Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

04.16.20
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16:45 LRN Sportscast April 16

On the first day of the spring signing period, LSU basketball signed three players, including the son of LSU basketball great Shaquille O’ Neal. Six-foot-nine forward Shareef O’ Neal is transferring in from U-C-L-A. The Tigers have also signed six-foot-six strong forward Mwain Wilkinson from Las Vegas and six-foot-three guard Eric Gaines of Georiga. 24-7 sports ranks LSU’s incoming recruiting class as the fifth-best in the country.

A week from today is the first round of the N-F-L draft. The Saints have the 24th pick. It’s possible former LSU Tigers Patrick Queen and Justin Jefferson could available for New Orleans to take. They do need wide receivers and linebackers. Several mock drafts have the Saints selecting Oklahoma linebacker Kenneth Murray. Murray started 42 games for the Sooners and recorded 37 tackles for a loss in three seasons at O-U.

Four members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation have been appointed to the President’s Task Force on Reopening the Economy. Getting live sports back in our lives is part of that effort. Congressman Steve Scalise is on the Task Force…
cut 30 (30) “…spread before”
Congressmen Mike Johnson and Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy are also on the task force.

Families struggling to put food on the table can go to Cajun Field in Lafayette tomorrow. Second Harvest Food Bank and United Way of Acadiana are setting up a drive-thru food distribution site from two to four PM.

04.16.20
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LRN PM Newscall April 16

Baton Rouge Representative Ted James stint in the hospital with COVID-19 caused pneumonia has given him a unique outlook on the virus for a lawmaker. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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The Paycheck Protection Program is out of money.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Baton Rouge Representative Ted James has mostly recovered from COVID-19 but says his recovery was grueling and the disease should not be taken lightly.

The 37-year-old Democrat says he became symptomatic March 22nd when he woke up in a pool of sweat, and a week later he was suffering in a hospital with pneumonia.

Cut 3 (07)  “…wiped out”  

James suspects his history of asthma and sinus issues may have contributed to his severe case despite his young age and generally good health.

James says it’s been frustrating to see a rising chorus of legislators calling for the rapid reopening of the state before conditions are safe.

Cut 4 (11)_ “TORT reform”

Cutoff Representative Reggie Bagala died last week of COVID-19.

The Legislature does not have a firm date to return, but James says his experience has convinced him that when they do return the session must be laser-focused.

Cut 5 (06)  “…budget”

James made the statements earlier today on Talk Louisiana.

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Governor Edwards announces the creation of an 18-member panel tasked with producing guidelines that would allow parts of the economy to reopen. Edwards says the Resilient Louisiana Commission will reach out to stakeholders in various sectors of the economy, asking them…

Cut 6 (11) “…spike”

The Commission Co-Chairs are Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson, and healthcare executive Terrie Sterling.

Pierson says the real work of the Commission will be handled by 15 task forces dedicated to various economic sectors.

Cut 7 (09) “…a look.”

Edwards says the Governor’s office has the sole power to make reopening calls on a case by case basis for each business sector, but…

Cut 8 (11) “…stand up”

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Congressman Steve Scalise has been appointed to President Trump’s Task Force on Reopening the Economy.  Scalise spoke at the Governor’s daily press conference and touted the quickness of federal response and the impact of the Paycheck Protection Program.

Cut 9 (12) “…out of money.″

Scalise says there are still thousands of additional businesses in Louisiana that need that relief that did not get it prior to the program’s funding running dry, adding that the President is asking for an additional $251 billion.

Cut 10 (12) “…next few days”

Scalise says he’s been on many calls with everyone ranging from local restauranteurs to the heads of some of the biggest companies in the world on taking steps to safely come back.

Cut 11 (12) “…to do both.”

In addition to Scalise, Congressman Mike Johnson has also been added to the President’s task force, along with Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy.

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Food banks are seeing an increase in demand as more people continue to seek assistance due to rising unemployment and Second Harvest that serves 23 parishes across southern Louisiana is no exception. Spokesperson  Jay Vise says they’ve had to change how they distribute goods, with help from the National Guard.

Cut 12 (12) increase”

Vise says Second Harvest, along with other food banks across the state, need donations and there are several ways you can help.

Cut 13 (11) “…can provide”

Vise says anything that you would normally buy at the grocery store is what they need for donations, from cleaning supplies to feminine hygiene products.

Vise says they have disturbed a million extra pounds of food in the last month compared to a year ago.

Cut 14 (10) “…out there”

If you are in need of assistance call 211 to find your local food bank or visit NoHunger.org

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04.16.20
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2:30 LRN Newscast April 16

The Paycheck Protection Program which provides loans to small businesses to keep their workers employed has run out of money. Congressman Steve Scalise of Metairie says the President is asking Congress to appropriate 251-billion dollars so the program can process loan applications again…
cut 10 (12) “….few days’

As families struggle to put food on the table during the COVID crisis, many are turning to food banks. Second Harvest serves 23 parishes across south Louisiana and their spokesperson Jay Vise says they’ve had to change how they distribute goods at their facilities, with help from the National Guard.
Cut 12 (12) increase”

Baton Rouge Representative Ted James stint in the hospital with COVID-19 caused pneumonia has given him a unique outlook on the virus for a lawmaker. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

A lawyer for an East Baton Rouge Parish pastor who has been holding large church services, defying the governor’s order of no gatherings of more than 10 people, is hospitalized with the coronavirus. The Advocate reports Jeff Wittenbrick has been in the hospital since Tuesday. He attended two events at Life Tabernacle Church in Central. Pastor Tony Spell says he’s praying for Wittenbrick.

04.16.20
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1:30 LRN Newscast April 16

The loan program set up by the federal government to help small businesses pay employees during the COVID-19 crisis has run out of money. Congressman Steve Scalise of Metairie says the Paycheck Protection Program has already helped out thousands of Louisiana businesses…
cut 9 (11) “…out of money”
President Trump has asked for additional 251-billion dollars for the program and Scalise is hopeful Congress can approve the additional funding in the next few days.

Governor Edwards announced today who will serve on his Resilient Louisiana Commission. Edwards says this panel will make recommendations on how the state can grow its economy again. The governor is looking at loosing some of the rules of his stay at home order and this panel will receive input from business leaders…
cut 8 (11) “…stand up”

State officials say students will continue education via remote learning for the remainder of the school year as the governor has closed K-12 public schools. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says 13 of the top 20 auto insurers doing business in Louisiana are providing premium reductions and rebates to policyholders since people are driving less. He says the rebate programs are resulting in 187-million dollars back into the hands of consumers.

04.16.20
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9:30 LRN Newscast April 16

Governor Edwards says it’s too early to say what kind of impact the coronavirus pandemic will have on football in the fall. Edwards speculates that if there are football games, the stadiums will not be full…
cut 12 (11) “…checked”
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is recommending no large events in the Crescent City for the rest of 2020, but a Saints spokesperson says it’s planning for games to be played and added it’s too important for the city.

State Police say they’ve seen an uptick in fatal wrecks, even though fewer vehicles are on the highways. Lt. Nick Manale says just because you have more room to operate your vehicle, you can’t neglect basic driver safety…
cut 15 (10) “…seat belt”

The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance is urging the class of 2020 to complete applications for federal student aid to attend college. Brooke Thorington has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says 13 of the top 20 auto insurers doing business in Louisiana are providing premium reductions and rebates to policyholders since people are driving less. He says the rebate programs are resulting in 187-million dollars back into the hands of consumers.

04.16.20
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8:30 LRN Newscast April 16

Some states are mandating their residents to wear masks in certain public areas, like grocery stores. Governor John Bel Edwards is not certain at this point if he’ll issue a similar mandate. His staff continues to look at what restrictions will be in place in May and one of the provisions could be that masks are required for some workers…
cut 11 (09) “…mask on”
Edwards is expected to announce the members of his economic resilience task force today.

State Police say they have seen a noticeable decrease in drivers on the roads, but there’s been an increase in careless and distracted driving and that’s led to an increase in fatal wrecks compared to this time last year. Lt. Nick Manale…
cut 14 (10) “…travel for”

State officials say students will continue education via remote learning for the remainder of the school year as the governor has closed K-12 public schools. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

President Trump is expected to announce new social distancing guidelines today in an effort to re-open the country. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says we need to trust Americans to reopen the economy in the right places, at the right time. He says if we don’t, the economy will collapse. Some say more coronavirus testing needs to be in place first.

04.16.20
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7:30 LRN Newscast

New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell files a proclamation to extend the city’s “Stay at Home” order until May 16th. Governor Edwards says that declaration does not guarantee he will extend the statewide order past April 30th. He says it’s clear some regions are still more heavily impacted by the coronavirus than others.
Cut 10 (09) “same thing”
About 50 percent of the state’s confirmed positive cases have been found in Jefferson and Orleans Parishes.

State Police says they have seen a slight increase in fatal accidents despite the fact roads are a lot less traveled these days. Lt. Nick Manale says this is not a good time for you to get into a wreck and have to visit a hospital.
Cut 13 (11) “…actions.”
Manale says while there is a decrease in vehicles on state highways, there is an increase in careless or distracted driving.

Louisiana schools are closed for the rest of the academic year, but the state says students will continue to receive an education via remote learning. Acting State Superintendent of Education Beth Scioneaux says a lack of widespread technological infrastructure is creating hurdles to online learning, but that can be overcome with a mix of high-tech and low-tech distance learning….
cut 8 (11) “…regards to technology”
Scioneaux says they will provide guidance to local school districts when it comes to determining how schools decide if a student advances to the next grade.

For high school seniors, the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance is encourgaing them to complete their FAFSA forms that can result in financial assistance to attend college…
cut 6 (10) “….member of society”
That’s LOSFA spokesperson Tyana Daquano says they can offer seniors and parents assistance in filling out the forms at MyLOSFA-dot-LA-dot-gov.

04.16.20
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6:45 LRN Sportscast April 16

Governor John Bel Edwards says it’s too early to say what kind of impact the coronavirus pandemic will have on football in the fall as he points out, it’s still mid-April. Edwards speculates that if there are college football and Saints games, the stadiums will not be full…
cut 12 (11) “…checked”
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is recommending no large events in the Crescent City for the rest of 2020, but a Saints spokesperson says it’s planning for games to be played and added it’s too important for the city.

Commissioners for the major college football conferences told Vice President Mike Pence that NCAA sporting events cannot return if campuses remain closed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby says the V-P expressed a hopeful and optimistic tone.

A week from today is the first round of the N-F-L draft. The Saints have the 24th pick. It’s possible former LSU Tigers Patrick Queen and Justin Jefferson could available for New Orleans to take. They do need wide receivers and linebackers. Several mock drafts have the Saints selecting Oklahoma linebacker Kenneth Murray. Murray started 42 games for the Sooners and recorded 37 tackles for a loss in three seasons at O-U.

On the first day of the spring signing period, LSU basketball signed three players, including the son of LSU basketball great Shaquille O’ Neal. Six-foot-nine forward Shareef O’ Neal is transferring in from U-C-L-A. The Tigers have also signed six-foot-six strong forward Mwain Wilkinson from Las Vegas and six-foot-three guard Eric Gaines of Georiga. 24-7 sports ranks LSU’s incoming recruiting class as the fifth-best in the country.

And the P-G-A is looking at returning to competition in May or June, with no fans.

04.16.20
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6:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Edwards says more and more planning is being put into what the state might look like once restrictions are loosened with the stay at home order…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

And New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has extended the city’s stay at home order until May 16th. Governor Edwards posted on social media last night that the state has received a social distancing grade of C minus and the state can do better.

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed an order that keeps K-12 public schools closed for the remainder of the school year. However, students will continue education via remote learning. Acting State Superintendent Beth Scioneaux says local districts will be tasked with developing the criteria that will determine a student’s advancement in grade level.
Cut 7 (12) “…to move forward.”

The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance is urging the class of 2020 to complete applications for federal student aid to secure money for college. LOSFA spokesperson Tyana Daquano says completing the FAFSA form can feel like a daunting task, but they are offering virtual assistance
Cut 4 (08)_ “…for my education.”
The assistance tool can be found at MyLOSFA.LA.gov.

04.15.20
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

ESPN’s Chris Fowler says there will be severe challenges to start the college football season in September. Fowler says if universities do not allow students back in the fall, then there will be no football games with fans in 2020. Fowler says based on the people he’s talking to, a college football season in spring 2021 makes more sense…
cut 30 (12) “….fall back position”
Vice President Mike Pence held a conference call with the College Football Playoff management committee this morning. C-F-P executive director Bill Hancock told ESPN that he didn’t think the V-P understood the level of difference between college and the pros. Hancock says colleges can’t quarantine athletes like pro teams might be able to. Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick called it a productive call.

The country’s infectious disease expert said today that professional sports could return this summer if the games are played in empty stadiums and teams are strictly quarantined in large hotels in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Doctor Anthony Fauci says weekly testing will also have to occur.

Saints spokesperson Greg Bensel said in a statement that the NFL franchise in New Orleans is preparing to play this season and working with healthcare professionals is part of that planning. Bensel released the statement after New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell recommended no large gatherings or festivals in the city in 2020.

The son of legendary LSU basketball player Shaquille O’ Neal is officially an LSU Tiger. Shareef O’Neal’s paperwork arrived at LSU today as he’s transferring in from U-C-L-A. Shareef O’ Neal announced in January that he’s leaving the Bruin program after averaging just two points and three rebounds during his redshirt freshman season. He averaged 28 points and 17 rebounds during his senior year in high school in Santa Monica, California.