Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

07.21.17
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LRN PM Newscall July 21st

Mentally ill inmates at the David Wade Correctional Center in Homer claim they were forced to bark like dogs for food. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana’s unemployment rate is at a three-year-low, 5-point-five percent. Don Molino has more on the latest jobs report…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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Investigators are trying to get to the bottom of claims that some Louisiana inmates are being forced to bark like dogs for food. A lawsuit on behalf of the Advocacy Center alleges the organization has a right to investigate this kind of claim. Attorney Katie Schwartzmann with the McArthur Justice Center says they are concerned about conditions at the David Wade Correctional Center in Homer based on letters they received from inmates.

Cut 3 (12) “suicide watch”

Schwartzmann says they filed the suit to get access to the prisoners. She says it’s the Advocacy Center’s job to go in and conduct an investigation when they hear claims of abuse, and unfortunately they’ve received a lot of complaints from inmates at this prison.

Cut 4  (11) “of that prison”

Schwartzmann says one of those allegations is that prison staff has forced inmates to bark like dogs to get their food. If these allegations prove true, another suit could be filed to address the issue. She says this suit is only about getting access to the inmates.

Cut 5  (09)  “Advocacy Center in”

The Department of Corrections has not issued a comment on the suit.

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Louisiana will be able to export rice to China for the first time ever under a landmark trade agreement involving the U.S. and the Asian country. Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain says this is a huge achievement for the rice industry.

Cut 6 (06) “13 days”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts China will import 5 million tons of rice in 2017 and 2018. Strain says it took so long for the trade agreement to be finalized because of safety protocols.

Cut 7 (09)  “product”

Louisiana produces the most rice in the U.S. just behind Arkansas and California. Strain says China also imports rice from other countries in south Asia but now Louisiana is in the hunt.

Cut 8 (07) “good news”

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Twenty-one-hundred soldiers from Fort Polk will deploy to Iraq this fall for antiterrorism operations. Base spokesperson Kim Reischling says members of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team have trained for the last year.

Cut 9 (07)  “training center”

Reischling says they are committed to providing support to the families of deployed soldiers from the Vernon Parish military base. She says Fort Polk provides many services to the spouses and children to help them with any services needed when their loved ones are in Iraq.

Cut 10 (10) “support group”

Reischling says 60-percent of the unit will be deployed to Iraq. She says less than 2-thousand men and women of the combat team will remain in Fort Polk…

Cut 11 (06) “here anyway”

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The Old Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge will be closed this weekend as crews work to repair the railroad track there. Rodney Mallet with the state department of transportation says US 190 will be closed there from 8 p.m. today until 5 a.m. Monday. So drivers will have to use an alternate route.

Cut 12 (10) “US 190”

Motorists can get back on the highway using either LA 1 or LA 415. Mallet says Kansas City Southern railroad got a permit from DOTD to replace the tracks. He says drivers should expect some delays, but DOTD is doing what they can to make people aware of the closure.

Cut 13 (09) “avoid the area”

For up to date travel information, visit 511la.org.

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New data from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics shows Louisiana’s unemployment rate is at a three-year low at five-point-five percent. The June employment report shows nonfarm jobs increased by nearly 21-thousand over the last 12 months. Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive Director Ava Dejoie says three industry sectors reached all-time highs in employment.

Cut 14 (11) “people” 

Dejoie credits the film tax credit program for helping to boost the leisure and hospitality sector. She says they are also seeing positive signs with the oil and gas industry. She says the Houma area has gained 600 jobs from May and Lafayette has added jobs in four out of the six months…

Cut 15 (06) “some increases”

Construction is the industry that saw the largest one-month gain, an additional four-thousand workers. Dejoie says Lake Charles continues to be the fastest growing market with an increase 55-hundred jobs over the last year…

Cut 16  (07)  “region”

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07.21.17
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13:30 LRN Newscast July 21st

Louisiana’s unemployment rate is at a three-year-low, according to new numbers from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Don Molino has more…
Voicer 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

The good economic news doesn’t stop there. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain expects Louisiana farmers will benefit from a new trade agreement that results in China importing U-S rice for the first time ever…
cut 8 (07) “…good news”
China imports an estimated five million tons of rice every year.

Twenty-one hundred soliders from Fort Polk in Vernon Parish will deploy to to Iraq this fall for an antiterrorism operation. Base spokesperson Kim Reischling says support is in place to help spouses and children that are left behind when their loved ones are overseas…
cut 10 (10) “…support group”
Reischling says once members of the third Brigade Combat Team deploy, there will be just under two-thousand active soliders at the base.

Some shocking allegations have come out against David Wade Correctional Center in Homer. A lawsuit has been filed claiming mentally ill prisoners are forced to bark like dogs, before they were fed. Attorney Katie Schwartzmann says the Advovacy Center has been denied access to talk with the prisoners about the claims…
cut 5 (09) “….Advocacy Center”
The state department of corrections is not commenting on the suit.

07.21.17
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11:30 LRN Newscast July 21st

A lawsuit has been filed against the state department of corrections claiming prison officials prevented an investigation into claims of inmate abuse at David Wade Correctional Center in Claiborne Parish. Attorney Katie Schwartzmann says one of the allegations is that some inmates are forced to bark like dogs for food…
cut 3 (12) “….suicide watch”
The department of corrections is not commenting on the pending litigation.

Louisiana will be able to export rice to China for the first time ever under a landmark trade agreement involving the U.S. and the Asian country. Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain says this is a huge achievement for the rice industry.
Cut 6 (06) “13 days”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts China will import 5 million tons of rice in 2017 and 2018

Governor John Bel Edwards says now is the time for lawmakers to work on a plan to address the looming fiscal cliff. Over a billion dollars in temporary taxes expire in July of next year, and Edwards says something must be done to fill that budget hole…:
Cut 28 (11) “expect”
That’s the message the governor sent to House Speaker Taylor Barras.

It’s been just over a year since a gunman ambushed Baton Rouge police officers, killing three and injuring three — and one of the injured deputies is back at work. Doctors put a titanium bar in Lt. Bruce Simmons’ arm because the bone was shattered by bullet, but he was determined to return to work…:
Cut 14 (11) “for all of us”
That’s sheriff’s office spokeswoman Casey Hicks.

07.20.17
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17:30 LRN Newscast July 20th

East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux welcomed Deputy Bruce Simmons back to work after being shot in the police ambush. Sheriff’s office spokeswoman Casey Rayborn Hicks….
Cut 13 (09) “that direction”
Simmons was shot in the left arm by a gunman who targeted Baton Rouge law enforcement officers following the Alton Sterling shooting. Simmons was promoted to Lieutenant during a cermony today.

Education Superintendent John White’s job status is under scrutiny, because he was not confirmed by the state senate during the legislative session. The governor could take legal action to have him removed. White says he’d rather focus on the students, not on politics….
cut 8 (11) “…our kids”
Work begins this week to waterproof the exterior of the first six floors of the State Capitol. Jacques Berry with the Division of Administration says scaffolding is up around the base of the building. And he says the front doors to the tallest building in the city will remain closed over the next year.
Cut 3 (07) “of caution”
Berry says the two entrances on the ground level will remain open.

Arizona Senator John McCain is in the battle for his life after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. Neuro-oncologist Doctor Aaron Mammoser with LSU Health New Orleans says McCain will be surrounded by a great team of doctors at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale…
cut 11 (12) “…forms of cancer”
But Mammoser says middle survival for this type of cancer is in the 16 to 18 month range.

07.20.17
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LRN PM Newscall July 20

State Education Superintendent John White reacts to speculation he may lose his job, because he was not confirmed by the Senate during the legislative session. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Arizona Senator John McCain has been diagnosed with brain cancer. Don Molino spoke with a Louisiana doctor on what this means for the former Republican Presidential candidate…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Don Molino”

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Work begins this week to waterproof the first six floors of the State Capitol. Jacques Berry with the Division of Administration says scaffolding is up around the base of the building. And he says the front doors to the tallest building in the city will remain closed over the next year.

Cut 3 (07) “of caution”

Berry says the two entrances on the ground level will remain open. He says crews will use this as an opportunity to reattach some of the limestone panels. He says new technology gave them a closer look at the structure and showed pieces coming loose from the 80-year-old building.

Cut 4  (12) “of the building”

Berry says construction began Monday and is expected to take one year. The project will cost roughly $5 million. He says the waterproofing and limestone repair will only be for the first six floors of the capitol.

Cut 5  (10)  “needs to happen”

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State Education Superintendent John White could be on his way out, because he was not reconfirmed by the Senate during the legislative session. Governor John Bel Edwards says confirmation is a legal requirement for White to keep his job. But White says…

Cut 6 (11) “our kids”

A lawsuit seeking to remove White as superintendent was dismissed, because only a few elected officials, including the governor, have the authority to take such legal action.  White says he’s made great strides in his years as superintendent and students are showing improvement.

Cut 7 (10)  “same test”

If the governor decides not to take legal action, a two-thirds vote from BESE could remove White from office. White says it’s time to focus on the students, not on politics.

Cut 8 (11) “our kids”

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Louisiana elected officials says they are praying for Arizona Senator John McCain’s who has been diagnosed with brain cancer. Neuro-Oncologist Dr. Aaron Mammoser with LSU Health New Orleans says glioblastoma is the most common primary brain tumor doctors see, and unfortunately it’s also the most aggressive. He says there are more than 15,000 of these tumors diagnosed every year in the US.

Cut 9 (11)  “called temozolomide”

Mammoser says a variety of factors impact how a patient responds to treatment. He says McCain is 80-years-old and elderly patients tend not to do as well. But he says the senator does have some things working in his favor.

Cut 10 (11) “as well”

Mammoser says the middle survival is somewhere in the 16 to 18 month range. He says the senator will need lots of support in the coming months. He says McCain will be surrounded by a remarkable medical staff at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale.

Cut 11 (12) “forms of cancer”

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A heat advisory is in effect for all of north Louisiana until 7 p.m. tomorrow as sweltering temperatures bake the state. Michael Berry with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says it is not unusual to see temperatures in the high 90s during July but when you factor in the high dew point…

Cut 12 (10) “again tomorrow”

Berry says while temperatures are where they usually should be given the time of year, the higher than usual humidity is the result of recent rainfall.

Cut 13 (09) “values”

Berry says it’s important to take precautions when being outside in this heat. He advises individuals working outside to take frequent breaks to avoid heat stroke.

Cut 14 (09) “have water” 

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07.20.17
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16:45 LRN Sprotscast July 20th

Outside linebacker Isaiah Washington announced on Twitter today that he intends to transfer from the LSU footbal program. Washington didn’t play last season after he tore his ACL in preseason camp. He also missed much of spring practice because of academic issues. The former Karr standout played in six games during his freshman campaign in 2015.

The Carolina Panthers and former LSU Tiger Trai Turner have agreed to a four-year contract extension. The deal is worth a reported 45-million dollars and there’s also a 15-million dollar signing bonus. Turner will be the third highest paid offensive guard this season.

The Pelicans have announced the signing of Rajon Rondo. The veteran point guard will reportedly receive three-point-three million dollars for the 2017-18 season.

And LSU says its new video board they are installing in the PMAC will be the largest in a college arena that hangs over the center of the floor.

Sam Houston State has been picked to repeat as Southland Conference champs as the Bearkats received all possible first-place votes. Central Arkansas is picked to finish in second. McNeese is predicted to finish third after a 6-5 2016. Southeastern Louisiana and Nicholls were picked to finish fourth and fifth. Northwestern State 10th in the 11-team league.

Appalachian State is the favorite to win the Sun Belt Football championship according to the league’s 12 head coaches and selected members of the media. The Ragin Cajuns received one first place vote and is picked to finish fifth, while ULM is projected to finish 9th in the 12-team league.

Cajuns men’s basketball will tip-off the 2017-18 season on the road against Ole Miss on November 10th. The night before the two schools are scheduled to play each other in football.

Louisiana Tech has named Cory Barton as its new pitching coach. Barton spent the past three seasons at McNeese as the Cowboys pitching coach and recruiting coordinator.

07.20.17
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16:30 LRN Newscast July 20th

Governor John Bel Edwards has written a letter to House Speaker Taylor Barras that says now is the time to discuss proposals to address the loss of over one-billion dollars in revenue that will expire July 1st, 2018. The governor suggests Barras form a working group of Republicans and Democrats. The governor also says he plans to hold meetings accross the state to discuss how to address the fiscal cliff.

State Superintendent of Education John White says he is committed to his job despite speculation he may lose it, because he was not reconfirmed by the Senate during the legislative session. White says he’s made great strides in his years as superintendent…
Cut 7 (10) “same test”
A spokesperson says the governor is reviewing his options when it comes to White’s jobs status.

Louisiana elected officials says they are praying for Arizona Senator John McCain’s who has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. Neuro-Oncologist Dr. Aaron Mammoser with LSU Health New Orleans says there are more than 15,000 of these tumors diagnosed every year in the US.
Cut 9 (11) “called temozolomide”
Mammoser says the middle survival is somewhere in the 16 to 18 month range.

Very difficult to spend a lot of time outside today, with the heat index over 100-degrees. Michael Berry is with the National Weather Service….
cut 12 (10) “…again tomorrow’
Berry says possibly a slight break from the dangerous heat on Saturday as rain chances increase.

07.20.17
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14:30 LRN Newscast July 20th

It turns out an 84-year-old found dead in a Metairie retirement home died of natural causes. Yesterday authorities announced Pauline Ballon was strangled, because of some initial physical findings. But after looking at all of the information the coroner says Balloon’s death was not a homicide.

Arizona Senator John McCain has been diagnosed with brain cancer. Don Molino spoke with a Louisiana doctor on what this means for the former Republican Presidential candidate…
Voicer 2 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

Education Superintendent John White’s job status is under scrutiny, because he was not confirmed by the state senate during the legislative session. State law says Louisiana’s top public education leader must be conferred by the Senate. The governor could take legal action to have him removed. White says he’d rather focus on the students, not on politics….
cut 8 (11) “…our kids”
A two-thirds from BESE could also remove White as education superintendent.

A strong ridge of high pressure is producing the hottest temperatures of the year. Michael Berry with the National Weather Service advises individuals working outside to take frequent breaks to avoid heat stroke….
cut 14 (09) “…have water”
The forecast calls for more hot temperatures tomorrow and then a slight break on Saturday as rain chances go up for the weekend.

07.20.17
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13:30 LRN Newscast July 20, 2017

State Education Superintendent John White reacts to speculation he may lose his job, because he was not confirmed by the Senate during the legislative session. Emelie Gunn has more…
Voicer 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The northern half of the state is under a heat advisory. Michael Berry with the National Weather Service says it’s not unusual to see temps in the mid 90s in July, but the high humidity makes it even worse…
cut 12 (10) “…again tomorrow”

Arizona Senator John McCain is in the battle for his life after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. Neuro-oncologist Doctor Aaron Mammoser with LSU Health New Orleans says McCain will be surrounded by a great team of doctors at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale…
cut 11 (12) “…forms of cancer”
But Mammoser says middle survival for this type of cancer is in the 16 to 18 month range.

Work began this week on water proofing the first six floors of the exterior of the State Capitol building. Division of Administration spokesperson Jacques Berry says new technology gave engineers a closer look that pieces of limestone were coming loose from the 80-year-old building…
cut 4 (12) “…of the building”
The front doors of the Capitol will remain closed for the next year as rehab work continues.

07.20.17
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11:40 LRN Sportscast July 20th

LSU defensive end Isaiah Washington is no longer on the Tigers football team as he’s announced that he’s transferring. The former Karr standout missed much of spring practice because of academic reasons and missed all of last season after tearing his ACL in preseason camp. Washington appeared in just six games during his LSU career, all of them coming during his 2015 freshman season.

While making the rounds at ESPN, LSU Head Football Coach Ed Orgeron said quarterback Danny Etling is 90-percent healthy as he continues to recover from back surgery. Coach O also said on the Paul Finebaum show that he expects pass rusher Arden Key to be ready towards the beginning of the season as he rehabilitates from shoulder surgery. He says Key has resumed running.

And the Saints have placed former LSU wide receiver Travin Dural and fellow rookie defensive tackle Devaroe Lawrence on the non-football injury list.

Sam Houston State is the unanimous favorite to repeat as Southland champs. The Bearkats return 2016 Walter Payton Award winner Jeremiah Briscoe at quarterback. Central Arkansas is picked to finish second. McNeese, who is coming off a disappointing six-and-five campaign is picked to finish third. Southeastern Louisiana is picked to finish fourth, Nicholls who is a surging program under coach Tim Rebow is picked to finish fifth and Northwestern State, who won just one game last year, is picked to finish 10th in the 11-team league.

LSU says a new videoboard inside the Maravich Center on the LSU campus will be the largest center hung videoboard in college basketball. Installation is expected to be completed later this month. The two sideline high-definition screens will each measure 42 feet by 21 feet. The boards facing the baseline measure 24 feet by 20.5 feet.