Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

11.16.23
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

The 15th ranked LSU Tigers are 7-and-3 heading into Saturday’s game with Georgia State. The Bayou Bengals are out of the hunt for an SEC Championship but defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson says the Tigers still have a lot to play for…
Cut 16 (20) “…end of the season”

Nicholls can win an outright Southland Conference title tonight when they visit Southeastern Louisiana in Hammond. The Colonels are trying to become the first conference team to go undefeated in league play since Central Arkansas in 2017. The Lions are 3-and-7 and enter the game on a three-game winning streak. Kick-off is at 6 PM.

In the NFL tonight…Joe Burrow and the Bengals are in Baltimore.

The Ragin Cajuns will try to get that elusive sixth win of the season on Saturday when they visit Troy. U-L Lafayette has lost two in a row and this Saturday they face a Trojans team that’s won seven in a row and they have the best defense in the Sun Belt. Coach Michael Desormeaux says they face a big challenge…
Cut 19 (19) “…formation it correctly.”

Cajuns men’s basketball hit 18 three-pointers and defeated Louisiana Christian 107-56. Kentrell Garnett led the way with 20 points. Also yesterday, Denver downed Nicholls 91-85 and BYU beat Southeastern 105 to 48.

LSU men face Dayton this afternoon in Charleston, South Carolina.

11.16.23
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6:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Edwards has set a goal for Louisiana to be carbon neutral by 2050, but Governor-Elect Jeff Landry says zero carbon emissions policies are extremely descrutive on the economy. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Landry has named former U-S Fish and Wildlife Director Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto as his Department of Environmental Quality Secretary. The Indiana native is a biologist, attorney and avid hunter. She served in the Trump Administration and was a lab technician at Monsanto.

A blood drive will take place on the Louisiana Tech campus today in response to Monday’s deadly knife attack that left one person dead and wounded three others. Regional director for Life Share Blood Centers, Michael Bricker, says Lifeshare will provide 15-dollars towards the medical expenses for two of the victims…
cut 14 (12) “….in their name”
The drive will take place from nine AM to 3 PM.

The state’s first customized two-year Associate Respiratory Therapy Apprenticeship program has opened on the LSU Eunice campus. Chancellor Dr. Nancee Sorenson says students will have the unique chance to earn while they learn…
Cut 4 (09) “…underserved populations.”
Sorenson says it’s important the healthcare workforce looks like and has many of the same experiences as the people it serves.

11.15.23
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LRN PM Newscall November 15

One person has died from Monday’s attack by a 23-year-old student on the Louisiana Tech’s campus. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (27)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s first cabinet appointment is also the first Black woman to serve as the director of the Department of Environmental Quality.

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

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One of the four victims in Monday’s stabbing on the Louisiana Tech campus has passed away from her injuries. Annie Richardson lived in Ruston and was a Louisiana artist. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie opened his weekly press conference discussing the tragic incident….

Cut 3 (04) “….lives”

Twenty-three-year-old Jacoby Johnson of Rayville now faces a second-degree murder charge and three counts of attempted second-degree murder. Authorities have called the attack on four women as random.

Tech freshman Colin Campbell of Minden saw the attack and took two of the victims to the hospital before first responders arrived.

Cumbie says the team’s thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this violent act…

Cut 4 (08) “…scary situation”

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Governor-elect Jeff Landry Appoints the first Black woman to head the Department of Environmental Quality. The appointment of Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto (Jack-ah-metto) is also his first cabinet appointment. Landry says Giacometto served as Director of U.S. Fish and Wildlife under former President Trump.

Cut 5 (11) “ …of Louisiana.”  

The Indiana native began her career at Monsanto as a lab tech and in addition to a biology degree from Howard, and a master’s in molecular genetics from Purdue, she has a law degree from the University of Kentucky.

Landry says her appointment will attract others to the state.

Cut 6 (10) “…Environmental Quality.”

After leaving her federal appointment with U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Landry says Giacometto returned to the private sector and became an advisor…

Cut 7 (09) “…reliable energy.” 

Landry made the announcement from his transition team headquarters at the University of Louisiana Lafayette.

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Today marks two years since President Joe Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is a co-author of the legislation and he says Louisiana has received nine-billion dollars from the infrastructure law in the first two years alone…

Cut 8 (11) “…in Baton Rouge” 

Cassidy says one-point-four billion dollars has been invested in broadband, benefiting more than 447-thousand households…

Cut 9 (06) “…affordable internet.” 

The senator’s office says 545 million dollars in funding has already been awarded to Louisiana for ports and waterways to repair infrastructure and strengthen supply chains. Another 368-million dollars has been awarded for infrastructure and coastal resiliency. Cassidy says Louisiana is better off now than it was two years ago because of the infrastructure law…

Cut 10 (09) “…our state” 

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Southern University has parted ways with Head Football Coach Eric Dooley after only two seasons. Despite different perspectives, Athletics Director Roman Banks says it was clear a change in leadership of the program was necessary.

Cut 11 (11) “…was best.”

After a 7-5 season last year, the Jaguars struggled to a 5-5 record this year. The Jaguars lost to Prarie View A&M in a blowout-loss of 21-44 last Saturday.

The Jaguars will take on its rival the Grambling State Tigers in the 50th annual Bayou Classic in less than two weeks. Banks says Assistant Head Coach Terrance Graves and Safeties Coach Sean Wallace will serve as Interim Head Coach for the big game.

Cut 12 (12) “…Bayou Classic.”  

Coach Graves is the only coach in the history of the Bayou Classic to coach both Southern University and Grambling State as the Interim Head Coach.

11.15.23
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1:30 LRN Newscast

Annie Richardson, one of four women stabbed in a random knife attack on Louisiana Tech’s campus on Monday has died. Richardson was leaving an exercise class at the Lambright Sports and Wellness Center when she was attacked from behind. Bulldogs football coach Sonny Cumbie says the team’s thoughts and prayers are with those impacted…
Cut 4 (08) “…scary situation”
Twenty-three-year-old Jacoby Johnson of Rayville now faces a second-degree murder charge.

Assault charges have been dropped against Natchitoches Parish President John Richmond. Latorria Freeman claimed Richmond pushed her during a festival in May. Richmond only recalls a conversation with his accuser.
Cut 15 (12) “…happened”
Richmond failed to make the run-off for this Saturday’s election.
Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s first cabinet appointment is also the first Black woman to serve as the director of the Department of Environmental Quality.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Two years ago today, the federal infrastructure law was approved and Senator Bill Cassidy says it has resulted in nine-billion dollars in federal dollars for the state. He says one-point-four billion dollars went to expanding broadband…
cut 9 (06) “…affordable internet”

11.15.23
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans ended a five game losing streak by beating the Dallas Mavericks 131 to 110. Defensive specialist Herb Jones returned after a three-game absence and held Luka Donic to 16 points on five of 16 shooting. Brandon Ingram had 25 points for the Pels and rookie Jordan Hawkins also had 25 points as he finished with five three-pointers.

Mikaylah Williams from Bossier City scored 42 points, a record for an LSU freshman, as the seventh ranked LSU Lady Tigers defeated Kent State 109 to 79 in the PMAC yesterday. Williams was 15 of 20 from the field and hit five three-pointers. She credits her practice habits
Cut 17 (11) “…paid off.”
It’s the most points scored by an LSU women’s basketball player since Cornelia Gayden had 43 against TCU in 1996.

Georgia State will come into Tiger Stadium on Saturday to play 15th ranked LSU on a three game losing streak. Panthers head coach Shawn Elliot says they suffered a tough 42-14 loss to Appalachian State and it will not get any easier this weekend…
Cut 19 (20) “…about that.”
The Tigers are 30.5 point favorites.

McNeese men’s basketball is off to its first 4-5 start in 51 years as the Cowboys defeated LeTourneau 81-49.

Tonight the Ragin Cajuns host Louisiana Christian. Nicholls faces Denver in Mobile and Southeastern Louisiana is at BYU.

11.15.23
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06:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans came to play last night. On Sunday night, New Orleans lost to Dallas 136 to 124. The same two teams met again last night in the Smoothie King Center and the Pels handed the Mavericks a 131-110 loss. The victory snapped a five-game losing streak for New Orleans. Brandon Ingram had 25 points and so did rookie Jordan Hawkins.

Bossier City’s Mikaylah Williams scored 42 points, the most ever by an LSU freshman as the seventh-ranked Lady Tigers handed Kent State a 109 to 79 defeat inside the PMAC. Head Coach Kim Mulkey says Williams did more than just score the basketball…
cut 18 (13) “….big as the ocean”
The Lady Tigers are at Southeastern Louisiana on Friday night.

Georgia State will come into Tiger Stadium on Saturday to play 15th-ranked LSU on a three-game losing streak. Panthers head coach Shawn Elliot says they suffered a tough 42-14 loss to Appalachian State last weekend and it will not get any easier this weekend…
Cut 19 (20) “…about that.”
Georgia State is 6-and-4.

Southern fired head football coach Eric Dooley before he could wrap up his second season. The Jaguars are 5-and-5. Safeties Coach Sean Wallace will serve as acting head coach for the Bayou Classic against Grambling.

In the NFL…former LSU passing game coordinator Joe Brady has been promoted to offensive coordinator in Buffalo after the Bills fired O-C Ken Dorsey.

11.14.23
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4:45 LRN sportscast

Coach Brian Kelly signed Jayden Daniels after his third season at Arizona State and the two have worked together to create one of the greatest college football offenses of all time. When reflecting on recruiting Daniels to LSU, Kelly remembers that…
Cut 18 (18) “…fun to watch.”
Daniels is the Maxwell Award National Offensive Player of the Week . In the win against Florida, Daniels set an SEC record with 606 total yards, becoming the first player in FBS history to rush for 200 yards and throw for 300 yards in the same game.

Southern Football has fired head coach Eric Dooley before he can finish his second season. The Jaguars are 5-and-5 this season. Assistant head coach, special teams coordinator and linebackers coach, Terrence Graves, will serve as interim head coach.

Mikaylah Williams from Bossier City scored 42 points today, a record for an LSU freshman, as the seventh ranked LSU Lady Tigers defeated Kent State 109 to 79 in the PMAC during the annual field trip game. Williams was 15 of 20 from the field and hit five three-pointers. She credits her practice habits for her record breaking performance…
cut 17 (11) “…paid off”
Aneesah Morrow added 17 points and nine rebounds. The Lady Tigers are at Southeastern Louisiana on Friday night.

The Pelicans get another shot at Dallas at home tonight after losing to the Mavericks on Sunday night. New Orleans has dropped five in a row. Coach Willie Green is looking for his team to play with a sense of urgency.

Former LSU passing game coordinator Joe Brady is the new play-caller for the Buffalo Bills after the Bills fired offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey.

11.14.23
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LRN PM Newscall November 14

Acadiana Representative Phillip DeVillier is the Republicans’ choice for the next Louisiana Speaker of the House. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The Governor’s Office has kicked off the “56 for 56” social media campaign chronicling the progress of the state under Governor Edwards leadership for his remaining 56 days. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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It appears that Eunice Representative Phillip DeVillier is the Republicans’ choice for Louisiana Speaker of the House. LA-Politics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says he’s never seen a legislature so pro-active, and they need to get a leg up because…

Cut 3 (10) “….right off the bat.”

And there’s a chance another special session could be called before the regular session begins in March.

DeVillier has strong Cajun roots like Governor-elect Jeff Landry, and he was first elected to represent Acadiana District 41 in 2015.  As he begins his third and final term in the legislature, Alford says DeVillier has very strong ties to business and industry.

Cut 4 (11) “…in January.”

Alford says with the Governor’s race, and the majority of House and Senate races decided last month, there’s already a huge jump on the next term of state government.

Cut 5 (08) “ …early start.”  

Metairie Senator Cameron Henry is expected to be the Republicans’ choice for Senate President.

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The Govenor’s Office has launched “56 for 56” – a social media campaign highlighting one of the governor’s accomplishments every day for his final 56 days in office. While the series highlights the progress of Governor Edwards, Digital Creator for the Governor’s Office Tyler Walker says it also celebrates Louisianans who supported and worked with Governor Edwards since 2016.

Cut 6 (13) “…we’ve made.”

The first post highlights Edwards first day in office where he signed an executive order expanding Medicaid. Walker says the campaign will also recap economic development projects, the bipartisan criminal justice reform, and…

Cut 7 (09) “…to highlight.” 

The public can follow the “56 for 56” campaign on the Governor’s social media accounts and use the hashtag #56for56. Walker encourages Louisianans to join in and comment on their favorite state improvement during Edwards tenure.

Cut 8 (11) “….this week.” 

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The question looms if incoming lawmakers can meet the January 15th deadline to redraw the state’s congressional map to include a second majority-minority district.  Outgoing Senate President Page Cortez says it’s best to ask for a deadline extension because it’s not ideal for current lawmakers to meet.

Cut 9 (11) “…could pass.” 

And if Edwards vetoed the maps, because of the limited timeline, Cortez says there would be a veto override session for incoming lawmakers and Governor-elect Landry.  Cortez says they’ll have a better idea next week of where things stand.

Cut 10 (08) “…take it up.” 

Cortez says he hasn’t discussed it with Governor Edwards if he plans to call for a special session before he leaves office. Cortez believes Edwards is waiting to see if Judge Shelly Dick grants an extension or not.

Cut 11 (08) “…additional time.”

Governor-elect Landry and new lawmakers will be sworn in office one week before the January 15th deadline.

11.14.23
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11:40 LRN sportscast

The Saints are off this Sunday and it’s probably a good thing as wide receiver Michael Thomas and cornerback Marshon Lattimore suffered significant injuries according to head coach Dennis Allen…
Cut 17 (14) “…things like that.”
Saints Quarterback Derek Carr is now in concussion protocol after taking a hard hit in the Vikings game, but his shoulder is fine.

Last night, Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos upset Buffalo 24 to 22. Today the Bills fired offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and replaced him with former LSU passing game coordinator Joe Brady. The Bills have lost three of their last four.

The Pelicans will try to snap a five game losing streak tonight as they host Dallas. They lost to the Mavs on Sunday and gave up 136 points in the process.

LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels is a strong Heisman candidate and wide receiver Malik Nabers is in the running to win the Biletnikoff Trophy, which goes to the best receiver in college football. Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Junior is also a strong contender. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly believes Nabers should get the award….
cut 20 (20) “…award winner”
LSU’s offensive line is a semi-finalist for the Joe Moore Award, which goes to the best offensive line in the country.

College hoops…Louisiana Tech beat Lyon College 100 to 43. Isaiah Crawford surpassed the one-thousand career scoring mark as he had 21 points. McNeese downed Champion Christian 110 to 46. Northwestern State lost to Stephen F Austin 96-70.

11.14.23
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11:30 LRN Newscast

UNO surveyed 429 residents over the telephone and 17-percent of the respondents cited crime as the top priority for incoming Governor Jeff Landry. UNO pollster Ed Chervenak…
cut 15 (09) “….public safety”
15-percent said the economy needs to be Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s top priority, 12-pecent said education.

The overall performance score for Louisiana public schools is 78.5. That’s the highest score since 2018, which is encouraging to state education leaders. But Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says more work needs to take place…
cut 5 (10) “….student needs”
The number of low-performing schools that needs special attention from the state has grown from 272 in 2019 to 353.

The Secretary of State’s Office projects a voter turnout for Saturday at around 20-percent. Pollster John Couvillon says the three statewide races are not generating a lot of buzz, but there are some hotly contested local elections…
cut 13 (11) “….the primary”
Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM.

Governor John Bel Edwards has less than two months to go in his second term as governor. So one of the things the governor will do during this time is highlight some of the accomplishments. He is the 56th governor so the social media campaign is called 56 for 56….
cut 7 (09) “…to highlight”
Digital creator for the Governor’s office, Tyler Walker, says they’ll also recap economic development projects, criminal justice reform and the first social media post during this campaign was dedicated to the Medicaid expansion.