Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

06.04.20
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11:30 LRN Newscast June 4

Saints quarterback Drew Brees has issued an apology on his Instagram account regarding the comments he made regarding his stance against kneeling during the national anthem. After receiving a ton of criticism, Brees wrote this morning that it breaks his heart for the pain he’s caused. Brees says he stands with the black community in the fight against systemic racial injustice and police brutality.

Restaurants and bars that serve food are prepping to move to Phase Two tomorrow. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says over 20-thousand people visited a Louisiana State Park over the last two weeks. Nungesser says an offer for Louisiana residents to receive a free night at a cabin at a State Park if they stayed several nights was a big hit…
cut 13 (08) “…available”
And Nungesser says the same discount is now available for all visitors through September seventh. You get a fourth night free if you stay three nights at a State Park Cabin.

Governor John Bel Edwards says the state is adjusting its hurricane plans because of COVID-19. Edwards says they have tents ready to go up at shelters so they can accommodate social distancing. He says they are also working to establish new deals with other states to house residents should the occasion call for it…
cut 12 (09) “…either”

06.04.20
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10:30 LrN Newscast

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has posted a lengthy apology on his Instagram account for the comments he made yesterday regarding national anthem protests. Also, New Orleans is reportedly among several cities in the running to host the Republican National Convention now that North Carolina has pulled the plug on hosting the event because of coronavirus concerns.

Meanwhile, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says he’s been able to attract a conference to Louisiana that was originally scheduled to be held in Florida…
cut 15 (07) “….Miami”
Nungesser says the state offered free catered seafood and an authentic Louisiana jazz band to the truckers in order to get them to change locations.

Cristobal has been downgraded to a depression as it moves further inland into Mexico, but it will eventually begin moving north and restrengthen in the Gulf of Mexico. The National Hurricane Center expects Cristobal to make landfall along the Louisiana coast Sunday night, Monday morning.

Tomorrow, restaurants and bars that serve food will be able to open at 50 percent capacity as the state moves into Phase Two. President of the Louisiana Restaurant Association Stan Harris believes the transition to increase capacity with effective social distancing will help put restaurants on the road to recovery.
Cut 4 (11)_ “…all of us.”
Protests continue in Louisiana over the death of George Floyd. Governor John Bel Edwards says he does not expect to use the National Guard to control the crowds. Last night on the Crescent City Connection in New Orleans, officers used tear gas on protesters. Here’s Senator John Kennedy on some of the protests nationwide…
cut 8 (13) “…American as baseball”

06.04.20
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9:30 LRN Newscast

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has apologized in a lengthy Instagram post for the comments he made yesterday in an interview with Yahoo Finance that he would never agree with taking a knee during the national anthem. Brees says he completely missed the mark and said it breaks his heart to know the pain he’s caused. Saints linebacker Demario Davis told CNN that Brees admitting he was wrong is leadership at its finest.

There are not many entertainment options for families, so many of them are using this time to visit a state park. Matt Doyle has more…
cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

George Floyd protests have been peaceful in Louisiana, but last night there was a tense exchange between New Orleans Police officers and a large group of protestors on the Crescent City Connection, a major bridge in New Orleans. The NOPD had to use tear gas to get them off the bridge. Senator John Kennedy says he’s been really concerned by what he’s seen in New York City…
cut 9 (12) “….the business owners”

Back in Louisiana, many businesses are getting ready to move to phase two of reopening of the economy. Including restaurants that will be able to increase capacity to 50-percent. Restaurant workers are still required to wear masks and Stan Harris with the Louisiana Restaurant Association says even though it makes it difficult to socialize, workers have adapted to the new change.
Cut 6 (06) “…beyond this.”

06.04.20
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8:30 LRN Newscast June 4

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has apologized for his controversial comments regarding players kneeling during the national anthem. Brees said in an interview with Yahoo Finance that he will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag. In an apology posted on Instagram today, Brees says he’s asking for forgiveness and he’s heartbroken over the pain he’s caused. Brees has received a lot of criticism for not understanding why players took a knee during the anthem.

Senator John Kennedy responds to what happened to George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police officers…
voicer 2 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Tomorrow Louisiana moves into phase two of reopening of the economy and for restaurants they can increase inside capacity from 25-to-50 percent. Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says Phase One has been a trial run for Phase Two, but true economic recovery will not be reached until Phase Three.
Cut 5 (10) …demand builds.”
Tables can be arranged 6 feet apart in Phase Two as opposed to the current eight to ten feet apart.

The National Hurricane Center believes Tropical Storm Cristobal will make landfall in Louisiana as a tropical storm late Sunday night or early Monday morning. Experts predict an above-normal season and Governor Edwards says he’s concerned about the potential lack of help from humanitarian groups the state relies upon to provide aid in a crisis.
Cut 11 (10) “…catagory.”

06.04.20
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7:30 LRN Newscasts June 4

Tropical Storm Cristobal is expected to weaken to a depression today as it moves inland over Mexico. But the National Hurricane Center expects Cristobal will get back into the Gulf of Mexico and race towards Louisiana over the weekend, with a potential landfall as a tropical storm along the Louisiana coast Sunday night or Monday morning.

The governor is not anticipating shelters will be needed for Cristobal, but if they are needed during this hurricane season they will still attempt to promote social distancing and keep groups separated…
cut 10 (13) “…necessary”
He says the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has already stock piled masks and gloves inside shelters.

Restaurants and bars that serve food are prepping to move to Phase Two tomorrow, but will it be enough to help them stay open. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says Louisiana state parks have seen 20-thousand visits in the last two weeks, the highest number of visitors since 2008. Nungesser says one state park on the coast has done really well…
cut 14 (06) “…island”

06.04.20
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6:45 LRN Sportscast June 4

This line from Saints Quarterback Drew Brees about kneeling during the national anthem has many of his current and former teammates upset…
cut 30 (06) “…our country”
In an interview with Yahoo Finance, Brees went on to talk about his feelings when the national anthem is played. The future Hall of Famer says he thinks about his two grandfathers who fought for the United States in World War Two.

On social media, Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas said Brees does not know any better. Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins posted a couple of videos, one was taken down, but in the second one Jenkins said he had a great deal of respect for him, but sometimes you should shut the you know what up. He says Brees’ statements were hurtful, insensitive, and called him part of the problem.

Brees admitted in the Yahoo Finance interview that not everything is right with our country right now, but everyone standing for the flag with their hand over their heart in a sign of unity.

The NBA releases its return to play plan today. It will include the Pelicans and 21 other teams who will play in Orlando starting on July 31. There will be eight regular-season games and then the playoffs. If the Pels are in ninth place and within four games of the eighth-place team in the West, then there will be a play-in tourney to see who gets in the 16-team postseason.

LHSAA’s Executive Committee met, but did not announce penalties against schools who allegedly violated the June eighth start date to begin summer workouts. Executive director Eddie Bonine says 17 football teams were reported as violating the practice ban, plus some baseball, softball and wrestling teams were reported,

One of the top high school players in the nation has taken his name out of the Major League Baseball Draft and plans to play for LSU next season. Dylan Crews from Longwood, Florida, is ranked as a top 50 prospect. Coach Paul Mainieri calls Crews a first-round talent.

ESPN Basketball commentator Dick Vitale tweeted out yesterday that LSU had been notified of various allegations that they have been charged regarding its men’s basketball program. But an LSU spokesperson says Vitale’s report is not true.

06.04.20
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6:30 LRN Newscast June 4

New Orleans Police used tear gas on a large group of George Floyd protestors who were marching on the Crescent City Connection last night. NOPD says no arrests were made. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says Floyd was a victim of muder at the hands of four Minneapolis police officers…
cut 7 (11) “…cupable”
Charges have been upgraded against Chauvin and the three other officers on the scene are also facing charges.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says over 20-thousand people visited a Louisiana State Park over the last two weeks. Nungesser says an offer for Louisiana residents to receive a free night at a cabin at a State Park if they stayed several nights was a big hit…
cut 13 (08) “…available”

Tomorrow, restaurants and bars that serve food will be able to open at 50 percent capacity as the state moves into Phase Two. President of the Louisiana Restaurant Association Stan Harris believes the transition to increase capacity with effective social distancing will help put restaurants on the road to recovery.
Cut 4 (11)_ “…all of us.”
Today is the last day restaurants will be restricted to 25-percent capacity.

This weekend looks like a wet one especially for south Louisiana as Tropical Storm Cristobal is expected to start marching towards Louisiana with a landfall along the state’s coast late Sunday night or early Monday morning.

06.03.20
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4:45 LRN Sportscast June 3

Saints Q-B Drew Brees is receiving backlash on social media today. In an interview with Yahoo Finance, Brees reiterated his stance on players kneeling during the U-S national anthem. Brees says he will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States. The future Hall of Famer says he thinks about his two grandfathers fighting in World War Two when he stands with his hand over his heart during the national anthem. Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas responded to Brees’ comments on Twitter by saying he don’t know no better.

Meanwhile, Dallas Cowboys quarterback and Louisiana native Dak Prescott pledges to donate one million dollars to improve police training and address systematic racism through education and advocacy in our country. Prescott says he’s disgusted and unsettled by the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis.

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says he will not tolerate racism in an interview with Sports Illustrated and supports his players who are hurting over Floyd’s death.

The NBA Board of Governors will vote tomorrow on a return to play plan for 22 of the league’s 30 teams. There will be 13 teams from the Western Conference, including the Pelicans and nine from the Eastern Conference. The league is proposing eight regular-season games to be played in Orlando starting on July 31st. New Orleans is 3.5 games back of Memphis for the final playoff spot in the West. If the Pels finish in ninth place, but yet four games back of the Grizzlies, there will be a double elimination play-in tournament to see who gets in the traditional 16-team postseason format.

Will there be a baseball season? As expected Major League Baseball rejected the players union 114-game plan and does not plan on making a counterproposal. According to the Athletic, the league is ready to talk with players about playing a shorter season, possibly as few as 50 games, without any fans. Joel Sherman with the New York Post says pessimism is growing over a season not happening in 2020.

06.03.20
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3:30 LRN Newscast June 3

The National Hurricane Center predicts Tropical Storm Cristobal, which is pounding Mexico and Central America with heavy rainfall today, will eventually head north and make landfall along the Louisiana coast late Sunday night and early Monday morning. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a flash flood watch is already posted for southeast Louisiana…
cut 5 (10) “…this to happen”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is upset Ronnie Jones was not re-appointed as the state’s gaming control board chairman. Jones was one of eleven appointees not confirmed by the Louisiana Senate. Nungesser blames a New Orleans lawmaker…
cut 12 (08) “….think its relation”
Peterson has not commented on the results of Monday’s confirmation hearings.

Some evictions are set to resume when the state enters Phase Two. Matt Doyle spoke with a housing advocate about the process and your rights…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Saints Q-B Drew Brees is receiving a lot of backlash on social media as a result of what he said In an interview with Yahoo Finance. Brees reiterated his stance from 2016 when it comes to players kneeling during the U-S national anthem. Brees says he will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States.

06.03.20
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LRN PM Newscall June 3

Landfall of Tropical Storm Cristobal along the Louisiana coast is possible Sunday night or early Monday morning.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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Some evictions are set to resume when the state enters Phase Two. Matt Doyle spoke with a housing advocate about the process and your rights…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Tropical Storm Cristobal is slowly moving inland over eastern Mexico, but it’s expected to get back into the Gulf of Mexico and start heading north on Friday. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a landfall along the Louisiana coast is possible Sunday night or early Monday morning

Cut 3 (09)  “…very, very closely.”  

The National Hurricane Center forecasts the storm will stay at tropical storm strength when crossing the Gulf of Mexico, but Keim says conditions for reaching hurricane strength are favorable.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…realm of possibility.”

Keim says in preparation for the storm’s landfall, flash flood watches have been posted across southeast Louisiana.

Cut 5 (10)  “…this to happen.”

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Some courts are set to resume operations in Phase Two and with that the resumption of evictions.

Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center Executive Director Cashauna Hill says evictions are a legal process that cannot proceed without a court hearing…

Cut 6 (12) “…their home.”

Landlords with federally backed mortgages will not be able to file for evictions until the federal moratorium ends August 24th.

Hill says if the court agrees that you should be removed from your home then you will be given a certain amount of time to leave. If a tenant does not leave within the prescribed time period…

Cut 7 (08) “…the home”

Hill warns that landlords have attempted to force residents out of their homes before the process is complete by changing locks, shutting off the water, or killing the power. She says that’s illegal…

Cut 8 (09) “…often.”

If that happens Hill encourages you to reach out to their office.

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The Louisiana Speaker of the House and Senate President form a joint organization aimed at promoting a unified message about the work both chambers are doing.

Leading Louisiana Executive Director Lionel Rainey says the Governor has a big platform right now and the public deserves to hear a clear message from legislative leaders.

Cut 9 (11) “…the mat”

The organization was formed as a 501 c4. The IRS deems those groups non-profits that are allowed to engage in advocacy and legislative lobbying, along with moderate support for political candidates.

Rainey says the organization will be promoting legislation like the 300 million dollar small business grant fund that was sent to the Governor’s desk.

Cut 10 (11) “…to work.”

Governor Edwards has expressed concern about the bill due to it taking money away a federal funding package meant to help local governments stabilize their budgets.

Rainey says there’s a lot of vital bills set to be discussed this special session and interested members of the public should follow them on social media for updates.

Cut 11 (08) “…Capitol.”
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Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says the failure to reappoint Ronnie Jones as the chairman of Louisiana’s Gaming Control Board appears to be bad blood.  Jones has held the position since 2013.  Nungesser thinks it is a case of a lawmaker holding a grudge from being summons for entering a casino unlawfully last year.

Cut 12 (08) “think its retaliation.”

A Louisiana State Police trooper issued Peterson a misdemeanor summons for violating a self-imposed casino ban when she gambled at L’Auberge Casino in Baton Rouge in February 2019, then later admitted she has a gambling problem.  The debate over the confirmation decisions was held behind closed doors in an executive session, with no public discussion on appointments.

Nungesser says the timing of the retaliation could not be worse as everyone needs to be pulling in the same direction to get the state back where it needs to be.

Cut 13 (07) “…kind of action”