Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

06.11.21
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LRN PM Newscall June 11

Legislation that results in more state dollars going towards improving roads and bridges was approved by lawmakers in the final hour of the 2021 legislative session. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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A progressive advocacy group recommends that this fall people vote against a tax swap proposal passed by the legislature. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

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It is an ideal weekend to go fishing and it’s also the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ Free Fishing Weekend this Saturday and Sunday. LDWF spokesperson Gabe Giffin says the annual event is a great opportunity for residents and visitors to cast a line with family and friends.

Cut 3 (08) “…license.”

Another reason the annual Free Fishing Weekend is held in June is that fishing licenses in the state run yearly beginning in June. Giffin says the free weekend gives anglers a grace period and serves as a reminder to renew.

Cut 4 (12) “…this month.”

The free weekend includes both fresh and saltwater fishing. Giffin says it’s also the perfect weekend to introduce the sport to someone who’s never been before and possibly recruit a new fishing buddy.

Cut 5  (07) “…every day.”

Outside of this weekend, anyone 16 or older must possess a Louisiana fishing license when fishing in any public waters in the state.

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Governor Edwards says he’ll look closely at a bill that would gradually increase funding for roads and bridges by an additional 300-million dollars per year. Edwards is concerned that the money is coming out of the general fund, potentially creating shortfalls in other areas of state government, especially after federal coronavirus aid is spent

Cut 6 (09) “…surely won’t”

Supporters of the proposal say the state has made major investments in education, health care, and other areas while roads and bridges continue to deteriorate. But the governor is concerned about taking money out of the general fund to put towards roads, when the general fund will see fewer dollars in 2025. when a temporary sales tax expires…

Cut 7 (12) “…alone”

The transportation funding bill received overwhelming support in the House and Senate. Starting in 2023, it would begin to shift sales tax revenue from vehicle purchases from the general fund to another fund for highway projects. Edwards supports the idea of investing more dollars into roads, but not at the expense of other key government services…

Cut 8 (11) “..crticial investments” 

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A tense exchange between two lawmakers ended in threats, tears, and the removal of a bill. On Wednesday Bogalusa Representative Malinda White and Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh had a heated exchange over her bill and White allegedly said to Seabaugh “let me get my gun and finish this or I’m going to get my gun and we can finish this.” White then pulled her bill.

Cut 9 (11) “…about.”

House Bill 159 would provide a civil definition of domestic abuse. White who has previously shared that she’s a victim of domestic abuse herself was visibly emotional over the withdrawal of her bill.

Cut 10 (13) “…House Bill 159.”

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The Louisiana Budget Project recommends voters reject a “tax swap” tax reform proposal passed by the legislature at the fall ballot.

The constitutional amendment would lower income tax rates in exchange for eliminating the ability to deduct federal taxes. Executive Director Jan Moller says this doesn’t do anything for most Louisianans.

Cut  11 (11) “…taxes” 

Tax rates on income over 50,000 dollars a year would be slashed by 1.75 percent while rates on income below 50,000 dollars a year would only fall half a point or less.

Moller says the “tax swap” also features some unfortunate inclusions like an automatic trigger that would further cut taxes should the state see a surplus and a hard income tax cap of 4.75 percent.

Cut 12 (10) “..finish line”

Should those two features go into effect opponents argue the state could have to make deep cuts to healthcare and education should the economy tank in the future.

Moller says because the proposal disproportionally benefits upper-income earners and includes some bad long-term tax policy…

Cut 13 (09) “…needs.”

Supporters of the tax swap say it simplifies the state tax code and will make Louisiana more attractive to businesses.

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The Advocate newspaper reports retired Oregon State Coach Pat Casey is unlikely to become the next coach at LSU.  Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says LSU hiring a coach who allowed a sex offender to play on Oregon State’s 2018 national championship team would not be a good look.

Cut 14 (12) “….the energy” 

Another name to watch in the school’s search for a new coach is former LSU catcher and current Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco. Bianco has spent the last 20 years as the coach in Oxford and Higgins believes he could do a good job as the head man in Baton Rouge.

Cut 15 (11) “…a lot” 

06.11.21
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9:30 LRN Newscast June 11

The Legislature gave final passage to a bill that would increase state unemployment benefits by 28 dollars a week next year if the governor ceases accepting federally enhanced benefits by July 31st. Many Democrats opposed the legislation, but State Representative Chad Brown, a Democrat from Plaquemine, agreed with business groups who support the legislation…
Cut 13 (10) “…to work.”
Governor Edwards indicated that he’s leaning towards signing the bill.

The governor says 10 of the 13 bills in his legislative package passed, including new reporting requirements on college campuses when allegations of sexual misconduct are made….
cut 12 (12) “…this legislation”
Edwards also says he’s interested in signing a bill to lessen penalties for possession of 14 grams or less of marijuana.

Lawmakers approved the bills that set up the rules for sports betting. It authorizes sports betting parlors at casinos, racetracks and kiosks at select restaurants and bars. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says mobile sports betting can also take place…
cut 8 (07) “…as well”
Wagers would be taxed at 15-percent for betting online and 10-percent at casinos.

LSU Health Shreveport has received a 730-thousand dollar grant to enhance its sequencing of COVID-19. Director for Emerging Viral Threats at LSU Health Shreveport Doctor Andrew Yurochko (U-rotch-co) says sequencing in layman’s terms is discovering the fingerprint for a virus and each variant has its own code…
cut 5 (11) “…that vaccine”

06.11.21
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8:30 LRN Newscast June 11

In the final hour of the 2021 legislative session, lawmakers approved a bill that would result in an additional 300-million dollars for highway construction projects. The money would come from the general fund, which would reduce funding in other areas of the state budget. Governor Edwards has concerns with this legislation.

Edwards seems to be pleased with a bill that would end the enhanced 300-dollar federal unemployment benefits on July 31st. But New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry doesn’t like it…
cut 15 (10) “….district’
But the governor says the legislation will also increase the state’s weekly minimum unemployment benefits by 28-dollars…
cut 29 (14) “…trade off”

Will legalized sports betting be in place in Louisiana before the start of the football season? That’s the goal after lawmakers approved the necessary bills to make it happen. The legislation approved would allow anyone 21 and older to place bets on their mobile device, computer or at select locations in any of the 55 parishes that voted to approve the activity. Crowley Representative John Stefanski….
cut 7 (10) “….Louisiana”

LSU Health Shreveport has received a 730-thousand dollar grant to enhance its efforts to detect variants of COVID-19. The school has already detected seven of them. Director for Emerging Viral Threats at the Shreveport school says the award is indicative of their work to this point…
cut 6 (10) “…the country”

06.11.21
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7:30 LRN Newscast June 11

There was a flurry of activity in the final hour of the legislative session, which came to a close last night. Legislators approved a bill that would result in an additional 300-million dollars a year to improve roads and bridges. But Governor Edwards may not sign the legislation, because the proposal takes money away from other government services.

Also approved in the final hour. a bill that would end the 300-dollar federal unemployment boost
cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Legislation that sets up the framework for Louisiana adults to legally bet on sporting events is heading to the governor’s desk. Betting parlors would be allowed at the state’s casinos, racetracks and the Louisiana Lottery can set up kiosks at bars and restaurants. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says there will also be mobile sports betting…
cut 9 (11) “…participate”
Sports betting will be allowed in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes that approved it.

LSU Health Shreveport is one of four universities to be awarded a grant of 730-thousand dollars to enhance gene sequencing of COVID-19. Director for Emerging Viral Threats at the Shreveport school Dr. Andrew Yurochko (U-rotch-co) says the school’s role in the pandemic is why they received the grant.
Cut 4 (10) “…we’ve done.”
LSU Health Shreveport has already identified seven new COVID variants.

06.11.21
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6:45 LRN Sportscast June 11

The LSU baseball team is in Knoxville getting ready for its super regional series against Tennessee, which begins Saturday night at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. The Tigers were swept in Knoxville earlier this year and Coach Paul Mainieri says the Vols home ballpark is not an easy place to play…
cut 18 (21) “….low 3s”
First pitch tomorrow is at 6 PM.

The Advocate reports that it is unlikely LSU will hire retired Oregon State Coach Pat Casey to replace Mainieri. The 62-year-old Casey won three national titles during a 24-year run with the Beavers. The search is said to be wide open.

The College Football Playoff is looking at expanding from a four-team postseason to 12. The Six highest ranked conference champions and six at-large schools would make the postseason under the proposal and the top four seeds would get a bye. The first-round games would be played on campus. 2023 would be the soonest the new format would be put in place.

Will legalized sports betting be in place in Louisiana before the start of the football season? That’s the goal after lawmakers approved the necessary bills to make it happen. The legislation approved would allow anyone 21 and older to place bets on their mobile device, computer or at select locations in any of the 55 parishes that voted to approve the activity. Crowley Representative John Stefanski….
cut 7 (10) “….Louisiana”
Earlier this month Governor Edwards signed legislation setting the tax rates for sports betting with a 15 percent tax on mobile betting and a ten percent tax for betting at authorized locations.

06.11.21
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6:30 LRN newscast June 11

The 2021 regular Legislative session ended last night. Governor John Bel Edwards says the nine-week session resulted in a historic increase in funding for education, both for K-through-12 and higher ed, including raises for professors and an 800-dollar K-12 teacher pay raise.
Cut 10 (11) “…that goal.”

In the final hour of the session, lawmakers passed a bill that would end the enhanced 300-dollar federal jobless benefit unemployed individuals are receiving. The legislation would also raise the state’s unemployment benefits by 28-dollars a week starting next year. Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman says he initially opposed higher state benefits, but the business lobby accepts this compromise…
cut 14 (09) “…good things”
Governor Edwards calls the legislation a good compromise as well.

LSU Health Shreveport’s work during the pandemic with genetic sequencing receives national recognition and the school is receiving a Rockefeller grant. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

06.10.21
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4:45 LRN Sportscast June 10

The LSU baseball team left this afternoon for Rocky Top where they’ll face Tennessee in the super regionals. Game one is set for Saturday night in Knoxville. In late March, the Volunteers swept the Tigers, outscoring LSU by four runs. Coach Paul Mainieri says both teams benefited from that hard-fought series
Cut 18 (16)”..for us.”
After that series in an interview with a Baton Rouge radio station, Mainieri said the Tennessee fans were nasty and they got into the head of freshman first baseman Tre Morgan.

Meanwhile, the search for a new head baseball coach at LSU is heating up. Retired Oregon State Coach Pat Casey has emerged as a candidate. He won three national titles with the Beavers, but the 62-year-old has given mixed statements on whether he wants to coach again. Florida’s Kevin O’ Sullivan said today he’s staying in Gainesville.

Four days ago, Louisiana Tech’s season ended with a loss to North Carolina State in the Ruston regional championship round. Even though the Bulldogs did not advance, Tech coach Lane Burroughs says it was good for his team to feel what it’s like to host in the postseason.
Cut 16 (14) “…taste of it.”
Burroughs says he expects the Bulldogs to field another strong team on the diamond next season.

In football news, LSU officially named Baton Rouge native Brad Davis as its new offensive line coach. Davis has spent the last four seasons coaching in the SEC at Arkansas, Missouri, and Florida.

And the College football playoff announced today it considering a proposal to expand the postseason from four teams to 12 teams, with the top four seeds getting a first-round bye. Six conference champions plus six at-large teams would make the playoffs under the proposal that needs approval from the league commissioner.

06.10.21
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LRN PM Newscall June 10

Pending the Governor’s signature, kindergarten will soon be mandatory in Louisiana fall of 2022. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The Legislature gives final passage to a tax reform package that supporters say is a revenue-neutral simplification of personal and business income taxes. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Beginning fall of 2022 children who are five years old will be required to attend kindergarten in Louisiana as a result of legislation that’s received final legislative passage. Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields says it makes sense to have children learning earlier to get a head start with their education.

Cut 3 (12) “…at five.”

Twelve other states already require kindergarten, and the Bayou State will soon be the thirteenth pending the governor’s signature. The bill did face opposition claiming mandatory kindergarten is an infringement of parental rights. But Fields says they were able to come to an agreement with the legislation.

Cut 4 (10) “…early age.”

Fields, a proponent of early childhood education, says making kindergarten mandatory is the first hurdle in creating more learning opportunities for children.

Cut 5  (10) “…chance.”

The bill goes into effect for the 2022 school year to give school systems ample time to prepare for an increase in students. Children who turn age five by September 30th of the school year will be required to attend kindergarten.

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The Senate gave final legislative passage today to a package of tax reform bills that supporters say will simplify personal income and business taxes.

Pelican Institute CEO Daniel Erspamer says the business and personal tax changes involve cutting tax rates in exchange for eliminating the ability to deduct federal taxes from your state tax liability.

Cut 6 (12) “…structure”

Voters will have to approve the personal income tax reform proposal at the ballot in the fall. The other changes will require Governor Edwards’ signature.

Erspamer says if approved by voters and the Governor this package will be the most impactful set of tax reforms in decades.

Cut 7 (10) “…country”

The package also phases out the franchise tax for many smaller businesses and lowers the franchise tax rate over time for larger companies.

Erspamer says while this tax reform does simplify the state’s tax code significantly, put together it’s not really a tax cut for most people.

Cut 8 (09) “…state” 

Opponents argue the reforms mostly benefit the state’s wealthiest individuals and corporations.

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Baton Rouge Police arrest two teenagers who they believe fatally shot three people, including a one-year-old on May 31st at an apartment complex. BRPD Sergeant Don Coppola says 19-year-old David Williams and a 15-year-old suspect were taken into custody this morning

Cut 9 (12) “…same charges”

A total of five people have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred on Memorial Day. Coppola says this case will still remain open.

Cut 10 (08) “…as well.”

A source tells Louisiana Radio Network the alleged shooters are half-brothers. Their mother is one of the five people arrested as LaToya Coleman allegedly helped her sons evade police.

Coppola credits the public’s assistance for arrests taking place quickly…

Cut  11 (12) “…always do” 

The shooting took place in the pool area of Fairway View Apartment. Two miles were shot and killed and the one-year-old victim was caught in the crossfire. No word on what sparked the shooting.

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Live music returns to the historic Preservation Hall in New Orleans tonight. After closing its doors last March due to the pandemic, it’s reopening and on a historic day for the venue, its 60th anniversary. Preservation Hall Creative Director Ben Jaffe says it’s a significant night for not only the city but also the state.

Cut 12 (11) “..in general”

Jaffee says being closed for 15 months is the longest ever venue’s been silenced in history. Jaffe’s own mother was in the audience on opening night in 1961 and will be in attendance tonight also. He says they’ve received messages from all over the world about tonight’s reopening.

Cut 13 (10) “…sacred space.”

Preservation Hall did hold a handful of webcasts during the pandemic but tonight the shrine to New Orleans Jazz will play to a live audience. Jaffe says they believe it is now safe to open and preserving the health of their musicians is paramount.

Cut 14 (07) “….recovery.” 

The intimate venue will hold three shows nightly Thursdays through Sunday, with limited capacity. Guests will have their temperatures taken before entry and face masks are required.

06.10.21
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2:30 LRN Newscast June 10

On the final day of the legislative session, lawmakers approved tax swap plan that will lower individual income tax rates, but eliminate the ability to deduct on state taxes, federal income taxes paid. Pelican Institution CEO Daniel Erspamer says this proposal simplifies Louisiana’s complex tax code…
cut 6 (12) “…structure”
Voters will be asked to approve the plan on the October ballot.

Live music returns to the historic Preservation Hall in New Orleans tonight. After closing its doors last March due to the pandemic, it’s reopening and on a historic day for the venue, its 60th anniversary. Preservation Hall Creative Director Ben Jaffe says it’s a significant night for not only the city but also the state.
Cut 12 (11) “..in general”

Pending the Governor’s signature, kindergarten will soon be mandatory in Louisiana fall of 2022. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Today, Governor John Bel Edwards signed the state’s budget for the next fiscal year. As a result of increased revenues, legislators were able to fund 800-dollar pay raises for teachers. Nearly 20-million dollars in faculty pay raises for higher education. TOPS is fully funded and an extra 11-million dollars will go towards Go grant funding.

06.10.21
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9:30 LRN Newscast June 10

Oral arguments take place today in Attorney General Jeff Landry’s lawsuit against the Biden administration for imposing a temporary ban on new oil and gas lease sales on public lands, including the Gulf of Mexico. Landry is seeking a preliminary injunction…
cut 10 (12) “…Americans”
The White House says the moratorium does not stop oil and gas production and there’s plenty of undeveloped leases.

Former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal turns 50-years-old today. Jindal has stayed out of state politics since he left the governor’s office in 2016. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there’s still plenty of time for Jindal to return as a political figure…
cut 6 (11) “…a factor in”

The first FDA approval in almost 20 years for an Alzheimer’s medication has many asking why when an advisory council advised against it. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Today is the final day of the legislative session. Legislators are still looking at ways to generate more money for road and bridge construction. There is legislation that would re-direct revenues from vehicle sales taxes from the general fund and instead have that cash go towards transportation improvements.