Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

03.17.20
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7:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Edwards is mandating restaurants can only provide carryout or delivery service and all bars and gyms are closed until April 13th to bolster social distancing efforts…
Cut 2 (50) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the American Veterinary Medical Association and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is asking that COVID-patients give their pets to a family member.
cut 5 (11) “…body”
Strain says if you can’t give your pet up for a short time, maintain a safe distance from your pet and frequently wash your hands before and after contact with your pet.

LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward says it is highly unlikely that spring sports will resume, so the focus is trying to address the many unknowns revolving around how the coronavirus could impact fall sports.
Cut 14 (12) “…is being discussed.”
LSU is still keeping its training room open so players can get medical care or treatment.

03.17.20
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6:45 LRN Sportscasts

The Saints have reportedly re-signed defensive tackle David Onyemata. The 27-year-old started a career-high 15 games last season and had a career-high eleven quarterback hits, had three sacks and 32 tackles. New Orleans has also re-signed long snapper Zach Wood to a four-year deal worth 4.78 million dollars.

But former Saints linebacker A-J Klein has agreed to a deal with the Bills. Klein has played in New Orleans for the past three seasons. Klein’s deal with Buffalo is for three-years and 18-million dollars.

Pelicans and Saints owner Gayle Benson has donated one million dollars to create the Gayle Benson Community Assistance Fund. In a statement, Benson says she wants to assist those who have been impacted in the community from the COVID-19 pandemic. Benson says she will also establish an Arena Assistance Fund for those who are impacted by the NBA’s decision to suspend the season.

LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward says he wants to see the spring sports athletes get another of eligibility after seeing their seasons cut short as a result of the coronavirus. The NCAA has already indicated this will happen. Woodward says more discussion needs to take place for the same thing to occur for winter sports athletes. He says there are about 120 student-athletes remaining on campus and some services open to them, like the cafeteria…
cut 15 (13) “…as we are talking”

The Louisiana High School Athletics Asociation is still holding out hope that they can have championship events for spring sports. LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine says there’s a chance the title games could be pushed to June.

03.17.20
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6:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards has announced new restrictions that could be in place through April 13th. All bars, gyms, movie theathers and casinos are closed, and all restaurants are limited to drive-thru, pick-up and delivery service in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Louisiana has 136 COVID-19 postive cases and three people have died. Edwards also called for the mobilization of 400 guardsmen…
Cut 10 (13) “…week.”
Doctor Catherine O’Neal an infectious disease specialist at Out Lady of the Lake Hospital, says they expect the infection will spread across the state, so take the proper precations…
cut 13 (11) “…remotely”

The American Veterinary Medical Association is asking those infected with COVID-19 to hand their pets over to family. Matt Doyle on what the C-D-C is saying…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

03.16.20
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

The legal tampering period for NFL free agency is underway and Saints unrestricted free agent quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is getting a lot of interest. The Bears have spoken to Bridgewater’s camp, but multiple reports say a deal is not likely. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also an option for Bridgewater according to NFL insider Peter King. Meanwhile, New Orleans needs to sign Drew Brees to a new contract.

The Cowboys have used the exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Dak Prescott. That means Prescott can not talk to other teams and Dallas has until July 15th to work out a long-term contract.

The Falcons have released two-time Pro Bowl running back Devonta Freeman with three years and 21-million dollars left on his contract. The moves saves Atlanta 3.5 million dollars towards the salary cap.

And Major League Baseball said it’s a season, which was set to start on March 26th, will now begin in mid-May at the earliest, based on the CDC’s latest recommendations.

Pelicans and Saints owner Gayle Benson has donated one million dollars to create the Gayle Benson Community Assistance Fund. In a statement, Benson says she wants to assist those who have been impacted in the community from the COVID-19 pandemic. Benson says she will also establish an Arena Assistance Fund for those who are impacted by the NBA’s decision to suspend the season.

And when will the NBA return. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski says owners and executives have been told to brace for a mid-to-late June return as a best-case scenario. And when games do return to the court, they might not have fans in the arena. The league has also asked owners to look into securing arena venues into the month of August.

LSU athletics director Scott Woodward expects in the next few days that the SEC will announce that the league’s baseball and softball tournaments are officially canceled. Woodward says the focus going forward is the school’s fall sports and the financial impact of no spring sports is not their major concern right now.

03.16.20
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LRN PM newscall March 16

For the first time in the state’s history, gaming operations for all 20 casinos in Louisiana will be closed for at least two weeks.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Lawmakers adjourn the legislative session until March 31st due to COVID-19 fears. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut  2 (25) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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Many people are finding ways to work from home in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus.  Tech Gumbo host Haggai Davis says the internet infrastructure is there to handle the influx of web traffic, but other hurdles remain.

Cut 3 (13)  “…into the network.”  

Davis believes a lot more people are going to become more comfortable with working from home as it is becoming an easier process.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…handle this capability.”

Davis says if you work from home, set a work schedule and designating a work area.

Cut 5 (13)  “…different office now.”

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Casinos in Louisiana will be ceasing gaming operations tonight at midnight for at least the next two weeks as the coronavirus continues to impact Louisiana.  Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board Ronnie Jones says the decision comes after discussions with the Governor’s staff throughout the weekend.

Cut 6 (11) “…public health standpoint.”

Governor Edwards has banned gatherings of 50 people or more.  Jones says the casinos were notified this was likely to happen, adding owners have been very supportive.

Cut 7 (13) “…of everything else.”

Jones says the order is only applicable to a casino’s gaming operations.

Cut 8 (08) “…from local government.”

Jones estimates the lost state revenue will be about $1.6 million each day of the closure.

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Legislative leaders have decided to temporarily adjourn the 2020 session until March 31st due to COVID-19 concerns.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says initially the plan was for the session to continue, with social distancing enforced and to check those who enter the Capitol for a fever…

Cut 9 (11) “…contact″

Pinsonat says it’s the right call because it only would have taken one positive test to shut down the Capitol…

Cut 10 (11) “situation.”

Pinsonat says the compressed schedule is likely going to result in non-essential legislation being abandoned. However a budget will still need to be passed by July 1st, but…

Cut 11 (08) “budget.”

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The Louisiana Department of Education will continue serving meals during the statewide school shutdown.  Assistant State Superintendent Catherine Pozniak says food operations will be modified to serve as many families as possible.

Cut 12 (10) “…nutrition and meals.”

Some areas are already providing the services today.  Pozniak says the food service is made possible by waivers from the federal government, adding that more schools are working out the details of exactly how to best serve food.

Cut 13 (12) “…to four days.”

Pozniak says the meals at these sites are open to all children, regardless of where they are enrolled in school.

Cut 14 (11) “…age of 22.”

03.16.20
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2:30 LRN Newscast March 16

Governor John Bel Edwards took further steps today to reduce the spread of COVID-19 as he’s limiting gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery and drive-through orders only. These changes are effective statewide at midnight. Operations may be able to resume on April 13th. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones has more on the fact that casinos are closing at midnight tonight…
cut 8 (08) “…from local government”
Edwards says the state is up to 132 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and two people have died. The governor says he was on a call with President Trump and Vice President Pence for over an hour and he says they were very clear that we must significantly expand mitigation efforts to slow the progress of COVID-19 before there is more community spread. And action must be taken in areas where there are no confirmed reports.

Lawmakers adjourn the legislative session until March 31st due to COVID-19 fears. Matt Doyle has the story.
cut 2 (25) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The Louisiana Department of Education will continue serving meals during the statewide school shutdown. Assistant State Superintendent Catherine Pozniak says food operations will be modified to serve as many families as possible.
Cut 12 (10) “…nutrition and meals.”
Check with your local school system for more information.

03.16.20
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1:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards is taking more aggressive steps to fight the spread of COVID-19. He says all casinos, bars and movie theaters will be closing at midnight tonight and restaurants will be limited to delivery and drive-thru orders. Edwards says he’s taking these steps to protect the health of Louisianans, especially those over the age of 60…
cut 15 (12) “…pronounced”
The governor is reporting there are 132 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Louisiana and two people have died.

Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones says casino operators are supportive of the move by the governor…
cut 7 (13) “…everything else”
The governor says operations may be able to resume on April 13th.

Legislative leaders have decided to temporarily adjourn the 2020 session until March 31st due to COVID-19 concerns. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says its the right call because it would have taken one positive test to shut down the Capitol…
cut 10 (11) “…situation”
Pinsonat says the compressed schedule is likely going to result in non-essential legislation being abandoned, but a budget must be approved by July 1st.

If you are one of the many who are now working from home as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Tech Gumbo host Haggai Davis recommends that you have some structure in place, like setting a work schedule and designating a work area…
cut 5 (13) “….different office now”

03.16.20
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12:30 LRN Newscast

New C-D-C coronavirus guidelines call for the cancellation of events with 50 or more people for the next eight weeks. Governor John Bel Edwards agrees with the social distancing approach…
cut 14 (14) “…precautions”
The number of positive Coronavirus cases rose by eleven today to 114.

When the House and Senate convene this afternoon they are expected to pass a resolution suspending the session for at least two weeks due to COVID-19 concerns. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the initial plan for the session was to continue, but with social distancing enforced and for those at the Capitol to be checked for fever at the front door…
Cut 9 (11) “…contact″
The constitution requires the state legislature to pass a budget by July 1st, so Pinsonat says a special session might be required.

Casinos in Louisiana will be ceasing gaming operations tonight at midnight for at least two weeks as the coronavirus continues to impact Louisiana. Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board Ronnie Jones says the decision comes after discussions with the governor’s staff..
Cut 6 (11) “…public health standpoint.”
Governor Edwards has banned gatherings of 250 people or more.

Private businesses are asking many of their employees to work from home to help curtail the spread of the coronavirus. Tech gumbo host Haggai Davis says it’s a trend that’s become popular, so it shouldn’t be a difficult transition for many…
cut 4 (09) “…handle this capability”

03.16.20
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11:30 LRN Newscast March 16

Two people have died from the coronavirus in Louisiana and Governor John Bel Edwards says data shows per capita the state has one of the highest rates of infections in the nation. Eleven additional cases were reported this morning bringing our total to 114. Edwards says his proclamation that bans gatherings of more than 250 people is being done to flatten the curve.
Cut 13 (12) “…healthcare.”
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board has announced casinos will shut down at midnight tonight for at least two weeks.

Many people are working from home today. Tech Gumbo host Haggai Davis says the internet infrastructure is there to handle the influx of web traffic, but other hurdles remain.
Cut 3 (13) “…into the network.”

Health experts say there are plenty of companies hoping to cash in on the COVID-19 pandemic with super-cures and immune-boosters, regardless of effectiveness. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Schools are closed across the state today, but several school districts are offering lunches and breakfasts for pickup. The state department of education has secured a waiver from the federal government that enables schools to serve meals to all children age 18 and younger regardless of their location and income.

03.16.20
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10:30 LRN Newscast March 16

Louisiana coronavirus cases have is up to 114, as 11 more cases have been confirmed by the state health department. Governor Edwards says that’s disproportionally high relative to our population…
voicer 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

LSU Health New Orleans Doctor Benjamin Springgate says to help build your immune system to fend off the coronavirus, eat a balanced diet, limit alcohol and tobacco intake and stay well-rested…
cut 8 (05) “….getting an infection”

Louisiana has 114 coronavirus cases and most of them are from the New Orleans area. The two fatalities involve New Orleans patients as well. Mayor LaToya Cantrell says the city is facing a faster spread than other places…
cut 5 (14) “….twice a day”
The city has released a list of restrictions on restaurants which includes a requirement to reduce seating by 50 percent, and mandated early closures.

The coronavirus is impacting the crawfish industry too. President of the Crawfish Research and Promotion Board David Savoy says people are not congregating for crawfish boils because of the pandemic …
Cut 10 (11) “…are not there.”