Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

12.30.23
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730 LRN Sportscast

LSU Coach Brian Kelly explained why freshman offensive tackle Lance Heard is not with the team in Tampa as they prepare for Monday’s bowl game against Wisconsin. Kelly says the former Neville star needed some time away…
cut 27 (24) “…after the ball game”
Heard has not entered the transfer portal and Tuesday is the last day to enter the portal until the next window opens after spring practice.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara is questionable for tomorrow’s game against the Buccaneers because of an illness. New Orleans has to win to keep its playoff hopes alive.

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Will Wade and the McNeese Cowboys pulled off an impressive victory last night in Ann Arbor as the Pokes took down the Michigan Wolverines 87-76. It’s McNeese’s first win over a Big 10 opponent. Shahada Wells had 30 points and 10 rebounds. McNeese is now 11-2 as it gets ready for Southland play.

The LSU Tigers won easily over Northwestern State last night. Will Baker had 17 points as the LSU downed the Demons 96-55. LSU will open up SEC play a week from tonight against Texas A-and-M.

Sun Belt play begins today. The 7-and-5 Ragin Cajuns are at Marshall, who is 5-and-8, while the Warhawks are at Appalachian State. The Mountaineers are 9-3 while ULM is 4-6. Tip-off for that game is at noon.

The seventh-ranked Lady Tigers get one last tune-up before SEC play as LSU hosts Jacksonville at 7 PM.

The Pelicans continue their five-game homestand by hosting Lebron James and the Lakers tomorrow night.

12.29.23
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU Coach Brian Kelly provided an update on freshman offensive tackle Lance Heard. Heard is not with the team in Tampa, the site of the Tigers bowl game. Kelly said today that Heard is looking at his role at LSU and evaluating it.

Kelly also said that quarterbacks coach Joe Sloan will be the one calling the plays and will be in the press box. Garrett Nussmeier will make his first collegiate start and is looking forward to playing a Wisconsin defense that only allowed 19 points a game in the regular season…
cut 20 (19) “….excited for it”
It’s Nussmeier’s first start since December 4th, 2020 when he was a senior in high school. Kick off Monday in Tampa is at 11 AM.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara is questionable for Sunday’s game at Tampa Bay because of an illness. Punter Lou Hedley also questionable because of an illness. Offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk is out and his injured knee might need offseason surgery.

LSU men’s basketball returns from Christmas break to host the Northwestern State Demons tonight. It’s the final non-conference game for the Tigers as they will tip-off SEC play on January 6th at Texas A-and-M. The Demons are two and ten and this is there final non-conference game too.

McNeese is at Michigan tonight. The Pokes have won five in a row and they are 10-2 on the season. The Wolverines are 6-and-6.

Sun Belt play begins tomorrow. The 7-and-5 Ragin Cajuns are at Marshall, who is 5-and-8, while the Warhawks are at Appalachian state. The Mountaineers are 9-3 while ULM is 4-6. Tip off for that game is at noon.

The Pelicans won last night over Utah 112 to 105. They continue their five-game homestand on Sunday night by hosting Lebron James and the Lakers.

12.29.23
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LRN PM Newscall December 29

The State Supreme Court has opted on a five to two vote not to hear Caddo Parish Sheriff candidate Henry Whitehorn’s appeal to keep his one-vote victory in the run-off election. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The U-S EPA is giving Louisiana the authority to approve permits for underground storage of carbon dioxide. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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In Ouachita Parish, four-year-old Bentley Whittlesey was killed in a fatal crash involving two vehicles. Trooper Ryan Davis says the child was a passenger in a Toyota Corolla that slammed into a Ford pickup truck on Highway 546 Thursday afternoon.

Cut 3 (12) “…serious injuries.”

Davis says Bentley Whittlesey was rushed to a local hospital but did not survive…

Cut 4 (12) “…his injuries.”

Davis 27-year-old Kaytlin Whittlesey, the driver of the Toyota, and the driver of the Ford received minor injuries. He says routine toxicology samples were taken, however…

Cut 5 (06) “ …this crash.” 

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The Louisiana Supreme Court says it will not hear Caddo Parish sheriff candidate Henry Whitehorn’s appeal, so there will be another run-off election between Whitehorn and John Nickelson. Political Analyst Scott Hughes…

Cut 6 (12) “…new election.”

Nickelson lost the November 18th election by one vote, but a lower court judge ordered a new election after several questionable votes were counted. Hughes expects an intense re-do election…

Cut 7 (05) “…polls.” 

The election will be held on March 23rd and early voting begins March 9th. Hughes says the presidential primary will also be on the ballot, so that should favor the Republican in the race, John Nickelson…

Cut 8 (09) “…vote race.” 

The election will be on March 23rd with the presidential primary.

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If you plan to start the New Year with a bang, the State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind you of some simple tips regarding fireworks safety. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says to make sure there are no fireworks restrictions in your parish.

Cut 9 (09) “…our state.” 

Rodrigue says it’s best to attend a public display where professionals are handling the pyrotechnics. But if you are going to be purchasing fireworks…

Cut 10 (12) “…set ablaze.”

Rodrigue suggests having a water source nearby in case of any type of emergency or fire. Also, do not pop fireworks when impaired because it slows your reaction time. She reminds adults to never give children fireworks, even sparklers.

Cut 11 (13) “…and bracelets.”

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The federal government is giving Louisiana the authority to issue permits and provide oversight for wells that store carbon dioxide. Officials call it a monumental step in advancing the state’s energy future as it looks to become a leader in the carbon capture industry. Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Patrick Courreges says they’ve been waiting for the U-S EPA to give them this power…

Cut 12 (10)  “…or denial.”  

The Edwards administration has been working to make Louisiana a major player as a hub for Carbon Caputure and Sequestration. It’s taking carbon dioxide from industrial sources out of the air and storing it deep underground in a well. Courreges says Louisiana now has the power to approve these wells…

Cut 13 (09) “…a lot.” 

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, LABI, and Senator Bill Cassidy all released statements saying that Louisiana receiving primacy over the permitting and regulation of wells will lead to economic growth. Courreges says there are a lot of businesses interested in underground sequestration of carbon dioxide in Louisiana…

Cut  14 (08) “..in Louisiana”

12.29.23
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU is continuing preparations for the ReliaQuest Bowl as starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is set to make his first at quarterback since he was in high school, December 4th, 2020. Nussmeier says he can’t wait…
cut 19 (19) “….playing good” (2x)
Freshman defensive lineman Da’Shawn Womack says he’ll start at Jack linebacker spot in LSU’s dime package. The former five star prospect has 11 tackles and a sack and a half this season.

Saints offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk has yet to practice this week after missing the last two games with a knee injury. Ramczyk says the knee has been giving problems the last few seasons and he might need offseason surgery. Ramczyk says retirement is also a possibility. The 29-year-old is in the third year of a five-year contract.

The Pelicans hit some big shots down the stretch last night and defeated Utah 112 to 105. It ended a five-game losing streak to the Jazz. Brandon Ingram had 26 points, CJ MCCollum had 22 points and Zion Williamson had 21 points and ten rebounds. Trey Murphy also had a couple of big three-pointers in the final two minutes to finish with six points.

LSU men’s basketball returns from Christmas break to host the Northwestern State Demons tonight. It’s the final non-conference game for the Tigers as they will tip-off SEC play on January 6th at Texas A-and-M. The Demons are two and ten and this is there final non-conference game too.

McNeese is at Michigan tonight. The Pokes have won five in a row and they are 10-2 on the season. The Wolverines are 6-and-6.

Sun Belt play begins tomorrow. The 7-and-5 Ragin Cajuns are at Marshall, who is 5-and-8, while the Warhawks are at Appalachian state. The Mountaineers are 9-and-3 while the Warhawks are 4-and-6. Tip off for that game is at noon.

12.29.23
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9:30 LRN Newscast

If you use the asthma inhaler Flovent, you need to know that beginning January 1st it won’t be on the shelves.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Louisiana Department of Insurance will hold a hearing on February 14th to examine the sale of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana to Elevance Health. Opponents of the sale are concerned it will result in higher health care costs for patients, while Blue Cross says the deal will benefit its policyholders.

2023 comes to a close on Sunday night and one of the biggest stories of the year was the unprecedented drought and the record heat that sparked hundreds of wildfires that destroyed 62-thousand acres statewide. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says in August alone, there were 550 wildfires…
Cut 15 (14) “…in the archives.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser 2023 was a good year for tourism and wants to make it better in 2024. In Monday mornings Rose Bowl Parade, his office is sponsoring a Mardi Gras themed float that will promote tourism to Louisiana…
cut 7 (12) “…every year”
The float will feature a larger-than-life Mardi Gras jester, second-line inspired umbrellas, fleur de lis, and lots of purple, green, and gold. More than 90 volunteers from Louisiana and across the country will decorate the massive float.

12.29.23
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8:30 LRN Newscast

Heads up for asthma patients who use the inhaler, Flovent, it will no longer be available on January 1st. LSU New Orleans Pulmonologist Doctor Kyle Happel encourages users to be proactive about refilling their maintenance medication…
cut 5 (08) “…their asthma”
The manufacturer of Flovent, G-S-K, says a generic version is available and it works just as well as the branded drug.

For the third consecutive year, there will be a Louisiana Float in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. And the idea behind the Mardi Gras themed float is to promote tourism to Louisiana. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says their previous floats won awards…
cut 9 (07) “….and this year”
Performing on the float will be Grammy-nominated Zydeco musician Sean Ardoin, Cajun fiddler Amanda Shaw and legendary guitarist James Burton.

2023 will be remembered for election of Jeff Landry as Louisiana’s next Governor. Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson’s unexpected election as House Speaker and an unprecedented drought.

Also, The Louisiana Legislature passed a bill to make it illegal for doctors to perform certain procedures to alter the sex of transgender minors. Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed the legislation because he said it was unnecessary…
cut 16 (09) “….have to do”
But lawmakers overrode the governor’s veto and the legislation goes into effect on New Year’s Day.

2023 saw LSU athletics win two national championships, Lady Tigers basketball in April, and LSU baseball in June….
Cut 17 (16) “…walk it off.”

12.29.23
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7:30 LRN Newscast

2023 is coming to a close and the biggest story in Louisiana was the election of Republican Jeff Landry as the state’s 57th governor. Landry’s victory was predicted, but winning in October, without the need for a November run-off was a surprise…
Cut 13 (09) “…(cheering).”
Landry will be sworn into office on January 8th.

We saw a decline in gas prices in 2023. Gasbuddy says in 2022 the average national price was nearly four-dollars for a gallon of regular gasoline, this year it was around $3.50 a gallon. Gasbuddy’s Patrick DeHaan says in 2024 they are forecasting an average price of $3.38
cut 11 (11) “…year ahead”

Louisiana will once again have a float in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California on New Year’s Day to promote tourism to the Bayou State.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

The Louisiana Supreme Court says it will not hear Caddo Parish sheriff candidate Henry Whitehorn’s appeal, so there will be another run-off election between Whitehorn and John Nickelson. Nickelson lost the November 18th election by one vote, but a lower court judge ordered a new election after several questionable votes were counted. The new election will likely take place March 23rd.

12.29.23
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU Tigers will ring in the New Year on Monday by taking on the Wisconsin Badgers in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Garrett Nussmeier will get the start at quarterback. Nussmeier replaces Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels who opted out. Nussmeier will have the opportunity to throw to star receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas…
cut 18 (22) “…been awesome”
Monday’s game against Wisconsin will mark Nussmeier’s first start at quarterback since December 4, 2020. He was in high school.

In transfer portal news…LSU cornerback Denver Harris has entered into it. Harris only played in five games this year.

The Pelicans found a way last night to win a close game as they defeated the Utah Jazz 112 to 105 at the Smoothie King Center. Brandon Ingram led the way with 26 points as New Orleans ended a two-game losing skid and improved to 18-14. The Pels next game is Sunday night at home against the Lakers.

The LSU men’s basketball team returns from Christmas break to host Northwestern State. The Tigers are 7-and-5, while the Demons are just two and ten. Tip time is at 7 PM.

McNeese looks to pull off an upset tonight as they visit the Michigan Wolverines. The Cowboys are 10-and-2 and they’ve won five in a row. Michigan is 6-and-6. The Wolverines last game was December 19th a double overtime loss to Florida.

Sun Belt play begins tomorrow, the Cajuns are at Marshall, and ULM visits App State.

Saints offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk says he proably needs offseason surgery on his knee. Also no signs of Michael Thomas and Marshon Lattimore returning this season. The Saints are at the Bucs on Sunday.

12.29.23
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6:30 LRN Newscast

If you have asthma and use the inhaler Flovent made by GSK, listen up. LSU Health New Orleans Pulmonologist Dr. Kyle Happel says it’s being removed from the shelves beginning Monday. And while there are other options…
Cut 4 (11) “…called fluticasone.”
Happel says fluticasone, which is also made by GSK, works just as well as Flovent.

According to Gas Buddy’s annual fuel outlook, the national average for gas and diesel will drop from $3.51 this year to $3.38 in 2024. After gas prices surged to nearly six dollars a gallon in 2022, GasBuddy’s Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says the global refining picture has improved.
Cut 10 (10) “…price relief.”
DeHaan says average yearly spending on gasoline per household will fall to 24-hundred dollars, down two-percent from 2023 and 12-percent from 2022.

2023 comes to a close tomorrow and one of the biggest stories in Louisiana this year was Congressman Mike Johnson’s sudden rise to power as he was elected House Speaker after Kevin McCarthy was ousted and Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan failed to get majority support…
cut 14 (14) “….in business”

Louisiana’s third annual Rose Parade float is getting ready to roll along the streets of Pasadena, California on New Year’s Day. The float is designed to encourage viewers of the parade to travel to the Bayou State in 2024. Second-year rider, Assistant Vice President of Communications for the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission Kaylie LeBlanc…
Cut 8 (12) “…anything else.”
Louisiana’s 2024 Rose Parade float features a larger than life Mardi Gras jester, fleur-de-lis, second-line inspired umbrellas and a lot of purple, green and gold. The float also features the sights and sounds of a Louisiana Mardi Gras parade.

12.28.23
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

With Mike Denbrock off to Notre Dame, Joe Sloan and Cortez Hankton are co-offensive coordinators for the Tigers bowl game against Wisconsin. Coach Brian Kelly says both are also candidates to replace Denbrock on a permanent basis…
cut 30 (20) “…for that position”
Sloan is LSU’s quarterbacks coach and Hankton is the receivers coach and passing game coordinator.

Larry Nance is expected to play tonight for the Pelicans as they will host the Utah Jazz tonight at the Smoothie King Center. Nance has been sidelined for the last month because of a rib injury. He’s been a guy the Pelicans like to use in late game situations. The Jazz enters today’s game with a 13-18 record, but they’ve won three straight.

A win for Tampa Bay on Sunday over the New Orleans Saints and the Buccaneers will clinch their third consecutive NFC South title. They are one of the hottest teams in the NFL as they’ve won four in a row. Coach Dennis Allen says the Bucs offense has played very well during this stretch…
Cut 18 (20) “…his feet.”
At practice today, Saints receiver Chris Olave and defensive end Cam Jordan were limited because of ankle injuries.

Former Saints right guard Jahri Evans is a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of fame. Evans was on the Saints Super Bowl team and he also played in four Pro Bowls. Former John Ehret Star Reggie Wayne is a also a finalist for a fifth consecutive time after a standout career with the Colts.