Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

03.08.23
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7:30 LRN Newscast

Baton Rouge authorities do not suspect foul play in the death of a Georgia man who went missing on February 23rd. Nathan Millard’s body was found Monday morning wrapped in plastic and carpet in a blighted part of north Baton Rouge…
cut 13 (14) “…..signs of foul play”
BRPD Captain Kevin Heinz says an autopsy found no external or internal injuries and they will know more when the toxicology report comes back.

Many sugar cane and rice farmers burn their fields after harvest to clear stubble, weeds and waste, but Houma Representative Beryl Amedee wonders if there are other methods farmers could use…
cut 6 (09) “….should”
Amedee says the smoke from field burning causes low visibility on roads and breathing issues for those with chronic respiratory problems.

Former Minden Congressman John Fleming wants to be Louisiana’s next State Treasurer…:
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

There’s speculation Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack will announce tomorrow he’s running for governor. He’ll join a crowded field that already features several Republicans, Jeff Landry, John Schroder, Sharon Hewitt and Richard Nelson. Also the major Democrat in the race, Shawn Wilson, has the endorsement of Governor Edwards.

03.08.23
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

Spring football gets underway tomorrow for the LSU Tigers and several players will not play because of injuries. According to the Advocate newspaper, they are Mason Taylor, Armoni Goodwin, Charles Turner, Mekhi Wingo, Duce Chestnut, Jordan Jefferson and Aaron Anderson. Sophomore defensive lineman Maason Smith will be a limited participant after tearing his A-C-L in the season opener against Florida State.

The top ranked LSU baseball team welcomes Lamar to Alex Box Stadium tonight. The Cardinals are 10-and-2 and they have wins over Texas A-and-M and Kansas State. First pitch at the Box is at 6:30. Also tonight, McNeese is at U-L Lafayette, ULM hosts Northwestern State.

Last night the Warhawks snapped a three-game losing streak with a four to three win over Memphis. Cardell Thibodeaux had the game winning hit in the eighth, Nicholls edged Penn three to two and 24th ranked Campbell crushed Tulane 17-7.

The LSU Tigers will face the Georgia Bulldogs in the opening round of the SEC Men’s basketball tournament tonight in Nashville. These two teams met on Valentine’s Day in Athens and it was Georgia who won by two points. Tigers Coach Matt McMahon says taking care of the basketball will be a key tonight…
cut 16 (10) “…on Wednesday”
The Tigers were just 2-and-16 in SEC play, while Georgia was 6-and-12.

McNeese’s run in the Southland Tournament ended last night with an 80-63 loss to top-seeded Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi. The Islanders will play Northwestern State in today’s tournament championship game at 4 PM. The Demons defeated UNO last night 74-70 to advance to their first Southland Tournament championship game since 2013. DeMarcus Sharp led the way with 31 points.

03.08.23
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6:30 LRN Newscast

Baton Rouge Police do not suspect foul play in the death of Georgia businessman, Nathan Millard who was found Monday morning after he went missing on February 23rd. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Here’s the latest on the governor’s race, Congressman Garret Graves is not running, Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack could get in, and Democrat Shawn Wilson has received the endorsement of Governor John Bel Edwards.

Former District 4 Louisiana Congressman and Minden resident Dr. John Fleming is running for State Treasurer this fall. Fleming – a Republican – is a medical doctor and owns several businesses. He says he is well-qualified for the job for that reason, and for his recent years working in the Donald Trump White House on the financial policy team…:
Cut 10 (11) “…in this area.”
Republican Scott McKnight and Democrat Dustin Granger are the other two announced candidates.

Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says agriculture field burning is a real issue in her district as the smoke from the burning causes low visibility on roads and it’s an health issue…
cut 5 (10) “…..health impact”
Amedee is looking at creating a task force to see what alternatives are out there besides field burning, which saves farmers millions every year.

03.07.23
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4:45 LRN Sportscast March 7

New Saints quarterback Derek Carr has signed a four-year deal worth a reported 150-million dollars, with 100-million in guaranteed money. Locked on Saints Podcast host, Ross Jackson, says the contract is cap friendly…
cut 17 (10) “…as well”
The Saints will likely need to restructure wide receiver Michael Thomas’ deal and they also have to improve the offensive line.

The Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball team is going dancing as they are headed to the NCAA Tournament after beating South Alabama 71-66 in the Sun Belt Tournament Championship game. Cajuns guard Themus Fulks had a career-high 23 points, while Jordan Brown had 13 points and 16 boards. Coach Bob Marlin says three-point shooting was the difference…
Cut 14 (08) “…three for eleven.”
This is the fifth NCAA Tournament berth for the Cajuns.

The top ranked LSU baseball team won its sixth straight game last night, the third consecutive game by run-rule as they blanked the Butler Bulldogs 11 to nothing in seven innings. Sophomore right-hander Thatcher Hurd struck out 11 in six scoreless innings. Dylan Crews continues to lead LSU at the plate. The Tigers centerfielder had two more hits last night including a home run. Freshmen Paxton Kling and Brady Neal also homered. Coach Jay Johnson says this freshman class is special…
cut 16 (22) “…that way”
LSU will host Lamar on Wednesday night.

Tonight in the Southland Conference tournament, McNeese faces top seeded Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi at 5:30, while Northwestern State battles UNO in the other semifinal game.

03.07.23
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LRN PM Newscall March 7

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is not running for governor, but another potential Republican candidate emerges. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Governor Edwards continues his overseas trade mission in Asia. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

Republican Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is not running for governor this year. Political consultant Roy Fletcher says Graves’ decision is not a surprise…

Cut 3 (07) “…not to run” 

In an email to supporters, Graves says it’s clear the best service he can provide to Louisiana and the next governor is by building upon recent wins in the U-S Congress. Fletcher says there are a lot of Republicans who wanted Graves to run, but he has a good situation in the U-S House…

Cut  4 (09)  “…wants to do” 

With Graves not running, another Republican name has surfaced as a possible candidate, Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack. Fletcher expects Waguespack to make an official announcement on Thursday that he is running…

Cut 5 (08) “…issues too”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is officially endorsing retired DOTD Secretary, Shawn Wilson for governor. Wilson announced his campaign for governor yesterday with a video on his website. LA-Polictics.com Publisher, Jeremy Alford says although Wilson’s announcement has come a bit late – he already has an edge in the race.

Cut 6 (11)  “…same about.” 

Under Governor Edwards leadership, Wilson served as Transportation Secretary for seven years. Alford says Wilson’s base of supporters will serve as a solid component in his race for governor.

Cut 7 (11)  “…election day” 

Attorney General Jeff Landry has five million dollars in his campaign funds putting Wilson at a preliminary disadvantage. Alford says the race for governor will be unpredictable.

Cut 8 (05)  “…the unexpected.” 

Louisiana’s gubernatorial election is October 14th.

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Governor Edwards and business leaders continue their mission abroad building and nurturing foreign trade relationships. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Secretary Don Pierson spoke to us from Tokyo this morning, he says the chemical company Shintech is approaching a $10 billion investment with the state and future investments are dependent on demonstrating a commitment from the state.

Cut 9 (10) “…to Louisiana.”

Pierson says the Bayou State’s agriculture industry benefits from foreign trade along with state ports. For example, Zen-Noh (zen-no-ah) grain is able to access grain from farmers via the Mississippi River and then distribute it globally. He says in addition to the state’s traditional relationships, they are nurturing new ones.

Cut 10 (12) “…our future.” 

In America, businesses operate independently but in Asia, Pierson says many companies are guided by their government. So the trip has included meetings with executives from the  Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.

Cut 11 (12)  “…talking to.”

The Louisiana delegation has also met with the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel on their visit.

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After losing in the Sun Belt Tournament Championship game last season, the Ragin Cajuns won in the league’s tournament title last night as they defeated South Alabama 71 to 66. The win puts Bob Marlin’s team in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014

Cut 12 (14) “…make it happen” 

U-L Lafayette will find out on Sunday who they will play and where in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

They entered the season as the favorites to win the Sun Belt and they’ve compiled a record of 26-and-7. Marlin says it’s a special group of players….

Cut 13 (04) “…great things” 

Cajuns guard Themus Fulks had a career-high 23 points, while Jordan Brown had 13 points and 16 rebounds. Marlin says three-point shooting was the difference in the game…

Cut 14 (08)   “…three for eleven.”

This is the fifth NCAA Tournament berth for the Cajuns.

03.07.23
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints have a new starting quarterback after signing free agent Derek Carr to a four-year deal. Carr averaged 39-hundred passing yards and 24 touchdowns during nine seasons with the Raiders. Now that Carr is in place, what happens with receiver Michael Thomas. New Orleans will need to rework his deal. Based on a social media post from Thomas, he appears excited about the signing of Carr. Ross Jackson, host of the Locked on Saints Podcast, expects Thomas will remain with the Saints…
cut 18 (11) “…2023”

The S-E-C is set to expand to 16 teams in 2024 as Texas and Oklahoma will join the league. A proposed new football schedule would have LSU play Texas A-and-M, Ole Miss and Alabama every season and rotate between six other schools every year. Coach Brian Kelly told ESPN.com he likes the idea of playing Alabama every year.

After losing in the Sun Belt Tournament Championship game last season, the Ragin Cajuns won in the league’s tournament title last night as they defeated South Alabama 71 to 66. The win puts Bob Marlin’s team in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014…
cut 20 (14) “…make it happen”
U-L Lafayette will find out on Sunday who they will play and where in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

McNeese is the first eight seed to make it to the Southland Conference Tournament semi-final round as the Cowboys upset Nicholls 77-71 yesterday in Lake Charles. The Cowboys face top seeded Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi at 5:30 today, while Northwestern State hosts UNO in the other semifinal game.

The Pelicans lost to Sacramento last night 123 to 108. New Orleans will begin a four-game homestand tomorrow against Dallas.

03.07.23
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10:30 LRN Newscast

Republican Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves has told supporters he will not run for governor this year. Political consultant Roy Fletcher says Graves’ decision is not a surprise…
cut 3 (07) “…not to run”
In an email to supporters, Graves says it’s clear that the best service he can provide to Louisiana and the next governor is by building upon recent wins in the U-S Congress.

Meanwhile, the crowded field of gubernatorial candidates has its first major Democrat in the race as former DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson has officially thrown his hat into the ring. Wilson says it was his grandchildren who inspired him to run for the state’s highest elected position…
cut 4 (10) “….seven years”
Wilson has also received the endorsement of Governor John Bel Edwards.

A study from I-see-cars-dot-com ranks Louisiana as the second least eletric vehicle friendly state in the country, with just over 500 public chargers based on data from the U-S Department of Energy. But Louisiana Clean Fuels Executive Director Ann Vail says the state will install chargers along interstate corridors this year and the private sector is also stepping up…
cut 11 (13) “….EV chargers there”

New Saints quarterback Derek Carr has signed a four-year deal worth a reported 150-million dollars, with 100-million in guaranteed money. Locked on Saints Podcast host, Ross Jackson, says the contract is cap friendly…
cut 17 (10) “…as well”
The Saints will likely need to restructure wide receiver Michael Thomas’ contract and they also have to improve the offensive line.

03.07.23
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8:30 LRN Newscast

Former DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson has made it official, he’s running for governor. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

As expected Governor John Bel Edwards has endorsed Wilson for governor. There’s speculation Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves will decide not to run, but Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack could jump into the race by the end of the week. Stay tuned.

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell is asking why Entergy Louisiana customers in his north Louisiana district will have to pay around an eight-dollar storm restoration fee for the next 15 years as a result of Hurricane Ida in 2021, when most of the damage was contained to southeast Louisiana. Campbell says he asked that question directly to Entergy…
cut 14 (12) “….to pay”

The Louisiana Department of Health is launching a Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month campaign aimed at increasing screenings through the year. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says many people who are at risk never get screened…
cut 8 (11) “…(11) “…is worse”
Kanter says regular routine screening should begin at age 45.

03.07.23
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7:30 LRN Newscast

Former Louisiana transportation secretary Shawn Wilson is the first major Democrat to enter the governor’s race. Wilson served as DOTD Secretary for seven years before his retirement last week and his former boss will support his candidacy…
cut 5 (08) “…from the governor”
In a statement to the USA Today Network, Governor Edwards says Wilson is exactly the type of leader that will bridge the partisan divides that too often take hold of our politics.

Louisiana is lagging behind when it comes to electric vehicle recharging infrastructure. The website “iSeeCars.com” ranks Louisiana second-worst in the country; behind only Mississippi. Louisiana Clean Fuels Executive Director Ann Vail says the figures are concerning, but things are getting better…:
Cut 10 (11) “…all over the state.”

Increasing screenings to close racial and rural disparities and improving health outcomes among Louisianans is the mission of a new campaign.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

The Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball team is going dancing as they are headed to the NCAA Tournament after beating South Alabama 71-66 in the Sun Belt Tournament Championship game. It’s the second time Coach Bob Marlin has led the Cajuns to the Big Dance
cut 19 (13) “…last year”

03.07.23
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

Former Las Vegas Raiders QB Derek Carr has signed a 4-year deal with the New Orleans Saints worth a reported $150 million that includes $100 million in total guarantees. Despite the big money contract, Locked on Saints Podcast Host, Ross Jackson, says the contract is salary cap friendly, which allows New Orleans to build a team capable of winning the NFC South….
cut 16 (14) “…2023”
Carr has started in 142 regular season games, throwing for 35-thousand yards, 217 touchdowns, 99 interceptions and a passer rating of 91.8.

It’s been reported LSU’s three permanent opponents when the SEC expands to 16 teams in 2024 will be Texas A-and-M, Ole Miss and Alabama. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly told ESPN-dot-com that he wants to play the Crimson Tide every year. Meanwhile, Nick Saban doesn’t think it’s fair that their three permanent opponents will be LSU, Tennessee and Auburn.

The Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball team is heading to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014 after beating South Alabama 71-66 in the Sun Belt Tournament Championship game in Pensacola. Coach Bob Marlin’s team trailed by four points at halftime, but took the lead midway through the second half…
cut 19 (15) “…second half”
Themus Folks had a career-high 23 points, while Jordan Brown had 13 points and 16 rebounds. This is the fifth NCAA Tournament berth for U-L.

It was a night of upsets in the Southland Tournament last night as seventh seeded UNO defeated third seeded Southeastern 82-78 and McNeese is the first eight-seed in Southland Tournament History to advance to the semi-finals by defeating fourth seeded Nicholls in 77 to 71 in Lake Charles.

The Pelicans lost to Sacramento 123 to 108 and the top ranked LSU baseball team blanked Butler 11 to nothing in seven innings.