Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

03.10.20
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU Senior guard Skylar Mays has been named to the coaches’ first-team All-SEC team. Mays leads the Tigers in scoring averaging 17 points a game and second on the team in assists. Mays has also been named Scholar-Athlete of the Year as he owns a 3.9 GPA while studying to be a doctor. LSU’s Trendon Watford is on the All-SEC Freshman team. Watford averages 14 points and seven rebounds a game.

The Tigers leave tomorrow for the SEC Tournament in Nashville, even though they will not play until Friday night against either Vanderbilt, Arkansas or South Carolina. The league office says they expect to play the tourney as scheduled despite concerns over the coronavirus.

The SWAC Tournament starts today with games at campus sites. Southern is a two-seed and will host Alabama State. Gambling is the sixth seed and the Tigers are at Texas Southern.

The Cajuns season ended last night with an 82-81 loss to Georgia Southern in the second round of the Sun Belt Tournament.

Louisiana Tech is the three-seed in the Conference USA Tournament and the Bulldogs will play either Marshall or UTEP in Frisco, Texas on Thursday. The Thundering Herd have won six of their last eight, while the Miners have won four in a row. Marshall and UTEP play on Wednesday.

In college baseball…ULM hosts eighth-ranked Ole Miss for a two-game mid-week series at Warhawk Field. The Rebels, who open SEC play against LSU this weekend, is 14-and-1 on the season. The Warhawks are also playing well, as they are 12-and-3. First pitch tonight is at six o’clock.

McNeese lost two of three to ULM this past weekend. Tonight, the Cowboys host the Ragin Cajuns. Before the game, they’ll rename the Pokes bullpen after the late Tony Robichaux, who coached for both teams.

Also tonight, Louisiana Tech hosts Southeastern Louisiana at Ruston High, Nicholls hosts Mississippi Valley, Northwestern State is at Grambling.

03.10.20
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11:30 LRN Newscast March 10

Now that the state has its first presumptive coronavirus case a veteran from Jefferson Parish, state public officials are trying to determine who has been in close contact with the patient. Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Doctor Alex Billioux says those individuals will have to be quarantined…
cut 8 (09) “….know that information”
Governor Edwards said today that the patient who tested positive for the coronavirus lived alone and didn’t work.

Glad handing and hugs are likely on their way out at the Capitol this session as the threat of coronavirus has lawmakers reassessing the way they interact with each other and the public. Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson….
Cut 6 (11) “…interact”

Oil prices are up six-percent today after yesterday’s biggest one day drop since 1991. The price of oil impacts state revenues, something lawmakers will monitor during the regular session. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis…
cut 14 (09) “….of that”
Louisiana makes a large portion of its revenues off of oil taxes and royalties and economists say for every one-dollar decline in the price of oil, it results in an eleven million dollar loss in tax revenue.

Six people have been arrested in a human trafficking sting executed by the northwest Louisiana law enforcement agents. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Bill Davis says the arrests took place at an area hotel.
Cut 3 (10) “…if you will.”
Three of those arrested were also hit with drug charges.

03.10.20
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10:30 LRN Newscast March 10

Louisiana has its first presumptive case of coronavirus and an email to VA employees indicates the patient has been hospitalized at the VA Medical Center in New Orleans since Friday. Governor John Bel Edwards says now is not the time to panic, instead, get prepared.
Cut 7 (09) “…them to do.”
The state health department has asked people who came in contact with the patient to self-isolate for 14 days.

Fears over the Coronavirus are limiting travel and gas prices are falling as demand declines. GasBuddy-dot-com petroleum analyst Allison Mac says the statewide average is $2.07 for a gallon of regular gasoline and falling…
cut 6 (11) “….the state average”

At the state capitol, it’s the first day of committee hearings as the 2020 regular session is underway. Governor John Bel Edwards is once again supporting legislation to raise the minimum wage…
cut 11 (12) “….in July”
National Federation of Independent Business state director Dawn Starns says it’s disappointing to hear Governor Edwards double down on pressing forward with minimum wage increases. Starns says the Governor’s attempt to fulfill a campaign promise will only result in lost jobs.
Cut 12 (07) “…next ten years.”

Authorities say an 18-year-old Pineville High School student has died in a fatal crash that happened in Avoyelles Parish on Sunday. Corry Barbay was pronounced dead at the scene.

03.10.20
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9:30 LRN Newscast March 10

A Jefferson Parish resident is the state’s first coronavirus case and that individual is now hospitalized at a V-A medical center in New Orleans. So far the state has tested 15 individuals and there’s only been one presumptive case. Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Doctor Alex Billioux says testing has been limited so far, but commercial labs are getting ready to test many more…
cut 9 (05) “…do this testing”
Health officials are asking anyone who feels sick to stay at home and call their healthcare provider.

Louisiana drivers are seeing savings at the pump as demand for gasoline drops. GasBuddy.com petroleum analyst Allison Mac says usually at this time of the year, gas prices rise as refineries transition to a summer grade fuel of gasoline…
Cut 4 (09)_ “…well into March.”
Mac says the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.07, but they expect it will fall below two-dollars.

Governor John Bel Edwards laid out his agenda to lawmakers on the opening day of the legislative session. Brooke Thorington has the story…
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A major focus of every session is to pass a budget. But the Revenue Estimating Conference has yet to agree on an income forecast, so it’s unclear how much money the state has to spend. Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson…
cut 15 (12) “…yet”
The R-E-C is expected to meet again in early April.

03.10.20
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8:30 LRN Newscast March 10

Now that the state has its first presumptive coronavirus case a veteran from Jefferson Parish, state public officials are trying to determine who has been in close contact with the patient. Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Doctor Alex Billioux says those individuals will have to be quarantined…
cut 8 (09) “….know that information”
Health officials say the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, for older adults with existing health problems, it can result a more severe illness.

Meanwhile, at the state capitol, it’s the first day of committee hearings as the 2020 regular session is underway. Governor John Bel Edwards is once again supporting legislation to raise the minimum wage…
cut 11 (12) “….in July”
But Edwards’ minimum wage proposal faces long odds in the Republican-led Legislature.

Gas prices are usually on the rise in March, but that’s not the case this year. Kevin Barnhart has more…
voicer 1 (31) “…Kevin Barnhart”

Oil prices are showing signs of rebounding after yesterday’s biggest one day drop since 1991. The price of oil impacts state revenues something lawmakers will monitor during the session. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis…
cut 14 (09) “….of that”

03.10.20
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7:30 LRN Newscast March 10

Louisiana has its first presumptive case of coronavirus and an email to VA employees indicates the patient has been hospitalized at the VA Medical Center in New Orleans since Friday. Governor John Bel Edwards says now is not the time to panic, instead, get prepared.
Cut 7 (09) “…them to do.”
The state health department has asked people who came in contact with the patient to self-isolate for 14 days.

Meanwhile, gas prices are dropping and Gas Buddy-dot-com petroleum analyst Allison Mac says the price drop can be directly attributed to coronavirus fears…
cut 5 (11) “…out to eat”
Louisiana’s average regular gasoline price is $2.07.

Governor John Bel Edwards tells legislators on the opening day of the session that it’s unacceptable for Louisiana to continue to have the largest gender pay gap in the country. Edwards is asking lawmakers to pass a pay transparency bill that would prevent anyone from losing their job for discussing their salaries
Cut 10 (08) “…more equity.”
Edwards is also urging lawmakers to set the state minimum wage at ten-dollars an hour.

National Federation of Independent Business state director Dawn Starns says it’s disappointing to hear Governor Edwards double down on pressing forward with minimum wage increases and equal pay legislation. Starns says the Governor’s attempt to fulfill a campaign promise will only result in lost jobs.
Cut 12 (07) “…next ten years.”
Edwards’ minimum wage proposal faces long odds in the Republican-led Legislature.

03.10.20
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

Tough ending to the season for the Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball team as U-L Lafayette could not hold on to a ten-point lead with 6:44 left and lost to Georgia Southern 82 to 81 in the second round of the Sun Belt Tournament. Jalen Johnson had 21 points in a losing effort. The Cajuns end the season with a 14-and-19 record.

The SEC Tournament starts tomorrow in Nashville and the league office says their focus and expectation is to play the tourney as scheduled despite concerns over the coronavirus. The league says it will have hand sanitizers throughout the arena, the locker rooms, team benches, and even the basketball will be sanitized.

LSU senior Skylar Mays has been named to the Academic All-America team by the College Sports Information Directors of America for a third straight year. While preparing to be a doctor, Mays leads the team in scoring and holds a 3.9 GPA. Mays and the Tigers play in the SEC Tourney on Friday.

The NFL Players Association is giving its members a couple of extra days to vote on a new collective bargaining agreement that calls for a 17-game schedule. The voting window has been extended from Thursday night to Saturday at 10:59 PM central time. Also, there have players who reportedly want to change their vote but have been told they can’t.

The SWAC men’s basketball tournament starts today with quarterfinal action with games on campus. Southern will host Alabama State. The Jaguars have won seven in a row. Grambling will visit Texas Southern.

Louisiana Tech is the three-seed in the Conference USA Tournament and the Bulldogs will play either Marshall or UTEP in Frisco, Texas on Thursday. The Thundering Herd have won six of their last eight, while the Miners have won four in a row. Marshall and UTEP play on Wednesday.

In college baseball, ULM hosts Ole Miss tonight at 6 pm for the start of a two-game midweek series. The Ragin Cajuns are at McNeese, Louisiana Tech hosts Southeastern Louisiana at Ruston High School.

03.10.20
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6:30 LRN Newscast March 10

Louisiana reports its first presumptive case of coronavirus, a Jefferson Parish resident currently at the VA Medical Center in New Orleans….
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Oil prices had its biggest one-day fall since 1991 yesterday, which is not good news for the state’s finances. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the only good news is that Louisiana has diversified its revenue streams…
cut 16 (09) “…the budget”

On the opening day of the legislative session, Governor John Bel Edwards called early childhood education his number one priority for his second term, proposing an additional 25-million dollars for pre-K programs. Edwards also continued his call to raise the minimum wage and urged legislators to pass a pay transparency bill that he says will help close the gender pay gap. National Federation of Independent Business state director Dawn Starns opposes both measures…
cut 13 (12) “….for our state”
The regular legislative session ends June 1st.

03.09.20
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4:45 LRN Sportscast March 9

LSU’s Gavin Dugas hit two home runs yesterday to help the Tigers complete the sweep of U-Mass Lowell six to four. Dugas was in the line-up because the regular designated hitter Saul (saw-OOL) Garza did not play because of a strained muscle in his back. Coach Paul Mainieri is not sure when Garza will return. He also says freshman outfielder Maurice Hampton has a stress reaction in his back and he’s expected to be out for quite a while. The Tigers host South Alabama on Wednesday.

In the NBA, Jrue Holiday had 37 points as the Pelicans defeated the Timberwolves 120 to 107 to start a four-game road trip. Zion Williamson had 23 points and guard Lonzo Ball hit four more three-pointers and finished with 18 points, five rebounds and eight assists. New Orleans is in Sacramento on Wednesday.

And the NFL Players Association is giving its members a couple of extra days to vote on a new collective bargaining agreement that calls for a 17-game schedule. The voting window has been extended from Thursday night to Saturday at 10:59 PM central time.

The LSU men’s basketball team finished the regular season with a 94-64 win over Georgia to finish in a tie for second place with Auburn. Senior Marlon Taylor had 30 points, while fellow senior Skylar Mays had 19 points. Sophomore guard Javonte Smart had 13 points and 10 assists. After the game, Coach Will Wade went on of his classic rants against those who do not think Smart is a good point guard…
Cut 17 (19) “point guard”
LSU will play again on Friday night in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament. They’ll face either Vanderbilt, Arkansas or South Carolina.

Tonight in Sun Belt Tournament action, the Ragin Cajuns will take on Georgia Southern in Statesboro. The Eagles beat U-L Lafayette twice in the regular season.

03.09.20
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LRN PM Newscall March 9

Matt Doyle spoke with Associate Director of the Tulane Energy Institute Dr. Eric Smith about last night’s dramatic collapse in the price of oil…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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A Jefferson Parish resident being treated in Orleans Parish becomes the state’s first “presumptive-positive” coronavirus patient.  Kevin Barnhart has more on the testing process

cut  2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

___________________________

Oil prices have tumbled and the price for a barrel of oil is now in the 30s. Associate Director of the Tulane Energy Institute Dr. Eric Smith says COVID-19 fears and worldwide overproduction could lead to a prolonged period where prices stay in the upper 20s, lower 30s per barrel.

Cut 3 (08)  “…months”  

This morning’s price collapse is the biggest since 1991.

Smith says a big part of the collapse is news that Russia and OPEC will both ramp up oil production in an apparent price war, suppressing global prices.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…below.”

That news led to a stock market collapse of seven percent, leading to the markets being halted for 15 minutes this morning.

Reports indicate the price war is partly an attack on American shale companies. Smith says it’s likely it’s many of them will consolidate with larger companies, or just go out of business.

Cut 5 (11)  “majors”.

Smith adds it won’t harm all Louisiana drilling, as liquid natural gas exists in a separate market.

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The Louisiana Department of Health has reported the state’s first presumptive-positive case of coronavirus.  A Jefferson Parish resident is currently hospitalized in Orleans Parish. State immunization director Dr. Frank Welch says anyone who experiences symptoms should call their doctor to see if they fit the profile for someone in need of testing.  If they do, special accommodations will be made.

Cut 6 (12) “…personal protective equipment.”

Welch says the first thing doctors will test for is the flu since the symptoms are so similar.

Cut 7 (13) “…at the soonest.”

While awaiting testing results to come back, it is recommended that someone isolates themselves for that couple of days.

Welch says LDH is working with all insurers within the state, including Medicaid, to make sure the test is covered.  As far as uninsured individuals, LDH is working with the federal government to make sure that cost is not a hurdle in getting tested.

Cut 8 (13) “…in writing yet.”

The governor’s office says 15 tests have been completed in Louisiana, 14 came back negative and one is positive. It still must be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham’s Chief of Staff, Luke Letlow, formally announces he’s entering the race to replace his boss who’s not seeking reelection for the 5th Congressional District. Letlow, was immediately endorsed by Abraham and says his experience with the three-term congressman will continue to move Louisiana forward.

Cut 9 (11) “…that experience″

Letlow, a native of the small town of Smart in Richland Parish, says he identifies with the rural members of his district.

Cut 10 (12) “…row crops.”

If elected Letlow says he would seek a committee seat on the House Agriculture Committee.

Cut 11 (10) “…those committees.”

Letlow is the third Republican to announce he’s running, along with State Representative Lance Harris of Alexandria, and Ouachita Parish Police Juror Scotty Robinson of West Monroe. Candy Shoemaker-Christophe or Alexandria is the only Democrat to announce her candidacy.

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The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed the state’s first presumptive positive case of the COVID-19, commonly referred to as the coronavirus. The patient is a Jefferson Parish resident who is hospitalized in Orleans Parish.

Governor Edwards told lawmakers about the case on the opening day of the 2020 Legislative session

Cut 12 (12) “…great state”

Edwards encourages lawmakers to share accurate information with their constituents and also gave them the most up to date information about ongoing testing in the state.

Cut 13 (12) “…hundred tests”

Edwards reaffirmed that his office will announce all confirmed cases and that the state is being as proactive as possible to contain the virus.

Cut 14 (12) “…the spread.”