Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

02.18.26
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LRN PM Newscall Feb 18

One of the greatest athletes to ever play at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette has passed away. Jeff Palermo has more on the loss of Bo Lamar who has died at the age of 74….

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Lenten Season has arrived and seafood is in demand. Joe Gallinaro on how the supply looks…

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Carnival is over for 2026. As you may know, Carnival is a predominantly Catholic festival, and it was the first for the new Archbishop of New Orleans, James Checchio (CHECK-ee-oh). Coming to New Orleans from New Jersey, Archbishop Checchio says he was welcomed with open arms.

Cut 3 (08) “…last couple nights.”

Archbishop Checchio says he was impressed with all the traditions of Carnival in New Orleans.

Cut 4 (11) “…they value here.”

So with the end of Carnival comes the start of Lent, which is a 40-day period of fasting and abstinence in the Catholic church. Checchio says fasting doesn’t always have to refer to refraining from eating food.

Cut 5 (08) “…important things with.”

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A Rapides Parish woman is convicted in connection with a wildfire west of Glenmora nearly three years ago. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says Carrie Willis was negligent as she was burning household trash on her property.

Cut 6 (14) “…a pine plantation.”

Strain says the guilty verdict will cost Willis almost ten-thousand dollars as part of her sentence.

Cut 7 (13) “…those 27 acres.”

Strain says the incident came at a time when wildfires were rampant in Louisiana and neighboring states due to a historic drought.

Cut 8 (07) “…or from negligence.”

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The University of Louisiana at Lafayette athletics is mourning the death of former basketball standout Bo Lamar who died earlier this week in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio at the age of 74. Lamar starred for the Ragin Cajuns from 1969 to 1973 and was one of the best basketball players in the country. Kevin Foote covers U-L Lafayette athletics for the Advocate…

Cut 9 (07)  “…mid major programs.”

Lamar averaged 31 points a game during his career and over his final three seasons, the Cajuns were 74-13 and only UCLA had a higher winning percentage. Foote says Lamar was the catalyst for then-Southwestern Louisiana’s rise from an NAIA program to one of the top programs in the country at the Division One level…

Cut 10 (12) “…Top Ten teams.”

Lamar scored 3,493 points, which ranks third on the NCAA’s all-time scoring list. The former All-American guard played a few seasons in the ABA and also one season for the NBA Los Angeles Lakers. When his playing career ended, Lamar worked as a color analyst on Cajuns men’s basketball TV broadcasts and he was a high school coach in Lafayette before returning to Ohio.

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As Lent begins and Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays, Ash Wednesday, and Good Friday, demand for Louisiana fresh seafood increases.  Harlon Pearce of Harlan’s LA Fish in Kenner says there’s a lot of great seafood to choose from…

Cut 11 (11) “…as well.”

Pearce says the wild catfish caught in Louisiana is amazing…

Cut 12 (06) “…amazing.”

Pearce says crabs are expensive right now and there is shrimp available, but the supply of shrimp does not pick up until April and May. He says there is crawfish and prices will go down as we get closer to Easter…

Cut 13 (08) “…us too.”

02.18.26
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2:30 LRN Newscast

As Lent begins and Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays, Ash Wednesday, and Good Friday, demand for Louisiana fresh seafood increases.  Harlon Pearce of Harlan’s LA Fish in Kenner says there is a lot of great seafood to choose from…

Cut 11 (11) “…as well”

Pearce says the wild catfish caught in Louisiana is amazing right now and he says give it a couple of weeks and there will be plenty of crawfish.

Lent is a 40-day period of fasting and abstinence in the Catholic church. New Orleans Archbishop James Checchio CHECK-ee-oh says fasting doesn’t always have to refer to refraining from eating food.

Cut 5 (08) “…important things with.”

 

A Rapides Parish woman by the name of Carrie Willis is convicted in connection with a wildfire west of Glenmora nearly three years ago. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says the incident came at a time when wildfires were rampant in Louisiana due to a historic drought.

Cut 8 (07) “…or from negligence.”

The wildfire burned about 27 acres of a young pine plantation and Willis was sentenced to two years of probation and she will have to pay nine-thousand dollars in restitution.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette athletics is mourning the death of former basketball standout Bo Lamar who died earlier this week at the age of 74. Lamar averaged 31 points a game during his career. Kevin Foote of the Advocate says Lamar was the catalyst for then-Southwestern Louisiana’s rise from an NAIA program to one of the top Division One programs…

Cut 10 (12) “…Top Ten teams.”

02.18.26
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

The second ranked LSU baseball team wraps up a five game homestand this afternoon as the Tigers host Nicholls. It’s been a great start to the season for reliever Gavin Guidry. The former Barbe star has struck out a total of ten hitters in his first two appearances and has not allowed a run.

Guidry was one of LSU’s top arms out of the bullpen as a freshman during the 2023 national championship season. He also pitched well in 2024; but just before he was set to make his season debut in 2025, his back started hurting and he missed all of the 2025 season. The Lake Charles native is glad to be pitching again for the purple and gold.

Cut 18 (12)  “…again is amazing.”

 

In college baseball last night, the Ragin Cajuns blanked Rice three to nothing Northwestern State outslugged ULM 13 to 10. Also…20th ranked Southern Miss beat Southeastern Louisiana three to one, South Alabama downed Nicholls seven to five, Wiley College over Grambling 11 to 10 and top ranked UCLA beat Tulane 13 to 5.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette athletics is mourning the death of former basketball standout Bo Lamar who died earlier this week in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio at the age of 74. Lamar starred for the Ragin Cajuns from 1969 to 1973 and was one of the best basketball players in the country. Kevin Foote covers U-L Lafayette athletics for the Advocate…

Cut  9 (07) “…mid-major programs”

Lamar averaged 31 points a game during his career and over his final three seasons, the Cajuns were 74-13 and only UCLA had a higher winning percentage.

Another spirited effort by the LSU men’s basketball team last night, but it still resulted in another loss for Coach Matt McMahon’s team. The Tigers trailed by 15 points at halftime to Texas, and cut the lead down to three points, but no closer and lost to the Longhorns 88 to 85. Max Mackinnon had 27 points in a losing effort. The Tigers are now 2-11 in the SEC.

02.18.26
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

Another spirited effort by the LSU men’s basketball team last night, but it still resulted in another loss for Coach Matt McMahon’s team. The Tigers trailed by 15 points at halftime to Texas, and cut the lead down to three points, but no closer and lost to the Longhorns 88 to 85. Max Mackinnon had 27 points in a losing effort. The Tigers are now 2-11 in the SEC.

In college baseball last night, the Ragin Cajuns blanked Rice three to nothing as Sawyer Pruitt pitched four shutout innings for his first win. Northwestern State outslugged ULM 13 to 10. The Demons scored six runs in the eighth inning to improve to 4-and-0 on the season.

Also…20th ranked Southern Miss beat Southeastern Louisiana three to one, South Alabama downed Nicholls seven to five, Wiley College over Grambling 11 to 10 and top ranked UCLA beat Tulane 13 to 5.

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After missing last season with a back injury, LSU right-handed pitcher Gavin Guidry has looked great in his two relief appearances. The former Barbe standout has allowed just one hit in four and a third innings and has struck out ten. Guidry admits he had doubts about whether he would pitch again after having back surgery last April.

Cut 16 (14) “…I put in.” 

LSU hosts Nicholls today at 1 PM.

In other action today…Louisiana Tech looks to improve to 5-and-0 as the Bulldogs host the McNeese Cowboys. Southern and UNO meet in Baton Rouge.

In college hoops…ULM hosts Troy. The Trojans are 9-5 in the Sun Belt, while the Warhawks are 1- 13. Louisiana Tech hosts Jacksonville State. Jax State beat the Bulldogs twice last season. Tip off is at 6:30/

02.17.26
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

It is an understatement to say LSU right fielder Jake Brown is swinging the bat well. His bat is red hot as he hit two more home runs in Monday night’s in ten to seven win over Kent State.  Brown has hit four home runs over the last two games. Gavin Guidry looked good again and earned the save as he threw 2.1 innings of scoreless baseball. Guidry, who missed last season with a back injury, says he is ready to pitch whenever Coach Jay Johnson calls on him…

Cut 17 (21)  “…need to do.”

LSU concludes its five game homestand by hosting Nicholls at 1 PM tomorrow.

The Colonels are in action tonight as they host South Alabama. Southeastern Louisiana takes on 20th ranked Southern Miss in Hammond. The Cajuns are in Houston to take on Rice and Tulane visits top ranked UCLA.

 

Starting this fall, all of LSU’s athletics uniforms will don a patch containing the logo of Woodside Energy. The Australian-based energy company was given the option to have its logo only on football uniforms, but executive vice president Daniel Kalms says they decided to support all 21 sports on LSU’s campus.

Cut 7 (10) “…female athletes.”

While Woodside Energy’s logo is red, the logo patch will match LSU’s traditional purple and gold.

Tonight the LSU men’s basketball team faces Texas at 8 PM. Senior shooting guard Max Mackinnon is expected to return after missing last Saturday’s loss to Tennessee with a knee injury.

Last night, the Ragin Cajuns gave up 49 points in the second half and lost to Old Dominion 83 to 72. McNeese beat Northwestern State 75 to 64 as Tyshawn Archie had 24 points. Nicholls lost to Houston Christian by four.

02.17.26
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3:30 LRN Newscast

Global energy company Woodside Energy, which is building a massive 17-billion-dollar L-N-G plant in Calcasieu Parish has signed an agreement with LSU to have its logo on all of the Tiger uniforms. Woodside Energy’s logo is red, but Executive vice president Daniel Kalms says the logo patch will match the LSU’s traditional purple and gold colors…

Cut 8 (06) “…decision for us.”

Woodside Energy has been operating in Louisiana for nearly two decades.

Starting tomorrow, SNAP recipients will no longer be able to use their benefit cards to purchase soft drinks, energy drinks and candy. Louisiana Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein says the state received a waiver from the feds that prevents SNAP recipients from using government assistance to purchase these items….

Cut 17 (11) “…candy bars.”

Greenstein hopes this change will result in SNAP recipients purchasing healthier foods.

 

While the world normally associates Mardi Gras with New Orleans, there’s another community in Louisiana where the celebration is world renowned. Cajun Mardi Gras in Eunice is a tribute to the Acadian people who settled in Southwest Louisiana, providing the foundation of the culture that defines the region. Eunice Mayor Scott Fontenot says the Courir de Mardi Gras and Chicken Run has been a staple…

Cut 3 (05) “…in downtown Eunice”

During a courir, riders go from house to house begging for donations to add in a community-wide gumbo.

A Baton Rouge businessman is looking to form a public-private partnership to buy Spirit Airlines and move its headquarters to New Orleans. John Miller says the purchase of Spirit is the first step in making Louis Armstrong International Airport a hub airport and making New Orleans a hub can further transform Spirit by opening it up to international destinations.

Cut 19 (12) “…international markets overseas.”

Both Frontier and JetBlue attempted to buy the Airline but Spirit’s shareholders rejected Frontier’s offer in 2022, and a judge blocked JetBlue’s 3.6-billion-dollar offer in 2024.

02.17.26
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2:30 LRN Newscast

New Orleans Police have charged actor Shia LaBeuof with two counts of simple battery for punching two people in the French Quarter as Mardi Gras celebrations were taking place during the overnight hours. LaBeouf has been in some big movies, including “Transformers” and “Holes.”

While New Orleans may be home to the most famous Mardi Gras celebration in the world, there’s another world renowned celebration taking place in Eunice. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

 

Many are saddened over the death of Reverend Jesse Jackson. The civil rights icon has passed away at the age of 84.  President Trump calls Jackson a good man who truly loved people. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says as we honor his legacy, may we recommit ourselves to the work he began and carried forward with faith and courage….

Cut 11 (14) “…of his time”

On Valentine’s Day, Leland and Gussie Lacaze (luh-KAH-zuh) of Robeline were honored as this year’s longest known married couple. For 79 years, the Natchitoches Parish couple has been husband and wife. Louisiana Family forum president Gene Mills says the couple met in 1945.

Cut 21 (13) “…they got married.”

Mills says the Lacaze’s are still in great health.

02.17.26
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LRN PM Newscall February 17

While New Orleans may be home to the most famous Mardi Gras celebration in the world, there’s another world renowned celebration taking place in Eunice. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Woodside Energy, which is building a massive LNG export terminal Calcasieu Parish, will have its logo on all of LSU’s uniforms starting next athletic season. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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While the world normally associates Mardi Gras with New Orleans, there’s another community in Louisiana where the celebration is world renowned. Cajun Mardi Gras in Eunice is a tribute to the Acadian people who settled in Southwest Louisiana, providing the foundation of the culture that defines the region. Eunice Mayor Scott Fontenot says it’s been a staple in the city for more than 100 years. 

Cut 3 (05) “…in downtown Eunice”

The signature event of Cajun Mardi Gras is the run, which is actually a parade in which participants wearing traditional Cajun attire go through rural areas on horseback, collecting ingredients for a traditional gumbo that they’ll make at the end. Mayor Fontenot says it attracts people from everywhere.

Cut 4 (11) “…from all over.”

Mayor Fontenot says Cajun Mardi Gras is a one-of-a-kind celebration.

Cut 5 (07) “…can’t duplicate this.”

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Australian-based energy company Woodside Energy’s logo will be on all LSU uniforms starting next athletic year as a part of a multi-year, multi-million-dollar deal. Woodside executive vice president Daniel Kalms says this historic initiative goes beyond the playing field….

Cut 6 (10) “…beyond that.”

Woodside Energy was given the option to have its logo only on football uniforms, but they decided to support all 21 sports on LSU’s campus…

Cut 7 (10) “…female athletes.”

Woodside Energy’s logo is red, but Kalms says the logo patch will match the LSU’s traditional purple and gold colors…

Cut 8 (06) “…decision for us.”

Woodside Energy has been operating in Louisiana for nearly two decades focused on offshore oil and gas. But last year they made the final investment decision to build a 17 billion dollar LNG plant in Calcasieu Parish.

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New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter is among those remembering civil rights icon Jesse Jackson, who died today at the age of 84. Carter says Jackson was an influential part of his life, including at the outset of his professional career.

Cut 9 (12)  “…nurture it.”

Carter says that connection has endured ever since, including after he was elected to Congress.

Cut 10 (09) “…his son, Jonathan.”

Carter says Jackson’s message resonates today, with history on the brink of repeating itself.

Cut 11 (14) “…of his time.”

02.17.26
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU’s Jake Brown hit two more home runs last night as the top ranked Tigers baseball team outscored Kent State 10 to seven. That’s now four home runs over the last two games for the junior right fielder. Coach Jay Johnson says Brown is poised to have a big year…

Cut 21 (16) “…changes our team”

Mason Braun and Zach Yorke also homered last night for the 4-and-0 Tigers, who will host Nicholls tomorrow afternoon at 1 PM

The Colonels are in action tonight as they host South Alabama. Southeastern Louisiana takes on 20th ranked Southern Miss in Hammond tonight. The Lions are searching for their first win after getting swept by Kent State. The Cajuns are in Houston to take on Rice and Tulane will look to upset top ranked UCLA.

 

Global energy company Woodside Energy, which is building a massive 17 billion dollar L-N-G plant in Calcasieu Parish has signed an agreement with LSU to have its logo on all of the Tiger uniforms. Woodside Energy’s logo is red, but Executive vice president Daniel Kalms says the logo patch will match the LSU’s traditional purple and gold colors…

Cut 8 (06) “…decision for us.”

Woodside Energy has been operating in Louisiana for nearly two decades.

Legendary high school football coach Jerry Arledge died this past weekend at the age of 83. Arledge served as West Monroe’s defensive coordinator from 1992 to 2012 and helped the Rebels’ win eight state championships. KNOE-TV Sports Director Aaron Dietrich says his defenses were elite.

Cut 13 (11)  “…period of time.”

02.17.26
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10:30 LRN Newscast

A Baton Rouge businessman is seeking to form a public-private partnership to buy a financially troubled airline. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Center Square is reporting that 81 people arrested in 2024 and 2025 and accused of murder in Caddo Parish, had prior arrest records.  Shreveport police chief Wayne Smith says the criminal justice system is not effective in rehabilitating or changing the behavior of first offenders.

 

It’s just Tuesday for most of the country today; but here, it is Fat Tuesday, filled with Mardi Gras parades across south Louisiana. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is riding in the Krewe of Bogue Falaya (Bow-guh fuh lie yah) in Covington with six travel writers.

Cut 10 (06) “…on a float.”

On Valentine’s Day, Leland and Gussie Lacaze (luh-KAH-zuh) were honored as this year’s longest known married couple in the state. Louisiana Family forum president Gene Mills says the couple receives recognition from the governor, cakes, and gifts. They will also receive a wish from Mr. Lacaze’s bucket list, a trip to the World War Two Museum in New Orleans.

Cut 9 (09)  “…them down there.”

The Natchitoches Parish couple has been married for 79 years.