Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

06.16.20
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11:40 LRN Sportscast June 16

LSU’s all-time leading rusher, Kevin Faulk, is once again on the College Football Hall of Fame Ballot. The 1999 graduate of LSU currently serves as the Tigers running backs coach. Faulk rushed for 4,557 yards and 46 touchdowns during his LSU career.

Louisiana Tech coaching legend Maxie Lambright is also on the 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot. Lambright led the Bulldogs to three NCAA division two national titles, seven conference titles and he was the Southland Conference’s coach of the decade for the 1970s.

LSU football Coach Ed Orgeron said on a Baton Rouge radio station this morning that LSU pitcher Nick Storz is participating in the football team’s voluntary workout program. At six-foot-six, 282 pounds Strorz is getting a look at tight end.

Former LSU pitcher Cole Henry who was selected in the second round by the Washington Nationals says he will sign with the World Series champs.

Last week Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said he was 100-percent sure there would be a baseball season in 2020. But last night on ESPN, Manfred said he’s longer confident there will be a baseball season. Owners and players have failed to come to an agreement on a return to play proposal and talks broke down over the weekend. On social media, the players say they are disgusted with Major League Baseball leadership.

The WNBA will have a season and the professional women’s basketball league plans to begin a 22-game regular season in late July without fans in Florida. The WNBA will have its regular playoff format, which will end in October.

Ouachita Christian star Hunter Herring was a ULM baseball commitment, now he’s given a verbal pledge to the U-L Lafayette football program. He’s a six-foot-four, 205-pound quarterback for the Eagles and is coming off a season in which he threw for nearly 18-hundred yards and 27 touchdowns for O-C-S, who won the Division Four state championship last season.

06.16.20
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10:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a bill that would have provided companies impacted by COVID-19 a rebate for hiring or rehiring employees. Covington Representative Mark Wright says businesses would be eligible for the program if they hired at least five people and added 40-thousand dollars in total payroll…
cut 3 (07) “…sticking it out”
But in the governor’s veto letter, Edwards said that the program would create such a large pool of eligible businesses, the potential cost to the state could be substantial.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center they’ve found a chemical compound that could be an effective drug for treating obesity and related diseases. Pennington Executive Director Doctor John Kirwan says BAM15 infiltrated fat cells in lab mice and produced weight loss without any additional physical exertion
Cut 5 (07) “…leaner.”
Human trials will be needed before the federal government believes its safe to take.

Republicans are trying again to pass a tort reform bill that seeks to lower auto insurance rates by making changes to the state’s legal system. The House approved two bills yesterday. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says the legislation is similar to other states who pay much lower premiums.
Cut 16 (09) rates”
Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed similar legislation last week because he says there’s no guarantee that these legal changes will lead to lower rates. During Monday’s House Debate, Amite Representative Robby Carter tore into the bill over how it would impact the funding of court systems and it would hurt a person’s ability to receive adequate compensation if involved in a car wreck
Cut 17 (08) “…beginning”
The bill heads to the Senate.

06.16.20
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9:30 LRN Newscast June 16

A tort reform bill aimed at lowering auto insurance rates has cleared the Louisiana House. Matt Doyle reports lawmakers are still trying to pass the legislation, even though the governor vetoed a similar bill because it does not mandate a rate decrease.…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Governor Edwards has signed into law a bill that creates a 300-million dollar small business grant program. The money is part of the one-point-eight billion dollars the state has received from the federal government in coronavirus relief assistance.

Governor Edwards supports the U-S Supreme Court’s ruling that extends workplace protections to gays, lesbians, and transgender individuals. But Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says he’s concerned it could result in an increase in lawsuits between workers and their employers…
cut 8 (11) “…lititgation rich field”
Edwards says the supreme court’s ruling proves he was on the right side of history when he issued a non-discrimination executive order in 2016.

Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center say their studies show that a chemical compound known as BAM 15 prevented weight gain, fat buildup and reduces blood sugar in mice. Pennington Executive Director Dr. John Kirwan says if human trials are successful, BAM 15 could be taken as a supplement to treat obesity…
cut 6 (09) “…diet”

06.16.20
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8:30 LRN Newscast June 16

The Louisiana House has approved tort reform legislation that aims to lower auto insurance rates. Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed similar legislation saying it does not mandate lower rates for drivers. But Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo says this new bill requires insurance companies to meet with the Insurance Commissioner to see how much money this legislation has saved them…
Cut 14 (04) “…accordingly.”
The bill passed with a veto-proof margin, 73 yeas to 25 nays.

The U-S Department of Transportation is providing a 135-million dollar grant to elevate an eight-mile stretch of LA 1 in Lafourche Parish. Congressman Garret Graves says L-A one is impassable too often because of flooding and that cuts off access to Port Fourchon…
cut 12 (12) “…extended period”

The US Supreme Court has delivered a landmark ruling that says a civil rights law from the 1960s also prohibits discrimination in the workplace against gays, lesbians and transgender people. But Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says it may also result in unknown ramifications.
Cut 7 (11) “…releasing an employee.”
Governor Edwards says the Supreme Court ruling confirms that prejudice and discrimination on any basis are not Louisiana values.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center says a chemical compound called BAM15 has shown in lab studies with mice that it could be a potential treatment for obesity. Pennington Executive Director Dr. John Kirwan says the results have been impressive.
Cut 4 (07) “potential.”
Kirwan says mice given BAM 15 burned more calories than their untreated counterparts. Human trials are the next step in their research.

06.16.20
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7:30 LRN Newscast June 16

Louisiana reported five new coronavirus deaths yesterday bringing the state’s death toll to 2,906. The five fatalities are the lowest one-day total for the state since March. But we are starting to see an uptick in hospitalizations as 12 more people were hospitalized with COVID-19.

A new fat-burning substance is discovered in the labs at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Republicans are trying again to pass a tort reform bill that seeks to lower auto insurance rates by making changes to the state’s legal system. The House approved two bills yesterday. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says the legislation is similar to other states who pay much lower premiums.
Cut 16 (09) rates”
Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed similar legislation last week because he says there’s no guarantee that these legal changes will lead to lower rates.

The governor is applauding a ruling from the U-S Supreme Court that provides workplace protections for gay and transgender individuals. Louisiana Democratic Party executive director Stephen Handwerk says LGBT employees can now go to work and know they can’t be fired because of sexual orientation or gender identity…
cut 9 (05) “….their head”

06.16.20
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

C-N-N has hired Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins as a contributor. Jenkins will continue to play football, but he’ll make himself available to the cable news network to speak on racial and social justice issues on various studio programs.

In the NFL, several players on the Cowboys and Texans have tested positive for COVID-19. The agent for star Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliot says his client was one of the players who tested positive.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is encouraging a team to sign Collin Kaepernick. Meanwhile, Kaepernick’s former team, the 49ers have given head coach Kyle Shanahan a new six-year contract after leading San Francisco to the Super Bowl last season.

Former LSU pitcher Cole Henry who was selected in the second round by the Washington Nationals says he will sign with the World Series champs. Henry’s LSU career lasted just one year and a month.

Last week Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said he was 100-percent sure there would be a baseball season in 2020. But last night on ESPN, Manfred said he’s longer confident there will be a baseball season. Owners and players have failed to come to an agreement on a return to play proposal and talks broke down over the weekend. On social media, the players say they are disgusted with Major League Baseball leadership.

The WNBA will have a season and the professional women’s basketball league plans to begin a 22-game regular season in late July without fans in Florida. The WNBA will have its regular playoff format and it will end in October.

Ouachita Christian star Hunter Herring was a ULM baseball commitment, now he’s given a verbal pledge to the U-L Lafayette football program. He’s a six-foot-four, 205-pound quarterback for the Eagles and is coming off a season in which he threw for nearly 18-hundred yards and 27 touchdowns for O-C-S, who won the Division Four state championship last season.

06.16.20
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6:30 LRN Newscast June 16

The Louisiana House has approved two bills that Republicans say will lead to lower auto insurance rates because it would limit what a person can receive in compensation from an auto accident. But New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry remains skeptical…
cut 15 (10) “….zero”
The measure heads to the Senate for more consideration. Governor Edwards has already vetoed a similar bill.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center they’ve found a chemical compound that can be an effective drug for treating obesity and related diseases. Pennington Executive Director Doctor John Kirwan says BAM15 infiltrated fat cells in lab mice and produced weight loss without any additional physical exertion
Cut 5 (07) “…leaner.”
Human trials will be needed before the federal government believes its safe to take.

Louisiana Highway 1 in Lafourche Parish receives $135 million in federal grant money to construct an 8.3-mile elevated highway from Leeville Bridge to Golden Meadow, making it the largest transportation grant in America. Congressman Garret Graves says the road is vital to get to Port Fourchon.
Cut 11 (13) “…the United States.”
The governor’s office says in order to alleviate the impacts of frequent flooding, the roadway will be elevated 22 feet above sea level and connect to the existing L-A one bridge.

06.15.20
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints running back Alvin Kamara attended his first NASCAR race yesterday as he was part of a small group of people who watched the race at Homestead-Miami Speedway in person. Kamara became a fan of the sport after NASCAR announced last week a ban of the confederate flag at all of their events. Denny Hamlin was the winner.

C-N-N has hired Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins as a contributor. Jenkins will continue to play football, but he’ll make himself available to the cable news network to speak on racial and social justice issues.

LSU’s Zack Mathis and Saul Garza are leaving the Tigers baseball program as Mathis signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Padres, while Garza inked a deal with the Royals. Ragin Cajuns pitcher Brandon Young has signed with the Orioles.

And the WNBA announces it will hold a 22-game regular season in July and the league’s regular playoff format will end in October.

Louisiana Tech says one of its football players has tested positive for COVID-19. The school says the student-athlete will self-quarantine for the next 14 days. Tech says additional football student-athletes could have been exposed and those players will also be mandated to self-quarantine for the next two weeks.

Prior to Saturday’s announcement, Coach Skip Holtz said he was proud with how his players stayed in great shape during the COVID shutdown
Cut 16 (22) to play”

In the NFL, several players on the Cowboys and Texans have tested positive for COVID-19. The agent for star Dallas running back Eziekal Elliot says his client was one of the players who tested positive.

06.15.20
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LRN PM Newscall June 15

Housing advocates warn today’s expiration of the eviction moratorium could lead to a public health and homelessness crisis. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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With a season full of restaurant closures that devastated their sales, wild crawfish fishermen are feeling left out after not receiving any CARES Act funding.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_____________________________

Housing advocates ask the Governor to again extend the eviction moratorium that lapsed today warning the state could face a public health and homelessness crisis if not.

Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center spokesperson Max Ciardullo says mass evictions will hamper social distancing efforts.

Cut 3 (11)  “…wave”  

Ciardullo says the evictions put people at high-risk of COVID in a bad spot. He says if you are high-risk and get an eviction notice, know your rights.

Cut 4 (10)_ “…disabilities”

Ciardullo says 41 percent of Louisianans in the end of month Census Household Pulse Survey say they feared not being able to make rent for June. Two months from now it could be far higher.

Cut 5 (09)  “…to”

Louisiana has roughly 600,000 renters.

_________________________________________________

Authorities are seeking those responsible for gunfire that left two people are dead at a large gathering in Raceland.  Just after midnight on Sunday morning, Lt. Brennan Matherne says the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office received a call about a disturbance on St. Louis Street.

Cut 6 (10) “…shots ring out.”

Matherne says two females, 21-year-old Aliza Gabriel and 20-year-old Tanasa Francis, both of Raceland, were shot and pronounced dead at the scene.

Cut 7 (10) “…at this time.”

Matherne says investigators strongly urge eyewitnesses to come forward with information, video, or photos from the scene.

Cut 8 (09) “…people arrived in.”

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Crawfish farmers may have received funding from the CARES Act, but wild crawfish fishermen are feeling left out as they will not receive any stimulus money.  Wild crawfish fisherman Jody Meche says he and his peers produce just as much and just as good or better crawfish compared to farmers and there should be no difference in funding.

Cut 9 (09) “…red blooded Americans.”

Meche says he spends hundreds of dollars a day on bait and fuel to harvest the mudbugs and the relief money would help with the expenses of not being able to sell his catch because restaurants have not been buying.

Cut 10 (12) “…3 or 4 times.”

Meche says this is the one time where fishermen can get money to spread out over the rest of the year and that conditions were favorable for this to be a big season, adding that this may shut down some in the industry.

Cut 11 (10) “…any relief money.”

Meche says he’s reached out to the congressional delegation about the issue.

_______________________________

The U-S Supreme Court has ruled a worker can not be fired because they are gay or transgender. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the ruling means the Civil Rights Act of 1964, covers sexual orientation and transgender status.

Cut 12 (12) “same feeling”

Ciolino says the ruling has added meaning in Louisiana because state law did not protect gays and transgender individuals from workplace discrimination…

Cut 13 (10) “…face legal liability”  

The vote was six to three in favor of this ruling. Ciolino says based on polling, the public supports the decision…

Cut 14 (10) “…overturn this”

Ciolino says the ruling means Louisiana employers can be sued if an employee believes they were fired because of their sexual orientation or transgender status.

06.15.20
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2:30 LRN Newscast June 15

The state health department reports 553 new coronavirus cases today, bringing the state’s total to 47,172. Over 37-thousand patients are listed as recovered. The state reported five more coronavirus-related deaths and hospitalizations increased by 12 to 568.

Housing advocates warn today’s expiration of the eviction moratorium could lead to a public health and homelessness crisis…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The U-S Supreme Court has ruled that an existing civil rights law that says a person can not be fired based on their gender, also provides protections for gay and transgender individuals. The vote was six to three in favor of this ruling. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says based on polling, the public supports the decision…
Cut 14 (10) “…overturn this”
Ciolino says the ruling means Louisiana employers can be sued if an employee believes they were fired because of their sexual orientation or transgender status.

Wild crawfishermen are upset that crawfish farmers are eligible for federal coronavirus relief aid, but they are not. Wild crawfisherman Jody Meche says they can use the help, because they had trouble selling the product when restaurants were closed…
cut 11 (10) “…any relief money’
Meche says he’s reached out to the congressional delegation about the issue.