Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

05.15.25
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9:30 LRN Newscast

The Senate Insurance Committee approves legislation that would give the insurance commissioner more authority to reject excessive rate increases without actuarial data. The meeting got contentious between Senator Royce Duplessis and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple as the New Orleans Senator is frustrated Temple will not support this legislation…

Cut 12 (14) “…red herring”

Temple says the legislation, which has already been approved by the House, would be over-regulation of the insurance industry.

The Louisiana Department of Health gave updates on measles and whooping cough cases throughout the state. Secretary Bruce Greenstein (“green-steen”) says the state epidemiology team launched an investigation into potential measles exposures after the department confirmed two cases.

Cut 4 (06) “…cases were identified.” (No new cases identified)

Greenstein says for whooping cough, 170 cases confirmed this year, which already surpasses the 2024 total of 154. L-D-H says vaccination is the best way to prevent serious complications.

Big day today at the legislature as the House debates the state budget. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Tonight LSU baseball faces its old coach. Paul Mainieri is in his first season as the head coach at South Carolina. The Gamecocks are going through a rough season, but Mainieri is optimistic he can make South Carolina a championship contender…

Cut 30 (06) “…recruiting”

05.15.25
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8:30 LRN Newscast

A House approved bill that would give Louisiana’s Insurance Commissioner more authority to reject excessive rate increases has received approval from the Senate Insurance Committee. The bill also has the support of Governor Jeff Landry. But Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says his office already rejects rate increase proposals and the Executive Counsel for the Department of Insurance David Caldwell tried to make that point clear…

Cut 11 (11) “…done this.”

State health officials remain concerned about the high number of whooping cough cases. L-D-H Secretary Bruce Greenstein…

Cut 5 (14) “….whole of 2024”

Greenstein says there are vaccines available to prevent serious complications.

The House Criminal Justice Committee agrees with the Senate, kratom should be banned in Louisiana. Sean Richardson has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The House Education Committee has made significant changes to a bill designed to educate college students about the dangers of hazing. Instead of requiring any student who joins a student organization to take a semester long course on hazing prevention, the legislation now calls for student organizations to provide their new members with a two-hour anti-hazing training class, instead of one-hour training.

05.15.25
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7:30 LRN Newscast

The Senate Insurance Committee approves legislation that would give the insurance commissioner more authority to reject rate increases without actuarial data. New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis strongly supports the House-approved bill. Duplessis says drastic steps need to be taken to address the insurance crisis…

Cut 10 (07) “…need this authority”

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says his office already rejects rate increase proposals and he says this bill is over regulation, which is not what the Louisiana insurance market needs.

The state health department continues to see whooping cough cases increase, surpassing the total number of cases for 2024. Louisiana Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein says there have been 170 whooping cough cases this year as the state will likely set a record for the number of cases. Greenstein says vaccination is the best way to prevent serious complications…

Cut 6 (12) “….help protect them”

 

The Louisiana House will vote on a budget for next fiscal year today. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says they created some savings so Louisiana teachers can continue to receive a two-thousand dollar stipend they received the last two school years, but at this time there is no funding to continue high-dosage tutoring…

Cut 8 (09) “….dollars are recognized”

The Senate will comb through the budget for the next couple of weeks after the House approves it today.

A bill that makes it a crime to produce, sell or possess kratom continues to make its way through the Legislature. The bill’s author, Monroe Senator Jay Morris, says kratom use can lead to an elevated heart rate, seizures, psychosis, liver toxicity and even death. David Lubrano Senior says his son got hooked on kratom and ended his life…

Cut 14 (10) “…again”

Opponents of the legislation say kratom when used in its pure form is a better drug to take than opioids and its synthetic kratom that is the real problem. The Senate passed bill received House Criminal Justice Committee approval yesterday.

05.15.25
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

For the first time in 25 years, the Saints are not scheduled to play any primetime games. The NFL schedule was released last night and New Orleans kicks off the season by hosting Arizona than the 49ers. After that its two straight on the road, Seattle and Buffalo. The Saints might have only one cold weather game, Tennessee on December 28th and the last home game of the season is December 21st against Mason Taylor and the New York Jets.

At the state baseball championships…Vermilion Catholic won its first state championship as the Eagles defeated Ouachita Christian four to one. Oak Grove won its fifth straight title, a ten to nothing win over Welsh.

Pitkin won its 14th state title in program history with a nine to six win over Family Community and Ebarb won its first state championship as the Rebels defeated Harrisonburg eight to three.

Top ranked LSU baseball begins its final SEC regular season series tonight at South Carolina. It’s been a struggle for first year Gamecocks Coach Paul Mainieri, who coached for 15 years at LSU. The Gamecocks are 5-and-22 in the SEC and Mainieri knows the Tigers will be a big challenge…

Cut 19 (19) “…beat the Tigers”

First pitch is at 6 PM.

After getting swept by Southern Miss last weekend, the Ragin Cajuns look to bounce back as they begin a series tonight against Arkansas State. U-L Lafayette Coach Matt Deggs on his team’s mindset…

Cut 26 (14) “…tap into

05.15.25
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6:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Department of Health gave updates on measles and whooping cough cases throughout the state. Secretary Bruce Greenstein (“green-steen”) says the state epidemiology team launched an investigation into potential measles exposures after the department confirmed two cases.

Cut 4 (06) “…cases were identified.” (No new cases identified)

Greenstein says for whooping cough, 170 cases confirmed this year, which already surpasses the 2024 total of 154. L-D-H says vaccination is the best way to prevent serious complications.

The Louisiana House will debate the state budget today. The biggest question is whether the legislature would keep teacher pay at its current level in light of the failure of Amendment 2 at the ballot box in March. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says they were able to do just that.

Cut 7 (11) “…in recurring revenue.”

Once the House approves the budget bill today, the Senate will spend the next few weeks going over the spending plan.

A bill to ban kratom continues to make its way through the legislative process. The House Criminal Justice Committee voted for the legislation that’s already been approved by the Senate. The committee heard tearful testimony from David Lubrano Senior, who told lawmakers his son took his own life after he could not get over his addiction to kratom…

Cut 13 (10)  “…causing.”

But there are those who say kratom is a better alternative than opioids when it comes to managing pain…

Cut 15 (09) “…to do?”

On a ten to one vote, the committee approved the bill, sending to the House floor for more consideration.

05.14.25
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints 2025 NFL schedule will be released at 7 PM tonight. New Orleans will reportedly kick-off the regular season by hosing the Arizona Cardinals. The Black and Gold have won six straight season openers and it would be the third consecutive year the Black and Gold have started the season at home.

Top ranked LSU baseball begins its final SEC series tomorrow against South Carolina. The Tigers have not named a starting pitcher for game one of the series, but plan to start Kade Anderson in game two on Friday and Anthony Eyanson on Saturday.  The Gamecocks are 5-22 in the SEC and in 15th place.

Last night, La Tech scored five runs in the second inning in a seven to four win over ULM. Sebastian Mexico drove in three runs. The Warhawks have lost ten in a row and will host South Alabama this weekend, while Tech will host New Mexico State to close out the regular season.

 

Governor Jeff Landry signed an executive order allowing Louisiana universities to pay their athletes. Jeanne Burns explains why the governor issued the order….

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns”

At the state baseball championships…Ebarb defeated Harrisonburg in the Class C title game. It’s the first state championship in Ebarb baseball history. Pitkin won its 14th state title as the Tigers topped Family Community nine to six in the Class B title game.

05.14.25
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

The 2025 NFL Schedule will be released tonight and the Saints will reportedly open the season at home by hosting the Arizona Cardinals. The entire schedule will be unveiled at 7 PM. On paper, New Orleans has one of the easiest schedules, facing just three playoff teams. Tampa Bay twice, the Rams and the Bills.

The top ranked LSU baseball team left for Columbia South Carolina this morning as they open a three-game series against the Gamecocks tomorrow. Coach Jay Johnson says left-hander Kade Anderson is good to go after leaving his start last week with cramping in his left wrist…

Cut 30 (17) “….stayed in the game”

A struggling South Carolina team got a much needed win last night, rallying to beat Winthrop six to five,

Louisiana Tech defeated ULM seven to four last night. Sebastian Mexico drove in three, while Eli Berch and Will Safford each had 2 RBIs. Luke Cooley allowed one earned run over four innings for the win and Blake Hooks pitched the ninth inning for his eighth save of the year. Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs says Hooks struck out two of the three batters he faced…

Cut 26 (16) “…efficient”

Louisiana Tech closes out the regular season by hosting New Mexico State in a three-game series starting Thursday in Ruston. ULM is hosing South Alabama and the Warhawks are looking to end a ten-game losing streak.

Southeastern Louisiana’s Brennan Stuprich has been named the Southland Pitcher of the Year. Lions closer Brady St. Pierre has been named the Southland Reliver of the Year. And the Coach of the Year is S-L-U’s Bobby Barbier.

The Southland Tournament begins tomorrow, with the Lions hosting UNO and Northwestern State taking on McNeese.

05.14.25
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10:30 LRN Newscast

Senator Bill Cassidy could be in for the fight of his political life next year. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Governor Landry is urging the Legislature to spend 93-million dollars on LA Gator, which is the state’s new voucher program that will provide tax dollars to families to pay for tuition at private schools and other expenses. Senate President Cameron Henry has said he doesn’t want the state to spend no more than 50-million dollars on the program next school year.

A Senate committee has approved three tort reform bills that supporters say will help bring down the state’s escalating auto insurance rates. House Insurance Chairman Gabe Firment says the legislation attempts to correct a big problem in Louisiana…

Cut 16 (11) “….excessive payouts”

But Democrats say tort reform was done in the past and it has not lowered rates.

Spirits are high in West Baton Rouge Parish as folks their welcome home American Idol finalist John Foster. The 18-year-old LSU student is one of three contestants vying to be next American Idol and a winner will be chosen on Sunday night. Today at 5 PM, there will be a parade in Foster’s hometown of Addis. Addis Mayor David Toups says something like this brings the community together…

Cut 9 (14) “….planned for him”

05.14.25
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6:45 LRN Sportscast May 14

I’m Jeanne Burns and this sportscast on the Louisiana Radio Network is brought to you by the Louisiana Department of Health, when gambling is more than a game, no one wins…

The NFL releases its schedule tonight, the Saints are not expected to have many prime time games, maybe just a game or two. We know they are not going overseas. The NFL has released the schedule for its international games and the Saints are not a part of any of those matchups.

You can make your plans now, the LSU-Clemson season opener will kick off at 6:30 central time on August 30th ABC will televise the game.

In college baseball last night, Louisiana Tech scored five runs in the second inning and the Bulldogs defeated ULM seven to four. Sebastian Mexico drove in three runs. The Warhawks have lost ten in a row.

South Carolina scored five runs in the eighth inning to come from behind to beat Winthrop. The top ranked LSU Tigers will begin a three-game series against the Gamecocks in Columbia tomorrow night.

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The LSU women’s basketball team added to its freshmen recruiting class by signing six-foot-two forward Meghan Yarnevich out of Maryland. The top 100 prospect adds to the number one ranked recruiting class in the country. Coach Kim Mulkey says Yarnevich brings a physical presence and relentless toughness to the frontcourt.

At the state baseball tournament in Sulphur…Oak Grove doubled up Mangham four two to advance to the Division Four non-select state championship game. The Tigers will play Welsh at 2 PM today. The Greyhounds beat DeQuincy seven to six in eight innings.

Vermilion Catholic outscored Riverside Academy nine to eight and the Eagles will play Ouachita Christian at 2 PM in the Division Four select title game. O-C-S beat top seeded Covenant Christian 12 to seven.

The Class B state title game is at 11 AM as Pitkin plays Family Christian and in the Class C title game. Ebarb faces Harrisonburg at 11 AM.

05.13.25
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

The NFL releases its full schedule tomorrow night. The league announced its international matchups today and the Saints will not play overseas. Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings will be the first team to play in two different cities during their trip to Europe. They will play the Steelers in Ireland and the following week they’ll play the Browns in London. Jayden Daniels and the Commanders will face the Dolphins in Spain on November 16th.

Former Saints defensive end Trey Hendrickson says he will not play for the Bengals unless he gets a new contract. Hendrickson says he’s disappointed with Cincinnati’s lack of communication and the situation has become personal. The 30-year-old is entering his final year of his contract that pays him a base salary of 15-point-eight million dollars. Last season he led the league with 17.5 sacks.

Former Saints punter Thomas Morstead had been released by the Jets as New York reportedly wants to go younger at that position. Morestead has spent 16 seasons in the NFL since he was drafted by the Saints in 2009.

According to a report from Brett McMurphy, LSU’s season opener at Clemon on August 30th will kick off at 6:30 on Saturday night and ABC will televise.

Former Georgia Bulldogs signee Megan Yarnevich has committed to the LSU women’s basketball team. The six-foot-two four-star recruit out of Maryland is an addition to the Lady Tigers 2025 recruiting class that’s ranked number one in the country. Yarnevich is the fourth front court player on the roster.

The Pelicans didn’t get any help from the NBA draft lottery last night. They had the fourth worst record last season, but will pick seventh overall in the June 25th draft.

D1 baseball has LSU as a number two national seed in it’s latest Regional Projection. D-1 Baseball has Southeastern Louisiana playing in the Baton Rouge Regional as a three seed.

LSU begins its final SEC regular season series of the year on Thursday against South Carolina. Coach Jay Johnson says left-hander Kade Anderson is good to go after having to leave his last start because of cramping in his left wrist.

Former LSU pitcher Paul Skenes announced today he will play for Team USA in next year’s World Baseball Classic.

Tonight, ULM is at Louisiana Tech in a makeup game.