Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

01.06.26
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LRN PM Newscall January 6

2026 is going to be a big year for elections in Louisiana, including the U.S. Senate race and several special elections to fill vacancies in the legislature. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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While the number of line of duty deaths ticked up slightly in Louisiana in 2025, they dipped to historic lows nationwide. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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2026 was already shaping up to be a big year for elections in Louisiana; and Secretary of State Nancy Landry says with several vacancies in the legislature, it will be even more so.

Cut 3 (11) “…May and June.”

Of course, the biggest race is that for U.S. Senate, where a handful of candidates are challenging incumbent Bill Cassidy for the Republican nomination in the newly-closed party primary. Landry says what the state really needs for all these elections is elections commissioners, who are paid to help run the polling places.

Cut 4 (11) “…do our elections.”

Landry says the state goes to great lengths to secure its elections, including greatly limiting who can and cannot handle the voting equipment.

Cut 5 (10) “…touch our machines.”

And the machines are never connected to the internet.

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While the number of line-of-duty deaths across the country greatly decreased in 2025, they ticked up in Louisiana. Last year, five law enforcement officers in Louisiana were killed in the line of duty, compared to three in 2024. The number of officers killed in Louisiana is the fifth highest in the country overall and the second highest per capita, ranking behind only Kansas. Bill Alexander, the CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, says nationwide, 111 were killed in the line of duty last year.

Cut 6 (06) “…148 such deaths.”

Alexander says the number of line of duty deaths reached a historic low in 2025.

Cut 7 (07) “…or six decades.”

Alexander says you’d have to go back to 1943 to find a time when line of duty deaths were at a comparable level; that year, 94 officers were killed in the line of duty.

Cut 8 (09) “…to be going.”

Across the country, 44 officers were killed in firearm-related incidents, which is down from 52 in 2024. 34 officers were killed in traffic-related incidents last year; down from 44 from the year before.

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Louisiana is experiencing a heat wave during the first full week of January. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says high temperatures will be touching the 80s for the rest of this work week

Cut 9 (10)  “…state of Louisiana.”

Keim says temperatures are running about 15-degrees above normal. He says it is typical for above-normal temperatures when a La Nina climate pattern is active as it is this winter…

Cut 10 (10) “..La Nina year.” 

Keim says when we have warm temperatures in the winter, expect foggy conditions in the morning….

Cut 11 (11) “…lots of fog.”

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Today marks the start of the Mardi Gras season and it also officially okay to consume King Cakes. Dave Haydel of Haydel Bakery says they had a line of people outside their store this morning and business has been steady all day. Haydel says the goal is to sell just as many king cakes as they did last year

Cut 12 (11) “…hard to say.”

Haydel of course is referring to the great south Louisiana snowstorm that blanketed the state in late January last year. He says prices are the same as last year…

Cut 13 (02)  “…for everybody.”

01.06.26
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1:30 LRN Newscast

A package of auto insurance reform bills went into effect on January 1st. Can they reduce auto insurance premiums? Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Louisiana CEO Ben Albright says the modified comparative fault law should help to reduce excessive claims cost. Albright says the law prevents drivers responsible for at least 51-percent of an accident from receiving a damage award to cover their injuries.

Cut 21 (08) “…before this law.”

Albright says Louisiana still needs to reform how damages are awarded in car crashes with significant medical costs.

While the number of line-of-duty deaths across the country greatly decreased in 2025, they ticked up in Louisiana. Last year, five law enforcement officers in Louisiana were killed in the line of duty, compared to three in 2024. Bill Alexander, the CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, says nationwide, 111 were killed in the line of duty last year.

Cut 6 (06) “…148 such deaths.”

Alexander says the number of line of duty deaths reached a historic low in 2025.

 

2026 is going to be a big year for elections in Louisiana, including the U.S. Senate race and several special elections to fill vacancies in the legislature.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

It feels more like spring than winter. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says temperatures are running 15-degrees above normal. He says it is typical to see above-normal temperatures when a La Nina climate pattern is active…

Cut 10 (10) “…La Nina year”

01.06.26
by

12:30 LRN Newscast

Reaction to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. troops is, predictably, split down party lines. Republicans like Senator Bill Cassidy are hailing the operation.

Cut 7 (10) “…States for justice.”

But Democratic Congressman Troy Carter says there is no question that Maduro is a bad man and that the people of Venezuela have suffered under his regime. However, that does not change the fact that the U.S. had no right to act unilaterally.

Cut 10 (10) “…the relationships internationally.”

In Lafayette this morning, three people were killed in a multi-vehicle wreck at a major intersection. Lafayette Police say three vehicles were involved in the crash that happened at just after five o’ clock this morning at Johnston and East Broussard. It was foggy at the time of the crash, but police have yet to say if poor visibility contributed to the wreck.

 

2026 was already shaping up to be a big year for elections in Louisiana; and Secretary of State Nancy Landry says with several vacancies in the legislature, it will be even more so.

Cut 3 (11) “…May and June.”

Of course, the biggest race is that for U.S. Senate, where a handful of candidates are challenging incumbent Bill Cassidy for the Republican nomination in the newly-closed party primary. The party primary is May 16th.

Today’s the Christian Feast of Epiphany, which means it’s the kick off of Mardi Gras Season.  Arthur Hardy, founder of the Mardi Gras  Guide, says that means lots of great things, including…

Cut 15 (06) “…they’re shipped nationally.”

Fat Tuesday is February 17th.

It’s also transfer portal season….today LSU received former Boise State safety Ty Benefield. He had 197 tackles and two interceptions for the Broncos last season.

01.06.26
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU football has received a commitment from Old Dominion wide receiver Tre Brown. He caught 38 passes for 762 yards and four touchdowns in his one season with the Monarchs.

One of the state’s best high school players this decade has found a new home. Ju’Juan Johnson, who was a running back at LSU the last two seasons after a record breaking career at Lafayette Christian, has committed to Syracuse. Johnson has two years of eligibility left.

U-L Lafayette quarterback Lunch Winfield announced on social media that he will be back with the Cajuns next season. Winfield’s emergence during the season helped the Cajuns secure a program-high eighth straight bowl game.

In college hoops, big wins last night for Nicholls, McNeese and Grambling. LSU men hosts South Carolina tonight. Tigers point guard D-J Thomas will miss his straight game due to an injury. Lady Tigers fall to 12th in the latest AP Top 25 poll.

The Saints are not in the playoffs for a fifth consecutive year, but finished this season winning four of their last five games, to give the fan base some optimism heading into next year. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough believes the team is headed in the right direction.

Cut 17 (19)  “…to get better.”

Saints receiver Chris Olave is under contract through next season, but is looking for a long-term deal after playing in a career-high 16 games, with 100 receptions for 11-hundred yards and nine TDs. Olave told reporters on Monday he likes playing for Coach Kellen Moore…

Cut 20 (12) “…get back”

01.06.26
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11:30 LRN Newscast

Reaction to this weekend’s military action in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro is predictably split down party lines. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Three people were killed this morning in a multi-vehicle wreck at a major intersection in Lafayette. The identities of the victims have not been released and Lafayette Police officers are investigating what led to the crash involving three vehicles at the intersection of Johnston and East Broussard.

 

For the second year in a row, a major economic development project in Louisiana has been recognized by Business Facilities as the Platinum Deal of the Year. In 2024 it was Meta’s A-I data center in Richland Parish, in 2025 it was the Hyundai Steel mill Ascension Parish. Governor Jeff Landry says Louisiana is setting a new standard for economic development…

Cut 12 (04) “…for business”

Landry says Louisiana is the first state to earn back-to-back honors.

Louisiana is experiencing a heat wave during the first full week of January. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says high temperatures will be touching the 80s for the rest of this work week…

Cut 9 (10) “…state of Louisiana”

Keim says this is a La Nina winter, so it’s not unusual to have warmer than normal temperatures when a La Nina is in effect.

01.06.26
by

9:30 LRN Newscast

Reaction to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. troops is, predictably, split down party lines. Republicans like Senator Bill Cassidy are hailing the operation.

Cut 7 (10) “…States for justice.”

But Democratic Congressman Troy Carter says there is no question that Maduro is a bad man and that the people of Venezuela have suffered under his regime. However, that does not change the fact that the U.S. had no right to act unilaterally.

Cut 10 (10) “…the relationships internationally.”

In Lafayette this morning, three people were killed in a multi-vehicle wreck at a major intersection. Lafayette Police say three vehicles were involved in the crash that happened at just after five o’ clock this morning at Johnston and East Broussard. It was foggy at the time of the crash, but police have yet to say if poor visibility contributed to the wreck.

 

Several bills aimed at lowering auto insurance rates went into effect on January 1st. Jeff Palermo spoke with an industry expert on whether they will help.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Today, January Sixth, also known as Twelfth Night, marks the official start of the Carnival Season. Arthur Hardy, the founder of the Mardi Gras Guide, says in Orleans Parish along, there will be 35 parades between now and February 17th, Fat Tuesday…

Cut 16 (11) “…to each other”

01.06.26
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints have failed to make the playoffs the last five years, but finished this season winning four of their last five games, to give the fan base some optimism heading into next year. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough went 5-and-4 as a starter. Shough believes the team is headed in the right direction.

Cut 17 (19)  “…to get better.”

Shough said he’ll remain in NOLA in the offseason, and he’s excited for Mardi Gras.

LSU football reportedly picked up three commitments from players in the transfer portal, Pitt tight end Malachi Thomas, Utah freshman running back Raycine Guillory and Old Dominion receiver Tre Brown the Third.

 

There were a couple of thrilling games in the Southland Conference last night. The Colonels stayed undefeated in league play with a 74 to 72 win over Northwestern State. Jalin Rice’s two free throws with five seconds left was the difference. Chip Burnt missed a 31-foot three-pointer at the buzzer for the Demons. Micah Thomas had 29 points in a losing cause for the Demons.

McNeese won its 20th straight game in Lake Charles, but it was not easy as the Cowboys took down Stephen F Austin 66 to 64. The Pokes were led by Larry Johnson, who had 18 points.

Also last night, Southeastern Louisiana defeated Lamar 60 to 52.

Grambling is off to a 2-0 start in the SWAC as the Tigers defeated Texas Southern 84 to 67, Prairie View A-and-M outscored Southern 89 to 85.

LSU men’s basketball hosts South Carolina tonight. Tigers point guard D-J Thomas will miss his second straight game with a lower leg injury. Tip off is at 6 PM.

01.05.26
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4:30 LRN Newscast

Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson and Governor Landry are in New York, trying to lure two major sporting events to New Orleans.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating a house fire over the weekend that killed a 75-year-old Coushatta woman. Her 43-year-old son was treated for smoke inhalation and survived. Investigators say the home did not have a working smoke alarm at the time. A cause for the fire is not known.

 

One of the new laws that went into effect as of January 1st requires contractors with a residential construction or roofing license as the only ones that can legally perform roofing work. Prior to January 1st, state law allowed for home improvement contractors to install roofs, but Executive Director of the State Licensing Board for Contractors, Brad Hassert says they do not have the necessary qualifications…

Cut 10 (11) “…control that.” 

Hassert says it’s also now a criminal offense to do contracting without the proper license.

Saints defensive end Cam Jordan just finished his 15th season and it was a good year for the future hall of famer as he racked up another 10.5 sacks. Jordan says if his wife gives him the blessing to keep playing, he plans to suit up for a 16th season…

Cut 12 (12) “…always been”

01.05.26
by

LRN PM Newscall January 5

Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson and Governor Landry are in New York, trying to lure two major sporting events to New Orleans. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A law that went into effect with the new year requires contractors to have a residential construction or roofing license to legally perform roofing work. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson and Governor Landry are in New York to try to lure two major events to New Orleans – the 2031 Super Bowl and a future NBA All-Star Game. NOLA-dot-com columnist Jeff Duncan says if New Orleans fails to land the 2031 Super Bowl, the city’s next opportunity would not come until 2038. 

Cut 3 (07) “…chance we have.”

Benson and Landry will try to convince NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to re-enter the competition, since they missed a key deadline as they were finalizing the Superdome lease renewal; and Duncan says he’s confident that Goodell will grant their request. Duncan says the NFL would like to see more high-end hotel room inventory – a problem he says is not unique to New Orleans.

Cut 4 (07) “…and Las Vegas.”

The Smoothie King Center has hosted the NBA All-Star Game three times, most recently in 2017. Duncan says in order for the building to host a fourth, it’s going to need a lot of renovations. He says the team and the city would like to, among many other things, improve the seating in the lower bowl. 

Cut 5 (07) “…important revenue streams.”

Duncan says there are also plans to transform Champions Square into a mixed-use area, incorporating entertainment, retail and possibly residential.

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The Old Governor’s Mansion in Baton Rouge has a new exhibit. It’s called “Three Decades of Change” and it examines the tenure of nine governors who lived at the old governor’s mansion from 1929 to 1962. Executive Director of the Old Governor’s Mansion, Sinella Aghasi, says these men guided Louisiana through some of the most challenging days in the state’s and nation’s history…

Cut 6 (13) “…Civil Rights Movement.”

Aghasi says the exhibit features images and artifacts from that time. The time period covers World War Two. Sam Houston Jones and James Houston Davis were the governor’s during that time and Aghasi says the state took on a major initiative to help fund combat operations…

Cut 7 (07) “…war bonds.”

Admission to the Old Governor’s Mansion is free and the museum is open from 9 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday and noon to 4 PM on the first Sunday of each month.

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If you need a new roof, a new law went into effect on January 1st that you should know about. Executive Director of the State Licensing Board for Contractors, Brad Hassert, says only contractors with a residential construction or roofing license can legally perform roofing work…

Cut 8 (09) “…lower them rates”

Hassert says the change in the law will ensure that roofing work is conducted by qualified professionals who received a license after passing a roofing exam…

Cut 9 (08)  “…install a roof.”

Prior to January 1st, state law allowed for home improvement contractors to install roofs, but Hassert says they do not have the necessary qualifications…

Cut 10 (11) “…control that.” 

Hassert says it’s also now a criminal offense to do contracting without the proper license class.

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Saints’ veteran defensive tackle Cam Jordan just wrapped up his 15th season playing in the NFL. Jordan says playing a 16th season will come down to his wife, Nikki’s, approval.

Cut 11 (11) “…where it takes us.”

Jordan finished his 15th season in New Orleans with 10-and-a-half sacks, which was tied for 13th in the NFL. Jordan says he believes he can still hang with the younger players in the league.

Cut 12 (12) “…who I’ve always been.”

Jordan says that he is grateful for the New Orleans community and knows he has the physical ability to continue playing if he chooses to do so.

Cut 13 (13)  “…longer career.”

01.05.26
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2:30 LRN Newscast

If you need a new roof, a new law went into effect on January 1st that you should know about. Executive Director of the State Licensing Board for Contractors, Brad Hassert, says only contractors with a residential construction or roofing license can legally perform roofing work…

Cut 8 (09) “…lower them rates”

Hassert says the change in the law will ensure that roofing work is conducted by qualified professionals.

NOLA-dot-com’s Jeff Duncan is reporting Governor Landry is in New York along with Saints and Pelicans Owner Gayle Benson. The two have meetings with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Duncan says it’s part of an effort to bring another Super Bowl to New Orleans in 2031 and an NBA All-Star game to the Big easy, but renovations will be needed first to the Smoothie King Center…

Cut 5 (07) “…important revenue streams”

 

A statue is unveiled in Avoyelles Parish to commemorate the 165th anniversary of the liberation of a wrongfully enslaved man. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 16 (37) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Former LSU football head coach Brian Kelly is selling his Baton Rouge home that’s next to the LSU lakes. The asking price is 3.5 million.  That’s according to a listing from the W Group Real Estate. The gated property boasts a main house, guest home, pool and an outdoor kitchen. The home was listed for two million in 2022.