Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

10.12.25
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LRN AM Newscall October 13

LSU defeated South Carolina 20-10 on Saturday as the offense showed signs of progress, despite three turnovers. Jeff Palermo has a recap…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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For the third consecutive year, Louisiana Tech has seen an increase in enrollment, with more than 12,000 students enrolled. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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If you love hot sauce, then you’ll want to check out the Louisiana Hot Sauce Trail. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Helena Moreno is the next mayor of New Orleans. The city councilwoman received 55 percent of the vote on Saturday to avoid a run-off election and will be sworn in on January 10th. Moreno says she looks forward to growing opportunities in the city…

Cut 4 (18) “…it deserves.”

Moreno is 48 years old. She was born in Mexico and grew up in Texas. She came to New Orleans as a TV journalist in 2001 and won an Emmy for her coverage of Hurricane Katrina.

In 2008, Moreno ran for Congress but lost. She was elected as a state representative in 2010, and in 2018, Moreno was elected to the city council.

Moreno says she plans to focus on the city’s services in her first 100 days in office…

Cut 5 (19) “…itself together.”

Moreno defeated state senator Royce Duplessis and fellow councilmember Oliver Thomas. She will replace LaToya Cantrell, who was indicted last August for allegedly using taxpayer dollars to help foster a romantic relationship with her former bodyguard.

During the campaign, Moreno said she would improve public safety, enhance economic development, and improve city services…

Cut 6 (12) “…New Orleans home.”

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Louisiana Tech’s enrollment of just over 12 thousand students for the 2025 Fall Quarter is the highest since 2018. The freshmen class of 24-hundred students is the largest domestic class in the school’s more than 130-year history. Louisiana Tech president Dr. Jim Henderson says there’s been more of an emphasis on recruiting students from the I-10 corridor

Cut 7 (11) “…the country.”

Henderson says Louisiana Tech’s nursing program has seen a 20-percent increase in students…

Cut 8 (15) “…hospital setting.”

Henderson says the Aviation management program has seen significant increase at 46 percent. He says the school also continue to attract a lot of engineering students…

Cut 9 (11)  “…success.”

Freshmen in the Honors College increased by 22 percent and boast an average ACT score of 31.

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Hot sauce is a big part of the Louisiana cuisine and there are several factories that make spicy sauce. The state Office of Tourism is trying to capitalize on that by launching the Louisiana Hot Sauce Trail. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the trail features several places in Louisiana where hot sauce fans can get their taste buds buzzing…

Cut 10 (09) “…hot sauce.”

The Hot Sauce Trail launch coincided with National Gumbo Day, which was yesterday.

The trail can be downloaded digitally on Louisiana-Hot-Sauce-Trail-dot-com. Nungesser says featured stops on the trail can be found all over the state and will continue to expand with new locations.

Cut 11 (12) “…in Louisiana.”

Nungesser says the new trail is part of the state’s Year of Food campaign, showcasing Louisiana food as a top reason for traveling to the state…

Cut 12 (10) “…for food.”

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The 10th-ranked LSU Tigers improved to 5-1 on Saturday with a 20-10 win over South Carolina. The Bayou Bengals’ struggling offense had 420 yards of total offense, but two turnovers at the one-yard line prevented this game from being a blowout. Coach Brian Kelly…

Cut 13 (11)  “…right direction.”

The Tigers’ defense was outstanding on Saturday night as they held South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers to 124 passing yards. He was intercepted once and sacked five times, and only had 19 yards rushing. Kelly says they got after Sellers…

Cut 14 (08) “…of the game.”

AJ Haulcy led the defense with 11 tackles and Trey’Dez Green led the offense with eight catches for 119 yards and a touchdown. The Gamecocks had trouble defending the six-foot-seven tight end…

Cut 15 (05) “…every time.”

Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier threw for 254 yards, the most passing yards he’s had this season against an FBS opponent. But Nussmeier was also intercepted twice. Kelly didn’t like the turnovers, but overall he was encouraged by his performance…

Cut 16 (07) “…for him.”

LSU is at Vanderbilt this Saturday. Kick off is at 11 AM.

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The Saints once again came up a little short yesterday as they fell to the New England Patriots 25-19 to drop to 1-5 on the season. It’s the third time this season New Orleans has lost a game by fewer than seven points. Coach Kellen Moore says they failed to make enough plays…

Cut 17 (16) “…little margins.”

The Saints scored just one touchdown and had to settle for four field goals. The defense got off to another slow start, giving up two touchdowns in the first quarter. Safety Justin Reid says they made too many mental mistakes…

Cut 18 (18) “…over with.”

Former LSU star and Patriots receiver Kayshon Boutte had 5 catches for 93 yards and two touchdowns.

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ULM dropped to 3-3 overall, 1-1 in the Sun Belt after losing to Coastal Carolina 23-8 in rainy conditions in Conway, South Carolina. ULM struggled to do much offensively as most of their drives lasted just five plays or fewer. Coach Bryant Vincent is not happy with his team’s execution…

Cut 19 (12) “…get there.”

Quarterback Aidan Armenta was 14 of 28 for 176 yards and a touchdown. He was also intercepted once. The Warhawks committed seven penalties, and Vincent is upset they went 1-for-13 on third down…

Cut 20 (16) “…that’s simple.”

10.10.25
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LRN PM Newscall October 10

Banana Ball is coming to New Orleans as the Savannah Bananas are bringing their unique brand of baseball to the Caesar’s Superdome March 14th and 15th. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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LSU fans are hoping to see the Tigers offense find its groove against South Carolina on Saturday night. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Landry administration has stopped another sediment diversion project. The Mid-Breton Sediment Diversion Project would have used Mississippi River water and sediment to build wetlands on the east bank of Plaquemines Parish. A similar project called the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion was also cancelled this year. Charles Sutcliffe with the National Wildlife Federation is disappointed…

Cut 3 (12) “…anti-transparency.”

Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Director Gordon Dove says both projects have become too expensive. But Sutcliffe says the state planned on using BP Oil Spill settlement money. And he says these projects were essential to the long-term health of the coast…

Cut 4 (07) “…no sense.”

Sutcliff says every scientific study, planning document and engineering effort have confirmed the need for large-scale sediment diversion projects, but the Landry Administration believes they know better…

Cut 5 (12) “…sea level rise.”

The commercial fishing industry applauds the cancellation of these projects as they expressed concern about large volume of freshwater flowing into the sound. Dove says there are smaller diversion projects that can be successful and he also says there’s a land-building projects in that same area using dredged sediment, including the Lake Borgne Marsh Creation project.

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The Savannah Bananas have released their 2026 schedule, and they will play two games at the Caesar’s Superdome on March 14th and 15th.  Jay Cicero, the president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation is pumped that Banana Ball is coming to the Big Easy

Cut 6 (08) “…really incredible.”

The Bananas game will be the first baseball game to be played in the Superdome since 2002, when LSU played Tulane. Cicero says since then, the Dome has been renovated a couple of times, and the stands can no longer move to configure into a traditional baseball field. He says they’ll leave it up to the Bananas’ creativity on the dimensions.

Cut 7 (15) “…baseball stadium”

Tickets to watch Banana Ball will be sold exclusively through the Bananas’ official lottery system. If you are chosen, tickets start at $40 while meet and greet tickets begin at $125. Cicero says buying tickets to watch the Bananas isn’t like your normal sports teams.

Cut 8 (07) “…slash ticket.”

Registration for the lottery closes on October 31.

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With no end in sight to the federal government shutdown, President Donald Trump says furloughed federal workers may not get back pay. However, Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says that’s not Trump’s call.

Cut 9 (07)  “…read the constitution”

Kennedy says Congress has always made sure that federal workers have been taken care of following government shutdowns, and this time will be no different.

Cut 10 (10) “…in my opinion.”

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LSU has had two weeks to fix an offense that ranks near the bottom in the SEC for points scored. Coach Brian Kelly on what he wants to see from his offense when they host the South Carolina Gamecocks tomorrow night…

Cut 11 (12) “…within our offense”

The Tigers defense is focused on South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers. Last year, Sellers rushed for two touchdowns against LSU, including a 75-yarder. Defensive end Jimari Butler says they want to bottle up Sellers…

Cut 12 (12) “…get home.”

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Saints fans will be glad to know that defensive end Chase Young will make his season debut against the Patriots on Sunday after missing the first five games of the season with a calf injury. Head coach Kellen Moore says Young earned his opportunity to play this week through an impressive recovery.

Cut 13 (13)  “…juice too.”

The Saints’ offense ranks 28th in the NFL in scoring, averaging just over 18 points a game. Veteran running back Alvin Kamara says that New Orleans is still trying to figure out its offense, especially with so many players involved.

Cut 14 (14) “…they can.”

Kick off Sunday in New Orleans is at noon.

10.10.25
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1:30 LRN Newscast

Bollinger Shipyards has been awarded a major U-S Defense contract as their facility in Houma will build four new icebreaker vessels as part of a six billion dollar deal. The construction of the vessels will support as many as 600 jobs. Congressman Clay Higgins says these new ships will help secure the Artic Ocean.

Banana Ball is coming to New Orleans as the Savannah Bananas are bringing their unique brand of baseball to the Caesar’s Superdome March 14th and 15th. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

 

State legislative leaders are planning on holding a short special session later this month. There’s been talk of redrawing the Congressional district map, but Senate Governmental Affairs Chairman Caleb Kleinpeter says they will wait for the Supreme Court to rule on the constitutionality of the current map, but if that ruling comes down after January and qualifying for the US Senate race has already taken place, the state has to keep the current map in place…

Cut 15 (09) “…qualifying dates”

Qualifying is currently scheduled for January, but Kleinpeter says that will likely be pushed back and so will the April primary.

The Landry Administration has cancelled the Mid-Breton Sediment Diversion Project on the east bank of Plaquemines. This comes on the heels of the three-billion dollar Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project. C-P-R-A Director Gordon Dove says both projects have become too expensive, but Charles Sutcliffe with the National Wildlife Federation says these projects were essential to the long-term health of the coast…

Cut 4 (07) “…no sense.”

10.10.25
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12:30 LRN Newscast

New Orleans voters will vote for a new mayor tomorrow. City Councilwoman Helena Moreno is expected to win the jungle primary.  But will she receive the 50 percent plus one share of the vote to win outright? Pollster John Couvillon says the two other majority candidates – Royce Duplessis and Oliver Thomas – have not made much headway in their campaigns.

Cut 8 (14) “…New Orleans nowadays.”

The Savannah Bananas have released their 2026 schedule, and they will play two games at the Caesar’s Superdome on March 14th and 15th.  Jay Cicero, the president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation is pumped that Banana Ball is coming to the Big Easy

Cut 6 (08) “…really incredible.”

If you want tickets, you’ll need to enter the lottery on the Savannah Bananas website.

A special session is likely later this month to discuss pushing back the qualifying and party primary dates for the 2026 federal election. The U-S Supreme Court hears oral arguments next week about Louisiana’s Congressional map, which has two majority minority districts. Senate Governmental Affairs Chairman Caleb Kleinpeter says if the court rules after qualifying in January that the state needs to draw a new map, Louisiana would be stuck with the current one for two more years.

Cut 13 (11)  “…to our constituents.”

Kleinpeter anticipates the special session will only last a few days.

Tomorrow night, LSU will host South Carolina in Tiger Stadium. Last year Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers rushed for two touchdowns against LSU, including a 75-yarder. Defensive end Jimari Butler says they want to bottle up Sellers…

Cut 12 (12) “…get home”

Kick off is at 6:45.

10.10.25
by

11:30 LRN Newscast

The Landry administration has stopped another sediment diversion project. The Mid-Breton Sediment Diversion Project would have used Mississippi River water and sediment to build wetlands on the east bank of Plaquemines Parish. A similar project called the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion was also cancelled this year. Charles Sutcliffe with the National Wildlife Federation is disappointed…

Cut 3 (12) “…anti-transparency”

Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Director Gordon Dove says both projects have become too expensive.

With no end in sight to the federal government shutdown, President Donald Trump says furloughed federal workers may not get back pay. However, Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says that’s not Trump’s call.

Cut 9 (07)  “…read the constitution”

Kennedy says Congress has always made sure federal workers have been taken care of following government shutdowns, and this time will be no different.

 

The latest U.S. drought monitor shows much of Louisiana is abnormally dry. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says he would like to see some rain soon.

Cut 5 (13) “…year for wildfires.”

Sunny skies and very little chance of rain is the forecast for the next week.

A special session is likely later this month to discuss pushing back the qualifying and party primary dates for the 2026 federal election. Qualifying to participate in the Republican and Democratic Party primaries for next year’s federal elections are scheduled for January 14th to 16th. The party primary is scheduled for April 18th, and a run-off would take place May 30th. Senate Governmental Affairs Chairman Caleb Kleinpeter says they would like to move these dates back.

Cut 14 (05) “…on some dates.”

Kleinpeter says they want to push those dates back is because the U-S Supreme Court could possibly rule in February or later that the current Congressional map with two majority minority districts is unconstitutional.

10.10.25
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10:30 LRN Newscast

Saturday is election day in New Orleans as voters will go to the polls to elect a new mayor. Democrat Helena Moreno is expected to finish first by a wide margin in the primary and there’s a chance she could win the election tomorrow night without the need of a run-off. Louisiana pollster John Couvillon says there is a Republican in the race that could get enough votes to force a run-off…

Cut 9 (13) “….of the votes”

LSU has had two weeks to fix an offense that ranks near the bottom in the SEC for points scored. Coach Brian Kelly discussed what he wants to see from that unit when they host the South Carolina Gamecocks tomorrow night…

Cut  11 (12) “…offense”

Kick-off is at 6:45.

 

The Louisiana Department of Health has a warning for those of you who get botox injections – getting them in an improper way could kill you. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A 61-year-old man died in the New Orleans French Quarter last night. Police say he was the victim of a carjacking that took place at the intersection of Bienville and Burgundy streets. Authorities say he died after getting pinned underneath the vehicle during a struggle with the carjacker who fled the scene.

10.10.25
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9:30 LRN Newscast

A short special session is being planned for later this month that would give lawmakers the ability to change the dates of the party primaries for next year’s federal election. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Bollinger Shipyards in Houma has been awarded a major federal contract where they’ll build four new icebreaker vessels for the U-S Coast Guard. Congressman Clay Higgins says these new ships will help secure the Arctic Ocean for the United States. The shipbuilding deal is expected to support as many as 600 jobs.

 

The Louisiana Department of Health is urging residents to avoid botox injections at non-medical settings or from unlicensed sources. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says they are issuing this warning after two Louisiana residents were hospitalized with botulism-like symptoms…

Cut 11 (15) “…non-medical setting”

Sokol says make sure your provider is licensed or if you purchase the product online, make sure the supplier is licensed and FDA approved.

It’s been a dry September and October, and the forecast is calling for little chance of rain over the next week. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the dry weather is helping farmers harvest their crops, but he’s getting concerned about wildfires becoming more common. He says last week there were 43 wildfires that consumed 274 acres.

Cut 4 (07) “…by human activities.”

10.10.25
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6:45 LRN Sportscast October 10

LSU’s starting left guard Paul Mubuenga (moo-BING-uh) is doubtful to play Saturday night against South Carolina due to a high ankle sprain. This could result in true freshman Carius Curne getting his first start, as he worked at left guard during spring and fall practices. Coach Brian Kelly was asked this week on when he knows an o-lineman is ready to make his first start.

Cut 18 (22) “…is catastrophic mistakes.”

Kelly said Coen Echols has been getting reps with the first team at left guard at practice.

Two starters for the Saints practiced fully yesterday after being limited on Wednesday. Looks like right guard Cesar Ruiz and safety Justin Reid will play against the Patriots.

Tough night for La Tech last night as the Bulldogs scored the first touchdown, but Kennesaw State scored the next 35 points for a 35-7 win, Tech QB Evan Bullock was just 11 of 21 for 121 yards and an interception. Owls quarterback Dexter Williams was really good, threw for 290 yards and four touchdowns.  The Bulldogs fall to 4-2.

Tulane scored two TDs in the fourth quarter to beat East Carolina 26-19. The Green Wave are 5-1.

Tomorrow, ULM is back on the road as they will face Coastal Carolina. The Warhawks are 3-2 overall, while Coastal is 2-3 and 1-1 in the Sun Belt. Coach Bryant Vincent says as they start the second half of the season, they need to move closer to playing their best football.

Cut 17 (12) “…all three phases.”

Kick off 6 p-m.

10.09.25
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5:30 LRN Newscast

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends stationary generators should be at least 25 feet from the house. They came to that conclusion after investigating several cases of carbon monoxide entering homes in Louisiana following Hurricane Ida in 2021. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ken Pastorick…

Cut 11 (11) “…save lives”

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the dry weather is helping farmers harvest their crops, but he’s getting concerned about wildfires becoming more common. He says last week there were 43 wildfires that consumed 274 acres

Cut 4 (07) “…human activities.”

Outdoor burn bans are in effect for Caddo and Desoto Parishes in north Louisiana and in south Louisiana, burn bans are in effect for St. Landry and Acadia Parishes.

 

The head of the Louisiana State Police and the Attorney General are addressing the investigation into the crash involving former LSU football star Kyren Lacy. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana-Sports-dot-net is reporting Woodside Energy will be the exclusive jersey patch sponsor for all of LSU’s athletic teams. Woodside Energy is an Australian based company that’s building a 17-point-five-billion-dollar LNG facility in Calcasieu Parish.

10.09.25
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

Two Louisiana college football teams are in action tonight. Louisiana Tech looks for its first 5-and-1 start since 2019 as the Bulldogs make their first trip to Georgia in 100 years to face Kennesaw State at 6 p.m. central time. The game will air on ESPNU. Junior defensive back Jacob Fields credits the Bulldogs’ defense’s success to holding each other accountable.

Cut 19 (18) “…striving for greatness.”

And tonight at 6:30…Tulane hosts East Carolina. The Green Wave are 4-and-1, while the Pirates are 3-and-2 and coming off a 28-6 win over Army.

If you want to watch some high school football, The LHSAA Network Game of the Week is Airline at undefeated Parkway.

 

LSU’s starting left guard Paul Mubuenga is listed as doubtful on the SEC Availability Report. Mubuenga suffered a high ankle sprain in the Ole Miss game. Redshirt freshman Coen Echols has been Mubuenga’s primary backup, but redshirt sophomore DJ Chester is also an option as he can play all five positions on the o-line. Another option is freshman Carius Curne, who played well at right tackle against the Rebels.

Sunday’s game in the Superdome features two young quarterbacks, Spencer Rattler for the Saints and Drake Maye for the Patriots. Rattler says he’s known Maye for a couple of years…

Cut 30 (20) “…on our stuff”

Maye just led the Patriots to a victory over the Bills in Buffalo.