Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

02.02.25
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LRN AM Newscall Feb 3

In the 2026 U.S. Senate race, State Treasurer John Fleming seeks an early endorsement from the Louisiana Republican Party as he attempts to knock off the incumbent Bill Cassidy. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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New Orleans is getting ready to welcome the world to the city for the Super Bowl. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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It’s believed to be a first-of-its-kind indictment in the United States. The case involves a Louisiana woman who bought abortion pills from an out-of-state medical company. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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State Treasurer John Fleming is seeking an early endorsement from the Louisiana Republican Party in his challenge to Senator Bill Cassidy, who is up for re-election next year.  La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Fleming asked for the endorsement when he ran for State Treasurer after Governor Landry successfully got the endorsement.

Cut 4 (06) “..for the U.S. Senate.”

This move follows the strategy of Governor Jeff Landry, who secured his party’s backing early in his campaign. LAGOP Chair Derek Babcock has said Fleming is free to seek endorsement, though few have been officially granted so far. Alford says the timing is interesting.

Cut 5 (09) “…his political career.”

Currently, Fleming is the only declared challenger, but State Sen. Blake Miguez is considering a run, and Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta is seen as another potential candidate.  Alford says the race is shaping up to be a heated battle within Louisiana’s GOP.

Cut 6 (05) “…interesting dynamics to it.”

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The City of New Orleans is ready to roll out the welcome mat to visitors from all around the world for the Super Bowl. Kelly Schulz (“Shultz”) with New Orleans and Company says New Orleans’ layout makes it very easy for visitors to take in everything the city has to offer…

Cut 7 (11) “…Super Bowl experience.”

Schulz says there are many events for Super Bowl visitors to take in throughout the week.

Cut 8 (08) “…throughout the city.”

Schulz says this is the time for the city to put its best foot forward.

Cut 9 (12)  “…athletes as well.”

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The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans is designated a “No Drone Zone” for Super Bowl LIX, with drone restrictions also extending to the downtown area in the days leading up to the event.  FAA Drone Expert Kevin Morris says this ensures the airspace stays safe.

Cut 10 (07) “…up to it.”

Morris says before Game Day, Feb. 3-8, drone restrictions apply within 1.5 nautical miles of Lafayette Square up to 2,000 feet.

Cut 11 (08) “…at various times.”

On Game Day, Sunday, Feb. 9, restrictions begin at 1:30 p.m. within 1.5 nautical miles of the stadium up to 2,000 feet. Morris says from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m., restrictions expand to a 30-nautical-mile radius and 18,000 feet.  Morris says enjoy the game and leave your done at home.

Cut 12 (08) “…Super Bowl Sunday.”

Unauthorized drone operators risk confiscation, fines up to $75,000, and potential criminal charges.

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A New York doctor is facing criminal charges in Louisiana after prosecutors say he prescribed an abortion drug that terminated a Port Allen teenager’s pregnancy. West Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Tony Clayton says it is illegal to send abortion pills into this state…

Cut 13 (12)  “…of abortion”

A West Baton Rouge grand jury has indicted Doctor Margaret Carpenter and the 39-year-old mother who allegedly gave the pills to her teenage daughter.

Most abortions have been illegal in Louisiana since the U-S Supreme Court overturned Roe versus Wade in the summer of 2022. Clayton says that includes abortion medication…

Cut 14 (10) “…to that.”

Clayton says he is not prosecuting the minor who took the drugs. He says last April her mother instructed her daughter to take the pills that were shipped in from the New Paltz clinic in New York. Doctor Carpenter has been practicing family medicine for more than 20 years.

Clayton says it’s the first criminal indictment of its kind in Louisiana…

Cut 15 (08) “…in Louisiana.”

If Carpenter and the 39-year-old mother are convicted, they face a prison sentence of up to five years.

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The second-ranked LSU baseball team has four different catchers who are battling for playing time. They are Indiana State transfer Luis Hernandez, Dayton transfer Edward Yasmin, Merdian College transfer Blaise Preister, and true freshman Cade Arrambide. Assistant coach Josh Jordan says Arrambide has all the tools…

Cut 16 (25) “…special.”

Hernandez hit 23 home runs and drove in 76 runs at Indiana State last season. The native of Puerto Rico is excited about playing for the Tigers this season…

Cut 17 (17) “…come true for me.”

Six-foot-eight right-hander Chase Shores could be the Tigers Friday night starter. Pitching coach Nate Yeskie says Shores is developing well…

Cut 18 (24) “…a little mean.”

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The LSU men’s basketball team dropped to 1-and-7 in Southeastern Conference play with an embarrassing 89 to 58 loss to Texas at home. LSU is in 15th place in the 16-team league and Coach Matt McMahon is hitting the reset button…

Cut 19 (17) “…better chance.”

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Louisiana Tech completed a 3-0 homestand with an overtime victory over Sam Houston on Saturday. The Bulldogs are 5-and-4 in league play and is in a six-way tie for third place. Sean Newman led the way in the win over Bearcats with 22 points…

Cut 20 (12) “…we are going to finish.”

01.31.25
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5:30 LRN Newscast

Following his suspension over alleged inappropriate remarks in the classroom, a judge has ordered LSU to promptly reinstate law professor Ken Levy. Sean Richarson has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A New York doctor and a 39-year-old Port Allen woman are facing criminal charges after they provided a teenage girl with abortion pills to end her pregnancy. The minor who took the pills is the daughter of the Port Allen woman charged in the case. It’s the first criminal indictment of its kind in Louisiana.

The state department of transportation says they are about two-thirds done with the I-20 major rehab project in Bossier Parish. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says next Wednesday and Thursday nights, traffic will be swapped on I-20 eastbound from the outside travel lanes to the newly constructed inside lanes…

Cut 11 (13) “…rebuilding back.”

The work on I-20 is expected to be completed late this year or early next year.

Louisiana high school principals overwhelmingly voted down a proposal to allow student-athletes the one-time ability to transfer to another school and not have to sit out a year. LHSAA executive Director Eddie Bonine says Louisiana will expand its voucher program, which means more students transferring to other schools, so they wanted to see if schools would support a one-time transfer policy and they got their answer…

Cut 12 (08) “…again.”

The vote was 273 to 66 against the one-time transfer rule.

01.31.25
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

The NFL Network is reporting the Saints plan to meet again with Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. But that meeting will wait until after the Super Bowl on February ninth. It’s a strong signal Moore is the Saints primary target to be their next head coach. The Athletic’s  Diana Russini is reporting the Saints have told the other candidates they are moving on.

Louisiana high school principals overwhelmingly voted down a proposal to allow student-athletes the one-time ability to transfer to another school and not have to sit out a year. LHSAA executive Director Eddie Bonine (Bo-nine) says  Louisiana will expand its voucher program in the coming years and they wanted to see where schools stood on the issue and they got their answer…

Cut 12 (08) “…again.”

The vote was 273 to 66 against the one-time transfer rule.

The LSU men’s basketball team has a chance to get a win on Saturday when they host Texas. The Tigers are coming off a stretch where they played three games against teams ranked in the Top 11. The Longhorns are 3-and-5 in league play.

The Ragin Cajuns host South Alabama on Saturday night. The Jaguars have lost three in a row, including back to back games against ULM. The Warhawks go after their third straight win on Saturday afternoon against Troy.

McNeese will look to go 11-and-0 in the Southland as they visit Nicholls. The Colonels are 6-and-4 in league play.

Louisiana Tech goes after its eighth straight win at home when they host Sam Houston. The Bearcats are just 1-and-7 in Conference USA. Tip time for this one is at 3 PM and it will be televised on ESPN-U.

Southern will look to improve to 8-and-0 in SWAC play as they host Alcorn State. Grambling State is 3-and-4 in league play and they will host Jackson State who is 5-and-2.

01.31.25
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LRN PM Newscall

The City of New Orleans is stepping into the global spotlight as it gets set to host Super Bowl 59 next Sunday. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Following his suspension over alleged inappropriate remarks in the classroom, a judge has ordered LSU to promptly reinstate law professor Ken Levy. Sean Richarson has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The City of New Orleans steps into the global spotlight next week as it gets set to host its 11th Super Bowl. Michael Hecht, the CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc., says the global impact of hosting this game is off the charts.

Cut 3 (10) “…be much greater.”

Hecht says Greater New Orleans Inc. will be giving VIP visitors a tour of the city.

Cut 4 (09) “…a VIP experience.”

Hecht says the city is putting the final touches on welcoming thousands of people to one of the most popular sporting events in the entire world.

Cut 5 (14) “…around the city.”

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A Baton Rouge judge has ordered LSU to reinstate law professor Ken Levy after suspending him for alleged inappropriate classroom statements. Levy’s Attorney Jill Craft says the temporary restraining order prevents LSU from infringing on Levy’s free speech and due process rights or retaliating against him.

Cut 6 (13) “…why it’s illegal.”

Levy sued LSU, arguing the suspension violated his constitutional rights. The suspension followed a Jan. 17 letter citing student complaints about Levy’s comments during a criminal law class, where he criticized Gov. Jeff Landry by saying “F*** the governor” jokingly, and shared his political views. Craft says the complaints were inaccurate.

Cut 7 (09) “…how funny it was.”

Levy also made unflattering comments about President Donald Trump on the first day of the 2025 spring semester.

A court hearing is set for Feb. 10. Levy’s attorney called the case a crucial free speech issue, while LSU vowed to continue its investigation, emphasizing respect and professionalism in the classroom.

Cut 8 (11) “…feelings hurt.”

On Friday, private attorneys hired by LSU have asked courts to either stay or dissolve the temporary restraining order. In a court filing, LSU says its investigating Levy after receiving student complaints about inappropriate, vulgar, and potentially harassing conduct in the classroom.

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The Jimmie Davis Bridge replacement project in the southern part of Shreveport-Bossier City is close to reaching a milestone. Department of Transportation spokesperson Erin Buchanan says work on a temporary trestle bridge will be completed next month and once that structure is completed, they can move large equipment onto the water to allow for construction of the new bridge…

Cut 9 (05)  “…very exciting.” 

The 360-million dollar new bridge will be built next to the existing structure and Buchanan says once a temporary trestle bridge is completed in mid to late February, construction on the new bridge will ramp up…

Cut 10 (06) “…for construction.”

Buchanan says the new bridge is still on track to be finished by early 2027.

The state department of transportation says they are about two-thirds done with the I-20 major rehab project in Bossier Parish. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says next Wednesday and Thursday nights, traffic will be swapped on I-20 eastbound from the outside travel lanes to the newly constructed inside lanes from the Red River Bridge…

Cut 11 (13) “…rebuilding back.”

The work on I-20 is expected to be completed late this year or early next year.

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Louisiana high school principals overwhelmingly voted down a proposal to allow student-athletes the one-time ability to transfer to another school and not have to sit out a year. LHSAA executive Director Eddie Bonine (Bo-nine) says  Louisiana will expand its voucher program in the coming years and they wanted to see where schools stood on the issue and they got their answer…

Cut 12 (08) “…again.”

The vote was 273 to 66 against the one-time transfer rule.

LHSAA baseball schools have voted to push back the end of the season. But the new scheduling will not be in place until the 2028 season, because their contract with the host site of the state championships, Sulphur Parks and Recreation, goes through 2027. LHSAA Director Eddie Bonine says the baseball state championships currently fall on graduation weekend…

Cut 13 (12)  “…now and then.”

High schools who sue the LHSAA over sanctions the association has imposed on them will no longer be allowed to participate in postseason play in the sport in which the lawsuit is filed. It’s a reaction to what happened this fall when University High filed a lawsuit against the LHSAA who stripped most of their wins away from them for using ineligible players. LHSAA Director Eddie Bonine says the suit threatened to push back the playoffs for every school…

Cut 14 (07) “…cleans that up” .”

The vote was 180 to 159 in favor.

01.31.25
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12:30 LRN Newscast

A Baton Rouge judge has ordered LSU to allow law professor Robert Levy to return to his classroom after he was suspended for saying “F” the governor…

Cut 7 (09) “….how funny it was”

That’s Levy’s attorney Jill Craft who says Levy made the comments on the first day of a criminal law course and he was talking about Governor Landry for publicly rebuking another law school professor.

We are nine days away from Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans and the city is putting the final touches on welcoming thousands of people to one of the most popular sporting events in the entire world. Greater New Orleans Inc CEO Michael Hecht…

Cut 5 (14) “…around the city”

This week we learned Louisiana made a huge jump in the national rankings in the area of fourth grade reading, from 46th  in 2022 to 16th in 2024. Sean Richardson on how it happened…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The 7th ranked LSU women’s basketball team nearly blew a 24-point lead last night but a three-pointer by Mikayla Williams with 24 seconds left helped give the Lady Tigers a 107 to 100 win over 13th ranked Oklahoma. Williams finished with 37 points.

01.31.25
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

Bossier City’s Mikaylah Williams came up huge last night as she scored a season-high 37 points in LSU’s wild 107 to 100 win over 13th ranked Oklahoma. LSU nearly relinquished a 24-point third quarter lead and the Sooners got the game down to one point. But Williams hit her career-high 7th three-pointer with 24 seconds to go and LSU finished the game on a 6-0 run. Williams says she was feeling it after her first three-pointer of the night…

Cut 16 (11) “…hands”

LSU will host Mississippi State on Sunday.

Tyrese Walker hit a couple of big baskets in the final three minutes as ULM defeated South Alabama for the second time this week, a 62 to 58 win over the Jaguars. Ragin Cajuns beat Texas State 70 to 61. Tulane lost to 19th ranked Memphis.

Louisiana Tech men’s basketball will look to complete a 3-0 homestand when they host Sam Houston tomorrow afternoon at the Thomas Assembly Center. The Bearcats are 1-and-7 in Conference USA Play, but Coach Talvin Hester doesn’t want to see his team take them lightly….

Cut 17 (17) “…Saturday”

Tip off is at 3 PM.

LHSAA baseball schools have voted to push back the end of the season. But the new scheduling will not be in place until the 2028 season, because their contract with the host site of the state championships, Sulphur Parks and Recreation, goes through 2027. LHSAA Director Eddie Bonine says the baseball state championships currently fall on graduation weekend…

Cut 13 (12)  “…now and then.”

01.31.25
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10:30 LRN Newscast

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy admits he’s struggling with the confirmation vote for Robert F Kennedy Jr as Secretary for the U-S Health Department. Kennedy is known as a vaccine skeptic and that bothers Cassidy, who is a physician. The Baton Rouge Republican is concerned Kennedy will never accept evidence that shows vaccines do not cause autism……

Cut 10 (16) “…United States.”

Cassidy made the comments after participating in two different confirmation hearings for Kennedy.

Tulane’s Newcomb Institute says a recent statewide survey found that one in nine adults live with severe depression and or anxiety. And Doctor Anita Raj says the same number have contemplated suicide in the past year….

Cu 4 (11) “…in the past year”

Raj says Louisiana has a shortage of mental health providers, but you can always find assistance at 9-8-8.

Louisiana made positive news this week with the report that Louisiana now ranks 16th in the country for fourth grade reading ability, up from 42nd in 2022. Leaders for a Better Louisiana Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin on how Louisiana made such a huge jump…

Cut 8 (08) “…earliest ages”

The Louisiana high school principals have overwhelmingly voted down a proposal to allow student-athletes the one-time ability to transfer to another school and not have to sit out a year. LHSAA executive Director Eddie Bonine says they put this issue up for a vote, because Louisiana will expand its voucher program in the coming years and they wanted to see where schools stood on the issue and they got their answer…

Cut 12 (08) “..again”

01.31.25
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9:30 LRN Newscast

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s struggling with Robert F Kennedy’s nomination for U-S Health Secretary. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A Baton Rouge judge has ordered LSU to allow law professor Ken Levy back into the classroom after he was suspended from teaching over allegations he made inappropriate statements. According to court documents, Levy said something not nice about Governor Landry and also gave a colorful opinion about the November presidential election.

According to research conducted by Newcombe Institute at Tulane University, one in nine Louisiana adults, or almost 400-thousand men and women in the state—are living with severe depression and or anxiety and have contemplated suicide in the past year. Doctor Anita Raj says unfortunately Louisiana has a shortage of mental providers, but help is available…

Cut 6 (11) “….they are concerned about”

Again that number is 9-8-8 and it can connect those needing support with resources in their area.

Calvary Baptist’s Rodney Guin has been one of the top coaches in northwest Louisiana and he’s also been nominated for the Don Shula National Coach of the Year Award. Guin receives two tickets to next week’s Super Bowl in New Orleans…

Cut 15 (07) “….wife”

01.31.25
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

The 7th ranked LSU women’s basketball team nearly blew a 24-point lead last night but a three-pointer by Mikayla Williams with 24 seconds left helped give the Lady Tigers a 107 to 100 win over 13th ranked Oklahoma. The 107 points the most ever scored by an LSU team in SEC play. Williams finished with 37 points and a career-high seven three-pointers. Coach Kim Mulkey.

Cut 26 (12) “…right there”

Southern Women’s basketball with a win last night as they beat Jackson State 64 to 47.  The lady Jags will be back in action Saturday when they hose Alcorn State at home.

ULM men’s basketball has a two-game winning streak; both wins came against South Alabama. The Warhawks beat the Jaguars 62 to 58 last night and the Ragin Cajuns won at Texas State 70 to 61.

The third-ranked LSU gymnastics squad looks to rebound from last week’s loss to Arkansas by hosting 9th-ranked Missouri inside the PMAC tonight at 7:30. Junior gymnast Ashley Cowan….

Cut 16 (11) “…that momentum”

Tonight’s meet is on the SEC Network.

Calvary Baptist football coach Rodney Guin has been nominated for the Don Shula High School Coach of the Year Award. Guin, who has won two championships with the Calvaries, says the nomination came out of the blue…

Cut 14 (11) “…for us”

Guin receives two free tickets to next week’s Super Bowl.

01.30.25
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17:30 LRN Newscast

Today was the second day of confirmation hearings for Health and Human Services Secretary nominee Robert F Kennedy Junior. Today, Kennedy appeared in front of Senator Bill Cassidy’s Senate Health committee. Cassidy challenged Kennedy on his past statements that some vaccines cause autism, which the Senator says is not true…

Cut 4 (14) “…came to Congress.”

When Cassidy closed on the hearing, he said he’s struggling with Kennedy’s nomination.

Federal, state and local officials continue to prepare for an influx of visitors to New Orleans next week for Super Bowl 59. Backpack coolers or ice chests will not be allowed on Bourbon Street and the surrounding blocks. GOHSEP director Jacque Thibodaux…

Cut 8 (12) “…next week”

There’s the potential of severe weather tonight. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin has the details…

Cut 2 (27) “…Bill Jacquemin.”

A longtime high school football coach in northwest Louisiana has been nominated for the Don Shula High School Coach of the Year Award. The New Orleans Saints nominated Calvary Baptist head coach Rodney Guin for the award that’s named after the NFL’s winningest coach. Guin has won 205 games as a head coach and calls it an honor to be recognized…

Cut 13 (11) “…huh”

Guin led Calvary Baptist to a state championship in 2023 and 2020. He also had a lot of success at Haughton High School, where he helped mold current Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.