Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

11.23.21
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8:30 LRN Newscast November 23

A State Police investigation continues into the deadly shooting of an armed black male by three officers late Sunday night in the Jefferson Parish city of Metairie. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

State Police say an eight-year-old was killed in a three-vehicle wreck in Avoyelles Parish on Monday. Investigators say the child was in a vehicle that was rear-ended by an international commercial vehicle on Louisiana Highway one and was pushed into a pickup truck. Even though the child was restrained, the eight-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nearly 15 months after Hurricane Laura slammed into southwest Louisiana the state has announced 11-million dollars has become available to help repair homes in Lake Charles…
cut 5 (08) “….median income”
Governor John Bel Edwards says the grants will be capped at 50-thousand dollars and he says more grant dollars will become available once the state receives approval to spend 595-million dollars in federal disaster recovery funding.

Second Harvest Foodbank is asking for holiday donations….
cut 11 (09) “….most people possible”
That’s Second Harvest spokesperson Jay Vise who says you can make a donation at no-kid-hungry-dot-org.

The Saints continue to be bitten by the injury bug. Now starting tight end Adam Trautman is out four to six weeks with a sprained knee. New Orleans hosts Buffalo on Thanksgiving night.

11.23.21
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7:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Edwards and the Mayor of Lake Charles announce the creation of an eleven-million dollar housing program to help residents recover from the 2020 hurricanes and flooding in May. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Governor Edwards believes the COVID-19 vaccine should be added to the list of vaccines required for students to attend school, once it receives full FDA approval for children. Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder reportedly texted lawmakers that this is a line in the sand that will not be crossed.

State Lawmakers plan to hold a three-week special session in February on Redistricting. Speaking to the Baton Rouge Press Club, Crowley Representative John Stefanski says lawmakers are close to completing a statewide “roadshow”, to hear what the public thinks about drawing new districts…:
Cut 7 (10) “…at that time as well.”
Stefanski says he’s hearing from lawmakers who are interested in just tweaking the current six U-S House districts.

State Police continues to investigate Sunday night’s fatal police shooting in Metairie. Trooper Kate Stegall says officers encountered an armed man who refused to comply with orders to drop his weapon and whipped around and pointed it at the officers…
cut 14 (09) “….at the scene”
The subject’s identity has not been released.

11.23.21
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

Ragin Cajuns coach Billy Napier’s name is coming up as a possible candidate as a head coach at a variety of places including LSU and Florida. Glen Guilbeau with out-kick-dot-com says Napier is a finalist for the LSU job, but the Gators are also interested in the 42-year-old….
cut 30 (12) “….is wrong”
Guilbeau says LSU is high on bringing back former defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, who is doing well at Baylor, to replace Ed Orgeron.

If LSU doesn’t play in a bowl game, Saturday’s home game against Texas A-and-M will be Orgeron’s last as head coach of the Tigers. He was asked what he’ll remember from his time as head coach…
cut 17 (16) “….been phenonemal”

During their three-game losing streak, the Saints have only scored 13 points in the first half of those games. Coach Sean Payton was asked about the team’s recent slow starts…
Cut 19 (16) “….of em”
More bad injury news for the Saints, tight end Adam Trautman will reportedly miss the next four to six weeks with a sprained M-C-L. New Orleans has also reportedly worked out a four-year contract extension with the versatile Taysom Hill. ESPN’s Adam Schefter says Hill will get at least 40-million dollars, but if he becomes the starting quarterback, he could make as much as 95-million dollars.

The Pelicans looked bad in a 110-96 loss to the Timberwolves, but the LSU men’s basketball team looked really good beating up Belmont 83-53. ULM also crushed Northwestern State 96-66.

11.23.21
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6:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Edwards announces 11-million dollars has been secured to help low to moderate-income residents in Lake Charles perform housing repairs from damage done during the 2020 hurricanes and historic flooding in May. It’s a combination of federal housing and disaster recovery funds that’s available to the state and city from various programs.
Cut 4 (09) “…Mayor Hunter. “
Edwards says the state is still waiting to allocate another 595-million dollars in federal money.

State Police is investigating a fatal police shooting that occurred Sunday night in Metairie. Trooper Kate Stegall says a black male subject armed with a firearm and a knife was fatally shot after pointing a gun in the direction of a Trooper and two East Jefferson Levee District Officers…
cut 15 (09) “….bureau of investigations”

State lawmakers will have a special session in February for Redistricting. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

11.22.21
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

Sports reporter Glen Guilbeau with Outkick-dot-com reports Baylor Head Coach Dave Aranda, Louisiana’s Billy Napier and Iowa State’s Matt Campbell are the three finalists to replace Ed Orgeron as LSU’s head coach. Guilbeau says Aranda, who spent four years as LSU’s defensive coordinator, is the front-runner…
Cut 12 (12) “…Woodward wants.”
Guilbeau says Napier is also high on LSU’s head coaching list as he’s led the Cajuns to four straight Sun Belt West Division titles. But he says Florida, who just fired head coach Dan Mullen, is also very interested in Napier…
Cut 14 (12) “…is wrong”
He says Matt Campbell from Iowa State is also in the mix. Guilbeau’s sources tell him LSU could make a hire at the end of this week or early next week.

After dropping their third straight game yesterday, the short-handed Saints do not have much time to prepare for their next game. New Orleans, who is dealing with several injuries, will host the Buffalo Bills on Thanksgiving night. Quarterback Trevor Siemian says they have to rebound…
cut 18 (18) “….for sure”
Since the Saints play again on Thursday, they had to release a practice report, even though they didn’t practice. The team estimates that running back Alvin Kamara, Ryan Ramczyk, Adam Trautman and Marcus Davenport did not practice, while Mark Ingram and Terron Armstead were limited, while Taysom Hill was a full participant.

And there’s a report Hill has signed a four contract extension that could pay him up to 95-million dollars if he becomes the full-time starting quarterback.

11.22.21
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LRN PM Newscall November 22

Motorists have something to be thankful for, gas prices going down, ever so slightly with the average for regular gas $3.09 a gallon. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Seven people lost their lives in two fatal crashes in Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes involving suspected drunk drivers. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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There’s something to be thankful for at the pump this week. Gas Buddy Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says the average price for regular gas in Louisiana is down a penny and half with the statewide average at $3.09 a gallon, down four cents from last month. He says it has to do with the price of oil which was $85 a barrel.

Cut 3 (10) “…ahead of Thanksgiving.”

DeHaan says the Department of Interior issuing new leases on federal land is part of the reason for the drop in prices and less demand in Europe as some countries are facing lockdowns again as COVID cases increase.

Cut 4 (11) “…of oil.”

Compared to 2020, prices are much higher, up a $1.28 a gallon, but so is demand, DeHaan says more people are traveling this year as COVID cases are down in the U-S this Thanksgiving and they are traveling farther. If you are driving out of state DeHaan says, be prepared for even more sticker shock since Louisiana is typically lower than the national average.

Cut 5 (05) “….higher prices.”

The national average for regular gas is $3.41 a gallon.

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Nicholls State University is mourning the death of three students who were killed in a two-vehicle crash in Lafourche Parish involving a suspected drunk driver just after midnight on Saturday. State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says they believe 39-year-old Joey Clement (Clay-monh) was impaired when his pick-up truck slammed into an SUV…

 Cut 6 (11) “…that crash.” 

The three victims are from Luling (Loo-ling) and they’ve been identified as 19-year-old Lily Dufrene and 18-year-olds Hali Coss and Michaila Bowling. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the families cover the funeral expenses.

Brennan says Clement displayed signs of impairment and was arrested for DWI fourth offense…

Cut 7 (11) “….Lafourche Parish jail”  

Brennan says State Police is also investigating another fatal crash that occurred Friday night in Terrebonne Parish. He says this two-vehicle wreck killed four people including the suspected impaired driver, 42-year-old Charles Triggs of Raceland…

Cut 8 (13) “..was killed.”

The three other people killed in this wreck have been identified as 21-year-old Dannon Fulwiley of Raceland, 23-year-old Corey Porter of Raceland, and 25-year-old Ariana Lachico of Houma.

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Governor Edwards and other officials today marked the completion of a 125-million-dollar I-10 widening project between I-49 and Breaux Bridge. The ribbon-cutting involved the replacement of more than seven miles of pavement.

Cut 9 (12) “…westbound traffic.”

Since Edwards took office in 2016, just shy of one billion dollars has been spent on I-10 projects statewide.

The governor says spending money on such infrastructure projects is beneficial to the motoring public.

Cut 10 (09)  “…to travel here.”

Edwards says the continuing improvements to I-10 is a plus to business and ease the commute times for everyone else.

Cut  11 (09)  “…and go traffic.”  

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Sports reporter Glen Guilbeau with Outkick-dot-com reports Baylor Head Coach Dave Aranda, Louisiana’s Billy Napier and Iowa State’s Matt Campbell are the three finalists to replace Ed Orgeron as LSU’s head coach. Guilbeau says Aranda, who spent four years as LSU’s defensive coordinator, is the front-runner…

Cut 12 (12) “…Woodward wants.”  

The 45-year-old Aranda is in his second season as head coach of the Bears and has them in contention for a Big 12 championship with a nine and two record. He left LSU after helping the Tigers win the national championship in 2019 and Guilbeau says he’s well thought of in Baton Rouge…

Cut 13 (08) “….qualified”

Guilbeau says Napier is also high on LSU’s head coaching list as he’s led the Cajuns to four straight Sun Belt West Division titles. But he says Florida, who just fired head coach Dan Mullen, is also very interested in Napier…

Cut 14 (12) “…is wrong” 

He says Matt Campbell from Iowa State is also in the mix. Guilbeau’s sources tell him LSU could make a hire at the end of this week or early next week.

11.22.21
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints gave up 242 rushing yards and turned it over three times as they lost their third straight yesterday as Philadelphia pounded the Black and Gold 40-29. New Orleans Coach Sean Payton says they didn’t do the things needed in order to win in the NFL…
Cut 16 (15) “..better job”
New Orleans is now 5-and-5 and still clinging to the seventh and final playoff spot in the NFC. The Saints will host six and five Buffalo on Thanksgiving night. The Colts clobbered the Bills 41-15 yesterday.

In college basketball, LSU hosts Belmont tonight at 7 PM. This afternoon, ULM faces Northwestern State in a game that will be played in Ruston. Yesterday the Cajuns lost to Indiana 76-44. NBA, the Pels host the Timberwolves.

Multiple reports say LSU cornerback Eli Ricks plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal. Ricks hasn’t played since the loss to Kentucky as he underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum. He was a Freshman All-American last season after intercepting five passes.

LSU linebacker Damone Clark is a finalist for the Butkus award, which goes to the nation’s best linebacker. Clark leads the nation in tackles.

The Tigers conclude the regular season this Saturday night when they host Texas A-and-M. A win for the Bayou Bengals will make them bowl eligible, but Coach Oregeron says that will not be the main motivation…
Cut 20 (10) “.motivating factor”
Kick-off is at 6 PM.

The Ragin Cajuns will play Appalachian State in the Sun Belt Championship game on December fourth. But first the regular-season finale this Saturday against ULM. Southeastern Louisiana received an at-large berth into the FCS playoffs and will host Florida A-and-M on Saturday, while Northwestern State announces Brad Laird will return as the Demons head coach, but will make changes to his staff.

11.22.21
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8:30 LRN Newscast November 22

State Police say there was an officer-involved fatal shooting in Metairie last night. There are very few details at this time. The incident had a portion of Airline Highway closed, but it re-opened at 6 AM.

Three teenagers were killed in a two-vehicle fatal wreck after midnight on Saturday in Lafourche Parish. 39-year-old Joey Clement of Thibodaux was arrested for a fourth offense DWI.

The state receives a $1.5 million grant to address human trafficking. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Louisiana Farm Bureau says you can expect to pay 57-dollars for a classic Thanksgiving holiday meal that feeds 10. The cost of the meal includes turkey, bone-in ham and several side dishes. This year’s U-S average for a Thanksgiving meal is up 14-percent from last year, but Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says regardless of the price, the main staples for a Thanksgiving dinner are among the cheapest worldwide…
cut 5 (10) “…thank for that”

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris has been named the new Chairman of the House Education Committee. Harris has been in the Legislature since 2012 and has served on Appropriations, Retirement, and the Joint Budget Committee. He looks forward to the challenges of chairing Education…:
Cut 13 (14) “…where we are going.”

11.22.21
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7:30 LRN Newscast November 22

The Louisiana Farm Bureau says families can expect to spend an average of 57-dollars for a classic holiday meal for ten, which is eleven dollars cheaper than the national average. The dinner consists of 14 main items including sweet potatoes. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says even those veggies cost less in Louisiana than the national average…
cut 6 (07) “….the national average”
Davidson says you can even pay less by buying directly from a grower of sweet potatoes.

With the holidays approaching, Governor John Bel Edwards is encouraging those 18 and older and have been vaccinated against COVID to consider getting a booster shot…
cut 8 (07) “…the disease”
Health officials say vaccine immunity has been shown to drop after six months on the two-dose vaccines, and two months after the one-dose vaccine

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris has been named the new Chairman of House Education. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Governor Edwards has two public events on his calendar today. He’ll be in Lafayette this morning for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the I-10 widening project from I-49 to Breaux Bridge. This afternoon, Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter will join the governor in Baton Rouge for a housing announcement for people affected by last year’s hurricanes and the May floods.

11.22.21
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6:45 LRN Sportscast November 22

The short-handed Saints could not stop Philadelphia’s running game and lost their third consecutive game, a 40-29 defeat to the Eagles. New Orleans turned the ball over three times, leading to 17 points for Philadelphia. Saints Quarterback Trevor Siemien was intercepted twice. Darius Slay returned one of the interceptions 51 yards for a touchdown right before halftime to give the Eagles a 20-point lead. Siemien says they made too many mistakes…
Cut 17 (17) “ so small”
Siemian and the Saints were missing four-time Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara and starting tackles Terron Armstead and Ryan Ramczyk are also hurt and missed the game. New Orleans will host Buffalo on Thanksgiving night.

The LSU Tigers ended their three-game losing streak with a 24-14 win over ULM. Quarterback Max Johnson returned as the starting quarterback and threw for 319 yards and two touchdowns, but the offense still had trouble putting points on the board. Coach Ed Orgeron admits it was not a pretty win…
Cut 19 (19) ” heck of a game”
Linebacker Damone Clark had seven more tackles and leads the nation with 127 tackles.

The Sun Belt Conference Championship game is set as the Ragin Cajuns will host Appalachian State at 2:30 in Lafayette on December fourth. It’s the third matchup between the two teams in the four-year history of the Sun Belt championship game. But first U-L Lafayette will host ULM to conclude the regular season this Saturday.

Southeastern Louisiana has received an at-large bid into the F-C-S Playoffs and the Lions will hsot Florida A-and-M on Saturday night.