Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

03.19.21
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LRN PM Newscall March 19

Louisiana casinos lost 877 million dollars in 2020 compared to 2019 and are starting off 2021 down significantly from where they were this same time last year. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (27) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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An effort to recall Governor John Bel Edwards falls way short of the signatures needed to force a recall election. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Don Molino”  

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LSU faces  St, Bonaventure in the first round of NCAA Tournament on Saturday at 12:45. The Bonnies are known for playing great defense and coach Will Wade says LSU will have to be disciplined offensively since the Tigers like to play fast….

Cut 3 (15)  “…what we do.”  

St.Bonaventure is anchored defensively by big man Osun Osunniyi (Oh-shoon Oh-shoon-ee-yee), who averages almost three blocks per game.  Wade says he’s one of the best rim protectors he’s seen.

Cut 4 (11) “…in the country” 

LSU is a young team, with only Javonte Smart and Darius Days having experience in the tournament.  Smart says the team needs to treat this like any other game.

Cut 5  (10)  “…just another game” 

Tip-off Saturday from Bloomington, Indiana is at 12:45.

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Several female lawmakers have called on LSU to fire instead of suspending two high-ranking athletic officials for their role in the mishandling of sexual misconduct cases outlined in the Husch Blackwell report. Governor Edwards says the people who contributed to the system-wide failure are not employed at LSU anymore…

Cut 6 (12) “…longer there.”

Edwards says he while some disagree with the suspensions, he’s not questioning the decision.

Cut 7 (11) “…decision.”

Edwards says only two members of the current Board of Supervisor were on the board during the period reviewed and they had no knowledge of the alleged behavior of former Coach Les Miles. The report concluded only three members knew about the situation and failed to share it.

Cut 8 (13) “…inappropriate.”

Miles, who has been released from his contract at Kansas University, denies the allegations.

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Louisiana gaming revenue is still slow to get back to normal after a tough 2020 was followed up by extreme weather to start 2021.

Louisiana gaming establishments lost 877 million in revenue for 2020 compared to 2019. Louisiana Casino Association Executive Director Wade Duty…

Cut 9 (10) “…temperatures”

Workforce Commission figures show 4,790 employees were laid off from state casinos throughout the course of 2020.

February revenue is down 23.4 percent from 2020. Duty says that’s partially due to the water situation that happened in Shreveport, but also close to the industry’s new normal.

Cut 10 (11) “…picture” 

Some of the biggest revenue losses were seen at Harrah’s in New Orleans. Louisiana’s lone land-based casino was down 40 percent from February of 2020, or 7.4 million dollars.

Duty does not expect revenues to immediately return to normal even after the public health emergency ends because those 50 and older are staying closer to home…

Cut 11 (09) ” that point”

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Louisiana reports fewer than 400 COVID-19 hospitalizations for the first time since late March.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says we’re seeing historic lows in nearly all COVID-related categories right now.

Cut 12 (10) “ …to date.” 

Kanter says this is evidence that we are doing a good job of stopping the spread, using mitigation measures, and proof the vaccine is working.

Cut 13 (08)“…hospitalizations.”

987,000 Louisianans have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine and 568,000 have completed their full series.

Kanter says the one area of the state he is worried about is Lake Charles. He says they’ve been seeing an increase in cases for about two weeks.

Cut 14 (08) “…outbreak.” 

The Calcasieu Parish positivity rate sits at 8.1 percent per the most recent update.

03.19.21
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2:30 LRN Newscast March 19

The number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Louisiana has fallen below 400 to 399. State Health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says this is evidence that we are doing a good job of stopping the spread, using mitigation measures, and proof the vaccine is working.
Cut 13 (08)“…hospitalizations.”
Nearly a million Louisianans have now received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine and 568-thousand have completed their full series.

Louisiana casinos and other gaming establishments lost about 877-million dollars in 2020. Will we see a recovery in 2021? Louisiana Casino Association Executive Director Wade Duty does not expect revenues to immediately return to normal even after the public health emergency ends…
Cut 11 (09) ” that point

Governor Edwards calls it a reasonable decision to not fire, but suspend two LSU athletic administrators for failing to handle sexual misconduct allegations properly. Edwards says mistakes were certainly made, including the investigation involving former LSU Coach Les Miles who was accused of inappropriate behavior with female students…
cut 8 (13) “….inappropriate”

The LSU men’s basketball team faces St. Bonaventure in the first round of NCAA Tournament on Saturday at 12:45. The Bonnies are known for playing great defense and coach Will Wade says LSU will have to be disciplined offensively since the Tigers like to play fast
Cut 3 (15) “…what we do.”

03.19.21
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10:30 LRN Newscast March 19

The state is expanding vaccine eligibility and starting Monday restaurant workers, grocery store employees and those who work at manufacturing facilities and at construction sites are eligible to get the vaccine. Governor Edwards says like all other eligible groups for the vaccine, essential workers will have to schedule appointments and also identify themselves as eligible workers and provide documentation.
Cut 8 (10) “…eligible
And the state health department is launching an outreach campaign that will get vaccines into hard-to-reach areas of Louisiana. State Health officer Doctor Joe Kanter…
cut 14 (11) “….next week”
Kanter expects community vaccination events during the second and third weekends of April.

Tomorrow is a special election for the 5th and 2nd Congressional District seats. Matt Doyle has more on both races.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The I-R-S and the state Department of Revenue are giving taxpayers until June 15th to file their 2020 taxes. But Postlethwaite and Netterville Associate Tax Director Kathyrn Pittman says do not procrastinate…
cut 11 (11) “…refund”

03.19.21
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9:30 LRN Newscast March 19

Governor Edwards announces essential workers can begin receiving vaccines on Monday.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

And the state is launching an outreach effort designed to remove any barriers that exist so residents make informed decisions on when it comes to COVID vaccines. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says the campaign is designed to bring us back to where we were pre-pandemic…
cut 13 (05) “…right now”

Voters in the 2nd and 5th Congressional Districts can elect a new Representative to represent them in the U-S House. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says in the 2nd district, New Orleans state Senators Troy Carter and Karen Carter Peterson are likely headed to a run-off…
cut 5 (11) “…District”
Another Democrat Gary Chambers is also running a visible campaign and Claston Bernard has the support of the Louisiana Republican Party.

The I-R-S and the state Department of Revenue will allow Louisiana taxpayers until June 15th to file their 2020 returns. Postlethwaite and Netterville Associate Tax Director Kathyrn Pittman says Louisiana is getting extra time because of the winters storms that impacted the state last month…
cut 12 (10) “…thing”

03.19.21
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8:30 LRN Newscast

All essential workers are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Louisiana starting on Monday. This includes people working in foodservice and grocery stores, manufacturing, construction, clergy and postal workers.

And the state health department is launching an awareness campaign to make sure every corner of the state has access to and knowledge of the vaccine. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The election is tomorrow for two vacant U-S House seats in Louisiana, one for the second district, which was previously held by Democrat Cedric Richmond and the fifth district where Luke Letlow was set to be the Congressman before he died from the coronavirus. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says turnout will be low and that’s more important in the 2nd district, which is likely headed to a runoff…
cut 6 (07) “….for you”
Democrats Troy Carter, Gary Chambers, Karen Carter Peterson, and Republican Claston Bernard are the main candidates in the 2nd district.

The state and federal tax filing deadline has been extended to June 15th in Louisiana for all individuals and businesses. Postlethwaite and Netterville Associate Tax Director Kathryn Pittman says this is because of the federal disaster that was approved for Louisiana as a result of last month’s winter storms.
Cut 10 (09) “…taxpayers.”

03.19.21
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7:30 LRN Newscast March 19

The state of Louisiana is expanding who can get the COVID-19 vaccine. Starting Monday essential workers are eligible for the shot. That includes people working in foodservice and grocery stores, manufacturing, construction, clergy and other essential jobs.

Edwards says the state continues to make progress in the fight against COVID-19 as the positivity rate is just below three-percent and according to the latest vaccination numbers from the state health department, nearly one million people in Louisiana have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine. and Edwards says…
cut 9 (04) “….on time”

And the state is launching a grassroots campaign that will make sure vaccines get to areas of the state that might not be getting enough of them now. State Health Office Doctor Joe Kanter….
cut 15 (09) “….like this”

Tomorrow is a special election for the 5th and 2nd Congressional District seats. Matt Doyle has more on both races.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

A 19-year-old Lafayette man has been charged with a hate crime and kidnapping charges. Federal prosecutors say Chance Joseph Seneca tried to kidnap and murder gay men by connecting with them through social media and a dating app. One of his victims was strangled and his wrists were slit to the bone.

03.19.21
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6:30 LRN Newscast March 19

Governor Edwards announces essential workers can begin receiving vaccines on Monday. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Governor Edwards calls it a reasonable decision to not fire, but suspend two LSU athletic administrators for failing to handle sexual misconduct allegations properly. Edwards says based on what he read in the Husch Blackwell report the people that should get fired are no longer employed at LSU. But female state legislators are pushing for harsher punishments for the two LSU employees who have been suspended.

Voters in the 5th and 2nd Congressional Districts head to the polls tomorrow to pick their next U-S House Representative. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the 5th District race should be a landslide win for Republican Julia Letlow who may avoid a runoff.
Cut 4 (10)“…husband.”
Pinsonat says the second district congressional election will need a runoff.

The I-R-S and the Louisiana Department of Revenue are giving taxpayers until June 15th to file their taxes this year. Postlethwaite and Netterville Associate Tax Director Kathyrn Pittman says despite the extensions, it’s still not a good idea to procrastinate…
cut 11 (11) “…refund”

03.18.21
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4:45 LRN Sportscast March 18

In a conference call with reporters, Quarterback Drew Brees says he could have played another season in the NFL, but wants to spend more time with his family…
cut 7 (12) “…it was time”
But Brees will be away from his family on weekends in the fall. He’ll work as a studio analyst for NBC’s Football Night in America on Sunday and on Saturday, he’ll serve as a color commentator for NBC’s broadcasts of Notre Dame football. Brees hopes he can teach something about the game to fans they didn’t know.

New Orleans Defensive back P-J Williams is reportedly returning to the Black and Gold on a one-year deal worth 2.3 million dollars. Former LSU Tiger Patrick Peterson is back in purple and gold as the standout cornerback has signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings. Jared Cook is headed back to the west coast as the former Raider and Saints tight end has signed with the Los Angeles Chargers.

When the LSU men’s basketball team is not practicing for Saturday’s first-round NCAA Tournament game against Saint Bonaventure, they are in their hotel room in Indianapolis. Coach Will Wade says many of his players have turned to video games for entertainment…
cut 17 (18) “…I have not clue”

On Fox Sports New Orleans tonight, the Pelicans will face the Portland Trail Blazers for a second straight game. On Tuesday, the Pels blew a 17-point fourth-quarter lead and lost to the Trail Blazers 125 to 124 on their home floor. Coach Stan Van Gundy has said he wants more of the offense to go through Zion Williamson during the late stages of the game.

Tomorrow night, Louisiana Tech will take on Ole Miss in the first round of the N-I-T. The Bulldogs are 12-and9 all-time in the N-I-T and reached the tournament’s final four in 1986.

03.18.21
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2:30 LRN Newscast March 18

Oregon State has placed former LSU president F- King Alexander on probation for his role in the mishandling of sexual misconduct complaints while he was leading the L-S-U system. At LSU, two athletic administrators are still on suspension, but Chairperson of the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children, Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow, says the response so far from these two universities is not good enough…
cut 10 (07) “…response”
There have been calls for LSU athletic administrators Verge Ausberry and Miriam Segar to be fired.

The state reported 558 more COVID-19 cases today and in southwest Louisiana, they are seeing more positive cases connected to the U-K variant than other parts of the state. Southwest Louisiana Regional Health Director Doctor Lacey Cavanaugh says they have a lab in that area that could test for it…
cut 3 (09) “….by us”

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the nation’s ag industry is set to receive 10-billion dollars from the one-point-nine trillion-dollar American Rescue Plan approved by Congress. Strain says the legislation includes 66-million for the Farm Loan Assistance Program for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers…
cut 13 (11) “…for given”

The state reported 558 more COVID-19 cases today and in southwest Louisiana, they are seeing more positive cases connected to the U-K variant than other parts of the state. Southwest Louisiana Regional Health Director Doctor Lacey Cavanaugh says they have a lab in that area that could test for it…
cut 3 (09) “….by us”

03.18.21
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LRN PM Newscall March 18

Drew Brees says he’s ready for his next career in football as a football commentator for NBC Sports. Taylor Sharp has more…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Taylor Sharp” 

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The Oregon State Board puts President F. King Alexander on probation for ten weeks for his mishandling of sexual misconduct cases during his time as President of LSU. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

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In addition to storm recovery, it also appears that southwest Louisiana is battling two COVID issues, a higher concentration of the UK variant and a lower per capita vaccination rate. Medical Director for the area Lacey Cavanaugh says while they are concerned about the more transmissible variant, they also have a lab to test for it.

Cut 3 (09)  “…by us.”  

Cavanaugh feels storm recovery is a major factor for the issues. An influx of people from all over assisting and many people are having to reside with others in close quarters, both are helping spread the variant. As for the vaccination rate, Cavanaugh believes the numbers are misleading.

Cut 4 (08) “…then” 

Cavanaugh believes more than 8-percent are vaccinated in the region because the current number of residents isn’t reflective of the 2018 census. Cavanaugh says many have left the area after the two hurricanes and for those who are there, getting vaccinated isn’t at the top of their list.

Cut 5  (08)  “…the table” 

Cavanaugh praised the medical community in the region for their efforts with the virus and vaccinations, because they too have had to endure two hurricanes themselves.

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Drew Brees is looking forward to his new career in football as a member of the NBC Sports broadcasting team.  Brees will be a studio analyst for “Football Night in America” on Sunday nights and as a color analyst for Notre Dame football games.  Brees says he hopes fans can learn something about the game from his analysis.

Cut 6 (13) “…game now”

Brees also says he could have played another season in the NFL, but wants to spend more time with his family.

Cut 7 (12) “…it was time.”

Becoming a broadcaster is something Brees has considered for quite some time and says that he’s tried to listen and learn from the greats before him.

Cut 8 (08) “…transition to.”

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Former LSU and current Oregon State President F. King Alexander is placed on probation for his alleged mishandling of sexual assault and harassment reports during his time at LSU.

Alexander is accused of being aware of allegations against former coach Les Miles, but failing to act. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says probation is a surprisingly light sentence.

Cut 9 (12) “…LSU”

OSU students and the OSU staff union say Alexander’s tenure at LSU proves he’s more concerned with athletics than student safety. Alexander apologized and says he accepts ultimate responsibility, but also says budget cuts hampered Title Nine compliance.

Alexander’s probation and multi-week suspensions to two LSU athletic administrators have been the only punishments meted out as a result of the report. Barrow says that’s not good enough.

Cut 10 (07) “…response” 

Alexander left LSU to join Oregon State nine months ago after running LSU during the period covered by a report that detailed widespread administrative mishandling of sexual misconduct. The over 10 week-long probation sentence was ordered by the Oregon State Board of Trustees.

Barrow says the reoccurring message that the mishandling of these situations was the result of a lack of written policy won’t deter lawmakers from calling for more punitive action.

Cut 11 (07) ”  accountable”

Barrow is a member of the Louisiana Select Committee on Women and Children, a legislative committee spearheading hearings seeking more information about the LSU scandal. They will meet again next Friday.

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The American Rescue Plan includes an estimated $10.4 billion for Agriculture designed to strengthen the industry and food supply chain. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the plan covers a variety of things.

Cut 12 (10) “ …agriculture.” 

Strain says the legislation includes $66-million for the Farm Loan Assistance Program for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

Cut 13 (11)“…forgiven.”

There’s also funding for research institutions, Strain says to provide outreach and extension to farmers in poor and rural areas and assist them with better production.

Cut 14 (11) “…in agriculture.”