Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

02.06.23
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6:30 LRN Newscast

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the legislative approval of a 45-million dollar incentive fund to attract more insurance companies will provide relief sooner than later for residents struggling with soaring premiums for property coverage. Donelon says the goal is to reduce the number of policyholders who have Citizens Insurance with a private insurer…
Cut 7 (10) “…incentive program.”
The first incentive program was established after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Allowing infants to watch tablets and TV could impair their emotional well-being and academic achievement once they reach the age of 9 according to a Harvard University Study. Children’s Hospital of New Orleans Pediatrician Dr. Susan Fielkow (fell-co) agrees and says it can affect a child’s executive functioning skills.
Cut 10 (10) “…our emotions.”

We now have an announced Democrat in the 2023 Governor’s race. Kevin Gallagher reports on the first Dem to jump in…:
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

02.03.23
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans and the LSU men’s basketball teams will try to end long losing streaks on Saturday. The Pels, who have lost ten in a row, will host the Lakers at 5 PM. New Orleans’ record has fallen below the .500 mark at 26-and-27. L-A is 25-and-28, but Anthony Davis is healthy again and they’ve won their last two.

The LSU men’s basketball team will host fourth ranked Alabama at 3 PM. The Tigers have lost nine in a row and that includes a 40-point defeat to the Crimson Tide on January 14th.

The Ragin Cajuns are looking for their tenth win in a row when they host Marshall on Saturday. U-L Lafayette is 9-and-2 in the Sun Belt, while the Thundering Herd are 8-and-3. ULM is 7-and-4 in the Sun Belt and they will host South Alabama at 2 PM. The Jaguars are 4-and-7 in league play.

Southeastern Louisiana hosts Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi in a game that will be televised by ESPN News on 11 AM Saturday.

The third ranked LSU Lady Tigers survived a big scare as they were nearly upset by Georgia. LSU forward Angel Reese calls Thursday’s overtime win over the Bulldogs a wake up call…
cut 21 (10) “….into the next game”
The next game is Sunday at Texas A-and-M.

We are two weeks away from the start of the college baseball season. A big new addition for the top ranked LSU Tigers is pitching coach Wes Johnson, who returns to college baseball after serving as the pitching coach for the Minnesota Twins…
cut 20 (17) “…national title”
As it stands now, LSU is one of the favorites to win a national championship this season.

02.03.23
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LRN PM Newscall February 3

A Louisiana National Guard unit is preparing to deploy to the Middle East, on a classified support mission. More from Jeff Palermo…:

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll want to be in Thibodaux Saturday to attend a festival dedicated to the state’s favorite pastry. Brooke Thorington has the ingredients

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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U-S Senator John Kennedy wants Louisiana to develop a new methodology to grade public schools. Kennedy points to the grades that the state’s high schools have received…

Cut 3 (07) “…they are not” 

The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has discussed changing Louisiana’s accountability system, but proposed changes have faced criticism from school boards, superintendents, principals, and teachers.  Kennedy says 70 percent of the state’s high schools have received A and B grades, but in reality, we know many of these schools do not deserve such a high grade…

Cut  4 (11)  “…new system.” 

Kennedy made his comments on the floor of the U.S. Senate. He didn’t offer any specifics on how schools should be graded, but expressed the importance of it because it’s vital to the future of Louisiana

Cut 5 (10) “…creating tomorrow”

A BESE committee has recommended that a high school should not be awarded to a student who receives a diploma without passing an Advancement Placement course or didn’t take any dual enrollment classes. That proposal received significant pushback.

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The Louisiana National Guard held a deployment ceremony Friday in New Orleans for the 140-plus soldiers of the 3673 Support Maintenance Company (part of the 139th Regional Support Group.) They will provide support to the Army’s Operation Spartan Shield. The event was at the World War II Museum in the Crescent City. Captain Mitchel Dougherty is the company Commander…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…use this venue.” 

The “3-6-7-3” is a combat support unit; tasked with keeping military vehicles and material in working order. Battalion Commander Lt. Colonel Ira Jones says their role is of utmost importance…:

Cut 7 (08)  “…their mission is.” 

Operation Spartan Shield is in the Middle East, but exactly where the Louisiana Guardsmen and women are headed is classified. The 3673rd has not been deployed overseas since the Gulf War in the early 1990’s. Col. Jones says the deployment will mean soldiers will be out of the country for quite a while…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…to their families.” 

Jones says the Guardsmen will be back home in about a year.

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If you’re a King Cake connoisseur there’s an inaugural festival cooked up just for you on Saturday. It’s the Lafourche Education Foundation’s Bayou King Cake Festival. Thibodaux Mayor Kevin Clement says attendees can sample almost two dozen cakes and they have five tickets each to cast their vote.

Cut 9 (10) “…choice winner.” 

The event kicks off at 1:30 in downtown Thibodeaux with a kid’s parade. Five marching bands will accompany kids riding in wagons.

Cut 10 (09) “…pretty good.” 

The festival has plenty of activities for kids, like face painting, a coloring booth, and music. Clement says it’s going to be a memorable event to kick off their carnival season and it’s all for a great cause the Lafourche Parish Education Foundation.

Cut 11 (11)  “…quite remarkable.”

The winning King Cake will be announced at 5:30 and they’ll receive bragging and a billboard. Advance tickets are $10 and $15 at the event.

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State lawmakers have approved legislation that sets up a 45-million dollar incentive fund that will be used to bring more insurance companies to Louisiana that will offer homeowners coverage. Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot says the goal is to reduce the number of Citizens Property Insurance policyholders who face a 63-percent rate hike this year

Cut 12 (07) “…need it”

The bill passed on a 37-to-1 vote in the Senate on Friday. Bossier City Senator Barrow Peacock was the lone no vote as he questioned whether the incentive fund would actually lead to more insurers who can supply homeowners coverage…

Cut 13 (10) “…hurricane season starts” 

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says this is not the silver bullet to Louisiana’s insurance crisis, but it’s a first step and lawmakers will need to continue to address the problem even more in the regular session that starts in April…

Cut 14 (10)   “..be successful”

02.03.23
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11:40 LRN sportscast

The Pelicans losing streak is up to 10 games after losing in Dallas last night 111 to 106. The third ranked LSU Lady Tigers are 22-and-0 after a hard fought 82-77 win over Georgia. The Ragin Cajuns won their ninth straight last night. Northwestern State is on a five-game winning streak, while McNeese has lost eight in a row.

What should the Saints do with the 29th overall pick in the NFL draft as a result of trading the contractual rights of coach Sean Payton to Denver. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says the quarterback position is a top priority, so bringing in a veteran is likely and there could be a standout signal caller from the SEC late in the first round…
Cut 16 (17) “…situation first.”
Could that bridge quarterback be former Raiders Q-B Derek Carr. There’s speculation Carr could end up in New Orleans.

Two weeks from tonight, the top ranked LSU Baseball team will open the 2023 season. It’s likely Air Force transfer Paul Skenes will be the opening night starter. First-year pitching coach Wes Johnson says Skenes has the talent to be elite
cut 19 (20) “…comes out”

For the first time in program history, Louisiana Tech has been selected as the preseason favorite to win Conference USA. For the second consecutive year, Jonathan Fincher has been named Conference USA Preseason pitcher of the year.

McNeese is picked to repeat as Southland Conference champs, Southeastern Louisiana received more first place votes. UNO is picked to finish fourth, Northwestern State fifth and Nicholls sixth.

02.03.23
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8:30 LRN Newscast

The special legislative session at the state capitol might end today. The full Senate will vote this afternoon on legislation that would create a 45-million dollar fund to lure more insurance companies to Louisiana after several providers left the state or failed after multiple hurricanes in 2020 and 2021. The House has already approved the bill.

Kaplan oilman and Army veteran Jeff Istre announces he’s running for Governor and will be a candidate “of the people.” Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The cornerstone project of the state’s Coastal Master Plan has received two-point-two billion dollars in funding. Most of the money comes from the BP Oil Spill settlement. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority executive director Bren Haase says the project will reconnect the Mississippi River with the Barartaria Basin creating as much as 21 square miles of wetlands over the next five decades…
cut 6 (08) “….a good portion of it”
Haase says work on the project should ramp up mid-year and take five years to complete.

The state Department of Natural Resources reports that 22 orphaned well sites have been restored as a result of 25-million dollars in funding from the federal infrastructure law. DNR spokesperson Patrick Courreges says they hope to maintain a strong pace of restoring these well sites through next fall…
cut 13 (14) “…back either”
There are roughly 45-hundred orphaned well sites in Louisiana.

02.03.23
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7:30 LRN Newscast

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority announces two-point-two billion dollars in funding for construction of the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project has been approved.
cut 5 (11) “…for that project”
C-P-R-A executive director Bren Haase says a majority of the funds come from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement. Haase says the project will build and sustain 26-thousand acres of wetlands in the Barataria Basin.

Oilfield worker and army veteran Jeffery Istre of Kaplan has announced he’s running for governor as an independent. Istre says he wants to bring oilfield production levels up, improve the livelihood of teachers and invest in low income sectors. Istre says he will run a grass roots campaign on a tight budget…
cut 8 (11) “…very big challenge”

The CDC issues an alert to immediately discontinue the use of a popular brand of artificial tears. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Congressman Steve Scalise says it’s time for federal agency workers to stop working from home due to to pandemic and get back to the office. He and fellow House GOP members passed the SHOW UP Act. He says taxpayers are growing impatient with the government they pay for…:
CUT 30 (10) “…go back to work.”
No word on if the Senate will take up the legislation.

02.03.23
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

The third ranked LSU women’s basketball team was pushed to the limit last night but they remain undefeated as they defeated Georgia 82-77 in overtime to improve to 22-and-0. The Lady Tigers trailed by nine points early in the fourth quarter. Sophomore Angel Reese had her 22nd consecutive double-double, 23 points and 14 rebounds.

The Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball team won their ninth straight as U-L Lafayette topped Texas State 82-63. Greg Williams Junior had a game-high 23 points as he recorded his fourth straight 20 point game.

ULM’s Jamari Blackmon tied his career high of 35 points as the Warhawks dribbled past Coastal Carolina 83-70. Blackmon hit 5 three-pointers.

Louisiana Tech completed a regular season sweep of Rice for a third straight season as the Bulldogs defeated the Owls 80-72 to improve to 6-and-6 in Conference USA.

The Pelicans trailed by 31 points last night in Dallas as they lost their tenth straight game. AT least New Orleans made a game out of it as they lost by only five, 111 to 106. The ten game losing streak is the fifth longest in franchise history and they’ll host Lebron James and the Lakers tomorrow.

By gaining a first round pick in the Sean Payton trade, the Saints have seven picks in the N-F-L draft, three take place within the first 71 selections. Should New Orleans use some of those picks to move up in the first round. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says with so many needs, the Saints will need as many picks as possible…
cut 17 (16) “….minimum wage”
The Senior Bowl is tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 on the NFL Network.

02.03.23
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6:30 LRN Newscast

If you use artificial tears for dry eyes you need to check the brand name and if they are made by EzriCare, stop using them immediately. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the CDC issued an alert after someone died of a bacterial infection linked to its use, at least five others lost their vision…
Cut 10 (11) “…artificial tears.”
Kanter says these are not prescription eyedrops they are over the counter and Ezri is spelled E-z-r-i. (EZ-ree-care)

Another candidate announces he will run for governor of Louisiana this fall. He is 56-year-old Jeffrey Istre, a resident of Kaplan, an Army veteran, and an oilfield professional. Istre has never held political office, and is running as an independent s he’s not a fan of the two major political parties…
Cut 7 (07) “…really OF the people.”

Federal and state agencies have approved over $2-billion to fund the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project. State Coastal Protection & Restoration Authority executive director Bren Haase says the project has been in planning and development stages for decades…:
Cut 4 (07) “…rather than later.”
The Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion will connect the Mississippi River to the coast; distributing sediment, soil, and nutrients carried in the river along the state’s rapidly eroding coast.

The governor’s office announces restoration work has been done on more than 20 orphaned well sites since mid-January as a result of funding provided by the federal infrastructure legislation. Another dozen will wrap up in the coming. Patrick Courreges with the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources says they are focusing their efforts in north Louisiana…
cut 15 (13) “…most part”

02.02.23
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LRN PM Newscall February 2

Congressman Steve Scalise and U.S. House Republicans pass a bill to bring federal employees back to the office. Jeff Palermo has more…:

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A $1,300 reward is being offered for the safe return of a Shar Pei puppy that was stolen in New Orleans Monday. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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District 1 Congressman and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise led colleagues in passing a bill requiring federal workers to return to the office. It’s dubbed the “SHOW UP Act”; an acronym for Stopping Home Office Work’s Unproductive Problems. On the House floor, Scalise tells members the government should be held to the same standard as taxpayers…:

Cut 3 (09) “…get the job done.” 

Scalise says Americans have largely gone back to their workplaces after the pandemic, and they wonder why the federal government is still operating in lockdown mode. He cites the Veterans Administration as an example of the so-called “unproductive problems”…:

Cut  4 (12)  “…that hurts people.” 

Scalise says un-staffed government offices is causing come to wait a year or more for tax refund checks, wait 6 months to renew a passport and other problems. He says taxpayers are growing impatient with the government they pay for…:

Cut 5 (10) “…go back to work.”

The bill passed the House. Whether the Democrat-controlled Senate will even take it up for discussion is unknown.

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A Hahnville man will spend at least eight years in prison for his role in a July 4th 2020 boating fatality in St. Charles Parish. State Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says 25-year-old Kevin Comardelle was driving a boat when it collided with another boat.

Cut 6 (09)  “…he was intoxicated.” 

The victim who died was 36-year-old Audrey Higgins of Luling, she was a passenger in the other vessel and several other passengers received significant injuries.

Einck says Comardelle was convicted of vehicular homicide and four counts of first-degree vehicular negligent injuring.

Cut 7 (09)  “…of the vessel.” 

Comardelle will be on probation for five years following his prison sentence, must comply with an alcohol monitoring program, and is subject to restitution to the victims. Einck says the crash happened at night on Bayou Des Allemands.

Cut 8 (04)  “…prevented.” 

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After a Shar Pei puppy was stolen from a Lakeview home in New Orleans Monday, a $1300 reward is being offered for its safe return. Humane Society of Louisiana Director Jeff Dorson says UNO student Scott Elston is devasted over the theft of his dog.

Cut 9 (10) “…called Toby.” 

Shar Peis are known for their wrinkles and blue tongues.

Dorson says unfortunately there’s not a clear image of the suspects from home security systems in the neighborhood.

Cut 10 (11) “…they’re doing.” 

The Humane Society and Elston have pledged $500 each for a reward along with $300 from an anonymous donor.  Artwork and electronics were also stolen from the home but Elston’s main concern is his puppy, Toby. Dorson says the burglary happened while Elston was in class.

Cut 11 (09)  “…Shar Pei.”

If you have any information you’re asked to call HSLA at 1-888-6-HUMANE.

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Thirty-one-year-old Louis Foret of Morgan City has received a life sentence after admitting to fatally shooting a Thibodaux man multiple times two years ago. Lafourche Parish District Attorney spokesperson David Melancon says Foret entered the guilty plea as his trial was set to begin

Cut 12 (10) “…pleading guilty”

Melancon says Foret killed his friend Chance Benoit at his home on a February night in 2021

Cut 13 (10) “…shot dead” 

Melancon says investigators have determined that Foret and Benoit were talking inside Benoit’s home when Foret began assaulting the victim and as the attack progressed, Foret shot him

Cut 14 (11)   “..hung up the phone.”

Second degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.

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One of the three men accused in the January 2022 fatal shooting death of Deven Brooks has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Rapides Parish Assistant District Attorney Lea Hall says 22-year-old Terrance Lavalais entered the guilty during jury selection

Cut 15 (10) “… that time”

Brooks’ body was found on the edge of the Red River in Alexandria in January 2022. Police say the 27-year-old was kidnapped as he was bound with cable, zip ties and duct tape.

Two others are also charged with second degree murder, Jamaria Randle and Tremaine Veal. Hall says their trials are scheduled to begin over the next two weeks

Cut  16 (11)  “…this victim”

Police believe the three men arrested in Brooks’ death were trying to get money out of him.

02.02.23
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

The LSU men’s basketball team scored 77 points last night, the only problem is they gave up 87 as they suffered their ninth straight loss, an 87-77 defeat at Missouri. Mizzou shot 56-percent from the field. The Tigers return home to host fourth ranked Alabama on Saturday.

ULM opens a three-game homestand tonight as they host Coastal Carolina. The Warhawks are 6-4 in the Sun Belt, while Coastal is 4-and-6, but ULM Coach Keith Richard says it should be a good matchup…
Cut 17 (17) “…two one-point games.”
Coastal Carolina has four players in double figures and they are one of the top rebounding teams in the Sun Belt.

The Ragin Cajuns are tied for first place in the Sun Belt and host Texas State tonight.

According to Rivals-dot-com, the Ragin Cajuns brought in the best recruiting class in the Sun Belt after adding four more players to their 2023 recruiting class. One of those players is cornerback Glenn Brown, who played in 36 games for the Southern Jaguars. Coach Mike Desormeaux says they are excited to have Brown in Lafayette…
cut 20 (22) “….need to”
The Ragin Cajuns have finalized their non conference schedule for next season as they will host Buffalo on September 23rd. U-L Lafayette will return the trip to Buffalo in 2030.

Grambling State unveiled its schedule for next season and it features four home games, three road games and four neutral site contests starting with the season opener against Hampton University. That game will be in Harrison, New Jersey, just outside of New York City.