Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

07.19.20
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LRN AM Newscall July 20

Assistant Health Secretary Dr. Alex Billioux points to a CDC investigation out of Missouri that shows the effectiveness of masks. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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White House Guidelines call for gyms to be closed down in high coronavirus transmission states like Louisiana. Brooke Thorington on how to transition your workout to the home if gyms did close again.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry is celebrating the tort reform legislation signed into law by Governor John Bel Edwards aimed at lowering auto insurance rates.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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A CDC investigation into an incident in Missouri shows the effectiveness of masks. Health officials say two hairstylists tested positive for the coronavirus, but none of their 136 customers and co-workers got the virus, because everyone involved wore a mask. Louisiana Assistant Health Secretary Dr. Alex Billioux.

Cut 4 (08)_ “…masks.”

The two COVID positive workers had gotten tested for COVID, but went back to work while waiting for the results during this period.

The hairstylists spent on average over 15 minutes within six feet of their customers, which is considered “close contact”, and would warrant a self-quarantine order. Billioux says it’s a remarkable discovery…

Cut 5 (04)  “…evidence.”

Billioux says the now proven efficacy of masks is helping inform a federal plan aimed at keeping the economy up and running through the rest of the pandemic.

Cut 6 (09) “…impact.”

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Republican and Democratic Congressional leaders are expected to discuss this week on a 5th coronavirus relief funding bill.  Senator John Kennedy says it’s unclear what this round of aid may look like, but he doubts it will be as broad as past COVID stimulus bills.

Cut 7 (08) “…bills.”

Kennedy says he’s concerned about the rate of spending on COVID economic bills and he says the only way for the economy to survive is for Americans to get back to work.

Cut 8 (11) “…careful.”

While there’s still a lot up in the air as to the details of the next package, Kennedy says he is confident the one House Democrats crafted, the three trillion dollar HEROES Act, will not see hit the President’s desk.

Cut 9 (07) “…virus”

Enhanced federal unemployment benefits are set to expire at the end of the month and Congress is still discussing how they might assist the millions out of work. There are reports the $600 weekly checks could be slashed to $400.

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White House Coronavirus guidelines call for gyms to be closed in high transmission coronavirus states like Louisiana. Governor Edwards has yet to make that decision, but if gyms are ordered closed again, LSU Health New Orleans Clinical Exercise Physiologist Dr. Melinda Southern says there are exercises you can do at home to continue to do to stay in shape.

Cut 10 (08) “stability exercises.”

Sothern says unfortunately there are several workouts online that can pose a risk to your health that She highly recommends you search for reputable online instruction, sites like…

Cut 11 (12) “…are effective.”

Sothern says you don’t have to have a gym necessarily at home to stay in shape either, you can use basic furniture that you already have.

Cut 12 (10) “…the wall” 

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The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry is celebrating the tort reform legislation signed into law by Governor John Bel Edwards that aims to lower auto insurance rates.  LABI President Steven Waguespack says the measure will lead to lower claims, lower settlements, and lower insurance rates for commercial drivers.

Cut 13 (11) “…solution in place.” 

Waguespack believes there will be enormous benefits for commercial drivers with more competition among insurers.

Cut 14 (12) “…everywhere in between.”

Waguespack says the history of high auto insurance rates has been devastating for the Louisiana businesses.

Cut 15 (07) “…will change that.” 

07.16.20
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11:40 LRN Sportscast July 16

The Pelicans have announced that rookie Zion Williamson has left the NBA bubble in Walt Disney World to attend to an urgent family medical matter. Team officials say Williamson is expected to return to Orlando for the NBA restart at a later date. Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin says out of respect for the Williamson family, they have no further comment at this time.

LSU men’s basketball has lost out on getting a five star recruit out of Memphis. Six-foot-eleven Moussa Cisse had LSU as one of five finalists, but he has decided to sign with the University of memphis. He averaged 18 points, 15 rebounds and nine blocks per game during his senior season in high school.

LSU football coach Ed Orgeron was a guest on Fox News Wednesday and said he thinks there will be a football season this fall, but some adjustments will be needed. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey says SEC football programs reported single digit to zero cases last week, but he has also said there needs to be a change in public health.

Former LSU star and Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu says he will pay for the funeral of a nine-year-old who was fatally shot in the seventh ward on Monday. Devante Bryant was one of three people shot and police are still looking for a suspect. Mathieu says he wanted to help the Bryant family because he’s from the seventh ward and has a seven-year-old living in New Orleans and could not imagine something hapening to him at that age.

The man convicted of killing former John Curtis Star Joe McKnight will receive a new trial. Ronald Gasser was convicted of manslaughter in the 2016 shooting of McKnight. Gasser receives a new trial because of a U-S Supreme Court ruling that says jury verdicts of serious crimes should be unanimous. 10 of 12 jurors agreed to convict Gasser of manslauther. He was then sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Louisiana Tech athletics director Tommy McClelland says construction on a new baseball stadium is on time, but they are little behind on the new soccer and softball stadiums.

07.16.20
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10:30 LRN Newscast July 16

Republican Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry says Governor Edwards’ mask mandate and the order that closed bars is likely unconstitutional and unenforceable. Landry is in self-quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19. Edwards says Landry might have issued a different legal opinion if he attended Tuesday’s meeting with the members of the White House’s coronavirus task force…
cut 9 (07) “….here”

Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris projects that 20-to-25-percent of the state’s restaurants will close as a result of capacity restrictions. Harris says this will lead to more unemployed workers, which is why Congress needs to extend enhanced unemployment benefits before they run out at the end of the month…
cut 12 (09) “….happen”

The longest-serving executive director of the Louisiana Democratic Party is stepping down…
cut 3 (27) “….I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The National Retail Federation is expecting a record amount of money spent on back-to-school shopping this year as families and students prepare for the possibility of online learning because of the coronavirus pandemic. N-R-F spokesperson Katerine Cullen…
cut 6 (12) “…54-percent”
Cullen says back to school spending could eclipse 100-billion dollars for the first time.

07.16.20
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9:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has released a legal opinion that says Governor Edwards’ statewide mask mandate and bar closure order is likely unconstitutional. Edwards responded during his call-in radio show and said Landry’s opinion is an about-face from what he said when the pandemic started…
cut 8 (12) “….directives”
Landry says in March, the state’s medical capacity was at a breaking point, but that is not the case now.

You’ve seen a lot of restaurants closing since the pandemic started. Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says despite some federal aid, many restaurant owners will not be able to hold on…
cut 10 (10) “….statewide”

The National Retail Federation says we could see record-breaking back to school shopping this year because many students need laptops and computer accessories in anticipation of more online learning. For the elementary to high school age kids, families are spending an average of $789, an increase of nearly $100 from last year. NRF spokesperson Katerine Cullen says it’s a similar story for college students…
cut 5 (11) “….record 977 dollars”
Cullen says more than half of K-12 shoppers say they will buy their back to school supplies online.

Stephen Handwerk is stepping down from his leadership position with the Louisiana Democratic Party. Handwerk is the longest-serving executive director for the party…
cut 13 (09) “….done my time”
Handwerk will depart at the end of August.

07.16.20
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8:30 LRN Newscast July 16

Republican Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry says Governor Edwards’ mask mandate and the order that closed bars except for curbside pickup is likely unconstitutional and unenforceable. Landry is in self-quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19. Edwards says Landry might have issued a different legal opinion if he attended Tuesday’s meeting with the members of the White House’s coronavirus task force…
cut 9 (07) “….here”
Landry issued the legal opinion at the behest of eight Republican legislators who asked the A-G to weigh in on the governor’s latest executive order.

Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says the COVID restrictions on restaurants will result in 40-percent of them in the New Orleans area closing and 20-to-25-percent closing statewide. Harris says traditional sit-down restaurants are impacted the most…
cut 11 (10) “…business”

The National Retail Federation says we could see consumers spend a record amount on back to school shopping this year. N-R-F spokesperson Katherine Cullen says parents and students are preparing for more online learning because of the coronavirus pandemic…
cut 4 (06) “….home this year”
For the elementary to high school age kids, families are spending an average of $789, an increase of nearly $100 from last year. College student spending is expected to total 68-billion dollars, up from 55-billion last year.

Stephen Handwerk is leaving his position as the executive director of the Louisiana Democratic party next month. Handwerk is proud of the party’s accomplishments during his time in a leadership position. He says the highlight is the election of Democrat John Bel Edwards in a red state…
cut 14 (08) “….proud of that”
The state legislature has seen more Republicans elected into their body, but Handwerk says the mayors of the state’s largest cities are Democrats.

07.16.20
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7:30 LRN Newscast July 16

Attorney General Jeff Landry says Governor Edwards’ executive order that requires masks, limits the size of gatherings, and the closure of bars is likely unconstitutional. Matt Doyle has more
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Governor Edwards has signed into law several different tax break bills for businesses, including casinos. Edwards has signed into law a measure that allows casinos to give gamblers promotional play wagers without having to pay taxes on it.

Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris projects that 40-percent of the restaurants in the New Orleans area will close and 20-to-25-percent will close statewide as a result of capacity restrictions that have been placed on restaurants. Harris says this will lead to more unemployed workers, which is why Congress needs to extend enhanced unemployment benefits before they run out at the end of the month…
cut 12 (09) “….happen”
Harris made the comments on the governor’s monthly call-in show.

Stephen Handwerk says his eight-year run as executive director of the Louisiana Democratic Party will come to an end next month. Handwerk says it’s time to pursue new challenges, but he’s proud of what the party accomplished during his time at the helm…
cut 15 (12) “….of a role”
The Louisiana Democratic Party also needs to elect a new chairperson as Karen Carter Peterson is not seeking re-election.

07.16.20
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

Guard Jrue Holiday has been a leader for the Pelicans and he’s also a leader in the social justice movement. Holiday and his wife Lauren have created the Holiday Social Justice Impact Fund. Holiday says he’s using the rest of his salary for this season, an estimated five-point-three-million dollars to start the fund. He says the money will benefit the black communities in New Orleans, Indiana and his hometown of Los Angeles.

A five-star high school basketball prospect has committed to Memphis over LSU. At one time six-foot-ten Moussa Cisse was a strong lean to LSU, but the nation’s second-rated center has decided he’d rather play for the Tigers in Memphis. Despite missing out on Cisse, LSU’s incoming recruiting class is ranked as the sixth-best in the country.

LSU men’s basketball also has to find another non-conference opponent. That’s because the Tigers were scheduled to play Yale on November 21st, but Ivy League schools are not competing in sports during the fall semester.

The Saints are scheduled to play the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 13th, but if the game is played there will be no fans in the stands. Philadelphia city officials are not allowing any fans to attend professional sporting events this year because of COVID-19.

Central Arkansas leads the Southland Conference with the most players on the Southland Conference preseason all-conference teams. The Bears have 13 players on the first and second teams. The two-time defending champion Nicholls State has eight players on the Preseason All-Southland Team. Five of the selections were on the first team, including running back Julien Gums, wide receiver Dai’Jean Dixon, safety Kevin Moore the third and offensive linemen P-J Burkhalter and Jair Joseph. Southeastern Louisiana has two first-team selections, linebacker Alexis Ramos and defensive back Ferlando Jordan.

Ragin Cajuns running backs Elijah Mitchell and Trey Ragas are on the Doak Walker Preseason Watch List, which goes to the nation’s top running back. Louisiana Tech’s Justin Henderson is also on that list.

07.16.20
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6:30 LRN Newscast July 16

Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry issues a legal opinion that says Governor John Bel Edwards’ statewide mask mandate, order to close bars and limit on group gatherings is likely unconstitutional. Landry says law enforcement should use extreme caution when enforcing these orders, but Edwards says there’s no question the law is on his side…
cut 7 (10) “…the constitution”
Edwards also pointed out Vice President Mike Pence has publicly supported the state’s efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Stephen Handwerk is stepping down from his leadership position with the Louisiana Democratic Party. Handwerk is the longest-serving executive director for the party…
cut 13 (09) “….done my time”
Handwerk will depart at the end of August.

Consumers are planning to spend a record amount on back to school shopping. Brooke Thorington has more on a National Retail Federation study…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Because the Louisiana Department of Revenue experienced website issues yesterday, the state’s tax filing deadline has been extended until tomorrow.

07.15.20
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday says he’s donating the rest of his game checks for this season to create a social justice fund that will benefit communities in Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Indianapolis. Holiday is due an estimated five million dollars and the veteran said on ESPN’s “The Jump” that it was his wife who came up with the idea. Holiday also says the Holiday Social Justice Impact Fund will support Black colleges and universities.

The Saints are scheduled to play the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 13th, but if the game is played there will be no fans in the stands. Philadelphia city officials are not allowing any fans to attend professional sporting events this year because of COVID-19.

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott will play under the franchise tag in 2020 as Dallas and Prescott did not agree to a longterm deal before this afternoon’s deadline. Prescott will make 31-million dollars if there are 16 games this season.

Ruston High running back Ke’Travion Bull Hargrove has de-committed from the Bulldogs. Hargrove committed to La Tech over two months ago, but since then he’s received offers from Power Five schools like South Carolina, Florida State, and Penn State.

The two-time defending champion Nicholls State football team has eight players on the 2020 Preseason All-Southland Team. Five of the selections were on the first team, including running back Julien Gums, wide receiver Dai’Jean Dixon, safety Kevin Moore the third and offensive linemen P-J Burkhalter and Jair Joseph. McNeese wide receiver Cyron Sutton also made the first team. Southeastern Louisiana has two first-team selections, linebacker Alexis Ramos and defensive back Ferlando Jordan. Northwestern State linebacker Ja’Quay Pough is also on the first team.

Ragin Cajuns running backs Elijah Mitchell and Trey Ragas are on the Doak Walker Preseason Watch List, which goes to the nation’s top running back. Louisiana Tech’s Justin Henderson is also on that list.

07.15.20
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LRN PM Newscall July 15

BESE formally adopts a list of minimum safety standard recommendations like mandatory face coverings and busing policy for schools to implement before classes begin. Matt Doyle covered the meeting…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Attorney General Jeff Landry issues a legal opinion that says Governor  Edwards order that requires maks, closes bars and limits crowd sizes is likely unconstitutional and unenforceable. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education adopts a list of minimum safety standards that schools will be called on to implement to reopen safely. The recommendations range from mandatory face coverings to group size maximums. Children’s Hospital Chief Quality Officer Dr. Leron Finger says if schools follow these rules…

Cut 3 (11)  “…to school.”  

The recommendations also require teachers to be provided with hygienic supplies, limits on bus capacity, COVID symptom monitoring, and the recommendations could expand or shrink depending on what happens with the virus.

Parents, teachers unions, and even a board member raised concerns about whether physical classes should resume, but Ochsner Pediatrics Chair Dr. William Lennarz says current data suggests the risk is low.

Cut 4 (12)_ “…sick”

BESE has no enforcement power to make districts follow the guidelines, but State Superintendent Cade Brumley says districts that choose not to would lose liability protection against COVID civil lawsuits.

Some spoke out against the recommendations, including Tangipahoa Parish School Board Member Brett Duncan who says he supports many of the standards, but…

Cut 5 (10)  “…skills.”

Several school districts have already decided to delay the start of school.

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The Louisiana Department of Revenue says a state computer network connectivity problem created issues earlier today with the website where front-line workers can apply for a 250-dollar “hazard pay” check. Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson says the Office of Technology Services noticed the problem this morning…

Cut 6 (08) “…connectivity issues”

At around 2:00 this afternoon the web page was back up and accepting applications.

Frontlineworkers.la.gov began accepting applications at midnight and by seven AM they accepted more than 14-thousand applications. Robinson says they have funding available for 200-thousand applicants…

Cut 7 (07) “October 31st”

Robinson says the technical issue is also impacting those who are trying to file their state income taxes on the Lousiana Taxpayer Access Point portal, which is why they’ve pushed the state tax deadline to file taxes to Friday. The secretary hopes the technical issues have been resolved.

Cut 8 (05) “…this morning”

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Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputies are searching for a Lake Charles man who authorities say fatally two people and left a third-person fighting for her life at a home in Westlake. Sheriff Tony Mancuso says his deputies were called to the home around 4AM after 51-year-old Neil Broussard fled the scene.

Cut 9 (11) “…shot multiple times.”

One of the deceased has been identified as 17-year-old Kyla Hidalgo and the 18-year-old male victim has not been named.  The third victim, 40-year-old Catherine Hidalgo was shot multiple times and is currently hospitalized.

Broussard, who authorities call a family acquaintance, is also accused of stealing Catherine’s car and kidnapping her 14-year-old daughter.

Mancuso says the agency is currently searching a wooded area in Beauregard Parish with the help from the FBI, State Police, and other agencies.

Cut 10 (10) “…safe, thank goodness.”

Mancuso says if anyone knows the whereabouts of Broussard, they should call 911 and not attempt to approach him as he is considered armed and dangerous.

Cut 11 (10) “…as of yet.”

Broussard was previously convicted of molestation of a juvenile, one count in 2005 and two counts in 2011.

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Governor John Bel Edwards announces the state has surpassed one million COVID-19 tests administered to residents since March. Edwards says Louisiana is testing at one of the highest levels of any state

Cut 12 (10) “…as well.”

The state reported two-thousand new coronavirus cases today, bringing the total to 84-thousand. The death toll also increased by 14 to 3,351.

The governor says testing, contact tracing, and reasonable regulations like mask wearing for people eight and older while in public can reduce the spread of the coronavirus…

Cut 13 (09) “…the masks.” 

A statewide mask mandate went into effect Monday and bars are also closed, except for curbside pickup. White House coronavirus response coordinator Deborah Birx says you should not have large gatherings at your house either…

Cut 14 (06) “…you have”