Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

08.30.24
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

ULM ended a ten-game losing streak last night with a 30-14 win over Jackson State to kick-off the Bryant Vincent era. The game didn’t kick-off until 8 PM because of lightning in the area and it took awhile for ULM’s offense to get going. Freshman Ahmad Hardy from Mississippi was the star of the game as he rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown.

On the second-play from scrimmage last night in Tulsa, Northwestern State’s Kenneith Lacy broke free for a 75-yard touchdown run to give the Demons a jolt of energy. Northwestern also scored a first quarter touchdown on a blocked field goal, Antonio Hall ran 74 yards on the scoop and score. But eventually Tulsa pulled away and defeated the Demons 62-28.

Tulane blanked Southeastern Louisiana 52-0. The highlight of this game was a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown by Rayshawn Pleasant. The Green Wave’s new starting quarterback, Darian Mensah, threw for 205 yards and two touchdowns.

 

LSU will unveil what is expected to be a new and improved defense on Sunday night against USC. Linebacker Greg Penn says first-year defensive coordinator Blake Baker wants his guys playing fast, so that means less thinking….

Cut  16 (16)   “…last year.”

Kick off is at 6:30.

The Saints 53-man roster and practice squad are set and Coach Dennis Allen doesn’t anticipate many changes heading into the regular season opener against Carolina on Sepember 8th…

cut 27 (18) “…who become available”

Allen is giving the players off for the weekend.

08.30.24
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6:30 LRN Newscast August 30

Congressman Garret Graves says Louisiana will receive 104-million dollars in “lagniappe” federal funds for transportation and infrastructure projects.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson”

 

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says they will hold a lottery next month for coastal residents interested in receiving up to ten-thousand dollars in grant money to replace their current roof with what’s called a fortified. Lottery registration will take place from September 18 to the 20th and check the state Department of Insurance’s website  for more information.

 

Governor Jeff Landry has named Gary Westcott as the new \Secretary for the Department of Corrections. Westcott will oversee the state’s prisons, but he’ll also have a say on re-entry programs and other programs that seek to cut down on the recidivism rate…

Cut 6 (10) “…get rid of those”

Westcott has nearly three decades of experience working for the Department of Corrections and the Division of Probation and Parole.

 

The LSU-USC game is a hot ticket on the secondary ticket market. Stubhub spokesperson Joseph Bocanegra (Bo-cuh-nay-gruh)….

Cut 10 (12) “….played Arizona”

Boanegra says residents from Louisiana are buying more tickets than those from southern California.

08.29.24
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Updated LRN AM Newscall August 30

Louisiana has a new prisons chief. We hear more from Andrew Greenstein.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Congressman Garret Graves says Louisiana will receive 104-million dollars in “lagniappe” federal funds for transportation and infrastructure projects.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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Tiger Fans are headed to Las Vegas to cheer on LSU as they take on USC Sunday Night in the second-ever Vegas Kickoff Classic. Colleen Crain has more

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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Louisiana has a new prisons chief. Governor Landry promotes Gary Westcott to Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Westcott says he’s ready to get to work.

Cut 4 (11) “…need to make.”

Westcott was deputy secretary under Jimmy LeBlanc, who stepped down yesterday due to health reasons. He says his priorities will include fixing the state’s prison system and enhancing public safety.

Cut 5 (09) “…in the past.”

Westcott says he plans to dive deeply into every program within the department.

Cut 6 (11) “…rid of those.”

Westcott had been with the Department of Corrections for 29 years before retiring as regional administrator in 2020.

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Congressman Garret Graves announces Louisiana will receive 104-million-dollars in “lagniappe” federal funds for transportation and infrastructure projects…

Cut 7 (12) “…shovel-ready.”

The funds will be directed toward critical infrastructure upgrades, particularly in road construction and repair, essential for improving transportation safety and efficiency in the state. Graves emphasized that these funds will address the pressing need for better roadways, which have long been a concern for drivers

Cut 8 (07) “…of Louisiana.”

While this funding is a significant step forward, Graves says Louisiana still faces substantial infrastructure challenges, and that continued investment will be necessary.

Cut 9 (07)  “…for decades.”

Graves says currently, the Capital Region has the fourth worst traffic in America.

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LSU Football is headed to Las Vegas to take on USC in the second-ever Vegas Kickoff Classic on Sunday night, and many fans are following. Tiger Fans always travel well and according to Joseph Bocanegra (Bo cuh nay gruh) with Stub Hub, this neutral site game is no exception…

Cut 10 (12) “…played Arizona.”

Bocanegra says you would think with California so close to Las Vegas, Californians attending the game would outnumber Louisianans, but he says that’s not the case…

Cut 11 (10) “…in California.”

Bocanegra says LSU/USC is Stub Hub’s best selling game of the season followed by Saturday night’s Notre Dame and Texas A&M in College Stadium. He says you can get into Allegiant Stadium for less than 200-dollars…

Cut 12 (09) “…they’re able.”

Bocanegra urges fans to buy tickets from reputable sellers with a fan protect guarantee, to avoid social media sources, and never to pay cash.

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The Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival is underway in Morgan City. Festival Association President Nelson Cortez says the food court and craft section kicks off tonight, as well as music performances in Lourdes Park. And later on:

Cut 13 (16) “…the Atchafalaya River.” 

The festival runs through Monday, Labor Day. This is the 89th year for the festival.

Cut  14 (14) “…started from that.”

Cortez says they’re expecting a lot of people to attend this year.

Cut 15 (06) “…the five days.”

The festival is sponsored and financed solely by donations, and Cortez says they usually raise more than 100-thousand dollars each year.

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LSU will unveil what is expected to be a new and improved defense on Sunday night against USC. Linebacker Greg Penn says first year defensive coordinator Blake Baker wants his guys playing fast, so that means less thinking….

Cut  16 (16)   “…last year.”

Coach Brian Kelly has said the defense played with more enthusiasm during preseason camp. Penn says Baker is big on giving great effort…

Cut 17 (12) “…for him really.”

LSU is looking for its first win in the season opener since 2019. Penn says the team has learned from previous week one losses…

Cut 18 (17)  “…next play.”

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Louisiana Tech is looking for its first winning season since 2019 and the Bulldogs will kick-off the 2024 campaign against Nicholl State. Joe Aillet Stadium has a new video board in the North End Zone and sound system. Coach Sonny Cumbie is looking forward to a great gameday atmosphere…

Cut 19 (18) “…since January”

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UL-Lafayette opens its season tomorrow night at home against the Grambling Tigers. Last season, the Ragin’ Cajuns went 6-and-6 in the regular season and lost to Jacksonville State in the New Orleans Bowl, 34-31 in overtime. Head Coach Michael Desormeaux says there’s always something special about the start of a new season, and that Grambling will be a formidable opponent.

Cut 20 (08) “…do it for.”

Grambling has a new coach in Mickey Joseph, and the Tigers were picked to finish third in the SWAC West. Kickoff is at seven p-m.

08.29.24
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LRN PM Newscall August 29

There’s a new tool available for students and teachers this school year — artificial intelligence. We hear more from Andrew Greenstein.

Cut 1 (30) …I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU says its football team is not changing its pregame routine and will remain in the locker room during the national anthem. Jeff Palermo reports the governor requested that all college teams to be present for the anthem…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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With the new school year underway, students and teachers have a new tool at their disposal — artificial intelligence. As such, the state Department of Education is issuing guidance on the do’s and don’ts on using AI. Ronnie Morris, the president of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, says AI can be used effectively without being abused.

Cut 3 (09) “…solve the problem.”

Morris says while AI should not be used for cheating, it can help students understand the subject matter being taught, regardless of the subject.

Cut 4 (08) “…in their laptop.”

Morris says effective use of AI will benefit everyone, not just the students.

Cut 5 (05)  “…into the classroom.”

Among other guidance issued by the state — AI systems should be transparent and explainable, and robust data privacy and security measures must be in place.

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Today marks the 19th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a catastrophic event that devastated New Orleans in 2005. Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré, who led military rescue efforts during the disaster, reflects on the storm’s impact and the changes it brought to the city.

Cut 6 (07) “…day the levees broke.”

Hurricane Katrina left thousands of people homeless and 80-percent of the city of New Orleans was flooded. He remembers the chaos and the difficulties in coordinating relief efforts amid widespread destruction but also seeing the city come together…

Cut 7 (08) “…before we got there.”

Honoré says Katrina was a turning point for New Orleans, as the federal government  invested 14 billion dollars in stronger levees. There are also more robust emergency response plans for Louisiana. As the anniversary passes, Honoré urges ongoing awareness and preparation for future disasters.

Cut 8 (12)  “…neighbors save neighbors lives.”

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Northwestern State will play its first football game tonight since October 16th as the Demons will take the field against Tulsa. The Demons ended their season prematurely last year following the fatal shooting of safety Ronnie Caldwell. First-year head coach Blaine McCorkle was brought in to rebuild the program

Cut 9 (11) “…play .”

Natchitoches Police have yet to make an arrest in Caldwell’s murder.

Northwestern State has 107 players on this year’s team, 54 newcomers and 53 returners. McCorkle says they are fired up to play, but they have to play under control…

Cut 10 (10) “…and toughness.”

Kick off in Tulsa is at 7 PM.

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ULM football kicks off its season tonight as the Warhawks will host Jackson State. First-year head coach Bryant Vincent is trying to bring a winning football program to northeast Louisiana and he needs Warhawk nation to get behind them…

Cut 11 (13) ” ….as one”

Kick off is at 6 PM.

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The UL-Lafayette campus is undergoing a major transformation — and not just the football stadium. Director of Facility Management Scott Hebert says one project underway is a complete renovation of Madison Hall.

Cut 12 (09) “…renovated this semester.”

Later this month, construction will get underway on the new 55-million-dollar engineering building.

Cut 13 (06) “…parking garage.” 

And those two projects are the tip of the iceberg.

Cut  14 (08) “…as well.”

In all, the university is investing about 600-million dollars in renovations throughout the campus.

08.29.24
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12:30 LRN Newscast

Today is the 19th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a storm that absolutely devasted southeastern Louisiana and killed 18-hundred people. Greater New Orleans Inc President Michael Hecht says Katrina exposed deep flaws in the region’s infrastructure and emergency response, leading to a long and difficult recovery…

cut 21 (12) “…were lost”

Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré, who led military rescue efforts during the disaster, reflects on the storm’s impact and the changes it brought to the city.

Cut 6 (07) “…day the levees broke.”

Honoré notes that Katrina was a turning point for New Orleans, significantly improving disaster preparedness and infrastructure.

There’s a new tool available for students and teachers this school year — artificial intelligence.

Cut 1 (30) …I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Tonight the Northwestern State football team takes the field for the first time since October 16th. The second half of the Demons season was cancelled las year following the murder of safety Ronnie Caldwell. First year head coach Blaine McCorkle says they are fired up, but they have to play under control…

cut 10 (10) “…toughness”

Kick off in Tulsa is at 7 PM.

08.29.24
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

College football has a new 12-team playoff this season, but there are many analysts who do not see the LSU Tigers among the 12 teams who will play in the expanded postseason tournament. Offensive tackle Will Campbell says they will begin to prove the doubters wrong on Sunday when they take on USC…

Cut  16 (18)   “…we expected.”

Week one of the college football season begins tonight with ULM hostting Jackson State. Bryant Vincent has named Shreveport’s General Booty as his starting quarterback…

cut 20 (15) “….those times”

Northwestern State will play its first football game tonight since October 16th as the Demons will take the field against Tulsa tonight. The Demons ended their season prematurely last year following the fatal shooting of safety Ronnie Caldwell. First-year head coach Blaine McCorkle was brought in to rebuild the program…

cut 9 (11) play”

Kick off is at 7 PM.

Louisiana is set to hold its first Black Bear hunt since 1987 — and today, licensed hunters can start applying for one of ten permits that will be awarded. Secretary of Wildlife and Fisheries Madison Sheahan says there are three types of permits to be awarded — Wildlife Management Area tags, private landowner tags and general public tags.

Cut 12 (09) “…per person.”

The hunt will take place in northeast Louisiana from December 7th to the 22nd.

08.29.24
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8:30 LRN Newscast

Today is the 19th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a storm that absolutely devasted southeastern Louisiana and killed 18-hundred people. Greater New Orleans Inc President Michael Hecht says Katrina exposed deep flaws in the region’s infrastructure and emergency response, leading to a long and difficult recovery…

cut 4 (12) “…were lost”

Unfortunately, in Louisiana we always have to be prepared for the next storm. That’s why Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is urging residents to learn more about Louisiana’s Fortified Roof program…

Cut 26 (13) “…not enough”

That’s one major reason why the state still has ten-million dollars left over from the first year of its fortified roof program.

Nearly 43-thousand Louisiana seniors on Medicare prescription drug plans stand to save money starting next year. Andrew Muhl, the director of advocacy for AARP Louisiana, says that’s because a new out-of-pocket prescription drug cap contained in the Inflation Reduction Act goes into effect January 1st.

Cut 8 (09) “…across the country.”

So starting January 1st, Medicare recipients will no longer pay more than two-thousand dollars a year in out of pocket prescription drug costs.

The run of dry weather will allow Louisiana corn producers to complete their harvest this week, and yields are way up over last year when the state suffered through a historic drought. LSU AgCenter Corn and Cotton Specialist Shelly Pate Kerns says unfortunately, an increase in yields, plus slightly lower input costs, will not result in more money for farmers…

Cut 24 (10) “…this year.”

08.29.24
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7:30 LRN Newscast

19 years ago today, Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana. Its powerful storm surge led to a failure in the levee system which resulted in flooding of 80-percent of New Orleans. Greater New Orleans Inc president Michael Hecht says the city better protected now…

Cut 5 (08) “….risk of flooding”

And we saw that three-years ago today, when Hurricane Ida made landfall in southeast Louisiana. There was extensive wind damage in Lafourche, Terrebonne, St. Charles and Tangipahoa Parishes and parts of Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. But New Orleans did not flood.

Tuesday marked the four-year anniversary of Hurricane Laura, which caused 23-billion dollars in damage in Louisiana and Texas. Lake Charles was ground zero. Mayor Nic Hunter….

Cut 7 (06) “….miraculous”

Hunter says there are still too many blue tarps on roofs in the city and he’s continuing his work to bring small businesses back.

Nearly 43-thousand Louisiana seniors on Medicare prescription drug plans stand to save money starting next year. We hear more from Andrew Greenstein.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.” 

The Department of Revenue says there are thousands of taxpayers who have yet to claim a tax refund they are owed from the state.

Cut 13 (09) “…by September 6th”

L-D-R spokesperson Byron Henderson if the refund goes unclaimed, it will be sent to the unclaimed property division of the state treasurer’s office.

08.29.24
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

We are getting closer to the LSU-USC season opener on Sunday night in Las Vegas. The Fighting Tigers have lost their last four straight season openers and LSU starting left tackle Will Campbell wants to end that streak…

Cut 18 (16) “….knows that”

LSU has announced that Doug Moreau, the Tigers long-time color analyst on their radio broadcasts, will not be in the booth this season. Moreau had surgery recently and needs time to recover. Jacob Hester will take Moreau’s place.

Former LSU Tiger Dylan Crews hit his first major league home run last night as the Washington Nationals went on to beat the Yankees five to two. Former Ragin Cajuns pitcher Spencer Arrighetti took a no-hitter into the eighth inning yesterday against the Phillies as Houston walloped Philadelphia ten to nothing.

Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore was back at practice yesterday. He’s bee away from the practice field since injuring his hip on July 26th.

ULM hosts Jackson State to begin the Bryant Vincent era. Vincent will look to rebuild a program that has not reached a bowl game since 2012. He says it’s time to start winning football games in Monroe…

Cut 19 (19) “….as a team”

Kick-off is at 6 PM.

Northwestern State will play its first football game tonight since October 16th as the Demons will take the field against Tulsa tonight. Former school president Marcus Jones made the controversial decision last October to end Northwestern’s season early following the fatal shooting of safety Ronnie Caldwell.

 

Tulane has a new football coach in Jon Sumrall and he’ll lead the Green Wave tonight against Southeastern Louisiana. Both teams had tight quarterback battles during preseason camp.

08.29.24
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6:30 LRN Newscast

Today marks the 19th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the third anniversary of Hurricane Ida and Tuesday was the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Laura. Sean Richardson has more…

Cut 1 (36) “…. I’m Sean Richardson

Two parked planes at England Air Park in Alexandria collided with each other when a microburst of wind lifted and spun a plane around, causing it to hit another. No injuries were reported, and no flights were impacted. The National Weather Service recorded a 90-mile per hour wind when the microburst hit.

Licensed hunters can start applying today for one of the ten permits that are available for the state’s first bear hunting season since 1987. Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Madison Sheahan says there is a fee to apply….

Cut 11 (17) “…black bear accounts”

The hunting season will take place for about two weeks in December in select parishes in northeast Louisiana. Go to Louisiana-outdoors-dot-com to apply.

The Louisiana Department of Revenue is putting out another reminder that there is nine-point-three million dollars in unclaimed state tax refunds, and they’ve alerted nearly 19-thousand taxpayers that they have their money. L-D-R spokesperson Byron Henderson says If it’s not claimed by September sixth, the money will go to Unclaimed Property….

Cut 15 (13) “…State Treasurer’s office”