Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

11.21.23
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6:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana voters have elected the state’s first female Attorney General and Secretary of State. Teiko Foxx has more…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

The seventh ranked LSU women’s basketball team easily defeated Texas Southern 106-47 last night. But for the second straight game All-American forward Angel Reese was not at the game. Coach Kim Mulkey is not providing any details on Reese’s absence. She say it’s a locker room issue.

The daughter of former Governor Kathleen Blanco, Monique Blanco Boulet, has been elected as the new Lafayette-Mayor President. Boulet won a tight election over incumbent Josh Guillory, 52-to-48-percent. Guillory’s one term had its moments of controversy around multimillion dollar drainage projects, lawsuits and allegations of wrongdoing. Boulet says she will call for a public accounting of legal and financial decisions made by the Lafayette Consolidated Government, to build trust and increase transparency.
Cut 11 (07) “…can be.”

It’s Bayou Classic Week. Grambling President Rick Gallot says it’s a game that brings national attention to both Grambling and Southern….
cut 14 (10) “….Bayou Classic”
The game is Saturday at 1 PM in the Caesars Superdome.

11.20.23
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Updated LRN AM Newscall November 21 #sports copy changed#

Saturday’s election results mean for the first time Louisiana elected its first female as Attorney General and Secretary of State. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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When Secretary of State-elect Nancy Landry takes office, she’ll have to tackle the purchase of new voting machines. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana’s current first family met with the future first family to discuss the transition and daily demands at the Governors Mansion. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Craine.”

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Louisiana voters made history by electing the state’s first females to top state offices. Republicans Liz Murrill and Nancy Landry were elected as Attorney General and Secretary of State. Founder of Louisiana Woman Lead Rene Amar says Louisianans chose two amazing women to help shape Louisiana politics…

Cut 4 (07) “…unparallel.”

Landry received 68 percent of the vote against her opponent while Murrill had 67 percent. Amar says the state has made great strides to have women at the policy-making table.

Cut 5 (08) “…just phenomenal.”

Amar says voters typically perceive men as better candidates for political offices than women. She says for these two women to be able to be elected on a statewide level is huge.

Cut 6 (12) “…just phenomenal.”

Murrill and Landry are set to take office on January 8th.

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Among the tasks facing Secretary of State-elect Nancy Landry when she takes office is the purchase of new voting machines. After the 2020 presidential election, voter fraud became a point of contention and new state laws require extra steps for more transparency.

Cut 7 (11) “…be attacked.”

Landry says it’s a controversial procedure because it’s a large contract and in the request for proposal process, there are winners and there are losers…

Cut 8 (10) “…the T.” 

For the last three years, Landry says the legislature has passed laws to give the Secretary of State additional authority, beyond canvassing to clean up voter rolls. But she says each time it was vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards. But with a new administration and a GOP super-majority Landry feels those laws will finally be enacted.

Cut 9 (11)  “…respond.”

Among the requirements for new voting machines will be a paper record and multiple checks and balances to protect against hacking.

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After winning the Lafayette mayoral race, and defeating incumbent Josh Guillory, Monique Blanco Boulet promises to have an administration that’s open, accessible, and transparent to the public and press. Boulet says she wants to foster an environment that’s not politically polarized and build a community for everybody.

Cut 10 (08) “…a new way.”

Boulet says she will call for a public accounting of legal and financial decisions made by the Lafayette Consolidate Government, to build trust and increase transparency.

Cut 11 (07) “…can be.” 

Incumbent Guillory came under fire for a number of controversies related to drainage projects, public records, and his legal practice.

Goulet believes her proven track record and her experience as CEO of the Acadiana Planning Commission led to her victory.

Cut 12 (10) “…in Lafayette.” 

Guillory issued a statement that he plans to work with Boulet for a smooth transition.

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The classic matchup between two Louisiana HBCUs – Grambling State University and Southern University at the 50th annual Bayou Classic kicks off Thursday through Saturday. Grambling State President Rick Gallot says the Classic is a celebration of football and family surrounding Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Cut 13 (12) “…higher education.”

More than 200,000 people travel to New Orleans to attend the big game and events. The Bayou Classic is an annual rivalry that dates back to 1974 when the game was first held in New Orleans. Gallot says it drives attention from across the country on what happens in New Orleans the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Cut 14 (10) “…Bayou Classic.”

Traditionally fans expect a Greek Show, a Battle of the Bands, a fan festival, and a Classic parade. Gallot says game sponsorship provides a financial impact for each prospective university toward advancing higher education.

Cut 15 (12) “…respective institutions.”

Tickets for the 50th Annual Bayou Classic can be purchased at www.mybayouclassic.com.

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LSU Football Coach Brian Kelly believes quarterback Jayden Daniels is pulling away from the other contenders for the Heisman Trophy.  Daniels has 4,591 passing and rushing yards combined. That’s nearly 1,000 more than Washington QB Michael Penix and Oregon signal caller Bo Nix, his two main contenders for the Heisman.

Kelly says Daniels ability to throw the deep ball and produce big plays with his legs sets him apart from Penix and Nix

Cut 16 (20) “…taking hits”

Daniels also has 36 touchdown passes, one more than Nix and six more than Penix Junior.

Daniels and LSU’s offense will get a good test in the regular season finale on Saturday against a Texas A-and-M defense that’s only allowing 287 yards a game, eighth lowest in FBS football. Kelly says Aggies defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin is an aggressive play caller…

Cut 17 (17) “…negative plays”

Defensive line coach Elijah Robinson is serving as the interim coach for the fired Jimbo Fisher. Kelly says he’s not worried about A-and-M’s mindset heading into the game, he’s more concerned about LSU’s preparation…

Cut 18 (17)  “….success” 

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The Saints are back from the bye week and getting ready to visit the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday. The Dirty Birds have one of the best rush offenses led by Bijan Robinson who has 612 rushing yards. Coach Dennis Allen on the Atlanta run game…

Cut 19 (24) “…account for” 

The Saints have a 5-and-5 record as they’ve had an up and down season. Allen is looking for the Black and Gold to play more complementary football in the final seven games…

Cut 20 (20) “…better results” 

 

11.20.23
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

After throwing for six touchdown passes and rushing for two more scores in Saturday night’s win over Georgia State. Jayden Daniels is now the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy based on some Las Vegas oddsmakers. After the game, Daniels was asked if he thought he would be in this position when he transferred from Arizona State…
cut 18 (22) “….football game”
Despite the lopsided score, Daniels nearly played the entire game on Saturday. Coach Brien Kelly wanted to give the fans a chance to watch a special talent…
cut 1( 19) “….he is entertaining”
LSU finishes the regular season at home this Saturday against Texas A-and-M.

Saints Coach Dennis Allen said today that quarterback Derek Carr remains in concussion protocol as New Orleans returns from the bye week. And Allen says receiver Michael Thomas and cornerback Marshon Lattimore’s injuries sustained in the team’s last game will take some to heal.

Pelicans guard Jose Alvardo returns to the court tonight as he’ll play his first game in nearly nine months when New Orleans hosts Sacramento. Alvarado missed the final 20 games last season with a stress reaction in his right tibia. He has not played this season because of a right ankle sprain.

The seventh ranked LSU women’s basketball team hosts Texas Southern tonight. No word on Angel Reese’s status. She was not with the team on Friday in Hammond when they beat Southeastern Louisiana. She was benched for the second half of last Tuesday’s game.

Former LSU star Aaron Nola is staying in Philadelphia. The 30-year-old right-hander signed a seven-year deal workth 172-million dollars to keep pitching for the Phillies.

11.20.23
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LRN PM Newscall November 20

In Saturday’s election, John Fleming, Nancy Landry, and Liz Murrill won giving Republicans every statewide office. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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If you ever thought your vote didn’t matter, well think again. The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s race came down to a single vote. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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In 2024, the GOP will occupy every statewide office for the first time since 2015. On Saturday night, Republican candidates, John Fleming, Nancy Landry and Liz Murrill won their races for treasurer, secretary of state, and attorney general. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the Democratic Party will have very little influence on state government over the next four years…

Cut 3 (13) “….zero power.”

Republican Governor-elect Jeff Landry will replace Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards in January. Republicans will also continue to hold a supermajority in the House and Senate. Pinsonat says it will be up to the GOP to address the major issues facing the state.

Cut 4 (09) “…produce results.”

Pinsonat says Saturday’s election will shape the state’s future. He says the GOP leadership will have to find sound solutions to reversing issues that have been in existence for the last four decades.

Cut 5 (11) “ …but themselves.”  

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Much of Louisiana is under a tornado watch until seven PM tonight. LRN meteorologist John Wetherbee says isolated tornadoes are possible, plus some straight line winds…

Cut 6 (09) “…heavy rainfall”

Wetherbee says this is the first significant severe weather threat we’ve seen this fall…

Cut 7 (10) “…what’s going on” 

After this front moves through, it will be cool and mostly dry for the rest of the week.

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In the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s race, a single vote gave Democrat Henry Whitehorn a victory over Republican John Nickelson. Political analyst Scott Hughes says they knew it would be a close race in the politically divided parish. He says Whitehorn was up about 2,000 votes but when the final northern rural precincts came in overwhelmingly for Nickelson…

Cut 8 (06) “…Saturday night.” 

In Louisiana, a candidate has to request a recount to initiate the process and Hughes says it predominantly involves the mailed-in hand-voted ballots.

Cut 9 (12) “…in number” 

Hughes says hand ballots that were perhaps torn or in which both candidates received votes will be re-examined, and then the race will be certified.

In the primary, ironically in Caddo Parish, Hughes says there was a recount for a legislative race that came down a 32-vote difference. That recount found an additional three votes, but it didn’t change the outcome of that race.

Cut 10 (06) “…is certified.” 

Current Sheriff Steve Prator’s term ends June 30th.

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Three of the four teens charged in the 2022 carjacking death of 73-year-old Linda Frickey of Westwego have reached a plea deal that’s resulted in them receiving a 20-year prison sentence. Legal analyst Dane Ciolino says this is a good result for everyone…

Cut 11 (10) “…20 years in a jail”

In March 2022, Frickey was parked along the side of a road in the New Orleans’ mid-city. Surveillance video shows a person pulling her out of the vehicle and beating her. Authorities say as the car sped away, Frickey was dragged and her arm severed in the brutal death.

Because of the nature of Frickey’s death, the teens were charged as adults. Ciolino says Briniyah Baker, Lenrya Theopile and Mar’qel Curtis took the plea deal.

Cut 12 (09) “…these, these individuals”  

18-year-old John Honore is still set for trial as jury selection is underway in the case. Ciolino says while Honore’s three co-defendants plead guilty to manslaughter charges, Honore could be convicted of a murder…

Cut 13 (10) “..their friend”

11.20.23
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels put on a show Saturday night in Tiger Stadium and tied a school record for total touchdowns as the Fighting Tigers easily defeated Georgia State 56-14. Daniels had six touchdowns passing and two rushing as he tied Joe Burrow’s record for eight total TDs. The Heisman candidate threw for 413 yards and rushed for 96. Coach Brian Kelly says you can’t stop Daniels…
Cut 16 (18) “…hasn’t worked”
Daniels will have one more chance to boost his Heisman resume as the Tigers close out the regular season on Saturday by hosting Texas a-and-M. The Aggies are 7-and-4 and only allowing 287 yards a game, eighth best in the FBS. 11 AM kickoff.

Controversial new speckled trout regulations go into effect today as the daily catch limit per angler goes down from 25 to 15. Also the minimum size increases from 12 to 13 inches. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologist Jason Adriance says the changes are needed because of a decline in population for the popular fish…
cut 12 (12) “…healthy status”
The new regulations will remain in place until January 1st 2028 and the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is expected to take another hard look at this issue in April of 2027.

The LSU women’s basketball team returns to court tonight. We’ll see if Angel Reese plays. She was not with the team in Friday’s win at Southeastern Louisiana after she was benched for the second half of last Tuesday’s game.

11.20.23
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11:30 LRN Newscast

In 2024, Republicans will occupy every statewide office for the first time since 2015 as a result of John Fleming, Nancy Landry and Liz Murrill all winning by sizable margins over Democratic opponents on Saturday. Republicans will also continue to hold a supermajority in the House and Senate. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it will be up to the GOP to address the major issues.
Cut 4 (09) “…produce results.

Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud says it’s time to send violent youth offenders back to a juvenile facility at Angola after an attempted escape at the Monroe Swanson Center for Youth that led to thousands of dollars in damage and an attack on a juvenile officer…..
cut 14 (11) “…come close”
A federal judge ordered the removal of youth inmates from Angola over concerns their constitutional rights were being violated. A federal appeals court will hear the case on December 5th.

Flu season has arrived in Louisiana. Colleen Crain looks at what we can expect…
cut 1 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

Most of the northern half of the state is under an enhanced risk for severe weather today and into tonight. The rest of the state is under a slight risk. LRN meteorologist John Wetherbee…
Cut 6 (09) “…heavy rainfall”
Isolated tornadoes are also possible.

11.20.23
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9:30 LRN Newscast

Flu season has arrived in Louisiana. Colleen Crain looks at what we can expect…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

Much of north Louisiana is under an enhanced risk for severe weather this afternoon and into tonight. Strong storms will begin to move through northwest Louisiana later this morning.

Republicans will occupy every statewide office starting in 2024 as John Fleming, Nancy Landry and Liz Murrill were easy winners on Saturday night.

Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud is urging a federal appeals court to reverse a lower cout’s decision that removed violent teen offenders from Angola. Cloud says three of the teen offenders that were at Anogla were involved in a violent escape attempt at Swanson Youth for Center in Monroe…
cut 15 (11) “….secure settings”
A lawsuit resulted in Judge Shelley Dick determining the teens were held in inhumane conditions at Angola and not receiving rehabilitative services.

The average cost for a home cooked Thanksgiving dinner for ten peoople in the south is 59-dollars, according to Avery Davidson with the Louisiana Farm Bureau. Davidson says that’s two dollars lower than the national average and he says that’s because many of fixtures that make up a Thanksging dinner are grown locally…
cut 8 (12) “….better savings”

11.20.23
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8:30 LRN Newscast

According to the CDC, Louisiana is among the top seven states with high flu activity. State health officer Dr. Joe Kanter says Louisiana often leads the nation’s flu cases…
Cut 4 (11) “…flu vaccine.”
Kanter encourages everyone over six months of age to protect themselves with the flu vaccine, especially older adults and anyone who is immunocompromised.

The cost for a Thanksgiving dinner to feed ten people is about 59-dollars according to Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson. Davidson says the price of a 16-pound turkey is about half of that cost. What about other ingredients???
cut 9 (11) “….percent there”

Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud hopes a federal appeals court reverses a lower court’s decision that resulted in the removal of juvenile offenders from Angola, an adult prison. Jeanne Burns has the story…
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

State Police says its investigating an officer involved shooting in Sulphur. It happened last night on Henning Drive. KPLC-TV is reporting one person was taken to the hospital. No other details are known.

The state Fire Marshal’s office is seeking the public’s help in determining the cause of fire that completely destroyed the Benoit Ford dealership in Deridder. Several Vehicles went up in flames in a blaze that started early Saturday morning.

11.20.23
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7:30 LRN Newscast

Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud says it’s time to send back violent youth offenders to a juvenile facility at Angola after an attempted escape at the Monroe Swanson Center for Youth that led to thousands of dollars in damage and an attack on a juvenile officer…..
cut 14 (11) “…come close”
A federal judge ordered the removal of youth inmates from Angola over concerns their constitutional rights were being violated. A federal appeals court will hear the case on December 5th.

According to the CDC, flu activity is very high in Louisiana. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says if you are not feeling well, stay home to avoid spreading the flu…
cut 6 (07) “….the hospital”

Many of us will head to the grocery store this weekend to purchase items for that Thanksgiving dinner. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says the average cost for a meal of ten is around 60-dollars…
cut 7 (09) “,,,five cents”
The cost for a Thanksgiving dinner in the south is the second lowest in the country.

New size and daily catch limits go into effect today for the speckled trout in Louisiana waterways. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries fisheries biologist Jason Adriance says the new rules are needed because the popular fish is overfished…
cut 20 (08) “…last decade”
Minimum size limit has been increased from 12 to 13 inches, while daily creel limit drops from 25 to 15 fish per angler.

11.20.23
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels tied Joe Burrow’s school record of eight total touchdowns for a game as the Fighting Tigers easily defeated Georgia State 56-14 on Saturday night. LSU’s offense never took the foot off the gas pedal as they scored on their its eight drives. Daniels says he’s determined to finish the season strong….
Cut 17 (15) “…at the end of the day”
Some Las Vegas oddsmakers now have Daniels as the favorite to win the Heisman Award, which goes to college football’s best player. It will be given out on December ninth in New York City.

It was not a good weekend for Louisiana’s college football teams….Tulane won, but La Tech, McNeese, U-L Lafayette, and ULM all lost. Louisiana Christian lost in the NAIA playoffs, while Nicholls will play this Saturday in the FCS at Southern Illinois.

The LSU men’s basketball team pulled off an overtime victory yesterday as the Tigers defeated Wake Forest 86-80 to finish in fifth place in the Charleston Classic. Will Baker has a game 23 points and eight rebounds.

The seventh ranked LSU women’s basketball team is back in action tonight as the Lady Tigers will host Texas Southern. We will see if Angel Reese plays. Reese was not with the team for Friday night’s win over Southeastern Louisiana.

Also today…the Ragin Cajuns men’s team begins play in a tournament in Florida. U-L Lafayette will face Wright State at 4 PM.

The Pelicans continue their six game homestand tonight by facing Sacramento tonight. New Orleans is coming off a tough one point loss to Minnesota on Saturday.

In the NFL yesterday…Tampa Bay lost to San Francisco 27-14, so the Saints now lead the Buccaneers and the Falcons by one game for first place in the NFC South. New Orleans will visit Atlanta this Sunday. The Dirty Birds are going back to Desmond Ridder as their starting quarterback.