Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

04.15.20
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LRN PM Newscall April 15

Republican lawmakers are concerned that Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s plan for Louisiana’s presidential primary is too broad, allowing anyone over the age of 18 to vote by mail. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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16 residents at a veterans’ home in Reserve that tested positive for COVID-19 have died, an outbreak that is driving St. John the Baptist Parish’s high per capita death rate. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee has asked Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin to revise his plan for the July 11th presidential primary over concerns that his proposal that expands mail-in voting gives that option to too many people. Shreveport Senator Barry Milligan is concerned about voter fraud…

Cut 3 (06)  “…than ever”  

The emergency election rule would allow anyone to mail in an absentee ballot if they are concerned they could be exposed to the coronavirus. Ardoin says, unfortunately, it’s necessary so that register voters have the constitutional right to vote. Milligan asks Ardoin if the wording of the rule can be changed…

Cut 4 (12)_ “…not valid”

On a five to one party-line vote, the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee has asked Ardoin to bring another emergency election proposal to them that would lower the number of people would be eligible to vote with a mail ballot. Milligan pushed for a new proposal

Cut 5 (11)  “…same way”

Ardoin says he needs legislative approval of his emergency election plan by April 26th in order for the presidential primary to take place in July.

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St. John the Baptist remains one of the highest county/parishes per capita in COVID-19 deaths largely because of an outbreak at a veterans’ home in Reserve that’s killed 16.

Deputy Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Julie Baxter-Payer says the facility saw its first resident show symptoms March 19th, and…

Cut 6 (12) “…homes.”

The statewide stay home order was put into place on March 22nd.

Baxter-Payer says the facility has 26 positive tests so far, and those who’ve been infected are all in the high-risk group.

Cut 7 (09) “…seeing.”

The state’s other four homes in Jackson, Jennings, Monroe, and Bossier have not reported any COVID-19 cases.

Baxter-Payer says all of their facilities have been inspected by state and federal health officials, and they are doing everything they can to keep residents safe while supporting them emotionally.

Cut 8 (12) “…day.”

Four veterans have recovered of the 26 who tested positive so far. Seven employees have been able to return to work after testing positive.

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Governor Edwards says Louisiana will make more medical services available when the state begins the transition of reopening the economy. Elective surgeries such as colonoscopies and arthroscopic surgery are not allowed under the stay at home order, but the governor says you can only postpone those procedures for so long…

Cut 9 (09) “rather than later ″

The governor’s current stay at home order lasts through April 30th and Edwards has indicated he could extend it. He says when the green light is given to open up more businesses, social distancing will continue, along with other measures…

Cut 10 (09) “state”

Edwards says the new normal will also have reduced occupancy limits…

Cut 11 (10) “…go into this”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the state is working on a set of guidelines to potentially get restaurants and other service industry businesses open in May.

Nungesser says if it is safe to lift the stay at home order next month, restaurants could come back under strict guidelines…

Cut 12 (09) “mask”

But Nungesser warns that even if we do reopen next month an estimated 5.9 million tourism-related jobs will have already been lost nationwide.

Cut 13 (09) “…towards that”

And Nungesser adds that even if we start reopening service industry businesses, it’s unlikely we will see many out of state people coming to visit them for awhile.

Cut 14 (10) “…gone away”

Nungesser says polls show once the shelter in place order is lifted people are most likely to do “staycations” in their local area than to travel.

04.15.20
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1:30 LRN Newscast

The number of people who have died after testing positive for COVID-19 in Louisiana rose by another 90 today to 1,103. 16 of the victims lived at a Veterans Home in St. John the Baptist Parish. Deputy Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Julie Baxter-Payer says 26 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 and those who’ve been infected are all in the high-risk group…
cut 7 (09) “….seeing”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the state is working on a set of guidelines to potentially get restaurants and other service industry businesses open in May. Nungesser says if it is safe to lift the stay at home order in May, restaurants could come back under strict guidelines…
Cut 12 (09) “mask”

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin laid out his plans for how the state should handle the presidential primary that was scheduled for this month, but is now being pushed back to July. There’s a lot of concern about people going to the polls, but Ardoin opposes a universal vote by mail system…
cut 4 (13) “…under my watch”
But Senate Republicans are asking Ardoin to come back with a different proposal, because they believe it’s too broad and allows anyone over 18 to vote by mail.

Governor Edwards has said he plans to issue an order that will keep public schools closed for the remainder of the academic year, but the state has not released details on how educators should measure a student’s performance. Edwards says he’s not canceling school, just keeping the campuses closed…
cut 15 (06) “….should”
The governor is expected to release more information at his 4 PM press conference.

04.15.20
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

ESPN broadcaster Chris Fowler says the idea of a college football season starting in the spring, instead of September is gaining momentum. Fowler used Instagram to inform fans of what he’s hearing. Fowler brought up the possibility of pushing the season back to November, but that might not work either…
cut 30 (10) “…disastrous”
Fowler says if the season started in February, there’s a chance testing will have come a long by then and perhaps we are closer to a vaccine.

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 they are being very proactive in working with healthcare professionals so that when they do play, the health and safety of fans, staff, players and coaches is a top priority. Bensel released the statement after New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell recommended no large gatherings or festivals in the city in 2020.

Conference USA, the Sun Belt, and American Atheltic Conference are among five major football conference commissioners asking the NCAA to relax requirements to compete in Division One. The NCAA requires Division One schools to compete in at least 16 varsity sports, but there are some schools because of finances who have already made the decision to drop certain sports programs.

24-7 sports has updated its list of the top football players in Louisiana for the Class of 2021. Terrebonne defensive tackle Mason Smith is ranked number one, followed by Lafayette Christian’s Sage Ryan.

04.15.20
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9:30 LRN Newscast April 15

Many Louisiana residents look forward to the day when the governor makes the decision to begin the process of reopening the economy. Edwards says when he decides to loosen some of the restrictions, one of the things you’ll see is more medical services available…
cut 14 (08) “….long”
Many “non-essential” medical facilities were shuttered to conserve PPE and free up healthcare workers for a surge in COVID-19 patients.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry believes abortion clinics should not be operating during the stay at home order. The Center for Reproductive Rights has filed a lawsuit to make sure abortions continue. Nancy Northup argues abortion services are time-sensitive and essential…
cut 7 (09) “…services’

The Department of Corrections has created a review panel that will determine if certain inmates nearing the end of their sentence should be released in an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus within jails. 1,200 inmates are eligible for a furlough review. Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says the first group of inmates up for consideration have a pre-existing medical condition and meet other criteria.
Cut 10 (10) “to receive them”
A second group without medical concerns will require the same criteria, plus having already served at least six months.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission is asking laid-off workers to be patient as the state agency works to make sure unemployed workers receive the assistance they are entitled to. Out of work residents complained on social media they only got one 600-dollar payment when they should have received two. The L-W-C says an unprecedented crush of unemployment claims continues to create problems.

04.15.20
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8:30 LRN Newscast April 15

The number of people who have died from COVID-19 complications has surpassed one-thousand. The state reported 129 additional deaths yesterday to bring the death toll to 1,013. Matt Doyle has reaction from Governor Edwards…
voicer 3 (28) “….I’m Matt Doyle”

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has recommended the city should not host any large events due to the coronavirus pandemic. This morning Essence Fest organizers said they will no longer move forward with their plans to have a festival in 2020.

The Center for Reproductive Rights files a lawsuit to stop Louisiana from blocking abortions during the coronavirus crisis. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry says clinics are non-essential facilities and should not be in operation, but abortion rights activist Nancy Northup says medical experts disagree…
cut 9 (13) “…care”
Several other states are also facing similar legal challenges.

Congressman Ralph Abraham will fly with the Aeroshell Aerobatic team over the Monroe area at 1 PM today in a tribute to first responders and health care workers. Abraham says Aeroshell will take to the air in four vintage aircrafts…
cut 6 (13) “…sometimes not”

04.15.20
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7:30 LRN Newscast

The State Department of Corrections has set up a special review panel that will consider whether certain non-violent offenders within six months of the completion of their sentence should be released from jail. Corrections Secretary James LeBlanc….
cut 11 (12) “….public health emergency”
LeBlanc says this effort to alleviate the crowding in jails due to the coronavirus pandemic mirrors what U-S Attorney General William Barr has recommended with federal prisons.

At 4 PM today, Governor John Bel Edwards will provide a COVID-19 response update. Joining him will be Acting State Superintendent of Education Beth Scioneaux to discuss how to handle the remainder of the school year as physical campuses will remain closed for the rest of the academic year…
cut 15 (06) “….should”

An abortion-rights group files a lawsuit against the state for designating abortion clinics as non-essential and requiring those services to be shut down as part of the Governor’s stay at home order…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

Congressman Ralph Abraham will ride along with the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team for a flyover at 1 PM today over the Monroe area in four World Two-era planes. Abraham says they are doing this to thank first responders and healthcare workers and it should be a great show…
cut 5 (08) “….possible”

04.15.20
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

ESPN Broadcaster Chris Fowler believes it will be impossible to have a college football season in the fall. Fowler says university leaders will have to make a decision by the end of next month whether schools will wecome students back in August. He says some schools might feel comfortable, while others will not…
cut 30 (35) “…not a strategy”
Fowler says holding the college football season in the spring is an idea gaining momentum.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is recommending that the city does not host any large events or festivals until 2021. When asked what this means for the Saints, Cantrell says she doesn’t think anyone has a clue right now. Saints senior vice president of communications Greg Bensel released a statement following the mayor’s press conference that said the franchise is preparing to play. Bensel says when they return this season, their highest priority will be the health and safety of fans, staff, players, and coaches. Bensel says they are proactive in working with healthcare professionals and in constant contact with local and state governments.

The Conference USA, the Sun Belt, and American Atheltic Conference are among five major football conference commissioners who are asking the NCAA to relax requirements to compete in Division One for four years. The NCAA requires Division One schools to sponsor at least 16 varsity sports and there are some schools because of finances who have made the decision to drop certain sports programs.

04.15.20
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6:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana has surpassed one-thousand deaths from COVID-19. The state reported 129 more fatalities bringing the death toll to 1,013. Governor John Bel Edwards says much of the spike was the result of a reporting backlog, but that doesn’t make it any easier to process…
cut 13 (10) “….anyone”
Today, the governor holds his monthly call-in show at two PM.

The Center for Reproductive Rights has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block the state’s efforts to close abortion clinics because of the coronavirus pandemic. Kathleen Pittman, administrator for the Hope Medical Group in Shreveport, says their facility is practicing social distancing and they do not use equipment needed by most hospitals…
cut 8 (08) “…issued”
Attorney General Jeff Landry says the abortion clinics are trying to make the argument that the rules do not apply to them.

The coronavirus pandemic is giving about 12-hundred non-violent inmates a chance for a medical release. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

04.14.20
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow was a guest on the ESPN morning show in Baton Rouge Off the Bench with Jordy Culotta and T-Bob Hebert and had a lot of great things to say. Burrow says during the coronavirus pandemic he’s been living at home and only going outside to work out. Burrow is expected to be picked by the Bengals with the top overall pick and says he had nothing to do with star wide receiver A-J Green getting the franchise tag.

Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey is getting paid. The 23-year-old has reportedly agreed to a four-year, 64 million dollar contract. So that gives you an idea on what running back Alvin Kamara could demand, as he’s entering the final year of his rookie contract set to make just over two million dollars.

And could see the next college football season in the spring. ESPN broadcaster Chris Fowler says that idea is gaining momentum because starting the season in early September doesn’t seem realistic.

The Louisiana Sports Writers Association has named LSU’s Skylar Mays as the men’s’ basketball player of the year in the Bayou State. The senior from Baton Rouge averaged nearly 17 points a game. Ragin Cajuns Forward Jalen Johnson is the newcomer of the year as he averaged 16 points a contest. LSU’s Trendon Watford is the freshman of the year after averaging 14 points and seven rebounds a game. And Louisiana Tech’s Eric Konkol is the coach of the year as the Bulldogs went 22 and 8 last season.

LSU employees are now producing personal protective equipment at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center for front line healthcare workers. Chief of Staff for the LSU president, Ashley Arceaneaux, says billboard vinyl donated by Lamar Advertisting is helping to produce the heavy-duty, reusuable gowns…
cut 4 (11) “…front line”
Masks are also being produced and then the P-P-E goes to the state office of emergency preparedness, who distributes them to hospitals in need.

04.14.20
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LRN PM Newscall April 14

The PMAC at LSU has turned into a production facility for PPE. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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National Weather Service indicates at least seven tornadoes ravaged north Louisiana and that number is expected to grow. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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There’s activity underway again at the PMAC on LSU’s campus but it’s not the norm. Ashley Arceneaux, Chief of Staff for the LSU President says the university community is working together to support medical providers and the facility has become a production center for PPE, like reusable gowns from billboard vinyl with locally donated materials.

Cut 3 (10)  “…themselves.”  

Arceneaux says the vinyl is donated by Lamar Advertising and Circle Graphics.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…frontline.”

Also being manufactured are masks from materials donated by Baker Hughes. GOHSEP then takes the gowns and masks that are produced and distributes them to facilities in need.

For health and safety precautions no more than 40 employees can be in the PMAC at one time, but Arceneaux says it’s a joint effort of hundreds of employees and outside vendors coming together for the greater good.

Cut 5 (10)  “…operation works.”

Arceneaux says the project has brought together multiple experts at the university for example engineering, biomedical engineering, medical physics, facilities services and sewing machines from the theater department.

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The National Weather Service has confirmed at least seven tornadoes ravaged north Louisiana on Easter Sunday. N-W-S Meteorologist Brad Bryant says the most powerful twister started in West Monroe and traveled for about eight miles.

Cut 6 (10) “…low-end EF-3 damage.”

Bryant says tornadoes also impacted Northwest Louisiana in De Soto Parish.

Cut 7 (09) “…up embedded tornadoes.”

Unlike neighboring Mississippi, Louisiana had no fatalities from the storm activity.  Bryant says it is surprising that there was no loss of life in the state.

Cut 8 (11) “…it’s a win.”

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LSU Health New Orleans has enrolled its first patient in a clinical trial that will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine alone or with Azithromycin as a treatment for COVID-19. Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Meredith Clement says they are enrolling patients who meet these criteria…

Cut 9 (11) “prior″

The study may enroll up to 600 at University Medical Center, if they have enough patients eligible.

Patients will be sorted into three groups that either get the treatment or don’t, and Clement says once admitted…

Cut 10 (09) “state”

Patients receiving the treatment will do so for five days.

Clement says the drugs are not without their side effects, so patients will be closely monitored.

Cut 11 (09) “…restoration.”

Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug, and Azithromycin is an antibiotic. Clement says there is some evidence that these medications can shorten the disease and decrease the amount of virus in respiratory samples.

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Covington Representative Mark Wright joins Oil City Representative Danny McCormick in calling for the stay at home order to end April 30th as currently scheduled.

The Northshore Republican says businesses should be allowed to implement rules that allow for partial reopening, including dine-in options for restaurants.

Cut 12 (10) “economy”

He pointed to other examples like small retail stores allowing shoppers to enter one at a time.

Wright says those who are most vulnerable to the virus are aware of their risk factors and can make their own decisions.

Cut 13 (10) “…open”

Wright says the state needs to look at easing restrictions like our neighbors in Texas and Oklahoma and starting May 1st reopen as much as possible.

Cut 14 (08) “…future”

Federal models call for the continuing of stay at home orders nationwide through May to avoid another major reoccurrence of COVID-19.

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Louisiana hit a somber milestone today as it reported a single-day high 129 additional deaths from COVID-19, bringing the state’s death toll past a thousand to 1,013. Governor Edwards says the virus is nothing to mess with, so it’s incumbent that residents follow the Stay at Home order…

Cut 15 (06)“…the order”

The state health department says most deaths come eleven days after the onset of symptoms. Assistant Health Secretary Alex Billioux says if are someone in the high-risk group of individuals who can die from the coronavirus, take extra precautions…

Cut 16  (14)  …people”