Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

07.22.20
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LRN PM Newscall July 22nd

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins announces he’s running for U-S Senate, giving Republican Incumbent Bill Cassidy a major challenger for the November 3rd election. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Statewide COVID hospitalizations are nearly triple what they were at our low point on June 13th. Matt Doyle reports healthcare providers are worried about hospital capacity again

cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The National Hurricane Center is giving a tropical wave in the central Gulf of Mexico a high chance to develop into a tropical cyclone over the next two days. State Climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 3 (12)  “….of the tracking”  

But in the meantime, Keim says this disturbance will have a more immediate impact on the state.

Cut 4 (11)_ “of Louisiana”

Keim says if this system continues to develop, we could see some high winds and storm surge along the coastline.

Cut 5 (11)  “for us”

There’s also Tropical Storm Gonzalo in the Atlantic, which is expected to reach the Caribbean on Saturday.

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Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins has announced he will run against Republican Senator Bill Cassidy in the November 3rd election. Perkins says he decided to run because America and Louisiana are at a crossroads

Cut 6 (10) “…head on”

Perkins gives Cassidy a major challenger from the Democratic Party, but Cassidy holds a huge fundraising advantage.

Perkins says he’s tired of the political games in Washington D-C and he wants to help create a government that serves everyone…

Cut 7 (04) “by them”

Cassidy says he’s done a lot during his five years in the U-S Senate and plans to run on that record…

Cut 8 (07) “…more to do”

Perkins will officially qualify tomorrow. John Paul Bourgeois from Gretna was the first person to sign up to challenge Cassidy. Bourgeois is an epidemiologist and public health librarian. The Gretna resident says he’s running against Cassidy because he tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act…

Cut 9 (12) “…not acceptable.”

Baton Rouge Democrat Antoine Pierce also signed up to run for US Senate on the first day of qualifying, Pierce says reducing poverty in Louisiana is his goal…

Cut 10 (12) “…cannabis.”

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Louisiana has added nearly 1,000 COVID hospitalizations since moving into Phase Two June 5th.

Assistant Health Secretary Dr. Alex Billioux says that’s concerning healthcare providers who are already dealing with an influx of patients who weren’t being treated during the stay at home order.

Cut 11 (11) “hospital”

We now have 1581 COVID hospitalizations, nearly triple our low point of 542 June 13th.

In response, Governor Edwards issued a statewide mask mandate and closed bars last Monday. Billioux says they’re hoping to see results from that as early as next week.

Cut 12 (09) “…systems” 

Some have argued that the recent wave is exaggerated due to increased testing numbers, but Billioux we’re seeing a steady rise in hospitalizations, and the state now has an over ten percent positive rate for COVID tests.

Cut 13 (09) “…tested” 

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Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell files paperwork seeking a fourth term in the office representing northwest Louisiana.

Campbell is one of the state’s longest-serving elected officials, first elected to the State Senate in 1975. Campbell says he wants to continue his work serving the working people of the state.

Cut 14 (11) “…them.”

Campbell has made several attempts to run for federal and statewide offices but has not been successful, his most recent effort a loss to now-Senator John Kennedy in 2016.

The Louisiana Political Hall of Famer says if given another term he will continue to fight for more rural broadband access and against predatory utility practices.

Cut 15 (11) “…mind” 

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07.22.20
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1:30 LRN Newscast July 22

Louisiana reported another 28-hundred coronavirus cases today bringing the total number to 99,354. Hospitalizations also increased by another 54 to 1,581.

Statewide COVID hospitalizations are nearly triple what they were at our low point June 13th, and that has healthcare providers worried about capacity again. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins has announced his candidacy for U-S Senate, giving Republican Incumbent Bill Cassidy a major challenger from the Democratic Party. Perkins says he’s tired of the political games in Washington DC and he wants to help create a government that serves everyone…
Cut 7 (04) “by them”
Antoine Pierce of Baton Rouge is another Democrat who signed up today to challenge Cassidy. Pierce says reducing poverty is one of his main goals…
cut 10 (12) “….cannabis”
Cassidy touts his work in reducing prescription drug prices and health care premiums.

Qualifying is also underway for the 5th District Congressional race, which is an open seat because Republican Ralph Abraham is not seeking reelection. So far five candidates are signed up

07.22.20
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11:30 LRN Newscast July 22

Louisiana will remain in Phase Two through early August as the number of people hospitalized by COVID-19 continues to rise…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Qualifying for the November federal election is underway and Republican Senator Bill Cassidy is up for re-election. The doctor from Baton Rouge says he has a strong record to run on…
cut 8 (07) “…more to do”
Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins announced this morning that he will for Senate giving Cassidy a major Democratic challenger.

The National Hurricane Center is giving a tropical wave moving towards the central Gulf of Mexico a medium chance of developing into a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours. State Climatologist Barry Keim says even if this system doesn’t develop into a named storm, it will still bring rain to the Bayou State…
cut 4 (11) “…of Louisiana”
Tropical Storm Gonzalo formed in the middle of the Atlantic this morning. Gonzalo is expected to develop into a hurricane as it heads towards the Caribbean. Gonzalo could be bearing down on Jamaica on Monday.

A new era in Monroe city government is underway as Friday Ellis has been sworn-in as mayor….
cut 15 (11) “….of its residents”
Ellis ran as an independent and defeated longtime mayor Jamie Mayo.

07.22.20
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10:30 LRN Newscast July 22nd

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins announced this morning he will run against Republican Senator Bill Cassidy in the November 3rd election. Perkins says he decided to run for the United States Senate because America and Louisiana are at a crossroads…
cut 6 (10) “…..head-on”
Perkins gives Cassidy a major challenger from the Democratic Party, but Cassidy holds a huge fundraising advantage as he seeks a second term.

A tropical wave producing a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms will move across the central Gulf of Mexico today and the National Hurricane Center gives it a medium chance to develop into a tropical cyclone over the next two days. State Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 3 (11) “…tracking”

Governor John Bel Edwards has announced the state will remain in phase two, which means the current restrictions on businesses and the mask mandate will remain in place through at least August seventh. Edwards says his biggest concern is the upward trajectory in the number of coronavirus patients at hospitals in all regions of the state…
cut 10 (12) “…motor vehicle accident”
Louisiana is reporting 1,527 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized, the state’s highest total since May 3rd.

Local school systems have been rolling out their plans for the upcoming school year, but some parents are uneasy about sending their children back into the classroom. Coalition for Responsible Home Education Director Rachel Coleman says if you commit to homeschooling, you need to submit a form to BESE and be approved…
cut 12 (09) “….district”

07.22.20
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9:30 LRN Newscast July 22nd

Governor Edwards has made the decision to extend Phase Two coronavirus restrictions for another two weeks. That means restaurants, barbershops, retailers and churches can only allow 50-percent capacity in their buildings. Edwards says extension of Phase 2 will also keep the restrictions put in place on July 13th…
cut 9 (10) “….consumption of alcohol”
The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says they are disappointed the state remains in Phase Two for two more weeks.

There are some parents considering homeschooling as a possible option to educate their children in the middle of a pandemic. Coalition for Responsible Home Education Director Rachel Coleman says families must have a caregiver who can commit to homeschooling full time….
Cut 11 (11) “…happens.”

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins announced this morning he’s running for U-S Senate, providing Republican Incumbent Bill Cassidy with a major Democratic challenger. The other competitive federal race for the November election will take place in the 5th district as Ralph Abraham is not running for re-election. There are several well-known republicans running and ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Grambling State chief operating officer Martin Lemell will provide an option for Democratic voters….
cut 7 (06) “…pool”

Independent Friday Ellis has been sworn-in as the mayor of Monroe. Ellis says it’s an honor to lead the biggest city in northeast Louisiana…
cut 16 (06) “….serve you well”
Ellis says he wants the city to come together and no longer be divided by north and south Monroe.

07.22.20
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8:30 LRN Newscast July 22nd

Louisiana will remain in Phase Two through early August as the number of people hospitalized by COVID-19 continues to rise. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Qualifying for the November federal election is underway and Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins announced this morning that he will challenge Republican Incumbent Bill Cassidy in the U-S Senate race. Cassidy is seeking his second term, while Perkins, a black Democrat, is serving his first term as mayor of Shreveport.

The fifth district Congressional race officially gets underway today with the start of qualifying. Several candidates are looking to replace the retiring Ralph Abraham. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley, says there are three well-known Republicans running, Abraham’s Chief of Staff Luke Letlow, Alexandria Representative Lance Harris and Ouachita Parish Police Juror Scotty Robinson…
cut 6 (11) “….Luke”
Stockley says there is a major Democratic candidate in the race, Grambling State Executive Vice President Martin Lemelle.

A new era in Monroe city government is underway as Friday Ellis has been sworn-in as mayor….
cut 15 (11) “….of its residents”
Ellis defeated longtime mayor Jamie Mayo on July 11th.

07.22.20
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7:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards says Louisiana will remain in Phase Two for reopening of Louisiana’s economy through at least early August.
Cut 8 (08) “…go from here.”
Edwards says the number that troubles him the most is the increase in COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized. 1,527 are hospitalized, the highest it’s been since May 3rd.

Qualifying for the federal elections begins today and Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, who is up re-election, will face a major Democratic challenger. Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins announced this morning he’s getting into the race. LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow says Perkins is in his first term as mayor of the state’s third-largest city…
cut 4 (09) “…this office”

Homeschooling is seeing a surge in interest as many parents are not comfortable sending their kids back to classrooms. Matt Doyle has tips for first-time homeschoolers…
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The United Daughters of the Confederacy have reached an agreement with Caddo Parish to remove a 30-foot high Confederate monument from the courthouse grounds to private land. The parish has already set aside 500-thousand dollars to disassemble the monument and move to another location. The Caddo Parish Commission voted in 2017 to move the statue.

07.22.20
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

The NFL Players Association has agreed to the league’s plan to cancel preseason games for 2020. The players have been pushing for this, so they could have more of a ramp time before they compete in a game, with training camps set to open next week. Also, training camp rosters will be trimmed from a maximum of 90 to 80 players. The NFL season is scheduled to kick off in 50 days.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey says next week is an important milestone as the league considers how it will move forward. Sankey says they are trying to learn from professional sports leagues as they return to action…
cut 30 (24) “…for weeks”
Sankey made the comments on ESPN last night.

The head football coaches for Southern and Grambling support the SWAc’s decision to move football to the spring. Grambling coach Broderick Fobbs says getting this opportunity is better than none and trying to play a season right now would have been a big risk. Southern Coach Dawson Odoms is hopeful that when the spring rolls around, it will be safe to have fans in the stands.

The News-Star is reporting that Louisiana Tech will delay the start of its soccer and volleyball seasons until September first, which means six Lady Techster women’s soccer and three volleyball matches will be affected.

Tonight the Pelicans will have a scrimmage game against the Brooklyn Nets. It’s the first time New Orleans will compete against another team in more than four months. Tip-off is at 6 PM and you can watch it on NBA TV and pelicans.com. No word on when Zion Williamson will return. He left the team last Thursday to deal with an urgent family medical issue.

07.22.20
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6:30 LRN Newscast July 22nd

Governor John Bel Edwards has announced the state will remain in phase two, which means the current restrictions on businesses and the mask mandate will remain in place through at least August seventh. Edwards says his biggest concern is the upward trajectory in the number of coronavirus patients at hospitals in all regions of the state…
cut 10 (12) “…motor vehicle accident”
Louisiana is reporting 1,527 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized, the state’s highest total since May 3rd.

Friday Ellis begins his first full day as the mayor of Monroe today. Ellis says he has high hopes for the city…
cut 14 (11) “…honoring those commitments”
Ellis defeated former mayor Jamie Mayo in the July 11th election.

Qualifying for the November election begins today with election watchers keeping a close eye on who shows up for the Senate race and the open 5th district Congressional seat. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

And we are just getting word that Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins has decided to enter the U-S Senate race and challenge Republican Incumbent Bill Cassidy.

07.21.20
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Updated LRN AM Newscall July 22nd

Qualifying for the November election begins today with election watchers keeping a close eye on who shows up for the Senate race and the open 5th district Congressional seat. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Louisiana will remain in Phase Two for an additional two weeks beginning Friday.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Homeschooling is seeing a surge in interest as many parents are not comfortable sending their kids back to classrooms. Matt Doyle spoke with a homeschool advocate for some tips for first-time homeschoolers…

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Qualifying for the November 3rd election begins today and federal candidates have until Friday afternoon to fill out their paperwork at the Secretary of State’s office in Baton Rouge. Will there be a Democrat to challenge Republican Senator Bill Cassidy? LSU Shreveport Poli Sci Professor Jeff Sadow says Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins is a rumored candidate

Cut 4 (10)_ “…years”

Antoine Pierce, a Baton Rouge progressive activist, and New Orleans teacher Peter Wenstrup are the two announced Democrats so far.

Sadow says if the party fails to find a candidate who can mount a substantial campaign they could risk demotivating Democrats from participating in future elections.

Cut 5 (10)  “…to win.”

The 5th District Congressional seat held by the retiring Ralph Abraham should be competitive. ULM Poli Sci Professor Josh Stockley says there are three well-known Republicans running, Abraham’s Chief of Staff Luke Letlow, Alexandria Representative Lance Harris, and Ouachita Police Juror Scotty Robinson.

Cut 6 (11) “…Luke.”

Stockley says the jungle primary is most likely to produce one Republican and one Democrat for the run-off.

Grambling Chief Operating Officer Martin Lemelle highlights the Democratic side of the race. Stockley says Lemelle is a competitive candidate and is likely to win most of the Dem and Black vote.

Cut 7 (06) “…pool.”

Two other Democrats have also announced their intention to run, along with another independent candidate.

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Governor John Bel Edwards extends Phase Two by two more weeks. The current order is set to expire on the morning of Friday, July 24 and the new order will take its place.

Cut 8 (08) “…go from here.”

Not everyone is a fan of the announcement. The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry expressed their disappointment in the decision, saying in a statement they are just as concerned with the lack of a clearly articulated and creative pathway to a safe, reopened society, school system, and economy.

Edwards says the next order will also see the extension of the restrictions added on July 13.

Cut 9 (10) “…consumption of alcohol.”

Edwards cites the positivity rate of new tests as another red flag. As of July 15, all regions of Louisiana had a 7-day average positivity of new tests that was greater than 10 percent and the overall statewide positivity rate was 15.46 percent. The state’s goal is a rate to be below 10 percent.

Edwards says his biggest concern is the hospitalizations per capita as, over the last couple of weeks, it has been in an upward trajectory in all regions of the state.

Cut 10 (12) “…motor vehicle accident.”

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Homeschool advocates say interest in homeschooling is surging with the fate of K-12 education still up in the air.

Coalition for Responsible Home Education Director Rachel Coleman says homeschool families must have a caregiver who can commit to homeschooling full time. If not, consider virtual enrollment through your district.

Cut 11 (11) “…happens.”

The Louisiana Department of Education does not provide funding or resources for homeschooling.

Coleman says if you’re committed to home school for the coming semester you need to submit a form to BESE and be approved.

Cut 12 (09) “…district” 

Coleman says you won’t have to worry about standardized tests, but you must, by law, offer a curriculum of quality at least equal to that offered by public schools of the same grade.

Cut 13 (12) “…school” 

Those guidelines can be found at Louisianabelieves.com/schools/home-study.

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Monroe has a new mayor with the swearing-in of Friday Ellis.  Ellis takes the position after defeating Jamie Mayo who held the position for 19 years.  Ellis says he is confident in his ability to tackle the issues voters have voiced their concerns about while on the campaign trail.

Cut 14 (11) “…honoring those commitments.”

Ellis says the city will now embark on a new journey that will create jobs and move the area forward.

Cut 15 (11) “…of its residents.” 

Ellis won the July 11th election running as an independent and says it is an honor to get to serve in the role.

Cut 16 (06) “…serve you well.”