Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

07.24.20
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LRN PM Newscall July 24

The state’s senior Senator was in Baton Rouge today signing up to run for a second six-year term in office. Matt Doyle was there…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle  

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Hospitals in Louisiana are facing staffing shortages due to COVID-19 and having trouble filling the void. Brooke Thorington has more.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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Tropical Storm Hanna is eyeing a landfall near Corpus Christi, Texas tomorrow, but it’s helping to produce showers and thunderstorms across south Louisiana. But State Climatologist Barry Keim is not expecting significant flooding

Cut 3 (11)  “…handle it.”  

Hanna will produce numerous thunderstorms and some rain bands in Louisiana. Keim says it will hinder some outdoor activities….

Cut 4 (10)_ “activity .”

A coastal flood advisory is in effect until tonight as minor coastal flooding is expected. Tides will also be one to two feet above normal levels. Keim says coastal parishes will also see the highest rain totals

Cut 5 (12)  “…possible.”
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Senator Bill Cassidy filed his papers today in Baton Rouge to run for a second term in office.

Cassidy’s opponents took turns digging at this record since qualifying began Wednesday, but the state’s senior Senator says he’ll stand behind his work over the past six years.

Cut 6 (11) “…debate that”

The state Democratic Party and Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins have slammed the Senator, accusing him of being M-I-A during the pandemic. Cassidy says he’s been in daily contact with constituents.

Cut 7 (10) “received it”

Perkins is the most prominent opponent to sign up to run against Cassidy. He has reportedly received backing from national Democrats and is hiring a professional campaign team.

The Senator says he plans to connect with voters during his campaign, even though there will not be a lot of personal interaction…

Cut 8 (08) “…people”

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As hospitals across the state reach capacity with COVID-19 patients, some healthcare facilities have enough beds, but they are having staffing issues to provide adequate care for patients.  Governor John Bel Edward asked FEMA for approximately 700 healthcare workers.

Cut 9 (09) “…their staff.”

Louisiana received zero hits from FEMA in its staffing request.

As daily case counts continue to set records across the state with community spread, Our Lady of the Lourdes C-M-O Doctor Henry Kaufman in Lafayette says they are seeing their staff contract COVID as a result.

Cut 10 (07) “…our physicians.”

Kaufman says the public needs to understand when a healthcare worker contracts COVID it creates a large absence in the workplace.

Cut 11 (07) “than that”

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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announces that starting on Saturday bars and restaurants will be prohibited from selling takeout alcoholic beverages. Cantrell says this means bars will be closed throughout Orleans Parish…

Cut 12 (09) “…large gatherings” 

The city is also reducing the size of indoor social gatherings to no more than 25 people. Outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 people. New Orleans Health Director Doctor Jennifer Avegno says the city has seen an unfavorable trend when it comes to its COVID-19 data

Cut 13 (12) “…community transmission” 

Avengo says shutting down bars completely and limiting social gatherings is a necessary step to slow the spread of COVID-19 community transmission

Cut 14 (10) “…back to school”

07.24.20
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2:30 LRN Newscast July 24

Governor John Bel Edwards has renewed the proclamation that extends Phase Two, which includes the statewide mask mandate and bar closures until August seventh. Edwards is once again asking residents to follow the mitigation measures that are in place…
cut 12 (10) “….do our part”
The state reported another 21-hundred coronavirus cases and an additional 30 deaths today to bring the state’s death toll to 3,604.

Senator John Kennedy says Senate Republicans are discussing another coronavirus relief package. This one would have a one-trillion dollar price tag and provide additional assistance for those unemployed. Kennedy says the bill would also contain money for public schools and it would contain language that he supports, giving states more autonomy on how they can use the share they receive…
cut 15 (08) “…90-plus points”

Qualifying for the November third election wraps up at 4:30 today. This morning Senator Bill Cassidy filed the necessary paperwork to be on the ballot. The doctor from Baton Rouge is seeking a second term and knows this campaign will be different because of COVID-19…
cut 8 (08) “…with people”
As of 2:30 this afternoon, 13 candidates have signed up to challenge Cassidy.

Tropical Storm Hanna is eyeing a landfall near Corpus Christi, Texas tomorrow, but it’s helping to produce showers and thunderstorms across south Louisiana. But State Climatologist Barry Keim is not expecting significant flooding
Cut 3 (11) “…handle it.”
A coastal flood advisory is in effect until tonight as minor coastal flooding is expected.

07.24.20
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1:30 LRN Newscast July 24

The Louisiana Health Department reported 2,142 new coronavirus cases today to bring the state’s total to 103-thousand. The death toll also rose by another 30 to 3,604. Hospitalizations also rose to 16-hundred. Several hospitals are reporting their I-C-U’s are filling up with COVID patients and staffing is also a problem. Doctor Henry Kaufman with Our Lady of the Lourdes in Lafayette…
cut 10 (07) “…physicans”
The state made a request to the federal government for 700 health care workers, but other states are facing similar situations.

Tropical Storm Hanna is gaining strength as it moves over the Western Gulf of Mexico and it’s set to make landfall near Corpus Christi, Texas tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says coastal parishes can expect at least three inches of rain through Monday….
cut 5 (12) “…is possible”

The state’s senior Senator was in Baton Rouge today signing up to run for a second six-year term in office. Matt Doyle was there…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle

In St. John the Baptist Parish, Judge Jeff Perllioux, who is accused of molesting his teenage daughter’s friends, qualified for re-election today. Perllioux has been suspended since 2018, but has held on to his seat as he awaits on trial on three counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile and a sexual battery charge. Perilloux denies any wrongdoing.

07.24.20
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11:40 LRN Sportscast July 24

Major League Baseball’s 60 game regular season schedule is off and running after the Yankees and Dodgers won last night. The rest of M-L-B gets underway today with 14 games. There are nine former LSU Tigers on opening day rosters.

LSU standout cornerback Derek Stingley Junior is on the Paul Hornung Award Watch List, which goes to the most versatile player in major college football. Stingley will be a lockdown corner for the Bayou Bengals this season and he’s also a dangerous punt returner.

ULM’s Josh Johnson and Ragin Cajuns Quarterback Levi Lewis are on the Maxwell Award Watch List. The Maxwell Award goes to the best player in college football. Johnson is also a preseason candidate for the Doak Walker Award, which goes to the nation’s top running back. Lewis is also on the Davey O’ Brien Award preseason watch list after throwing for three-thousand yards and 26 touchdowns last season.

07.24.20
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8:30 LRN Newscast July 24

Governor John Bel Edwards has renewed the proclamation that extends Phase Two, which includes the statewide mask mandate and bar closures until August seventh. Edwards is once again asking residents to follow the mitigation measures that are in place…
cut 12 (10) “….do our part”
Edwards renewed his proclamation on a day Louisiana surpassed 100-thousand coronavirus cases. The state is reporting over 15-hundred COVID-19 hospitalizations and nearly 200 of those patients are on a ventilator. Several hospitals have suspended elective surgeries again. Our Lady of the Lourdes CMO in Lafayette Doctor Henry Kaufman…
cut 6 (11) “….differed”

The state is reporting they’ve sent 127-million dollars in federal coronavirus relief aid to local governments for reimbursement of COVID-related expenditures. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne…
Cut 7 (11) “…pandemic”
Other professional services and contracts for things like mental health counseling and financial consulting also applied.

The U-S Senate is about to begin debating the fifth coronavirus relief package, which will likely cost a trillion dollars. Senator John Kennedy expects there will be assistance for unemployed workers, but the benefits will not be at the same $600 per week level that it has been at.
Cut 13 (12) “…in their job.”
Not all Republican lawmakers are in agreement with the latest relief effort as some feel the cost is too much.

07.24.20
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7:30 LRN Newscast July 24

The state is now reporting 101-thousand coronavirus cases, becoming the 12th state to surpass 100-thousand cases and the smallest to do so population wise. There are some who suggest Louisiana is double-counting cases for people who test positive multiple times. Edwards says that’s not happening and called it a disinformation campaign aimed at minimizing how serious the situation is…
cut 11 (09) “…saying
The number of people hospitalized in Louisiana is up to 15-hundred and those on ventilators is close to 200. Our Lady of the Lourdes C-M-O Doctor Henry Kaufman says staffing is getting stretched thin at their Lafayette Hospital…
cut 5 (11) “…an issue”

Senator John Kennedy says the Senate is working on another coronavirus relief package that would extend enhanced unemployment benefits that are about to expire. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Meanwhile, Louisiana’s Senior Senator Bill Cassidy is set to qualify today for re-election as he’s seeking a second term. Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins qualified yesterday providing Cassidy a serious challenger from the Democratic Party. Qualifying ends at 4:30 PM today.

07.24.20
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6:45 LRN Sportscast July 24

LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine says they are discussing their options for a fall sports season based on the guidelines that have been established by the state legislature and BESE. Bonine also says it’s important to get school started and then figure out the athletics part…
cut 30 (12) “….format”
Bonine has said the state needs to move beyond Phase 3 of its reopening for high school football games to be played.

A shortened Major League Baseball season is underway as there were two games last night that saw Yankees and Dodgers both win last night. There’s a full slate of games today. There are nine former LSU Tigers on Major League Baseball rosters.

In college football news, the Pac-12 is reportedly planning a ten-game conference-only football schedule that would start on September 19th.

Nicholls has shared the Southland conference title the last two seasons and they are picked to finish third this year. Senior linebacker Evan Veron says he wants to complete his collegiate career with an outright Southland title
Cut 18 (14) “…all ours”
Northwestern State has been picked to finish in tenth place after winning just three games last season. But the Demons have one of the best linebackers in the Southland in Ja’Quay Pough. Pough has told his teammates to have fun this year…
cut 17 (21) “….fall into place”
Northwestern’s first game is versus U-I-W on September 3rd.

07.24.20
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6:30 LRN Newscast July 24

Louisiana has surpassed 100-thousand coronavirus cases, becoming the 12th state to do so and the smallest state to reach the grim milestone. Governor John Bel Edwards…
cut 10 (09) “…reality check’
Edwards has signed the executive order that extends the statewide mask mandate, keeps bars closed and also keeps the state in Phase 2 of reopening through August 7th.

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says Republicans are discussing a fifth coronavirus relief package that would provide additional help for people out of work and also provide more money for public schools so they can safely reopen. But Kennedy says students should not be forced back into the classroom…
cut 14 (11) “….be forced to”

Healthcare capacity in the Acadiana region is running low as the coronavirus spreads through the community. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Tropical Storm Hanna has formed in the central Gulf of Mexico, eyeing a landfall near Corpus Christi, Texas, but it will bring rain to south Louisiana.

07.23.20
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans had an easy time cutting down the Brooklyn Nets last night in their first scrimmage since entering the NBA’s bubble in Orlando. Brandon Ingram had 12 points in 11 minutes in a 99-68 win. There’s still no timetable on when Zion Williamson will return as he attends to a family matter. The Pels say Williamson has been getting tested daily for COVID-19 and does plan on rejoining the team. New Orleans next scrimmage game is Saturday night versus Denver.

The Sun Belt announced today that the start of the fall sports season has been postponed until September 3rd. The league says the delay will give schools more time to implement protocols for a safe return to competition.

The shortened Major League Baseball Season begins tonight with the Nationals hosting the Yankees and the Dodgers taking on the Giants. Washington star Juan Soto has tested positive for COVID-19, so he’s out.
The Ivy League, Patriot League, the MEAC and SWAC have made the decision to postpone the start of their football seasons. But Southland Conference Commissioner Tom Burnett says they plan to play in the fall…
cut 20 (10) “…lies’
Nicholls needs a new season-opening opponent as they were set to play Mississippi Valley State. Louisiana Tech will face Houston Baptist in its home opener. They will take the place of Prarie View A-and-M.

In an open letter to parents and student-athletes, LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine says there are no plans to cancel fall sports and they are committed to a safe start for fall sports…
cut 10 (12) “…format”
Bonine has said the state needs to move beyond Phase 3 of its reopening in order for high school football games to be played.

07.23.20
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LRN PM Newscall July 23

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins officially qualified for the U-S Senate race today, providing Republican incumbent Bill Cassidy with a serious challenger. Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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The status of high school sports in the fall is on the mind of many. Jeff Palermo reports the LHSAA does not have a plan yet, but they’ve reached one conclusion…

cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins officially qualifies to challenge Senator Bill Cassidy.  Perkins, a Democrat says his decision to run rose from the concerns he has about how Congress is handling the coronavirus pandemic and this moment calls for strong, decisive leadership in DC.

Cut 3 (11)  “…to happen again.”  

Perkins says DC is moving too slow in helping families and cites legislation sent from the House to the Senate over two months ago that would have provided much-needed relief to working families.

Cut 4 (11)_ “that they have.”

Perkins was asked where he stands on abortion.

Cut 5 (12)  “…within that snapshot.”
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A tropical depression in the gulf that’s headed for Texas is expected to dump a lot of rain on south Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the soon-to-be Tropical Storm Hannah will make for a wet next few days.

Cut 6 (06) “…days”

Keim says as the system moves south of us, it will increase wind speeds in south Louisiana.

Cut 7 (08) “right now”

Keim says the potential tropical storm could produce about an inch of rain for central Louisiana through Monday, two to four inches along the I-10 corridor and four inches along the coast…

Cut 8 (09) “…umbrella’s handy”

The National Hurricane Center projects the depression will strengthen into a tropical storm tomorrow morning and make landfall on Saturday between Houston and Brownsville, Texas.

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LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine has sent a letter to parents and student-athletes letting them know they have no intention of canceling fall sports, unless the pandemic dictates it’s not safe to play. Bonine says they are committed to conducting fall sports

Cut 9 (12) “…not acceptable.”

Bonine says they are discussing their options based on the guidelines that have been established by the state legislature and BESE. He also says it’s important to get school started and then figure out the athletics part

Cut 10 (12) “…format.”

Bonine has said the state needs to move beyond Phase 3 of its reopening for high school football games to be played. He encourages the public to follow the safety guidelines that have been established to prevent the spread of the virus

Cut 11 (08) “fall sports”

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Ochsner plans to double its COVID testing capacity over the next six weeks in an effort to reduce test result wait times to 24 hours.

Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart says they’re currently running 2,500 to 3,000 tests a day, but it’s taking two to four days to get results back to patients.

Cut 12 (10) “…a day” 

The state health department reports one-point-one million tests have been completed since the pandemic started.

Hart says the new testing equipment will be coming in a variety of packages.

Cut 13 (10) “…minutes” 

Hart says the surge in demand for COVID tests that is creating the backlog is partially due to the increase in a-symptomatic patient testing, but…

Cut 14 (12) “…virus.”

A-symptomatic testing is being conducted at Ochsner community sites, while only symptomatic patients are being tested in Ochsner ERs and urgent cares.