Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

07.16.24
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7:30 LRN Newscast

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has picked a former critic of his as his GOP running mate. Sean Richardson has more on vice president nominee and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Louisiana U-S Senator John Kennedy is calling on Americans not to make assumptions about why a 20-year-old gunman attempted to assassinate Trump at a campaign rally.
Cut 10 (12) “…broken wing.”

Avondale Global Gateway in Jefferson Parish is preparing to install the state’s first wind turbine at the Port Fourchon Coastal Wetlands Park. Jeff Keever with Avondale Global Gateway says Louisiana is uniquely positioned to work with wind energy projects since so much of the workforce is already familiar with energy production.
Cut 6 (10) “…United States.”
The turbine will be installed and tested early next year.

Governor Jeff Landry has designated this week as Rural Road Safety Awareness Week. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says urban areas see more minor crashes, while rural roads see more fatalities…
Cut 7 (10) “…are dangerous.”
More than 62% of fatal crashes in Louisiana in 2022 were on rural roads.

07.16.24
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier now has the keys to the car. That’s how Coach Brian Kelly explained it at SEC Media Days. Kelly has complete confidence in Nussmeier who will try to replace a Heisman winning quarterback…
cut 28 (21) “…Garrett Nussmeier”
Nussmeier has a talented group of receivers, but they are not proven. He has confidence in them
Cut 17 (17) “…those shoes.”

Two LSU pitchers were selected by the New York Yankees in the Major League Baseball draft. Right-hander Thatcher Hurd went in the third round to the Bronx Bombers and in the sixth round, New York took left-hander Griffen Herring, raising the possibility Herring will not return to LSU.

The Rockies selected LSU relief pitcher Fidel Ulloa in the seventh round. Left-hander Nate Ackenhausen went in the 10th round to the Royals.

Power hitting first baseman Jared Jones has yet to be drafted, raising the chances he returns to LSU.

Ragin Cajuns All-American pitcher L-P Langevin was taken in the fourth round by the Royals.

The Chicago White Sox selected Louisiana Tech outfielder Cole McConnell in the tenth round after hitting .378 for the Bulldogs last season. The Chicago Cubs drafted Nicholls first baseman Edgar Alvarez.

Tonight is the Major League Baseball All-Star game. Former LSU star Paul Skenes will start for the National League and throw one inning. First pitch is at 7 PM.

07.16.24
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6:30 LRN Newscast

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has named Ohio SEnator J-D Vance as his running mate. Vance gained fame in 2016 with the publication of his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy.” The former Marine and Yale graduate was elected to the Senate in 2022. He’s only 39-years-old. But Republican state Treasurer John Fleming believes his youth is the foundation for the future of the Republican Party…
cut 13 (12) “….working people”

Republican megadonor Lane Grigsby, who’s appealing to Louisiana lawmakers to hold a Constitutional Convention so the changes could appear on the fall ballot, made his case at the Baton Rouge Press Club Monday. He says the state’s constitution is broken.
Cut 15 (12) “…authority.”

Louisiana’s first wind turbine and its components have arrived in the state after a transatlantic trip from Ireland. Mel Bridges has more.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

The tropics remain quiet. The National Hurricane Center is not expecting any tropical activity for the next week.

07.15.24
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

At SEC Media days we learned LSU linebacker Harold Perkins has added weight so he can play inside linebacker for the Fighting Tigers. Coach Brian Kelly expects Perkins to make plays from all over the field…
cut 11 (14) “…developmental process”
Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has been developing for the last three years at LSU. Nussmeier is the son of a former NFL quarterback, Doug Nussmeier, who is now an assistant for the Chargers. Garrett Nussmeier says his relationship with his Dad is special…
cut 19 (17) “….it’s special”
Nussmeier and the Tigers open the season on September 1st versus USC.

Two pitchers from LSU were drafted by the New York Yankees today. Thatcher Hurd went in the third round to the Bronx Bombers and the Yankees selected Griffin Herring in the sixth round. Hurd was not expected to return to LSU next season, but there’s a chance Herring will come back. It all depends on the contract offer he gets from the Yankees.

Also in the fourth round, Haughton native and former Arkansas second baseman Peyton Stovall was selected by the Reds.

Former LSU star Paul Skenes will be the starter for the National League in tomorrow night’s All-Star game. Skenes is only expected to pitch one inning in the Mid-Summer Classic.

Right before the start of the Major League Baseball draft, Catholic High right-hander William Schmidt announced he’s heading to LSU, passing on a chance to pitch professionally. Schmidt could have been a first-round pick, but the avid LSU fan says he wants to win championships for the Purple and Gold.

07.14.24
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LRN AM Newscall July 15

An assassination attempt against former president Donald Trump took place at his rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

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Drivers may notice more road buckles on concrete roads as the summer continues, but it’s nothing to be afraid of if you’re driving safely. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (26)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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SEC Media Days begin in Dallas today with Brian Kelly and the Tigers set to kick things off. Tiger Rag editor Todd Horne expects confidence from the Tigers. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.” 

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Former President Donald Trump is not seriously hurt after he was shot at in an assassination attempt on Saturday. LSU Political Science Professor Dr. Robert Hogan says historically, political assassinations aren’t unheard of, but they are extremely unlikely.

Cut 4 (09) “…context, right?”

Trump was hit by a bullet in the ear at his rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, but he wasn’t seriously injured and left the rally safely. Hogan says most Americans have preset, hardened notions of Trump and President Joe Biden as presidential candidates, and…

Cut 5 (06) “…views.”

Both Trump and Biden called for unity among Americans in the wake of the assassination attempt. Some have theorized that Trump may be deviating from his usual brand of loudly placing blame to try getting extra pity votes, but Hogan says it’s too early to tell.

Cut 6 (10) “…we’ll just have to see.”

Two audience members were seriously wounded and one was killed by the shooter, who was then killed by federal counter-snipers. A motive has not yet been determined.

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Two attendees of a rally for former president Donald Trump in Pennsylvania are critically injured and one is dead after a man who was not at the rally shot at the former president in an assassination attempt. Trump was hit in the ear by a bullet but wasn’t seriously harmed and left the rally safely. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana…

Cut 7 (10) “…in your prayers.”

The shooter, a 20-year-old who was not part of the rally, was killed by federal counter-snipers. A motive for the would-be assassination has not yet been determined, though Cassidy says the shooting has clear implications that go beyond a single incident.

Cut 8 (10) “…to be condemned.”

Both Democrats and Republicans agree the shooting was an unnecessary tragedy, with both Trump and president Joe Biden calling for unity among Americans in the wake of the shooting. Cassidy says no matter the issue, violence is never the answer.

Cut 9 (09)  “…the worst.”

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As the temperature continues to climb, motorists may encounter a disruption known as road buckling. Louisiana DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says road buckling is a normal thing that happens to concrete roads in heat. Debris and moisture fall into the joints of concrete roads over time, and when it gets hot…

Cut 10 (11) “…triangle.”

Road buckling can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, but Buchanan says it shouldn’t pose a danger if you’re going the speed limit and not driving distracted. She says even if you’ve never seen a road buckle before…

Cut 11 (10) “…caught my attention.”

Unfortunately, Buchanan says, there’s no way to prevent road buckles. If you encounter a road buckle while driving, she recommends reporting it to your regional DOTD as soon as it’s safe to do so.

Cut 12 (12) “…as quickly as possible.” 

You can report road buckles or any road problems by going to dotd.la.gov. 

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LSU kicks off SEC Football Media Days in Dallas today with Head Coach Brian Kelly. The Tigers will look to improve on a 10-and-3 season last year but will have to do so without Heisman winning quarterback and leading rusher Jayden Daniels. Tiger Rag editor Todd Horne says he expects Kelly to replace Daniels’ production with an established traditional run game…

Cut 13 (13)  “…offensive lines.”

Horne says Kelly is confident in the talented arm of quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. While the offense may look different, it can be just as explosive with Nussmeier and his talented weapons. Horne says tight end Mason Taylor is set for a big year in all phases of the offense…

Cut 14 (13)  “…in the past.”

Linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. was a freshman All-American in 2022 but took a step back with the rest of the defense last year. He began the season as an inside linebacker before being moved back outside, but Horne trusts new Defensive Coordinator Blake Baker to develop him as an off-ball linebacker…

Cut 15 (08)  “…inside linebacker.”

07.10.24
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

Dejounte Murray is happy to be in New Orleans after the Pelicans sent five players and two future first round picks to Atlanta to get the point guard to New Orleans. Murray met with the media on Tuesday and says he feels at home with the Pels because everyone matches his level of competitiveness…
cut 17 (18) “….as a person”
Murray says he’s looking forward to playing with Zion Williamson.

The NBA has reportedly finalized new TV contracts with new partners, NBC and Amazon. ESPN will also continue to broadcast NBA games as part of the new 11-year, 76-billion dollar contract. TNT sports is out, but they could attempt to match. Analysts say they could try to outbid Amazon.

The 2024 ESPY Awards are tomorrow night. Former Saints standout Steve Gleason will receive the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage. Former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is up for Best Male College Athlete, Haleigh Bryant for Best Female Athlete. The Pelicans Zion Williamson is a nominee for Best Comeback Athlete.

64 Analytics ranks LSU’s transfer portal class as the best in the nation and the latest addition is Daniel Dickinson, who had two standout seasons at Utah Valley University. This past season Dickinson hit .367 with 18 home runs and 53 RBIs. He also set the school’s single season record with 32 stolen bases.

LSU has also announced the baseball team will participate in the Frisco College Baseball Classic in Frisco, Texas from February 28th to March 2nd. The other three teams at the tournament are Nebraska, Kansas State and Sam Houston. The games will be played at the Texas Rangers Double-A ballpark and tickets can be purchased at Frisco-classic-dot-com.

07.10.24
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LRN PM Newscall

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Shreveport issued a record 67 tornado warnings across the ArkLaTex Monday due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Democratic National Convention will be held next month, and Louisiana will have 53 delegates present. According to one of them, he believes the vast majority will support President Biden. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The National Weather Service (NWS) in Shreveport issued a record 67 tornado warnings across the ArkLaTex Monday due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl. NWS Meteorologist Ryan Knapp…

Cut 3 (10) “…from 2005.”

This unprecedented activity caused widespread power outages, damage to structures and numerous trees were toppled over. The NWS has confirmed 5 tornados so far and will continue to survey the area…

Cut 4 (09) “…next week.”

At least two of the five tornadoes they confirmed on Monday were an EF 2, with peak winds around 125 miles per hour. Both of those tornadoes touched down in Sabine and crossed into DeSoto parishes.

Knapp says Beryl is an example of how hurricanes and tropical storms can impact communities hundreds of miles away from the coastline…

Cut 5 (10)  “..flooding rainfall threat.”

Of the 67 tornado warnings across the region, 18 included Central Louisiana parishes.

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Of the 53 Louisiana delegates attending the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month, delegate and Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis says the vast majority will cast their ballot for President Biden. Since Biden’s debate performance, Lewis says there are legitimate concerns about his health…

Cut 6 (07) “…(x2) back up.”

Lewis says it’s one thing for Biden to say he’s fit for office for a second term, but now he has to show it to American voters…

Cut 7 (11) “…four years.”

Lewis says he believes the hysteria over Biden’s health will calm down and by mid-August delegates will be…

Cut 8 (11)  “…of America.”

The Democratic Convention will be held August 19-20.

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Walmart’s 11th Annual Open Call, held virtually across the United States lets entrepreneurs pitch their products to Walmart buyers. Walmart spokesperson Mark Espinosa says the Open Call aligns with Walmart’s broader strategy to spend an additional $350 billion on items made, grown, or assembled in the U.S.

Cut 9 (09) “…our customers.”

Selected applicants gain access to Walmart’s extensive distribution network, which can significantly boost their business growth.

Cut 10 (07) “…company wide.”

Entrepreneurs who get selected will be notified the week of August 20th to pitch their product in Bentonville, AK on September 24-25. Espinosa says it all comes down to the pitch…

Cut 11 (09) ” …customers want.”

The deadline for applications is July 15. Go to WALMART.COM/OPENCALL to apply

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Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says her criminal division has started an investigation into the ankle monitoring contract with the Juvenile Court system in New Orleans. It’s in response to a Fox 8 TV report that said a 15-year-old, who allegedly fatally shot New Orleans tour guide Kristie Thibodaux, was wearing a deactivated court-ordered ankle monitor.,,,

Cut 12 (04) “…happened.”

Kevin Nunez is accused of killing Thibodeaux as she sat in her car near Jackson Square on June 30th. Nunez is one of three teens arrested and charged in the 43-year-old’s death.

WWL-TV reports Nunez was released from juvenile justice custody in May after convicted for domestic abuse battery, illegal possession of a handgun and seven counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. Murrill is also calling on the Louisiana Supreme Court to make sure judges are not allowing violent offenders back on the street

Cut  13 (08) “…happens.” 

07.10.24
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12:30 LRN Newscast

Of the 53 Louisiana delegates attending the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month, delegate and Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis says the vast majority will cast their ballot for President Biden. Since Biden’s debate performance, Lewis says there are legitimate concerns about his health…
Cut 6 (07) “…back up.”
Lewis says it’s one thing for Biden to say he’s fit for office for a second term, but now he has to show it to American voters.

The National Weather Service in Shreveport issued a record for their office 67 tornado warnings on Monday. So far they’ve been able to confirm at least five tornadoes touched down in northwest Louisiana. Meteorologist Ryan Knapp says …
cut 4 (09) “…next week”
At least two of the five tornadoes confirmed were EF 2s, with peak winds around 125 miles per hour. They touched down in Sabine and crossed into DeSoto parishes.

Colorado State University has updated its 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook; now they’re calling for an even busier season. Mel Bridges has the details.
Cut 29 (29) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

The good news is that there is no tropical threat for the Gulf of Mexico for the next several days.

07.10.24
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10:30 LRN Newscast

A bizarre story out of southwest Louisiana. A four-year-old was found dead Monday in a lake behind the Vinton Welcome Center, while her one-year-old brother was found alive in a ditch along I-10….
cut 2 (34) “….I’m Brooke Thorington”.

GOP megadonor Lane Grigsby is still pushing for Louisiana lawmakers to hold a constitutional convention this year, but there’s no indication the state Senate is interested in holding one. A special session would be needed for lawmakers to vote for a constitutional convention. Grigsby and other Republicans want a convention to make changes to the constitution to provide legislators more flexibility during tough budget times.

Louisiana K-3 public school students showed a ten-percent improvement in reading scores from the start of the last school year to the end. The results were even higher for kindergarten and first graders. Deputy Superintendent of Education Dr. Jenna Chaisson says the state used a literacy screener to test the reading levels of their youngest students…
Cut 24 (12) “…end of the school year.”
Chaisson says the overall improvement reflects the effectiveness of the state’s literacy plan, which includes phonics instruction and teacher training. She emphasized the need for continued improvement.

A recent nationwide survey of small business owners finds inflation remains the top problem, but optimism is at its highest point since December 2023. NFIB’s Todd Pack says their Small Business Optimism Index is up to 91.5 but that’s still below average…
Cut 7 (06) “…ninety-eight.”

07.10.24
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9:30 LRN Newscast

A one year old child is miraculously still alive after spending two days outside alone, along I-10 in Calcasieu Parish, apparently abandoned by his mother. Sheriff Stitch Guillory says a truck driver spotted the child in a ditch…
cut 11 (11) “…out there”
But Guillory says the toddler’s four-year-old brother was found dead in a pond at the Vinton Welcome Center. An autopsy will determine if murder charges will come down on the children’s mother, who was arrested in Mississippi.

The Louisiana Department of Education says 56-percent of K-through-third graders were reading at grade level at the end of the school year, that’s up from 45-percent at the beginning of the year. Deputy Superintendent of Education Doctor Jenna Chaisson…
cut 6 (09) “….keep up that work”

The Colorado State Hurricane Forecast Team has increased their storm total for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season. They are now predicting 25 named storms, 12 hurricanes and six major hurricanes. A slight increase from their forecast predictions issued in April and June. Nick Mesa says the fact that Beryl became the earliest Category Five on record is a reason for the revised forecast…
cut 14 (09) “…hyperactive season”

Small businesses continue to have trouble finding workers. Todd Pack has some results from the latest NFIB survey….
cut 9 (11) “….hiring for”
Pack says construction, transportation and retail businesses are having the most trouble