Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

02.21.25
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LRN PM Newscall

As Mardi Gras season ramps up, crawfish prices are going down and expected to keep falling.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A Bayou Blue man is accused of sexually assaulting several girls. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Crawfish prices continue to decline as Mardi Gras approaches. Co-founder of the Crawfish App, Laney King, says the average price for live crawfish is now $4.10 per pound, while boiled crawfish costs $6.49 per pound. ..

Cut 3 (05) “…drop in price.” 

King says there was not a decrease in prices at the crawfish docks, but more retailers are opening their doors in anticipation of the Lenten season, which is increasing the supply of mudbugs….

Cut 4 (04) “…down this week.”

King says at this time last year, live crawfish were averaging $7.49 a pound, which is almost double to what we are paying this year. She says crawfish prices are are on track to be under three-dollars a pound during the heart of the season….

Cut 5 (09) “…normal crawfish season.”

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A Bayou Blue man is accused of sex crimes, including first-degree rape, against several girls. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Captain Brennan Matherne says they started investigating a single complaint by the Department of Children and Family Services against 60-year-old Herman Dupre (DOO-pree), and they found several additional victims.

Cut 6 (08) “…reported by DCFS.”

Captain Matherne says these assaults had been going on for quite some time.

Cut 7 (11) “…of these incidents.”

Matherne says Dupre is in the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex, and his bond is set at 525-thousand dollars.

Cut 8 (11) “…and simple battery.”

Matherne says investigators believe there are additional victims. Anyone who may have come into contact with Dupre should contact the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.

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New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says the city is becoming safer.

Cut 9 (08)  “…26-percent reduction”

During a news conference at police headquarters, Kirkpatrick said all forms of crime are down, including violent crime.

Cut 10 (08) “…decrease in murders.”

In 2022, when New Orleans was known as the murder capital of America, there were 265 murders. In 2023, that number dropped to 192; and last year, it dropped even further to 124. Kirkpatrick said the same downward trend is true for all other forms of crime.

Cut 11 (18) “…of 27-percent.”

Also in the last year, Kirkpatrick said auto theft dropped 50-percent.

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The Saints have reportedly hired former Chargers head coach Brandon Staley as the team’s defensive coordinator. Before he was the head coach of the Chargers, Staley was the defensive coordinator for the Rams in 2020 and NFL analyst Mike Detillier with W-W-L Radio says the Rams had one of the best defensives in the NFL that season…

Cut 12 (11) “…build around.”

Detillier says Staley was the head coach for the Chargers for three seasons from 2021 to 2023, leading L-A to one playoff appearance….

Cut 13 (13)  “…the game.”

Last season Staley was an assistant head coach for the 49ers. Detillier says Staley is only 42-years-old, but has head coaching experience and that should help first-time head coach Kellen Moore, who is just 36-years-old…

Cut 14 (11) “…have it.”

02.21.25
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3:30 LRN Newscast

In 2022, New Orleans was known as the murder capital as the city reported 265 murders. The NOPD investigated fewer homicides in 2023 and Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says the number of murders went down again in 2024…

Cut 10 (08) “…in murders”

In 2024 there were 124 murders in New Orleans.

A Bayou Blue man is accused of sex crimes, including first-degree rape, against several girls. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Captain Brennan Matherne says they started investigating a single complaint by the Department of Children and Family Services against 60-year-old Herman Dupre (DOO-pree), and they found several additional victims.

Cut 6 (08) “…reported by DCFS.”

Captain Matherne says these assaults had been going on for quite some time.

As Mardi Gras season ramps up, crawfish prices are going down and expected to keep falling.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Congresswoman Julia Letlow and Congressman Clay Higgins have asked President Trump to slap tariffs as high as 100-percent on rice imports from India, Thailand, China, Pakistan and Vietnam. In a letter to the President, the two Republicans from Louisiana says the rice industry contributes 34-billion dollars to the U-S economy, but it’s being displaced by heavily subsidized imported rice.

02.21.25
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1:30 LRN Newscast

A Bayou Blue man is accused of sexually assaulting several girls. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

In 2022, New Orleans was known as the murder capital as the city reported 265 murders. The NOPD investigated fewer homicides in 2023 and Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says the number of murders went down again in 2024…

Cut 10 (08) “…in murders”

In 2024 there were 124 murders in New Orleans.

The Saints have reportedly hired Brandon Staley as the team’s defensive coordinator. Kellen Moore was an assistant under Staley when Brandon was the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. Staley was the defensive coordinator for the Rams in 2020 and NFL analyst Mike Detillier with W-W-L Radio says the Rams had one of the best defensives in the NFL that season…

Cut 12 (11) “…build around”

Staley was the head coach for the Chargers for three seasons from 2021 to 2023, leading L-A to one playoff appearance. He was fired right before the end of the 2023 season and was an assistant-head coach for the 49ers last season.

The 2024 Louisiana Child Care Parent Poll found that over half of parents worry about affording childcare, with costs averaging 633 dollars a month per child.  Mattilyn Batson at the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children says for those without subsidies, expenses rise to nearly 12 hundred dollars monthly.

Cut 14 (08) “…dollars a year.”

Baston they released this poll in hopes lawmakers will provide more funding to help families pay for childcare.

02.21.25
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

The seventh ranked LSU women’s basketball team rebounded from a tough loss at Texas with a 79 to 63 win over Georgia last night. Jersey Wolfenbarger got more minutes last night as All-American Aneesah Morrow sat out with a minor foot injury. And Wolfenbarger scored 16 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. She talked about bouncing back from the loss to Texas…

Cut 20 (09) “…in a lot of ways”

LSU visits 14th ranked Kentucky on Sunday.

The Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball team rallied back from 17 points in the second half to beat Troy 72 to 69. Kentrell Garnett made the winning basket, a fadeaway three with 20 seconds left.

Sean Newman Junior scored 23 points as Louisiana Tech went on the road and beat Middle Tennessee 85 to 74 to even its Conference USA record at 7-and-7. The Bulldogs are at Western Kentucky tomorrow night.

The New Orleans Pelicans return from the All-Star by playing the Mavericks in Dallas.

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LSU is 4-and-0 as it opens a series against Omaha at Alex Box Stadium today. The Tigers showed off their depth in their four victories, playing a bunch of guys, and Coach Jay Johnson says it’s been fun to watch…

Cut 18 (17)  “…this team.”

Louisiana Tech is also 4-and-0 heading into a weekend series at Southern Miss. Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs came into the season liking his starting pitching, but the bullpen will be a work in progress…

Cut 17 (17) “…on em”

And the Ragin Cajuns will be hosting 23rd ranked Nebraska this weekend.

02.21.25
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6:45 LRN Sportscast February 20

The seventh ranked LSU women’s basketball team returned to the win column last night with a 79-63 win over Georgia. Flau’Jae Johnson had 21 points, including a 35-footer at the buzzer to end the third quarter.

The Cajuns men’s basketball team got a nice win on the road as U-L Lafayette defeated Troy 72 to 69. Louisiana Tech also a winner on the road… over Middle Tennessee 85 to 74.

A new city has emerged as a candidate for an NHL expansion team – New Orleans. NHL Network analyst – and former NHL goalie – Kevin Weekes says an ownership group had a productive meeting with Deputy NHL Commissioner Bill Daly. Weekes says while the identity of this ownership group is currently unknown, they are hockey people from top to bottom.

Cut 10 (09) “…hockey fans themselves.”

New Orleans joins a long list of cities pursuing NHL expansion teams, including Houston, Atlanta, Quebec City and Phoenix.

No official word from the Saints, but it’s been reported that head coach Kellen Moore has hired Doug Nussmeier as offensive coordinator. Moore and Nussmeier have coached with each other for several years and Nussmeier is the father of LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.

In baseball…LSU begins a series today against Omaha. First pitch at Alex Box is at 4 PM. And the Ragin Cajuns will host 23rd ranked Nebraska. ULM is also home against Houston Christian.

Louisiana Tech baseball is in Hattiesburg this weekend for a three-game series against former Conference USA rival Southern Miss. The Bulldogs opened the season by sweeping a four-game series from Maine. Tech Coach Lane Burroughs likes how well his team played defensively

Cut 16 (16) “…moments”

First pitch is at 4 PM.

 

Southern is mourning the death of Safeties coach Sean Wallace who died of pancreatic cancer. Wallace was also an outstanding player for the Jaguars and is in the school’s athletic hall of fame as he helped Southern win a Black College National Championship in 1993.

02.20.25
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

In a move that many expected, Saints coach Kellen Moore has reportedly chosen Doug Nussmeier as his offensive coordinator. Moore and Nussmeier worked together in Dallas, with the Chargers and were on the same staff in Philadelphia that just won the Super Bowl. Host of the Locked on Saints podcast, Ross Jackson, says Moore will call plays, but Nussmeier will have a big role in offensive game planning…

Cut 13 (13)  “…ton of experience.”

Nussmeier is a native of Oregon, played college football at Idaho and the Saints drafted him in 1994 in the fourth round. He is also the father of LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.

The seventh ranked LSU women’s basketball team hosts Georgia tonight. Aneesah Morrow is questionable with an undisclosed injury.

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Trey Holly is trying to get back with the LSU football team. For that to happen, he must be cleared of a weapons charge he faces for a shooting that took place last February in his hometown of Farmerville. Holly has said he was not involved in the incident that resulted in two people being shot. A trial date of July seventh has been set and if Holly is found to be not guilty, he’s expected to be back with the LSU Tigers.

No firm decisions were made on the future of the College Football playoffs after a meeting in New Orleans involving the athletic directors of the SEC and Big 10. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey says he’s in favor of changing the seeding for next season, no automatic byes, seed the teams one through 12 based on their. After the 2025 season, the C-F-P could expand to 14 or 16 teams and it’s likely the SEC will move to a nine-game conference schedule to match the nine conference games the Big ten is playing.

02.20.25
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LRN PM Newscall

A state lawmaker estimates there are more than 12-million dying pine trees that became susceptible due to a beetle infestation because of the 2023 drought.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A woman is killed in St. Landry Parish, and her boyfriend is the accused killer. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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State Representative Mike Johnson from Pineville says more than 12 million malnourished trees from the 2023 drought that have become infested with pine beetles need to be taken down. Johnson says Cleco and the Louisiana Department of Transportation have started the process by removing dead trees along roads and highways, but more needs to done with trees on private property

Cut 3 (07) “…when those trees will fall.” 

Johnson, chairman of the Pine Beetle Subcommittee, has led efforts to address the crisis and secure funding to help private citizens pay for tree removal.

Cut 4 (10) “…after a storm.”

Johnson has pushed for action, highlighting safety concerns near schools. He has spoken with Congressman Cleo Fields and the entire Louisiana Congressional Delegation about the need for funding.

Cut 5 (09) “…of our people.”

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A woman reported missing in St. Landry Parish is found dead, and her boyfriend is accused of killing her. A ping of Jorlany Osario Beitez’s phone led investigators to a remote area along Highway 10, where they found her vehicle burned out. Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says a deputy found a man walking in that area.

Cut 6 (07) “…he responded ‘no.’”

Sheriff Guidroz says 24-year-old Irving Cisneros Arguelles of Lawtell eventually admitted to killing her, and deputies arrested him.

Cut 7 (07) “…what we gather.”

Guidroz says Arguelles originally told searchers that he had dumped his girlfriend’s body into a lake in Eunice, but they couldn’t find it. Then, they demanded that he tell the truth.

Cut 8 (07) “…car was abandoned.”

And that’s where deputies found her body. At this time, the cause of her death is unclear. Arguelles is facing several charges, including first-degree murder, and he has an ICE hold on him since Guidroz says he’s in the country illegally.

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Southeastern Louisiana University has achieved its highest overall spring enrollment in 100 years. The university is reporting a seven-percent increase, pushing total overall enrollment to nearly 15-thousand students.  University President Dr. William Wainwright says preparatory enrollment grew by nearly 19-percent.

Cut 9 (11)  “…incoming freshman class.”

Wainwright says as Southeastern enters its second century, the Hammond-based school continues to drive the local economy…

Cut 10 (11) “…regional economy.”

Wainwright praised the faculty and staff for their commitment to holistic student education. He emphasized that beyond record numbers, Southeastern remains dedicated to academic innovation and economic impact.

Cut 11 (09) “…modify curriculum.”

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Saints head coach Kellen Moore has reportedly hired 54-year-old Doug Nussmeier as his offensive coordinator.  Host of the Locked on Saints podcast, Ross Jackson, says the hire makes complete sense, because of the relationship Moore and Nussmeier have already built…

Cut 12 (14) “…Philadelphia Eagles.”

Nussmeier is the son of LSU starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and Doug Nussmeier will be entering his 25th year as a coach and he’s been an offensive coordinator on the college level, at Alabama, Michigan and Florida. Jackson says Moore will call plays, but Nussmeier will have a big role in offensive game planning…

Cut 13 (13)  “…ton of experience.”

Nussmeier is a native of Oregon, played college football at Idaho and the Saints drafted him in 1994 in the fourth round. Jackson says Moore is looking to connect with the city and having a former Saints player on his staff helps him do that…

Cut 14 (08) “…bit of that.”

02.20.25
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13:30 LRN Newscast

A state lawmaker estimates there are more than 12-million dying pine trees that became susceptible due to a beetle infestation because of the 2023 drought.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A man in Lafourche Parish has been charged with sex crimes involving four juveniles. 60-year-old Herman Dupre of Bayou Blue was taken into custody in Terrebonne Parish. The investigation into Dupre started when a DCFS worker reported to law enforcement that Dupre may have sexually assaulted a child a few years ago.

The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office says a 24-year-old Lawtell man has admitted to the killing of Jorlany Osario Betiez, who was found dead in a remote area along Highway 10. Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says Irving Arguelles originally told detectives he dumped his girlfriend’s body into a lake in Eunice, but they couldn’t find it. Then, they demanded that he tell the truth…

Cut 8 (07) “…car was abandoned”

Arguelles is facing several charges, including first-degree murder, and he has an ICE hold on him since Guidroz says he’s in the country illegally.

Southeastern Louisiana is celebrating its 100th year as a college and the school located in Hammond is reporting a seven-percent increase enrollment for the spring semester. University president Doctor William Wainwright says S-L-U continues to drive the local economy…

Cut 10 (11) “…regional economy.”

Enrollment at S-L-U is pushing 15-thousand students.

02.20.25
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

Multiple media outlets are reporting that Saints head coach Kellen Moore has hired Doug Nussmeier as his offensive coordinator. Nussmeier is following Moore to the Big Easy as both were in Philadelphia last season, helping the Eagles win the Super Bowl. They will work to improve an offense ranked 30th in total yards last season.

LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker told on-3-dot-com that linebacker Harold Perkins will play the STAR position. By playing the star position, Perkins will be asked to rush the passer and play in coverage. Attempts to play him at inside linebacker did not work out.

A big hockey game tonight as the USA takes on Canada in the 4 Nations Face-off championship. Governor Landry tweeted about it and in his post, the governor says it’s time for Louisiana to have an NHL team. ESPN reported  a group met with NHL officials about bringing an expansion team to NOLA.

Suspended LSU running back Trey Holly will stand trial July 7th for his alleged role in a shooting that injured two people in his hometown of Farmerville last February. Holly is facing one felony count of illegal use of a weapon or dangerous instrumentality. His attorney, Mike Small, says he and his client are happy a trial date is set.

Cut 10 (08) “…and always maintained.”

Holly has not been able to participate in team-related activities since his arrest, but Small says the all-time rushing leader in LHSAA history is still going to school at LSU.

The seventh ranked LSU women’s basketball team look to get back in the win column tonight after last Sunday’s loss to Texas. The Lady Tigers host Georgia at 8 PM. Aneesah Morrow is listed as questionable with an undisclosed injury on the injury report.

 

Also at 8 PM tonight, the Louisiana Tech men’s team begins a three-game road trip tonight at Middle Tennessee.

02.20.25
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10:30 LRN Newscast

At this hour, the Landry Administration is presenting a proposed budget for next fiscal year to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. Landry says his budget proposal reduces state spending by up to one billion dollars, but the plan is to still make investments on key infrastructure projects and work to lower the state income tax…

Cut 7 (11) “,….these goals”

The Louisiana Legislature will spend the next several months amending the bill before approving a budget is approved in June.

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy, who is also a doctor, opposes the Louisiana Department of Health’s new policy of no longer promoting mass vaccinations. Cassidy says sometimes it’s a long wait to see a pediatrician and vaccine fairs can keep a child from having to miss school and a mother from missing work…

Cut 15 (08) “…very busy”

The 481 workers set to lose their jobs due to the shutdown of International Paper Red River mill in Campti can receive help from the Louisiana Workforce Commission’s Rapid Response Team

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A big hockey game tonight as the USA takes on Canada in the 4 Nations Face-off championship. Governor Landry tweeted about it and in his post, the governor says it’s time for Louisiana to have an NHL team. ESPN has reported  a group met with NHL officials about bringing an expansion team to NOLA.