Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

09.17.25
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LRN PM Newscall

Southeastern Louisiana University is the latest school to report strong enrollment numbers. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has a torso injury, but he’ll play on Saturday night against Southeastern Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Southeastern Louisiana University sees its strongest enrollment in 13 years. Southeastern’s enrollment now stands at more than 15-thousand. University President Dr. William Wainwright says that’s nearly an eight-percent increase over last year.

Cut 3 (12) “…jobs in Louisiana.”

In fact, Wainwright says the school is at capacity for on-campus housing and is maintaining a waiting list. He says one reason for the strong enrollment number is the school’s commitment to offer degree programs that will be of good use to students here in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (13) “…of MBA graduate.”

Wainwright says 63-thousand of the school’s 80-thousand living alumni live in Louisiana. He says the university will continue to keep a close eye on the industries in Louisiana where the need for talent is greatest.

Cut 5 (07) “…programs as well.”

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An eight-year-old Covington girl is killed in a crash, and State Police say the lack of proper restraint may have made the difference between life and death. Trooper Marc Gremillion (GREM-ee-ahn) says it happened as a car was going along Louisiana Highway 40 in St. Tammany Parish just before 8:30 yesterday morning.

Cut 6 (04) “…struck a tree.”

(The vehicle, for unknown reasons, veered off the roadway and struck a tree.) Gremillion says the driver was properly restrained and suffered moderate injuries. Eight-year-old Jewel Leger (leh-ZHAY), however, wasn’t as fortunate.

Cut 7 (07) “…at the scene.”

(Jewel was unrestrained in the front seat, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.) Gremillion says the front seat of a vehicle is no place for a child.

Cut 8 (08) “…child safety seat.”

As far as potential charges, Gremillion says the crash remains under investigation.

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LSU football coach Brian Kelly says Garrett Nussmeier will play Saturday night against Southeastern Louisiana despite a torso injury. It’s an injury Nussmeier suffered during preseason camp and Kelly says Nuss is feeling better…

Cut 9 (08)  “…do that.”

Despite forcing five turnovers on Saturday, LSU’s offense only scored 13 points in the win over Florida. The offense played well against Clemson, but the last two weeks it’s been a struggle. Kelly expects the offense will improve

Cut 10 (09) “…football team.”

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There has been speculation for weeks that GOP Congresswoman Julia Letlow could run for U-S Senate and challenge Republican incumbent Bill Cassidy. But during an interview with Brian Haldane on Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge, Letlow says she’ll seek re-election next year as a U-S Representative…

Cut 11 (09) “…at hand.”

The 44-year-old Letlow has represented Louisiana’s 5th Congressional district since 2021. Cassidy is already facing three well-known Republican challengers in an April primary, John Fleming, Blake Miguez and Eric Skrmetta.

09.17.25
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU football coach Brian Kelly says Garrett Nussmeier will play Saturday night against Southeastern Louisiana. Kelly said on the SEC coaches web conference that Nussmeier is on the other side of his torso injury and this week is an opportunity for him. Kelly also said Nussmeier has been able to do things in practice this week that he hasn’t done in the last month.

 

Lions coach Frank Scelfo told reporters this week that Nussmeier will challenge his defense and had lots of praise for the veteran quarterback.

Cut 18 (21) “…stabilize it.”

The Lions are coming off a 56-3 win over Mississippi Valley State. S-L-U played two quarterbacks and threw for 312 yards and five touchdowns.

After a slow start, Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler played well last Sunday in the 26-21 loss to San Francisco. Rattler completed 25-of-his-34 passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns. On the Saints coaches show on the Saints Radio Network, Kellen Moore says he is excited about Rattler and the other quarterbacks development.

CUT 28 (22): “for him.”

The Saints play their first road game of the season on Sunday as they visit Seattle. The Seahawks lead the NFL in both overall pressures and pressure rate at 49-percent according to Next Gen Stats. Kick-off is at 3:05.

09.17.25
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11:30 LRN Newscast

The Washington Post is reporting the White House has plans to send as many as one-thousand National Guard troops to various cities in Louisiana. Reaction to the possibility is mixed. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy has appointed a Baton Rouge physician to a vaccine panel that recommends vaccination policies to the C-D-C. Doctor Evelyn Griffin has expressed concerns about the Covid vaccine and questioned the need for inoculations for children.

 

The newly created Office of Louisiana Highway Construction is working to repair 62 bridges in rural areas across the state that are in poor condition. The legislature used 100-million dollars from the state’s Rainy Day Fund to pay for the bridge replacement program. These are relatively small bridges, no more than 150-feet long, but director of the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction Archie Chaisson says they are in poor condition, and have weight limits or closed to all traffic, which means detours…

Cut 12 (08) “…the state”

Chaisson says the plan is to repair these 62 bridges by the end of 2026.

Enrollment at LSU-Alexandria is just under 77-hundred students as enrollment has more than doubled since 2019. Vice chancellor for enrollment and student engagement, Abbey Bain on what’s attracting students to their campus…

Cut 5 (12) “…and our faculty”

09.17.25
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

Southeastern Louisiana will make the short trip down I-12 to Baton Rouge on Saturday to face number-three LSU. Head coach Frank Scelfo will face one of his former players, tight end Bauer Sharp…

Cut 17 (19)  “…as a player.”

Sharp spent three seasons at Southeastern Louisiana from 2021 to 2023, appearing in 25 games and catching 40 passes, before transferring to Oklahoma and leading the Sooners in receiving last year.

 

Florida associate head coach Jabbar Juluke (Juh-Luke) has been suspended three games for his role in the pregame scuffle with LSU before the game last Saturday. Juluke was also an assistant coach at LSU for one season.

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Tulane has jumped out to a 3-0 start after beating some quality out-of-conference opponents, including Northwestern and Duke. The Green Wave will have their work cut out as they travel to Oxford to take on the 13th ranked Rebels of Ole Miss. Head coach Jon Sumrall says his team will have the chance to do something special on Saturday.

Cut 19 (22) “…going against.”

The Rebels are also 3-0 and Austin Simmons is expected to start at quarterback. Simmons was in for just four plays in last Saturday’s win over Arkansas. Simmons has been dealing with a lower-body injury.

Oak Grove and Ferriday have moved into the Top 10 in the Class 2A Louisiana Sports Writers Association Poll. The Tigers are ranked ninth and the Trojans tenth. Lafayette Christian is still number one.

09.16.25
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3:30 LRN Newscast

The Washington Post is reporting that the White House has drawn up plans to deploy one-thousand National Guard troops to help local law enforcement fight crime in multiple cities throughout Louisiana. Governor Landry supports the idea.

Cut 13 (09)  “…already war zones.”

The Washington Post report says the troops will be sent to urban centers in Louisiana. Democratic Congressman Troy Carter, who represents New Orleans, the River Parishes and parts of the Baton Rouge area, opposes the idea. Carter says sending in the National Guard is counterproductive.

Cut 14 (13) “…insult to injury.”

Carter says New Orleans is experiencing its lowest crime rates in decades.

 

Governor Landry announced four initiatives today that he says will create a pipeline of opportunity for Louisiana businesses. Landry says one of the initiatives is called Project Lighting Speed, which is aimed at reducing government red tape which can slow projects down.

Cut 8 (08) “…speed of government.”

Landry says the state department of economic development will also review policies to further encourage businesses to take advantage of incentive programs.

A Eunice woman is facing several charges for allegedly intentionally setting fire to a home with two juveniles inside. Ken Pastorick with the State Fire Marshal’s office says an extensive investigation led to the arrest of 47-year-old Falice Anissa Oglesby…

Cut 4 (12) “…obstruction of justice.”

Authorities are not releasing a possible motive. Thankfully there were no serious injuries.

09.16.25
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LRN PM newscall

Governor Landry announces a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening the business climate in the state. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is dealing with a torso injury according to coach Brian Kelly. Should he play this Saturday against Southeastern Louisiana? Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A 47-year-old Eunice woman is facing several charges for allegedly setting fire to a home with two juveniles inside. State Marshal’s Office spokesperson Ken Pastorick says the fire happened in May and after an extensive investigation detectives collected enough evidence to arrest Falice Anissa Oglesby…

Cut 3 (09) “…obstruction of justice.”

Pastorick says Oglesby intentionally set fire to a home with two juveniles inside…

Cut 4 (12) “…obstruction of justice.”

Pastorick says the home that was set on fire did not have working smoke detectors, but thankfully no serious injuries…

Cut 5 (12) “…of crimes.”

Authorities are not releasing a possible motive.

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Governor Landry announced four initiatives aimed at strengthening the business climate in Louisiana. The first initiative is the creation of a website called Source Louisiana, which provides an easy platform for local businesses to showcase themselves for potential opportunities. 

Cut 6 (15) “…here in Louisiana.”

The second initiative is the Driving Louisiana Opportunity Tour, in which Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois will meet directly with companies throughout the state. Landry says this won’t be a listening tour, this will be an action tour.

Cut 7 (09) “…this new economy.”

The third initiative is what Landry calls Project Lightning Speed, which is aimed at reducing government red tape which can slow projects down.

Cut 8 (08) “…speed of government.”

The fourth initiative Landry announced is one that promotes and encourages the use of Louisiana businesses in projects that utilize state incentive programs.

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It was expected that the third ranked Tigers would have another explosive offense with quarterback Garrett Nussmeier returning for his fifth season, but Coach Brian Kelly said the Heisman candidate is playing through a torso injury. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says it’s an injury Nussmeier has been dealing with this torso injury since preseason camp…

Cut 9 (12)  “…off.”

Through three games this season, Nussmeier has completed 65-percent of his passes for 689 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. LSU’s pass offense ranks 11th in the SEC and Guilbeau says the injury has prevented Nussmeier from throwing the deep pass…

Cut 10 (09) “…of practice.”

Kelly believes Nussmeier will be able to get over the injury during the bye week following the Ole Miss game on September 27th. Guilbeau says it seems like LSU has a handle on the injury…

Cut 11 (08) “…tougher games.”

LSU hosts Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday night and then they’ll visit the Rebels the following week.

09.16.25
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

Third ranked LSU hopes it can get its offense on track this Saturday against Southeastern Louisiana. Coach Brian Kelly revealed yesterday that starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is dealing with a torso injury. Also the Tigers new offensive line has yet to gel, but Kelly still believes in the group…

Cut 18 (21) “…to do”

Some more bad injury news for the Saints, third round pick Vernon Broughton could possibly miss the rest of his rookie season because of a hip injury. Broughton is reportedly getting multiple opinions, before deciding on season ending surgery. He played in 24 snaps against the 49ers and had three tackles.

ULM is gearing up for a road game against UTEP this Saturday. The Warhawks were off this last Saturday after getting thumped by Alabama the week before. Sophomore quarterback Aidan Armenta had a tough game against the Crimson Tide, throwing for 28 yards and an interception in the blowout loss. But Coach Bryant Vincent says Armenta’s confidence has not been shaken…

Cut 20 (16) “…doing their job (2x).”

McNeese Q-B Jake Strong has been named Southland Offensive Player of the Week. Strong threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns as the Cowboys nearly rallied back from a three-touchdown deficit to beat Weber State.

Oak Grove and Ferriday have moved into the Top 10 in the Class 2A Louisiana Sports Writers Association Poll. The Tigers are ranked ninth and the Trojans tenth. Lafayette Christian is still number one followed by Dunham, Ouachita Christian, Catholic New Iberia and Notre Dame.

09.16.25
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11:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana’s chronic absenteeism rate dropped two-percent for the 2024-25 school year after seeing it rise following the COVID pandemic. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 28 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

New Orleans native and former Baton Rouge resident Katherine LaNassa has won an Emmy for best supporting actress in a drama series. The 58-year-old LaNassa plays nurse Dana Evans in the HBO Max medical drama The Pitt. The Pitt won five emmys, including Outstanding Drama series.

 

After a 14-year decline in enrollment, McNeese is seeing an upward trend this year. University President Dr. Wade Rousse (“roose”) says this year’s freshman class is 13-percent bigger than last year’s.  Rousse says in the last 45 years, there’s been only one instance in which there’s been an increase as big.

Cut 17 (08) “…to this data.”

Rousse says he credits the increase in enrollment in part to a robust advertising and marketing campaign.

A 47-year-old Eunice woman is facing several charges for allegedly setting fire to a home with two juveniles inside. State Marshal’s Office spokesperson Ken Pastorick says the fire happened in May and after an extensive investigation detectives collected enough evidence to arrest Falice Anissa Oglesby…

Cut 3 (09) “…obstruction of justice.”

Pastorick says the home that was set on fire did not have working smoke detectors, but thankfully no serious injuries.

09.16.25
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10:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana has made strides in reducing the state’s chronic absenteeism rate among public school students. Chronic absenteeism rose following the COVID pandemic to a high of nearly 25-percent for the 2023-24 school year; but last year, the rate dropped two-percent. Misty Davis, the executive director of attendance strategies at the department of education, says a task force was formed to address absences.

Cut 10 (07) “…in school?”

LSU head football coach Brian Kelly says starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has been dealing with a torso injury since fall camp….

Cut 16 (13) “…the football”

The Tigers will host Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday night.

 

McNeese State is celebrating its largest enrollment increase in 22 years as 65-hundred students are enrolled for the fall semester that’s up from 62-hundred in 2024. President Wade Rousse credits the increase in enrollment to a robust advertising and marketing campaign…

Cut 6 (11) “…a positive impact”

Rousse says 78-percent of McNeese’s enrollment comes from the five-parish area that the school has traditionally focused on.

Authorities continue to investigate a murder-suicide in Bossier City that also saw two officers get shot. Bossier City P-D Sergeant Shawn Poudrier (Poo-dree-ur) says the officers injures are not life threatening, but a man shot himself after fatally shooting a woman in a domestic violence incident. Poudrier says once SWAT officers entered the home, they found a disturbing scene…

Cut 15 (10) “…another room”

The man is in critical condition.

09.16.25
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU football coach Brian Kelly says starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has a torso injury that he’s been dealing with since preseason camp. Kelly says Nussmeier can play through it, but they have to limit his throws during practice. He hopes it will have a chance to heal in two weeks, when the Tigers have a bye week.

Nussmeier’s injury might be a reason why the Tigers have scored just 60 points through three games, the fewest in the SEC.

Kelly also admitted they were a little more conservative on offense because the defense has been playing so well. The Tigers punted three times last Saturday, despite the analytics indicating that the coaching staff should go for it.

Cut 17 (18) :,,,,football team”

LSU hosts Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday.

ULM is back at work, getting ready for an opponent. The Warhawks will head to El Paso to face UTEP on Saturday. ULM is coming off a 73-0 loss to Alabama. Head coach Bryant Vincent says that he will find out a lot about his team with how they respond against the Miners.

Cut 19 (19) “…they began.”

It’s been a tough start for the Saints as they fell to 0-2 with a loss to San Franciso on Sunday. New Orleans is preparing for their first road trip, as they will face Seattle this Sunday. The Seahawks are coming off a 31-17 win at Pittsburgh.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow needs surgery on his toe and is expected to miss three months. Jayden Daniels has a knee sprain and might not start this week against Las Vegas.