Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

01.15.18
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11:40 LRN Sportscast January 15

The Saints were 10 seconds away from playing in the NFC Championship game, then the unthinkable happened. Here’s Jim Henderson’s call on the Saints Radio Network…
cut 30 (16) “…kidding me”
Unfortunately for the Who Dat nation, it’s not a joke. Quarterback Drew Brees on the end of the season…
cut 17 (17) “….things happened”
Brees turns 39-years-old today. The Saints first priority in the offseason is to sign the future Hall of Famer to a new contract.

Former LSU star Leonard Fournette scored three touchdowns and rushed for 109 yards as Jacksonville upset Pittsburgh 45-42. Fournette did it while wearing the shoulder pads he wore while at LSU. It will be the Jaguars versus the Patriots in the AFC Championship game.

Hahnville’s Pooka Williams has been named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Mr. Football for 2017. The Kansas signee rushed for 3.128 yards and 37 touchdowns as he helped Hahnville reach the 5A state title game.

Anthony Davis had a season-high 48 points as the Pelicans rallied to beat the New York Knicks 123 to 118 in overtime yesterday. The Pels are at Boston tomorrow.

In college basketball, After losing to Alabama in front of a sold out Pete Maravich Assembly Center crowd, the Tigers host Georgia tomorrow night at 6 PM. The Ragin Cajuns are 5-0 in the Sun Belt. UL Lafayette is at UT-Arlington and Texas State this week.

01.14.18
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LRN AM Newscall ###Sad Saints soundbites added###

The Louisiana Heroes Project is asking folks to send Mardi Gras boxes to troops overseas to remind them of home. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The recent cold snaps in Louisiana will probably not affect the bee population, but other insects may be affected.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Retail stores will not be selling hunting and fishing licenses for two months starting January 30th. Matt Doyle explains why…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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The Louisiana Heroes Project is asking folks to send some Fat Tuesday love to our troops serving in locations throughout the world who can’t be home this Carnival season. Mission Mardi Gras from Afghanistan coordinator Tawney Tallo, says their goal is to make sure all service members deployed from Louisiana receive a Carnival package before February 13th…:

Cut 4  (08) “traditional parade” 

If you would like to send a Mardi Gras Box to a deployed soldier, visit the Louisiana Heroes Project on Facebook for details. Tallo says some people don’t realize how much it means to soldiers when they get special care packages like this…:

Cut 5  (09)  “closer to home”

Fill the box with Mardi Gras themed items such as hats, throws, costumes, beads, or Louisiana inspired foods such as beignet mix, red beans and rice, and King Cake. Tallo, who is also deployed overseas, says when these treats arrive it feels like Louisiana has come to them…:

Cut 6 (08)  “around us”

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It’s been a colder than normal winter to say the least in Louisiana and it might affect the insect population this summer.  LSU Entomology Professor Timothy Schowalter says many tropical species in Louisiana are at the edge of the areas they normally inhabit and says how they reacted to the weather will determine their fate…

Cut 7 (08)  “exposed inscets.”

Schowalter says it’s expected that there will be a reduction in mosquitoes this year since some adults were more than likely killed in the December cold snap…

Cut 8 (07) “in reproduction.”

Lovebugs will more than likely survive these recent cold snaps.  Schowalter says they were long gone since they make their bi-yearly flights in April and October…

Cut 9 (09)  “would freeze.”

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Sportsman will be unable to renew their hunting and fishing licenses at retail stores for two months starting January 30th while the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries transitions to a new system. Spokesperson Rene LeBreton says the state has a new vendor for licensing…

Cut 10 (10) “these stores.”

They will be available again at retail stores April 2nd.

LeBreton says the new system will be more convenient…

Cut 11 (09) “down the road.”

LeBreton says LDWF is working towards tying together all of your licenses into one login in the future.

While retailers are training on the new system, licenses will still be available through the LDWF website, but LeBreton says he understands that not everyone is comfortable applying online…

Cut 12 (09) “retailer now.”

Licenses will also be available at regional offices and LDWF headquarters. All license sales will be unavailable from January 30th to 31st.

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The Louisiana Family Forum is celebrating the 2018 Longest Married Couple in Louisiana. The reigning champions, Lawrence and Varrie Player will be celebrating their 83rd anniversary this year. Family Forum President Gene Mills says they get new applicants every year…

Cut 13 (11)  “every year.”

The forum celebrates each year’s top ten couples by passing on their stories. Mills says it’s easy to submit yours…

Cut 14 (10) “special celebration”

The Family Forum honors the year’s top ten married couples during national marriage week, February 7th to 14th. Mills says over the years, couples have shared some great advice for keeping to “till death do us part”…

Cut 15 (05) “finish line.”

The deadline for submission is February 7th.

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The Saints season ended in heart breaking fashion in Minnesota last night. A 61-yard touchdown pass on the final play of the game gave the Vikings an improbable 29-24 victory over New Orleans. It appeared New Orleans had just completed a successful comeback from a 17-0 halftime deficit to win 24-23. But that touchdown pass from Case Keenum to Stefon Diggs ripped the hearts out of the Who Dat nation. Coach Sean Payton says it was a disappointing way to lose…

Cut 16 (13)  “bit of time”

After throwing two interceptions in the 1st half, Quarterback Drew Brees led a dramatic come back that saw him throw three touchdown passes. New Orleans was 10 seconds away from heading to Philadelphia to play in the NFC Championship game. Then the unthinkable happened. Brees on the end of the season…

Cut 17 (17) “things happen”

Despite the devastating loss, Brees believes the Saints can be a playoff team again next year…

Cut 18 (18) “make you stronger”

Saints rookie Safety Marcus Williams had an interception in the game, but it was his missed tackle that allowed Diggs to go in untouched into the end zone for the winning score. Brees says no one should say Williams lost them this game…

Cut 19 (13)       little different” 

01.13.18
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07:30 LRN Sportscast January 13

The Saints started their season in Minnesota and the goal is to make sure it doesn’t end there. New Orleans and the Vikings face each other on Sunday afternoon in the NFC Divisional Round. Minnesota won that first meeting 29-19. NFL Analyst Mike Detillier says there’s an X-factor for the Saints this time around…

Cut 14 (11) “….running back situation”

The Vikings are only allowing 84 yards a game on the ground. New Orleans needs to get its running game going. They’ve only rushed for over 100 yards once in their last five games. Kick-off is at 3:40.

Former Saints Special Teams coordinator Greg McMahon has been officially named as the new special teams coordinator for the LSU Tigers. McMahon served this past season on LSU’s staff as an analyst.

And Center Will Clapp has announced he will turn pro. He’s the sixth underclassmen for the Tigers who has made the decision not to return for his senior season.

After missing Wednesday’s loss with an ankle injury, Anthony Davis returned last night to help the Pelicans get past Portland 119 to 113. Davis had 36 points and showed no signs of his twisted ankle. DeMarcus Cousins had 24 points and 19 rebounds as New Orleans moved one game over the .500 mark.

LSU goes after its third win in a row tonight as they host Alabama. Coach Will Wade knows his team will not be able to sneak up on the Crimson Tide after pulling off road wins over Arkansas and Texas A-and-M. Wade is also hoping the PMAC will be sold out. Tip-off is at 7:30.

UL-Lafayette hosts ULM tonight at the Cajundome. The Cajuns are 4-0 in the Sun Belt and going back to last season, they’ve won 10 straight conference games. The Warhawks are 1-3 in league action.

In Conference USA, Louisiana Tech is at UAB. The Bulldogs have lost three of their last four.

In the Southland…Southeastern Louisiana, who is off to a 4-0 start in league play, hosts McNeese State. Nicholls and UNO are both 4-1 in the Southland. The Colonels host Central Arkansas, while the Privateers take on Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi in New Orleans. Northwestern State goes after its first win in conference play as they host Abilene Christian.

01.12.18
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LRN Sportscast January 12

Moving the chains could be difficult for the Saints Sunday in their NFC playoff matchup with the Vikings. Minnesota leads the NFL in yards allowed per game and points given up. Also, the Vikings have only allowed teams to convert 25-percent of the time on third down. Quarterback Drew Brees says they’ll need to have success on first and second downs…
cut 20 (20) “…for us”
The Vikings are also allowing just 84 yards a game on the ground. New Orleans has failed to rush for more than 100 yards in four of their last five games.

The Pelicans look to move a game above five-hundred tonight as they host Portland. Anthony Davis is expected to play, despite an ankle injury.

The LSU fan base might not be excited that Steve Ensminger is the Tigers new offensive coordinator, but Coach Ed Orgeron is thrilled he’ll be calling plays in 2018. Coach O says based on what Ensminger did as an interim offensive coordinator, he should be able to excel now that he has the job on a full-time basis…
cut 17 (15) “…in the redzone”
LSU officially named Greg McMahon as its special teams coordinator. McMahon spent last season an analyst. He was the special teams coordinator for the Saints the nine previous seasons.

College hoops…Louisiana Tech lost to Middle Tennessee 72-57. Tomorrow, LSU hosts Alabama as the Tigers look for their third straight win. UL Lafayette tries to stay undefeated in the Sun Belt as they host ULM. McNeese is at Southeastern. The Lions are 4-0 in Southland play.

01.12.18
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LRN PM Newscall January 12

Louisiana will receive another round of freezing temperatures this weekend. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor John Bel Edwards announced that the state is seeking funding for three major infrastructure projects. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Another cold air mass is bringing Canadian air into Louisiana, dropping temperatures well below normal.  Temperatures are expected to drop throughout today and then the coldest air of the weekend will settle in with overnight temperatures below freezing statewide.  State climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 3 (13) “on Sunday.”

Keim says the brutal north winds will drop the wind chills much like what we saw last week…

Cut 4  (10) “wind chill.” 

Last time we saw an arctic outbreak, there were several house fires resulting in over a dozen fatalities.  State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says those homes didn’t have a working smoke alarm and used dangerous means to heat their homes…

Cut 5  (09)  “some fires.”

Browning says it’s important to check on neighbors, especially if they are older.  It’s also a good idea to do a maintenance check of their heating and electrical system…

Cut 6 (10)  “the weekend.”

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The Legislative Women’s Caucus is investigating to see if it is necessary to overhaul sexual harassment policies for the legislature and state government employees.  Chairman and New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno finds it disturbing even though policies are in place, it’s hard to hold legislators accountable if they were accused of sexual harassment…

Cut 7 (11)  “the legislature.”

Moreno says the current policies are antiquated and need to be brought up to date to ensure a comfortable and productive working environment.  Her hope is if persons are found guilty of sexual harassment allegations, they will be held accountable…

Cut 8 (08) “this manner.”

Moreno says the committee is also investigating to see if an online sexual harassment course that legislators are required to take is presented in a way that educates them enough to protect them and others they work with…

Cut 9 (08) “as well.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards announces the state will seek 600 million dollars in loans to pay for major highway projects.  If accepted, the bonds will finance a major expansion of I-10 in Baton Rouge, the I-10 Loyola interchange in Kenner, and construction of an interchange into Barksdale Airforce Base in Bossier City. Edwards says the state will use federal highway money to pay back the loans…

Cut 10 (09) “12 years.”

In essence, the state will use future federal highway funds to pay back the debt. If federal funding changes, the state will be required to pay the difference.

Edwards says motorists who use I-10 between the Mississippi River Bridge, and the I-10/I-12 split on a daily basis are tired of sitting in traffic and it’s time to address this problem…

Cut 11 (10) “in the state.”

The Airforce has been requesting the state improve roads around Barksdale Airforce Base in Bossier City. Edwards says connecting the base to I-20 will help the state avoid losing Barksdale in any future base realignments…

Cut 12 (11) “into that base”

The financing plans will need to be approved by state lawmakers and the bond commission. The projects will need to be reviewed by the Federal Highway Administration.

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The Saints face their toughest match up of the season as they roll into the frozen north to take on Minnesota. The Black and Gold are five point underdogs against a Vikings team that hasn’t allowed more than 20 points at home. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says there’s only one way to beat a defense like that…

Cut 13 (08)  “ball over”

The game is a rematch of the season opener that the saints lost 29-19 in Minneapolis, but both teams are radically different now. There’s nearly two dozen new starters and key contributors between the two that didn’t play much in the first match up. Detillier says there’s a new X-factor for the Saints this time around…

Cut 14 (11) “runningback situation”

The game kicks off at 3:40 Sunday on FOX.

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26-year-old Neilson Rizzoto was sentenced to five years in prison today after plowing into a crowd of parade goers during last year’s Endymion parade in New Orleans.  The crash injured 32 people and police said Rizzuto had a .232 blood alcohol level.  The court also is ordering him to attend AA and MADD meetings.  Legal analyst Tim Meche says Rizzoto should be thankful he gets another chance…

Cut 15 (12) “other people.”

He pled guilty to 11 felony counts of vehicular negligent injuring and 13 misdemeanor counts. He faced a maxium 55 year sentence.  Meche says Rizzoto’s sentence is an example of the new criminal justice reform measures put in place…

Cut 16  (11)  “a third.”

01.12.18
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10:30 LRN Newscast January 12

Jennings Senator Blade Morrish is proposing to change TOPS award amounts. Under his plan, students who earn the basic award by achieving a 2.5 GPA and a20 ACT would receive just a four-thousand dollar annual stipend, while TOPS Honor students would get their tuition paid for, plus a stipend between 15-hundred and 25-hundred dollars. Morrish says he wants to challenge students to improve their performance…
cut 9 (08) “….old model”
Morrish could seek this change in TOPS in the upcoming session.

The Louisiana teacher arrested this week at the Vermilion Parish School Board meeting after she questioned her superintendent’s pay raise might file a lawsuit. Deyshia Hargrave spoke yesterday at a rally…
cut 11 (05) “…shocking disrespect”
Hargrave hopes her experience will empower people to use their voice when they see something that’s not right.

Monroe-based Centurylink has told its employees they will not receive a merit raise this year. A company spokesperson says Centurylink remains confident they are on the right path towards growth, but they also have to watch costs and adjust their operations to meet the needs of their business. Centurylink employs 52-thousand workers worldwide, 27-hundred in Louisiana.

A series of social media posts has experts reminding teens not to eat Tide Pods. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

01.12.18
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09:30 LRN Newscast January 12

Governor John Bel Edwards has called an 11:30 press conference where he’ll announce a 600-million dollar funding plan to widen I-10 from the Mississippi River bridge to the I-10–I-12 split in Baton Rouge. The governor’s office says if they receive the funding, they’ll also be able to complete construction projects in New Orleans and Bossier City.

A state lawmaker is proposing to change the amounts that TOPS students receive. Kelley Ray has the story…
Voicer 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

Hundreds showed up at a rally yesterday to support teacher Deyshia Hargrave who was forcefully removed from a school board meeting after questioning the superintendent’s pay raise. The treatment of Hargrave, who was handcuffed has angered many. She told her supporters that she was just sticking to her principles…
Cut 10 (11) “that myself.”
Hargrave hopes her story will encourage others to speak out when they don’t agree with something.

The Louisiana Property Assistance Agency will resume its monthly state surplus property auctions in Baton Rouge tomorrow. The auction will feature a wide variety of items once used by state agencies. Division of Administration spokesperson Jacques Berry says there’s something for everyone…
Cut 4 (11) “boats, trailers.”
More information can be found on the Division of Administration’s website.

01.12.18
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08:30 LRN Newscast January 12

Jennings Senator Blade Morrish has put forth a proposal that would make substantial changes to TOPS. Morrish is proposing that TOPS recipients who qualify for the scholarship with a 2.5 GPA and a 20 on their ACT would receive a four-thousand dollar annual stipend, while 4.0 students would have tuition paid for, plus a stipend…
cut 8 (11) “….2500 dollars”
The proposal would need legislative approval and if passed, would not impact current students.

Hundreds showed up in downtown Abbeville to support Deyshia Hargrave. Her arrest at a school board meeting has angered many. Hargrave hopes her story will encourge others to stand up for what they think is right…
cut 12 (06) “…those meetings”
Hargrave is considering legal action .

In 2017, poison control centers dealt with more than 10,000 reports of children eating detergent pods. Louisiana Poison Control President-Elect Mark Ryan…
cut 13 (11) “…bright and colorful”
Ryan says a new social media challenge has led to an increasing number of teenagers ingesting the colorful pods. He says under no circumstance should they go into your mouth.

State surplus property will be auctioned off on Saturday in Baton Rouge. Division of adminstration spokesperson Jacques Berry says you can bid on motor vehicles, construction equipment, appliances and home furniture once used by state agencies…
cut 5 (10) “…repurpose them”
For more information go to the division of administration’s website.

01.12.18
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07:30 LRN Newscast January 12

A state lawmaker is proposing to change TOPS scholarship amounts. Students who meet the minimum eligibility would receive a four-thousand-dollar annual stipend. Jennings Senator Blade Morrish says four-thousand-dollars may seem low, but it’s still the most lucrative college tuition program in the U-S…
Cut 7 (09) “state universities.”
Morrish says TOPS honors students would have their tuition paid for, plus they would get a stipend ranging from 15-hundred to 25-hundred dollars. The proposal would need legislative approval.

Governor John Bel Edwards will announce a funding plan today to pay for a major I-10 reconstruction project in Baton Rouge. The governor’s office says if the funding is received, a new interchange on I-10 in Kenner can also be built, plus a new access from I-20 directly into Barksdale Air Force Base.

Vermilion Parish teachers held a rally for Deyshia Hargrave, to protest her treatment at a recent schoolboard meeting. Matt Doyle has more…
Voicer 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Teenagers are putting detergent pods in their mouths as part of a new online challenge on social media. Louisiana Poison Control President-Elect Mark Ryan says no one should be eating these pods….
cut 15 (10) “…breathing tube”
Tide has released a statement says their laundry pods should not be played with, even if meant as a joke.

01.12.18
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06:45 LRN Sportscast January 12

Head coach Ed Orgeron came out strongly in support of his new offensive coordinator, Steve Ensminger. Ensminger has been an assistant at LSU since 2010, he’s a former quarterback, and also served as interim offensive coordinator for eight games in 2016. Orgeron says there’s a lot of reasons Tigers fan should be excited about Ensminger’s promotion…
Cut 16 (14) “and cheered”
Veteran receivers coach Jerry Sullivan has been named senior offensive assistant and passing game coordinator.

In college basketball last night, Louisiana Tech dropped to 1-4 in Conference USA Play as Middle Tennessee went on a 13-3 run to finish last night’s game. The Blue Raiders, who are undefeated in league play, won 72-57.

The Saints have the advantage at quarterback in Sunday’s N-F-C playoff game with the Vikings. Drew Brees is a future Hall of famer, who threw for 376 yards and two touchdowns last week, while Minnesota’s Case Keenum is making his first postseason start. Keenum is on his fourth team and was considered a journeymen until this season. Brees says he can relate…
Cut 18 (18) “his team”
Brees will need to be sharp on Sunday. Minnesota has the NFL’s top ranked defense. Kick off is at 3:40.

Perfect Game ranks LSU baseball 12th in their preseason poll. Florida, Arkansas and Kentucky are SEC teams ranked in the top 10.

The Pelicans host Portland tonight. Head Coach Alvin Gentry believes Anthony Davis will play, after missing Wednesday’s loss to Memphis with an ankle injury.