Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

11.02.23
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LRN PM Newscall November 2

Governor Edwards and Colonel Lamar Davis officially broke ground on the site of the new State Police Crime Lab this morning. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A revised US drought monitor shows 88-percent of the state is under extreme or exception drought. Jeff Palermo  has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards and Colonel Lamar Davis officially broke ground on the site of the new State Police Crime Lab this morning. The new state-of-the-art facility will replace the existing lab that’s four decades old. Davis says it’s more challenging to solve crimes in an old facility…

cut 3 (12) “…the future.”

And while it’s called the State Police Crime Lab, Governor Edwards says 200 agencies in Louisiana routinely submit evidence in addition to LSP investigations.

Cut 4 (08) “…the state.”

In the past year alone, the lab has taken on more than 16-thousand new cases and it’s often the data processed that will decide one’s guilt or innocence. In addition to solving crimes, Edwards says the facility plays another vital role…

Cut 5 (08) “ …as well.”  

The new facility will be constructed on the grounds of State Police Headquarters in Baton Rouge. It’s expected to cost up to $100 million and be completed in three years.

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It’s National Adoption Month and the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services and First Lady Donna Edwards honored 465 families who have adopted 619 children from foster care this year. DCFS Secretary Terri Ricks says the ultimate goal is to find safe and permanent homes and families for children through adoption.

Cut 6 (13) “…their own”

Of the 465 families adopting, 133 are single parents who adopted 175 of the 619 children. During Governor John Bel Edwards’s administration, there have been nearly six thousand adoptions.

This year’s Adoption Award winners include two Adoptive Families of the Year, two Community Partners of the Year, Advocate of the Year, Adoption Worker of the Year, and Adoption Region of the Year. Ricks encourages Louisianans to become a nurturing family for a child in need of a safe home.

Cut 7 (12) “…adoptive family.” 

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DOTD is expecting it will take another two weeks to repair portions of Interstate 55 damaged by the 168-vehicle pileup that killed seven people in St. John the Baptist Parish. I-55 South is currently open but spokesperson Rodney Mallet says they’ll need to shut it down for a six-hour period this weekend where traffic is currently reduced to one lane.

Cut 8 (12) “…or so.” 

Crews will switch lane closures near the crash site. Mallet says traffic will taper down to the right lane near the crash site as crews begin to repair the left lane. Mallet says traffic will taper down to the right lane near the crash site as crews begin to repair the left lane.

Cut 9 (10) “…the workers.” 

I-55 northbound remains closed. Mallet says partial deck replacement is needed. He say contractors will start next week and repairs could take up to two weeks to complete.

Cut 10 (09) “…repave it.”

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Today’s updated U-S drought monitor shows Louisiana remains the epicenter for drought in the United States. State Climatologist Barry Keim says 99-percent of Louisiana is in some stage of drought…

Cut 11 (05) “…two classes.”

Keim says since August 1st, on average only five inches of rain has fallen across the state.

Cut 12 (09) “..this case”  

The weather forecast for the next week does not call for any significant chance of rain. Keim says an El Nino climate pattern is expected to continue into the winter and he says that should result about normal precipitation

Cut 13 (12) “…in yet.”

11.02.23
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12:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards and Colonel Lamar Davis officially broke ground today on a new 100-million dollar State Police Crime Lab in Baton Rouge. The state-of-the-art facility will replace the existing lab that’s four decades old. Davis says a new facility is needed to help in crime fighting……
cut 3 (12) “…the future.”
The new facility is expected to be completed in three years.

The state Department of Transportation says it will take another two weeks to complete repairs on I-55 where 168 vehicles were involved in a pileup that killed seven people in St. John the Baptist Parish. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says northbound will remain closed for two weeks and southbound will have to be closed for a short period this weekend…
cut 8 (12) “…or so”

It’s National Adoption Month and the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services says 465 families have adopted 619 children from foster care in the last year. DCFS Secretary Terri Ricks says the need continues for additional families to care for foster children…
cut 7 (12) “…adoptive family”
For more information on foster parenting and adoption go to DCFS’s website.

11.02.23
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10:30 LRN Newscast

To help the public keep track of flu, COVID and RSV cases, the Louisiana Department of Health has set up a Respiratory Virus Dashboard….
cut 5 (11) “….or statewide”
State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says latest data shows flu cases make up three-percent of all ER visits, Covid two percent, and combined respiratory illnesses six percent.

A new study conducted by researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute reveals people exposed to median levels of air pollution have a 56 percent greater risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Much of Louisiana is within the Parkinson’s disease hot spot area. Doctor Brittany Krzyzanowski…
Cut 30 (10) “…from manufacturing.”
Krzyzanowski urges Louisianans with poor health to monitor air quality alerts and pollution levels.

Tulane and LSU have received a 22-million dollar grant that will go towards developing a plan to save the Lower Mississippi River Delta. Research shows the lower reaches of the delta retreating both above and below water and the river is also redirecting its flows. Mead Allison, chair at Tulane’s River-Coastal Science and Engineering Department, says they’ll put together a consortium of experts to explore potential solutions…
cut 14 (11) “…floods”

Monroe Police have arrested two teenagers in the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old on October 21st. The shooting occurred several hours after the conclusion of a Carroll High School homecoming event. A 17-year-old male has been charged with second-degree murder and 19-year-old Joshua Smiley is also facing second-degree murder charges.

11.02.23
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8:30 LRN Newscast

The State Department of Health has launched a new portal so the public track flu, COVID and RSV outbreaks. Teiko Foxx has more…
Cut 1 (33) “…Teiko Foxx.”

Governor-elect Jeff Landry has launched his transition website. It can be found at one-team-dot-la. Landry there’s a link on the site that allows you to share your ideas…
cut 28 (09) “…with us”

The state wildlife and fisheries commission meets today and they are expected to vote on a proposal to establish a black bear hunting season. Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey believes there should be a limited bear hunting season next year, because black bear are becoming a nuisance….
cut 11 (11) “…outdoors”
LDWF says Black Bears in Tensas Parish make up half or more of the state’s population.

Tulane and LSU are sharing a 22-million dollar grant that will be used to charge a new course for the future of the fragile Lower Mississippi River Delta. The delta is retreating both above and below water and the river is also redirecting its flows, which is not good for the shipping industry. Chair of Tulane’s Department of River-Coastal Science and Engineering, Mead Allison, says the project will look to the future and upcoming generations. .
cut 15 (11) “….as well”

11.02.23
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7:30 LRN Newscast

A lawsuit has prevented the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control from enforcing a new law that would prevent retailers from selling vape products unless they’ve meet certain criteria, including FDA approval. The law is expected to ban many flavored vape products, but the Louisiana Convenience and Vape Store Association filed a suit to prevent the law from going into effect.

Tulane and LSU look to save the Future of the fragile Lower Mississippi River Delta. Colleen Crain has more.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain”

Louisianans can now track COVID-19, flu, and RSV cases through a new respiratory virus dashboard that can be found at the state department of health’s website. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the portal provides data on the number of deaths, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits….
cut 4 (11) “…and time”
When you go to LDH’s website, click on the COVID-19 link and it will take you to the respiratory virus dashboard.

A new study conducted by researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute reveals people exposed to median levels of air pollution have a 56 percent greater risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Much of Louisiana is within the Parkinson’s disease hot spot area. Doctor Brittany Krzyzanowski…
Cut 7 (10) “…from manufacturing.”
Krzyzanowski urges Louisianans with poor health to monitor air quality alerts and pollution levels.

11.02.23
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6:45 LRN sportscast

The 14th ranked LSU football team has one more full day of preparation and then it’s off to Tuscaloosa for Saturday’s clash with eighth ranked Alabama. LSU’s defense has had its struggles, but they’ve played better as of late. Linebacker Greg Penn says they know they don’t have to play a perfect game in order to come away with a win…
Cut 17 (12) “….help them out.”
LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels leads the nation in total offense at 387 yards per game and a big performance against Bama could make him the odds on favorite to win the Heisman.

Nice win on the road last night for the Pelicans as they trailed by 22 points but came back to beat Oklahoma City 110 to 106. C-J McCollum had 29 points, 22 of them came in the second half. Zion Williamson had 20 points. New Orleans hosts Detroit tonight.

Saints offensive lineman James Hurst returned to practice yesterday. He was listed as a limited participant. Hurst has missed the last two games with an ankle injury. Michael Thomas, Taysom Hill, Demario Davis and Andrus Peat were also all limited. New Orleans hosts the Bears this Sunday.

The Ragin Cajuns are back on the road this Saturday as they’ll visit Arkansas State. The Red Wolves are playing a freshman at quarterback. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux says Jaylen Raynor has been impressive…
cut 20 (17) “…..this league’
The Cajuns have won five straight games against Arkansas State.

The NCAA has denied the wavier request from LSU men’s basketball player Jalen Cook. The transfer from Tulane is seeking a waiver, because this is the second time he’s transferred during his college career. LSU says it’s submitting some new information and hopes the NCAA will grant a hardship waiver.

11.02.23
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6:30 LRN Newscast

A State trooper accused of withholding body-camera footage of the deadly arrest of Ronald Greene in 2019 has agreed to take the stand in the trial of Master Trooper Kory York, who has been charged with negligent homicide. An obstruction of justice charge has been dismissed against Lt. John Clary and Union Parish District Attorney John Belton says says Clary will testify truthfully in this case.

The state wildlife commission meets today to discuss rules and regulations for the return of a Black Bear hunting season. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A study from the Barrow Neurological Institute reveals people exposed to median levels of air pollution have a 56-percent greater risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease. Lead researcher Doctor Brittany Krzyzankowski says based on their study south and western Louisiana and the Mississippi River Delta area are considered areas in Louisiana with high air pollution…
cut 8 (12) “…..develop from”

The Louisiana health department has unveiled a new Respiratory Dashboard that keeps track of emergency room visits and hospitaliziations for flu, COVID and RSV cases…
cut 5 (11) “…or statewide”
State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says latest data shows flu cases make up three-percent of all ER visits, Covid two percent, and combined respiratory illnesses six percent.

11.01.23
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LRN PM Newscall November 1

A record-high 87 hundred students in the Bayou State earned a three or better on their Advanced Placement exams. Teiko Foxx on what this means…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

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If you want a job in Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s administration, go to his new transition website oneteam.la. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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The Louisiana Department of Education has released the 2022-2023 Advanced Placement results which show high school seniors have earned record achievement on their placement tests. Nearly nine thousand students earned a three or better. Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says students who earned a three or better can earn college credits for the course.

cut 3 (11) “…high schools.”

In total, 41 percent of students earned a three or better on their AP exam. A record nearly 87 hundred students earned a three or better on their AP exam, a 19 percent increase from than pre-pandemic total of 73 hundred in 2019. Brumley says Louisiana must continue to raise the bar for students in the Bayou State

Cut 4 (12) “…those opportunities.”

More than 13 thousand exams were passed. Students who earned a three or better may be eligible for college credit courses that families will not have to pay for. Brumley says seniors earned the first annual increase in average ACT in six years.

Cut 5 (12) “ …high schools.”  

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Governor-Elect Jeff Landry announced his transition website today. Landry’s transition theme is one dream, one team, one Louisiana, so the transition website is oneteam.la. He says there’s a place on the website for the public to share their ideas on making the state better

Cut 6 (09) “…with us”

Landry says the website will also have transition committee information and press releases. He says there will also be an application portal on the website for those interesting in working in his administration…

Cut 7 (12) “…open up” 

Landry has also identified 14 areas in Louisiana that need the most attention and he’s named chairpersons that will lead a committee to come up with solution-driven ideas. The governor-elect says one of the panels formed will look at how to improve New Orleans…

Cut 8 (12) “…is crime.” 

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The Don’t Pollute the Boot state is now home to the first-ever Litter Institute in the country. Executive Director of Keep Louisiana Beautiful Susan Russell says the LSU Litter Institute will not only study the trash issue locally but across the nation to find solutions.

Cut 9 (10) “…the country.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards championed the issue, along with Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, and asked the legislature for $800,000 to establish the institute.

Russell says the Institute is filling a void because there’s no central location for best practices and studies on the issue. She says it goes beyond people simply not disposing of trash properly and it’s a complicated issue.

Cut 10 (12) “…reducing waste.”

A recent survey said there are approximately 144 million pieces of litter on Louisiana roadways alone.

Russell says the Bayou State is literally a trash receptacle for other states because of litter that flows into the Mississippi River and ultimately the Gulf. Louisiana receives the drainage of approximately 100 million people, 40 percent of the continental US.

Cut 11 (12) “…our state.”

Trash flowing into the Gulf of Mexico from the Mississippi River has resulted in some of the highest concentrations of microplastics in the world which impacts the state’s seafood industry.

For more information visit KeepLouisianaBeautiful.org

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A freeze warning has been issued for most parishes north of I-10 as the temperature is expected to get below during the overnight hours into tomorrow morning. LRN meteorologist John Wetherbee…

Cut 12 (11) “…I-12 corridor”  

Wetherbee says high temperatures will get back into the upper 70s and 80s this weekend, but we have to prepare for a cold night…

Cut 13 (07) “…for a freeze.”

11.01.23
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8:30 LRN Newscast

Governor-elect Jeff Landry holds a press conference at 10 AM today in Lafayette as he provides new transition updates. Yesterday he announced 14 transition councils and their chairs. Heading up his criminal and public safety council are 18th Judicial District Attorney Tony Clayton and New Orleans attorney and former prosecutor Laura Rodrigue. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Clayton and Rodrigue are on the front-lines in the battle against crime…
Cut 15 (10) “…New Orleans.”

The I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge which connects Acadiana to the Baton Rouge area is 50 years old, and Deidra Druilhet with the department of transportation says constructing the well known bridge was no small feet, due to the remoteness of the structure. She says before the 18-mile bridge could go up, they had to build canals…
Cut 10 (10) “…particular project.”
The bridge also required 174 miles of piling and 170 miles of pre-stressed concrete girders.

A recent Bankrate Survey finds a majority of working Americans support a 4-day work week. Bankrate Analyst Sarah Foster says Gen Z and Millennial workers are willing to sacrifice more to get the shorter week than Gen X and Baby Boomers
Cut 7 (10) “…week off.”
Recent ADP data finds 12-percent of U-S workers say their employer is offering a four-day work.

We flip the calendar to November today which means the hurricane season is basically over for the Gulf Coast. State Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s never been a landfall of a named storm in Louisiana in November. Keim says the weather pattern at this time of year usually directs storms to the east of us…
cut 5 (10) “….damn near close”

11.01.23
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7:30 LRN Newscast

Governor-elect Jeff Landry has announced his 14 transition councils and their chairs. The incoming governor will have councils on agriculture, the coast, crime, economic development, healthcare and K-through-12 education to name a few. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Landry also has a council specifically dedicated to New Orleans and well-know ship-builder Boysie Bollinger is the chair…
cut 14 (08) “….well respected”
Landry has a press conference today at 10 AM in Lafayette.

A recent survey from Bankrate finds 83-percent of 18 to 42-year-olds prefer a four-day work week and to make it happen they are willing to take a pay cut, give up remote work and….
cut 8 (07) “…work week”
That’s Bankrate analyst Sarah Foster.

We’re seeing temperatures below freezing for areas north of I-20 this morning and expect high temperatures to climb into the mid 50s for north and central Louisiana. Low 60s in south Louisiana. Much of the state is under a freeze warning for tonight into tomorrow morning.

For all practical purposes, the 2023 hurricane season is over in Louisiana because a storm has never made landfall here in November. Brooke Thorington has more….
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”