Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

07.12.21
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4:45 LRN Sportscast July 12

Right-handed pitcher Jaden Hill became the first LSU Tiger taken in the 2021 Major League Baseball Draft. The Colorado Rockies selected Hill in the second round with the 44th pick. Hill continues to recover from a torn elbow ligament in his throwing arm in early April.

In the third round, the Los Angeles Angels selected right-hander Landon Marceaux with the 80th overall pick. The junior from Destrehan went seven and seven this past season at LSU with a 2.54 ERA.

Four LSU signees were also selected during the second day of the M-L-B draft, including right-handed pitcher Ben Kudrna from Overland Park, Kansas. Kudrna has a fastball that’s touched 97 miles per hour. The other signees drafted are left-handed pitcher Brock Selvidge and catchers Carter Jensen and Ian Moller. But right-handed pitcher Cale Lansville who has a mid-90s fastball says he plans on pitching at LSU.

The state is remembering Edwin Edwards today. The former four-term governor died at the age of 93. He helped convince the state legislature to pour millions of dollars into the completion of the Superdome in downtown New Orleans. And he was also the governor when Tom Benson agreed to buy the Saints for 64-million dollars in 1985.

The winningest football coach in Nicholls State history. Sonny Jackson passed away over the weekend. He was 82 years old. Jackson was the head coach at Nicholls from 1981 to 1986 and went 39-28-and-1. Current head coach Tim Rebowe had 38 wins. Jackson also coached at McNeese for three seasons following his time at Nicholls.

Lafayette Christian Academy Defensive lineman Fitzgerald West has committed to LSU. He’s expected to play center in college.

The attorney for former LSU and West Monroe star Barkevious Mingo says it was premature for the Falcons to release him. Mingo was arrested last week by police in Arlington, Texas, and charged with indecency with a child, sexual contact.

07.12.21
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LRN PM Newscall July 12

Louisiana has lost a legendary figure as former four-term governor Edwin Edwards passes away at the age of 93. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (46) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Advocate reporter Tyler Bridges remembers former Governor Edwin Edwards, who he says was the most important political figure in Louisiana since Huey P. Long…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”.  

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Former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards has died at the age of 93. Edwards served four terms as governor, but also eight years in prison after convicted on racketeering charges for corrupting the state’s riverboat gaming licensing process

Cut 3 (11)  “…balances out”

After serving as a state senator and in the U-S House of Representatives, Edwards was elected as governor in 1971 and began the first of four terms in 1972. He took advantage of an oil boom in 1974 and changed the severance tax making Louisiana the most-cash-rich state in the nation according to his biographer Leo Honeycutt. Edwards told Jim Engster in 2011 that he always looked out for the working class…

Cut 4 (11) “….some people are” 

Edwards was released from prison in 2011 and always maintained his innocence. He certainly had his critics, as he was tried three times on federal charges. In his 2011 interview with Jim Engster, Edwards talked about his afterlife…

Cut 5  (11) “..eternal hell” 

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Four-term former Governor Edwin Edwards has passed away at the age of 93. His biographer Leo Honeycutt says Edwards died peacefully this morning at his home in Gonzales with family and friends at his bedside. Honeycutt says last Monday Edwards placed himself in hospice care

Cut 6 (12) “…what happened”

Honeycutt says Edwin Edwards was lucid last week with his visitors at his home in Ascension Parish, but a couple of days ago he stopped eating. He says his last words were to his seven-year-old son, Eli…

Cut 7 (09) “…last words”

Honeycutt wrote a best-selling biography on Edwin Edwards’s life that was released in 2009. He says during their book signing tour, Honeycutt was amazed at the amount of public support the Cajun Prince received…

Cut 8 (10) “…that much”

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Former Democratic Governor Edwin Edwards’ legendary race against Republican former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke captivated the nation in 1991.

Advocate reporter Tyler Bridges covered “The Race from Hell” extensively. He says Edwards leaned into allegations of corruption against him with an unofficial campaign slogan of “vote for the crook, it’s Important”.

Cut 9 (05) “…today.”

Edwards ultimately won that race 61 to 39 percent in the runoff after incumbent Governor Buddy Roemer took third place in the primary.

Bridges says Edwards was certainly a politician of his time whose brand of humor and lifestyle likely would not fly in today’s more political correctness conscious political environment.

Cut 10 (08) “…today.”

Edwards was governor from 1972-1980, 1984-1988, and then 1992-1996.

Bridges says despite Edwards’ broad popularity it’s hard to make the case that he substantially improved the state given Louisiana still ranks at the bottom of most rankings. But, he did have that “it” factor…

Cut  11 (08) “…about him” 

Edwards’ last political campaign was in 2014 where he ran for the Baton Rouge-centric 6th District, ultimately losing to Republican Congressman Garret Graves.

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Memorial services have been set for Doyline Police Officer Billy Collins Junior who was fatally shot on Friday while responding to a service call. Visitation will be Thursday night at First Bossier Church in Bossier City and the funeral will be the next day. In Florida, 12-year-old Zechariah Cartledge ran one mile while carrying a Blue Line Flag in honor of Officer Collins

Cut 12 (12) “…family members”

State Police says the suspect who shot Collins is in serious condition after suffering a gunshot wound. Collins was a Webster Parish deputy, but was working as a Doyline patrol officer when he died in the line of duty. Cartledge is impressed with Collins’s dedication to his community…

Cut 13 (08) “…could ever”

State Police say Collins and two Webster Parish deputies were responding to a call for service. Investigators say Carter was the first officer to arrive at the residence and immediately began to take gunfire from the suspect. Doyline Mayor Steven Birdwell says Collins was loved in the community…

Cut 14 (09) “…happen again” 

07.12.21
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10:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana has lost one of its iconic figures. Former four-term Governor Edwin Edwards passed away at the age of 93 this morning. It was a week ago that Edwards placed himself in hospice care after complaining of pain in his right lung. His biographer Leo Honeycutt says Edwards stopped eating two days ago and his last words were to his seven-year-old son Eli…
cut 7 (09) “….last words”

Edwards is Louisiana’s most well-known governor since Huey Long and could always fire off a great soundbite. Here’s what he said following his conviction in 2001 on federal racketeering charges…
cut 19 (12) “…my body”
Edwards served 8.5 years in federal prison but met his wife Trina during that time. The two were pen pals.

A Webster Parish deputy was killed Friday night while responding to a call as a Doyline patrol officer. Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker declined to give the suspect’s name because he wanted the focus to be on the loss officer William Earl Collins, Junior, also known as Billy.

Cut 9 (09) “…closure.”

The suspect has been identified as 59-year-old Mahlon Taylor, the Taylor family says he suffers from mental illness.

The Louisiana Community and Technical College System saw a 10 percent drop in enrollment during the 2020-2021 school year. LCTCS spokesperson Quintin Taylor says the good news is enrollment seems to be rebounding.

Cut 12 (08) “…as well.”

For the current summer semester enrollment has increased five to fifteen percent in some places.

07.12.21
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9:30 LRN Newscast July 12

Four-term former Governor Edwin Edwards has passed away at the age of 93. His biographer Leo Honeycutt says Edwards died peacefully this morning at his home in Gonzales with family and friends at his bedside. Honeycutt says last Monday Edwards placed himself in hospice care…
cut 6 (12) “…what happened”
Honeycutt says Edwin Edwards’s last words were to his eight-year-old son, Eli. He told Eli that he loved him.

Current Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards says the state has lost a giant. He says Edwin Edwards was a larger-than-life figure known for his wit and charm and he will be equally remembered for being a compassionate leader who cared for the plight of all Louisianans.

Edwards also served 8.5 years in federal prison, but met his wife Trina through the experience and ran for Congress in 2014.

Enrollment at Louisiana Community and Technical College System schools dropped ten percent for the 2020-21 school year. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

There are many people returning today from a well-deserved vacation. LSU Health New Orleans Clinical Psychologist Doctor Michelle Moore says taking a proper break from daily tasks helps rejuvenate and refresh a person’s outlook on both personal and work life.
Cut 5 (09) “…to do.

07.12.21
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8:30 LRN Newscast

Former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards has passed away at the age of 93. Edwards served four terms as governor, but also eight years in prison after he was convicted on racketeering charges for corrupting the state’s riverboat gaming licensing process…
cut 3 (11) “…balances out”
That audio is courtesy of the Jim Engster Show in 2011. Edwards biographer Leo Honeycutt says Edwards died peacefully this morning at his him in Gonzales.

The investigation continues into Friday night’s fatal shooting of law enforcement officer William Earl Collins Junior, also known as Billy. Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker says Collins was working as a Doyline police officer at the time of the shooting…
cut 8 (10) “….to assist’
State Police say the man suspected of shooting Collins is in serious condition with a gunshot wound.

The Lt. Governor’s Office says Louisiana State Parks are experiencing their best year yet and the system is getting to the point where it can fund itself. State Parks Deputy Assistant Secretary Clifford Melius says about 70-percent of their bookings are coming from Louisiana residents and some parks are booked up to 13 months out…
cut 14 (10) “…statewide”

Meanwhile, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System reported a ten-percent drop in enrollment for the 2020-21 school year. Spokesperson Quintin Taylor says many of their students have children themselves and many incoming freshmen decided on attending four-year schools because ACT admissions criteria was lowered…
cut 11 (08) “….schools”
Taylor says enrollment for the fall semester is on the upswing.

07.12.21
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7:30 LRN Newscast July 12

Law enforcement around the state are mourning the loss of Doyline Police Officer William Earl Collins, Junior, also known as Billy, who was killed on Friday night while responding to a service call at home. Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker says Collins was a part-time officer for Doyline and his full-time job was at the parish prison…
cut 7 (08) “…of us”
State Police say the man who shot Collins suffered a gunshot wound and is in serious condition.

According to the Lt. Governor’s office, the state park system is having its best year ever. State Parks Deputy Assistant secretary Clifford Melius says part of the success has been increasing the number of amenities at each park, adding attractions like horseback riding and canoeing and other draws…
cut 15 (11) “…longer”

We are at the pinnacle of the summer vacation season, and health professionals say taking a break from your daily tasks is just what the doctor ordered. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries had to rescue a man after he jumped into the Atchafalaya River from the Basin Bridge. The incident occurred on Friday and Jimmy Jennings reportedly made the decision to jump after he was stuck in traffic as a result of a ten-vehicle pile-up. Jennings reportedly spent three hours in the water before he was rescued.

07.12.21
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6:45 LRN Sportscast July 12

Former LSU Tiger and West Monroe star Barkevious Mingo is in trouble with the law and no longer on an NFL team. The Falcons released Mingo after he was arrested in Texas on a charge of indecency with a child sexual contact. Arlington Police say the second-degree felony charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Mingo’s attorney calls the allegations completely baseless.

Lafayette Christian Academy defensive tackle Fitzgerald West Junior has committed to LSU. He’s six-foot-two, 325-pounds. He was a Class 2A All-state defensive lineman as he helped LCA to another state championship last season. But he’s projected to play center in college.

Dustin Poirier received a hero’s welcome when he returned to Lafayette on Sunday after defeating Conor McGregor in a U-F-C 264 fight. McGregor suffered a serious leg injury and could not continue which Poirier received the victory. McGregor calls it an illegitimate win.

07.12.21
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6:30 LRN Newscast July 12

The Lieutenant Governor’s office says state parks are having their best year and the system is getting closer to being entirely self-funded. State Parks Deputy Assistant Secretary Clifford Melius says six state parks made more money this year than what it costs to operate them.
Cut 13 (08) “…of that.”
Melius says about 70 percent of their traffic is coming from Louisiana residents and some parks are booked up to 13 months out.

It’s the height of the summer vacation season and many are taking a break, especially after COVID travel restrictions in 2020. LSU Health New Orleans Clinical Psychologist Dr. Michelle Moore says taking a break from work is essential for your health, even if you can’t travel…
cut 4 (10) “…to rest”

The Louisiana Community and Technical College System saw a 10 percent drop in enrollment during the 2020-21 school year. Spokesperson Quintin Taylor says many of their students have children and the chaotic situation in K-12 education during the pandemic made it hard for parents to pursue their own education.
Cut 10 (11) “…space.”

Scripps National Spelling Bee Champ Zaila Avant-garde has already received scholarship offers from LSU, Southern, and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System after becoming the first Louisiana resident to win the tournament. Zaila has previously said she was interested in Harvard.

07.09.21
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4:45 LRN Sportscast July 9

LSU baseball has made it official by announcing the hirings of Jason Kelly as pitching coach and Dan Fitzgerald as recruiting coordinator. Kelly was at Arizona State last season and helped the Sun Devils reach the NCAA Tournament, despite numerous injuries to their pitching staff. Kelly was also named 2018 National Assistant Coach of the Year after helping Washington reach its first-ever College World Series. Fitzgerald has been at Dallas Baptist for the last nine seasons and he’s considered one of the top recruiters in the country.

Nicholls named Louisiana Tech associate head coach Mike Silva as its new head baseball coach today. Silva also oversaw the Bulldogs pitchers and helped Tech to its best ever season in program history this past year.

In basketball, the Ragin Cajuns leading scorer from last season, Cedric Russell, has reportedly committed to Ohio State. He averaged 17 points a game last season for U-L Lafayette.

A 14-year-old girl from Harvey won the Scripps National Spelling Bee last night becoming the first person from Louisiana to win the bee. Zaila Avant-garde is also the first African American winner of the 96-year-old tournament. She spelled Murraya correctly to win…
cut 12 (10) “….applause fades”
Zaila told Good Morning America she studies 13-thousand words a day. The Jefferson Parish native also spelling is a hobby, but her true passion is basketball and she holds three Guinness World Records for dribbling multiple basketballs simultaneously.

Louisiana Tech football program has announced the signing of three transfers, including former West Virginia Quarterback Austin Kendall, who also spent three seasons at Oklahoma. Kendall was West Virginia’s primary starter in 2019 and threw for nearly two thousand yards and 12 touchdowns. Tech also signed former Vanderbilt running back Keyon Henry Brooks, who rushed for 746 yards in two seasons for the Commodores. And former Jacksonville State cornerback Jacquez Payton, who had three career interceptions for the Gamecocks

07.09.21
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LRN PM Newscall July 9

Cara the Python is back home at the Blue Zoo in the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge after spending three days out of her enclosure. Taylor Sharp reports Cara was found in a ceiling crawl space…

Cut 1 (28) “ …I’m Taylor Sharp” 

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Pfizer is lobbying for a vaccine booster shot but the CDC and FDA say not so fast. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo.  

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Cara the Burmese Python made headlines this week after her escape from an enclosure at the Blue Zoo in the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge. It naturally had people on edge having a 12-foot snake on the loose, but Dr. Christopher Austin with LSU’s Museum of Natural Science says Cara only posed a minimal threat to humans.

Cut 3 (09)  “…eating mode”

A search team found Cara in a ceiling crawl space three days after it went missing from the Blue Zoo. Cara never went outside of the mall and Dr. Austin says she made a good call.

Cut 4 (11) “…survive”

Once Cara was removed from the wall, she was sent to the LSU vet school to be evaluated.  Dr. Austin says it was mostly for precautionary reasons.

Cut 5  (12) “..infected” 

After being checked out by a team at the vet school, Cara was returned to her home at the Blue Zoo.

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Only 49.5 percent of Louisianans 18 and older have received a vaccine dose, second-worst in the nation ahead of only Mississippi.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says 39 percent of all Louisianans have received at least one dose of a vaccine, but among those most vulnerable, the 65 and older crowd, that number is 80 percent.

Cut 6 (10) “…improve”

In Texas, 61 percent of all adults have received at least one dose.

Kanter says despite how effective the vaccines are they have recorded 1,763 breakthrough cases in Louisiana. Nearly all were mild to moderate cases, but…

Cut 7 (12) “…Louisiana”

Kanter says it is too early to make any conclusive statements but early evidence suggests areas with higher vaccination rates now have noticeably lower levels of community spread.

Cut 8 (11) “…this week”

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Drugmaker Pfizer is advocating for a booster dose of their vaccine as immunity is waning among COVID variants. But the CDC and FDA issued a joint statement against a booster shot right now. LSU Health Shreveport pediatric infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vanchiere says in the meantime we should focus on vaccinating more people.

Cut 9 (09) “…this time.”

Vanchiere who served as the lead investigator of the Pfizer vaccine clinical trials at LSH Health Shreveport says the Delta strain has quickly become the leading variant in the state and country,

Vanchiere says Louisiana ranks 49th in the U-S among vaccination and the percentage of those vaccinated in the state is well below 40-percent, even below 30-percent in some areas. Vanchiere says the key is the increase vaccination rates to ward off more variants.

Cut 10 (09) “…coronavirus.”

Currently, there are booster clinical trials underway with both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Vanchiere says the pandemic is only at the halfway mark and until we have more data on boosters, those who are unvaccinated need to roll up their sleeves.

Cut  11 (09) “…boosters.” 

On Friday the state reported 967 new COVID cases, 10 fatalities, and 372 hospitalizations. A week ago there were 259 COVID hospitalizations.

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A 14-year-old girl from Harvey won the Scripps National Spelling Bee last night becoming the first person from Louisiana to win the bee. Zaila Avant-garde is also the first African American winner of the 96-year-old tournament. She spelled Murraya correctly to win…

Cut 12 (10) “…applause fades”

Murraya is a genus of a citrus plant native to southeast Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands. Here’s how Zaila approached the spelling of the word

Cut 13 (10) “…that here.”

Zaila told ABC’s Good Morning America she studies 13-thousand words a day. The Jefferson Parish native also spelling is a hobby, but her true passion is basketball and she holds three Guinness World Records for dribbling multiple basketballs simultaneously. The talented teenager told ESPN about records

Cut 14 (09) “…six balls.”