Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

08.11.22
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445 Sportscast 8/11/22

With Jameis Winston sidelined by a sprained foot, backup quarterback Andy Dalton is taking advantage of the time getting snaps with the first team offense. Dalton has been solid during training camp and might have had his best practice yesterday, throwing five straight touchdown passes during seven-on-seven drills in the redzone. Three of them went to Michael Thomas, who seems to be regaining his form. Dalton says Thomas is a great target to throw to.
Cut 19 (14) “special”
LSU has landed a commitment from Woodlawn quarterback Rickie Collins. The 4-star Baton Rouge product chose to stay home after previously being committed to Purdue. LSU’s 2023 recruiting class is now ranked 6th in the country.

Texas Tech transfer Parker McNeil and TCU transfer Matthew Downing are the top two candidates to be the starting quarterback at Louisiana Tech this season. Downing started his career at Georgia and spent the last two seasons at TCU, playing in a total of 7 games. He says the battle for starting quarterback is a healthy competition between himself and Parker.
Cut 17 (17) “everyday”
NBA legend and West Monroe native Bill Russell will have his number 6 jersey retired across the entire NBA beginning next season, however, all current players that wear six can keep their number until they retire.
There’s preseason football action in store tonight as the New York Giants and New England Patriots will battle it out at 6 pm and then the Tennessee Titans will take on the Baltimore Ravens at 6:30.

08.10.22
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU is doing some experimenting on the offensive line as they try to find the five best players up front. Sophomore Garrett Dellinger from Michigan played in 12 games last season, starting three games at left tackle and one at left guard. Dellinger is also taking some reps at center, a position he’s never played before….
cut 18 (13) “…I’ll be good”

Four-star quarterback Rickie Collins will announce tonight his college choice. He’s from Woodlawn High School in Baton Rouge and his coach is former LSU Tiger Marcus Randall. Collins was previously committed to Purdue, but LSU’s coaching staff has been working hard to keep him in the capital city. Last season for the Panthers he completed 65-percent of his passes for 1,930 yards and 16 touchdowns.
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At Saints camp today, linebacker Pete Werner did not practice as head coach Dennis Allen says Werner is dealing with a groin injury. No Jameis Winston as he’s out with a sprained ankle, but backup Andy Dalton looked sharp, throwing four touchdowns in seven on seven red zone drills, two of them went to Michael Thomas, Taysom Hill caught another one and Adam Trautman also had a touchdown reception.

Winning a college series has resulted in a new four-year contract for Ole MIss coach Mike Bianco. The base pay for the former LSU player and assistant coach is one-point-six million dollars, which makes him the second highest paid college baseball coach in the country, behind Vanderbilt’s Tim Corbin. LSU’s Jay Johnson by the way makes one-point-two million dollars.

And at Mississippi State football games this year, there will be a section in Davis Wade Stadium’s upper deck, where you can bring your own fridge, full of beer. LSU hosts Mississippi State this season, but will return to Starkville in 2023.

08.10.22
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

At this time last year, Taysom Hill was battling with Jameis Winston to be the starting quarterback. He lost that battle and is back to his role as a swiss army knife on the Saints offense, playing multiple positions. Hill says his preference is to be a quarterback in the NFL, but he knows that decision is not up to him…
Cut 16 (16) “…I love playing.”
Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport has been removed from the physically unable to perform list. The 25-year-old had surgery on his shoulder in the offseason and also had part of his left pinky amputated after an infection developed. Davenport will not play in Saturday’s preseason opener against Houston. Jameis Winston will also sit after spraining his foot in practice on Monday. Winston is day-to-day.

LSU defensive end B-J Ojulari had seven sacks and nine quarterback hurries to lead the team last season. Ojulari also wants to be known as a defender who can play well against the run too…
cut 17 (17) “….creating havoc”
During the practice periods open to the media it also looks like Ojulari could be standing up more in Matt House’s defense and you may see him drop back into coverage more.

Louisiana Tech University has set a record increase in licensing revenue from their trademarked merchandise. It’s a matter of school pride and it helps students directly. Tonya Oaks Smith is Tech’s communications director.
Cut 7 (07) “….for scholarships.”
Tech experienced a 61-percent increase in revenues from licensing in the 2021-22 fiscal year and the Louisiana Tech Brand Store on Amazon saw an 82-percent for fiscal year 2022.

08.10.22
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6:30 LRN Newscast

Students and teachers are returning to the classroom this week but, the teacher shortage remains a looming issue. Louisiana Federation of Teachers president Larry Carter says the shortage of instructors is extremely worrisome, especially for the teachers themselves.
Cut 4 (09) “…big concern.”
Carter says in some districts he’s seen more than 150 vacancies for certified teachers.

Because Louisiana has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the country, the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative is working with hospitals to encourage more mothers to breastfeed. It’s called The Gift and Medical Director of the Collaborative, Dr. Veronica Gillispie Bell says it’s important mothers breastfeed as soon as possible after birth.
Cut 13 (08) “…facilities.”

The University of New Orleans launches an endeavor to help support and serve the emerging Louisiana wind energy industry. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has toured flood control sites in three different areas in the Netherlands as he gets a first hand look at what the Dutch is doing to fight coastal land loss and prevent flooding from the rising sea level. Edwards will also spend a few days in France before returning home.

08.09.22
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock says he’s looking for someone to take ownership of the offense as the battle for starting quarterback of the Tigers is underway….
Cut 16 (16) “…at LSU.”
Junior defensive end B-J Ojulari (O-juh-lar-e) has been chosen to wear number 18, which goes to the player that’s not only a stand out on the field, but also does great work in the community and is a leader for the university. Ojulari says having great character is important for him…
Cut 13 (12) “…little bit”

Saints quarterback Jameis Winston did not practice today, but the injury to his foot is not serious, Head Coach Dennis Allen says he’s day-to-day with a sprained foot…
Cut 12 (09) “…here we go”
Winston will not play in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Houston Texans. Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport practicied on a limited basis today as he continues to work back from offseason shoulder surgery and he had part of his left pinky finger amputated.

ULM is getting ready for its season opener at Texas on September 3rd. Warhawks Coach Terry Bowden says replacing four starters in the secondary is critical…
cut 20 (12) “…of yet”

08.09.22
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LRN PM Newscall August 9

A new national survey of small business owners says inflation is still the number one worry facing them. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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August is National Breastfeeding Month, and the Louisiana Department of Health says more mothers are learning the practice through their WIC program. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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A new survey of small business owners shows they’re not optimistic about business conditions right now. More than a third say inflation is their biggest concern. National Federation of Independent Business state director Dawn McVea says half of their members have job openings they can’t fill and a bit more than half are having to raise prices.

Cut 3 (11) “…for our folks” 

She says the national Inflation Reduction Act, which gives the IRS billions more dollars for audits and enforcement, worries small business owners.

Cut 4  (09) “…process of audit.”

McVea says what business owners need the most is certainty to know how to spend their money. But historic inflation, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions means uncertainty is climbing again. This means small business owners are reluctant to spend money unless they have to

Cut 5  (:06) “…on right now.”

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The shortage of infant formula put the practice of breastfeeding in the spotlight. Kristen Hill who’s a peer counselor with the Louisiana Department of Health says when they promoted their breastfeeding program more WIC mothers signed up for guidance.

Cut 6   (07) “…they love it.” 

The use of breastfeeding peer counselors at WIC clinics increased 30 percent from August of last year.

Hill says breastfeeding isn’t as easy as it sounds, especially when you don’t have a support system and/or proper instruction. If done incorrectly it can be harmful.

Cut 7 (11) “…walk them through it.” 

Hill says even mothers with their second child are learning the benefits of breastfeeding. She says some of her clients are the first in their family to ever breastfeed and they just need proper guidance and support.

Cut 8 (06) “…mom and baby.”

In addition to learning breastfeeding techniques for those mothers who return to work, they are also educated on how to pump breast milk. August is National Breastfeeding Month.

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Charges have been upgraded for a Baton Rouge man after preliminary autopsy results indicate his two-year son died as a result of injuries sustained in a beating. BRPD’s Lt. Don Coppola says 25-year-old-Anderson King Jr. was initially facing 2nd-degree cruelty to a juvenile, but now it’s first-degree murder.

Cut 9 (08)  “…homicide.”

On Sunday, Coppola says, officers responded to a local hospital regarding an assault that involved a two-year-old child. King was arrested Monday.

Cut 10 (08) “…cruelty charge.” 

King is being held at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison and Coppola says the investigation is ongoing.

Cut 11 (08)  “…more difficult.”

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Saints quarterback Jameis Winston did not practice today, but the injury to his foot is not serious, Head Coach Dennis Allen says he’s day-to-day with a sprained foot…

Cut 12 (09) “…here we go”  

Winston will not play in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Houston Texans.

At LSU,  Junior defensive end B-J Ojulari (O-juh-lar-e) has been chosen to wear number 18, which goes to the player that’s not only a stand out on the field, but also does great work in the community and is a leader for the university. Ojulari says having great character is important for him…

Cut 13 (12) “…little bit”

08.09.22
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12:30 LRN Newscast August 9

A Louisiana appeals court rules Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins is still disqualified from running for another term. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Charges have been upgraded for a 25-year-old Baton Rouge man after preliminary autopsy results indicate his two-year son died from his injuries. BRPD’s Lt. Don Coppola says initially Anderson King Jr. was facing 2nd-degree cruelty but now it’s first-degree murder.
Cut 9 (08) “…homicide.”
Police were notified Sunday of the child’s death from a local hospital and King was arrested on Monday.

The latest survey of small business owners nationwide finds inflation is their number one problem and it hasn’t been this bad since 1981. Dawn McVea is the Louisiana director of the National Federation of Small Businesses. And She says half of their members are also having a hard time filling job openings”
Cut 3 (11) “…for our folks”
McVea says there is also a concern that the recently approved National Inflation Reduction Act is also concerning for small business owners.

It’s national breastfeeding month and WIC has increased its breastfeeding peer counselor coverage in WIC clinics from 43-percent last year to 73-percent this year, providing support to new mothers who are breastfeeding their babies. L-D-H peer counselor Kristen Hill says breastfeeding isn’t as easy as it sounds, especially when you don’t have a support system and/or proper instruction. If done incorrectly it can be harmful.
Cut 7 (11) “…walk them through it.”

08.09.22
by

11:40 LRN Sportscast

At LSU preseason camp, we got to hear from LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock. There are questions about the offensive line as the Tigers need to find four new starters. Denbrock says there is talent for him to work with….
Cut 17 (24) “…or not.”
During the portion of practice viewed by the media, here’s the first unit offensive line. Left tackle Will Campbell, left guard Tre’Mond Shorts, center Garrett Dellinger, right guard Miles Frazier and right tackle Anthony Bradford.

And the preseason coaches poll is out and LSU is not ranked. It’s the first time since 2000 that LSU was not ranked in the preseason coaches poll.

Saints quarterback Jameis Winston was not at practice today after leaving yesterday’s practice early with a foot injury. Head Coach Dennis Allen says it’s been diagnosed as a sprain foot, but it’s nothing major…
cut 29 (09) “…back out there”
Allen says Winston will not play in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Houston Texans.

There’s a battle for starting quarterback at ULM between Chandler Rogers and Jiya Wright. Rogers appeared in 12 games last season while Wright appeared in four games. Coach Terry Bowden breaks down the competition…
cut 19 (12) “….that’s the biggest”
Bowden says replacing four starters in the secondary is another important storyline. ULM opens the season at Texas on September third.

08.09.22
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11:30 LRN Newscast

The leader of the Department of Children and Family Services appeared before lawmakers to answer questions about a Baton Rouge toddler that died from an overdose and the agency was notified twice before that the child was in danger. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters…
Cut 10 (13) “…strong enough.”
The state’s Inspector General is investigating the case.

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins is running out of options to get his name on the ballot in November after providing incorrect information on his qualifying papers. A state appeals court rejected his appeal. LSU-Shreveport political science professor Jeff Sadow says Perkins’ lawyers argued it was just a clerical error, but the three appellate judges didn’t see it that way…:
cut 4 (08) “…particular explanations”
Perkins plans to appeal to the state supreme court.

School buses are returning to the roads as classes are resuming. State Police Trooper Jonathan Odom says vehicles must stop at least 30 feet back from a school bus when the stop signals on the bus are activated…
cut 9 (09) “…safe to do so”
A vehicle approaching a stopped school bus from the opposite direction does not have to stop when traffic is separated by a divided median.

When infant formula was scarce the practice of breastfeeding entered the spotlight. Kristen Hill who’s a peer counselor with the Louisiana Department of Health says when they promoted their breastfeeding program last year and many WIC mothers signed up.
Cut 6 (07) “…they love it.”
The use of breastfeeding peer counselors at WIC clinics increased 30 percent from August of last year.

08.09.22
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9:30 LRN Newscast

After a toddler overdose death and the alleged rape of a child in foster care, state lawmakers question the Department of Children and Family Services. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s annual child well-being ranking puts Louisiana very near the bottom among states. 49th, to be exact. Casey’s president, Lisa Hamilton, says Louisiana ranks very low when it comes to the physical health of kids…:
CUT 21(06) “…low birth rates.”

A state appeals court has upheld a lower court’s ruling that disqualifies Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins for running for re-election, because he did not put the correct address on his qualifying papers. Perkins says it was a honest mistake. LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow says the state appeals court doesn’t see it that way…
cut 5 (13) “….very convincing”
Perkins says he’ll appeal to the Louisiana Supreme Court.

On tonight’s episode of House Hunters, a Baton Rouge couple will narrow down their search for the ideal home. Chris Fiore, who’s also the spokesperson for the Louisiana Workforce Commission says it was unique having a camera crew document the experience.
Cut 13 (08) “…it tonight.”
Tonight’s episode airs tonight at 9 PM on HGTV.