by Jeff Palermo

LRN PM Newscall November 26

A national college football reporter is reporting it’s looking more likely that Lane Kiffin ends up at LSU. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The holiday season is here, and that means turkey, mistletoe – and the flu. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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College football writer Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports says the signs are pointing toward Lane Kiffin leaving Ole Miss and heading to LSU. But Dellenger says there are no guarantees Kiffin will be the next head coach at LSU…

Cut 3 (10) “…Lane Kiffin.”

Dellenger reports Florida officials have started to pursue other candidates and Ole Miss administrators have begun to reach out to potential replacement coaches.

Kiffin has been at Ole Miss for six seasons, winning 10 or more games in four of those seasons. This year, he has the Rebels on the cusp of making the College Football playoffs. Dellenger says he spoke with Kiffin two weeks ago and Kiffin said he loves it in Oxford, but it’s also believed he wants to coach for a Blue Blood…

Cut 4 (10) “…that was torn.”

Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter said last week a decision on Kiffin’s coaching future will be announced on Saturday. Dellenger says if Kiffin does not sign a contract extension with the Rebels, he’ll likely be suspended or placed on leave, which will result in Kiffin leaving Oxford…

Cut 5 (05) “…for him.”

Kiffin’s record at Ole Miss is 54-and-19.

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With Thanksgiving being one of the worst times of the year for serious crashes, State Police remind you to make an extra effort to drive safely. You hear it time and time again – don’t drive distracted. Trooper Ryan Davis says not only does that mean putting down your cell phone and removing your focus from your infotainment system, but that also includes making sure your kids are on their best behavior.

Cut 6 (14) “…duty of driving.”

It should be common knowledge by now that speed kills. But Davis also reminds you that the roads are not to be treated as NASCAR racetracks – do not follow the vehicle in front of you too closely!

Cut 7 (10) “…stop in time.”

And as always, never take the wheel after you’ve had too much to drink. Davis says if you plan on having a good time – perhaps TOO good of a time – have a plan beforehand.

Cut 8 (08) “…a great option.”

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With the holidays upon us, that means flu activity is ramping up. Dr. Julio Figueroa with LSU Health New Orleans says Louisiana has some of the highest prevalence of flu in the country right now.

Cut 9 (10) “…our surrounding states.”

Dr. Figueroa says if you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms, the very best thing you can do is to stay home and to stay away from people who are susceptible to illness.

Cut 10 (10) “…individuals as well.”

Figueroa says your very best defense against the flu is to get vaccinated – and it’s not too late to get your flu shot.

Cut 11 (10) “…January and February.”

Figueroa points out that this year’s H-3 strain of the virus has a slightly different variant than what’s in the vaccine, although the extent of the mismatch is unclear at this time. The vaccine, however, will protect against all other strains currently circulating.

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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. taps Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham to be the new principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s the number-two job at the agency. Mark Ballard, the Washington, DC, correspondent for The Advocate, says the move solidifies the CDC’s newly-found skepticism on vaccines.

Cut 12 (09) “…and his thoughts.”

During his time as the state’s first surgeon general, Abraham worked to end the promotion of vaccination clinics in the state. Ballard says Abraham will use his new role to take that mission national.

Cut 13 (12) “…a national level.”

During his confirmation hearing, Kennedy assured Senator Bill Cassidy that he would not push any conspiracies on connections between vaccines and autism. This month, the CDC’s website was altered to say that the notion that vaccines do not cause autism is not based on evidence, despite scores of clinical studies proving otherwise.

11.26.25

by Jeff Palermo

2:30 LRN Newscast

Cut 12 (09) “…and his thoughts.”

During his time as the state’s first surgeon general, Abraham worked to end the promotion of vaccination clinics in the state.

The search continues today for an instructor and her student who were conducting a training flight on Monday night when their Cessna aircraft crashed into Lake Pontchartrain. The owner of Apollo Flight School, Michael Crasto, says he’s never had an incident like this in his 46 years of being a flight instructor and pilot…

Cut 27 (07) “…well liked”

The United Cajun Navy says heavy winds and waves are hindering search efforts.

The Lane Kiffin saga will be a big topic around the Thanksgiving dinner table. Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports said on Tiger Rag Radio it’s looking like Kiffin will leave Ole Miss for LSU. Ole Miss A-D Keith Carter said a decision on Kiffin’s coaching future will be announced Saturday. Dellenger says if Kiffin does not sign a contract extension with the Rebels, he’ll likely be suspended or placed on leave, which will result in Kiffin leaving Oxford…

Cut 5 (05) “…for him.”

Tiger Rag is reporting that Kiffin and LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson have been talking recruiting regularly in recent days.

State Police is urging drivers to avoid distractions when on the roads for this Thanksgiving weekend. That means putting down the cell phone while behind the wheel and Trooper Ryan Davis says it’s also important children in the vehicle are on their best behavior…

Cut 6 (14) “….of driving”

11.26.25

by Jeff Palermo

12:30 LRN Newscast

Cut 12 (09) “…and his thoughts.”

During his time as the state’s first surgeon general, Abraham worked to end the promotion of vaccination clinics in the state.

The state’s highways will be packed this afternoon with motorists trying to get to their Thanksgiving destination. State Police Trooper Ryan Davis warns against tailgating…

Cut 7 (10)….so close”

Davis says every passenger in the vehicle needs to be buckled up as we are in the middle of click it or ticket campaign.

The holiday season is here, and that means turkey, mistletoe – and the flu. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

11.26.25

by Jeff Palermo

11:30 LRN Newscast

After a 14-year-old Livingston Parish girl is charged with killing her newborn baby, Louisiana Right to Life wants to remind you of the state’s Safe Haven Law. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana Surgeon General and former Congressman Ralph Abraham has been named second in command at the CDC. Abraham has many of the same beliefs as U-S Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy when it comes to vaccines. Abraham is not a proponent of COVID and flu vaccines for instance.

Cut 3 (10) “…Lane Kiffin.”

Dellenger reports Florida officials have started to pursue other candidates and Ole Miss administrators have begun to reach out to potential replacement coaches.

With the holidays upon us, that means flu activity is ramping up. Dr. Julio Figueroa with LSU Health New Orleans says Louisiana has some of the highest prevalence of flu in the country right now.

Cut 9 (10) “…our surrounding states.”

Dr. Figueroa says if you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms, the very best thing you can do is to stay home.

11.26.25

by Jeff Palermo

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints have signed former LSU kicker Cade York after releasing Blake Grupe, who has missed an NFL-high eight field goals on the season. York was on LSU’s 2019 national championship team. He struggled his rookie season with the Bengals in 2022 and only appeared in six games last season. WWL Radio Saints analyst Mike Detillier says York has not kicked in the NFL this year.

Cut 14 (11) “…a bit inconsistent.”

In the Lane Kiffin sweepstakes, ESPN Baton Rouge talk show host Matt Moscona told the guys on Tiger Rag Radio last night that Florida is no longer in contention for Kiffin…

Cut 26 (10) “…picked LSU”

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The quarterfinals of the high school football playoffs are on Friday night. Two of the most successful programs in the state will meet in the River Parishes as third-seeded St. James hosts sixth-seeded Oak Grove in the Division three non-select bracket. The LHSAA Network’s Spencer Verrett says both teams have dynamic offenses…

Cut 18 (18) “….to possibly win”

Oak Grove is outscoring opponents 89-0 in the playoffs this year.

Former Oak Grove star Kaleb Proctor has been named the Southland Conference Player of the Year after recording eight sacks as an interior defensive lineman for Southeastern Louisiana. His teammate, K-K Reno from Catholic High of New Iberia, is the Southland Defensive Player of the Year.

11.25.25

by Jeff Palermo

3:30 LRN Newscast

A death row inmate is granted bail, but he won’t be walking out a free man anytime soon. Andrew Greenstein explains.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A flight instructor and her student are presumed dead after a plane that took off from the New Orleans Lakefront Airport likely crashed into Lake Pontchartrain last night. The owner of Apollo Flight School says the instructor was highly qualified with 13-hundred flying hours. Why the plane went down is unknown.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has handed out grants to local police agencies to increase enforcement of the state’s seat belt laws during this Thanksgiving weekend. Commission spokesperson Greg Fischer says drivers who are not wearing seatbelts account for a disproportionate percentage of those killed in crashes…

Cut 11 (12) “….in crashes”

The Saints have apparently passed on signing kicker Justin Tucker, who recently completed a ten-game suspension for alleged improper behavior with massage therapists. WWL Radio Saints analyst Mike Detillier says too much baggage with Tucker…

Cut 15 (12) “…career”

Instead the Saints have signed former LSU kicker Cade York and cut Blake Grupe, who has missed an NFL high eight field goals this season has been cut.

11.25.25

by Jeff Palermo

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The most accurate field goal kicker in NFL history had a tryout with the Saints. Jeff Palermo reports Justin Tucker is looking for a job, following the end of a ten-game suspension.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Pelicans scored 74 points in the first half last night, and that scoring outburst helped New Orleans end a nine-game losing streak by beating the Chicago Bulls 143-130. Eight players scored in double figures, led by Zion Williamson who had 29 points.

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LSU’s offense will have its hands full Saturday at Oklahoma, who boast the number-six scoring defense in the country. The Sooners are allowing 14 points a game, and LSU coach Frank Wilson says they have no weaknesses.

Cut 18 (16) “…they contest passes.”

Southern and Grambling will play in the Bayou Classic in the Caesar’s Superdome for the 51^st time on Saturday. Despite being 1-and-10, Southern coach Fred McNair says this game will bring out the best in his team.

Cut 16 (15) “…will show out.”

Grambling is looking to beat Southern for the first time since 2021.

11.24.25

by Jeff Palermo

5:30 LRN Newscast

Fans going to the Bayou Classic in New Orleans can expect beefed-up security. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Thanksgiving is three days away and if you have not started thawing your frozen turkey, you better act soon. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says you’ll need to use the cold water method…

Cut 4 (06) “…every 30 minutes.”

Strain says never thaw a turkey on the counter.

Registration for the next State Police’s cadet class is now open. The deadline to register for Cadet Class 109 is January 6th. Captain Johnnie Brown says after that date, they will select the best candidates from those who registered, and there is no set number.

Cut 9 (08) “…a specific number.”

Candidates must be at least 21 years old and have either two years experience as a police officer, 60 college credit hours, or any two-year combination of those two. Three years of military service will also work.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow is working with Washington Democrat Kim Shrier on a bipartisan maternal support bill. Letlow says a key component of the Newborns Essentials Support Toolkit, or NEST, Act is giving new mothers access to newborn supply kits.

Cut 12 (08) “…and breastfeeding supplies.”

Letlow says the NEST Act would also provide postpartum mental health resources in areas of need.

11.24.25

by Jeff Palermo

3:30 LRN Newscast

A strong line of storms is moving across north and central Louisiana. The possibility of severe weather exists and State Climatologist Jay Grymes says one to three inches of rain is also possible…

Cut 5 (10) “…south Louisiana”

Grymes says this is the first of two fronts to impact the state this week. The second will bring cooler temperatures for Thanksgiving.

Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow has co-sponsored legislation that would result in the federal government distributing newborn supply kits that would include diapers, wipes, hygiene items, and blankets to new mothers and their infants. Letlow says the NEST Act would also provide postpartum mental health resources…

Cut 14 (12) “…and expand services”

Senator Bill Cassidy found himself on the defensive after the health secretary he helped confirm went back on his word about spreading misinformation regarding any connection between vaccines and autism.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A $5,000 reward is being offered for the missing thousand-year-old cypress board that once hung in the State Capital but was later moved to former house speaker Clay Schexnayder’s office. The family of Walter Stebbins who donated the board is offering the reward. Schexnayder is facing felony theft charges of a rare state artifact. He says he left the board hanging in his legislative office when he vacated it.

11.24.25

by Jeff Palermo

LRN PM Newscall November 24

There’s the potential for severe weather tonight and tomorrow morning. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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There’s the potential for severe weather tonight into tomorrow morning for north and central Louisiana. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says the primary threats are damaging winds, large hail and the possibility of tornadoes…

Cut 3 (11) “…severe weather.”

Three parishes are under a tornado watch until 7 PM tonight, DeSoto, Red River and Sabine. Grymes says more watches and warnings are possible as the day goes on…

Cut 4 (10) “…southern parishes.”

Grymes says one to three inches of rain is possible for north and central Louisiana…

Cut 5 (10) “…south Louisiana.”

Grymes says the cold front that will begin to move to through the state tonight is the first of two cold fronts to hit the state this week. The second one will bring us cooler temperatures for Thanksgiving.

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Senator Bill Cassidy finds himself on the defensive after the CDC changes its website to say that the claim of vaccines not causing autism is not based on evidence. Back in January, Cassidy, who’s a medical doctor by trade, voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health Secretary after Kennedy assured him that he would not push any conspiracies on connections between vaccines and autism. Jake Tapper confronted Cassidy about that on CNN’s “State of the Union” yesterday, saying that Kennedy lied to him during that confirmation hearing.

Cut 6 (08) “…it at that.”

Despite the CDC’s website now saying that scientific studies have not ruled out the possibility that vaccines contribute to the development of autism, Cassidy says that is not true.

Cut 7 (07) “…quite a fringe.”

It was Cassidy’s vote in the Senate Finance Committee that was the deciding vote to advance Kennedy’s nomination to the full Senate, paving the way for his confirmation. Tapper asked Cassidy why he would not criticize Kennedy by name, especially after a member of his own family took him to task for slashing vaccine research funding after revealing that she was diagnosed with terminal cancer and had one year to live.

Cut 8 (13) “…make America healthy.”

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Cut 9 (08) “…a specific number.”

Captain Brown says it will take several months to select the class, and the class will take up almost the entire second half of next year, all of which is paid.

Cut 10 (06) “…finish December 11th.”

Brown says the class takes that long because there’s a lot to cover.

Cut 11 (12) “…and so forth.”

Candidates must be at least 21 years old and have either two years experience as a police officer, 60 college credit hours, or any two-year combination of those two. They can also qualify with three years of military service.

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Cut 12 (08) “…and breastfeeding supplies.”

Letlow says the foundation for providing the supply kits to new mothers is already in place.

Cut 13 (08) “…to new moms.”

Letlow says the NEST Act would also provide postpartum mental health resources in areas of need.

Cut 14 (12) “…and expand services.”