Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

06.18.20
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4:45 LRN Sportscast June 18

The NCAA has approved a six-week preseason plan for college football that allows for additional hours of supervised weight training and conditioning, plus walk-thru practices that will start on July 24th. Preseason camp would start on August 7th.

Doctor Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, says there’s a chance that football might not happen at all this season. Fauci told C-N-N that football players need to be isolated from others and tested regularly. He says for it to work they need to play in a bubble environment like the N-B-A is setting up.

The University of Texas says 13 of its football players have tested positive for the coronavirus or are presumed positive. These 13 players are self-isolating and 10 more players identified through contact tracing are also in self-quarantine. LSU will host the Longhorns on September 12th.

LSU men’s basketball associate head coach Greg Heiar has announced on Twitter that he’s left the program. Heiar has been at LSU the last three seasons. He is credited with helping to develop Tremont Waters and Skylar Mays and he’s also known as a good recruiter. The Advocate reports that Bill Armstrong has been promoted to associate head coach and Kevin Nickelberry will be promoted from the support staff to the coaching.

Former LSU Tiger Tremont Waters has been named the NBA G League Player of the year. Waters averaged 18 points in 36 games for the Maine Red Claws, a develoopment team for the Boston Celtics.

McNeese men’s basketball coach Heath Schroyer will also serve as the interim athletics director. McNeese President Doctor Daryl Burckel says a change is needed to address the current needs of the department and the uncertainty of the upcoming academic year and to maixmize the effectiveness and efficiency of the department staff.

06.18.20
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LRN PM Newscall June 18

A United Way survey breaks down Louisiana residents’ top concerns during the pandemic. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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A Senate-approved resolution that seeks to create a task force to study police law enforcement policies and make recommendations on how to improve receives unanimous support from a House committee. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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A survey from the Louisiana Association of United Ways finds that two-thirds of Louisiana residents need help in paying everyday bills during this COVID-19 pandemic. President of the non-profit Sarah Berthelot says households with annual incomes less than $35,000 face the most setbacks and challenges.

Cut 3 (10) ”…on low-income workers”  

Berthelot says another major finding in the study is that 47-percent of residents say their child care situation changed after the stay at home order.

Cut 4 (08)_ “…of work hours”

Berthelot says when it comes to the top concerns, 8% say it’s paying bills, 10% say it’s children’s issues, 12% say it’s housing, 20% says it’s their community and at 32%, the top concern is avoiding the coronavirus.

Cut 5 (12)  “…was contracting COVID-19.”

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Governor Edwards signs three gun rights bills, one dealing with concealed carry in churches, another targeting local gun restriction ordinances, and the last addressing rights during a public emergency.

Edwards says the first bill rewrites Louisiana law to specify that conceal carry is permissible in houses of worship if it is approved by that facility’s administrator.

Cut 6 (03) “…have it”

That bill was opposed by the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana and other church representatives testified against it in committee.

The mayors of Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and the Louisiana Municipal Association objected to another bill that would prohibit local governments from establishing gun-free zones in parks, playground and other public areas. Edwards doesn’t see the legislation to be controversial…

Cut 7 (10) “…issue”

The final bill outlaws state and local restrictions on the sale of guns and ammo during public emergencies. The bill sponsor says it was inspired by actions taken by the City of New Orleans during Katrina and other emergencies.

Edwards says his support for these bills should come as no surprise to anyone.

Cut 8 (10) “…moderate side”

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A House committee approves a proposal to create a Police Training, Screening, and De-escalation Task Force. The panel will study police department policies and make recommendations on how they can be improved. Law enforcement supports the resolution and Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle took note of that…

Cut 9 (08) “…the nation”

Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields is the author of the resolution and he says recent research shows black men are three times more likely than white men to be killed by police intervention. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala is a retired deputy and made a statement that caused a brief uproar

Cut 10 (12) “…State Capitol.”

Bacala says he supports the resolution and believes the state needs to put a stop to police brutality…

Cut 11 (12) “…force.”

The Senate approved measure heads to the House floor for more discussion.

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A Calhoun man is in the Ouachita Parish correctional center charged with 400 counts of child porn and 100 counts of sexual abuse of an animal.  Trooper Brent Hardy says the investigation of 40-year-old Keith Taylor began in April when the Special Victims Unit received information that Taylor in possession of, and possibly distributing, inappropriate content online.

Cut 12 (08) “…children and animals.”

The investigation was conducted with the help of multiple agencies including the FBI, the Louisiana AG’s office, and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s office.  Hardy says the allegations have likely shaken the community.

Cut 13 (07) “…knows Mr. Taylor.”  

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28-year-old Cordale Richard was arrested today in the shooting deaths of 21-year-old Aliza Gabriel and 20-year-old Tanasa Francis at a large party in Raceland Sunday.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Brennan Matherne says Richard was involved in a fight at the party, and once the police arrived he allegedly began firing indiscriminately into a crowd.

Cut 14 (09) “…the scene.”

Francis and Gabriel are believed to have been uninvolved bystanders.

Matherne says Richard admitted to the shootings after police tracked him to his home and arrested him without incident.

Cut 15 (11)“ shooting” 

Richard faces two counts of First Degree Murder along with several other charges.

06.18.20
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12:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed into law three measures from the regular session that have the support of gun rights advocates…
cut 8 (10) “…moderate side”
One of the bills says local municipalities can not prohibit concealed permit holders from bringing a gun into a public building or park.

A survey from the Louisiana Association of United Ways finds that 47-percent of residents say their child care situation changed after the stay at home order. President of the group Sarah Berthelot says for some individuals the change was so great they had to quit their job…
cut 4 (08) “…work hours”
Half of the respondents also expressed concern about child care availability in the near future.

A House committee supported a resolution today that would create a police training, screening, and De-escalation Task Force that will make recommendations to the legislature on police reform. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields is the author of the resolution and he says recent research shows black men are three times more likely than white men to be killed by police intervention. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala is a retired deputy and made a statement that caused a brief uproar
Cut 10 (12) “…State Capitol.”
Bacala went on to say he supports the resolution and believes the state needs to put a stop to police brutality.

The state health department says it’s reviewing all data and will not be updating coronavirus case count today. Governor Edwards has a COVID-19 briefing at 2:30.

06.18.20
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11:40 LRN Sportscast June 18

The NCAA Division One council approves a plan that gives college football teams an extended preseason. Starting on July 13th, schools can require players to spend up to eight hours per week on weight training and conditioning, and then on July 24th teams can hold walk-through practices. Then the traditional preseason camp will begin August seventh.

Doctor Anthony Fauci, who is on the White House’s coronavirus task force, says it’s hard for him to see how football can be played this fall unless they are in a bubble environment like the one the NBA is setting up in Orlando. Fauci says football players need to be insulated from the community.

LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine says four parishes have reported having one school each with football players who have tested positive for COVID-19. Bonine says HIPAA rules prohibit him from identifying the schools. He expects more cases, but says to have cases in just four of 60 parishes is encouraging.

Pelicans star Zion Williamson has received a favorable ruling in the lawsuit that he’s facing from an ex-agent. A Florida appeals court has ruled that Williamson will not have answer questions about whether he received improper benefits to play for Duke. Prime Sports Marketing says Williamson breached a contract and they seek 100-million dollars in damages. Williamson’s attorneys argued that the questions would be nothing more than a fishing expedition.

24-7 sports is reporting that LSU men’s basketball associate head coach Greg Heiar is leaving the program after three seasons. Heiar is credited with helping to develop Tremont Waters and Skylar Mays and he’s also known as a good recruiter. Coach Will Wade is also reportedly promoting Kevin Nickelberry to assistant coach.

Former LSU baseball player C-J Willis from Ruston has transferred to U-L Lafayette. And Former Haynesville football star CamRon Jackson has committed to Memphis.

06.18.20
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10:30 LRN Newscast June 18

Louisiana reported 928 new coronavirus cases yesterday. The state health department said 129 of the cases are a backlog from tests taken in early April. But even without the backlog, the new single-day case count is the highest since April 10th. But Governor Edwards says there is some good news…
cut 11 (10) “….organization”

An effort to eliminate qualified immunity for police officers failed to get enough support in a House committee. Qualified immunity protects an officer from being sued in civil court in a wrongful death or excessive force case. Louisiana ACLU Advocacy Director Chris Kaiser says removing “qualified immunity” would disincentivize bad police behavior…
ut 14 (11) “…deterrence”
Lawmakers who voted against the measure say qualified immunity doesn’t prevent a police officer from facing criminal charges.

The state has made the decision to allow live music indoors, but stringent guidelines must be followed…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine says four parishes have reported having one school each with football players who have tested positive for COVID-19. Bonine says HIPAA rules prohibit him from identifying the schools. He expects more cases, but says to have cases in just four of 64 parishes is encouraging.

06.18.20
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9:30 LRN Newscast

A House committee has rejected a proposal that would have stripped Louisiana police officers of their legal protection from civil lawsuits over alleged civil rights violations like excessive force or wrongful death. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan led the effort to eliminate police officers’ “qualified immunity”
Cut 13 (10) “…rights”
The Louisiana Sheriff’s Association spoke in opposition. St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne says if the bill became law officers would be hesitant to do their duty if they try to intervene in the middle of active criminal behavior…
Cut 15 (12) “…actions.”
The panel sided with law enforcement on a nine to seven vote.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says employers can report workers who refuse to return to work because they prefer to keep receiving unemployment benefits. L-W-C Assistant Secretary Robert Wooley says there’s a link at la-works -dot-net to file a complaint…
cut 8 (11) “….called P-U-A”
P-U-A is Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

The state has decided to allow live music indoors in Phase two of the reopening. State Fire Marshall Butch Browning says bars and clubs will be required to follow stringent guidelines in order to bring a band in and the state health department will have to approve it…
cut 5 (12) “…not be allowed”

06.18.20
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8:30 LRN Newscast June 18

Governor Edwards recommends boycotting businesses that do not enforce social distancing and mask recommendations. Edwards told a caller on his monthly call-in show, Ask the Governor, that the government can’t mandate mask use and social distancing, but the market can…
Cut 10 (10) “…buisiness.”
Edwards made the comments in light of recent jumps in positive COVID cases.

The state has made the decision to allow live music indoors, but bars, clubs, and restaurants have to follow stringent guidelines. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning…
cut 6 (10) “…best practices”
One stipulation calls for the venue’s air conditioning system to exchange the air at a minimum of six times an hour.

Lower paying employers can report employees for refusing to return to work because unemployment benefits pay better. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A bill has started to make its way through the legislative process that would provide employees at a grocery store, bus drivers, nurses, EMS workers and other first responders with a 250-dollar check for hazard pay. There’s bipartisan support to help out those who were required to work when the coronavirus crisis began. The measure awaits discussion on the House floor.

06.18.20
by

7:30 LRN Newscast

An effort to eliminate qualified immunity for police officers failed to get enough support in a House committee. Qualified immunity protects an officer from being sued in civil court in a wrongful death or excessive force case. Louisiana ACLU Advocacy Director Chris Kaiser says removing “qualified immunity” would disincentivize bad police behavior…
cut 14 (11) “…deterrence”
Lawmakers who voted against the measure say qualified immunity doesn’t prevent a police officer from facing criminal charges.

The state has decided to allow bars, clubs, and restaurants to have live music indoors, but there are stringent guidelines. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says business owners must apply for approval with his office and the Louisiana Health Department…
Cut 4 (12) “and bar”

Governor Edwards tells a caller on his monthly talk show that if they go to a business and find it isn’t following social distancing and mask guidelines than they should not spend money there…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise is demanding answers from five Democratic governors on why there have been so many nursing home deaths. Scalise says these states violated and contradicted Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidelines. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says New Yorkers who died, did not die because they failed them.

06.18.20
by

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The NCAA Division One council approves a plan that gives college football teams an extended preseason. Starting on July 13th, schools can require players to spend up to eight hours per week on weight training and conditioning, and then on July 24th teams can hold walk-through practices. Then the traditional preseason camp will begin August seventh.

LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine says four parishes have reported having one school each with football players who have tested positive for COVID-19. Bonine says HIPAA rules prohibit him from identifying the schools. He expects more cases, but says to have cases in just four of 60 parishes is encouraging.

There are encouraging signs we will have a Major League Baseball Season. M-L-B has proposed a 60-game regular season with expanded playoffs. Players are still hoping to play more games.

Pelicans star Zion Williamson has received a favorable ruling in the lawsuit that he’s facing from an ex-agent. A Florida appeals court has ruled that Williamson will not have answer questions about whether he received improper benefits to play for Duke. Prime Sports Marketing says Williamson breached a contract and they seek 100-million dollars in damages. Williamson’s attorneys argued that the questions would be nothing more than a fishing expedition.

Joe Burrow is the first LSU football player to be named the SEC Male Athlete of the Year. While Burrow is the first Tiger football player to win the award, previous winners from LSU include Shaquille O’ Neal, who won it twice and former track stars Walter Davis and Xavier Carter.

In recruiting news…Former LSU baseball player C-J Willis from Ruston has transferred to U-L Lafayette. Former Haynesville football star CamRon Jackson has changed his commitment from LSU to Memphis. Jackson’s decision gives LSU the opportunity to add another player to the 2020 recruiting class.

06.18.20
by

6:30 LRN Newscast

A House committee has rejected a proposal that would have stripped Louisiana police officers of their legal protection from civil lawsuits over alleged civil rights violations like excessive force or wrongful death. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan led the effort to eliminate police officers’ “qualified immunity”
Cut 13 (10) “…rights”
The Louisiana Sheriff’s Association spoke in opposition. Legislative Liaison Shannon Dirmann says they are open to police reforms but this measure will result in frivolous lawsuits against law enforcement
cut 16 (11) “…with”
The measure failed on a nine to seven vote.

The state has made the decision to allow live music indoors, but stringent guidelines must be followed…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says employers can report employees who refuse to return to work because they rather claim unemployment benefits. Assistant Secretary Robert Wooley says it is a simple process, just go to LAworks.net and there’s a link…
Cut 7 (09) “…at this claim.”