Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

08.26.18
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LRN AM Newscall August 27

An LSU Engineering Professor has a bold new invention to keep Louisiana’s notoriously finicky roads from falling apart after just a few years. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Matt Doyle”

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It appears the issues that caused dangerous levels of lead to contaminate the water supply for Tensas Parish schools have been corrected. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Senator John Kennedy says John McCain was tough as a boot, while Governor John Bel Edwards says McCain’s death is a great loss for our country. Jeff Palermo has more from a Louisiana political consultant who knew McCain well…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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An LSU professor has invented an asphalt sealant that he says can extend the lifespan of problematic roads by years, and keep the asphalt from constantly cracking. Engineering Professor Dr. Guoqiang (Go-Chung) Li says his invention has been in the works since a 2009 grant kick started the project, and is almost road ready. Li says he thinks his invention could save the state a lot of money.

Cut 4 (09) “…our goal”

He says the thermodynamic science behind asphalt roads has plagued city planners for over a 100 years, with, until now, no option other than a complete repaving for a broken road. He says the trick is creating a sealant that sits over the asphalt and can adapt to temperature swings while still repelling water.

Cut 5 (06) “…expand”

The project has received several federal grants and a lot of interest from state agencies. Li says now that the sealant has demonstrated its functionality, they’ll have to figure out how to make it cost effective.

Cut 6 (09) “…viable”

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It appears the issues that caused dangerous levels of lead to contaminate the water supply for Tensas Parish schools have been corrected.  After flushing out water lines, updating drinking fountains, and other steps were taken, the risk of danger associated with the water supply appear to be in the rearview mirror.  LDH Medical Director Dr. Jimmy Guidry…

Cut 7 (08) “…has been addressed.”

Guidry says lead exposure to children can have adverse effects on development.

Cut 8 (10)  “…down their development.”

Guidry says the state is taking precautions where it can to eliminate the exposure issues.

Cut 9 (09)  “…fixtures with lead.”

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Two years after his home burned down under suspicious circumstances, a Walker man has been charged with Arson with Intent to Defraud. Authorities says Jerry Avants Sr. and his alleged co-conspirators burned down his massive home to collect on the substantial insurance policy. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says he even bragged about burning the home while seeking a loan.

Cut 10 (08)   “…on it.“

Avants will be joined in jail by Adrian Lee Everett, Tammy Bankston Everett, and Herman Severio who allegedly agreed to, and then burned Mr. Avants’ home while he was out of town for a share of the insurance. Rodrigue says after his arrest, Mr. Everett told authorities that Avants was pretty blunt about his intentions.

Cut 11 (11) “…this home.” 

The four were arrested last week, and one more is being sought for ties to the crime. Rodrigue says the two year investigation isn’t too unusual for an arson.

Cut 12 (10) “…difficult cases.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says the United States has lost a great statesman and an American hero. He’s of course talking about Arizona Senator John McCain, who passed away at the age of 81 from a battle with brain cancer. Political consultant Roy Fletcher of Baton Rouge was McCain’s Deputy National Campaign Manager when he ran for President in 2000. Fletcher calls McCain a brillant politican

Cut 13 (08) “…he needed to.”

McCain was first elected to Congress in 1982 after a long career in the US Navy. He was a naval bomber pilot, who served five-and-a-half years a Vietnam prisoner of war. Fletcher says McCain’s time as a P-O-W left him badly scarred…

Cut 14 (10) “…of thing”

McCain was never scared to vote against his own party or public opinion. His last great moment in politics was when he voted against President Donald Trump’s health care bill, killing the legislation in 2017. Fletcher says McCain was a true political maverick…

Cut 15 (10) “…his own way.”

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The Saints are back in Louisiana after a good week in California that concluded with a 36-7 preseason win over the Chargers.  Alvin Kamara, Taysom Hill and Tre’Quan Smith scored touchdowns on offense. On defense, recently acquired defensive back Marcus Williams returned an interception 58 yards for a score. Rookie defensive end Marcus Williams made his preseason debut and had a half-a-sack. Coach Sean Payton liked the energy…

Cut 16 (20) “…do it”

Quarterback Drew Brees also made his first and likely last appearance of the preseason as he shook off an early interception to complete 7 of 9 passes for 59 yards in three series. Brees says it was good to get a taste of in-game action…

Cut 17 (14)  “..having fun”

Brees gave way to Tom Savage who threw for 99 yards on 7 of 10 completions. Taysom Hill showed his versatility, as he recorded a tackle on special teams, helped execute a fake punt then at quarterback, he rushed for a score and threw a touchdown. Brees says it was an impressive night for Hill…

Cut 18 (19) “…with the guy”

08.24.18
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says the battle to be the Tigers starting quarterback remains neck-and-neck heading into Saturday’s final scrimmage before the regular season opener…
cut 11 (11) “…and play”
Orgeron says the coaching staff will make a decision on Sunday on who will be the starter against the Miami Hurricanes.

Meanwhile, former LSU quarterback Justin McMillan has announced he’ll continue his college career at Tulane. The Green Wave already have a starter in place, Jonathan Banks. He’s a senior and McMillan has two years of eligibility left.

Northwestern State head coach Brad Laird says two quarterbacks, Clay Holgorsen and Shelton Eppler, will play in the season opener against Texas A-and-M on Thursday.

The biggest dress rehersal of the preseason takes place Saturday night for the Saints as they face the Chargers in Carson, California. Coach Sean Payton says the starters will play most of the first half and he says there’s still plenty to evaluate with just over two weeks before the regular season opener….
cut 30 (30) “…they off”
First round pick Marcus Davenport will get his first work of the preseason. He returned to practice this week after suffering a pulled groin early in camp.

08.24.18
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LRN PM Newscall August 24th

Preseason camp for LSU comes to close with some good news for the Tigers. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 A new study shows the damaging effects of alcohol consumption were worse than previous reported. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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A veteran member of the governor’s office of homeland security and emergency preparedness will assist Hawaii government officials as they deal with flooding and brush fires from Hurricane Lane. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says Amy Dawson will act as a mass care coordinator in Hawaii

Cut 3 (09) “…few days”

Steele says when major natural disasters strike, emergency management officials in that state, usually look towards Louisiana for expertise…

Cut 4 (10) “…help provide”

Hurricane Lane has already dropped over two feet of rain on the Big Island and the Category Two storm as of Friday afternoon is expected to impact Hawaii all weekend. Steele says Hawaii has dozens of shelters open and Dawson can help lead those operations.  He says the Aloha State may ask for the additional help

Cut 5 (08)  “to provide” 

 

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A decision by the US District Court in Texas orders the IRS to repay Louisiana and five other states more than $839 million due to an unlawfully imposed fee on state Medicaid programs.  Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry says if the decision stands, the IRS will have to repay the state over $172 million.   Landry says fees were imposed on health insurance companies by the government for the influx of new customers.

Cut 6 (11) “…the bill directly.”
Landry says taxpayers should have never had to foot the bill for those fees.

Cut 7 (07) “…taxpayers of Louisiana”
Landry says the ruling will protect the state from paying millions more in the future.

Cut 8 (08) “…for this year.”

The Louisiana Department of Health says it’s reviewing the ruling to determine what it could mean for the state.

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LSU’s defense is getting an added boost as highly touted cornerback Kristian Fulton has been reinstated effective immediately. He was serving a two-year suspension for tampering with a NCAA drug test. Head Coach Ed Orgeron delivered the good news following practice on Thursday

Cut 9 (10) “…proud of him.”

Athletic Director Joe Alleva argued Fulton actually violated a rule that carried a one-year suspension, instead of two and the NCAA agreed. Orgeron says during his time away from the football field, Fulton kept attending classes and practice and now has a chance to be a big part of the team…

Cut 10 (08) “…paid the price.”

The other big story at LSU camp is the battle for starting quarterback. Orgeron says he’s not opposed to playing both Joe Burrow and Brennan Myles in the regular season opener against Miami

Cut 11 (11) “…and play”

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2.8 million people die globally every year from alcohol related deaths, that according to medical journal The Lancet. The study revealed nearly one in ten deaths of people 15 to 49 years old were alcohol related. Associate Director of the LSU Health Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center Nicholas Gilpin says it showcases all the ways consumption can cut your life short.

Cut 12 (11)   “traffic accdients”

The study determined alcohol was the seventh leading factor in premature deaths, and claims the damaging effects of alcohol consumption were far worse than what’s previously been reported. The final verdict was a call for increased regulations on alcohol consumption.

Gilpin says reducing alcohol related deaths is a difficult task, because consumption patterns can pass from generation to generation, evidenced by studies where animals were given free access to the drug.

Cut 13 (09) “prefer alcohol.”

The paper ticked off the myriad ways that booze can break you down, and highlighted the effects the drug has on different age groups. Gilpin says each age group suffers differently from the side effects of binge, or prolonged alcohol consumption.

Cut 14 (10) “…Cancer risk”

Gilpin says the study revealed that there is no “safe” level of consumption, and that any consumption has potential to create health risks.

08.24.18
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14:30 LRN Newscast August 24

A veteran member of the governor’s office of homeland security and emergency prepardness will assist Hawaii government officials as they deal with flooding and brush fires from Hurricane Lane. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says Amy Dawson will act as a mass care coordinator in Hawaii…
cut 3 (09) “…few days”
Hurricane Lane has already dropped over two feet of rain on the Big Island and the Category Two storm is expected to impact Hawaii all weekend.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry says the state’s Medicaid program could be refunded 172-million dollars if a court ruling in Texas stands. Louisiana is one of six states who filed suit claiming a fee paid to the I-R-S under the federal Affordable Care Act was unlawful and a federal judge agreed…
cut 8 (08) “…for this year”
The Louisiana Health Department says it’s trying to determine what the ruling means for Louisiana.

2.8 million people die globally every year from alcohol related deaths, that according to the medical journal The Lancet. The study revealed nearly one in ten deaths of people 15 to 49 years old were alcohol related. Associate Director of the LSU Health Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center Nicholas Gilpin says it showcases all the ways consumption can cut your life short.
Cut 12 (11) “traffic accdients”
Gilpin says the study revealed that there is no “safe” level of consumption.

LSU’s defense gets a boost as highly touted cornerback Kristian Fulton has been reinstated effective immediately. He was serving a two-year suspension for tampering with a NCAA drug test. Head Coach Ed Orgeron delivered the good news following practice on Thursday
Cut 9 (10) “…proud of him.”
Fulton is expected to start on a defense that is expected to be one of the best in the SEC.

08.24.18
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11:40 LRN Sportscast August 24th

LSU football has received an unexpected surprise as cornerback Kristian Fulton has been reinstated. The NCAA suspended Fulton last year for two seasons, because of drug test tampering. But Athletic Director Joe Alleva argued the rule Fulton violated called for just a one-year ban and the NCAA agreed after re-examining the case. Coach Ed Orgeron says during his time away from the football field, Fulton kept attending classes and practice and now has a chance to be a big part of the team…
Cut 10 (08) “…paid the price.”
The other big story at LSU camp is the battle for starting quarterback. A starter could be named Monday after Saturday’s final preseason scrimmage.

Saints Head Coach Sean Payton says he anticipates the starters playing into the second quarter in tomorrow night’s preseason game against the Chargers. Kick-off from Carson, California is at 7 PM.

Former LSU quarterback Justin McMillan has announced he’s transferring to Tulane. But Jonathan Banks is set to start for the Green Wave at QB this season, after starting 11 games a year ago. McMillan has two years of eligibility left.

Northwestern State is six days away from its season opener in football as the Demons visit Texas A-and-M to kickoff the 2018 season. First-year Demons head coach Brad Laird says two quarterbacks, Clay Holgorsen and Shelton Eppler, will play against the Aggies.

The LHSAA has ruled Hahnville quarterback Andrew Robison is ineligible for the 2018 season and his head coach, Nick Saltaformaggio, has been suspended for the first four games. Robison’s transfer from Vandebilt Catholic to Hahnville allegedly broke LHSAA rules. Hahnville has appealed.

It was announced today, the LSU men’s basketball team will tip off SEC play by hosting Alabama on January 8th. The Tigers will visit Kentucky February 12th.

08.24.18
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9:30 LRN Newscast August 24th

The state department of environmental quality has issued an Air Quality Alert. That means people with respiratory challenges should limit ther time outside today, because of unhealthy ozone levels. Environmental Scientist Manager Vivian Aucoin is asking the public to help reduce emissions…
cut 12 (05) “….after 7 PM’
Smoke from California wildfires are contributing to the unhealthy air.

LSU football is adding to the fan experience with the creation of the Chute, which is an area on the south side of Tiger Stadium, where fans can purchase alcohol and watch the game on a big screen TV. Advocate Sports Columnist Scott Rabalais says A-D Joe Alleva has been looking at ways to make sure fans do not leave Tiger Stadium early..
cut 14 (11) “….half time”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife Fisheries has cited two men for allegedly killing an alligator out of season in St. Martin Parish. 26-year-old Jeremy Kibble of Lafayette and 31 year old Daniel Norton of New Iberia are facing hundreds of dollars in fines and possible jail time. LDWF’s Adam Einck says the two tried to pull a fast one on the agents who suspected suspicious activity…
Cut 7 (13) “…body”
Be on the lookout for new TV and social media ads promoting tourism in the Bayou State….
cut 6 (10) “…on earth”
Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the new advertising campaign features soul-feeding experiences unique to Louisiana.

08.24.18
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8:30 LRN Newscast August 24th

An Air Quality Action Day has been issued today, for the Baton Rouge, Shreveport and New Orleans areas. Increasing ozone concentrations as the result of higher temps and stagnant air will lead to unhealthy air quality for senstitive groups during the afternoon hours. The public can help reduce harmful emissions. DEQ Environmental Scientist Manager Vivian Aucoin says make less car trips.
Cut 10 (04) “…if you can.“
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has cited two men for killing an alligator out of season. 26-year-old Jeremy Kibble of Lafayette and 31-year-old Daniel Norton of New Iberia face hundreds of dollars in fines and possible jail time. L-D-W-F spokesperson Adam Einck says gators are highly regulated for a reason…
cut 9 (09) “…seriously”
The alleged alligator violations took place last week in St. Martin Parish.

Louisiana rolls out three new tourism videos designed to encourage tourists to visit Louisiana and Feed their soul. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton has been reinstated. He was serving a two-year suspension for tampering with an NCAA drug test. He sat out last season, but Athletic Director Joe Alleva argued that the punishment should only be one season, based on the rule that was broken. The NCAA agreed after looking at the case again.

08.24.18
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7:30 LRN Newscast August 24th

The state department of environmental quality has issued an air quality alert for the Shreveport, Baton Rouge and New Orleans areas. D-E-Q is anticipating unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups during the afternoon hours, but the public can help by reducing emissions. Environmental Scientist Manager Vivian Aucoin says cut down on idling in your vehicle….
cut 11 (05) “…dry cleaners”
Aucoin also says hold off on refueling your vehicle until after 7 PM.

The state tourism department has a new advertising campaign that attempts to convince out of state residents to visit Louisiana and Feed their Soul. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says part of the campaign will promote the state’s new movie trail…
cut 5 (11) “…on TV”

Civil Court Judge Piper Griffin has issued a temporary restraining order so two girls can return to Christ the King School in Jefferson Parish even though the Archdiocese of New Orleans says their braided hair extensions violates school policy. Another hearing will take place September sixth and the judge could make the injunction permanent.

LSU’s Death Valley has a new option for fans who want to maintain their buzz after a day of tailgating. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

08.24.18
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6:45 LRN Sportscast August 24th

What a great suprise for the LSU football team. Highly touted cornerback Kristian Fulton has been reinstated by the NCAA effective immediately. He was serving a two-year suspension for tampering with a drug test. Head Coach Ed Orgeron delivered the good news at his post-practice press conference…
cut 30 (10) “…proud of him”
The reason for the reinstatement, Athletic Director Joe Alleva argued Fulton actually violated a rule that carried a one-year suspension, instead of two and the NCAA agreed.

The LHSAA has suspended Hahnville head football coach Nick Saltaformaggio for the first four games of the season and Tigers Quarterback Andrew Robison has been ruled ineligible for the season. Apparently Robison’s transfer from Vandebilt Catholic to Hahnville broke LHSAA rules. Hahnville is appealing.

After mising nearly three weeks with a groin injury, Saints first round pick Marcus Davenport is back at practice. The rookie defensive end says he stayed sharp mentally during his time away from the field…
cut 29 (07) “…do it”
Head Coach Sean Payton says Davenport has some catching up to do. Davenport should see some snaps on Saturday night in the preseason game against the Chargers.

Former LSU star Aaron Nola could be the front-runner to win the NL Cy Young after outdueling Max Scherzer yesterday afternoon in Washington. Nola struck out nine and threw eight shutout innings in a 2-0 Phillies win. The Baton Rouge native is now 15-3 with a 2.13 ERA.

The NCAA tournament selection committee will no longer use the R-P-I when it comes deciding who gets into the Big Dance or seeding for March Madness. Instead a new formula called the NCAA Evaluation Tool will be used. NET looks at game results, strength of schedule, scoring margin and net offensive and defensive efficiency.

08.24.18
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6:30 LRN Newscast August 24th

Louisiana launches a new ad campaign that encourages out of state residents to feed their soul in the Bayou State. The campaign includes three commercials showing visitors tearing into po’boys, dancing to zydeco, catching bass, and more. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says it’s aimed at maintaining the state’s record breaking tourism numbers.
Cut 4 (11) “…your soul”
Nungesser says 47-million people visited Louisiana last year, which was nearly 500-thousand more than the year before.

New to Tiger Stadium this season, is an area called the “Chute.” It’s where fans can purchase and consume alcohol. Advocate Sports Columnist Scott Rabalais says it’s the first time LSU will all adult ticketholders to legally drink in Death Valley…
cut 13 (11) “…buy alcohol”
The Chute be located on the south side of Tiger Stadium.

An Air Quality Action Day has been issued for today, which means the state department of environmental quality is encouraging residents to cut down on emissions. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (32) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart”