Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

10.03.24
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7:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry has begun the process of getting state lawmakers behind his proposed major overhaul of the state’s tax code . Andrew Greenstein reports the chairman of the Louisiana House Democratic Caucus is NOT in support…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein”

A legislative committee meets this morning at the state capitol to hear from state and national organizations regarding the state’s tax and fiscal policies. The Public Affairs Research Council is one of the groups who will testify. PAR applauds Governor Landry’s attempt to reform the state’s tax structure. They say the state’s tax burden is low compared to other states, but the tax structure is unnecessarily complex.

 

A much-needed new Library is coming to LSU, and it will be more than just a replacement for the current Library that has long had millions of dollars in deferred maintenance.  Interim Executive Director of Planning, Design, and Construction, Paul Favalora…

Cut 4 (12) “…mission here.”

LSU’s current library will be demolished taking the Quad back to its original design. The Construction on the new Library Learning Commons is expected begin in 2026.

 

The National Hurricane Center has lowered the chances to 30-percent that we’ll see a tropical depression form in the Gulf of Mexico early next week. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says forecasters have been watching an area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms, but it’s struggling to get its act together…

Cut 13 (07) “….see what happens”

10.03.24
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Las Vegas receiver Davante Adams wants to be traded, and New Orleans is one of his preferred destinations. NFL insiders say it will take a second-round pick and additional draft compensation to swing the trade.

If the Saints are interested, can they fit his salary under the salary cap? If Adams is dealt this week, he’s owed 13.5 million dollars for the rest of the season. According to the NFLPA’s salary cap database, the Saints only have 3.2 million dollars available in cap space. But Ross Jackson host of the Locked-on Saints Podcast says that should not prevent a trade with Las Vegas…

Cut 17 (18) “…that way.”

LSU defensive back Javien Toviano hasn’t played much this season. But Coach Brian Kelly says Toviano has been practicing at the Star position in their defense, which could allow him to see the field more…

Cut 20 (25) “…assignment correct” 

ULM has a tough assignment on Saturday night as the Warhawks will try to upset undefeated James Madsion. ULM is a 16.5-point underdog. The Ragin Cajuns are a two-touchdown favorite to go on the road and beat Southern Miss. Tulane also favorite by two touchdowns to beat U-A-B.

10.03.24
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6:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Landry has begun pitching his tax overhaul plan to state lawmakers. The governor believes lower individual and corporate income taxes in exchange for keeping a temporary sales tax that will expire in July and expanding the state sales tax base will be better for Louisiana businesses and its residents. But Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus Matthew Williard says a proposed flat three-percent tax on all income over 12-thousand-500 dollars benefits just one group of taxpayers…

Cut 8 (13) “….first tax bracket”

Violent crime rates are dropping in Louisiana, but what is the reason? Co-founder of AH Datalytics Jeff Asher says it’s difficult to say why????

Cut 10 (11) “….this huge decline”

New FBI data shows a three-percent drop in violent crime across the country,

Faculty and students have said for years it’s time for a new library on LSU’s campus and there are now plans to build one. Colleen Crain has the details.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Concordia Parish deputies have arrested two Vidalia residents for allegedly failing to take care of a non-verbal young child with intellectual disabilities. After receiving multiple 9-1-1 calls, deputies found the child nude, dirty, emaciated and home alone. The child’s guardians, 32-year-old Laurie Stewart and 27-year-old Tony Williams were arrested on child desertion charges.

10.02.24
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

Star wide receiver Davante Adams wants out of Las Vegas and according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, New Orleans is one of Adams preferred destinations. Adams and Saints quarterback Derek Carr were teammates at Fresno State and for one season in Las Vegas. Adams averaged 15 yards a catch his first season in Las Vegas, when Carr was the quarterback, the last two years he’s averaged 11 yards a catch.

The tenth best shooting guard in the Class of 2025 according to the 247 composite has committed to LSU men’s basketball. Six-foot-five Mazi Mosely also had scholarship offers from Kansas, Michigan, Iowa and Arizona State.

McNeese has announced they will play North Texas in men’s basketball this year. That game will take place November 18th in the Legacy Center.

UTEP is leaving Conference USA and will become an official member of the Mountain West Conference in July 2026.

Texas State is staying in the Sun Belt after receiving an invitation from the Mountain West.

When meeting with reporters on Tuesday, LSU football coach Brian Kelly didn’t provide much of an injury update on freshman running back Caden Durham, who left Saturday’s South Alabama game with a foot injury. Kelly said since it’s a bye week, he’s not giving updates on injuries.

Durham started the season as the Tigers fourth string running back and after five games, he’s LSU’s leading rusher, averaging eight yards a carry. Kelly says Durham is making the most of his opportunity…

cut 20 (19) “….given to him”

According to Baseball America, LSU baseball has the second-best recruiting class in the country. Tennessee is number one, LSU is second, followed by Auburn, Ole Miss and Texas.

10.02.24
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

No game for LSU this week, but they are practicing three times this week and Coach Brian Kelly says they will be difficult practices…

Cut 19 (15) “….of this week.”  

The Governor wants to see a live Tiger in Tiger Stadium. Governor Landry made his desire known again Tuesday to mixed reaction on LSU’s campus.

Cut 10 (08) “…(crowd cheering).”

Landry didn’t specifically ask for Mike VII to be brought into the stadium, saying only “a tiger.” In 2017, LSU agreed it would not take the new tiger, Mike VII, into the stadium on game days.

Training camp is underway for the New Orleans Pelicans. This year’s Pelicans team lacks a true big man, but general manager Bryson Graham says they make up for it, with size at the wing and guard positions…

Cut 16 (22)   “…athleticism.”

The Saints will return to the practice field tomorrow to prepare for the Kansas City Chiefs. General Manager Mickey Loomis says so much of the attention for the Chiefs goes towards quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but they are also great on defense…

Cut 30 (26) “….each week”

10.02.24
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10:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Landry says he’s calling lawmakers in for a special session in November to debate and approve a tax reform plan that seeks to lower or possibly eliminate personal and corporate income taxes, but several tax breaks would be eliminated and services currently not taxed would be taxed, like streaming services. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford gives his early read…

Cut 7 (13) “….from Governor Jeff Landry”

The tax plan would also need voter approval in March.

Governor Jeff Landry is not backing away from the idea of having a live tiger on the field before LSU football games. It has not been done since the 2015 season when Mike the Sixth was put in a portable cage and placed in front of the visitor’s locker room. During a press event on LSU’s campus, Landry says it’s time to bring the tradition back…

Cut 12 (10) “…clapping

Mike the Seven’s care takers are not in favor of this idea.

The Louisiana Economic Forecast put together by economist Loren Scott projects the state will add 58-thousand jobs over the next two years. Scott says the Shreveport and Monroe areas are ripe for data centers, due to the area’s access to reliable electric power and open space…

Cut 6 (10) …600 new jobs.”

The opening of the first land-based casino in the Bossier-Shreveport market will also bring hundreds of new jobs. Live! Casino and Hotel Louisiana is set to open in Bossier City early next year.

Starting January 1st phone calls to and from Louisiana jails and prisons will drop from 25 cents per minute to six cents per minute. Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell welcomes the change, saying sheriffs were taking advantage of the inmates and their families.

Cut 13 (13)  “…had somebody incarcerated.”

10.02.24
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU may have a bye week this week, but you wouldn’t know it by watching practice yesterday. Coach Brian Kelly said the team was on the field in full pads.

Cut 18 (12)  “…to be done.”

The Tigers next game is October 12th versus Ole Miss. The Rebels are at South Carolina on Sunday, trying to rebound from an upset loss to Kentucky.

Since the Saints play on Monday, they get another day off from practice today. The team will return to their practice facility on tomorrow to get ready to play the Kansas City Chiefs. The two-time Super Bowl defending champs are 4-and-0, but may have lost their top receiver Rashee Rice for an extended period of time. He suffered a knee injury and the extent of that injury is unknown.

The Pelicans have begun training camp. The team is spending this week in Nashville, Tennessee to prepare for the grind of a long season. General Manager Bryson Graham says 24-year-old Zion Williamson had a great offseason and is hungry to appear in his first postseason game…

Cut 17 (20) “…driving him.”

Williamson missed the playoffs last year when he hurt his hamstring in the play-in game.

McNeese has announced they will play North Texas in men’s basketball this year. That game will take place November 18th in the Legacy Center.

UTEP is leaving Conference USA and will become an official member of the Mountain West Conference in July 2026.

Texas State has been offered to join the Mountain West Conference, but for now the Bobcats are staying in the Sun Belt.

10.01.24
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints are two and two and in both losses New Orleans could not hold on to a late lead. Coach Dennis Allen stuck with a man to man defense in both cases, instead of going zone. Allen defended the decision when he met with reporters on Monday…

Cut 18 (19)  “…play defense.”

The Saints are at Kansas City on Monday. The two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs are 4-amd-0.

The LSU Tigers have a bye week. Their next game is October 12th against Ole Miss. The Rebels suffered their first loss of the season last Saturday as they were upset in Oxford by Kentucky. LSU Linebacker Whit Weeks was asked what affect that loss will have on their match-up in a week and a half…

Cut 15 (05) “…for sure”

Ole Miss is at South Carolina this Saturday.

Training camp is underway for the New Orleans Pelicans. This year’s Pelicans team lacks a true center, but general manager Bryson Graham says they make up for it, with size at the wing and guard positions…

Cut 16 (22) “…athleticism”

Graham says 24-year-old Zion Williamson had a great offseason and is hungry to appear in his first postseason. This could be the final season for Brandon Ingram, as the 27-year-old enters the final season of his contract.

After four games, Lafayette Christian High School has fired head football coach Zach Lochard. The Knights have been to the state championship game seven years in a row, but they are off to a 1-and-3 start this season.

10.01.24
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12:30 LRN Newscast

Facing a 700-million-dollar budget shortfall, Governor Landry unveils his tax reform plan in a news conference at the Capitol. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Union dockworkers hit the picket lines early this morning, including those at the Port of New Orleans. The International Longshoremen’s Association is demanding better pay for workers and a complete ban on automated cranes, gates and container-moving trucks. Some 25-thousand workers at 36 ports, including New Orleans, have walked off the job.

Rolling Stone has published a profile on Governor Landry and the story calls Landry’s America’s most extreme governor, and the Republican from St. Martin Parish is poised to pick up the MAGA flag. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley…

Cut 15 (14) “…to the wayside”

It also quotes sources who believe President Trump, if elected, would appoint Landry as U.S. attorney general.

Today is the 100th birthday of former President Jimmy Carter. Carter served from 1977 to 1981 and is viewed by many to be America’s greatest ex-president through his work with Habitat for Humanity and other humanitarian causes, including fighting disease all over the world. Democratic Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell…

Cut 8 (13) “…cured night blindness.”

Not only does Carter have the longest lifespan of anyone who ever served as President, but he also has the longest post-presidential retirement at almost 44 years and counting.

10.01.24
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints are off today from practice. After winning their first two games of the season in blow out fashion, New Orleans has lost two in a row, failing to hold on to late leads. Linebacker Pete Werner…

Cut 26 (10) “…finish better”

The Saints visit the 4-and-0 Kansas City Chiefs on Monday.

LSU has this Saturday off, giving the Tigers an extra week to improve before their much anticipated clash with Ole Miss on the night of October 12th. Coach Brian Kelly has been rotating several players in at safety, but now it’s time to pick two or three guys and let them be the guys to lead the back end of the defense…

Cut 17 (13) “…should be starting.”

The SEC has announced that the L-S-U Ole Miss game will kick off at 6:30.

This Saturday, the ULM Warhawks will host undefeated James Madison in what is one of the biggest games at Malone Stadium in years. Coach Bryant Vincent says it should be a special night in Monroe on Saturday night…

Cut 20 (20) “…it’s now” 

Kick-off is at 6 PM.

The Ragin Cajuns kick off Sun Belt play on Saturday with a trip to Southern Miss. U-L Lafayette is 3-and-1, while the Golden Eagles are 1-and-3. Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux says his team needs a good week of preparation…

Cut 22 (12) “…guys respond”

Southern Miss’s lone win was against Southeastern Louisiana and last time out they got drubbed by Jacksonville State 44 to 7.