Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

12.04.24
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7:30 LRN Newscast

A St. Landry Parish Woman is accused of doing one of the most heinous things imaginable to her own children. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

In other crime blotter news, Shreveport Police say an argument between a husband and a wife turned deadly last night when the woman shot her husband in the stomach, who later died from his injuries.

Baton Rouge Police pulled a body out of the Capitol Lake behind the State Capitol building yesterday afternoon. Detectives are trying to determine if foul play is a factor in the man’s death.

Many Louisiana students are missing out on financial aid for college due to incomplete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms, a national trend exacerbated last year by glitches in the application’s rollout. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance spokesperson Ebony Holmes…

Cut 4 (08) “…technical issues.”

Holmes says in an effort to get more students to apply for federal assistance to attend colleges they are doing FAFSA completion events with high schools and had a robust digital media campaign.

Today begins the early signing period for high school recruits to sign with college football teams. LSU is hoping to bring in a Top 10 recruiting class, to do so, they need a five-star cornerback from Florida to sign with the Tigers…

Cut 11 (07) “…of Florida”

That’s Matthew Brune, who covers LSU for the Bengal Tiger. LSU lost a commitment from a five-star cornerback out of Texas yesterday. Kade Phillips plans to sign at Texas instead.

12.04.24
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

Today begins the early National Signing period in college football. Matthew Brune covers LSU football for The Bengal Tiger and says the Tigers have seen two of their five-star commitments change their college destination.

Cut 10 (12) “…Gorman in Nevada.”

LSU is trying to flip five-star interior offensive lineman Solomon Thomas. He’s committed to Florida State, but has made multiple visits to LSU in the last year.

LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell has entered the NFL draft and is not expected to play in the bowl game. The Monroe native is expected to be a top ten pick.

Three players off of LSU’s current roster are also reportedly entering the transfer portal. The biggest surprise is receiver CJ Daniels, who caught 42 passes this past season.

In college basketball last night….LSU got a quality win over Florida State, 85 to 75, while McNeese’s home winning streak ended at 20 games with a 74 to 67 loss to Santa Clara.

Nicholls introduced Tommy Rybacki (RYE-backie) as its new head football coach yesterday, taking over for the retired Tim Rebowe. Rybacki says he’s excited for the opportunity to lead the Colonels.

Cut 18 (10)   “…to be special.”

Rybacki has served as the Colonels defensive coordinator for the past ten years.

McNeese turns back the clock in hiring Matt Viator (VEE-uh-tore) as its new – make that returning – head football coach to replace Gary Goff, who was fired after three seasons. Jim Gazzolo with the American Press in Lake Charles says this is a great rehire for the school.

Cut 16 (12) “…happy about it.”

Viator will be introduced today at noon. Viator previously coached the team from 2006 to 2015, racking 78 wins, four Southland Conference titles and five playoff appearances.

12.04.24
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6:30 LRN Newscast

The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office says an Opelousas woman has confessed to physically and sexually abusing her two young children, both of whom are under four years old. 31-year-old Keristen White faces several charges including first degree rape. Major Mark Leblanc says White opened up to deputies about her problems…

Cut 8 (11) “….in that alone”

Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says he’s thankful White surrendered herself and cooperated with detectives.

Fewer students filled out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid of FAFSA last year. Part of the problem was the botched rollout of a new application. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Aid spokesperson Ebony Holmes says to get more students to complete the FAFSA application, they are holding FAFSA completion events, digital media campaigns, and one-on-one trouble shooting sessions….

Cut 5 (10) “…across the state”

The FAFSA forms are already available for the Class of 2024.

Today begins the early signing period for college football recruits. LSU is expected to bring in a Top 10 class and Matthew Brune who covers LSU for the Bengal Tiger says LSU’s 2025 class contains a couple of highly sought after linebackers…

Cut 12 (14) “…in the class”

LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell has announced he’s entering the NFL draft. The  Monroe native is expected to be a Top 10 pick.

Time is running out for the U-S Senate to approve legislation that would result in higher Social Security benefits for an estimated 90-thousand former public employees in Louisiana. The House has already approved the legislation and Senator Bill Cassidy says there’s a push to bring the measure to the floor…

Cut 14 (4) “…for a vote”

There are 11 scheduled workdays remaining in the Senate for this year.

12.03.24
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU men’s basketball has a challenging game at home tonight as the Tigers will host Florida State as part of the SEC-ACC Challenge. The Seminoles are 7-and-1 and Coach Matt McMahon says F-S-U is elite on the defensive side of the court…

Cut 18 (09) “….end of the floor”

LSU enters the game with a 6-and-1 record and they’ve done a good job taking care of the basketball. Tip off is at 8 PM.

On the eve of national signing day, LSU lost a five star commitment to Texas as Kade Phillips has de-committed from the Tigers. According to on3-dot-com, LSU’s 2025 recruiting class is now ranked 7th in the country.

McNeese will introduce Matt Viator as its new football coach tomorrow. Viator is the Cowboys all-time winningest coach, winning four Southland titles from 2006 to 2015.

Redshirt senior Chandler Fields will make his third start at quarterback this Saturday when U-L Lafayette hosts Marshall on Saturday night in the Sun Belt Championship game. Fields has played well for the injured Ben Woolridge and Coach Michael Desormeaux is not surprised…

Cut 17 (15) “…his today.” 

Saints star player Taysom Hill is out for the year with a knee injury, but interim coach Darren Rizzi hinted that running back Kendre Miller could return from injured reserve and play this Sunday against the Giants. Rizzi says he wants to give Miller a shot even though injuries continue to keep him off the field…

Cut 16 (16) “…staying healthy”

12.03.24
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU has lost another five-star commitment from its 2025 recruiting class. Earlier today, Kade Phillips decommitted from LSU and now plans on playing for Texas. The Missouri City, Texas native was previously committed to Texas in the summer, but announced in August he would play for the Tigers. Matthew Brune, who covers LSU for the Bengal Tiger, says it’s a loss, but the 2025 recruiting class for LSU still contains five-star cornerback DJ Pickett from Florida and Aidan Anding. A four-star corner from Ruston…

Cut 26 (13) “…years of eligibility”

There are couple of big college basketball games in the state tonight as LSU hosts Florida State in an SEC-ACC matchup. McNeese hosts Santa Clara in a mid-major showdown.

The worst fears regarding Saints utility man Taysom Hill’s knee injury are confirmed. He has a torn ACL and will miss the rest of the season. Hill was carted off the field in Sunday’s loss to the Rams. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi says you can’t replace Hill’s versatility…

Cut 15 (13) “…step up.”

The Saints are at the Giants on Sunday.

The Ragin Cajuns are gearing up to play Marshall on Saturday night in the Sun Belt Championship game. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux is leading his alma mater to the conference title game in his third season as head coach. His first two seasons were six and seven campaigns, but knew it would eventually come together…

Cut 18 (18)   “…for those things.”

12.03.24
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11:30 LRN Newscast

With the legislature passing a comprehensive tax reform package, some aspects will require voter approval, and that will happen in March. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33)“…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

There are four constitutional amendments on this Saturday’s ballot and polls will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM. Amendment Two asks voters if there should be a mandatory 48-hour waiting period before lawmakers take a final vote on any appropriation bills.

We all know the holiday season can be a difficult time…marked for many by stress, loneliness and depression at a time when everyone expects us all to be cheerful.  Experts recommend setting realistic expectations and focusing on connection instead of perfection. LSU Medical Center Trauma Psychologist Sandy Hyatt.

Cut 8 (08) “…isolated and low.”

Today is Giving Tuesday, a day for individuals, businesses, and organizations to unite in addressing community needs and driving positive change. United Way Southeast Louisiana CEO Michael Williamson says it’s amazing to see how many people are willing to give.

Cut 12 (14) “…helps accomplish that.”

12.03.24
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

The worst fears regarding Saints utility man Taysom Hill’s knee injury are confirmed. He has a torn ACL and will miss the rest of the season. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi says you can’t replace Hill’s versatility…

Cut 15 (13) “…step up.”

Hill is the Saints second leading rusher. But Rizzi said running back Kendre Miller can return for Sunday’s game against the Giants. Miller is currently on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.

Three LSU Tigers were named players of the week. Linebacker Whit Weeks received defensive player of the week honors for his 17 tackles, Aaron Anderson is the Special Teams Player of the Week for his 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and Dominick McKinley is the Freshman of the Week after recording two sacks in the win over Oklahoma.

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Southern will battle Jackson State in the SWAC title game on Saturday afternoon in Jackson, Mississippi. The Jaguars leaned on their defense to win the western division title with a seven and one record and that side of the football will need to be at its best for them to beat the Tigers. Coach Terrance Graves…

Cut 19 (12) “…take the ball away.”  

Kick off is at 1 PM on ESPN Two.

Former McNeese Coach Matt Viator is returning to Lake Charles to be the head coach for the Cowboys once again. Viator is the school’s all-time winningest coach with 78 victories and led the Pokes to four Southland Championships from 2006 to 2015. He’ll be re-introduced tomorrow.

A couple of big men’s college basketball games tonight. LSU hosts Florida State in the SEC-ACC Challenge. And McNeese hosts Santa Clara in a mid-major showdown.

Last night ULM lost to UT Arlington 84-70 and and the Pelicans dropped their ninth straight, falling to the Atlanta Hawks.

12.02.24
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints mini two-game winning streak ended Sunday and the season is over for offensive utility man Taysom Hill. The Los Angeles Rams scored three second half touchdowns to beat New Orleans 21 to 14 and late in the fourth quarter, Hill was carted off the field with a knee injury. Tests confirmed today that Hill has a torn A-C-L. The 4-and-8 Saints visit the Giants this Sunday.

The LSU football team defeated Oklahoma 37-17 in the regular season finale on Saturday. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier came back from an in-game injury to his shoulder to throw for 277 yards and three touchdowns. Nussmeier says he was determined to finish the game…

Cut 20 (15) “….out there”

Back-up quarterback Rickie Collins reportedly plans to enter the transfer portal. The former Woodlawn of Baton Rouge star is the Tigers third string quarterback.

Three Louisiana college football teams are involved in conference championship games this weekend. Tulane is at Army in the A-A-C title game, Southern faces Jackson State in the SWAC Title game and the Ragin Cajuns will host Marshall in the Sun Belt title game. U-L Lafayette beat ULM on Saturday 37 to 23. Running back Zylan Perry rushed for a career-high 150 yards and a two touchdowns. Perry was questionable for the game, Coach Michael Desormeaux…

Cut 17 (15) “…his today”

Louisiana Tech football coach Sonny Cumbie will return for a fourth season. The Bulldogs went 5-and-7 this past season after going 3-and-9 in Cumbie’s first two seasons in Ruston.

But Tim Rebowe is done after ten seasons as the head coach at Nicholls State. Rebowe announced his retirement on Sunday after leading the Colonels to four FCS playoff appearances and three Southland championships.

12.02.24
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LRN PM Newscall December 2

Another Louisiana representative is added to a powerful GOP committee. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana Tech football coach Sonny Cumbie will return for a fourth season. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (26) “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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New Orleans endured a weekend of intense gun violence, with eight shootings in less than 12 hours, leaving three adults and a 3-year-old child dead, and nine others injured. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says group fights on Canal and Bourbon Streets led to three shootings on Saturday night and into early Sunday, wounding six people…

Cut 3 (14) “…settling their beefs.” 

One of the victims included a 15-year-old shot on Bourbon Street, and another wounded on Canal Street.  NOPD Captain Lejon Roberts says the two shootings could be related.

Cut 4 (15) “…on Canal Street.”

One shooting that happened away from the French Quarter in Central City claimed the life of 3-year-old Rudy Ratliff, who died from a gunshot wound at a Willow Street home.  NOPD Sgt. Ron Howard says child found a gun inside Tatisha Refuge’s home and accidentally killed himself.  Howard says Refuge is facing criminal charges…

Cut 5 (13) “…investigation on Ms. Refuge.”

Refuge turned herself into police custody today

The weekend coincided with the Bayou Classic and holiday shopping, further amplifying community concerns. Authorities have not identified suspects in the shootings that happened in the French Quarter.

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Monroe-area Congresswoman Julia Letlow is added to the powerful House Republican Steering Committee. The committee is tasked with selecting chairs for all standing committees and deciding on the strategy for the Republican caucus. Letlow says she’s looking forward to serving on the committee.

Cut 6 (07) “…that they desire.”

Letlow says this powerful committee will have a major say on what the 119th Congress will look like…

Cut 7 (11) “…committee selections.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise are also on the Republican Steering Committee, giving Louisiana 18-percent of the voting block. Letlow says she can’t wait to get to work for the people of Louisiana in the new Congress.

Cut 8 (13) “…of the state.”

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Despite three consecutive losing seasons, Louisiana Tech is bringing back football coach Sonny Cumbie for a fourth season. The Bulldogs went 5-and-7 this season, but 97.7 in Ruston Sports Director Sean Fox says an upset win over Western Kentucky and shutout victory over Kennesaw State likely saved Cumbie’s job…

Cut 9 (07)  “…the season.”

Louisiana Tech’s offense held them back in 2024. The Bulldogs ranked 113th in the country in scoring offense, averaging 22 points per game, while the defense allowed just 20 points a game after a dismal 2023 season. Fox says for Cumbie to keep his job, the offense has to improve…

Cut 10 (09) “…going into 2025.”

There are Bulldog fans who say athletics director Ryan Ivey kept Cumbie, because the buyout to fire him was too expensive. But Fox doesn’t see it that way

Cut 11 (14) “…a chance.”

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The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season ended over the weekend and the final number was 18 named storms. NOAA was anticipating as many as 25 named storms, but LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says conditions never developed for there to be two dozen named storms…

Cut 12 (12) “…that was anticipated.”

Keim says after a mid-season lull we saw  lot of activity in September and October with Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Cut 13 (08)  “…Hurricane Harvey.”

Of the 18 named storms, two impacted Louisiana. Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Texas in early July and spawned tornadoes in northwest Louisiana. Keim says there was also Hurricane Francine which crossed over southeast Louisiana in early September….

Cut 14 (11) “…pretty good year.”

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The Saints have lost one of their best offensive playmakers for the season. Taysom Hill, who was carted off the field in the fourth quarter in yesterday’s 21-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, will need surgery to repair a torn ACL. Quarterback Derek Carr says Hill has the utmost respect of the players on the Saints and across the NFL…

Cut 15 (13) “…like that.”

The Saints are 4-and-8 and will visit the Giants on Sunday.

12.02.24
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2:30 LRN Newscast

Another Louisiana representative is added to a powerful GOP committee. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The hurricane season ended over the weekend with 18 named storms. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says after a mid-season lull we saw  lot of activity in September and October with Hurricanes Helene and Milton…        Cut 13 (08) “…and Harvey”

One of the Saints top players is out for the season. Taysom Hill, who plays multiple positions on offense, was carted off the field in the fourth quarter of yesterday’s loss to the Rams and it was confirmed today he tore his A-C-L. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi says it’s a big loss…

Cut 24 (11) “…multi-dimensional”

The Saints are now 4-and-8 and will visit the Giants on Sunday.

Sonny Cumbie is staying on as the head coach of Louisiana Tech despite a third consecutive losing season with Cumbie at the helm. Tech’s offense held them back in 2024. The Bulldogs ranked 113th in the country in scoring offense, averaging 22 points per game, while the defense allowed just 20 points a game after a dismal 2023 season. Ruston radio sports talk show host Sean Fox says for Cumbie to keep his job, the offense has to improve…

Cut 10 (09) “…going into 2025.”