Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

03.26.19
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LRN PM Newscall March 26

Louisiana pharmacists are demanding that medical marijuana be available to eligible patients by May 15th. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

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Today is Diabetes Alert Day which is meant to bring awareness to testing for prediabetes. Kevin Barnhart has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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After repeated delays, the Louisiana Association of Therapeutic Alternatives has demanded that medical marijuana be available by May 15th. Nearly four years ago the state legislature approved the framework for dispensing and L-A-T-A executive director Jesse McCormick says it’s time for the product to hit the shelves…

Cut 3 (09) “…can’t execute”

The L-A-T-A  group made their request at a stakeholders meeting that involved the licensed pharmacists, the contracted growers and state ag commissioner Mike Strain. G-B Sciences is working with LSU on growing medicinal pot and they say a first batch could be available in May and McCormick says that’s good to hear…

Cut 4 (07) “…up and running″

Strain is not willing to commit to the May 15th deadline. He says that’s because it will be up to his office to make sure the product is safe. But McCormick says they believe May 15th is a workable deadline…

Cut 5 (10)  “…get there”

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NFL owners are discussing proposals to expand the use of instant replay and challenges, inspired by the infamous “Nola No Call” in the NFC Championship game. Seven potential changes have been suggested, but new rules regarding instant replay might not be approved until May. Saints owner Gayle Benson…

Cut 6 (11) “…happened”

The changes are being discussed in Scottsdale, Arizona at the league’s annual meeting.

The historically change-averse NFL leadership has expressed hesitation about any officiating overhauls in the past, mainly citing concerns about adding additional time to the already lengthy broadcasts. Saints president Dennis Lauscha says that concern is one of the biggest hurdles they face.

Cut 7 (08) “…parameter”

Saints coach Sean Payton called concerns about reviews adding time to the game a “boogeyman” with no numbers to back it up.

Payton, who sits on the competition committee, has led the charge for replay expansion. The coach says the NFL cannot fear change, and warned leadership about the dangers another blown call in a significant game could pose to the league’s image and integrity.

Cut 8 (09) “…alarming”

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Today is Diabetes Alert Day, a day where Americans are encouraged to find out if they are at-risk for pre-diabetes. According to the CDC, 1 in 3 Americans have prediabetes and 90% don’t know they have it. Outpatient Medical Center diabetes prevention projector coordinator Cynthia Parker says someone can get tested quickly online.

Cut 9 (12) “…risk for prediabetes.”

Parker says if someone is at high risk for diabetes, they are more at risk for other health issues as well.

Cut 10 (09)“…type 2 diabetes.”

Parker says prediabetes is a serious health condition and it serves as a warning that you are at risk for type-2 diabetes, and says it can be reversed with lifestyle changes with eating healthier and exercise.

Cut 11 (12)   “…type 2 diabetes.”

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The Office of Juvenile Justice cut the ribbon on a new, modern rehabilitation facility in Bunkie today after months of delays. The first 12 incarcerated youths will be housed in the facility which is set to expand over the next few months to 72 beds. Deputy Secretary Dr. James Bueche says it’s based on the “Missouri Model”.

Cut 12 (09) “…facilities.”

The Acadiana Center for Youth was allocated four million dollars to start by legislators to get it’s operations off the ground.

Testing in other states has shown that kids who participate in programs that are less punitive, and more oriented towards rehabilitation, are less likely to end up in the adult prison system later in life. Bueche says that change starts by rehabbing kids in a smaller, more focused environment.

Cut 13 (10) “…the kids.”

Bueche says they plan to use this model moving forward for all new facilities, and plan to help pay for future construction using the savings you can generate from housing youths in the smaller rehabilitation centers.

Cut 14 (09) “…do that.”

Those new facilities may be needed sooner rather than later, as an LSU study predicts the juvenile prison population will increase by 67 people in 2020 when 17-year-old violent offenders are no longer prosecuted as adults.

03.26.19
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1:30 LRN Newscast March 26

The Louisiana Association of Therapeutic Alternatives is demanding that medical marijuana be available for patients by May 15th. L-A-T-A executive director Jesse McCormick says it was nearly four years ago when the legislature opened the door for the dispensing of medicinal cannabis and May 15th is a workable deadline…
cut 5 (10) “…get there”
Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain hopes they can hit the deadline, but it will depend on how quick testing goes.

It took longer than expected, but the ribbon was cut today on a new 72-bed juvenile detention center in Bunkie. Deputy Secretary for the office of Juvenile Justice, Doctor James Bueche says this facility should lead to better outcomes for troubled teens…
cut 13 (10) “…the kids”
Bueche says they plan to use this model moving forward for all new facilities.

The governor’s office says based on the numbers released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the state’s personal income growth increased by 4.5 percent for the fourth quarter of 2018 and 3-point-eight percent for the year. John Bel Edwards says that means Louisiana personal incomes hit a record high of 215-billion dollars in 2018.

Today is Diabetes Alert Day which is meant to bring awareness to testing for prediabetes. Kevin Barnhart has more…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

03.26.19
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11:40 LRN Sportscast March 26

The rumored deal between tight end Jared Cook and the Saints is finally official as the Black and Gold announce they’ve signed the ten-year NFL veteran. Cook is coming off his most productive season as a professional as he caught 68 passes for 896 yards and six touchdowns with the Raiders. At the NFL owners meetings in Arizona, Payton says Cook is a good fit for their offense…
cut 30 (19) “…tape of him”
And Saints leadership is making a push to change the rules so the “no call” in the NFC Championship game can never happen again. There are proposals on the table to expand the use of instant replay, but it will take 24 of the 32 NFL owners to agree to a change. Any significant rule may have to wait for the next owners meetings in May.

The 12th ranked LSU baseball team scored just eight runs in its three game series with Georgia last weekend. Coach Paul Mainieri gives credit to the Bulldogs pitching staff, but admits the Tigers need more production from their right handed hitters…
cut 17 (25) “right handed side”
Mainieri is hoping catcher Saul Garza can get it going at the plate and he’ll get the start tonight as the Tigers host McNeese.

Also today, ULM is at Louisiana Tech. The Warhawks have lost seven in a row, while Tech has won the last 10 games in the series between the two schools. Nicholls faces Southern Miss at the Shrine on Airline. The Golden Eagles have won seven in a row. Also, Southeastern is at South Alabama.

03.26.19
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10:30 LRN Newscast March 26

After repeated delays, the Louisiana Association of Therapeutic Alternatives has demanded that medical marijuana be available by May 15th. It was almost four years ago when the state legislature approved the framework for dispensing and L-A-T-A executive director Jesse McCormick says it’s time for the product to hit the shelves…
cut 3 (09) “….can’t execute”
The L-A-T-A group made their request at a stakeholders meeting involving state ag commissioner Mike Strain, who says testing will be a critical part of the process.

Many women in coastal southeast Louisiana are still experiencing high levels of trauma nearly a decade after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. That’s according to an LSU Health New Orleans study.Lead author Dr. Ed Peters says unfortunately less than half reported receiving mental health treatment…
Cut 6 (10) “…to seek treatment.”
Nearly two-thousand women participated in the study.

Louisiana Republican Party Chairman Louis Gurvich has asked the two GOP candidates for governor, Eddie Rispone and Ralph Abraham, not to attack each other.
cut 9 (11) “…the state”
Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says in 2015 the republican candidates attacked former Senator David Vitter so much, he was wounded when he faced Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards in the runoff.

The legislative session is less than two weeks away and the governor and legislators are expected to make a strong effort towards giving teachers a pay raise. House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry backs the across-the-board raise and says merit based hikes would be difficult to implement…
cut 12 (11) “…environment”
Henry has introduced a proposed budget for next fiscal year that contains a one-thousand dollar teacher pay raise.

03.26.19
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9:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana pharmacists are demanding that medical marijuana be available to eligible patients by May 15th. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 1 (30) “….Thorington”

The Louisiana Board of Pardons has denied former Ball Mayor Roy Hebron’s effort for a pardon, which means he will not serve as the mayor of the Rapides Parish town. Hebron was elected as mayor in November, but the state’s constitution says he can’t serve because of his 2011 conviction for FEMA fraud. A new election will need to take place.

Republican House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry has filed a proposed budget for next fiscal year that has the money to give teachers a one-thousand dollar pay raise. Henry says the goal is also to give additional funding for early childhood education…
cut 11 (09) “…childhood development”

And Louisiana Republican Party Chairman Louis Gurvich has asked the two GOP candidates for governor, Eddie Rispone and Ralph Abraham not to attack each other during the campaign. Gurvich says instead any attacks should be on Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s a wise strategy…
cut 8 (12) “…accept that”
The gubernatorial primary is in October.

03.26.19
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6:45 LRN Sportscast March 26

Saints Owner Gayle Benson believes changes are coming to instant replay in the NFL, but it will likely not occur during this round of owner meetings that are underway in Arizona. Benson is lobbying for changes after a non-pass interference call prevented a trip to the Super Bowl for the Black and Gold. Benson says the leagues knows how they feel and it will take some time to go through the process and get the 24 owner votes needed to change the rules. There’s another set of NFL Owner meetings in May.

Benson was also asked about the Pelicans and said there is no way she would sell the team. There’s been reports the Pelicans could be on the move to Seattle or another city, but Benson says she values the Pels as much as the Saints.

The Pelicans host the Atlanta Hawks tonight. New Orleans has lost six straight.

The LSU basketball gets a practice in today and tomorrow they are off to D-C where they’ll play Michigan State on Friday night in the Sweet 16.

LSU baseball has fallen a few spots in the national rankings as a result of losing two of three to Georgia, who is ranked in the top 10 in the major polls. LSU won by one run on Friday night and the Tigers lost by two runs in the next two games. Coach Paul Mainieri says it was a great series between two evenly matched teams…
cut 16 (16) “…winning the series”
The Tigers host McNeese tonight.

In other action, ULM is at Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs are beginning an eight-game homestand. The Warhawks have lost seven in a row, while Tech has won the last 10 games in the series between the two schools.

Nicholls faces Southern Miss at the Shrine on Airline. The Golden Eagles have won seven in a row. Parker White starts on the hill for the Colonels.

Also, Southeastern is at South Alabama.

03.25.19
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Revised LRN AM Newscall for March 26

Louisiana’s GOP chairman is trying to keep the primary from devolving into another 2015 bloodbath that political analysts say helped put Democrat John Bel Edwards in the governor’s mansion. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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 House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry is proposing a budget that covers the 1,000 dollar teacher and 500 dollar support staff pay raise sought by Governor Edwards. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says this is the time of year in which people may come into contact with birds that appear to need help.  What should you do if that happens?  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health study finds women in southeast Louisiana exposed to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill continue to experience symptoms of trauma, even nine years following the incident. Lead author Dr. Ed Peters says they studied nearly two-thousand women who live in seven coastal parishes affected by the spill…

Cut 4 (11) “…the oil spill.”

Peters says five classes of symptoms were observed in the women who reported being linked indirectly to the oil spill.

Cut 5 (06) “…populations as well.”

Peters says many of the women studied are also not seeking the proper care for their mental health.

Cut 6 (10) “…to seek treatment.”

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Louisiana Republican Party chairman Louis Gervich says he’s making it clear that there will be no negative campaigning between Republicans in this year’s governor’s race. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says four years ago the race was thrown by Republicans, after they let their primary candidates shred front-runner David Vitter like pulled pork.

Cut 7 (11) “…them”

Vitter came under heavy fire from his fellow Republicans, largely over his part in a Washington D.C. escort scandal.

This reminder was in response to an Advocate article that said some “sniping” had begun between Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone and Congressman Ralph Abraham. Pinsonat says since both have strong followings, the party really can’t risk alienating either by playing favorites.

Cut 8 (12) “…that”

So now that it’s clear that neither Abraham nor Rispone will be allowed to throw any punches at each other, how do they differentiate themselves from the other and make it to the November run-off? Pinsonat says their best bet is just running a good, clean campaign, and turning their negative attacks to Governor Edwards.

Cut 9 (11) “…the state″

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Budget hearings start next Monday and most state leaders appear to be on-board to give teachers a raise, including Republican House Appropriations Chiarman Cameron Henry who has proposed a budget that includes a $1,000 raise for teachers and an additional 500 bucks for support staff…

Cut 10 (11) “…million dollars”

The raises would cover workers in K-12 education.

Governor Edwards has made the raise the centerpiece of his legislative agenda, and while that looks increasingly likely to pass, his request for 39 million in additional education funding could be in for a rocky ride. Henry says they don’t have the money to pay for it, and he’d rather try to scrounge up some cash for another initiative…

Cut 11 (12) “…childhood development”

Edwards says more money will be available once the Revenue Estimating Conference recognizes additional revenue from an improved economy. That forecast increase has been blocked by Speaker Taylor Barras.

Some Republicans, including gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone, do not back an across-the-board pay hike, instead favoring “merit based” pay hiles that would reward teachers who meet certain performance criteria. Henry backs the across-the-board raise, and says merit based hikes would be very difficult to properly implement.

Cut 12 (11) “…environment”

Henry says the pay raise is being funded by the 108 million dollar revenue increase already in this year’s budget.

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With the arrival of spring and summer approaching, the likelihood of crossing paths with young birds that appear to be in distress rises. While the temptation for some to scoop them up in an effort to assist the animal is there, many times what appears to be trouble is actually quite natural for fledglings. LDWF bird biologist Melissa Collins…

Cut 13 (08) “…orphaned birds undisturbed.”

Collins says Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it’s unlawful to capture, transport, or possess many varieties of birds, even if someone feels they are helping a situation.

Cut 14 (11) “…bird rehabilitation license.”

Collins says those that feel compelled to help quite often make great wildlife rehabilitators.

Cut 15 (07) “…on our website.”

Collins adds if someone still feels that a bird is in trouble, they should contact LDWF before attempting to handle the animal.

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The LSU baseball team has fallen a few spots in the national rankings as a result of losing two of three to Georgia, who is ranked in the top 10 in major polls. LSU won by one run on Friday night and the Tigers lost by two runs in the next two games. Coach Paul Mainieri it was a great series between two evenly matched teams…

Cut 16  (16) “winning the series” 

LSU scored just eight runs in the three game series. Mainieri gives a lot of credit to Georgia’s pitching, but admits the Tigers need more thunder from their right handed hitters…

 cut 17 (25)   “right handed side” 

Mainieri is hoping catcher Saul Garza can get it going at the plate.

Meanwhile, Mainieri is feeling good about his weekend rotation, expecially after the performance by Cole Henry in a loss to Georgia on Saturday. Henry struck out eight in 7.1 innings and Mainieri says the sky’s the limit for the Alabama native…

Cut 18 (17) out there” 

03.25.19
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LRN PM Newscall March 25

Pediatricians and the American Heart Association call for regulations to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks by kids.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The US Justice Department says the Mueller Report does not indicate the President colluded with Russia in the 2016 election. Matt Doyle has Louisiana reaction…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Pediatricians and the American Heart Association call for regulations to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks by kids. Dr. John Maa with the American Heart Association says the primary goal is to raise awareness about the amount of extra sugars in beverages.

Cut 3 (12) “…to children’s health.”

Data shows that for children and teens, 17% of their calories come from added sugars. Nearly half of those are coming from drinks alone, with children consuming an average of 30 gallons of sugary drinks annually. Maa says for the first time, the AAP is calling for a tax on sugary drinks, among other measures.

Cut 4 (13) “…in restaurant meals.″

40% of Americans are overweight or obese, while a third is dealing with diabetes or pre-diabetes. Louisiana is often considered one of the worst offenders for health issues in the nation. Maa says parents are on the frontline in combatting the excessive sugar intake.

Cut 5 (13)  “…the primary beverages.”

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A West Carroll Parish woman faces life in prison after she allegedly shot and killed one person and critically injured two others early Saturday morning at Blackberry’s Bar and Billards in Lake Providence. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says 34-year-old Quinessiah Sanders of Epps fatally shot Cheryl Lewis…

Cut 6 (09) “…the shooting.”

Reichardt says Sanders has been booked into the Riverbend Detention Center…

Cut 7 (09) “…look for her”

Sanders has been charged with second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder. Reichardt says detectives are still working the case…

Cut 8 (07) “…loose ends up”

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The US Justice Department says that special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation did not find any conspired or coordinated effort between President Trump and the Russian government to influence the 2016 election. Minority Whip Steve Scalise is  glad the partisan witchunt is over.

Cut 9 (12) “…collusion.”

Democratic political consultant Mary-Patricia Wray says the report may be a political win for the President, but it doesn’t clear him of all wrong doing, and doesn’t explain why the Russian government actively worked to make sure Hillary Clinton did not become the Commander in Chief.

Cut 10 (08)“…our election.”

Wray made the comments on Talk Louisiana.

The 30 million dollar investigation took 674 days to conclude, and indicted 34 people, many of them close associates of the President, for a range of crimes including Tax Fraud and Obstruction. But Scalise says the core accusation of Russian collusion was nothing but a bad faith effort by Democrats to impeach the President.

Cut 11 (10)   “…going on.”

Wray says President Trump still faces a series of other inquiries into his finances, including an investigation by the District Attorney of Southern New York into potential tax evasion. The consultant says the Mueller Report shouldn’t excuse the President’s other misdeeds.

Cut 12 (12) “…concerns.”

Democratic Party leaders are calling on the Justice Department to release the full and unedited version of the report, and make it available for public consumption.

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Throughout the state, gas prices have seen an notable increase.  The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has risen by six cents in the last week, with a 26 cent increase from this same time last month.  AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says the trend will likely to continue into the summer.

Cut 13 (11) “…in to June.”

Redman says the $2.39 a gallon for regular gasoline is about what we were paying last year. He says expect the price at the pump to rise another 30-cents over the next couple of months.

Cut 14 (11) “…same prices.”

Redman says an unforeseen surge in demand, along with crude prices around $59 a barrel, and other factors have contributed to the rise.

Cut 15 (12) “…potentially even higher”

(The current statewide average is $2.39 a gallon.)

03.25.19
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2:30 LRN Newscast

The US Justice Department says that special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation did not find any conspired or coordinated effort between President Trump and the Russian government to influence the 2016 election. Minority Whip Steve Scalise is glad the partisan witchunt is over.
Cut 9 (12) “…collusion.”
Democrats are calling for the entire report to be released.

The statewide average for a price of regular gasoline is $2.38, which is 26-cents higher than a month ago, but is about what we were paying at this time last year. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says expect the price to rise another 30 cents over the next couple of months…
cut 14 (11) “…same prices”

Pediatricians and the American Heart Association call for regulations to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks by kids. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Voicer 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

LSU is one of the 16 teams still alive in the NCAA Tournament after a heart stopping 69-67 win over Maryland on Saturday in Jacksonville. LSU is 28-6 on the season and they will play Michigan State on Friday night in Washington D-C. It’s only the second meeting ever on the hardwood between the two teams. Tip off Friday is at 6:09.

03.25.19
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1:30 LRN Newscast March 25

The US Justice Department says the Mueller Report does not indicate the President colluded with Russia in the 2016 election. Matt Doyle has Louisiana reaction…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says there are no plans to pursue charges against Louisiana Democratic Party chairwoman and state senator Karen Carter Peterson for illegally entering a Baton Rouge casino. Peterson has admitted to a gambling problem and voluntarily put her name on a list of people banned from Louisiana casinos.

Doctors say it’s time for the government and parents to do more to limit sugary drinks for kids. New research finds that children consume over 30 gallons of sugary drinks each year, which is a bathtub full of sugar. Doctor John Maa with the American Heart Association says parents are on the frontline…
cut 5 (13) “….the primary beverages”
Pediatricians and the A-H-A also suggest taxes on sugary drinks and limits on advertising.

Throughout the state, gas prices have seen an notable increase. The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has risen by six cents in the last week, with a 26 cent increase from this same time last month. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says the trend will likely to continue into the summer.
Cut 13 (11) “…in to June.”