Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

10.22.21
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Cajuns won their sixth straight football game last night, but it was not easy as U-L Lafayette held off Arkansas State 28-27. The Red Wolves led by six late in the third quarter, but Cajuns running back Chris Smith ran 74 yards for a touchdown and the following PAT was the winning score. Coach Billy Napier is glad to escape Jonesboro with a victory…
cut 28 (15) “….mental toughness”
The Cajuns rushed for 424 yards and Smith finished with 238 yards, the fifth most in program history.

Tomorrow, LSU is at 12th ranked Ole Miss, Louisiana Tech hosts 24th ranked UTSA. On the F-C-S level, ninth-ranked Southeastern Louisiana is at Northwestern State for a 3 PM kick-off on ESPN-plus.

The Saints are getting ready to face a 2-and-4 Seahawks team on Sunday that’s without quarterback Russell Wilson, who is recovering from finger surgery. Geno Smith will start at quarterback and New Orleans Safety Marcus Williams says the Seahawks still have receivers D-K Metcalf and Tyler Lockett…
cut 17 (13) “…ball out”
Alex Collins is Seattle’s leading rusher, 225 yards on 48 carries and two touchdowns.

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board has approved a license for FanDuel to operate in parishes that approved online fantasy sports. When will casinos offer sports gambling? Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says they are getting closer, but it’s not happening this weekend despite the rumors…
cut 30 (12) “…right way”
Currently, only Paragon Casino in Marksville is taking legal sports bets.

10.22.21
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8:30 LRN Newscast October 22

Huey Long is the only former governor to be buried on the grounds of the state capitol but that could soon change. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Legislative leaders are reluctant to approve a 63-million dollar debt forgiveness plan for the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, which oversees the Superdome. The Edwards administration is pushing for passage of the debt forgiveness plan to help cover the state’s share for the 450-million dollars to improve the Superdome.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is predicting La Nina climate conditions for this winter. State Climatologist Barry Keim says that means a drier and warmer winter for the south…
cut 14 (12) “…across the country”
Keim says a La Nina can also help tropical storm development, but the tropics are currently quiet.

Medicare Open Enrollment is underway and it will last through December seventh. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the Medicare choices are important since not all, such as Medicare Advantage Plans, offer coverage for your particular doctors or other medical providers that you prefer.
Cut 9 (09) “…by traditional Medicare.”
Donelon encourages Medicare beneficiaries to take advantage of the Senior Health Insurance Information Program

10.22.21
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7:30 LRN Newscast

Senator John Kennedy says Senate-approved legislation contains an amendment that he authored which would allow states to use unspent pandemic relief funds on disaster recovery…
cut 4 (13) “…in the state”
The legislation still needs House approval and Kennedy hopes that will come soon.

Monroe Representative Michael Echols plans to file legislation that would allow governors to be buried on the grounds of the State Capitol next to the statue of Huey Long. Echols says he came up with the idea months ago…
cut 10 (07) “…around the campus”
The widow of Edwin Edwards wanted the former four-term governor buried next to Huey. Trina Edwards eventually decided to have Edwin Edwards cremated.

Interim Lafayette Police Chief Wayne Griffin is on administrative leave because he’s been accused of sexual harassment. Mayor-President Josh Guillory has called for an investigation and Major Monte Potier will lead the L-P-D until further notice. He’s the fifth police chief to serve during Guillory’s administration.

It’s open season for changing your Medicare coverage should you want to move in that direction. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

10.22.21
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints are getting ready to make a trip to the Pacific Northwest to play the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night. Coach Sean Payton says it’s difficult to produce explosive plays on offense against the Seahawks defense…
Cut 16 (16) “drives”
A couple of starting offensive linemen have returned to practice. Terron Armstead and Erik McCoy were limited yesterday, but Deonte Harris and Taysom Hill did not practice. Harris has a hamstring injury and Hill is trying to recover from a concussion.

LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says wide receiver Deion Smith and starting right guard Chasen Hines are doubtful for Saturday’s game against 12th ranked Ole Miss. Marlon Martinez is expected to start if Hines can’t go. Kick-off is at 2:30.

The Ragin Cajuns rushed for 424 yards last night and they needed every one of those yards as U-L Lafayette held off upset-minded Arkansas State 28-27. Chris Smith rushed 238 yards, which is the fifth-most rushing yards in a single game in program history. Montrell Johnson rushed for 150 yards and got most of those yards on a 99-yard touchdown run.

21st ranked SMU trounced Tulane 55-26 as the Green Wave fall to one and six.

It’s homecoming for Louisiana Tech who will host undefeated and 24th ranked UTSA. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says the Roadrunners are a senior-laden team…
Cut 18 (19)”…protecting the football.”
It’s the first time the Roadrunners have been ranked in program history.

10.22.21
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6:30 LRN Newscast October 22

Senator John Kennedy says a massive disaster relief & economic recovery bill passed by the Senate is amended to benefit the Bayou State. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter says between 300 to 400 commercial buildings damaged by Hurricane Laura are being condemned or marked for demolition.

In New Orleans, Mayor LaToya Cantrell is considering holding all Mardi Gras parades on St. Charles Avenue as the city is concerned about the lack of available first responders.

Monroe Representative Michael Echols is working on legislation that would allow former governors to be buried on the State Capitol grounds next to the final resting place of Huey Long. Echols says his legislation is for the 2022 legislative session and he welcomes input from historians and others…
cut 12 (11) “….appropriate”
Trina Edwards, the widow of former Edwin Edwards, wanted the former four-term governor buried next to Huey Long’s statue, instead, Edwards was cremated.

Medicare Open Enrollment ends December seventh and Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is urging Medicare beneficiaries to use the Senior Health Insurance Information Program to help navigate the Medicare Open Enrollment Period…
cut 8 (10) “…their individual’s situation”
Medicare beneficiaries can contact SHIP by visiting i-d-i-dot-la-dot-gov.

10.21.21
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Ragin Cajuns are 18 point favorites to beat Arkansas State tonight. U-L Coach Billy Napier on the matchup….
cut 17 (11) “…this rivalry”
Kick off is at 6:30.

Also tonight, Tulane is at 21st ranked SMU.

LSU is at 12th ranked Ole Miss. The Tigers are coming off a win over previoulsy ranked Florida. Rebels Coach Lane Kiffin is impressed with how LSU beat the Gators….
cut 19 (14) “….normally”
Kick-off from Oxford is at 2:30. Louisiana Tech is also facing a ranked team on Saturday as they host 24th ranked UTSA for homecoming.

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The Louisiana Gaming Control Board gave unanimous approval for FanDuel to operate in the state, which gives online fantasy sports players another option. FanDuel’s competitor Draft Kings has been up and running in the state for several weeks. When will casinos offer sports gambling? Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says they are getting closer and at today’s board meeting he shot down rumors it will happen this weekend….
cut 11 (12) “…right way”
Currently only Paragon Casino in Marskville is taking legal sports bets.

The Pelicans lost 117 to 97 to the 76ers in their season opener last night. University of Illinois transfer Adam Miller, who was expected to be a big part of the LSU men’s basketball team, has torn his ACL. The Cajuns are picked to finish second in the Sun Belt coaches poll, ULM is picked to finish last.

10.21.21
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

Saturday’s LSU-Ole Miss game features a matchup of two coaches who have a lot of respect for each other. Rebels Coach Lane Kiffin was a young assistant coach with LSU’s Ed Orgeron when the two were on USC’s staff in the early 2000s. Kiffin says he learned a lot from Orgeron…
cut 20 (16) “…he does”
When Kiffin was the head coach at Tennessee and USC, he hird Orgeron to be an assistant coach on his staff. Coach O took over as the interim coach of the Trojans in 2013 when Kiffin was fired.

Multiple LSU players went on Twitter to deny the report Orgeron would have girlfriends at practice and their children would take part in team drills. Andre Anthony, Neil Farrell, Glen Logan, Myles Brennan and others say it’s Fake News.

The Ragin Cajuns seek their 12th straight Sun Belt Conference road victory tonight when they face Arkansas State in a game that will be shown on ESPN U. The Red Wolves are 1-and-5 but Cajuns Coach Billy Napier calls them a dangerous team
Cut 16 (20) “expect that”
Kick-off is at 6:30.

Also tonight, Tulane, who is 1-and-5, is at 21st ranked SMU.

Basketball, the Pelicans dropped their season opener, a 117 to 97 defeat to the 76ers. University of Illinois transfer Adam Miller, who was expected to be a big part of the LSU men’s basketball team, has reportedly torn his ACL and is out for the year. The Cajuns are picked to finish second in the Sun Belt coaches poll, while ULM is picked to finish last.

10.21.21
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06:45 LRN Sportscast

Not a great start to the Willie Green era for the Pelicans. Green lost his coaching debut as New Orleans fell to the Philadelphia 76ers 117-97. The 76ers put the game away with a 36 point fourth quarter. Green on the opening night defeat….
cut 29 (25) “…night overall”
It was a really rough night for new Pelican, Jonas Valanciunas, who was 3-of-19 from the field and scored just nine points.

LSU men’s basketball has lost one of its top players before the season even started. University of Illinois transfer Adam Miller has reportedly suffered an ACL injury and will miss the season.
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It remains a mystery on whether Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corrall will play in Saturday’s game against LSU. Corrall rushed for 30 times in last week’s win against Tennessee and Coach Lane Kiffin sounded pessimistic on Monday that he could suit up again on Saturday. During Wednesday’s SEC Teleconference, Kiffin didn’t sound any more optimistic…
Cut 18 (13)”…that’s hope.”
Kick-off in Oxford on Saturday is at 2:30.

Tonight in college football, Tulane is at 21st ranked SMU, the Ragin Cajuns visit Arkansas State, who has just one win on the season. Last night in the Sun Belt, Appalachian State upset 14th ranked Coastal Carolina 30-27.

And there are reports the Sun Belt is looking at adding Southern Miss, Marshall, Old Dominion and James Madison, while Conference USA is also eyeing James Madison and FBS independent Liberty.

10.20.21
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4:45 LRN Sportscast October 20

With LSU’s top receiver, Kayshon Boutte (Boo-thay), going down with a season-ending injury. Someone had to step. Last Saturday it was Jena’s Jaray (Juh-ray) Jenkins who caught a career-high three touchdown passes in the upset win over Florida…
Cut 16 (15) “get the victory”
Linebacker Damone Clark says the news that this would be Coach Ed Orgeron’s last season at LSU has not been a distraction…
cut 18 (08) “…great university”
The Tigers are facing one of the top offenses in the SEC this Saturday as Ole Miss is averaging 44 points a game.

There are two college football games tomorrow night, the Ragin Cajuns are at Arkansas State. U-L Lafayette seeks a 12th straight Sun Belt win on the road. And Tulane is at 21st ranked SMU.

Tonight is the season opener for the Pelicans as New Orleans hosts the 76ers. It’s the head coaching debut for Willie Green and the goal this season for New Orleans is nothing less than a playoff appearance. They got to get Zion Williamson. He continues to recover from fracturing his foot in the summer. Tip off is at 7 PM.

The Saints are five point favorites heading into Monday night’s matchup with the Seahawks. Seattle is in last place in the NFC West with a two and four record and they are without star quarterback Russell Wilson, who is sidelined with a finger injury. The Saints are getting healthier as Kwon Alexander, Marcus Davenport, Tre’Quan Smith and Will Lutz are getting closer to returning.

The Sun Belt Conference is reportedly close to announcing that Southern Miss and Marshall are leaving Conference USA to join the Sun Belt. Pete Thamel from Yahoo Sports also reports the Sun Belt is looking to add Old Dominion and James Madison, while Conference USA is interested in adding Liberty and James Madison.

10.20.21
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11:40 LRN Sportscast October 20

Tonight is the season opener for the Pelicans who tip-off the season at home against the 76ers. New Orleans starting five looks different this year. Jonas Valanciunas is the new big man down low and has reportedly signed a two year contract extension. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and three-point specialist Devontae Graham will play at guard along with Brandon Ingram. Coach Willie Green…
cut 28 (08) “…key for us”
And getting Zion Williamson back healthy will also be a key. No timeline on when he’ll return.

The Saints are at Seattle on Monday and linebacker Kwon Alexander, defensive end Marcus Davenport and receiver Tre’Quan Smith are getting closer to returning. There’s also a chance kicker Will Lutz will return for Monday night’s game.

The Tigers are facing one of the top offenses in the SEC this Saturday as Ole Miss is averaging 44 points a game. Senior defensive tackle Glen Logan on the matchup with the Rebels…
Cut 19 (19) “…against them.”
Kick-off on Saturday in Oxford is at 2:30 PM. LSU has won the last five games in this series, but they are a nine-point underdog this Saturday.

Louisiana Tech is a touchdown underdog at home this Saturday to 24th ranked UTSA, who is 7-and-0. The Bulldogs are coming off a disappointing performance against UTEP where Tech only scored a field goal. Coach Skip Holtz is hoping for a big crowd for this homecoming matchup at 6 PM inside Joe Aillet Stadium.