostilities against Iran and about a lack of strategy moving forward.

US Cancer deaths have declined since 1991 at about a rate of 1.5 percent annually, but recent data shows a sizable increase in that dip. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (29) “… I’m Kevin Barnhart”