Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

11.14.23
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8:30 LRN Newscast

Detectives are trying to determine what sparked Monday morning’s stabbing on the Louisiana Tech campus that left four people injured. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Eunice Representative Phillip DeVillier has gained enough support from fellow legislators to be elected as the next speaker of the house for the Louisiana House of Representatives. DeVillier will begin serving his third term on January 8th and that’s when official vote is expected to be taken. Metairie Republican Cameron Henry is expected to be the next Senate President.

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.

11.14.23
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7:30 LRN Newscast

Officials are calling Monday morning’s stabbing on the Louisiana Tech campus that injured four people a random attack. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker…
cut 7 (10) “….always do”
23-year-old student Jacoby Johnson of Rayville was arrested and a motive has not been established. One of the victims is in critical condition at a hospital in Shreveport.

Governor John Bel Edwards has less than two months left in office and his approval rating according to a new poll is at 40-percent, 41-percent disapprove of the job he’s done and 20-percent did not provide an opinion. UNO conducted the statewide telephone poll and pollster Ed Chervenak says Edwards’ approval rating is 20-percent higher than when former Governor Bobby Jindal left office in 2016…
cut 14 (06) “…20 percent”

2023 public school performance scores are out and they show consecutive years of growth…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Eunice Republican Phillip DeVillier has reportedly received enough support from his colleagues that he’ll be the next House Speaker for the Louisiana Legislature. An official vote will take place when a new state legislature convenes on January 8th.

Also, Governor Edwards is considering holding a special session so the outgoing legislature can redraw the Louisiana Congressional map so it contains two majority minority districts.

11.14.23
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

After throwing for 372 yards and rushing for 234 yards against Florida, LsU Coach Brian Kelly has not been shy to tout Jayden Daniels for the Heisman Trophy. Daniels is such a weapon with his legs because of his speed, but Kelly says the fifth year senior is stronger than he looks…
cut 19 (21) “….he works out”
Kelly says running back John Emery’s season is over after tearing his A-C-L against Florida. The coach says they’ll have a better idea after today’s practice, if Logan Diggs will return from injury. Florida cornerback Cai Bates has decommitted from LSU that’s a big loss for the 2024 recruiting class.

The Saints are coming off of a loss to the Vikings, but that’s not the only loss New Orleans suffered on Sunday as star cornerback Marshon Lattimore and receiver Michael Thomas both went down with significant injuries. Saints Head Coach Dennis Allen views the injuries as a setback . . .
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 ok.

Sean Payton and the Broncos pulled off a big win in Buffalo last night. Former Saints kicker Will Lutz hit the game winning field as Denver downed the Bills 24-22,

Louisiana Tech men’s basketball beat Lyon College 100 to 43. Isaiah Crawford surpassed the one-thousand career scoring mark as he scored 21 points in the Bulldogs first win of the season.

11.14.23
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6:30 LRN Newscast

A stabbing on Louisiana Tech’s campus yesterday left four people injured one of them is in critical condition at a Shreveport hospital. Two others are in serious but stable condition, while the fourth victim refused treatment. Ruston Mayor Ronnie Walker says the attack happened around 9 AM at the Lambright Sports and Wellness Center…
cut 9 (10) “…when this happened”
A student identified as Jacoby Johnson was arrested in what authorities are calling a random act of violence.

The attack shook many of the students that attend Louisiana Tech. A student we spoke with, believes the school should have gone into lockdown when the attack occurred…
cut 10 (10) “….random attack”
A candlelight vigil is scheduled for tonight on campus.

The Louisiana Department of Education has released Student Performance Scores and in spite of the unprecedented disruptions since 2020, State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Cade Brumley is encouraged.
Cut 4 (07) “…2019.”
The overall state performance score for the 2022-23 school year is 78.5 out of a possible 150 points. It’s the best score the state has had since 2018.

A telephone survey of 429 Louisiana registered voters finds that 52-percent of respondents support the legalization of recreational marijuana. UNO pollster Ed Chervenak says prior to 2021, a majority of voters were firmly against legalization.
cut 16 (12) “….marijuana legalized”
He says there is a clear inverse relationship between age and support for legalization, with increasing age associated with deceased support.

11.13.23
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints are currently coming off of a loss to the Vikings 29 to 17, but that’s not the only loss New Orleans suffered on Sunday as star cornerback Marshon Lattimore and receiver Michael Thomas both went down with significant injuries during the game. Saints Head Coach Dennis Allen views the injuries as a setback.

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 was not affected by the hit.

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The Pelicans will take on the Mavericks tonight in the Smoothie King Center. After losing the first game 136 to 124, New Orleans is looking to get some revenge. A big part of the Pelicans offense will be small forward Brandon Ingram who recorded 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in the Pelicans latest game. Tomorrow’s match up between Dallas and New Orleans will tip off at 7 pm.

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LSU Quarterback and Heisman hopeful Jayden Daniels had a record breaking game against the Florida Gators on Saturday. LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly believes that the Bayou Bengals quarterback had his Heisman moment on Saturday and is deserving of the honor.

Cut 19 (25) “ …most popular player.”

Daniels’ historic night included 372 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns, 234 rushing yards, and 2 rushing touchdowns as he became the first player to ever have at least 350 passing yards and 200 rushing yards in a game.

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In other LSU news, the LSU Lady Tigers are ranked 7th in the nation in this week’s AP Women’s Basketball Poll and their next game will be in the PMAC tomorrow against Kent State and it will be on SEC Network + at 7 pm.

11.13.23
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LRN PM Newscall November 13

A suspect is in custody after a stabbing at Louisiana Tech’s campus in Ruston this morning. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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Yes, that’s rain falling from the sky in south Louisiana, Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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State Police say a two-vehicle crash on LA 415 in West Baton Rouge Parish claimed the life of a minor Saturday evening. Trooper Christian Reed says nine-year-old Braelynn Washington of Port Allen was a front passenger in a Chevrolet Blazer when it was struck by a Jeep Cherokee. 

Cut 3 (09) “….the Jeep.”

The Chevrolet headed south on LA 415 attempted to make a left turn at LA 986 when the Jeep headed south hit the vehicle. The occupants in the Jeep were wearing seatbelts and were not injured. Reed says the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation

Cut 4 (09) “..to this.”

The driver and rear passenger in the Chevrolet were not wearing seatbelts and sustained moderate injuries. Reed says the law requires every occupant in a car to be properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint.

Cut 5 (12) “ …car seat.”  

Reed says certified car seat technicians are available every Tuesday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at 17801 Highland Road to help properly install safety seats.

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Rain, something we haven’t seen much of for quite some time, is falling in south Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a storm system in the Gulf, off the Texas coast, is expected to track eastward along Louisiana’s coastline today, tomorrow, and part of Wednesday.

Cut 6 (12) “…about that.”

Keim says any rain is welcome considering 99 percent of the state is in drought and 88 percent of Louisiana is in either extreme or exceptional drought. Since October 1st there’s only been an average of one-point-nine inches of rain in the state.

Cut 7 (09) “…since October 1st.” 

When you look at rainfall amounts for the year, Keim says Louisiana is far behind the normal average…

Cut 8 (11) “….this week.” 

Keim says the system is bringing mild temps in the 50s and 60s for the next few days to the state.

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I-55 Northbound in St. John the Baptist Parish reopened today after being closed for four weeks. State Transportation spokesperson Rodeny Mallett urges motorists to always pay attention to changing weather conditions and react accordingly.

Cut 9 (11) “…the crash.” 

Repairs for I-55 north began on November 6th. Both directions of the interstate were impacted in the crash, but damage to the northbound lanes was more extensive. Fortunately for commuters, Mallett says there was the nearby alternative route of US-51.

Cut 10 (10) “…where you’re going.” 

Because road conditions can change quickly Mallett urges motorists to use their hands-free travel apps like 511-LA, Waze, or Google Maps.

Mallett reminds motorists to always buckle up, pay attention to the road, never drive impaired, avoid tailgating other vehicles, and when weather conditions change slow down…

Cut 11 (11) “…we had.”

More than 160 vehicles were involved in the October 23rd crash and seven people were killed.

11.13.23
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

For the fifth straight game, the Saints started slow and could not come back from a 24-3 halftime deficit as they ended up losing in Minnesota 27-19. New Orleans gave up nearly 300 yards of offense in the first half and backup quarterback Jameis Winston could not lead the Black and Gold back. Coach Dennis Allen…
Cut 16 (16) “…all the time.”
Winston came in for an injured Derek Carr who suffered both a shoulder injury and a concussion on a hard hit. The shoulder injury is reportedly not serious. Marshon Lattimore and Michael Thomas also suffered injuries.

The Saints are 5-and-5 and still in first place in the NFC South. They will have this Sunday off.
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There was another controversial call involving targeting that went against LSU on Saturday. Senior safety Andre Sam was ejected from the game in the second quarter while trying to tackle Florida running back Montrell Johnson. After a lengthy review, it was determined Sam was guilty of targeting. Coach Brian Kelly begs to differ…
Cut 20 (16) “..play football”
LSU’s Jayden Daniels made history in the Tigers 52-35 victory over Florida. He’s the first player in F-B-S history with more than 350 yards passing and 200 yards rushing in the same game. The performance should at least guarantee Daniels a trip to New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony.

The Pelicans lost their fifth in a row last night, falling to Dallas 136 to 124. Same two teams on Tuesday in New Orleans.

11.13.23
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6:45 LRN sportscast

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels put on a performance in Tiger Stadium on Saturday night that’s never been accomplished in FBS college football. Daniels threw for more than 350 yards and rushed for more than 200 yards in the Tigers 52-35 win over Florida. Daniels says he could not do it by himself…

Cut 18 (18) “…opponent”
Daniels has two more games to improve his case as the Heisman Trophy winner. The Tigers host Georgia State this Saturday and then Texas A-and-M the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The Aggies fired Jimbo Fisher, paying him 76–million dollars for him to go away.

The Saints played poorly in the first half yesterday in Minnesota and ended up losing to the Vkings 27-19. Quarterback Derek Carr went down with a concussion and shoulder injury, so it was up to Jameis Winston to lead New Orleans back. He threw two touchdowns but he was also intercepted twice.

The Saints fall to 5-and-5 and will have this Sunday off and they can use it as Carr, Marshon Lattimore and Michael Thomas all left yesterday’s game with injuries. Head Coach Dennis Allen…
cut 17 (17) “…be successful”
There are reports that Carr’s injury is not significant.

The Pelicans lost their fifth straight last night as they lost to Dallas 136 to 124. New Orleans will play the Mavs against on Tuesday in the Smoothie King Center.

The top ranked Lady Tigers trounced Mississippi Valley State 109-47.

11.12.23
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LRN AM Newscall November 13

“Born to Fly” – a documentary about the greatest pole vaulter of all time Mondo Duplantis will make its way to Lafayette on Saturday at 6:45 pm. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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 Louisiana Tech announces an enhancement to their Online learning. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A federal appeals court orders Louisiana’s Legislature to approve a new Congressional district map with two majority-minority districts by January 15th. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A screening for the documentary “Born to Fly” about former LSU and world champion pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis rise to fame will be held Saturday at the Acadiana Center for the Arts in Lafayette. Filmmaker Brennan Robideaux says he documented Duplantis journey for six years.

Cut 4 (12) “…around him.”

Robideaux reached out to then-17-year-old Duplantis after he broke the high school pole vaulting record while attending Lafayette High School.

Duplantis is from Lafayette but began receiving offers from the Swedish Athletics Association in 2015 to compete for the Scandinavian country. Robideaux says he’s always asked why Mondo wears the yellow and blue colors for Sweden and not red, white, and blue.

Cut 5 (13) “…the film.”

The documentary was also nominated for the Jury Award for Best Documentary at the Austin Film Festival. The Louisiana premiere will take place at the New Orleans Film Festival this weekend.

Rodideaux says the goal now is to get the film distributed across the U-S.

Cut 6 (11) “…watch it.”

Duplantis currently holds the world record for pole vaulting at 20 feet five and a fourth inches.

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After more than a six-month blackout, the lights are set to go back on in Hollywood South as a deal was reached between the actors union and studios. Director of Louisiana Entertainment Chris Stelly says it’s good news for the businesses and citizens who depend on film production in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (13) “…motion pictures.”

The new three-year contract was valued at more than one billion dollars and included increases in minimum salaries, and benefits, as well as a new residual for streaming programs. Stelly expects production to resume within a few weeks.

Cut 8 (10) “…we’re ready.” 

Stelly says the camera was rolling on four to five productions before being halted by the longest strike ever for actors. He says the true impact of the strike is unknown.

Cut 9 (11)  “…so recently.”

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Louisiana Tech is launching Tech Online, an enhancement to its online and distance learning. Director of Online Learning Initiative, Jerona Washington is excited about the services they can offer students seeking degrees or certifications…

Cut 10 (09) “…their organization.”

Tech Online offers programs including graduate degrees up to doctorates. Washington says they even accommodate programs that require internships…

Cut 11 (12) “…supervision from.” 

Washington says one of the most popular programs has attracted students from all over…

Cut 12 (08) “…the country.” 

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A big development in the lawsuit against Louisiana’s current Congressional District map. The U-S Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals is ordering state legislators to draw a new Congressional map by January 15th. A map that has two majority-minority districts. The current map has one. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this is a difficult assignment as a new legislature is sworn in on January 8th….

Cut 13 (11) “…so many implications”

Governor-elect Jeff Landry says he’ll call a special session on January 8th, Inauguration Day, so the new Legislature can redraw a Congressional district map that must feature two districts in Louisiana that favor a Black candidate winning. Pinsonat says redistricting is a difficult process and freshmen lawmakers will need to get caught up to speed quickly…

Cut 14 (10) “…period.”

Louisiana’s Constitution says the earliest a special session can start is seven days after one is called. So if it’s January 8th, the special session can not start until the 15th. Pinsonat says you could say this will be Governor-elect Landry’s first big challenge…

Cut 15 (12) “…Jeff Landry”

It’s possible Governor John Bel Edwards will call a special session to address this. A spokesperson for the governor says it’s to be determined if he’ll call a redistricting special session.

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For the fifth straight game, the Saints started slow and could not come back from a 24-3 halftime deficit as they ended up losing in Minnesota 27-19. New Orleans gave up nearly 300 yards of offense in the first half and backup quarterback Jameis Winston could not lead the Black and Gold all the way back. Coach Dennis Allen…

Cut 16 (16) “…all the time.”

Winston came in for an injured Derek Carr who suffered both a shoulder injury and a concussion on a hard hit. The shoulder injury is reportedly not serious. Marshon Lattimore and Michael Thomas also suffered injuries. The Saints head into the bye week and Allen wants his players to get away from football for a little bit…

Cut 17 (17) “…be successful”

The Saints are now 5-5 and in first place in the NFC South heading into the bye week.

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LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels put on a performance in Tiger Stadium on Saturday night that’s never been accomplished in FBS college football. Daniels threw for more than 350 yards and rushed for more than 200 yards in the Tigers 52-35 win over Florida. Daniels says he could not do it by himself…

Cut 18 (18) “…opponent”

Daniels threw for 372 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 234 yards on 12 carries and had two scores. Coach Brian Kelly says that type of performance should make Daniels the favorite to win the Heisman…

Cut 19 (25) “…most popular player” 

There was another controversial call involving targeting that went against LSU on Saturday. Senior safety Andre Sam was ejected from the game in the second quarter while trying to tackle Florida running back Montrell Johnson. After a lengthy review, it was determined Sam was guilty of targeting. Kelly begs to differ…

Cut 20 (16) “..play football” 

11.11.23
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07:30 LRN sportscast

The 19th-ranked LSU Tigers will host the Florida Gators tonight at Tiger Stadium. Kick-off is set at 6:30. It’s the 70th meeting between the SEC rivals. LSU has won 33 times, Florida has won 33 times and there have been three ties. Tigers Quarterback Jayden Daniels is expected to play after spending the week in concussion protocol.

The LSU men’s basketball team was upset last night at home as Nicholls defeated the Tigers 68-66. Jalen White scored the winning basket with one second left as he nailed a three-pointer. Nicholls led by as many as 24 points.

There was also a big upset in the high school football playoffs as Northshore shocked West Monroe nine to seven. The Panthers blocked a field goal on the final play of the game. The loss ends a 29-game winning streak in the first round of the playoffs for the Rebels. In another upset last night, St. Martinville over Leesville 46-40.
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The Saints leave for Minnesota today to take on the Vikings tomorrow, but will wide receiver Michael Thomas make the trip? Thomas was reportedly arrested in Kenner last night. Thomas allegedly slapped a phone out of another person’s hand. The Saints say they are aware of the incident and gathering more information.

The Pelicans lost their fourth straight as they blew a seven-point fourth-quarter lead and lost to the Rockets 104 to 101 last night. Brandon Ingram had 31 points in a losing effort.

A win today for Nicholls on the football field and they will receive an automatic bid to the F-C-S playoffs. The Colonels host Lamar at 3 PM.

Also today….final home game of the season for Louisiana Tech and ULM. The Warhawks host Troy, while the Bulldogs face Sam Houston State. McNeese plays its final home game too as they host an improved Houston Christian team at 7 PM. Southeastern Louisiana is at Texas A-and-M Commerce and Tulane hosts Tulsa at 11 AM.