Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

01.22.25
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

The snowstorm has slowed the Saints head coaching search. New Orleans was set to meet in person with Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka yesterday and Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver today. Those two interviews have been pushed back to later in the week. Ross Jackson is the host of the Locked on Saints Podcast and he says the 44-year-old Weaver is an intriguing candidate…

Cut 19 (14) “…very well.”

The Saints are also wanting another interview with Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. But the New York Jets are also very interested in Glenn and he’s reportedly their top choice.

Ruston native and former Louisiana Tech and West Monroe quarterback Max Causey will be one of the referees for Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans. Causey has been an NFL for three years and he’ll serve as the down judge. He just officiated the Redskins upset win over the Lions in the divisional playoffs.

Because of the snow and ice in New Orleans, the Pelicans-Bucks game has been postponed. A rescheduled date has not been announced.

The highly anticipated women’s basketball game between 5th ranked LSU and 2nd ranked South Carolina has been postponed from Thursday night to Friday at 4 PM. The historic snowstorm that hit south Louisiana on Tuesday is making it difficult for the Lady Tigers to travel to Columbia, South Carolina, so an extra day is needed.

LSU enters the SEC showdown with a 20-0 record, while the defending national champion Gamecocks are 18-1.

Reed Darcy who covers the LSU women’s basketball team for the Advocate was a guest on Tiger Rag Radio and talked about Kim Mulkey’s desire to win this game…

Cut 30 (31) “…in January”

01.22.25
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8:30 LRN Newscast

It’s a winter wonderland across south Louisiana and into central Louisiana with snow on the ground and temperatures in the single digits, setting all-time record lows in southwest Louisiana. Governor Landry continues to urge the public to stay home…

Cut 11 (09) “….the weather improves”

Driving was treacherous to say the least yesterday.  State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert Hodges says his troopers were busy helping stranded motorists…

Cut 15 (13) “….the cold conditions”

Temperatures will get above freezing today, but State Transportation Secretary Joe Donahue says it will take some time to re-open closed roads…

Cut 28 (08) “…dot-gov”

 

The Red Cross is lending a helping hand during this arctic blast. Andrew Greenstein reports

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

We’ll return to normal temperatures in a few days, but finding crawfish this weekend will be difficult. But LSU Ag Center crawfish expert Mark Shirley says the snow and ice have NOT ruined the upcoming mudbug season..

Cut 8 (08) “…quite a bit”

So for now, you’ll have to settle for a good pot of gumbo.

01.22.25
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7:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana Radio Network, I’m Jeff Palermo….

Cut 16 (07) “…in the teens”

We are actually seeing temperatures in the single digits and temperatures are hitting all-time lows across southwest Louisiana. It’s three degrees in New Iberia, five degrees in Lafayette and eight degrees in Lake Charles.

The governor is pleading with the public to stay home today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Temperatures will get above freezing today which will help State Department of Transportation crews remove the snow and ice from major roadways. DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue…

Cut 13 (09) “…treatment with salt”

Numerous highways are closed including I-10 from the Texas-Louisiana line to Baton Rouge.

It’s hard to harvest crawfish in this weather and crustaceans have buried themselves in the mud to stay warm, so they are not growing. But LSU AgCenter Crawfish expert Mark Shirley says despite this winter storm, he still predicts a better crawfish season this year…

Cut 9 (11) “….in the catch”

In non-related weather news…University of Louisiana Monroe president Doctor Ron Berry is stepping down and returning to his role as a professor.

01.22.25
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

As many were enjoying the snow outside, Saints running back Alvin Kamara took to the social media site “X” to express his support for interim head coach Darren Rizzi to get the job on a permanent basis. Host of the Locked on Saints podcast, Ross Jackson, says Rizzi is in the mix, but there are other candidates who might have a better chance at getting the job…

Cut 20 (20) “…team captain.”

The 54-year-old Rizzi led the Saints to a 3-and-5 record after the firing of Dennis Allen. Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is expected to get a second interview with the Saints, but the Jets are also very interested in hiring the former NFL cornerback. New York interviewed Glenn yesterday.

College football coaching legend Nick Saban said on the Pivot Podcast hosted by former LSU Tiger and NFL star Ryan Clark that the biggest professional mistake he made was leaving LSU. Saban says he enjoyed his two seasons as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, but found out he enjoyed coaching college athletes better and knew that in his heart before leaving LSU….

Cut 22 (22) “…Miami then”

You can hear the entire comments made by Saban on the Pivot podcast

Luke Olson is the new defensive coordinator at Louisiana Tech. Olson was the D-C at Jacksonville State last season and helped the Gamecocks win the Conference USA Championship. Olson also has defensive coordinator experience at Tulsa.

01.22.25
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6:30 LRN Newscast

The snow has subsided, but not the danger. Driving is not advisable in all of south Louisiana and into the southern parts of the Cenla region because of ice- and snow-covered roads. Governor Jeff Landry says the roads are extra slick.

Cut 10 (15) “…extremely, extremely dangerous.”

And it’s very cold outside. We are seeing single digit readings as far south as Patterson where it’s nine-degrees. Four-degrees in Opelousas, Lake Charles seven degrees, Lafayette nine degrees and Baton Rouge ten degrees. It’s 15-degrees in Shreveport, Alexandria and Monroe. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says it will be mid-day before we get back above freezing…

Cut 17 (06) “….and 20s tonight”

It will be sunny so that will help melt the snow and ice.

Local governments and faith-based groups have opened several warming centers for those who needed a warm place to sleep. Micah Nicholas, executive director of the Capital West Chapter of the American Red Cross says they could use all the help it can get in supporting these warming centers…

Cut 5 (07) “….disasters like this”

These warming centers will likely stay open again tonight as temperatures will get well below freezing.

What will the 2025 snowstorm and cold temperatures mean for the upcoming crawfish season? LSU AgCenter crawfish expert Mark Shirley says the mudbugs will bury themselves as deep into the mud as they can…

Cut 7 (11) “…of crawfish.”

Shirley predicts crawfish will return to the market once the water temperature gets back into the 50s and 60s.

01.21.25
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LRN AM Newscall January 22

The Red Cross is lending a helping hand during this arctic blast. Andrew Greenstein reports

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The governor is urging you to stay home not only today, but tomorrow as well. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Yesterday was not just a sneaux day, it was a day where lifelong memories were made. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Red Cross is supporting warming centers throughout South Louisiana. Micah Nicholas, the executive director of the Capital West chapter of the American Red Cross, says they’re supporting 35 warming centers across 30 parishes.

Cut 4 (08) “…disaster to them.”

Nicholas says the Red Cross could use all the help it can get in supporting these warming centers.

Cut 5 (07) “…disasters like this.”

Nicholas says the Red Cross’ work goes far beyond the warming centers themselves.

Cut 6 (13) “…as they arise.”

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What will the 2025 snowstorm and cold temperatures mean for the upcoming crawfish season? LSU AgCenter crawfish expert Mark Shirley says the mudbugs will bury themselves as deep into the mud as they can…

Cut 7 (11) “…of crawfish.”

Some seafood restaurants have started selling crawfish and Shirley says it will be limited this weekend, but all it takes is warm weather and farmers can begin harvesting again…

Cut 8 (08) “…quite a bit”

Shirley says farmers are putting in a lot of effort to bring crawfish to the market. He says despite this winter storm, they are still predicting a better crawfish season this year…

Cut 9 (11)  “…in the catch.”

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The snow has subsided, but not the danger. Road conditions will be much worse this morning than they were yesterday. During a news conference, Governor Landry pointed out that thanks to the frigid overnight lows, the roads will be extra slick.

Cut 10 (15) “…extremely, extremely dangerous.”

As such, state offices will be closed not just today, but tomorrow as well. Landry is urging you to stay off the roads; he says the more you do, the faster things can get back to normal.

Cut 11 (09) “…the weather improves.”

State Climatologist Jay Grymes says temperatures will begin below the freezing point and will stay that way.

Cut 12 (07) “…of the day.”

Joe Donahue with DOTD says crews are out in full force tending to the roadways.

Cut 13 (09)  “…treatment with salt.”

Donahue says all designated priority routes are open and are expected to remain open.

Cut 14 (13) “…north to south.”

State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert Hodges says the record snowfall kept troopers busy.

Cut 15 (13) “…the cold conditions.”

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LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin (JACK-quim-in) says if you thought yesterday morning was brutal, this morning is even worse.

Cut 16 (07) “…in the teens.”

Jacquemin says the weather will warm up a little today, only to give way to another frigid night tonight.

Cut 17 (12)  “…and 20s tonight.”

And Jacquemin says after a brutal overnight tonight into tomorrow morning, things will start to get back to normal before a very mild weekend.

Cut 18 (10)   “…60s on Sunday.”

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The snowstorm has delayed the Saints head coaching search. New Orleans was set to meet in person with Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka yesterday and Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver today. Those two interviews have been pushed back to later in the week. Ross Jackson is the host of the Locked on Saints Podcast and he says the 44-year-old is an intriguing candidate…

Cut 19 (14) “…very well.”

As many were enjoy the snow outside, Saints running back Alvin Kamara took the social media site “X” to express his support for interim head coach Darren Rizzi to get the job on a permanent basis. Jackson says Rizzi is in the mix, but there are other candidates who might have a better chance at getting the job…

Cut 20 (20) “…team captain.”

01.21.25
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans rallied back from 25 points down to beat the Utah Jazz 123 to 118 in overtime last night. It’s the largest come from behind win in team history. C-J McCollum scored 45 points to lead the charge back…

Cut 30 (16) “…it was execution”

New Orleans has won four in a row and if the snow clears in time, they’ll host the Milwaukee Bucks tomorrow night.

The snowstorm has delayed the Saints efforts to meet with head coaching candidates in person. New Orleans was set to talk with Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka today and Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver tomorrow. Those two interviews have been pushed back to later in the week. The Saints are also planning to meet with former Cowboys Head Coach Mike McCarthy.

Ohio State won the first four-team college football playoff in 2014 and the Buckeyes are the champions of the first 12-team college football playoff as they beat Notre Dame 34 to 23 last night in Atlanta. Big game for former Ole Miss Rebel Quinshon Judkins, who had two touchdowns and 100 yards rushing. He also caught a six-yard TD pass.

ESPN’s Way too early college football Top 25 rankings has LSU ranked eighth. Ohio State is number one, followed by Texas, Penn State, Notre Dame, Georgia, Oregon and Clemson.

In college hoops…McNeese improved to 8-and-0 in the Southland with a 79 to 59 win over Stephen F Austin. The Cowboys lead Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi by two games for first place and then there are a bunch of teams who are 5-and-3, including Northwestern State. Nicholls and Southeastern Louisiana. The Demons and Lions won yesterday, while the Colonels lost at home to Lamar 78 to 74.

01.21.25
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3:30 LRN Newscast

It’s been a memorable day in Louisiana as south Louisiana into central Louisiana was hit by a snowstorm that produced a major snowfall…

Cut 3 (11) “….seven in Slidell”

The National Weather Service in Lake Charles recorded close to five inches of snow, third highest snowfall in the city’s history.

Not only are there multiple inches of snow in south Louisiana and into the Alexandria area, but we are looking at very cold temperatures. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is urging the public to practice space heater safety. GOHSEP chief of staff Scott Adams:

Cut 7 (09) “…to bed.”

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office says a space heater is responsible for a fatal fire that killed man in that parish on Monday.

You may have just gotten an alert on your phone stating that the number of crashes on roadways throughout South Louisiana is rapidly increasing. State Police Trooper Marc Gremillion (GREM-ee-ahn) says they’ve had to respond to a lot of vehicles that had slid off the roadway.

Cut 12 (11) “…struck from behind.”

The Louisiana Department of Transportation they have long list of road closures. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett…

Cut 11 (08) “….ice over”

All flights have been cancelled at Lafayette Regional Airport and Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans. The Alexandria Airport has re-opened, but some flights are still cancelled.

01.21.25
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LRN PM Newscall January 21

South Louisiana is experiencing weather conditions normally reserved for the northern half of the United States. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana’s highway system is no match for this historic winter storm. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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South Louisiana is experiencing weather conditions normally reserved to regions of the country much farther north. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says areas of South Louisiana are being blanketed by snow not seen in decades.

Cut 3 (11) “…seven in Slidell.” 

On the rare occasion that it snows in South Louisiana, the snow will stick to the ground for maybe a few hours. This time, it will linger for a few days. Keim says that’s because overnight lows will be bone-chillingly cold.

Cut 4 (10) “…but still frigid.”

While those temperatures are certainly cold, they’re not record-breakers. Keim points to the December 1989 storm in which it got down into the single digits in some places. If these brutal temperatures are too much for you to handle, Keim says take solace in the fact that they will return to normal by this weekend.

Cut 5 (09) “…in certain locations.”

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State officials are urging people to stay off the roads as this rare snow event is making travel very difficult. Governor Jeff Landry suggests that you cook yourself a big pot of gumbo instead…

Cut 6 (13) “…eat again.”

Not only is there multiple inches of snow in south Louisiana and into the Alexandria area, but we are looking at cold temperatures. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is urging the public to practice space heater safety. GOHSEP chief of staff Scott Adams…

Cut 7 (09) “…to bed.”

Adams says it’s best to hunker down and stay at home today and make sure your house can handle these cold temperatures…

Cut 8 (09) “…covered.”

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State Department of Transportation officials are on the highways in south Louisiana and the driving experience is very difficult. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says on some roadways, you can’t see the curb or the edge of the street or the highway…

Cut 9 (12)  “…not easy.”

Mallett says visibility is also difficult when the snow is falling, it’s certainly very unique to Louisiana…

Cut 10 (10) “…the moment.”

Mallett says several major roads and bridges are closed…

Cut 11 (08) “…ice over.”

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It’s completely understandable that drivers in Louisiana are not used to these road conditions. State Police Trooper Marc Gremillion (GREM-ee-ahn) says they’ve had to respond to a lot of vehicles that had slid off the roadway.

Cut 12 (11) “…struck from behind.”

Gremillion says not only do you need to greatly reduce your speed, you’ll also need to adjust the way you come to a stop.

Cut 13 (07)  “…a lot farther.”

And if you start skidding, stay calm and by all means, do not steer away from the skid initially.

Cut 14 (11) “…out of it.”

01.21.25
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

The college football season concluded last night with Ohio State winning its seventh national championship by beating Notre Dame 34 to 23.

We are 214 days away from the start of another college football season. According to Circa Sports, LSU’s title odds are 25 to one.

The NFC-AFC Championship games are this Sunday in the NFL. The winners advance to Super Bowl 59 on February ninth in New Orleans. Jayden Daniels and the Commanders are preparing for the Philadelphia Eagles. Commanders coach Dan Quinn says Daniels’ ability to read defenses pre snap is impressive for a rookie…

Cut 18 (21) “…to improve”

Kick off is at 2 PM on Sunday in Philadelphia.

 

The Pelicans pulled off the biggest come from behind victory in franchise history as New Orleans defeated the Utah Jazz 123 to 119 in overtime for a fourth straight win. New Orleans trailed by as many as 25 points, but C-J McCollum scored 45 points and Dejounte Murray sent the game into overtime with a driving layup with 16 seconds left.

In the Southland basketball last night…McNeese improved to 8-and-0 in conference play with a 79 to 59 win over Stephen F Austin. Cowboys Coach Will Wade on his team’s performance…

Cut 20 (15) “…in the league”

Northwestern State had a big second half and defeated UNO 73 to 61. Nicholls lost a tough game at home to Lamar 78 to 74 and Southeastern Louisiana also played well in the second half to beat East Texas A-and-M 76 to 68.