Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

01.08.23
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LRN AM Newscall January 9

We are expecting to learn more tonight about a rumored Buc-ees coming to Ruston, Whitney Thomas reports on the potential of the famous mega-convenience store being built on I-20.

Cut 1 (31)  “…Whitney Thomas.”

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Experts predict Louisiana’s oil & gas industry will shrink OR move toward clean, green energy. But what does the industry say? Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans is working around the clock to meet the demand for King Cakes. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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After a year of rumors, there could potentially be a Buc-ee’s coming to Ruston based on an agenda item that will be discussed at tonight’s city council meeting. Malcolm Butler with the Lincoln Parish Journal says council members are expected to discuss an agreement with CSMS Management.

Cut 4 (12)  “…started Buck-ees.”

Butler says they reached out to Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker to ask about the speculations but he declined to comment. He says if the rumors are confirmed tonight that the potential location for the Buck-ees will be perfect.

Cut 5 (08) “…of land.”

This would be the first Buc-ee’s in Louisiana. Butler says it would be great for the local economy.

Cut 6 (07)  “…our parish.” 

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Dr. David Guzick, a National Academy of Medicine-recognized physician, will begin his new job as Chancellor for LSU Health Shreveport today. Guzick says he has a promising vision for the center.

Cut 7 (13) “…the region.”

Guzick’s most recent position was at the University of Florida, where he served as senior vice president of health affairs and president of UF health for nine years. He was able to integrate the hospital system with health science faculty, which led to tremendous growth. Guzick says he is more than prepared to be Chancellor.

Cut 8 (13)  “…in Shreveport.”

Guzick was awarded best physician for women and is a recipient of the Roy M. Pitkin Award. He says the Chancellor position is a way of expanding his career.

Cut 9 (07)  “…great things.”

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Experts say the Louisiana oil & gas industry is expected to shrink over the next year OR attempt a shift to clean, sustainable fuels. LSU energy sector economist David Dismukes says a number of companies will seek incentives via the Biden Administration’s Infrastructure Investments Act to invest in energy projects like wind, clean hydrogen fuel and carbon capture. Louisiana Oil & Gas Association President Mike Moncla says he agrees…but not as many companies as one may think…:

Cut 10 (11) “…get into green.”

In a “Louisiana Illuminator ” article, Dismukes said, “Clean hydrogen initiatives will be something else that will take off and probably be pretty big.” Moncla says LOGA is all for alternate fuels used alongside traditional energy but feels that prediction is “wishful thinking”…:

Cut 11 (12)  “…into that arena.”

Moncla says there are well over 800 companies currently drilling in Louisiana, and he doesn’t see too many of them having interest in, nor the budget for, exploring green energy…:

Cut 12 (10) “…in south Louisiana.”

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It’s now socially acceptable to devour a King Cake and among the most popular is from Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans. Third-generation baker David Haydel says on average they braid anywhere from 60,000 to 75,000 cakes a year. And it’s not just folks in the Bayou State who enjoy a Haydel King Cake.

Cut 13 (09) “…since then.”

They also ship internationally and Haydel says they’ve sent the beloved pastry to places like Egypt, Ireland, and Australia.

And while most bakeries place the plastic baby on the outside of a King Cake, Haydel’s does it the old fashion way.

Cut 14 (12)  “…can find it.”

Haydel says they begin prepping for King Cake season in early November and bring in truckloads of ingredients. The average day at Haydel’s this time of year begins at 12:30 in the morning for bakers, they close shop at 5:00 in the evening, a cleaning crew comes in, and then it starts all over again. And even with all that preparation on King’s Day, they sold out.

Cut 15 (09)  “…a lot of fun.”

And every Haydel King Cake includes a porcelain collectible.

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A disappointing Saints season ended with a frustrating 10-7 loss to Carolina in the Superdome. New Orleans scored its lone touchdown on the opening drive, while the Panthers kicked a game-winning field goal on the final play of the game. Saints defensive end Cam Jordan says the game was a microcosm of the season…

Cut  16 (16)  “…losing” 

There were high hopes going into the season, but the Saints started the season two and five and could never really recover. It’s the second straight year Jordan and the Saints missed the playoffs…

 Cut 17 (11) “…with a vengance.” 

Once again the Saints have a bunch of unrestricted free agents going into the offseason. Coach Dennis Allen could not predict on how much of a roster turnover we will see…

Cut 18 (13) “…week or two” 

Saints safety Tyann Mathieu hopes this season could serve as a lesson that will result in more victories next year…

 Cut 19 (18) “…believe in that”

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The 7th-ranked LSU women’s basketball team defeated Kentucky 67-48 to improve to 16-0 yesterday, the best start in program history. Coach Kim Mulkey’s team led 31-17 at halftime to cruise to their fourth SEC win of the year…

Cut 20 (20)  “..start a game” 

01.07.23
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7:30 LRN Sportscast

Playing without the injured Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans could not defeat one of the more talented teams in the NBA as New Orleans fell to the Brooklyn Nets 108-102 in front of a sold out crowd at the Smoothie King Center. Coach Willie Green liked the fight he saw from his team…
cut 16 (11) “…down the stretch”
C-J McCollum had 28 points to lead New Orleans and Naji (Nah-G) Marshall had a career high 23 points and nine rebounds. The Nets got 33 points from Kevin Durant. The Pels begin a five-game road trip tonight in Dallas.

LSU is in Bryan-College Station today to take on Texas A-and-M. The Tigers have won ten straight over the Aggies. LSU is 1-1 in SEC play, A-and-M is 1-0. Tip time is 5 PM.
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LSU offensive lineman Anthony Bradford has declared for the NFL draft. The former four-star recruit out of Michigan started the final games of this season. He’s six-foot-five, 345 pounds. Despite Bradford’s departure, LSU is still expected to return a majority of its starting offensive line next season.

The Saints will look to close out the regular season on a four-game winning streak when they host Carolina tomorrow. Offensive guard Andrus Peat and Paulson Adebo (Uh-dee-bo) have been ruled out because of injuries. Kick-off is at noon.

Back to college basketball, here are some other games on the schedule today…ULM, who is 3-and-0 in the Sun Belt, hosts Southern Miss, the Cajuns take on Georgia State, La Tech hosts UTEP and Nicholls is at Northwestern State.

LSU baseball is ranked number one in the Perfect Game preseason poll and Dylan Crews has been named Preseason player of the year

01.06.23
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

Big game at the Smoothie King Center tonight as the Pelicans host the Nets. New Orleans is in third place in the Western Conference with a 24-14 record, while Brooklyn is 25-13 and in third place in the Eastern Conference. The Pels have been outstanding at home this season with a record of 17-and-4. Tip off is at 6:30.

Tomorrow, the LSU men’s basketball team takes on Texas A-and-M in College Station. The Aggies are 9-and-5, 1-0 in SEc play and led by Wade Taylor and Tyrece Radford. Coach Matt McMahon on A-and-M…
cut 29 (24) “…guards”
Tip-off is at 5 PM.

Also on Saturday, ULM hosts Southern Miss, the Cajuns take on Georgia State, La Tech hosts UTEP and Nicholls is at Northwestern State.

The NFL has determined that Monday’s suspended game between Cincinnati and Buffalo will not be resumed, so the game has been canceled Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow says neither team was in the right mental state to finish the game after watching medical staff perform CPR on Bills safety Damar Hamlin…
Cut 16 (19) “…emotional night.”
More good news about Hamlin’s recovery. He FaceTimed with teammates today and told them he loves them.

Jess Curtis is leaving the Many Tigers, where he won three state championships for the head coaching job at Natchitoches Central…
cut 20 (20) “….appealing to me”
The Chiefs were three and seven last year.

01.06.23
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LRN PM Newscall January 6

Medical experts say CPR most likely saved Damar Hamlin’s life moments after he collapsed on the field Monday. Brooke Thorington has more on how you can be trained to perform this life-saving procedure.

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with payroll fraud after attending only one meeting in 2022. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin continues to show remarkable improvement after collapsing on the field Monday and medical experts say CPR most likely saved his life. Executive Director of Louisiana Capital Area West Red Cross Ed Bush says it was actually a trainer who administered Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation on Hamlin,

Cut 3 (06) “…gentleman alive.” 

The situation proved just how important it is that individuals are properly trained in the procedure because at any time you could encounter someone in need. Bush says since the early 1900s the Red Cross has been the leading expert on CPR instruction…

Cut 4 (09)  “…super easy.” 

Bush says you can find a listing of CPR classes by visiting RedCross.org/CPR.  And while it’s a skill you hope you never have to use; Bush says hopefully awareness of just how important it is will prompt more individuals to get trained.

Cut 5 (12) “…uptick in classes”

Bush says basic training for CPR averages a few hours versus certification classes that are more in-depth.

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Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with public payroll fraud for only attending one of the 12 meetings the board held last year. 20th Judicial District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla says Spears has committed a crime…

Cut 6 (07)  “…with it” 

Based on the charge, Spears could face a fine of up to one-thousand and up to two years in prison. D’Aquilla says Spears was compensated for the eleven meetings he missed…

Cut 7 (07)  “…that’s a crime”

D’Aquilla says they had a similar incident with former school board member Edward Brooks, who missed numerous meetings from 2016 to 2020 and it was pled down to a misdemeanor theft charge after he reimbursed the school system.

Spears attorney says Spears could not attend the meetings because he works at a chemical plant in Ascension Parish. But D’Aquilla says if a job gets in the way of holding public office, then you have to make a decision..

Cut 8 (08)  “..needs to resign” 

Spears term ended in December. He did not seek re-election after serving two terms. His case is set to go to trial in June.

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Louisiana is letting the good times roll by kicking off Carnival season with King’s Day. Publisher of New Orleans’ “Mardi Gras Guide”, Arthur Hardy says the celebration is just getting started.

Cut 9 (09) “…in New Orleans” 

King cake is eaten on January 6th in honor of the Epiphany, which historically marks the arrival of the three wise kings in Bethlehem who delivered gifts to the baby Jesus. Hardy says this tradition holds something special and memorable.

Cut 10 (09) “…for everybody” 

Typically, King cake is made with a rich, brioche dough and a wide array of fillings, such as cinnamon, chocolate, and cream cheese. Each cake is topped with the traditional green, gold, and purple sprinkles. Hardy says there is no right or wrong way to enjoy King cake.

Cut 11 (12)  “…fun desert.”

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As of today, Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry is the only major declared candidate for Louisiana Governor in 2023. A few candidates have decided NOT to run, and a handful of fellow GOP members are thinking about it. Landry Campaign spokesman Brent Littlefield says fundraising is running full-speed ahead; anticipating a large field of fellow candidates…:

Cut 12 (07) “…get our message out.”

Senator Bill Cassidy announced he’s a “no” weeks ago. Senator John Kennedy said he’s not running this week. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser will announce HIS decision next Tuesday. Also reportedly mulling it over: Congressman Garret Graves, Treasurer John Schroder, and state lawmakers Sharon Hewitt and Richard Nelson. Littlefield say the Landry Campaign has a good head start on challengers…:

Cut 13 (o9) “…in our Leadership PAC.” 

Perhaps the biggest gun in Landry’s arsenal: the endorsement of the state Republican Party and the support that comes with that…:

Cut 14 (11)   “…named Jeff Landry.”

01.06.23
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

It was a good night for most Louisiana college basketball teams last night, Louisiana Tech defeated Rice on its home floor as they knocked off the Owls 88-82 overtime. ULM improved to 3-0 in the Sun Belt with a 66-58 win over Georgia State. The Ragin Cajuns won their first Sun Belt game as they defeated Southern Miss 75-61. McNeese knocked off Northwestern State 92-77. and Nicholls beat Texas A-and-M Commerce 66-63.

Many Saints and Pelicans fans have been frustrated after attending recent games and finding their vehicles broken into. NOPD Interim Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says they will increase patrols during events at the two venues.
Cut 14 (13) “…Smoothie King Center”
The Pels host the Nets tonight and the Saints play Sunday in the Dome against the Panthers.

Natchitoches Central High School is set to introduce Jess Curtis as its new Head Football Coach coach today. Curtis led the Many Tigers to an undefeated state championship this season and has three state championships and three runner-up finishes in the last nine years. Curtis is a Many native and played for the Tigers’ 1988 state finalist team. He says it was hard to leave his alma mater and the success they’ve had, but was impressed by Natchitoches Central…
Cut 19 (20) “…at Natchitoches Central”
Curtis takes over a program that went three and seven last season and looking to build an on-campus stadium instead of playing its games at Northwestern State’s Turpin Stadium.

01.06.23
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11:30 LRN Newscast

Fans attending Pelicans and Saints games in recent weeks are returning to their vehicles to find their windows busted and items stolen. A spokesperson for the two teams say they are on radar of the NFL and NBA because of the rampant car burglaries. New Orleans Police Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says they plan to put a stop to it…
cut 15 (08) “…delete it”
The Pelicans host the Nets at the Blender tonight.

Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with public payroll fraud for only attending one of the 12 meetings the board held last year. 20th Judicial District Attorney Sam D’Aquilla says Spears has committed a crime…
Cut 6 (07) “…with it”
Spears attorney says his client was at work when the meetings were held.

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin continues to show remarkable improvement after collapsing on the field Monday and medical experts say CPR most likely saved his life. Executive Director of Louisiana Capital West Red Cross Ed Bush says it was actually a trainer who administered Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation on Hamlin,
Cut 3 (06) “…gentleman alive.”
Bush says since the early 1900s the Red Cross has been the leading expert on CPR instruction.

Dry January is an opportunity for individuals to give up alcohol for a month and see how it affects their mental and physical health. Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Dr. Jennifer Creedon says many realize they’ve been drinking more than they thought.
Cut 10 (11) “…maybe thought.”
Food Network star Valerie Bertinelli announced she’s doing Dry January.

01.06.23
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8:30 LRN Newscast

The U-S House Convenes again today and a for fourth straight day they will try to elect a new Speaker of the House. GOP leader Kevin McCarthy is facing opposition from members of the conservative Freedom Caucus. Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise could be an alternative choice, but ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says McCarthy and Scalise are political allies and friends…
cut 9 (10) “….of Representative McCarthy”

Fans attending Pelicans and Saints games in recent weeks are returning to their vehicles to find their windows busted and items stolen. A spokesperson for the two teams say they are on radar of the NFL and NBA because of the rampant car burglaries. New Orleans Police Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says they plan to put a stop to it…
cut 15 (08) “…delete it”
The Pelicans host the Nets at the Blender tonight.

Several Republican names have been mentioned for the 2023 governor’s race but who are the possible Democrats running?
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Former East Feliciana School Board member Derald Spears has been charged with public payroll fraud for only attending one of the 12 meetings the board held last year. Spears attorney says Spears could not attend the meetings because he works at a chemical plant in Ascension Parish. If convicted, Spears could face a fine of up to one-thousand dollars and up to two years in prison.

01.06.23
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7:30 LRN Newscast

After eleven rounds of voting, the U-S House still does not have a Speaker of the House. Members of the conservative Freedom Caucus continue to oppose GOP leader Kevin McCarthy. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says it IS possible House members would nominate Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise as an alternative to McCarthy. He feels, if that happens, Scalise is a shoo-in…:
Cut 8 (11) “…the votes necessary.”

The Pelicans are 17-and-4 at home this season, but many fans are returning to their vehicles to find windows busted out and their belongings stolen. Saints and Pelicans spokesperson Greg Bensel says they are concerned about the break-ins and need to see action. Interim NOPD Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says they will have more officers patrolling the parking lots around the Dome and Smoothie King Center
Cut 13 (08) “…won’t happen again.”

You may have heard the phrase “Dry January” being discussed. Brooke Thorington has more on what it is and benefits.
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso says they arrested a man who wanted to be arrested so he could go back to jail to have a place to sleep and eat. Deputies say 39-year-old Kenneth Hunt of Lake Charles broke the glass on the front door of the correctional center. He allegedly committed the property damage five hours after he was released from jail after he was booked on November 1st on other charges.

01.06.23
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

Big win for the Louisiana Tech men’s basketball team on the road last night as the Bulldogs defeated Rice 88-82 in overtime. The Owls tied the game at the end of regulation with a 45-foot three-point shot. But Tech bounced back and scored 19 points in O-T. It was a team win for the Bulldogs, as Cobe Williams, Kenny Hunter and Keaston Willis each had 18 points.

ULM is now 3-0 in the Sun Belt. Tyreke Locure had a career-high 25 points as the Warhawks held off Georgia State for a 66-58 win. It’s the first time ULM started Sun Belt play with three straight victories since the 2006-07 season.

The Ragin Cajuns won their first Sun Belt game of the season as they defeated Southern Miss 75-61. Kentrell Garnett scored a career high 20 points and hit six-three pointers.

Nicholls and McNeese are now 2-0 in Southland play as the Colonels defeated Texas A-and-M Commerce 66-63 and McNeese outlasted Northwestern State 92-77.

The Saints will close out the regular season on Sunday by hosting the Carolina Panthers. Since shutting out Las Vegas on October 30th, New Orleans has played some great defense, allowing just 15 points and 176 passing yards.

Joe Burrow and the Bengals are preparing for a matchup against division rival Baltimore as they are fighting for the one seed in the A-F-C. It’s Cincinnati’s first game since Monday’s canceled game when Damar Hamlin collapsed. Burrow says opinions in the locker room are still split on those who ready to play Sunday…
cut 18 (17) “….dealing with it”
Hamlin’s doctors say he’s still critically ill but he’s made substantial improvement and is able communicate through writing.

01.06.23
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6:30 LRN Newscast

With Senator John Kennedy out of the governor’s race, it’s expected those who are running will make their intentions known by the end of the month. We’ve heard of several Republicans considering the office, but is there a clear frontrunner for Democrats? LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says one possibility is a current cabinet member of Governor John Bel Edwards.
Cut 4 (06) “…the governor.”
In addition to Wilson, Alford says current state Democratic Party chair Katie Bernhardt has also been mentioned as a potential candidate.

Food Network star Valerie Bertinelli announced she’s doing Dry January. It’s where people give up alcohol for the first month of the year. Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Doctor Jennifer Creedon says among the benefits are improved sleep, weight loss, thinking more clearly, and fewer negative thoughts. Creedon says alcohol is also a depressant.
Cut 11 (05) “…on mood.”

The U.S. House will try again today to elect a House Speaker, but could Metairie Congressman Steve Scalise be a possible alternate candidate to lead the House? More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”