Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

01.06.21
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6:30 LRN Newscast Jan 6

Republican members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation are expected to vote against certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College win…
cut 1 (31) “….I’m Matt Doyle”

The state health department has told hospitals to begin using current and future COVID vaccine allotments on individuals over the age of 70 and an expanded group of health care workers. L-D-H reported yesterday that 56-thousand vaccine doses have been administered.

The state legislature has approved Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s plan to allow COVID-19 emergency rules to be used again for a special election in February and local and congressional elections in March and April due to the ongoing pandemic. Ardoin says only a small number of voters used the COVID-19 rules in last year’s elections.
Cut 11 (11) “…one-thousand two-hundred-seventeen.”

The state department of education is launching a new program designed to increase the number of high school grads who earn an associate’s degree or participate in a high-demand apprenticeship program during high school. Superintendent of Education Doctor Cade Brumley says the Fast Forward Initiative would allow a high school junior or senior to take classes on a postsecondary campus or a postsecondary satellite campus…
cut 9 (09) “…..electrician”

01.05.21
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU football coach Ed Orgeron hopes to hire a new offensive and defensive coordinator this week. Orgeron is reportedly interviewing Carolina Panthers quarterback coach Jake Peetz and Panthers offensive assistant D-J Mangas for the offensive coordinator job today. Both spent this past season learning under former LSU passing game coordinator Joe Brady. Multiple reports say Orgeron will interview Cincinnati defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman for the vacant D-C position at LSU.

Sunday’s Saints-Bears playoff game is a rematch of a regular-season contest that New Orleans won in Chicago about two months ago. Nick Foles was the starting Q-B for the Bears in that game and now it’s the more mobile Mitch Trubisky. Coach Sean Payton says Chicago’s offense is different with Trubisky as the signal-caller…
cut 17 (17) “….team yeah”

Former Amite star and Alabama standout DeVonta Smith could become the first receiver since 1991 to win the Heisman Trophy as a virtual ceremony takes place tonight. Smith has caught 105 passes for 1,641 yards and 20 touchdowns for the Crimson Tide. His High School football coach at Amite Zephaniah Powell says Smith stepped up his game after fellow wideout Jaylen Waddle broke his ankle against Tennessee on October 24th…
Cut 19 (18) “…been big.”

The Pelicans are off tonight after a tough overtime loss to the Pacers last night. Tomorrow New Orleans hosts Oklahoma City, LSU faces Georgia in the PMAC.

01.05.21
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LRN PM Newscall January 5

A person very close to the late Luke Letlow, may run for the 5th district Congressional seat that remains vacant following his death form COVID-19. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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Unemployed workers are receiving an extra 300-dollars a week on top of the 247-dollars they receive from the state. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (30) ….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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A new law took effect this year that requires health insurance companies to cover newly developed precision genetic treatments for cancer patients.

River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot authored the law which was signed last June. He says it fills a coverage gap for cancer patients wanting to try new procedures.

Cut 3 (12)  “.body”

The bill passaged unanimously in both chambers.

Talbot says the new law was inspired by the experience of one of his friends who had breast cancer.

Cut 4 (09) to her” 

Talbot says before this law went into effect most cancer patients couldn’t get health insurance coverage for these types of treatments without putting up a serious fight.

Cut 5  (08) “…treatment” 

Talbot says cancer patients who were denied coverage for this treatment as recently as last month should now be eligible to have it covered.

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The wife of the late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow is reportedly considering a run for the 5th Congressional district seat. USA Today Network reporter Greg Hilburn broke the story that 41-year-old Julia Letlow has been asked to run. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says it’s a personal decision for Julia Letlow.

Cut 6 (11) “…public service.”

It wouldn’t be a first for Louisiana. in 1973 Lindy Boggs successfully ran for her late husband’s, Hale Boggs, Congressional seat.

Stockley says former Congressman Ralph Abraham is also a possibility to run for the seat, even though he’s publicly stated he’s retired from Congress.

Cut 7 (11) …challengers.”

Stockley says if Julia Letlow does run, the campaigns of her opponents will take on a different tone.

Cut 8 (11) “…tragic loss.”

Qualifying for the March 20th special election is January 20th through the 22nd.

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Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy are splitting on tomorrow’s Congressional vote to certify the Presidential Election results with Cassidy for and Kennedy against.

President Trump has called on Republicans to reject the election results, calling them fraudulent. LSU Poli Sci Professor Robert Hogan says that call has GOP members in a bind…

Cut 9 (12) “ contrary”

Courts have rejected Trump Administration lawsuits challenging the election results and Louisiana’s head of election Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says there is no evidence of cheating.

Hogan says it’s not surprising Kennedy is rejecting the results. He says while Cassidy is safe for another six years, Kennedy is up for reelection in two years and may have greater ambitions…

Cut 10 (11) “.behind”

Kennedy has joined with a faction of Congressional Republicans that want a commission to review vote results in battleground state’s lost by the President and seek to establish a commission to investigate allegations of voter fraud.

Hogan says it will be interesting to watch how the state’s House Republican Delegation votes given how conservative those districts are…

Cut 11 (10) “..Presidency”

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Unemployed workers are receiving an extra 300-dollars a week. Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive Director Ava Dejoie says the extra money is the result of the COVID relief bill approved by Congress…

Cut 12 (10) “…top of that.” 

The maximum an unemployed worker gets from the state is 247-dollars per week. Dejoie says unemployed workers have been trying to live off of that for months because additional federal assistance was not available

Cut 13 (11)“…manner.”

The additional 300-dollar a week benefit is expected to last until March 13th. She says since the onset of the pandemic, the state has distributed about seven billion dollars in funds to nearly 700-thousand Louisianans…

Cut 14 (12) “…uptick in cases” 

01.05.21
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9:30 LRN Newscast January 5

The state health department has reported 1,891 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, which’s 100 less than the highest number of 1,991 on April 12th. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter said hospital CEOs will have a call with the Governor today on their current ability to provide care for COVID patients.
Cut 10 (12) “…quality care.”
And the state health department is telling hospitals with extra coronavirus vaccine they should start providing it to people over the age of 70.

U-S News and World Report names the Dash Diet as one of the best for healthy eating and heart health. LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Center helped develop the diet. Doctor Catherine Champagne says the Dash Diet calls for nutrient-dense, low-calorie health foods…
cut 8 (08) “…dairy”

2020 saw some of the biggest civil rights demonstrations in more than a half-century. Southern University Political Science Professor Albert Samuels says the protests were mixed bag politically. He says on one hand, it resulted in an influx of newly registered Democrats, on the other hand, the defund the police movement hurt some Congressional candidates…
cut 6 (10) “…anticipated”

When children are put into protective custody, many times kids are not able to gather all of their personal belongings. There’s a charity called Geaux Bags, which provides foster children with items they need plus a personal note from other children…
cut 15 (06) “…cause”
That’s the director of Geaux Bags, K-C Kilpatrick, who says if you want more information go to geaux bags dot-com.

01.05.21
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8:30 LRN Newscast January 5

The state is reporting 1,891 COVID-19 patients in the hospital, the highest that total has been since April. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The wife of the late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow is reportedly considering running for the 5th Congressional District seat that’s been left open because of Letlow’s death. The family has told the USA Today Network that Julia Letlow will reflect, pray, and come to a decision on running for her husband’s congressional seat.

U-S News and World Report once again ranks the Dash Diet, developed in part by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, as one of the top diets for healthy eating and heart health. Pennington Professor Doctor Catherine Champagne says the DASH diet has been around since the 1990s, because it’s easy to commit to and easy to keep…
cut 7 (08) “….a lifestyle”
The DASH diet encourages eating foods low in sodium and high in potassium, calcium, fiber, magnesium, and protein.

Foster children are often taken into protective custody with only a few minutes to gather personal belongings. Executive Director of Geaux Bags, K.C. Kilpatrick began her charity seven years ago to help children with the transition, so they have everything they need for their first night in foster care.
Cut 13 (11) “…encouragement.”
For more information go to geaux-bags-dot-org.

01.05.21
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7:30 LRN Newscast January 5

The number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital has grown to 1,891, which is just 100 fewer than the high mark set last April. State Health Officer Doctor Joseph Kanter says it’s challenging for hospitals to find space for COVID patients…
cut 11 (09) “…ramifications”
Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter has tested positive for COVID-19, but in a Facebook post Hunter says he’s doing well and resting at home.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara remains away from the team after testing positive for the coronavirus last week. Coach Sean Payton says there’s a chance Kamara can play in Sunday’s playoff game against the Chicago Bears…
cut 16 (10) “….be smart”
The Saints also hope to get receiver Michael Thomas back after spending the last three weeks on injured reserve because of an ankle injury.

2020 saw some of the biggest civil rights demonstrations in more than a half-century. Southern University Political Science Chair Albert Samuels says the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police sparked the most sustained period of protest since the 60s civil rights heyday.
Cut 4 (04) “…as well.”
Samuels says the protests led to the removal of Confederate names or those who supported segregation from public buildings, like the LSU library where the Middleton name was removed from the building.

Geaux Four Kids is hoping to grow its operations in 2021. Executive Director of Geaux Bags, K-C Kilpatrick, started her charity seven years ago to help foster children in transition and provide them items they need as they move into their foster home. She says the first two foster children she cared for brought with them drug paraphernalia…
cut 14 (11) ‘…started’
For more information on how to help go to geaux-bags-dot-org.

01.05.21
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6:45 LRN Sportscast January 5

With the Saints set to host Chicago on Sunday, instead of Saturday, that opens the door for running back Alvin Kamara to play against the Bears. Kamara is on the reserve COVID-19 list after testing positive for the coronavirus on New Year’s Day. Coach Sean Payton says it remains to be seen if Kamara can play as he’s set to miss practice this week…
cut 16 (11) “…be smart”
It’s also expected that wide receiver Michael Thomas will play Sunday after ending the regular season on injured reserve with an ankle injury that has not fully healed since he hurt it in week one.

The Lions will reportedly interview Saints scouting directors Jeff Ireland and Terry Fontenot as they search for a new general manager. Detroit also wants to speak with Saints tight ends coach Dan Campbell about their head coaching vacancy.

LSU will reportedly speak with Carolina Panthers quarterback coach Jake Peetz and offensive assistant DJ Mangas this week. Yahoo Sports says Peetz will interview for the offensive coordinator position and Mangas is up for the passing game coordinator job. Both men spent this past season with the Panthers, where former LSU assistant Joe Brady is the passing game coordinator. Mangas also spent 2019 as an offensive analyst at LSU.

Former Amite standout and Alabama wide receiver Devonta Smith is the favorite to win the Heisman, which will be awarded tonight during a virtual ceremony. His high school football coach Zephania Powell says he’s seen Smith become more explosive during his time in Tuscaloosa…
cut 20 (10) “…off the ball”

The Pelicans blew a six-point lead in the final 20 seconds and lost to Indiana 118-116 in overtime to fall to 4-and-3 on the season last night.

01.05.21
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6:30 LRN Newscast January 5

10,500 doses of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine have been sent to 107 pharmacies across the state to begin inoculating those over the age of 70 and a group of health care workers. As the vaccination rollout continues, the number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital continues to rise. It’s up to 1,891. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says hospitals are still performing elective surgeries, but that could change….
Cut 12 (08) “…might have to.”

U-S News and World Report ranks the Dash Diet as one of the best for healthy eating and heart health. The Dash Diet was developed in part by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center dietitians. Doctor Catherine Champagne says the Dash diet encourages eating foods low in sodium and you can eat red meat…
cut 9 (07) “…the meat”

2020 saw historic, prolonged civil rights protests. Matt Doyle spoke with a Southern University Professor about a year defined in large part by the Black Lives Matter movement…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

01.04.21
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints were without their top running backs and starting safety Marcus Williams, but still crushed the Carolina Panthers 33-7. New Orleans Quarterback Drew Brees tossed three touchdown passes and the defense intercepted five passes. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson says he’s not surprised they didn’t miss a beat…
cut 17 (18) “…this thing”
The Saints will host the Chicago Bears this Sunday in an NFC playoff matchup. Since the game is on a Sunday, it increases the chances running back Alvin Kamara can return after testing positive for COVID. Safety Malcolm Jenkins says the team understands the importance of avoiding a COVID outbreak now that the postseason has arrived…
cut 10 (12) “…the playoffs”

The LSU basketball team fell to 1-1 in SEC play as they lost to Florida in Gainesville, 83-79. Field goal percentage was the key stat, as the Gators shot 50-percent from the field, while the Tigers shot 41-percent. LSU Coach Will Wade says his team missed a lot of shots near the rim
cut 20 (20) “….to finish.”
The Tigers will host Georgia on Wednesday.

Several LSU football players have announced they will return next season, including starting guard Ed Ingram, linebacker Micah Baskerville and defensive tackle Glen Logan. Linebacker Jabril Cox has announced he’s entering the draft, while tight end Arik Gilbert has reportedly entered the NCAA transfer portal.

01.04.21
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LRN PM Newscall January 4

Individuals over the age of 70 and dialysis patients can now receive the COVID vaccine, but the number of doses is extremely limited. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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The Saints enter the N-F-C playoffs as a two seed and will host the Chicago Bears this Sunday at the Superdome. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (31) ….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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The state’s senior U.S. Senator, Republican Bill Cassidy, was sworn in for a second six-year term Sunday.

Cassidy cruised to reelection with 59 percent of the vote in November. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says his reelection efforts will get easier from here…

Cut 3 (08)  “…years”

Cassidy’s next closest competitor was Shreveport Mayor and Democrat Adrian Perkins, who only snagged 19 percent.

The Baton Rouge native is not joining an effort by dozens of Congressional Republicans, including fellow Louisiana Senator John Kennedy, in opposing the Presidential Election certification. Cross says that’s because Cassidy’s M.O. has never been hyper-partisanship…

Cut 4 (07) is” 

The former Earl K. Long Medical Center Doctor began his political career getting elected to the State Senate in 2006 as a Republican after spending most of his life previously as a Democrat. In 2008 he was elected to the US House before unseating incumbent US Senator Mary Landrieu in 2014.

Cassidy’s most recent legislative achievement came as part of a bipartisan coalition that crafted the recent COVID relief bill. Cross says the Senator is positioned to be quite influential…

Cut 5  (09) “…to come” 

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People over the age of 70 and those on dialysis are now eligible to be vaccinated. The website of CovidVaccine.LA.gov offers a list of 107 pharmacies in 51 parishes that have the vaccine. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says unfortunately for this first week the number of doses is extremely limited.

Cut 6 (10) “..we could.”

Kanter says patients without an appointment will not be vaccinated and currently, each of the 107 pharmacies only received 100 doses of the vaccine, but more doses should be available in the coming weeks.

Cut 7 (11) …what it is.”

Kanter says vaccines are being given in a tier system to those most likely to be exposed and those more likely to die or have severe complications from the virus and by doing so they hope to reduce hospital capacity.

Cut 8 (10) “…as well.”

Hospitalizations increased by 58 patients today for a total of 1,891.

Kanter says we should see the full effect of holiday gatherings in the next two weeks.

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The Saints finished off a 12-4 regular season with a 33-7 win over the Carolina Panthers yesterday. New Orleans is the two seed in the NFC playoffs and will host Chicago this Sunday. Saints Safety Malcolm Jenkins has won two Super Bowls and knows how to approach postseason football

Cut 9 (12) “    it is”

Since the Saints will host Chicago on Sunday, it increases the chances that running back Alvin Kamara can play after testing positive for COVID-19 on New Year’s Day. Jenkins says the team understands the importance of avoiding a COVID outbreak now that the postseason has arrived

Cut 10 (12) “..the playoffs”

This could be Quarterback Drew Brees’ last chance at a second Super Bowl ring. Brees says his focus is on beating the Bears

Cut 11 (12) “..and play”

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Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine will be available at 107 pharmacies across the state this week. Each pharmacy will only receive 100 doses for those over the age of 70, dialysis patients and additional health care workers. Springhill Family Pharmacy Pharmacist Suzanne Smith in Webster Parish says interest is extremely high…

Cut 12 (12) “…reserved.” 

Smith says they’ve already reserved the 100 doses for patients who called in this morning. When they receive the vaccine tomorrow, they will begin setting up appointments for the week.

Cut 13 (11)“…manner.”

Smith says despite being overwhelmed with calls today asking for the vaccine and with Monday being typically a busy day for pharmacies they are happy with the reception to the vaccine.

Cut 14 (07) “…smoothly.” 

For a list of pharmacies go to CovidVaccine.la.gov