Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

11.10.22
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LRN PM Newscall

23 year old Tyrin Troung (TIE-RIN TRONG) beat the two-term mayor of Bogalusa Tuesday–and his election is getting widespread attention. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters has resigned one day after Governor Edwards had harsh criticism of her state agency. Jeff Palermo has the story..

Cut 2 (30)  “… I’m Jeff Palermo”

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His election is being noticed across the country. 23-year-old Tyrin Troung  (TIE-RIN TRONG)-the grandson of a Vietnamese immigrant—ousted the two-term mayor of Bogalusa Tuesday night.

Cut 3 (08) “..gun violence.” 

He matches Philip  Cavins,  as the two youngest people elected mayor in Louisiana. Cavins was also 23 when he was elected mayor of Turkey Creek in 2019.

Troung grew up near Bogalusa in Angie and has a degree in political science from Washington University in St Louis, where he was student body president. He served as a summer intern for former Missouri Congressman Lacy Clay and director of policy for the Urban League of Louisiana. He says he moved back home to help.

Cut 4 (11) “…politicians couldnt.” 

He says he will use his connections and skills to come up with innovative ways to address the root causes of violence. He wants to use community policing and set up a mayor’s camp.

Cut 5 (10) “…new skills.” 

Troung’s mother has been in the US Army for 21 years. He has a two-month-old son and is engaged to be married.

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Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters has resigned after a second child died from a drug overdose death that the state agency received warnings about.  The resignation comes one day after Governor John Bel Edwards called last week’s fentanyl overdose death of a one-year-old child an absolute failure by DCFS…

Cut 6 (12)  “…absolute failure”

DCFS announced new policies in August after a two-year-old died from an overdose fentanyl death. But last week, another child died from a drug overdose death, about ten days after the state agency received a tip about the child’s well-being. Edwards says the new policies did not prevent another tragedy…

Cut 7 (07)  “…been announced.”

A few lawmakers have called for the firing of Walters. In the resignation announcement, Edwards praised her work in increasing adoptions from the state’s foster care system. But they are bringing a third-party expert organization to perform a top-to-bottom review of DCFS.

He says the investigation into this latest child death continues., especially since it’s known a DCFS supervisor was assigned to it…

Cut 8 (07)  “…what happened“

Prior to her resignation, Walters said a smaller-than-needed workforce and higher worker caseload has been very difficult on their agency. _______________________________________

Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise and current House Minority Whip has made his intentions known he’d like to be House Majority Leader in January, but LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says until outstanding congressional races are settled it’s still up in the air if the GOP will be the majority party.

Cut 9 (12)  “…a majority.

Hogan says it makes sense that Scalise wants to be House Majority Leader because it’s the next step in the leadership ladder.

Cut 10 (11) “…lined up on.” 

Hogan says previous representatives Louisiana has sent to congress have served in leadership roles.

Cut 11 (08)  “…as beneficial.”

Scalise has served as House Minority Whip since 2018 and before Republican’s lost control of the House he served as House Majority Whip.

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Byrd High School is buzzing over two of their alumni who won an award at last night’s Country Music Awards. The hit song “Buy Dirt” won song of the year and Shreveport natives Jacob and Jordan Davis are co-writers and Jordan sings the song with Luke Bryan. Byrd English teacher Stephanie Springer is super proud of her former student Jordan Davis

Cut 12 (08) “….for sure” 

Jordan Davis is also a former quarterback at Byrd High School and went on to get an Environmental Science degree from LSU. Springer, who previously taught drama, recognized Jordan’s creativity from the start…

Cut 13 (09) “… very naturally”  

Davis graduated from Byrd High School in 2006. He’s had several hits, including “Singles You Up,” Take it from Me,” sand Slow Dance in the Parking Lot.” Springer says all of Byrd High School is very proud of Jordan Davis and his brother, Jacob…

Cut 14 (06)  “…don’t pursue.” 

Franklin Parish native Rainey Wilson won Female Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year.

11.10.22
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

Following the big win over Alabama, 7th-ranked LSU is looking to avoid a letdown this Saturday at Arkansas. Running back Josh Williams says Coach Brian Kelly is telling the team to stick with the process that’s got them to this point…
Cut 16 (12) “…except Arkansas”
There’s a chance Arkansas starting quarterback K-J Jefferson will not play on Saturday. The junior has been dealing with an injured shoulder since September. Redshirt sophomore Malik Hornsby would get the start if Jefferson can’t go.

Tonight the Ragin Cajuns host Georgia Southern in a game that can be seen on ESPN Two. The Eagles are led by Quarterback Kyule Vantrease, who has thrown for nearly three-thousand and 20 touchdowns. He’s also been intercepted 13 times and U-L Lafayette ranks third nationally with 14 interceptions.

The Pelicans got a big win on the road last night as they defeated the Chicago Bulls 115- to 111. New Orleans outscored Chicago 36-29 in the fourth quarter as Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson combined to score 27 points in the final quarter. Coach Willie Green feels good about the win…
cut 29 (18) “….going home”
Tonight the Pelicans hosts Portland at the Smoothie King Center.

The first game of the Matt McMahon era at LSU began with a victory. The Tigers topped Kansas City 74-63 at the PMAC last night. Adam Miller led the way for LSU with 18 points, including four three-pointers. Fifth year senior K-J Williams had 13 points and 14 rebounds.

11.10.22
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9:30 LRN Newscast

The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is holding a special meeting today to discuss a proposal that reforms how Louisiana grades high schools. BESE president James Garvey says the current grading system doesn’t put enough weight into how a high school prepares a student to attend a tech school…
cut 15 (12) “…equally”

Now that the November election is over, more attention can be placed on next year’s governor’s race that could feature several well-known candidates. So far the only major candidate to get in is Attorney General Jeff Landry. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says we should be hearing from some of the other potential candidates soon…
cut 12 (13) “…fairly quickly”
After winning re-election to the U-S Senate, John Kennedy side stepped a question about running for governor next year.

The state department of education has launched a voucher program that will provide one-thousand dollars to families who have a K-through-5th grader struggling with reading….
cut 1 (31) “….I’m Whitney Thomas”

FEMA has announced nearly nine million dollars in relief for Hurricanes Laura and Ida. Jefferson Davis Electric Co-Op is getting four-million for electric distribution repairs, two-million dollars for repair to Calcasieu Parish Schools and Slidell receive one-million dollars for emergency protective measures.

11.10.22
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8:30 LRN Newscast

Now that the fall elections are over, except for some run-off races in local elections, the 2023 governor’s race can really start to ramp up. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley…
cut 11 (11) “…behind the scenes”
Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, who is a likely candidate for governor, said last week he would make an official announcement in January.

Five of the eight constitutional amendments on Tuesday’s ballot failed. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says voters are getting weary and mistrustful of amendments. He says voters rejected amendments in 2020 and again in 2021. He says lawmakers are being sent a message here…:
CUT 24 (06) “…the legislature.”
Two amendments approved dealt with homestead exemptions and property taxes for persons with disabilities.

Thousands of K-through-fifth grade students struggling to read could be eligible for a one-thousand dollar voucher to pay for one-on-one tutoring. It’s the result of a 40-million dollar program approved by the state legislature. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says there are encouraging signs of improvement, but Louisiana is not where it should be…
cut 5 (12) “….toolbox”
Schools are identifying eligible children. There’s also a website louisiana-tutoring-initiative-dot-com.

The St. Landry Parish town of Melville is in limbo after the election day death, of their mayor, 84-year-old Velma Hendrix, who was seeking a second term. Hendrix was killed in a car crash after the polls opened. One of her challengers Sam Londerno (LON-drah-no)…
Cut 7 (05) “…with everything.”
The Secretary of State’s office says when a candidate dies after qualifying but before the polls close, qualifying starts over, but if no one new qualifies, Londerno will be declared the winner because she got the most votes.

11.10.22
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7:30 LRN Newscast

A special meeting of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education takes place this morning to discuss a major change on how high schools are graded. BESE President James Garvey supports a proposal put forth by the department of education that would give more weight to schools who provide technical courses…
cut 14 (10) “…four year college”

Now that the elections are (for the most part) over in Louisiana, political attention will turn to the 2023 race to be Louisiana’s next governor. ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says he is actually surprised that there hasn’t been more talk of who is and isn’t running next fall…:
Cut 10 (10) “…un-exciting midterm.”
So far only one major candidate has officially entered the race. Attorney General Jeff Landry has already picked up the endorsement of the Louisiana Republican Party Executive Committee, which has upset potential GOP candidates.

Election results for the town of Melville are in limbo after the incumbent Mayor, 84-year-old Velma Hendrix was killed in a car crash on Election Day. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

In Bogalusa, a 23-year-old has been elected as mayor. Tyrin Truong received 56-percent of the vote, beating out two others, including incumbent Wendy Perette who finished third in the three-person race. Perette was elected in 2014. Mayor-Elect Troung says the campaign was never about him, but building a better Bogalusa.

11.10.22
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans got a big win in Chicago last night as they defeated the Bulls 115 to 111. There were nine lead changes in the fourth quarter and Brandon Ingram stepped up big, scoring 16 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter. New Orleans is now 6-and-5 and hosts Portland tonight.

In the first game of the Matt McMahon era, LSU defeated Kansas City 74-63. Adam Miller led the way with 18 points and K-J Williams had 13 points and 14 rebounds.

LSU running back Josh Williams is a semifinalist for the Burlsworth Trophy, which is awarded to the nation’s most outstanding college football player who began his career as a walk-on. Williams walked on in 2019 and earned a scholarship in 2020. This year he leads the team in rushing with 359 yards…
cut 17 (11) “…to do so”
LSU is at Arkansas on Saturday.

The Ragin Cajuns play their final home game of the year tonight as U-L Lafayette hosts Georgia Southern. The Cajuns are four and five and need to win at least two of their final three games in order be bowl eligible. Three of the Cajuns losses have been by a touchdown or less. Coach Michael Desormeaux says the losses have been frustrating…
cut 20 (19) “….in the end”
Georgia Southern is 5-4, 2-and-3 in the Sun Belt.

Conference USA has signed a new five-year TV deal with CBS and ESPN and it will result in the league playing all of its football games in October during week nights. The most of the games will be on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a handful of games also on Thursday and Friday.

11.10.22
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6:30 LRN Newscast

The fall midterms are over, so now we can turn our attention to the 2023 Louisiana Governor’s Race. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The U-S House majority is still uncertain, but House Republican Whip Steve Scalise has announced his intentions to run for Majority Leader. If the Republican Party secures a majority in the House. current House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy would be in position to be the next Speaker of the House.

A plan to change how Louisiana high schools are rated will go before the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education this morning. BESE President James Garvey says they are trying to change the formula for how schools are graded.
Cut 13 (11) “…education courses.”
Presently Garvey says most high schools are graded an “A” or “B” and it’s not a true grade.

The state department of education has announced a voucher program to help 38-thousand kindergarten through fifth grade students who are struggling with their reading skills. Deputy Superintendent of Education Jenna Chiasson…
cut 4 (10) “…literacy crisis”
Schools are identifying students who would be eligible for the one-thousand dollar vouchers to pay for tutors.

11.09.22
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4:45 LRN Sportscast November 9

LSU men’s basketball tips off a new season tonight as the Tigers host Kansas City. It’s nearly a completely different team than the one that reached the NCAA Tournament last season. Matt McMahon is the new head coach and he’s hoping six-foot-three guard Adam Miller can provide the Tigers with scoring. But Miller missed all of last season after his tearing his ACL in October of 2021, but McMahon says he’s worked his way back….
cut 18 (14) “…to do so”
The fall national signing period began today and McMahon signed four-star guard Mike Williams from the Baltimore area. The Tigers also signed forward Corey Chest, who is from New Orleans, but playing this season at Link Academy in Brandon, Missoui.

According to ESPN, LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey has signed the number one class in the country, highlighted by Mikaylah Williams from Bossier City.

LSU moves up to number seven in the latest College Football Playoff Rankings after beating Alabama in overtime. Georgia is now ranked number one after knocking off previously top ranked Tennessee.

Football is not coming to UNO. A proposal that would have increased student fees for the Privateers to have a football team failed as nearly 70-percent of students rejected the fee hike.

The Pelicans are in action tonight as they visit the Chicago Bulls. Both teams have a five-hundred record. New Orleans is coming off a loss to Indiana and the Pacers hit 22 three-pointers in that contest. Tip off from the Windy City is at 9 PM.

A trial date of March first has been set for Saints running back Alvin Kamara’s battery case in Las Vegas. Kamara and three others are accused of assaulting a man outside of a Las Vegas nightclub during Por Bowl weekend. The victim is also seeking civil damages.

11.09.22
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1:30 LRN Newscast

Future control of the U-S Senate is unknown as three races are still too close to call or headed to a run-off. Brooke Thorington has more from Republican Senator John Kennedy…

cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

A mayor in south Louisiana up for re-election was killed in a crash on Election Day. State Police says 84-year-old Velma Hendrix, the mayor of Melville, was a passenger in an SUV involved in a two-vehicle wreck near Port Barre. L-S-P says Hendrix was not restrained. She was first elected as mayor in 2018.

Five of the eight constitutional amendments on Tuesday’s ballot failed. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says voters are not interesting in making changes in the current constitution….
cut 12 (12) “…to the public”
Two of the amendments approved dealth with property taxes that were beneficial to certain homeowners like veterans with disabilities. Pinsonat says that’s the type of constitutional amendment the public can support.

And there will be a new mayor in Shreveport. Current mayor Adrian Perkins failed to make the run-off and LSU-Shreveport political science professor Jeff Sadow says that sets up a December run-off between Republican Tom Arcenaux and state senator Greg Tarver, a Democrat…
cut 11 (11) “….boost”

11.09.22
by

LRN PM Newscall November 9

Future control of the U-S Senate is unknown as three races are still too close to call or headed to a run-off. Brooke Thorington has more from Republican Senator John Kennedy.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Voter turnout for Tuesday’s election was 43-percent and there’s still one more election to go this year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (26)  “… I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana’s U-S House members were all re-elected last night winning by big margins. The lone Democrat of the state’s Congressional delegation, Congressman Troy Carter of New Orleans, says both parties should focus on repairing the pandemic’s damage to the economy

Cut 3 (10) “..people.” 

Carter says more resources are also needed in the fight against crime, beginning with the root causes.

Cut 4 (10) “…our communities.” 

It appears likely that Republicans will wrestle control of the US House of Representatives away from Democrats. Carter says his approach will be the same no matter which party is in control.

Cut 5 (10) “…not against party.” 

Carter represents Louisiana’s Second Congressional District, which stretches from New Orleans to parts of Baton Rouge.

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And while it remains to be seen if Republicans will gain control of the Senate, Louisiana Senator John Kennedy was asked his thoughts on the tight races after he declared victory last night.

Cut 6 (11)  “…two years ago. “

Kennedy recalled polls that indicated South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell would lose their races but they won.

Kennedy however is hopeful Republicans would gain control in the mid-term elections and Americans who are reeling from inflation will bring about a Red Wave.

Cut 7 (13)  “…changes tonight.”

In addition to the economy, the Mississippi native and former Louisiana State Treasurer says residents in the Bayou State are worried about inflation, crime, what their children are being taught in school, and whether are they going to have to eventually leave the state for a better job.

Cut 8 (07)  “…help with that. “

The three key Senate races yet to be called are in Nevada, Wisconsin, and Georgia.

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Shreveport mayor Adrian Perkins has been ousted after just one term. Perkins did not make the runoff election. LSU-Shreveport Political science professor Jeff Sadow says Perkins committed misstep after misstep.

Cut 9 (09)  “…the job.

Republican Tom Arceneaux and Democrat state senator Greg Tarver will face each other in the December 10th runoff election.

Sadow says it will be an uphill battle for Arceneaux

Cut 10 (11) “…the vote.” 

Arceneaux received 28 percent of the vote in the primary. Tarver got 24 percent.

Cut 11 (11)  “…tremendous boost.”

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Five of the eight constitutional amendments on Tuesday’s ballot failed. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says voters are not interesting in making changes in the current constitution….

Cut 12 (12) “….to the public” 

Two of the amendments approved dealt with property taxes that were beneficial to certain homeowners like veterans with disabilities. Pinsonat says that’s the type of constitutional amendment the public can support.

Cut 13 (10) “… not interested in it”  

In November of 2020, five of the seven constitutional amendments on the ballot passed, but the one amendment on the December ballot was soundly rejected. In 2021, three of the four constitutional amendments failed to pass and this year five of the amendment went down in defeat. Pinsonat says this should be a message to lawmakers…

Cut 14 (06)  “…the Legislature.”