Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

08.28.18
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11:40 LRN Sportscast August 28th

Graduate transfer Joe Burrow will take the first snap from center for the LSU Tigers on Sunday night in the season opener against Miami. Burrow arrived on the LSU campus this past summer and tight end Foster Moreau says he shocked the team day one with his explosive athleticism…
cut 14 (10) “….right way”
Coach Ed Orgeron says there are still some position battles that will have to be figured out before kick-off from Dallas. Orgeron says the the coaching staff has yet to decide on a starter at right tackle and left cornerback.

Mississippi State Quarterback Nick Fitzgerald has been suspended for the season opener against Stephen F Austin because of a violation of team policy. Former Landry-Walker star Keytoan Thompson will get the start.

Former Tuerlings Catholic star Coley Kelley starts at QB for Arkansas’ season opener at home against Eastern Illinois.

And Alabama Coach Nick Saban is still undeceded on a starting quarterback against Louisville on Saturday.

The Saints are back at practice today getting ready for the preseason finale on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Rams. The coaching staff still has a lot of questions to answer, especially at wide receiver. You know Michael Thomas is the number one wideout, but none of the other receivers on the roster have stood out during training camp, except rookie Tre-Quan Smith. Veteran Ted Ginn Junior is averaging just five yards a catch in preseason games and free-agent signee Cameron Meredith has been a non-factor.

There’s talk at this time every year on whether four preseason games is over kill. Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones said on a Dallas radio station that he remains in favor an 18-game regular season schedule and just two preseason games. Jones says a longer regular season and shortened training camp would probably be better physically for the players and they can make more money.

Former LSU star Odell Beckham Junior is the NFL’s highest paid receiver after agreeing to a five-year contract extension worth about 95-million dollars, 65-million dollars guaranteed.

08.28.18
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9:30 LRN Newscast August 28

An official with the Archdiocese of New Orleans says Christ the King school has rescinded its policy that prohibits students from wearing hair extensions. But we don’t know if a sixth-grader who left the school in tears after violating the rule will return to the Jefferson Parish school. A meeting between a lawyer of the family and the diocese is expected this afternoon.

After a summer long quarterback competition, the Tigers finally have a winner, and that man is Ohio State graduate transfer Joe Burrow. Burrow was favored by most analysts to win the job the moment he arrived on campus. Tight end Foster Moreau says Burrow locked down the gig by being all business from day one.
Cut 13 (11) “…hard worker.”
Coach Ed Orgeron says other position battles continue at left cornerback, right tackle and tail back.

The department of transportation is preparing to widen Interstate 10 in Baton Rouge to three lanes, which will require the state to buy at least 17 homes and four businesses. Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson….
cut 4 (07) “…required’
Wilson says the plan is to borrow 360-million dollars to pay for the contruction and three days of public meetings begins tonight at McKinley Middle Magnet School.

If your child is having a hard time getting enough sleep on school nights, Louisiana Department of Health regional medical director Martha Whyte says set a regular bedtime and rise time, even on weekends….
cut 9 (08) “….a little more flexible”
Whyte also suggests a media or screen time curfew. She says ban the use of technology after a certain time or just remove the devices from the bedroom.

08.28.18
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8:30 LRN Newscast August 28

The Louisiana Department of Health encourages parents to set a regular bedtime and rise time, even on weekends, if your children are not getting enough sleep on school nights…
voicer 2 (27) “….Kevin Barnhart”

Best Colleges-dot-com ranks Louisiana Tech University as the best university in the state when it comes to academic quality, affordability and online programs. University spokesperson Tonya Oaks Smith says La Tech usually fares well in these type of rankings….
cut 11 (07) “….and the nation”

Joe Burrow will get the start at quarterback on Sunday night when the Tigers face the Miami Hurricanes in the season opener. But Coach Ed Orgeron says he will not hesitate to use Myles Brennan, if Burrow struggles. LSU tight end Foster Moreau says the team has confidence in Brennan, if his number is called…
cut 15 (09) “…had happened”
Kick off on Sunday night is at 6:30.

The state department of transportation begins a series of public meetings tonight in Baton Rouge to go over plans to widen Interstate 10 from the Mississippi River Bridge to the I-10-12 split. Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson calls it the holy grail of transportation projects and it’s important for the public to see the plans…
cut 5 (07) “…with that”
State transportation officials say 17 homes and four businesses will have to be bought out for the 360-million dollar project to happen.

08.28.18
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7:30 LRN Newscast August 28th

A federal judge in Monroe has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to stop the removal of a Confederate monument outside of the Caddo Parish courthouse. It clears the way for the Caddo Parish Commission to move ahead with plans to put the monument somewhere else. The Shreveport chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy claims the statue sits on private property.

The state transportation department says 17 homes and four businesses will have to re-locate, if Louisiana moves forward with plans to expand Interstate 10 in Baton Rouge between the Mississippi River bridge and the I-10-12 split. Three days of public meetings on the proposal begin tonight. Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says they’ll also show motorists how construction will not exacerbate the city’s already tortuous traffic…
cut 6 (09) “….lot better’

Schools are back in session and for some students getting enough sleep is already a problem. Louisiana Department of Health Medical Director Dr. Martha Whyte says getting the proper amount of sleep helps students stay focused and improves academic performance.
Cut 7 (08) “…memory as well.”
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends kids between the ages of 6 and 12 should get between 9 and 12 hours of sleep, 13 to 18 year olds should get eight to 10 hours.

BestColleges-dot-com ranks Louisiana Tech as the best university in the state. The website compared colleges on academic quality and affordability. University spokesperson Tonya Oaks Smith says the site also named Tech as the Best Online University in Louisiana…
cut 12 (12) “…within their schedule”

08.28.18
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6:45 LRN Sportscast August 28

After a summer long quarterback competition, the Tigers finally have a winner, and that man is Ohio State graduate transfer Joe Burrow. Burrow was favored by most analysts to win the job the moment he announced he was putting on the Purple and Gold. Tigers’ tight end Foster Moreau says Burrow locked down the gig by being all business from day one.
Cut 13 (11) “…hard worker.”
Coach Ed Orgeron says it will be a game time decision on who will start at right tackle. It will be either Adrian Magee or Badara Traore.

Mississippi State Quarterback Nick Fitzgerald has been suspended for the season opener against Stephen F Austin because of a violation of team policy. Former Landry-Walker star Keytoan Thompson will get the start.

Former Tuerlings Catholic star Coley Kelley starts at QB for Arkansas’ season opener at home against Eastern Illinois.

Grambling Coach Broderick Fobbs is holding off on naming a starting quarterback for Saturday’s season opener against UL Lafayette. Fobbs says Geremy Hickbottom and Aldon Clark will share snaps in practice this week. Cajuns Coach Billy Napier says his two quarterbacks, Andre Nunez and Levi Lewis, will both play.

Former LSU star Odell Beckham finally has his huge contract as the Giants wide receiver has agreed to a five-year contract extension worth 90-million dollars. 65-million dollars is guaranteed, which is a record for a wide receiver. This means Saints wide receiver Mike Thomas will see big pay day in a year or two.

Former LSU star Alex Bregman homered and drove in four runs as the Astros defeated the Oakland As 11-4. Houston, who has won six in a row, widened its lead in the A-L West to 2.5 games ahead of Oakland.

Another former LSU standout DJ LeMahieu hit a grand slam last night but the Rockies lost to the Angels 10-7.

08.28.18
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6:30 LRN Newscast August 28th

The department of transportation is preparing to widen Interstate 10 in Baton Rouge to three lanes, which will require the state to buy at least 17 homes and four businesses. Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson….
cut 4 (07) “…required’
Wilson says the plan is to borrow 360-million dollars to pay for the contruction and three days of public meetings begins tonight at McKinley Magnet School.

Louisiana Tech has received the top spot for 2018 for colleges in Louisiana from BestColleges.com. The website looks at admissions and retention rates. University spokesperson, Tonya Oaks Smith, says it’s an honor that reinforces the school’s commitment to its students.
Cut 10 (09) “…for Louisiana Tech.“

Is Joe Burrow the man to take the Tigers to the Promised Land? One Tiger says he’s made some strong impressions heading into the season opener against Miami on Sunday…
Cut 3 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle”

08.27.18
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16:45 LRN Sportscast August 27th

Joe Burrow will start at quarterback on Sunday night against eighth ranked Miami. Coach Ed Orgeron held off on publicly announcing a starter when he met with the media earlier today, because he wanted to tell the team first. Burrow’s starter status became official when the depth chart was released this afternoon. Coach O says Burrow and Myles Brennan were told of the decision this morning
Cut 12 (11) “second team quarterback”
Orgeron and offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger reportedly picked Burrow over Myles Brennan, because of Burrow’s experience and decision-making.

Grambling Coach Broderick Fobbs is holding off on naming a starting quarterback for Saturday’s season opener against UL Lafayette. Fobbs says Geremy Hickbottom and Aldon Clark will share snaps in practice this week. Cajuns Coach Billy Napier says his two quarterbacks, Andre Nunez and Levi Lewis, will both play.

The Saints Taysom Hill showed off his versatility in Saturday’s preseason win over the Chargers. Hill recorded a tackle on special teams, helped execute a fake punt. At quarterback, he rushed for a score and threw a touchdown. Quarterback Drew Brees says it was an impressive night for Hill…
Cut 18 (19) “…with the guy”
Hill hopes to lock down a roster spot when the Saints close out the preseason on Thursday against the Los Angeles Rams.

Former LSU star Odell Beckham finally has his huge contract as the Giants wide receiver has agreed to a five-year contract extension worth 90-million dollars. 65-million dollars is guaranteed, which is a record for a wide receiver. This means Saints wide receiver Mike Thomas will see big pay day in a year or two.

08.27.18
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LRN PM Newscall August 27th ###Now official Joe Burrow is the starting QB###

Despite the rise of tablets and other digital screens, the Forestry Industry in Louisiana continues to grow since taking a dive in the 08’ recession. Jeff Palermo.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Authorities say a Facebook post threat towards Louisiana Tech and Grambling State turned out to be fake. Don Molino has the story….

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Don Molino”  

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Despite the digital revolution, the forestry industry continues to grow in Louisiana. A new report says forestry accounts for 13 billion dollars in economic output to the state, and one billion in inflation adjusted with state and local taxes. LSU Ag Center Professor Shaun Tanger says while paper is down, paper related products are up.

Cut 3 (11) “…middle class”

The report says the forestry industry accounted for 290 million dollars of income through 4,000 jobs, and 30.8 million in state taxes in East Baton Rouge Parish alone.

The Forest Economics professor says the industry accounts for roughly 50,000 jobs state wide through direct and indirect employment, and that it’s been on a statewide uptick for nearly a decade.

Cut 4 (09) “…upward trend”

Tanger says the increase in shipping needs from companies like Amazon has also helped buoy the industry, along with a rebounding housing market, but warns that there could be a bump in the road just ahead.

Cut 5 (10)  “or two” 

 

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries have issued a quarantine on the transportation and transplanting of Roseau Cane out of Southern Louisiana.  A small invasive insect known as the Roseau can scale was first discovered in the state in fall of 2016, and has destroyed wide swaths of the plant in coastal Louisiana.  LDWF Biologist Director Todd Baker says hunters often use the plant to build hunting blinds.

Cut 6 (05) “…cannot move cane.”

Baker says there is only one exception for moving cane.

Cut 7 (05) “…and move it.”

Baker says one of the big reasons for the quarantine is, among the unknowns about the scale, it may affect more than just Roseau cane.

Cut 8 (06) “…into agriculture crops.”

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The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season has delivered on its projections for below-average or near normal storm activity.  The season has only produced five named storms with two becoming hurricanes.  The hurricanes fizzled out in the Atlantic.  With nearly a month and a half without a hurricane, State Climatologist Berry Keim says that’s a relief that doesn’t occur often.

Cut 9 (07) “…August the 27th.”

Keim says we are currently in the often most-active portion of the season.  History will show late August hasn’t always been kind to the Bayou State.

Cut 10 (11) “…Isaac in 2012.”

Keim says despite the lack of hurricane activity so far, residents still need to keep their head on a swivel as anything could happen.

Cut 11 (05) “…with hurricane activity.”

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Joe Burrow is listed on the depth chart as the starting quarterback on Sunday night against eighth ranked Miami. Coach Ed Orgeron held off on publicly announcing a starter when he met with the media earlier today, because he wanted to tell the team first. Coach O says Burrow and Myles Brennan were told of the decision this morning

Cut 12 (11)   “second team quarterback”

Orgeron says the battle to be LSU’s starting quarterback went right down to the end…

Cut 13 (06) “won out”

Orgeron says the quarterbacks were graded after each practice, so Brennan and Burrow shouldn’t be surprised who won the competition

Cut 14 (08) “…deciding factor”

 

08.27.18
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2:30 LRN Newscast August 27th

Authorities say a Facebook post threat towards Louisiana Tech and Grambling State turned out to be fake. Don Molino has the story….
voicer 2 (26) “…I’m Don Molino”

It remains very quiet in the tropics as we begin the final week of August. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Louisiana has seen it’s fair share of significant storms right before Labor Day….
cut 10 (11) “…Isaac in 2012”
There hasn’t been a hurricane to track since July 13th.

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron knows who will start at quarterback versus Miami on Sunday night, but he’s holding off on telling the public until the team knows. Reports say it will be Ohio State grad transfer Joe Burrow. At his weekly in-season Monday press conference, Orgeron says the battle went right down to the end…
cut 13 (06) “…won out”
Ross Dellenger of Sports Illustrated says Orgeron went with Burrow over Myles, because of his experience and decision-making.

The state department of wildlife and fisheries is asking duck hunters and fishermen to make sure they are not transporting Roseau cane out of south Louisiana. A quarantine is in place, because a white insect from Asia known as the Roseau cane scale is killing Roseau cane and L-D-W-F biologist director Todd Baker says the scale may affect more than just Roseau cane…
cut 8 (06) “…into agriculture crops”
Healthy Roseau cane is important in the fight against coastal land loss.

08.27.18
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11:40 LRN Sportscast August 27

It’s game week for the 25th ranked LSU Tigers as they’ll face the 8th ranked Miami Hurricanes on Sunday night in Dallas. The Bayou Bengals are listed as a three-point underdog. Louisiana Tech, who is at South Alabama, is a 10-point favorite.

The Saints still have one more preseason game before the regular season starts. New Orleans will host the Los Angeles Rams in the exhibition finale on Thursday night. On Saturday, the Saints beat the Chargers 36-7 as quarterback Drew Brees made his first and likely last appearance of the preseason as he shook off an early interception to complete seven of nine passes for 59 yards in three series. Brees says it was good to get a taste of in-game action…
cut 17 (14) “…having fun”

The college football season begins Thursday and there will be a handful of Louisiana teams involved. ULM hosts Southeastern Louisiana. Northwestern State is at Texas A-and-M. Tulane faces Wake Forest at Yulman Stadium. The Monroe News-Star’s Adam Hunscucker reprorts defensive tackle John Washington from West Monroe has transferred from Tulane to ULM as a graduate transfer. Washington will has two of eligibility. And Tulane has officially added former LSU quarterback Justin McMillian.

The Advocate’s Rod Walker has reported the LHSAA has denied Hahnville High School’s request for an emergency appeal of the four-game suspension of head football coach Nick Saltaformaggio. But the LHSAA has set an appeal hearing date of September 13th. Also quarterback Andrew Robison has been ruled ineligible for the season, because of recruiting violations. Robison’s former school, Vandebilt Catholic, has told the LHSAA that keeping Robison from playing his senior season is too harsh of a punishment.