Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

12.06.17
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16:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints left for Atlanta today where they’ll play the Falcons tomorrow night in a big NFC South matchup. New Orleans is 9-3 and they lead the NFC South, while the Dirty Birds are 7-and-5 and this is a must win for them, if they want to win the division. New Orleans running back Mark Ingram goes into the game as the second leading rusher in the NFC, with 922 yards.

The Pelicans continue their four-game homestand tonight as they host the Denver Nuggets. These two teams met on November 17th in the Mile High City and the Nuggets beat New Orleans 148-114. That’s the most points given up by the franchise since its move to New Orleans.

In college hoops action….Tulane has already defeated Southern today 95-76. Louisiana Tech begins a four-game homestand against Stephen F Austin. The Bulldogs have won 10 straight at home. Loyola College is at the Ragin Cajuns. UL Lafayette has won six of its last seven.

LSU running back Derius Guice has left open the possibility he may return for his senior season. In an Instagram post Guice says a decision on his football future will be made after the Tigers play Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says he’ll be shocked if Guice returns and it will be interesting to see what offensive linemen, like Will Clapp will do…
cut 18 (17) “…could leave’
LSU senior quarterback Danny Etling has been named SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Louisiana Tech’s Teddy Veal ahs been named Conference USA’s co-newcomer of the year. The transfer from Tulane had 69 catches for 832 yards and five touchdowns during the 2017 campaign.

12.05.17
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16:45 LRN Sportscast

Usually, Tuesday is an off day for the Saints, but they were on the practice field today getting ready for Thursday night’s NFC South matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. As it stands now, the Saints appear to be in good position to make the playoffs, But running back Mark Ingram says nothing is guaranteed…

Cut 18 (14) “….keep getting better”

On the injury front, cornerback Marshon Lattimore was on the practice field for today’s walk-thru. He’s missed the last two games because of an ankle sprain.

The Pelicans fell to 12-and-12 on the season after losing to Golden State 125-115 last night. New Orleans led by 20 points at halftime. It’s the third time they’ve had a double digit lead over the defending champs, but still lost the game. New Orleans hosts the Denver Nuggets tomorrow night.

LSU star running back Derrius Guice has left the door open that he could return for his senior season. In an Instagram post, Guice said it wasn’t easy playing this season, because of an injured knee. The Baton Rouge product says he’s now fully healthy and a decision on whether he’ll leave or stay at LSU is still in the air and he won’t know until after the bowl game. If Guice enters the NFL draft, he’s expected to be a first round pick.

ULM quarterback Garrett Smith is leaving Monroe. Smith made 17 starts for the Warhawks and threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 31 touchdowns. But Smith made just one start this season as sophomore Caleb Evans established himself as the starting Q-B, so Smith is now looking to transfer to another school.

And in college baseball, Tiger Rag Magazine reports infielders Rankin (Rank-in) Woley and Mason Templet (Tom-play) are transferring from the program. Woley made eight starts last season and Templet, a former star player at St. Thomas More in Lafayette, was hitless in six at-bats as a freshmen last year.

12.04.17
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16:45 LRN Sportscast December 4

Six LSU Tigers made the 2017 Associated Press ALL SEC Football team. Center Will Clapp, linebacker Arden Key, linebacker Devin White and cornerback Greedy Williams are on the first team. Second-team selections are running back Derrius Guice and wide receiver DJ Chark. Guice posted on twitter that he thought it was a joke he was a second-team selection.

For the second straight year, LSU is headed to the Citrus Bowl. Last year they won a lopsided contest, this time they’ll play Notre Dame. It’s rare for a team to go to the same bowl game in consecutive years. Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan says they have ways to make the experience different for the players…

Cut 17 (09) “…multiple parks”

And Louisiana Tech is headed to a fourth straight bowl game as they’ll face SMU in the first-ever Frisco Bowl, which will be played on December 20th outside of Dallas.

The Saints are alone in first place in the NFC South after beating Carolina 31-21 yesterday in front of a jacked up Superdome crowd. The Saints got the fans in this game right away, when they decided to go for it in the first quarter when they were facing fourth and goal from the two yard line. Alvin Kamara scored the first of his two touchdowns. Quarterback Drew Brees says the decision to go for it on fourth down, showed they were there to win…

Cut 19 (15) “…be aggressive”

The Saints are on a short week this week, as they visit Atlanta on Thursday.

Should be a good crowd at the Smoothie King Center tonight as the Pelicans host the NBA Champion Golden State Warriors. New Orleans all-star Anthony Davis will miss his second straight game because of a pelvis injury. The Pelicans medical team says A-D is day-to-day. The Warriors have won 14 of their last 17 after a slow start. Tip-off is at 7 PM.

12.03.17
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LRN AM Newscall December 4

The U.S. House and Senate have both passed tax reform legislation and will come together in a committee to iron out differences. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn.”

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A 10-million dollar rehab facility is set to open around the first of the year in Abita Springs. Jeff Palermo reports the C-E-O of Longbranch Recovery Center says it’s the largest investment in an addiction treatment facility in the state’s history…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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There are reports Smoothie King is looking to moving its corporate headquarters from Louisiana to Texas.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 3  (25) “I’m Kelley Ray”  

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Both the U.S. House and Senate have approved separate tax reform bills and will now come together in a committee to iron out the differences. U.S. Representative Clay Higgins of St. Landry Parish says the economy will sky rocket once they pass a bill that cuts corporate and personal income taxes….

Cut 4  (06) “a win”

Once the committee agrees on a tax reform plan, the House and Senate will have to pass it. Higgins says he’s confident the president will sign the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act before the end of the year. He says the U.S. hasn’t seen this type of economic stimulation in decades.

Cut 5  (08)  “voted for”

This would be Congress’ first rewrite of the tax code in nearly 30 years. The Senate’s bill would eliminate the requirement for individuals without health insurance to pay a penalty. Higgins supports that provision. He says this legislation can only benefit the United States…

Cut 6 (11) “increasing” 

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A new addiction treatment center is opening on the Northshore.  The ten-million-dollar Longbranch Recovery Center will open around the first of the year in Abita Springs.  Longbranch Healthcare CEO Chris McMahon, sober for 17 years, says he wants to do his part in helping those who need it the most…

Cut 7 (10)  “a problem.”

McMahon says there is a huge need for addiction treatment in Louisiana.  It has been found that treating the symptoms of addiction is more successful for the patient…

Cut 8 (12) “of addiction.”

McMahon says the location of the facility was as important as treating the patient.  He says the former Longbranch Hotel in Abita Springs is a now a 32-bed facility that will be able to house patients during 30 to 90 day treatment programs…

Cut 9 (11)  “and welcome.”

An outpatient program is also opening in Old Metairie. For more information go to longbranchhealthcare.com.

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There are reports Smoothie King is looking at moving its corporate headquarters from Metairie to Texas. A five-year deal between Louisiana and the fruit drink maker expires at the end of the year. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson has spoken with Smoothie King…

Cut 10 (12)  “a business.”

Pierson says if they are planning on leaving the state, it would leave about 60 employees out of work…

Cut 11 (06) “manufacturing operation.”

Under the deal set to expire, the state pays Smoothie King hundreds of thousands of dollars in incentives. Pierson says Louisiana Economic Development will work with Smoothie King to explore all options for them to remain in the state…

Cut 12 (07) “excellent outcome.”

Smoothie King is in the third year of a ten-year naming rights agreement to the home of the New Orleans Pelicans.  At the time, owner Wan Kim said the deal  allows the company to show its commitment to New Orleans.

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After a third consecutive losing season, UL Lafayette has fired head coach Mark Hudspeth. Athletic Director Bryan Maggard informed Hudspeth of his decision Sunday morning following the team’s 63-14 loss to Appalachian State…

Cut 13 (10) “our program”

Hudspeth directed the school to four straight New Orleans Bowl titles from 2011 to 2014, but because of NCAA sanctions, UL Lafayette was forced to forfeit 22 victories, including two bowl wins. Maggard says the next head coach needs to recruit Louisiana well and must be a proven winner

Cut 14 (10) “win championships”

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For the second straight year, LSU is headed to the Citrus Bowl in Orlando and this year they’ll play Notre Dame. Last year the Tigers trounced Louisville 29-9 on New Year’s Eve. This year’s game will be played on New Year’s Day at noon in Camping World Stadium. LSU Coach Ed Orgeron is excited…

Cut 15 (09) “matchup”

Notre Dame is 9-3 and led offensively by Josh Adams one of the nation’s top running backs. He’s rushed for over 13-hundred yards and seven yards a carry. Two times this season, the junior has rushed for over 200 yards in a game. Orgeron says he’ll get to know Adams over the next month…

Cut 16  (11)  “ought to be”

It’s rare for a team to go to the same bowl game game in consecutive years. Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan says they have ways to make the experience different for the players…

Cut 17  (09)  “multiple parks.”

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The Saints regained control of the NFC South with a convincing 31-21 win over the Carolina Panthers. The Atlanta Falcons also lost, so now New Orleans has a one-game lead over the Panthers and a two-game lead over the Dirty Birds for the division lead. Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 269 yards and one touchdown in the victory

Cut 18 (18) “front of us” 

Rookie Alvin Kamara had another big game, 66 yards receiving on five catches and he also carried the ball nine times for 60 yards and had two rushing touchdowns. Kamara scored the game’s first touchdown when the Saints went for it on fourth and goal on the two-yard line. Brees says the decision to go for it on fourth down showed they were there to win

Cut 19 (15)    be agressive”

The Saints are 9-3 heading into a Thursday night showdown with the Falcons. Brees is glad they got the win over the Panthers, but there’s still room to improve…

cut 20 (17)  those things” 

12.02.17
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10:30 LRN Newscast December 2nd

Both of Louisiana’s U-S Republican Senators voted for the tax bill that was approved on a 51-49 vote. Senior Senator Bill Cassidy says it will cut taxes for working families in Louisiana. John Kennedy says the non-partisan Tax Foundation says Louisiana will see an increase of 12-thousand jobs and the average family will gain 18-hundred dollars in after-tax income. But Louisiana Budget Project Director Jan Moller says only the wealthy will get a tax break, while low-income and middle-class Americans would face a tax increase.

A State Police report shows former LSP Superintendent Mike Edmonson allegedly knew about side trips several troopers took on their way to a conference in San Diego last year. Prior to Edmonson’s retirement last March he said the trip was unauthorized. Attempts to reach him for comment have been unsuccessful.

It’s official; Jimbo Fisher has left Florida State to take the head coaching job at Texas A&M, and will not be on the sidelines for FSU’s game against ULM today. So what does this mean for LSU now that he’s in the SEC West? College football analyst Mike Detillier says Fisher knows how to develop quarterbacks…:
Cut 13 (11) “National Football League”
Fisher will reportedly receive 75 million dollars over a 10-year contract.

Could the Ragin Cajuns be looking for a new head football coach after today. UL Lafayette needs to win at Appalachian State to avoid a third straight losing season under coach Mark Hudspeth.

In Houston, Grambling State faces Alcorn State in the SWAC Championship game. A win for Grambling and they advance to play North Carolina A-and-T in the Celebration Bowl on December 16th in Atlanta.

12.02.17
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09:30 LRN Newscast December 2

On a 51-49 vote, the US Senate approved a tax plan early this monring that Republicans say will cut taxes for working families. Senior Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says the legislation will also create more jobs…
cut 29 (09) “…elsewhere”
But Jan Moller, director of the Louisiana Budget Project, says it’s an irresponsible tax bill that will increase the budget deficit.

A new Food Network series called “Cajun Aces” staring south Louisiana husband and wife chefs, Cody and Samantha Carroll premiers tonight. Cody says they’ve seen the first episode entitled, “Crawfish and Mirliton,” and the camera work capturing the Cajun countryside is incredible…:
Cut 4 (08) “just beautiful”
The first show is tonight at 7.

A report that’s been made public shows the former leader of State Police, Colonel Mike Edmonson, deleted text messages that showed he was communicating with Troopers when they took a taxpayer funded trip to Las Vegas. President of the Metropolitan Crime Commission Rafael Goyeneche says Edmonson’s behavior has been embarrassing for State Police. He says it will take a while to bring reconciliation to the agency…
cut 8 (12) “….and extrenally”
Edmonson has not responded to requests for comment.

Broussard Police say the man that held up the First Community Bank on Monday is now in custody. 29-year-old Jeremi Raymond of New Iberia allegedly wounded one of the bank tellers when he fired his weapon. Broussard Police Chief Brennan Decou says Raymond faces several charges…
cut 10 (08) “…convicted felon”

12.02.17
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08:30 LRN Newscast December 2nd

While most of us were sleeping the U-S Senate approved a major rewrite of the nation’s tax code that Republicans say will benefit people of all incomes. Louisiana’s Senior Senator Bill Cassidy says the legislation also contains provisions to stimulate the economy….
cut 28 (10) “…get better”
But Jan Moller, director of the Louisiana Budget Project, says the tax bill is a costly giveway for the wealthy and corporations at the expense of working families. The differences between the House and Senate tax reform bills must be ironed out, but Republican leaders remain optimistic a final bill will land on the president’s desk by Christmas.

The matchups for the state football championships are set. Ten semifinal games were decided yesterday, Zachary, Hahnville, Lakeshore, Karr, Richwood, Welsh and Kentwood are among the teams to advance.

Shreveport police have arrested a 16-year-old who allegedly threatened to shoot his classmates at Caddo Magnet High School. Investigators say the troubled teen also surfed the internet on how to make bombs and watched vidoes of other school shootings. Authorities seized undisclosed items from his home and the suspect was booked on one count of terrorizing.

A newly released 300-page State Police report shows alleged criminal corruption by former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

12.02.17
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07:30 LRN Sportscast December 2nd

Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore practiced on a limited basis yesterday and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Carolina. Cornerback P-J Williams and left tackle Terron Armstead are also questionable, while safety Marcus Williams and Coby Fleener are out.

Today in college football…ULM will visit Florida State, who will not have Jimbo Fisher on the sidelines as their head coach. Fisher is the new head coach at Texas A-and-M. UL Lafayette is at Appalachian State. The Cajuns need to win to become bowl eligible and Grambling faces Alcorn in the SWAC title game for a third straight season.

The Grambling men’s basketball team upset Georigia Tech 64-63 last night. The Yellow Jackets actually tipped in the winning basket trying to grab a defensive rebound. Johnathan Stove had 23 points as the Cajuns beat Nicholls 105-80 and the Pelicans Anthony Davis went down with a groin injury in a 114 to 108 loss to Utah.

There were some thrilling games in high school football last night. In Class 5-A, Zachary upset top-seeded and undefeated West Monroe 29-27. The Broncos stopped the Rebels from scoring a two-point conversion to tie the game with 28 seconds left. Zachary will face Hahnville, who beat Acadiana in overtime 43-42. Pooka Williams rushed for 210 yards and three touchdowns and scored on a two-point conversion to win the game.

In Four-A, Karr and Lakeshore advanced to the Title game. In Three-A, West Feliciana is heading to the Dome for the first time as they defeated Jennings 45-26. The sixth-seeded Saints will face 8th seeded Richwood who beat Kaplan 15-8. An Anthony Watson two-yard touchdown run was the winning score.

In Two-A, St. Helena scored a touchdown on the final play of the game to beat Ferriday 12-6 and the Hawks will face top-seed Welsh who was victorious over Many 28-18.

And in One-A, Kentwood beat Oak Grove 19-7, while West St. John knocked off defending champion Logansport 34-18.

12.01.17
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16:45 LRN Sportscast December 1

The Panthers will bring a four-game winning streak into the Mercedes Benz Superdome on Sunday as New Orleans battles Carolina in a matchup of the top two teams in the NFC South. When Cam Newton plays good, the Panthers offense excels. Saints linebacker A-J Klein says it’s important to keep Newton in the pocket…
cut 18 (19) “….harder to stop ”
Saints rookie cornerback Marshon Lattimore is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Panthers.

Tonight is the semi-finals of the high school football playofs on the non-select side, undefeated West Monroe hosts Zachary. Lakeshore is also undefeated and seeking it’s first trip to the Dome, they’ll take on Rayne.

It’s official; Jimbo Fisher has left Florida State to take the head coaching job at Texas A&M, and will be on the sidelines for FSU’s game against ULM Saturday. So what does this mean for LSU now that he’s in the SEC West? College football analyst Mike Detillier says Fisher knows how to develop quarterbacks…:
Cut 13 (11) “National Football League”
Fisher will reportedly receive 7.5 million dollars over a 10-year contract.

In other SEC news….Tennessee athletic director John Currie is out as the Vols search for a football coach has been a trainwreck. Former Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer will serve as acting athletic director.

In baskeball tonight…the Pelicans visit the Utah Jazz. Tomorrow night, New Orleans is in Portland and there’s a battle on the bayou tonight as Nicholls State hosts the Ragin Cajuns.

12.01.17
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16:30 LRN Newscast December 1

A newly released 300-page State Police report shows alleged criminal corruption by former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

Former Congressman William Jefferson, who was convicted nearly a decade ago on bribery charges, officially had his sentence reduced to time served today. The decision came as a joint recommendation by prosecutors and defense attorneys in the aftermath of a Supreme Court ruling that makes it more difficult to convict public officials of bribery.

College football fans are reacting to the news of Jimbo Fisher leaving Florida State and accepting a 10-year, 750-million dollar contract from Texas A-and-M. Fisher was in consideration for the head coaching vacancy at LSU last year. Football analyst Mike Detillier…
cut 15 (12) “…going to LSU”
Fisher was the Tigers offensive coordinator during their 2003 national championship season.

A new Food Network series called “Cajun Aces” staring south Louisiana husband and wife chefs, Cody and Samantha Carroll premiers tomorrow night. Cody says they’ve already seen the first episode entitled, “Crawfish and Mirliton,” and the camera work capturing the Cajun countryside is incredible…:
Cut 4 (08) “just beautiful”
The first show is tomorrow night at 7.