Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

12.11.17
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10:30 LRN Newscast December 11

LaPolitics Weekly reports Congressman Ralph Abraham is considering a run for governor in 2019. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says the Richland Parish lawmaker is very popular in north and central Louisiana, but…:
Cut 12 (10) “southern Louisiana”
Abraham says he hasn’t made any decisions about his political future.

The LSU AgCenter believes they have developed a milk-based meal replacement powder that can help individuals lose weight. Director of the AgCenter Food Incubator, Gaye Sandoz, says they will work with LSU’s Pennington Research Center to package and market the product…
cut 6 (10) “…the market”
Did you watch the NFL yesterday? Recent reports indicate fewer people are tuning in on Sunday to watch. With viewers scattering, Deborah Todd, owner of Baton Rouge-based Todd Advertising Agency foresees advertisers and networks alike renegotiating their contracts…
cut 9 (08) “…to give”
Fox, NBC and CBS have agreements with the NFL to televise their games through the 2022 season.

As part of Louisiana’s effort to rebuild the whooping crane population, another dozen juvenile whooping cranes have been released at the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge…
cut 15 (12) “….in Louisiana”
That’s state wildlife and fisheries biologist Sara Zimorski who says the whooping crane population in Louisiana is up to 72.

12.10.17
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LRN AM Newscall December 11

The LSU AgCenter developed a milk-based meal replacement powder to help consumers lose weight. Emelie Gunn has more on the product that will be tested at LSU’s Pennington Research Center …

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Multiple reports indicate NFL viewership is down this season. Kelley Ray spoke with a Baton Rouge ad agent about the impacts…

Cut 2 (22) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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Former Governor Kathleen Blanco says she’s in the fight for her life as the 74-year-old is battling liver cancer. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3  (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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The LSU AgCenter has developed a milk-based meal replacement powder to help consumers lose weight. Studies show drinking meal replacement shakes for 12 weeks instead of meals is a safe way to drop pounds. Director of the AgCenter Food Incubator Gaye Sandoz says they’ve developed the powder and now LSU’s Pennington  Research Center will test the product.

Cut 4  (07) “to do”

Sandoz says the AgCenter created the powder shake in chocolate and vanilla flavors and a candy to be added to the meal replacement.

Cut 5  (08)  “special milk”

The powder is derived from a2 milk, which is easier to digest than normal milk. Sandoz says they will work with Pennington to package and market the product. She adds this development came from a long period of hard work by researchers.

Cut 6 (10) “the market” 

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Multiple reports indicate fewer people are watching as much pro football than they used too. Baton Rouge-based Todd Advertising Agency owner Deborah Todd says it’s not just national anthem protests, she says viewer fatigue has also set in, because of an over saturation of NFL games…

Cut 7 (10)  “used to.”

Todd says cord cutters, households who get rid of cable or satellite TV, is also hurting NFL viewership. She says internet based apps like Netflix, Hulu and Directvnow, is helping to further divide people’s attention away from professional football and it’s cheaper…

Cut 8 (08) “a month.”

NFL contracts involving the five television networks, Twitter and Amazon Prime are worth five-billion-dollars through 2022.  With the viewers scattering, Todd foresees advertisers and networks alike renegotiating their contracts…

Cut 9 (08)  “to give.”

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LaPolitics Weekly reports Congressman Ralph Abraham is considering a run for governor in 2019. Abraham says he hasn’t made any decisions, but a number of people are asking him about it. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says the Richland Parish physician will need to boost his name recognition

Cut 10 (12)  “to support”

U.S. Senator John Kennedy, Attorney General Jeff Landry and Congressman Garret Graves are a few GOP politicians that are suspected to run against current Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards. Stockley says at this point it appears Kennedy, Landry or Graves have a better chance at defeating Edwards in 2019…

Cut 11 (10) “disadvantage”

Abraham is a doctor, airplane pilot and former veterinarian. Stockley says it’s more common to see winning candidates from New Orleans, Lafayette or Baton Rouge. He says Abraham is very popular in north and central Louisiana, but…

Cut 12 (10) “southern Louisiana”

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A dozen juvenile whooping cranes have been released at the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge as part of an ongoing effort to protect them from extinction. Biologist Sara Zimorski with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says they are joining eleven juveniles that were released a couple of weeks ago in Vermilion Parish…

Cut 13 (08) “72 birds.”

Whooping cranes are the tallest bird in North America, standing on average five feet tall.  Zimorski they are a beautiful bird to look at and fits in well with Louisiana because…

Cut 14 (12) “in 1950.”

In 1939, the last recorded whooping crane egg hatched in Louisiana until last year.  Zimorski says by letting them hatch in a controlled environment, helps them to get a larger population quicker…

Cut 15 (12) “in Louisiana.”

12.09.17
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07:30 LRN Sportscast

Three more state champions were crowned in football last night and three more will be crowned today. In the Class 3A state championship game, West Feliciana beat Richwood 40-21 to claim their first ever title in football. The Saints were led by Louisiana Tech commitment Davon Harris who had an 87-yard kick off return for a touchdown. He had another long return to set up another score and also had a 6 yard touchdown run.

In Division III, U-High looked very impressive in a 45-19 victory over De La Salle. Cubs running back Mike Hollins rushed for 124 yards and three touchdowns.

And in Class Two-A, the Welsh Greyhounds raced past St. Helena 38-26. Welsh senior Quarterback Zach Hayes threw four touchdown passes.

The action resumes at noon today as Catholic High of Baton Rouge faces John Curtis. Then it’s Karr versus Lakeshore and the final game of the day is the 5A title between Hahnville and the Zachary Broncos.

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Saints Coach Sean Payton is still not a happy camper about the some of the calls that were made against his team in the 20-17 loss to Atlanta on Thursday night. Payton spoke with reporters on Friday afternoon and said the officiating was extremely poor and inconsistent would be a great way to put it. New Orleans was penalized 11 times for 87 yards and the Falcons picked up nine first downs because of a penalty. Payton added the officials also missed holding calls against his star wide receiver Michael Thomas. New Orleans next game is December 17th when they host the New York Jets.

Anthony Davis returned to the court after missing three games, but the Pelicans lost to the Sacramento Kings 116-109 in overtime. Zach Randolph hit a career-high five 3 pointers and finished with a season-high 35 points. DeMarcus Cousins led New Orleans with 38 points and 11 rebounds, while Davis had 18 points. The Pels conclude a four-game homestand on Sunday when they take on the 76ers.

 

 

 

12.08.17
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16:45 LRN sportscast

Many Saints fans are still shaking their head over yesterday’s 20-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Six players for the Black and Gold left the game as a result of injuries and never came back and New Orleans was flagged 11 times for 87 yards. Head Coach Sean Payton summed it up well…

cut 18 (11) “…bounce back”

Payton took it a step further today when speaking with reporters. He said the officiating was extremely poor and inconsistent. It’s likely he’ll get fined for that and the choking gesture he made towards Falcons running back Devonta Freeman during the game. New Orleans has time to rest up and get ready to play the Jets on December 17th and then it’s a rematch with the Falcons on Christmas Eve.

The Saints will be keeping an eye on the second place Panthers on Sunday. Carolina hosts 10-2 Minnesota.

Four state champions have now been crowned at the Allstate Sugar Bowl  L-H-S-A-A Prep Classic in New Orleans. Yesterday it was West St. John, Lafayette Christian and Catholic New Iberia. The Panthers won their first title since 1962. The Knights won their first and it’s the fourth championship for the Rams.

Welsh won its first football title today as the Greyhounds ran past St. Helena 38-26 for the 2A title. The Division Two state championship game is underway, University High versus De La Salle. Tonight it’s West Feliciana and Richwood. The Saints have never won a title and Richwood is the only team from north Louisiana in the prep classic. You can watch all of the games on C-S-T.

In college football news…Former Ragin Cajuns head coach Mark Hudspeth has found a new job. Hudspeth has reportedly been hired as the tight ends coach at Mississippi State.

The Pelicans host the Sacramento Kings tonight. There’s a chance Anthony Davis could play tonight after missing the last three games with a pelvis injury.

 

 

 

 

Tonight at the Smoothie King Center, the Pelicans

 

 

 

12.06.17
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LRN AM Newscall December 7

The holiday season can often be overwhelming leading to seasonal depression. Emelie Gunn has more on the holiday blues….

Cut 1 (25) “I’m Emelie Gunn.”

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Nine state champions will be crowned the next three days, as the state football championships take place in the Superdome. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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This cold blast of air could produce some wintry precipitation tonight and into Friday morning for sections of southeast Louisiana.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 3  (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”  

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The holiday season is supposed to be a joyous time but can often be overwhelming, causing seasonal depression. Our Lady of the Lake Psychiatric Nurse Glenda Natale says this time of year, they receive more calls for help dealing with the holiday blues. She says we live in a perfectionist society….

Cut 4  (09) “is about”

Natale says people who feel like they don’t have a strong support system are at a higher risk for developing holiday depression. She suggests getting out to volunteer or befriending a neighbor, rather than dwelling on past memories with people who are no longer with you.

Cut 5  (10)  “of happiness”

Natale says the weather also plays a part in holiday depression with temperatures getting cold and rainy and it gets darker much earlier. She says it’s important to contact your doctor if you continue to have unrelenting thoughts.

Cut 6 (11) “that rut” 

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The 2017 Allstate Sugar Bowl—L-H-S-A-A Prep Classic begins today and runs through Saturday at the Mercedes Benz Superdome. Nine state champions will be crowned over the next three days and Association Executive Director Eddie Bonine says they anticipate several close games

Cut 7 (12)  “good attendance”

The first game today is between traditional One-A powers West St. John and Kentwood. At 3:30 it’s Lafayette Christian against Ascension Catholic. Bonine says L-C-A has never played for a state championship and Ascension Catholic will make history as soon as the game begins, because of its coach Drey Trosclair…

Cut 8 (12) “for everybody”

The final game of the night is Notre Dame versus Catholic High of New Iberia. The Pioneers from Crowley have won five state titles and Coach Lewis (Louie) Cook is coaching in his 11th state championship game in his Hall of Fame career

Cut 9 (06)  “the championship”

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The recent cold snap could bring southeast Louisiana some wintry precipitation tonight into Friday morning.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says even though the air temperature will stay above freezing, you may still see freezing precipitation…

Cut 10 (12)  “the surface.”

Keim says if there is wintry precipitation, it won’t be a statewide weather event…

Cut 11 (09) “first place.”

Keim says there may be isolated reports of icing in the area, but there aren’t any widespread expectations of icing conditions to bring power outages..

Cut 12 (12) “isolated areas.”

Sunny but still cold weather is expected to return by the weekend.  Temperatures will remain in the 50’s for the majority of the state.

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The New Orleans Saints are set to square off against the Atlanta Falcons tonight in a key NFC South showdown.  Quarterback Drew Brees says the short week can make it difficult to prepare, but he knows the Falcons will be ready with some new tricks up their sleeve…

Cut 13 (10) “to play.”

Brees says he has great respect for Atlanta’s secondary. He says the Saints passing game has to be top notch tonight because cornerback Desmond Trufant is back from his injury and will be on the field…

Cut 14 (10) “good corners.”

The Saints are nine and three while the Falcons come into the contest with a seven and five mark.  Brees knows the defense is what got the Falcons to the Super Bowl last year, and knows their defense will be flying around tonight…

Cut 15 (11) “ball security.”

Kickoff is tonight at 7:25 at Mercedes-Benz stadium in Atlanta. Saints running back Mark Ingram is listed as questionable with a toe injury.

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.