Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

08.02.23
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1:30 LRN Newscast

State education officials say LEAP scores have improved for a second consecutive year. The latest results show a two-point jump from last year in the percentage of students considered proficient. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says that means 33-percent of students are scoring at the mastery rate or above…
Cut 3 (12) “…work to do.”
Brumley says for a state that struggles with literacy, he’s pleased to see the mastery rate for third graders in English Language Arts improve five points over last year.

It’s reporting day for the LSU football team. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says one of the biggest question marks is with the defensive secondary, which returns just two starters, Major Burns and Greg Brooks…
cut 14 (09) “…..in camp”

We are seeing triple digit temperatures across north and central Louisiana once again today. South Louisiana has temperatures in the mid to upper 90s. State Climatologist Barry Keim says when you look at New Orleans weather data for the first six months of 2023, it’s the warmest of any year on record.
Cut 12 (10) “…yesterday.”

Sad story out of Assumption Parish as a three-vehicle crash killed a pregnant woman from Houma and her unborn child. Trooper Ross Brennan says 23-year-old Tia Gorrell was hit head on by a Jeep Wrangler after it sideswiped a pick-up truck pulling a camper trailer. Brennan says 38-year-old Kendall Dollar was the driver of the Jeep….
cut 10 (09) “…this time”
There have been 15 fatal crashes in the Troop C area resulting in 17 fatalities.

08.02.23
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11:30 LRN Newscast

Bill Cassidy’s endorsement of Jeff Landry for Governor could help Louisiana’s senior U-S Senator score political points with the Republican Party. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeff Sadow says Cassidy has fallen out of favor with some Republicans and the state G-O-P strongly supports Landry…
Cut 10 (10) “…left behind”
The state GOP censured Cassidy after he voted to certify President Joe Biden’s electoral college victory and then the Baton Rouge Republican voted against former President Donald Trump in his impeachment trial.

Anyone caught creating and distributing pornographic deepfake images that show false events could face up to twenty years in prison now. The new law went into effect Tuesday. Lake Charles Senator Jeremy Stine says this type of material causes harm to individuals.
Cut 7 (09) “…picture of.”

Bass pro Jake Ormond set a state record for the largest longnose gar which he caught on Bayou Bartholomew. The Sterlington native was giving a young student a lesson when he spotted the big gar on the surface of the water. After switching rods, it took Ormond three casts to hook the big fish…
Cut 6 (09) “…too long.”
The Longnose gar weighed 31 points a new state record certified by LDWF.

LSU football players report for preseason camp today with the goal of winning a national championship. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says coach Brian Kelly has tried to tap down on expectations after Kim Mulkey and Jay Johnson won national titles in their second year…
cut 15 (13) “….this year”

08.02.23
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8:30 LRN Newscast

Legislation that prohibits the creation of explicit content using an individual’s likeness without their knowledge or approval went into effect this week.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.

Another new law that went into effect this week, increases the penalties for dealing fentanyl. Crowley Representative John Stefanski authored the legislation…
cut 6 (10) “…stop doing it”

The U-S Justice Department is concerned about the living conditions for youth inmates who are housed at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. A recent lawsuit alleges the teen offenders are suffering in hot conditions and spending time in isolation. But the Office of Juvenile Justice says the West Feliciana Center for Youth is air conditioned and the youth at the center are receiving targeted treatment they need.

LSU football players report for preseason camp today with the goal of winning a national championship. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says coach Brian Kelly has tried to tap down on expectations after Kim Mulkey and Jay Johnson won national titles in their second year…
cut 15 (13) “….this year”

08.02.23
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7:30 LRN Newscast

If you’re caught dealing fentanyl in Louisiana, you could face up to life in prison. The stiffer penalties went into effect this week and the author of the legislation, Crowley Representative John Stefanski, believes it sends a strong message to drug dealers.
Cut 4 (11) “…fentanyl distribution.”
Individuals convicted of dealing fentanyl face at least seven years for a first offense, ten years for second offense and life in prison for a third offense. If you are caught with over 250 grams of fentanyl that could also lead to life in prison.

Another law that went into effect this week makes it illegal to create and distribute deep fakes. Lake Charles Senator Jeremy Stine says many of these visual deep fakes have children performing sexual acts…
cut 8 (10) “…..in Louisiana”

Bill Cassidy’s endorsement of Jeff Landry for Governor could help Louisiana’s senior U-S Senator score political points with the Republican Party. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeff Sadow says Cassidy has fallen out of favor with some Republicans and the state G-O-P strongly supports Landry…
Cut 10 (10) “…left behind”
The state GOP censured Cassidy after he voted to certify President Joe Biden’s electoral college victory and then the Baton Rouge Republican voted against former President Donald Trump in his impeachment trial.

The LSU football team reports for fall camp today with high expectations. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says the ceiling should be high, considering the playmakers LSU has on offense…
Cut 13 (12) “…in the country.”

08.02.23
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

It’s reporting day for the LSU football team. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says one of the biggest question marks is with the defensive secondary, which returns just two starters, Major Burns and Greg Brooks…
cut 14 (09) “…..in camp”
Linebacker Harold Perkins and defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo have been named to the watch list for the Bronko Naurski Trophy, which goes to the nation’s most outstanding defensive player.

The Saints have been in camp for a week, so how is the connection between new starting quarterback Derek Carr and wide receiver Michael Thomas? Thomas says everything is good so far…
cut 16 (14) “…job easier”
The Saints practice again today, but they’ve announced they’ll be spending less time outside because of the heat.

Sulphur tight end J-D LaFleur, who is the son of former LSU All-American tight end David LaFleur, has committed to LSU. He’s rated as a three-star prospect for the Class of 2025. The six-foot-six, 220 pounder also received interest from Florida and Texas A-and-M. His father was an All-SEC selection as a senior in 1996.

In college baseball, Calvary Baptist left hander Landon Fontenot has committed to Louisiana Tech. Fontenot was the state championship game MVP when the Cavaliers won the 2022 state title. Last season, he was 5-and-3 with a 1.15 ERA and had 78 strikeouts in 60 innings.

LSU men’s basketball will be in the Bahamas next week and is set to play three exhibition games. Coach Matt McMahon tells the Advocate that senior forward Mwani Wilkinson will be ready. Wilkinson had season-ending shoulder surgery in January.

The Southland Conference has released its conference basketball schedule. League games will be played on Saturday-Monday, instead of Thursday-Saturday.

08.02.23
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6:30 LRN Newscast

Drug dealers caught with fentanyl will now face stiffer penalties thanks to a new law that went into effect on August first. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

People in Ville Platte are mourning the death of Deputy Marshal Barry Giglio. He’s the law enforcement officer killed Monday night while serving a search warrant on a known drug house. Giglio is described as a good servant who was always willing to help out. One person inside the home was also fatally shot. State Police is investigating.

The big political news this week is Senator Bill Cassidy’s endorsement of Jeff Landry for governor. Cassidy irked many Conservatives a couple of years ago when he voted to certify President Biden’s electoral college victory and also voted against former President Donald Trump in his impeachment trial. LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeff Sadow says Cassidy is up for re-election in 2026 and knows he needs the state GOP on his side…
cut 11 (08) “….for re-election”

It’s reporting day for the LSU football team. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says one of the biggest question marks is with the defensive secondary, which returns just two starters, Major Burns and Greg Brooks…
cut 14 (09) “…..in camp”

08.01.23
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LRN AM Newscall August 2

Drug dealers caught with fentanyl will now face stiffer penalties thanks to a new law that went into effect on August first. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Legislation that prohibits the creation of explicit content using an individual’s likeness without their knowledge or approval went into effect on August 1st. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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US Senator Bill Cassidy’s endorsement of Jeff Landry for governor may help him get back in the good graces of the Republican Party. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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If you’re caught dealing fentanyl in Louisiana, you could face up to life in prison now. The stiffer penalties went into effect August 1st and bill author Crowley Representative John Stefanski believes it sends a strong message to drug dealers.

Cut 4 (11)  “…fentanyl distribution.”

Individuals with less than 28 grams of detectable fentanyl face five to 40 years in prison. More than 28 grams for a first offense, seven to 40 years. A second offense is 30 to 40 years.  Stefanski says for a third offense it’s life in prison without parole.

Cut 5 (10)   “…twenty-five years.”

The leading cause of death for 18 to 45-year-olds is fentanyl and Stefanski says to reduce the number of deaths it’s a two-prong approach. Rehabilitation for addicts and putting dealers behind bars. The new law hopes to put dealers out of business.

Cut 6 (10)  “…stop doing it.”

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A new law that makes it illegal to create and distribute deepfakes depicting someone engaging in pornographic acts without their consent, especially minors went into effect Tuesday. Senator Jeremy Stine says this type of material is used for revenge porn or fraud and causes harm to the victims involved…

Cut 7 (09) “…picture of.”

Louisiana has become one of the first states to pass legislation explicitly criminalizing the creation of deep fake child sexual abuse material. Violators will face stiff penalties. Stine says when a violation involves a child…

Cut 8 (10) “…in Louisiana.”

Stine says perpetrators could also be fined no less than ten thousand dollars. He says this is a safeguard against potential abuse of technology…

Cut 9 (09)  “…in Louisiana.”

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Bill Cassidy’s endorsement of Jeff Landry for Governor could help Louisiana’s senior U-S Senator score political points with the Republican Party. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeff Sadow says Cassidy has fallen out of favor with some Republicans and the state G-O-P party strongly supports Landry…

Cut 10 (10) “…left behind”

The state GOP censured Cassidy after he voted to certify President Joe Biden’s electoral college victory and then the Baton Rouge Republican voted against former President Donald Trump in his impeachment trial. Sadow says Cassidy is up for re-election in 2026 and knows he needs the state GOP on his side…

Cut 11 (08)  “…for re-election.”

Current Louisiana Republican Congressman Garret Graves, Mike Johnson, and Clay Higgins have been rumored as potential challengers to Cassidy in 2026. If Landry is elected as governor, Sadow says Cassidy does not want a Republican governor who may oppose his re-election efforts……

Cut 12 (12)   “…same team” 

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The LSU football team reports for fall camp today with high expectations after winning ten games and an SEC West title last year. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says the ceiling should be high, considering the playmakers LSU has on offense…

Cut 13 (12) “…in the country.” 

Horne also returns four starters on the offensive line and the defensive line should also be strong with the return of Maason Smith from injury. He says there are concerns about LSU’s defensive secondary, which returns just two starters, Major Burns and Greg Brooks…

Cut 14 (09)  “…in camp.” 

Many LSU fans believe the Tigers can be national title contenders and follow in the footsteps of Kim Mulkey and Jay Johnson, who won in their second year. Kelly has tried to tap down on expectations, but Horne says the players in the locker room plan on playing for a national championship…

Cut 15 (14)  “…this year.”

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The Saints are continuing training camp and all pro wide receiver Michael Thomas is looking to make his return after an injury last year sat him out for most of the season. Thomas will be catching passes from a new face this year, that being former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. Thomas says how he already impacted the offense after a short time with the team.

Cut 16 (14) “…his job easier.”

The Saints offense has made a flurry of roster moves in preparation for the new season including the acquisition of many new offensive players. Thomas says that he has confidence in the new-look group.

Cut 17  (11) tremendous group.” 

08.01.23
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8:30 LRN Newscast

A police officer and another person were killed last night in a shooting in Ville Platte. State Police say a third person was sent to a local hospital with critical injuries. Very few details are known. At this point we don’t know which law enforcement agency the deceased officer worked for.

Qualifying for the statewide elections is next week, but are voters paying attention? Teiko Foxx has more…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says State Farm auto insurance rates will rise on average 29-percent for policyholders. Donelon on what’s leading to the higher premiums…
cut 14 (11) “…problems”
Donelon says if the rate increase is too much, shop around to see if there’s another policy that fits your budget.

The Louisiana Lottery finishes the fiscal year with the highest revenue its history. Lottery spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says the lottery made over $653 million last fiscal year.
Cut 7 (10) “…year ever.”
Chopin credits record-setting Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots as the driving force behind increased revenues.

08.01.23
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7:30 LRN Newscast

Two people, including a law enforcement officer, were fatally shot last night in Ville Platte. A third person was also shot and taken to a local hospital with critical injuries. Details are scarce and it’s unknown what law enforcement agency the officer worked for.

If you’re a State Farm auto policyholder get ready for a rate increase. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Qualifying begins next week for the statewide elections. It’s the first time since 2015 we’ve had an open seat for governor and JMC Analytics and Polling pollster John Couvillon says typically a gubernatorial election will have a 45 to 50 percent turnout, but as it stands now, he expects a lower turnout than that…
cut 11 (10) “….major office”
The primary is October 14th.

Hopefully it will be cooler by then. This heat is rough on just about everyone, including cattle, who can not run inside like us humans. Doctor Pat Bagley, director of the Beef Cattle Research Center at Southern, says this type of heat slows down reproduction…
Cut 4 (09) “…this small.”
Bagley says cows also don’t eat as much when it’s this hot.

08.01.23
by

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints running back Alvin Kamara plans to meet with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell as he’s facing a suspension for his involvement in a fight outside of a Las Vegas nightclub in February 2022. Kamara reached a plea agreement and plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge. He faces a possible suspension from the NFL.

Saints offensive guard Andrus Peat injured his quadriceps at practice yesterday. Severity of the injury is not known.

The Saints have signed defensive end Kyle Phillips. Phillips spent the last three seasons with the Jets and recorded 2.5 sacks and 65 tackles in 29 games.

First round pick Bryan Bresee (Bruh-zee) met with the media for the first time since training camp started and the defensive tackle says he’s focusing on technique…
cut 18 (14) “….long way”

Nine Louisiana high schools, six from Rapides Parish and five from the Monroe area, have filed a lawsuit over the Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s current select-nonselect playoff system. These schools are upset the LHSAA moved several non-select schools to the select side. They believe Executive Director Eddie Bonine didn’t have the authority to do this. The LHSAA says the executive committee made this decision and schools had the opportunity to provide input.

Natchitoches Central three-star offensive lineman Joseph Cryer has decommitted from Ole Miss and is now an LSU verbal pledge. He’s ranked as the 33rd best prospect in Louisiana according to 24-7 sports.

Former Louisiana Tech head coach Skip Holtz will serve as a special assistant to Northwestern interim head coach David Braun. The Wildcats program has been rocked by a hazing scandal.

In the NBA, former LSU Tiger and Pelican Garrett Temple has signed with the Toronto Raptors. It will be Temple’s 12th team during his 14-year NBA career.