Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

08.13.26
by

LRN PM Newscall

The Louisiana Public Service Commission will not require Meta to provide exact numbers on how many people will work at the AI data center in Richland Parish and how much energy it will use. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

Former LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels feels disrespected that another LSU player will wear the number five jersey this season. Joe Gallinaro reports a cease-and-desist letter has been sent to the university asking the school to stop using his name, image and likeness.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

____________________________________________

A former police officer who was allegedly plotting a mass shooting at Jazz Fest earlier this year quietly had the charges against him dropped back in June. A grand jury in Louisiana declined to indict 45-year-old Christopher Gillum for terrorizing, after he was found at a Florida hotel in April with a handgun and several rounds of ammunition. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says a grand jury proceeding is not a trial.

Cut 3 (13) “…crime of terrorizing.”

Ciolino says in contrast to a trial, where the standard is beyond a reasonable doubt, the standard in a grand jury proceeding is very low.

Cut 4 (14) “…support a prosecution.”

Gillum had been held without bond but was released on June 30th after Attorney General Liz Murrill dropped the charges against him. Ciolino says while Gillum is off the hook for now, that doesn’t mean he’s completely out of the woods.

Cut 5 (13) “…jury for reconsideration.”

____________________________________________

On a three to one vote, the Louisiana Public Service Commission votes not to follow a judge’s recommendation that Meta should be required to provide exact job numbers and how much energy it plans to use for its massive data center in Richland Parish. Several members of the public urged the P-S-C to require Meta to release this information, including Sixth District Congressional candidate and Democrat Rubia Garcia…

Cut 6 (06) “…people of Louisiana”

But Republican PSC Member JP Coussan of Lafayette says there have been multiple media reports on the jobs that Meta is expected to create, not only during the construction phase, but also when the data center is operational…

Cut 7 (06) “…to manufacturing”

As far as energy usage goes, both Meta and Entergy say that the tech giant will pay for its own power and it will not lead to higher electric bills for residents and businesses in Louisiana. But there are many in the public who are not convinced, including James Hyatt of Lake Charles

Cut 8 (10) “…greater harm.”

It was a party line vote, with the three Republicans on the Commission voting to override the judge’s recommendation and the lone Democrat, Davante Lewis, voted to have Meta release this information.

____________________________________________

An attorney for LSU Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU asking the school to stop using his name, image and likeness after the Tigers issued his number-five jersey to sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says Pickett is the first Tiger to be issued the number of the 2023 Heisman winner.

Cut 9 (11)  “…strong argument.”

Coach Lane Kiffin said Pickett was promised the number five by the  previous coaching staff during his recruitment, and he wanted to honor that promise. Guilbeau says Daniels did not approve of Pickett wearing the number, but he understands why Kiffin allowed it.

Cut 10 (10) “…about it (x2).” 

The letter informs LSU that it can no longer use Daniels’ name, image or likeness. Guilbeau says it is a bad look for the university and although it may not be entirely Kiffin’s fault, this is just another controversy for a coach steeped in it.

Cut 11 (12) “…for his player.”

A spokesperson for Daniels told ESPN his family is “deeply disappointed and feels profoundly disrespected” by the situation. The letter was sent to LSU AD Verge Ausberry August 5, the first day of LSU fall practice.

Kiffin spoke with reporters today and had no additional comments to what he said last week, which was Pickett was promised the number five jersey during his recruitment and LSU should honor that commitment.

Pickett was made available to the media today and had a brief statement on the controversy…

Cut 12 (10) “…that’s all .” 

08.13.26
by

3:30 LRN Newscast

Former LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels feels disrespected that another LSU player will wear the number five jersey this season. Joe Gallinaro reports a cease-and-desist letter has been sent to the university asking the school to stop using his name, image and likeness.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Daniels has released a statement which says he has a lot of gratitude for his time at LSU. He goes on to say, obviously there are issues that had to be worked out between his team and LSU and hopes they will get done privately.

 

A former police officer accused of plotting a mass shooting at Jazz Fest back in April is a free man after a grand jury declines to indict him. 45-year-old Christopher Gillum was released from jail on June 30th after Attorney General Liz Murrill dropped the charges against him. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says while Gillum is off the hook for now, that doesn’t mean he’s completely out of the woods.

Cut 5 (13) “…jury for reconsideration.”

On a three to one vote, the Louisiana Public Service Commission votes not to follow a judge’s recommendation that Meta should be required to provide exact job numbers and how much energy it plans to use for its massive data center in Richland Parish. Several members of the public urged the P-S-C to require Meta to release this information, including Democratic congressional candidate Rubia Garcia.

Cut 6 (06) “…people of Louisiana?”

08.13.26
by

2:30 LRN Newscast

The attorney for LSU Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels has sent LSU a cease-and-desist letter, saying the school cannot use his name, image and likeness because Daniels feels disrespected that sophomore D-J Pickett is wearing his former number five. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says Lane Kiffin was asked about the controversy today and stood by his earlier comments that Pickett was promised number five during recruiting…
Cut 10 (10) “…about it” (2x)

Pickett spoke today and says he’s wearing number five.

A former police officer accused of plotting a mass shooting at JazzFest in April is off the hook for now. Attorney General Liz Murrill dropped terrorizing charges against 45-year-old Christopher Gillum after a grand jury declined to indict him. Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino…
Cut 4 (14) “…support a prosecution.”

The Public Service Commission voted to allow Meta to keep details about its planned Richland Parish data center private. A judge had recommended Meta disclose the number of jobs it will create and how much energy it will use. But Republican P-S-C Commissioner J-P Coussan says there’s already plenty of information about the jobs the project will create…
Cut 7 (06) “…to manufacturing”

Meta and Entergy say Meta will pay for its own power and the data center won’t increase electric bills. But Lake Charles resident James Hyatt isn’t convinced…
Cut 8 (10) “…greater harm.”

08.13.26
by

10:30 LRN Newscast

The attorney for LSU Heisman winning quarterback Jayden Daniels has sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU that tells the school they are not allowed to use his name, image and likeness because he feels disrespected that the Tigers are allowing sophomore DJ Pickett wear the number five jersey. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says Kiffin said last week Pickett was promised he could wear number five while he was being recruited….

Cut 10 (10) “…about it” (2x”

Kiffin is scheduled to meet with reporters later this morning.

An Orleans Parish grand jury did not find enough evidence that a former law enforcement officer arrested in Florida was planning to conduct a mass shooting at Jazz Fest where he was targeting Black people.  45-year-old Christopher Gillum was released from custody and A-G Liz Murrill has dropped the charges against him.

 

 

A report by WWNO public radio says Congresswoman and U.S. Senate Republican candidate Julia Letlow may have benefited financially by purchasing Meta stock after learning about the company’s plans to build a massive data center in Richland Parish. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

In a three to one vote, the Louisiana Public Service Commission said Meta does not have to disclose how many permanent jobs it will create and how much electricity it will need for its massive data center its building in Richland Parish. Opponents of the data center say this information should be public.

08.13.26
by

9:30 LRN Newscast

An attorney for LSU Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU asking the school to stop using his name, image and likeness after the Tigers issued his number-five jersey to sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says has a point…

Cut 9 (11)  “…strong argument.”

Coach Lane Kiffin said Pickett was promised the number five by the  previous coaching staff during his recruitment, and he wanted to honor that promise.

President Trump signed an executive order that calls for the spacing out of childhood vaccines. Doctor Corey Hebert with LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine says this may pave the way for them to be available separately.

Cut 4 (09) “…that way yet.”

Public health experts say spacing out the shots could leave a child susceptible to a vaccine-preventable disease.

_______________________________________________

WWNO public radio in New Orleans has published a report that US Senate Republican candidate and Congresswoman Julia Letlow purchased stock in Meta after signing a nondisclosure agreement regarding the company’s plans to build a massive AI data center in Richland Parish. Letlow is the favorite to win the Senate race over Democrat Jamie Davis. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says this story certainly raises red flags, but it’s not enough for Letlow to lose a lot of supporters…

Cut 8 (09) “…enrich himself”

A new poll of one-thousand Louisiana residents finds that residents in this state like talking politics more than people in other states. Director of LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab, Michael DiResto, says 70-percent of the participants reported having a conversation with someone with different political views within the past month.

Cut 13 (11)  “…matter either way.”

08.13.26
by

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU men’s basketball has received a verbal commitment from former UCLA guard Skyy Clark, who is seeking a fifth year of eligibility following a judge’s ruling in Colorado. The ruling says college athletes who signed in 2022 should be granted a fifth year under the NCAA’s five-year eligibility rule. The NCAA is appealing the decision.

Clark averaged nearly 12 points per game for the Bruins last season.

LSU starting center Braelin Moore met with reporters this week and says he wants to play a fifth season of college football so he can be part of an offense led by head coach Lane Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr.

Cut 17 (16): “…for me.”

______________________________________

The Saints host the Jaguars for a joint practice today. The teams meet in their preseason opener at three p.m. Saturday, but head coach Kellen Moore says the starters will see more action today and rest for the game. He says it will be an excellent opportunity for the team.

Cut 19 (17): “…need right now.”

Ragin’ Cajuns head coach Michael Desormeaux says a couple of freshmen from the Baton Rouge area are excelling during preseason camp.

One of them is former Catholic High star and linebacker Harrison Kidder — pronounced “Ki-DARE” — who Desormeaux says has been…

Cut 15 (13): “…playing physical.”

Desormeaux says former Zachary star Kriston Brooks has also looked good at receiver

08.12.26
by

LRN PM Newscall August 12

There has been growing opposition to license plate-reading Flock Safety cameras, but Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse says they are nothing new. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

A new school year is underway, and State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley is optimistic the recent gains in student achievement will continue. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

The state is in for another brutally hot weekend. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the humidity is going to make it unbearable to be outside.

Cut 3 (10) “…into the weekend.”

Grymes says while parts of the state have seen some rain this week, today will likely be the last day we’ll see any rain for quite some time.

Cut 4 (10) “…into the weekend.”

As for the tropics, Tropical Storm Christobal has formed way out in the central Atlantic but will be no threat to the U.S. coast since, just like Jim Marshall in 1964, it’s going the wrong way. And there’s a disturbance that has a good chance of becoming Tropical Storm Dolly, but Grymes says don’t count on being able to say, “Hello, Dolly.”

Cut 5 (15) “…it could dissipate.”

Another disturbance is right behind it, but Grymes does not expect that one to be a threat to Louisiana either.

____________________________________________

State representative Danny McCormick has proposed a ban on all AI-powered Flock cameras in Louisiana. He says their recording of vehicle details and license plates violates citizens’ privacy, but Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse says that is not true.

Cut 6 (13) “…public roadways.”

Morse says the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that there is no expectation of privacy in a public space.

Flock Safety cameras have been used in millions of cases across the country. Morse says the images are invaluable when looking for missing persons and tracking down criminals.

Cut 7 (10) “…these cameras.”

Despite their utility to law enforcement, there has been growing opposition to Flock cameras nationwide. But Morse says any abuse of the technology has been due to misuse by law enforcement, not the cameras themselves.

Cut 8 (10) “…abuse it.”

Morse says anyone with access to the Flock database must go through a certification process.

____________________________________________

A new school year is underway, and State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley wants to keep the momentum going in student achievement. According to the latest Education Scorecard, Louisiana public school students rank first in the nation in reading growth and second in math growth. Brumley says one reason for the improvement is teachers getting back to the basics of education…

Cut 9 (05)  “…next in life.”

Brumley says classroom discipline will also be a major focus this school year. He’s urging local school leaders not to tolerate disruptive behavior that interferes with other students’ ability to learn…

Cut 10 (06) “…can learn.” 

Brumley says nearly 90 percent of the teachers who taught last year have returned for the new school year. He says teacher vacancies have also dropped, from about 2,500 a few years ago to roughly 1,000 today.

Brumley says teacher morale appears to be improving as well…

Cut 11 (10) “…paperwork.”

_______________________________________________________

The LSU women’s basketball schedule is out. The Lady Tigers tip off the season against Southeastern Louisiana on November 2nd.   SEC play begins December 31st at Auburn, and The Advocate’s Reed Darcy says Kim Mulkey’s squad could go undefeated in January.

Cut 12 (12) “…postseason after that.” 

LSU ends the regular season with South Carolina, Tennessee and Oklahoma.

Darcy says the Lady Tigers have a difficult non-conference slate, a rarity under Mulkey. LSU plays powerhouse UConn in Nashville December 20th and also has matchups with UNC, NC State and Villanova.

Cut 13 (12) “…Kim Mulkey.”

Darcy says Mulkey has had to rebuild her squad after their heartbreaking loss to Duke in the Sweet 16, but this year’s team is poised to compete for a deep tournament run again.

Cut 14 (12) “…transfer portal.”

08.12.26
by

12:30 LRN Newscast

 

A new school year is underway, and State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley wants to keep the momentum going in student achievement. According to the latest Education Scorecard, Louisiana public school students rank first in the nation in reading growth and second in math growth. Brumley says one reason for the improvement is teachers getting back to the basics of education…

Cut 9 (05)  “…next in life.”

Brumley says classroom discipline is a major focus this school year. He’s urging local school leaders not to tolerate disruptive behavior that interferes with other students’ ability to learn.

The state is in for another brutally hot weekend. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the humidity is going to make it unbearable to be outside.

Cut 3 (10) “…into the weekend.”

Grymes says rain chances go down after today, reducing cloud cover or a temperature cooling thunderstorm.

 

Ten years ago today, the Great Flood of 2016 was impacting thousands of homes across south Louisiana. More than two feet of rain fell in Livingston Parish and a group of civilians known as the Cajun Navy helped rescue thousands. Denham Springs Mayor Gerard Landry…

Cut 14 (09) “…help other people”

Landry says 78-percent of homes in Denham Springs had at least 18 inches of water.

The Powerball jackpot has once again hit ten figures. Chrislyn Maher (“mayor”) with the Louisiana Lottery says even if you don’t win the billion-dollar prize, you can still win a seven-figure prize by matching all five white balls, as evidenced by a drawing earlier this year.

Cut 12 (08) “…here in Louisiana.”

Tonight’s drawing will happen right before 10 PM.

08.12.26
by

11:30 LRN Newscast

A 17-year-old girl in Tangipahoa Parish has died due to injuries from a reckless driving incident Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

St. Charles Sheriff deputies have now arrested two teenagers in connection with the murder of a 14-year-old Hahnville teenager on Monday. A 16-year-old suspect was booked for murder earlier this week and authorities have also announced that 17-year-old Jalil Washington of Hahnville is facing charges of obstruction of justice.

 

Coca-Cola Bottling Company has announced a 106-million dollar investment to modernize and expand its warehouse and distribution operations in Alexandria. Louisiana Central President and CEO Chris Masingill says Coco Cola’s continued investment sends a strong message that Cenla is a place where established companies can grow and succeed…

Cut 8 (13) “…they have”

Construction is expected to begin in February and the project is expected to create 134 new job opportunities.

Ten years ago this week was the Great Flood of 2016. Thousands of homes in south Louisiana sustained flood damage. Denham Springs Mayor Gerard Landry says 78-percent of the homes in his town had at least 18-inches of water…

Cut 15 (09) “…it’s never enough”

At least 13 people died in the flood.

08.12.26
by

9:30 LRN Newscast

A 17-year-old is dead, and an 18-year-old is facing a negligent homicide charge in what Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker calls a driving stunt with a pickup truck that went wrong. Sticker says Josean Martinez was driving recklessly while his 17-year-old passenger Dulce Rudas was sitting outside the passenger window…

Cut 5 (14) “…onboard that vehicle”

Martinez is facing up to ten years in prison.

Ten years ago today, the Great Flood of 2016 was impacting thousands of homes across south Louisiana. More than two feet of rain fell in Livingston Parish and a group of civilians known as the Cajun Navy helped rescue thousands. Denham Springs Mayor Gerard Landry…

Cut 14 (09) “…help other people”

Landry says 78-percent of homes in Denham Springs had at least 18 inches of water.

 

Another huge economic development win for central Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

There are social media rumors of a data center coming to Moss Bluff, which is located just north of Lake Charles. State Representative Brett Geymann told the Advocate Newspaper there’s nothing moving for the project at the Louisiana Economic Development department or the Southwest Louisiana Economic Alliance.