Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

07.28.20
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4:45 LRN Sportscast July 28

Veterans on the Saints reported for training camp today but it will be a few days before they get on the field. Players must pass three COVID tests during a four-day period before they can enter the team’s training facility in Metairie. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the Saints are positioned well to handle this unique season
Cut 16 (25) “…have to handle.”
Players have the option to not play this season. Saints tight end Cole Wick is one of has decided to opt out. Wick was on the Black and Gold’s practice squad last season.

Former LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow has reportedly signed a four-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals worth 36-million dollars. And the deal includes a 24-million dollar signing bonus.

There’s some good news for those hoping we will see high school football this fall. The LHSAA will allow schools to hold seven on seven practices starting on Monday, but you can’t have more than 25 players involved in one group. Players can wear shoulder pads on August sixth and teams will be allowed to do more activities in larger groups once the state moves into phase three.

The Pelicans completed their three-game scrimmage schedule in Orlando with a 124 to 103 victory over the Milwaukee last night. New Orleans went 5-0 in the preseason, 3-0 in its scrimmage games and on Thursday they’ll restart their season by facing the Utah Jazz. Coach Alvin Gentry said today that he expects Zion Williamson will practice with the team tomorrow as his quarantine period comes to an end. Once they see him back on the floor, they’ll make a determination on whether he’ll play on Thursday night.

07.28.20
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LRN PM Newscall July 28

Extended wait times for COVID-19 testing results become the latest hiccup in the state’s fight against the coronavirus. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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The American Federation of Teachers says “safety strikes” are on the table is more is not done to ensure teacher and student safety before schools reopen. Matt Doyle spoke with the Louisiana Branch…

cut 2 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Calcasieu Parish Sheriff deputies have charged two teens with the murder of a 53-year-old Lake Charles man found lying in the road last week. Sheriff Tony Mancuso says they believe a 16-year-old used a stolen gun to shoot Anthony Bennett

Cut 3 (10)  “…car burglary”  

A 16-year-old and a 13-year-old have been charged in Bennet’s murder which happened at around 11:00 last Thursday night. Mancuso says this is an example on why parents need to be involved in teenagers lives

Cut 4 (10)_ “tolerating this”

Mancuso says the whole country is seeing these types of incidents, children committing violent crimes. The sheriff says there are parents who need to take back control of their kids

Cut 5 (10)  “…discpline.”

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In an effort to stop runaway youth COVID transmission, the governor’s office releases a PSA featuring half a dozen young people describing the serious symptoms they had as a result of COVID-19.

Cut 6 (12) “…taste.”

Eighteen to 29-year-olds have the highest number of infections of any age group recorded by the Louisiana Health at 24-thousand, six thousand higher than the next highest age group.

Those in the video discussed some of the misconceptions about how youth are allegedly “unaffected” by the virus.

Cut 7 (12) “…spread it”

The recent wave of cases has been driven by community spread amongst young adults, compared to the first wave which had a much higher percentage of cases coming from congregate settings of older people.

The PSA ends with the young folks imploring their friends to mask up.

Cut 8 (12) “…down”

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Louisiana’s COVID-19 testing has hit another hurdle with the turnaround time on getting results.  Early in the pandemic, there was a lack of nasal swabs to conduct tests, but now Assistant Health Secretary Dr. Alex Billioux says some labs are struggling with the supply chain for the reagents needed to get results.

Cut 9 (10) “…shorter turnaround times.”

Billioux says the timeliness in getting a result makes the difference in being useful data in stopping the spread and just adding numbers to the stats.

Cut 10 (08) “…probably not useful.”

Billioux says the strain put onto the state’s testing capabilities could soon have an impact on who is eligible to be swabbed at community testing sites.

Cut 11 (11) “and drive-up sites.”
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The American Federation of Teachers threatens to back “safety strikes” in certain areas of the country if more is not done to assure the safety of teachers and students when fall classes resume.

Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Larry Carter says in hotspots across Louisiana union members are having active conversations about potentially staging safety strikes.

Cut 12 (09) “…schools.” 

The AFT earlier this month adopted a resolution backing the reopening of schools only in areas where the positivity rate for tests was under five percent. Over the past few weeks, the rate has hovered around ten percent but has recently dropped under eight percent.

Two weeks ago when we spoke with Carter he said safety strikes were not being considered, but Carter says since then the situation has deteriorated.

Cut 13 (10) “…community” 

Carter says any such strikes would be an option of last resort, but so far they’re not convinced many schools are safe to open next month, and not happy about the lack of progress being made to do so.

Cut 14 (10) “…safe.”

The demands are for more funding for PPE, guarantees that teaching spaces will allow for adequate social distancing, and for more strict protocols should an outbreak occur at a school.

07.28.20
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11:40 LRN Sportscast July 28

Veterans on the Saints report to training camp today. In order for them and the rookies to get inside the team’s training facility, they will need to test negative three times during a four-day period. The NFL and its players’ association have agreed to an extensive list of health and safety protocols and players will be tested often. But NFL analyst Mike Detillier says there will be hiccups along the way and players will still test positive
Cut 17 (17) “…in the NFL”
Players opting out of the 2020 season because of COVID concerns. ESPN is reporting Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower and safety Patrick Chung have decided they are not playing. Saints tight end Cole Wick is also out.

Today is LSU football coach Ed Orgeron’s 59 birthday. He spent this morning doing his usual Tuesday morning segment on ESPN Radio in Baton Rouge with Jordy Culotta and T-Bob Hebert. Orgeron said if camp started today, his starting offensive line would consist of Dare Rosenthal at left tackle, Ed Ingram at left guard, Harvard transfer Liam Shanahan at center, Chasen Hines at right guard and Austin Deculus at right tackle.

The Louisiana High School Atheltic Association has made the decision to allow schools to begin official football practices on Monday. No contact is allowed, but seven on seven scrimmages can take place and there can not be more than 25 players involved. The LHSAA says once the state moves to phase three, football teams will be allowed to do more.

In their final scrimmage before the NBA restarts its season, the Pelicans defeated the Bucks 124 to 103 last night to go 3-0 during their scrimmage games. J-J Redick led the way with 20 points as he drained four three-pointers.

07.28.20
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9:30 LRN Newscast July 28

Businesses with fewer than 50 employees can now apply for grant money through the Main Street Recovery Program. Eligible businesses can receive up to 15-thousand dollars in no-strings-attached cash. State Treasurer John Schroder says there are only 275-million dollars available…
cut 7 (11) “….Louisiana”
Applicants can be completed at Louisiana-main-street-dot-com.

The governor’s office is celebrating a big economic development win as an education software company announces it’s moving its headquarters from San Francisco to Lafayette. Governor John Bel Edwards on why SchoolMint chose Lafayette…
cut 15 (12) “….local talent”
SchoolMint’s decision will result in nearly 400 new jobs in the Lafayette area.

A rise in chronic conditions is putting more Louisiana residents at risk for colorectal cancer. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Louisiana High School Atheltic Association has made the decision to allow schools to begin official football practices on Monday. No contact is allowed, but seven on seven scrimmages can take place and there can not be more than 25 players involved. The LHSAA says once the state moves to phase three, football teams will be allowed to do more.

07.28.20
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8:30 LRN Newscast July 28

The Main Street Recovery Program application process opens at 9 AM and State Treasurer John Schroder encourages small business owners not to wait on their chance at up to 15,000 dollars…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The state Fire Marshal’s office has announced that bar permits for four establishments in south Louisiana have been suspended because they failed to comply with Governor Edwards’ emergency order aimed at mitigating the spread of COVID-19. The four bars were allowing customers to consume drinks on their property, which is a no-no.

Imperial Health Urgent Care Center in Calcasieu Parish is the only healtcare facility in the state participating in a natonwide clinical trial for an experimental new COVID treatment. Doctor Jason Morris says they are working with a pharmaceutical company to see if monoclonal antibodies can kill the virus in an infected patient. Morris says participants are asked to monitor their symptoms and be available for blood work…
cut 11 (07) “…commitment”
Morris says several patients have already seen positive outcomes from the treatment.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association says a rise in chronic conditions is putting more Louisiannians at risk for colorectal cancer. Doctor Jeremy Wigginton recommends annual colorectal cancer screeing starting at age 50….
cut 5 (10) “…not getting screened”

07.28.20
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7:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana small businesses needing assistance because of the coronavirus outbreak can apply for grants up to 15-thousand dollars to cover pandemic-related expenses starting today. State Treasurer John Schroder says the Main Street Recovery Program was created by the state legislature, but the money comes from the feds…
cut 9 (10) “…275-million”
Schroder expects the 275-million will go quickly.

An education software company is moving its headquarters from San Francisco to Lafayette. Governor Edwards says SchoolMint will create 178 direct new jobs…
cut 14 (10) “…indirect new jobs”
The company also plans to make a 515-thousand dollar investment in a new facility in Lafayette.

The Imperial Heath Urgent Care Center in Moss Bluff is seeking COVID-positive patients to participate in a nationwide clinical trial testing the effectiveness of an experimental COVID treatment. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle

The state reported 23-hundred new coronavirus cases yesterday and the statewide total is just shy 110-thousand. The state also reported 23 more deaths yesterday and hospitaliziations increased by 43 and there are now 16-hundred COVID patients in the hospitals. Patients on a ventilator also increased by 24 to 208.

07.28.20
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

Veterans for the Saints report for training camp today, but before they are allowed inside the team’s training facility, players have to test negative three times during a four-day period. Then a slow ramp will begin shortly after that and padded practices will not start until August 17th. No preseason games this year and NFL analyst Mike Detillier says that will make it tough to find potential contributing players on other teams…
cut 18 (29) “..that now”

You can declare the Pelicans champions of the non-regular season. New Orleans was 5-0 in the preseason and the Pels went 3-0 in scrimmage games inside the NBA restart bubble. Last night, New Orleans beat Milwaukee 124 to 103. J-J Redick had a big third quarter, scoring all of his 20 points in that quarter. Zion Williamson did not play as he quarantining after leaving the bubble. It’s unknown if he’ll play in Thursday’s first seeding game against Utah,.

Louisiana High School Athletic Association executive director Eddie Bonine has told schools they can begin seven-on-seven scrimmages on Monday even though the state is in phase two. The players can wear helmets, but no pads as there will be no contact, and groups of 25 will be allowed. But Bonine says the state will need to get into Phase Three and establish a positive trend as it relates to the virus to move into full contact, scrimmages, jamboree, and then games.

07.28.20
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6:30 LRN Newscast

There’s good economic development news for Louisiana. Educational software company, SchoolMint, announces it’s moving its headquarters from San Francisco to Lafayette. The company’s decision means 178 new jobs and over 200 indirect jobs. Governor Edwards says this is further evidence of the state’s economic growth for the 21st century…
cut 13 (12) “….ecosystem for Louisiana”

Over in Calcasieu Parish, Imperial Health Urgent Care Center in Moss Bluff is the only health facility in Louisiana participating in a nationwide trial where COVID-19 patients are receiving monoclonal antibody treatments. Doctor Jason Morris says they want to nail down how much of the treatment they need to administer…
cut 12 (07) “….around”

According to a study from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, a rise in chronic conditions is putting more Louisiana residents at risk for colorectal cancer. Blue Cross of Louisiana Medical Director Dr. Jeremy Wigginton says there has been a substantial uptick in cancer cases for those with inflammatory colon conditions.
Cut 4 (11)_ “…of the nation.”
Diabetes and diagnosed obesity are also contributing factors and Louisiana saw significant increases in all of these major risk factors in the study period between 2014 and 2018.

07.27.20
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4:45 LRN Sportscast July 27

The Saints announced today that the team has signed its four member draft class, including first round pick, offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz, from Michigan. The veterans are set to report for training camp tomorrow, but they must test negative for COVID three times over a four day period, before they are allowed inside the team’s training facility in Metairie.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees continues to give back to the community. The Brees Dream Foundation has made a five-million dollar donation to Ochsner, so that the health system can build community health centers in underserved communities in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. In March, Brees and his wife donated five million dollars so that meals can be served to families impacted by COVID-19.

The Pelicans have their final scrimmage tonight versus San Antonio before the season re-starts on Thursday. Zion Williamson is back after attending to a family emergency, but he’s in quarantine, so he’s expected to return to the court tomorrow or Wednesday.

Two Major League Baseball games will not be played tonight because of a COVID-19 outbreak involving the Miami Marlins. Miami was scheduled to host Baltimore tonight for their home opener, but the Marlins remain in Philadelphia after several players and a couple of coaches tested positive for COVID-19. Over the weekend, Miami won two of three from Philadelphia and the Phillies were set to host the Yankees tonight. That game will not be played, so they can scrub down the visiting the clubhouse. Major League Baseball owners held a regularly scheduled conference call today, but there was no talk about cancelling the season.

Even if there is a season, will Asros Ace Justin Verlander take the mound again? Verlander is dealing with a forearm strain and he’ll be re-evaluated in two weeks. There was a report that Verlander would miss the rest of the season after pitching last Friday. Tonight the Astros host Seattle.

Also Texas Rangers pitcher Corey Kluber has a grade two tear of his shoulder muscle and he’ll miss four weeks. Surgery is not expected.

07.27.20
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LRN PM Newscall July 27

Louisiana small businesses can begin applying for a grant worth up to 15,000 dollars tomorrow as part of the Main Street Recovery Program. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle  

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Former Vernon Parish Sheriff and former State Representative Frank Howard has died at the age of 81 due to complications from COVID-19. Jeff Palermo has more.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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Application for a state-run grant program for small businesses impacted by the pandemic begins tomorrow.

Eligible businesses can receive up to 15,000 dollars in reimbursement for expenses incurred during the shutdown. State Treasurer John Schroder calls it no strings attached, and expansive…

Cut 3 (06)  “…operate”  

Businesses must have a brick and mortar location and fewer than 50 employees to be eligible.

The program kicks off tomorrow at 9 AM. Schroder says the application process is online only.

Cut 4 (10)_ “dot com”

The money will be sent out on a first-come-first-served basis.

Schroder says the 275 million dollar program isn’t a lot of money in a state of 457,000 small businesses…

Cut 5 (10)  “…interest.”

For the first 21 days, the program will only disburse funds to businesses that did not receive federal assistance or insurance payments.

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The Department of Agriculture and Forestry is warning residents of mystery seeds being delivered through the mail that may contain some sort of plant pest or disease.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the seeds have been received via unsolicited packages by people across the US, including Louisiana.

Cut 6 (08) “…appears eastern Europe.”

Strain says he’s been in contact with the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service about the issue.  He adds if you receive a mystery package, don’t hesitate to contact authorities.

Cut 7 (07) “…Ag and Forestry..”

Strain says authorities will come to you to handle the disposal of the mystery seeds.

Cut 8 (05) “…up these seeds”

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New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell orders all locations of Willie’s Chicken Shack closed due to violations of the city’s ban on to-go drinks.

Cantrell says the there was ample evidence of non-compliance at the locations and a task force was dispatched to investigate.

Cut 9 (12) “…that’s it”

Willie’s released a statement saying patrons refused to comply with the order and they support the city’s public health efforts.

Details were limited but the Mayor indicated it will be a lengthy closure for the non-compliant business.

Cut 10 (10) “…there”

Cantrell says the shutdown sends the message that the city is serious about enforcing its COVID health guidelines and orders.

Cut 11 (07) “comply”

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Former Vernon Parish Sheriff and former State Representative Frank Howard has died at the age of 81 due to complications from COVID-19.  Howard was Sheriff for 24 years.  Current Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft remembers his predecessor as one to constantly be involved in the community.

Cut 12 (09) “…best he could.” 

Following a few years of retirement from law enforcement, Howard was elected to be a state representative and served three terms in that position before being termed out in 2019.  Craft says Howard became a fixture in the area’s political circle.

Cut 13 (11) “…in our area.” 

Craft says Howard had a soft spot in his heart for the elderly community.  As Sherrif, Howard started the triad program to assist seniors with their health transportation needs.

Cut 14 (12) “…for the public.”

Governor Edwards will order flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Howard at the State Capitol and other state buildings the day he is laid to rest.