Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

01.03.20
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2:30 LRN Newscast January 3rd

The presidential election is 10 months from today and Kevin Barnhart looks at the federal races…
voicer 3 (31) “…Kevin Barnhart”

State Police is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash south of Alexandria this morning that claimed the lives 43-year-old Hoang Thai Nguyen of Bunkie and 40-year-old Le Bui Chatelain of Marksville. Trooper Casey Wallace says the victims were not bucked up…
cut 14 (09) “….what happened”

The Saints and Vikings are set to meet for the fifth time in an N-F-L postseason game on Sunday at noon. Minnesota has won three of the four previous meetings, but they are the underdog this time around. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the Vikings will need a big game out of running back Dalvin Cook
Cut 6 (10) “…thing here”
One of the Vikings best players on defense is former LSU star Danielle Hunter, who has 14.5 sacks on the season.

The Ragin Cajuns will be in Mobile, Alabama this weekend to watch U-L Lafayette play Miami of Ohio in Monday’s Lending Tree Bowl. Cajuns season ticket holder Craig Melancon says an 11th win on the year would be huge for the program…
cut 11 (09) “…Cajun Field”
Kick-off is at 6:30 on Monday night.

01.03.20
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LRN PM Newscall January 3rd

Oil prices have jumped after a U-S airstrike assassination of Iran’s top general. Brooke Thorington on what this means for motorists.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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The road to Miami and Super Bowl 54 continues for the Saints on Sunday as they host the Vikings in the wildcard round of the playoffs. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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After a U-S airstrike in Baghdad, oil prices and futures have seen a 4-percent increase so far. GasBuddy-dot-com says we should see gas prices start to rise at the pump over the next week or two at least 5 to ten cents a gallon. But GasBuddy Head of Petroleum Analysis Patrick DeHaan says that all could change.

Cut 3 (12) “…impact.”

DeHaan says we shouldn’t expect a major spike in oil prices overnight, but the situation is very fluid at the moment. However, if the situation worsens there are fears we could see prices hit the $3-a gallon mark.

Cut 4 (10) “…in Louisiana.”

DeHaan says gas prices should be somewhat insulated here seeing as the U-S is producing 7 and a half million more barrels of oil every day than we were a decade ago.

Cut 5 (09) “…wildcard here.”

The average gas price per gallon in Louisiana is $2.31

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The Saints and Vikings are set to meet for the fifth time in an N-F-L postseason game on Sunday at noon. Minnesota has won three of the four previous meetings, but they are the underdog this time around. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the Vikings will need a big game out of running back Dalvin Cook

Cut 6 (10) “…thing here”

For the Saints to have success on offense, they’ll need to control Minnesota’s pass rush led by Everson Griffin and former LSU star Danielle Hunter…

Cut 7 (09) “…this game.”

The Saints won 13 regular-season games last year and lost in the N-F-C Title game. New Orleans has 13 wins again in the regular season, but Detillier says the Saints are playing better on offense than a year ago and Drew Brees is a big reason why…

Cut 8 (11) “…on offense.”

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The Ragin’ Cajuns are preparing to play Miami of Ohio in the LendingTree Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.  While attendance is expected to be low due to the game taking place on a Monday night, season ticket holder Craig Melancon says the fans making the trip are excited to be there.

Cut 9 (08) “…traveled to Mobile.”

If the game were to fall on a weekend, Melancon expects they would likely have about 10,000 more fans show up.

Melancon says the alumni association has put together a Sunday night event with several of the downtown bars.

Cut 10 (09) “…Mardi Gras parade.”

The team already has ten wins, and Melancon says for them to close out the season with an eleventh victory in Mobile is huge for the program.

Cut 11 (09) “…to Cajun Field.”

Kickoff is at 6:30 Monday night.

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A single-vehicle crash south of Alexandria killed a man from Bunkie and a woman from Marksville. State Police Trooper Casey Wallace says the victims were not buckled up when the driver lost control on Highway 71 early Friday morning…

Cut 12 (10) “…woodline.” 

43-year-old Hoang Thai Nguyen and 40-year-old Le Bui Chatelain were pronounced dead at a hospital. Wallace says they were not wearing a seat belt…

Cut 13 (10) “…like that”

Wallace says routine toxicology tests are pending as the crash remains under investigation

Cut 14 (09) “…what happened”

01.03.20
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Vikings will try to pull off the upset on Sunday in the Superdome when they face the Saints. Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer knows New Orleans will look to bring the pressure on defense…
cut 19 (30) man to man ”
Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas and safeties Vonn Bell and Marcus Williams practiced fully yesterday after they were limited on Wednesday.

Former Saints linebacker Sam Mills is a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and legendary Saints player Steve Gleason will receive his Congressional Gold Medal on January 15th.

LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire was a full-go at practice yesterday after a hamstring injury limited him in the Peach Bowl. A healthy Edwards-Helaire will only help an offense that leads the nation in scoring, averaging 49 points per game. Quarterback Joe Burrow on why it’s so difficult to defend the Tigers…
cut 17 (23) “….the rest”

Mississippi State has fired head football coach Joe Moorhead after just two seasons. Ragin Cajuns Coach Billy Napier’s name has come up as a potential replacement. Napier just agreed to a two-year contract extension with U-L Lafayette that extends his deal through the 2025 season. Louisiana Tech head coach Skip Holtz’s name has also been mentioned in media reports.

01.03.20
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11:30 LRN Newscasts January 3

A few years after implementing criminal justice reforms, Louisiana retakes the title of the nation’s top incarcerator by capita…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The 2020 Presidential election is exactly 10 months away. On the ballot, Senator Bill Cassidy is up for re-election. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat does not foresee Cassidy facing a major challenger…
Cut 10 (11) “…the re-election process.”

A single-vehicle crash south of Alexandria killed a man from Bunkie and a woman from Marksville. State Police Trooper Casey Wallace says the victims were not buckled up when the driver lost control on Highway 71 early Friday…
cut 12 (10) “…woodline”
43-year-old Hoang Thai Nguyen and 40-year-old Le Bui Chatelain were pronounced dead at a local hospital.

King Cake season gets underway Sunday with Twelfth Night taking place on that day. For those looking for a gluten-free, low carb and sugar-free king cake, Whole Foods is selling one. It’s called Eat Fit King Cake. Unrefined co-founder Taylor Nicholson says at under 200 calories a slice, you can indulge a bit and not regret…
cut 9 (10) “…holiday”
Ochsner Health Systems helped come up with the specialty King Cake.

01.03.20
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Vikings will try to pull off the upset on Sunday in the Superdome when they face the Saints. Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer knows New Orleans will look to bring the pressure on defense…
cut 19 (30)  man to man ”
Former Dome Patrol Member Sam Mills is a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He’s already in the Saints Hall of Fame and in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Former LSU Tiger Alan Faneca is a finalist for the fourth year in a row.

LSU returned to the practice field yesterday for the first time since its record-breaking performance in the Peach Bowl against Oklahoma. Justin Jefferson had 14 catches for 227 yards and four touchdowns in that contest. Quarterback Joe Burrow says Jefferson had something to prove…
cut 18 (09) “….he did it”
Coach Ed Orgeron said running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire practiced without limitations yesterday.

Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson participated in his first full practice since knee surgery, but it’s unknown when he’ll play in a game. New Orleans visits the Lakers tonight.

Last night in college hoops…the Cajuns lost to South Alabama 60-57, ULM topped Troy 79-63 as Tyree White had 19 points.

In the Southland, all of the Louisiana schools lost except Nicholls who beat Incarnate Word 76-60. Dexter McClanahan had 21 points for the Colonels.

01.02.20
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints continued their preparations today to host the 10-and-6 Minnesota Vikings in Sunday’s N-F-L Wildcard playoff game. The Vikings are 10-and-6 and have one of the best defenses in the league. New Orleans Quarterback Drew Brees says it starts with Minnesota’s fierce pass rush which has resulted in 48 sacks…
cut 18 (19) “…close attention”
Out of the four NFL Wildcard playoff games this weekend, the Saints are the biggest favorite. New Orleans is an eight-point favorite over the Vikings, but oddsmaker consultant Scott Cooley says he could see that line come down before Sunday’s noon kickoff…
Cut 12 (06) “…we’ll see.”

Former Ragin Cajuns athletics director David Walker has passed away. The 1976 graduate of the school took over as A-D on an interim basis right before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 and was named permanent A-D in 2007 and retired from the position in 2010. The voice of the Ragin Cajuns Jay Walker says David Walker was an effective fundraiser and hired some good coaches at the end of his tenure…
cut 8 (10) “….New Orleans Bowls”
Current Cajuns football coach Billy Napier has agreed to a two-year contract extension that extends his deal through 2025.

LSU has received a verbal pledge from the nation’s number one linebacker in the class of 2021. California native Raesjon Davis announced his commitment to LSU on Twitter.

And Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson participated in his first full practice today since knee surgery, but no timetable on when he’ll play in a game.

01.02.20
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LRN PM Newscall January 2nd

About six-thousand taxpayers that were sent double tax returns last March have yet to repay the state. Brooke Thorington has more on what they are facing.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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29-year-old Jeremy Anderson is arrested in Baton Rouge as the man allegedly behind the premeditated murders of three homeless people last month. Matt Doyle has more…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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Over six-thousand Louisiana taxpayers have yet to repay the state after a computer glitch last March sent them a double tax refund. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says only half of the individuals given an extra refund in error have yet to repay the state.

Cut 3 (10) “…that is owed.”

Henderson says ignoring collection letters for the amount owed will only delay the inevitable.

Cut 4 (10) “…is satisfied.”

Collection efforts include offsetting state and Federal tax returns, wage garnishments and bank levies.

Henderson says procrastinating about what is owed can be costly, late fees are owed on the debt as well.

Cut 5 (07) “…25 percent.”

The total amount of repayment yet to be paid is $1.9 million. If you owe money to the state contact the department to return the amount in a lump sum or set up a repayment plan

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The Ragin’ Cajuns are mourning the death of former athletics director David Walker.  Walker served in many roles in the administration for more than thirty years, including his run as the interim AD from 2005, then officially taking the reins in 2007 through his retirement in 2010.  Voice of the Ragin Cajuns Jay Walker remembers his impact.

Cut 6 (10) “…really respected him.”

David Walker helped navigate the University and Lafayette communities through the aftermaths of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Jay Walker remembers the AD as being an effective fundraiser for the department.

Cut 7 (10) “…was very persuasive.”

Just before his retirement, Walker hired basketball coach Bob Marlin and former football coach Mark Hudspeth.

Cut 8 (10) “…New Orleans Bowls.”

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Authorities arrest a suspect in the allegedly premeditated murders of three homeless people in Baton Rouge last month. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Geautreaux says one of his detectives received a tip that led to the arrest of 29-year-old Jeremy Anderson…

Cut 9 (08) “…crimes”

Anderson has been charged with two counts of 1st Degree Murder, and one count of 2nd Degree Murder.

Anderson is thought to have murdered 40-year-old Gregory Corcoran and 53-year-old Christina Fowler December 13th, and 50-year-old Tony Williams December 27th. District Attorney Hillar Moore says a crime lab linked the two scenes…

Cut 10 (11) “…person.”

Corcoran and Fowler were found underneath an overpass, and Williams was discovered on the front porch of a vacant residence.

Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul says Anderson does have a criminal history, and while they don’t have a motive yet, they’re confident it was just a one-man job…

Cut 11 (10) “…presents”

Anderson lived just blocks away from the murders, per the Advocate.

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Out of the four NFL Wildcard playoff games this weekend, the Saints are the biggest favorite. The Saints are eight-point favorites over the Vikings, but oddsmaker consultant Scott Cooley says he could see that line come down before Sunday’s noon kickoff…

Cut 12 (06) “…we’ll see.” 

Cooley says even though the Saints will have to win three playoff games to reach the Super Bowl in Miami, they are one of the favorites to get to south Florida

Cut 13 (12) “…the conference”

Cooley says historically, sports fans like betting on the Saints…

Cut 14 (10) “…those guys.”

01.02.20
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints meet the Vikings on Sunday in a rematch of the Minneapolis Miracle. Stefon Diggs last second touchdown catch in the divisional round playoff game two years ago is a painful memory for Who Dat Nation. New Orleans Quarterback Drew Brees says revenge is not on their minds…
cut 17 (20) “…well coached”
Kick-off Sunday is at noon.

LSU returns to the practice field today after using the New Year’s holiday as a break. The Ragin Cajuns leave today for Mobile where they’ll meet Miami of Ohio in the Lending Tree Bowl. Coach Billy Napier has received a two-year contract extension that takes him through the 2025 season.

Northwestern State University has established a scholarship in memory of sports reporter and alumna Carley McCord, who was tragically killed in a plane crash along with four others last Saturday. McCord worked in the recruiting office while she attended NSU and McCord family friend Danielle Cobb says she made a big impression on prospective students.
Cut 14 (06) “…campus tours.”
To make a donation to the McCord Memorial Scholarship visit northwestern-state-alumni-dot-com forward-slash donations.

CEO of ticket reseller Gametime Blake Griffith says the average ticket prices for the national championship game are 23-hundred dollars. If dropping a stack or two to watch the Tigers national title game seems a bit too rich, Griffith says cheering for the Saints this Sunday might be more reasonable.
Cut 9 (05) “the Vikings game.”

01.02.20
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8:30 LRN Newscasts

The New Year means resolutions aimed at improving health. Professor and Chief of dietary assessment at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center Catherine Champagne says when finding the right diet, look for red flags, like anything that would eliminate food groups.
Cut 10 (11) “…bacon a day.”
Champagne says portion control should be accompanied by physical activity.

The major story in state politics this year will likely center around Governor John Bel Edwards’ relationship with a Republican-controlled state legislature. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat expects big battles over money…
cut 5 (10) “…approved”
Edwards has said he wants to invest more dollars into pre-K, higher ed and move teacher salaries to the southern regional average.

Tickets to see the two big football games coming up in the Superdome are in high demand…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Rain is falling over northwest Louisiana at this hour, but there’s the potential for one to four inches of rain to fall over a good portion of south and central Louisiana today. There’s also the potential for severe weather in the Acadiana area and over into southeast Louisiana. The National Weather Service says one or two tornadoes can’t be ruled out.

01.02.20
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7:30 LRN Newscast January 2nd

When looking at the year ahead in state politics, political analyst Bernie Pinsonat predicts auto insurance reform will be the most talked-about legislation during the 2020 regular session that begins in March. Pinsonat says Republican lawmakers will author legislation after a similar effort was blocked by the governor last year…
cut 6 (09) “….insurance reform”
Governor Edwards and the new legislature will be sworn in on January 13th.

That’s the same day as the LSU-Clemson national championship game in New Orleans. CEO of the ticket reseller Gametime Blake Griffth says if you are looking for tickets, it will cost you at least one-thousand dollars…
cut 7 (10) “…having this year”
Griffith says the average ticket price on their website is 23-hundred dollars.

Northwestern State University has established a scholarship in memory of sports-journalist and alumna Carley McCord, who was tragically killed in a plane crash along with four others last Saturday. McCord family friend Danielle Cobb says Carley always made an impression wherever she went.
Cut 13 (12) “…to do”
To make a donation go to Northwestern State-alumni-dot-com-slash-donations.

The first funeral as a result of that tragic plane crash is today. 51-year-old Gretchen Vincent and her 15-year-old son Walker will be remembered with a visitation and funeral service at Our Savior’s Church in Lafayette.

In St. Landry Parish, a Grand Coteau police officer is recovering from a gunshot wound to the shoulder. Authorities say the female officer was shot during a traffic stop on Highway 182 yesterday. The shooter is in custody.