Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

11.11.22
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6:30 LRN Newscast

Department of Children & Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters has resigned; under fire after two Baton Rouge children under DCFS supervision died from drug overdoses in a four-month span. In her resignation letter, Walters said the uptick in reports of abuse and neglect has created what she calls an impossible task for child welfare workers.

The nation celebrates Veteran’s Day today… Kace Kieschnick has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

After winning song of the year at the Country Music Awards on Wednesday night, to say Shreveport mother Luwanna Davis is proud of her sons Jordan and Jacob is an understatement. The pair are co-writers of the song Buy Dirt and Jordan sings the hit with Luke Bryan. Luwanna Davis remembers when Jacob played music in college.
Cut 13 (12) “…free (laughing).”
Lainey Wilson of Franklin Parish was also a big winner at the CMAs winning Female Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year.

Good news in the state’s effort to re-grow the state’s whooping crane population as ten more whooping cranes have been added to the wildlife along coastal Louisiana. That brings the population to 87 after re-starting the flock in 2011. LDWF’s Eva Szyszkoski says whooping cranes face a number of threats, including other predators…
cut 11 (09) “…powerlines”

11.11.22
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LRN AM Newscall November 11 ##Updated copy for cut 16###

The nation celebrates Veteran’s Day across the country… Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Inflation hits Louisiana businesses hard, including the nationally famous Abita Beer in St. Tammany Parish. Kevin Gallagher talks with the CEO…:

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Shreveport’s own Jacob and Jordan Davis won song of the year at the Country Music Awards Wednesday and their mom couldn’t be any prouder. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Today the nation celebrates Veterans Day, a day to honor and celebrate those who dedicated their lives to protecting and serving our country. Originally made to remember those who fought in World War I, in which fighting ceased on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the holiday now celebrates veterans all across the country. Here in Louisiana, we honor 283,000 veterans. Louisiana Department of Veteran Affairs Spokesperson Brandee Patrick…

Cut 4 (10)  “…those who served.”

Countless events will be held across the country to honor those who served. Governor John Bel Edwards will be in Iberville Parish today to award a Purple Heart to the family of one hero who made the ultimate sacrifice. Patrick says there are many opportunities to honor veterans…

Cut 5 (9) “…at vetaffairs.la.gov.”

Patrick says if you can’t make it to one of the events tomorrow, take advantage of social media and show gratitude to those who served whenever you get the chance…

Cut 6 (11)  “…that we enjoy.” 

She says The Louisiana Department of Veteran Affairs is always ready to assist veterans however possible, and veterans can contact the department to get in touch with an assistance counselor any time.

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40-year-high rates in inflation are making it more costly to enjoy a cold beer…or to make it for that matter. David Blossman is President and CEO of the nationally famous Abita Brewing Company in Covington. He says the cost of goods and materials to make their products is up about 35 percent over the past couple of years. He says Abita has had to increase prices twice so far this year…:

Cut 7 (08) “…pretty aggressively.”

Blossman says everything is significantly higher in cost than just a year ago, and that’s cutting into company profits…:

Cut 8 (11)  “…up 25 percent.”

Blossman says the pandemic also served to “chill” the beer industry, as the bar business was cut dramatically; leaving them to count on in-store sales to make a profit. He says Abita has been brewing beer in St. Tammany parish since the 1980s and they’re not going anywhere. Blossman feels the economy will eventually improve and post-pandemic tavern crowds will return…:

Cut 9 (11)  “…doing a lot better.”

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The state’s endangered whooping crane population continues to grow. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has added 10 more whooping cranes to its experimental population. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries wildlife technician  Eva Szyszkowski (SIS COW SKI)  says there’s only one other flock of migrating whooping cranes in the country.

Cut 10 (14) “…wild.” 

She says it’s been a banner year for Louisiana whooping cranes. The flock now totals 88 individual cranes.  She says whooping cranes in the wild face a number of threats—including other predators.

Cut  11 (09)   “…powerlines.” 

Szyszkowski says if you are a birdwatcher and want to see them from a distance, go where lots of birds go to find an easy meal.

Cut 12 (11) “…rice and crawfish.” 

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After winning country music’s song of the year Wednesday night, to say Shreveport mother Luwanna Davis is proud of her sons Jordan and Jacob is an understatement. The pair are co-writers of the song Buy Dirt and Jordan sings the hit with Luke Bryan. Luwanna Davis remembers when Jacob played music in college.

Cut 13 (12) “…free (laughing).”

When her sons were starting out in the business, Luwanna Davis says she’s never forgotten what one of Jacob’s producers told her, that he believed her sons were making history.

Cut 14 (10)  “…they are.”

She says they grew up in a musical home, their father was always writing songs and she played piano for their church, and it was just a natural progression for her sons to be performers and songwriters.

In addition to being award-winning, Luwanna Davis says Buy Dirt has touched so many and she’s beaming with joy for her sons’ success.

Cut 15 (06)  “…too wordy (laugh).”

Buy Dirt beat out fellow Louisianan Lainey Wilson’s Things a Man Oughta Know for Song of the Year. Wilson however didn’t go home empty handed she won Female Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year.

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There is a top-25 matchup in Yulman Stadium as 17th-ranked Tulane hosts 22nd-ranked U-C-F. The Green Wave is undefeated in American Conference play, while the Golden Knights are 7-2 overall. Tulane Coach Willie Fritz says U-C-F has a lot of talent…

Cut  16 (16)  “…over the years”

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After a come-from-behind one-point win, ULM is on the road Saturday to face Georgia State. The Panthers started the year 0-4, but they’ve won four of their last five. Warhawks Coach Terry Bowden says Georgia State has a history of taking some lumps early but finishing strong…

Cut 17 (23) “…lose belief in yourself”

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LSU is coming off a signature overtime win over Alabama and is now ranked 7th in the AP Poll ahead of their game against Arkansas this weekend. Now with control of the SEC West, safety Major Burns says the team is focused on keeping their upward momentum…

Cut 18 (15) “…trending upward.” 

After an unsure start to the season with a close, sloppy loss to Florida State, and being dominated at home by Tennessee, the Tigers are one of the most improved teams of the season and are in contention for an SEC title. Wide receiver Jaray Jenkins credits new Tigers Head Coach Brian Kelly for preparing the team throughout the season…

Cut 19 (19) “…been great.”

One of the biggest questions for the Tigers ahead of their game in Fayetteville is how will they handle the weather. With temperatures forecasted in the mid to upper 40s, many fans are unsure of how the team will fare. Kelly has already said he doesn’t expect the team to be affected, and veteran linebacker Micah Baskerville says the team has played in the cold before…

Cut 20 (15) “…prepared for it.”

Kickoff Saturday is set for 11:00 AM.

11.10.22
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

There’s a chance Arkansas starting quarterback K-J Jefferson will not play on Saturday against LSU. The junior has been dealing with an injured shoulder since September. Redshirt sophomore Malik Hornsby would get the start if Jefferson can’t go.

Arkansas does have the leading rusher in the SEC. Raheim Sanders has rushed for eleven-hundred yards. LSU’s leading rusher is former walk-on Josh Williams, who has 359 rushing yards. The junior from Houston is five-foot-nine and uses his size to his advantage…
cut 18 (14) “…as a positive”

The Pelicans are home tonight to take on Portland. Last night, New Orleans defeated the Bulls in Chicago 115 to 111. The Trail Blazers are off to a good start this season with an an eight and three record.

LSU basketball won its season opener yesterday, beating Kansas City 74-63.

The Ragin Cajuns football team has an opportunity tonight to get the bad taste out of their mouth from blowing a ten-point fourth-quarter lead last week to Troy as they host Georgia Southern tonight. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux says the Eagles are also desperate for a win…
Cut 19 (19) “…we don’t.”
U-L Lafayette enters the game with a 4-and-5 record and need to win at least two of its final three games in order to be eligible for a bowl game.

Louisiana Tech fans will need to get used to seeing its team play on weeknights as the new media deal for Conference USA means ESPN and CBS Network will televise CUSA games on Tuesdays through Fridays in the month of October.

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
by

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
by

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
by

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
by

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
by

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
by

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.