Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

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.

11.10.23
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

In LSU’s three losses this season, they have given up 42 points or more. Saturday night the Tigers will host the Florida Gators. Florida is averaging 29 points a game and they are led by an accurate quarterback in Graham Mertz. Coach Brian Kelly on what he’s looking for from his defense…
cut 17 (20) “…four quarters”
LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels is expected to play despite spending a lot of the week in concussion protocol. But the Tigers leading rusher Logan Diggs is doubtful with an upper body injury. Kick-off is at 6:30.

There’s a chance former LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson will play Sunday against the Saints. The Vikings list Jefferson as questionable for the game. He has missed the last four games with a hamstring injury.

Nicholls can clinch a spot in the FCS playoffs with a win over Lamar on Senior Day in Thibodaux. The Colonels are undefeated the Southland, while the Cardinals are 4-1 in league play. It would be the seventh appearance in the FCS playoffs for the red and gray.

In other Southland action…Southeastern Louisiana is at Texas A-and-M Commerce, while McNeese hosts an improved Houston Christian team. It’s the final home game of the season for the Cowboys.

Louisiana Tech’s last home game is Saturday as well as the Bulldogs will host Sam Houston. Saturday is also the final home game for ULM. The Warhawks will try to snap a seven game losing streak by hosting Troy.
The Ragin Cajuns lost to Southern Miss in overtime on Thursday and they will visit Troy next Saturday.

11.10.23
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LRN PM Newscall November 10

The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control has released a list of vape products that can be legally sold. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell is in Kenya for UN Meetings, meanwhile back home, she’s facing ethics charges. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control has released a list of of approved vape and alternative nicotine products. It’s the result of legislation sponsored by Covington Representative Paul Hollis. Hollis says this registry is going to make sure that these products are as safe as they possibly can be…

Cut 3 (07) “….whatsoever”

The V-A-P-E Directory contains 397 products that are authorized to be sold in Louisiana. JUUL products, nicotine pouches and B-I-D-I stick products are on the list. But popular disposable vapes are missing like Elf Bars. Hollis says that’s a good thing…

Cut 4 (12) “..to children.”

The Louisiana Convenience and Vape Store Association is challenging the law, arguing its unconstitutional. Hollis doesn’t expect the lawsuit to be successful, because the vape products not on the registry, are not F-D-A approved…

Cut 5 (11) “ …bodies”  

Hollis’ legislation also raised the tax on vape liquid from a nickel to 15-cents per milliliter.  The additional tax revenues will go towards state trooper salaries.

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With less than two weeks to go before Turkey Day, State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the cost for the main staple of your Thanksgiving meal is 16-percent less than last year, but other foods have nearly doubled.

Cut 6 (11) “…good news.”

The latest Consumer Price Index report reveals the inflation rate for food at home increased by two percent over the last 12 months.

Strain says folks shouldn’t bypass having Louisiana homegrown produce on their Thanksgiving dinner table.

Cut 7 (11) “…Louisiana rice.” 

Strain says prices of everything from flour to canned corn to butter and cranberry sauce are higher. He says a Thanksgiving dinner for a family of four will cost around $30 this year.

Cut 8 (07) “….per person.” 

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New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell is in Kenya 4 days ahead of the UN Meetings on plastics pollution. Meanwhile back home, the State Ethics Board has brought her up on charges for those 15 flight upgrades over a 2 year period costing the city almost $29,000. Cantrell paid the city back the $28,856 about a year ago. LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford speculated on the timing of the Ethics Board’s actions…

Cut 9 (06) “…these flights.” 

Cantrell could face a $10,000 fine or a censure from the Board. Alford questions whether that’s enough…

Cut 10 (10) “….act differently.” 

Cantrell has said that her upgrades to first class were a matter of safety not luxury. The Ethics Adjudicatory Board is likely to hear the case but Alford says, Even if Cantrell is fined, we will have to wait and see…

Cut 11 (08) “…quite a bit.”

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November is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month. Ginger Guttner with LSU School of Veterinary Medicine says pets can get cancer and it is important for pet owners to know that early detection is important.

Cut 12 (11) “…that’s true.”  

The Veterinary Cancer Society estimates one in four dogs will develop cancer at some point.

Guttner says nearly 50 percent of dogs over age 10 will develop cancer.  She urges pet owners to keep an eye out for warning signs.

Cut 13 (09) “…an exam.”

Other signs of cancer in pets include enlarged or changing lumps and rapid weight loss. Just like in humans, Guttner says pets can develop different types of cancer in any part of the body.

Cut  14 (13) “…skin cancer.”

11.10.23
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2:30 LRN Newscast

New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell is in Kenya for UN Meetings, meanwhile back home, she’s facing ethics charges. Colleen Crain has more…
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

New Orleans native Jon Batiste has been nominated for six Grammy awards, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Jazz Performance. Lafayette’s Lauren Daigle has been nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance-Song. The award ceremony’s is February 4th.

The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control has released a list of vapes and alternative nicotine products that can be legally sold. The Louisiana Convenience and Vape Store Association is challenging the new law, arguing its unconstitutional. But Covington Representative Paul Hollis doesn’t expect the lawsuit to go anywhere, because the vape products not on the registry, do not have F-D-A approval…
cut 5 (11) “…bodies”
Hollis’ legislation also raised the tax on vape liquid, with the additional revenues going to State Police salaries.

November is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month. LSU Vet School spokesperson Ginger Guttner says unfortunately domestic dogs and cats can develop different types of cancer in any part of the body…
cut 14 (13) “…skin cancer”
Guttner says if you see changes in appetite, activity and attitude bring your pet to a veterinarian right away.

11.10.23
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU Coach Brian Kelly says LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels is probable for tomorrow night’s game against Florida. But leading rusher Logan Diggs is doubtful with an upper body injury. The Tigers and Gators kick off at 6:30 on Saturday night.

The Saints will be in Minnesota on Sunday. The Vikings will start Joshua Dobbs. He was acquired last week in a trade with Arizona and came off the bench to lead Minnesota to a victory over the Falcons last Sunday. Saints running back Alvin Kamara is very familiar with Dobbs as the two played together at Tennessee. Kamara is not surprised by his flawless transition into the Vikings offensive scheme.
Cut 18 (18) “…what he’s doing.”
Kick off Sunday is at noon.

For the 11th straight time, the Ragin Cajuns have lost a football game to Southern Miss. The Golden Eagles defeated U-L Lafayette 34-31 in overtime last night. Southern Miss running back Frank Gore junior had 158 yards rushing on 33 carries and scored the game-winning touchdown.

Tonight Grambling is at Arkansas Pine Bluff. The Tigers are 4-and-5, while the Golden Lions are 1-and-8.

Louisiana Tech plays its final home game of the season as they host Sam Houston State at 2 PM tomorrow. And it will be the final home game for Smoke Harris. Harris leads the team in receiving and he’s an outstanding punt returner. Coach Sonny Cumbie says he’ll be missed…
Cut 20 (20) “..football team”

11.10.23
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU Football Coach Brian Kelly says Quarterback Jayden Daniels is probable to play tomorrow night against Florida after being in concussion protocol this week. But a new injury has popped up for the Tigers. Running back Logan Diggs is doubtful with an upper body injury.

Florida has been getting good quarterback play from Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz. He’s thrown for 24-hundred yards 17 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Kelly says he recruited Mertz out of high school…
cut 16 (20) “…playmakers”

Disappointing loss for the Ragin Cajuns last night as they were upset by Southern Miss 34-31 in overtim. U-L Lafayette is now 5-and-5 on the season.
The Saints are getting ready to play the Minnesota Vikings, who have won four in a row. Joshua Dobbs will make his first start of the season at quarterback for Minnesota after coming off the bench to beat the Falcons last week. Coach Dennis Allen on the former Tennessee Volunteeer…
cut 19 (21) “…the game”
Kick-off is at noon.

The top ranked LSU Lady Tigers received their championship rings and dropped a national championship banner from the rafters last night and then went on to beat Queens 112 to 55. Angel Reese had 28 points and 14 rebounds.

Also in women’s hoops…Auburn beat U-L Lafayette 60-54 and La Tech routed Louisiana Christian 88-52 and in the NBA the Pelicans are at Houston.