Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

02.05.21
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LRN PM Newscall February 5

The Health Department confirmed two more cases of the UK variant of COVID in Louisiana, bringing the total to five. Brooke Thorington has more on what this could possibly foreshadow for the state.

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Governor John Bel Edwards says it would be irresponsible for people to gather in large groups for the carnival season. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says starting next Friday and running through Mardi Gras Day on February 16th, all bars indoor and outdoor will be closed and no loitering will be allowed on Bourbon Street. Cantrell says she’s trying to prevent mass gatherings that can turn into a COVID super spreader event

Cut 3 (09)  “…COVID-19″

Cantrell says she rather be accused of doing too much than too little.

Cut 4 (12) “…all of us”  (3x)

Cantrell says COVID testing will increase following the Mardi Gras season, starting on Ash Wednesday. The mayor says bar employees who will be out of work for five days should file for their claims with the Louisiana Workforce Commission now.

Deputy CAO Peter Bowen had a strong message for bars who do not comply, he says the time for warnings is over and if you are caught of compliance you’ll be shut down…

Cut 5  (08) “…New Orleanians.” 

An additional 30 State Police Troopers have been deployed to New Orleans to help enforce COVID mitigation efforts

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Two more additional cases of the U.K. variant of COVID in Louisiana were confirmed by the CDC this week bringing the total to five. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the cases are in the greater New Orleans and Lafayette areas of the state. Kanter says don’t be misled that it’s only five confirmed cases…

Cut 6 (08) “…identify.”

The CDC says the UK variant, which is more contagious and deadly, will be the dominant strain by mid-March in the U-S. Kanter says there are 20 additional cases from Louisiana pending confirmation for the UK variant at the CDC.

Cut 7 (13) “…becoming.”

Kanter says with the UK strain spreading rapidly it looks as if the state will experience another surge before the vaccine is able to help us reach herd immunity. He says we must be extremely diligent now with mitigation to avoid the worst.

Cut 8 (11) “…for us.”

Kanter says most likely the reason we are seeing cases confirmed in Regions 1 and 5 is that they have labs with the ability to detect variants and that doesn’t mean it’s not in other areas of the state.

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If it were not for the coronavirus pandemic, this would be the first big weekend of Mardi Gras parades. But there are no parades and Governor John Bel Edwards is strongly urging residents not to gather in large groups during the carnival season

Cut 9 (10) “…very quickly”

The state is sending additional state troopers, staff from the fire marshal’s office, and A-T-C to enforce COVID restrictions in New Orleans. Hotel bookings are up in the Big Easy over the next two weekends and Edwards has this message for visitors

Cut 10 (12) “. …do that” 

Edwards says Super Bowl viewing parties are also not a good idea on Sunday…

Cut 11 (12) “…not safe”

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The prides of Webster Parish Buccaneers linebacker Devin White and Chiefs defensive back L’Jarius Sneed will feature heavily on Super Bowl Sunday.

The two were rivals in high school, White playing at North Webster High and Sneed at Minden High. White says they grew up just 15 minutes from each other…

Cut 12 (12) “   blessing” 

White ended up staring at LSU while Sneed went on to play for Louisiana Tech.

Sneed says he’s heard the folks back home are brimming with pride, and he’s happy he and White can set an example for the next generation of Webster Parish athletes.

Cut 13 (12)“. up to”

White got drafted 5th overall in the 2019 draft and has taken over as a star linebacker and heart of Tampa’s suffocating defense. Sneed was drafted in the 4th round of the 2020 draft. He had some bad injury luck early in the season but has established himself as a starter in just his rookie year.

White and Sneed both say they’re good friends who usually keep in close contact but…

Cut 14 (13) “.the moment” 

Kickoff is set for 5:30 PM. The game also features six total former Tigers, three each on both teams.

02.05.21
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

Tomorrow’s LSU-Florida men’s basketball game at the Maravich Center has been called off because of positive COVID-19 cases in the Gators’ program. It’s the second time the Tigers have had an SEC game postponed because of COVID issues. They have yet to reschedule the Missouri game and there’s no word on when they’ll play Florida for a second time this season.

There are some college basketball games tonight, the Ragin Cajuns are seeking a sixth straight win when they visit Arkansas State tonight at 6 PM. ULM is at U-T Arlington looking to snap an eight-game losing streak.

Louisiana Tech is at North Texas. The Mean Green have won five straight conference games and they are 5-and-1 in league play. Tech is seven and three.

The Pelicans who have lost three in a row on the road are at Indiana tonight. The Pacers defeated New Orleans by two points at the Smoothie King Center a month ago. Tip-off is at 6 PM.

Former LSU running back Leonard Fournette will suit up for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday in Super Bowl LV. The New Orleans native says he never thought he’d make it this far when he was sleeping on a bridge after Hurricane Katrina.
Cut 16 (15) “…made it out.”
And there are two players from Webster Parish playing in the Super Bowl, Tampa Bay star linebacker Devin White and Chiefs rookie defensive back L’Jarius Sneed. White says they grew up just 15 minutes from each other…
Cut 12 (12) “ blessing”
White ended up staring at LSU while Sneed went on to play for Louisiana Tech.

02.05.21
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9:30 LRN Newscast Feb 5

Louisiana is expanding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility as starting on Monday individuals over the age of 65 will be eligible to get their first dose. Up until now, individuals 70 or over have been eligible. Governor John Bel Edwards says an increase in doses allows for more people to get the vaccine…
cut 12 (09) “…five percent”

State Police has arrested The city Marshal of New Iberia as he’s been accused of falsifying subpoena signatures. Trooper Thomas Gossen says 67-year-old Haywood Tony Migues forged the signature of multiple individuals showing they had been served with a subpoena in lieu of making personal service…
cut 15 (10) “…had not”

The Louisiana Insurance Department says 22-million dollars went to consumers last year as a result of disputes that were resolved with their insurance provider. Donelon says they don’t have the authority to force companies to pay you a certain amount, but they can help you reach a mediated settlement. If you’d like to file a complaint visit their website…
Cut 9 (08) “..number.”

Because of the pandemic, Super Bowl Sunday promises to be a big day for carryout and delivery orders. WAITR says they anticipate wings will be the number one food item delivered, followed by fries, burgers, chips and dip and mozzarella sticks. WAITR spokesperson Dean Turcol says sushi came in sixth place in their top ten list for food items most likely ordered…
cut 6 (11) “…us too”

02.05.21
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8:30 LRN Newscast February 5

Louisiana is expanding who is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as people over 65 will be eligible starting on Monday. Also, statewide elected officials, election workers and state and local COVID-19 emergency response personnel and can get their vaccination at hospitals, clinics or pharmacies…
cut 11 (08) “…on Monday”
The new eligibility criteria means Governor Edwards can get his first COVID-19 vaccine dose next week and he says he’s excited about it.

New Iberia City Marshal 67-year-old Haywood Migues has been arrested for allegedly falsifying subpoena signatures. State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says the investigation began last month…
Cut 13 (12) “…signatures.”

In 2020 the Louisiana Department of Insurance helped Louisiana policyholders win 22 million dollars from insurers through mediating complaints about underpayments. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The man who wounded two medical staff members at a Shreveport hospital earlier this week has now been charged with murder in connection with a homicide in New Orleans. NOPD detectives believe Zaokoye Chatman used a machete to kill a man at a gas station on Sunday. Authorities say Chatman then traveled to Shreveport where he wounded two people at Ochsner LSU Health with a large knife.

02.05.21
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7:30 LRN Newscast February 5

Beginning Monday those age 65 and above will be eligible in Louisiana for the COVID-19 vaccine. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

According to the state health department, over 404-thousand people in the state have received at least their first dose of the two-dose vaccines and nearly 131-thousand have received both doses. Louisiana ranks 15th in the country for the number of vaccine doses administered per capita.

The state department of insurance says last year they recovered 22 million dollars for consumers who filed complaints against providers over what the payment they should receive as a result of damage to their home. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon explains what a typical complaint looks like…
cut 8 (12) “….roof is”
The 22-million dollars recovered last year nearly equals what they recovered between 2017 and 2019.

For WAITR the Super Bowl is one of the top five delivery days of the year and they’ve ranked what they will think will be the top 10 delicacies to be ordered Sunday in the Bayou State. WAITR spokesperson Dean Turcol says number one on the list is not a surprise.
Cut 4 (11)“…a while.
Wings are followed by fries, burgers, chips & dip, and mozzarella sticks round out the top five.

02.05.21
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6:45 LRN Sportscast February 5

There’s a good chance a former LSU running back will score a touchdown in Sunday’s Super Bowl 55. The Chiefs have two former Tiger running backs, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Darrell Williams, while the Buccaneers have been leaning on Leonard Fournette to lead their ground attack during the postseason. Fournette says he’s not surprised Edwards-Helairie had a successful rookie campaign…
cut 17 (19) “….happy for him”

Saints Punter Thomas Morstead tells Boot Krewe Media’s Sports Overtime Podcast that he’s not retiring after a down season for him in 2020. Morestead averaged 43-yards a punt last season, the lowest of his career.

After playing one of their best games of the season on Wednesday night in a win over the Suns, the Pelicans are at Indiana tonight to play the Pacers. New Orleans is just three and seven on the road this year. Indiana has lost three of its last four. Tip time is at 6 PM.

In college basketball, ULM is at U-T Arlington looking to snap an eight-game losing streak. The Ragin Cajuns have won five in a row as they visit Arkansas State.

The La Tech men’s basketball team begins a two-game series at the Super Pit tonight as they visit North Texas. The Bulldogs are coming off a two-game sweep of Southern Miss. Tech struggled to shoot the ball in those victories and coach Eric Konkol credits his defense for getting the Ws
Cut 19 (13) “…able to do.”

And tomorrow LSU hosts 22nd ranked Florida at 1 PM.

02.05.21
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6:30 LRN Newscast February 5

About 275-thousand more people will be newly eligible for coronavirus vaccine doses starting Monday as Governor John Bel Edwards is expanding vaccine eligibility by allowing people 65-and-older to make an appointment to get the shot…
cut 10 (13) “….COVID-19”
Edwards says an increase in COVID-19 vaccines makes the move possible to lower the eligible age from 70 to 65.

The Louisiana Department of Insurance says they recovered more than 22 million dollars last year from insurance companies for consumers who filed complaints against their insurers. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says about 19 million of that was related to Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta…
Cut 7 (11) “…year”

WAITR releases its pre-game predictions for the top ten deliveries for Super Bowl Sunday in the Bayou State. Brooke Thorington has the dish.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

02.04.21
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4:45 LRN Sportscast February 4

Big game for Zion Williamson last night as the Pelicans defeated Phoenix 123 to 101. Williamson had 28 points on 12 of 14 shooting, seven rebounds, and six assists as New Orleans ended a five-game homestand by winning three of the five games. Lonzo Ball also had a nice game too, 18 points, and six rebounds in 24 minutes, and made four of seven from three-point land. Coach Stan Van Gundy says it was their best game of the year…
cut 30 (17) “…was great”
The Pels are at Indiana tomorrow.

For the second time this season, the LSU men’s hoops team got thumped by Alabama. The Crimson Tide topped the Tigers 78-60.

Saints Coach Sean Payton has said he expects Quarterback Drew Brees will make an announcement within the next week on whether he’ll return for the 2021 season. Today on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football, Saints linebacker Demario Davis said he sure hopes Brees returns for a 21st season and he would feel better knowing that Brees is coming back.

Sunday is Super Bowl 55 as former LSU standout Tyrann Mathieu makes his second straight trip to the Super Bowl with the Chiefs. He was drafted by Arizona in 2013. Tampa Bay head coach Bruce Arians was the head coach of the Cardinals at the time and said Mathieu remains his favorite draft choice of all time. Mathieu is taken back by those words
cut 20 (15) ” good feeling.

02.04.21
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LRN PM Newscall Feb 4

Normally right now we’d be at the peak of flu season, but so far, the state reports very few cases. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office says an investigation into mail theft resulted in dozens of felony charges against a 33-year-old man. Jeff Palermo has the story

cut 2 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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A 33-year-old Natchitoches man faces over 500 counts of child porn, 30 counts of mail theft, eleven counts of identity theft and drug charges. Captain Tony Moran, with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, says their investigation into Christopher Stanfield began when a duffle bag containing several pieces of mail was found during a search of his vehicle

Cut 3 (09)  “…bank account numbers”

The traffic stop occurred in Rapides Parish and when Moran says when deputies searched his apartment in Natchitoches, they discovered what appeared to be pornography involving juveniles on his computer

Cut 4 (08) “…January of 2020” 

Moran says the case volume caused detectives to summon assistance from the State Police and the Bossier City Marshal Task Force Unit…

Cut 5  (12) “…been included.” 

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The state along with the rest of the country is reportedly experiencing a low amount of flu cases this season. State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch believes COVID mitigation measures along with more people choosing to be vaccinated for the flu are responsible.

Cut 6 (11) “…low”

The low outbreak of flu this year, Welch says is reflective of the southern hemisphere who also had low cases of the flu during their winter.

Welch says in order to have widespread disease you have to have lots of people with it. COVID is already established in the state and Welch credits those who have practiced mitigation measures properly from curbing the spread of the flu.

Cut 7 (10) “…take hold.”

The annual message to help prevent the flu is vaccines and mitigation measures. Welch says since the pandemic it seems more people received the message and it’s helped curb flu outbreaks; he hopes people will continue to practice safe hygiene in the future.

Cut 8 (08) “…over.”

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Videos of a shoulder to shoulder packed Bourbon Street last weekend have New Orleans officials pledging to crack down on gatherings ahead of Mardi Gras.

New Orleans Police Chief Shaun Ferguson says Mardi Gras must be different this year and the city will be breaking up large crowds that gather for celebrations.

Cut 9 (08) “… area.”

Traditionally Mardi Gras would be ramping up between now and Fat Tuesday on February 16th but this year all parades in New Orleans have been canceled and folks are being told to stay home.

Cut 10 (11) “…Frenchmen.”

Ferguson says this year for carnival stay home and stay socially distant from others.

Cut 11 (10) “…different.”

The New Orleans City Council has pledged to develop a plan to stop this year’s carnival from becoming another super spreading event.

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State Police report two people were killed in a head-on crash in Thibodaux on Wednesday afternoon. Senior Trooper Jesse LaGrange says the high impact collision occurred when 33-year-old Lathisha Bellanger of Gray entered the northbound lane on L-A 1 in an attempt to pass several vehicles

Cut 12 (07) “    collision” 

The other driver who died at the scene has been identified as 57-year-old Ricky Zeringue of Thibodaux. LaGrange says it’s unknown if the two victims were wearing a seat belt…

Cut 13 (10)“.  are pending”

LaGrange could not say if Bellanger tried to pass the vehicles in her lane in a no-passing zone

Cut 14 (10) “..head on” 

02.04.21
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9:30 LRN Newscast February 4

A Lafayette attorney accused of rape while he served as a Boy Scout leader denies the allegations. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s office says an eight month-long investigation into mail theft has resulted in the arrest of 33-year-old Christopher Stanfield of Natchitoches on multiple felony charges including child pornography. During a search of his vehicle, authorities found a duffle bag filled with mail taken from mailboxes.

There are two COVID-19 vaccines that have been approved for use in the United States, but two other manufacturers could have their vaccines approved soon, Johnson and Johnson and Astra Zeneca. Tulane School of Medicine Professor Doctor Lisa Moroici says Astra Zeneca ran into a mistake during a clinical trial where people receiving a half dose were seeing more protection than a full dose…
cut 11 (12) “…second dose”

The Louisiana Office of Tourism has launched the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail. It’s a series of markers across the state and an interactive website detailing the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 60s. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says they interviewed over 400 people to put it together.
Cut 7 (08) “…lived it.”
Nungesser says the trail consists of 15 site markers where significant events took place during the Civil Rights Era. There’s also a website Louisiana Civil Rights Trail-dot-com.