Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

11.17.22
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6:30 LRN Newscast

Political buzz is afoot about who will or will not enter the race to be Louisiana’s next governor in 2023. The state Republican Party announced its support of Attorney General Jeff Landry. Another name being mentioned is District 6 Congressman Garret Graves, who’s been in the House since 2015. Graves says he’s had dozens of people ask him if he would consider running…:
Cut 7 (12) “…the race right now.”
Graves says he’ll spend a lot of time thinking about it over the Thanksgiving holiday. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt is also a possible candidate. Hewitt says she’ll announce her decision in January. She says she is deeply concerned about the direction of the state…:
Cut 10 (12) “…greener pastures.”

Louisiana’s suicide prevention coordinator says she is glad so many Louisianans are using the new mental health and suicide prevention hotline. When the new 988 number replaced an old ten-digit number in July calls increased by nearly 50 percent. Robyn Thomas says when people call 988 they reach a trained professional in Louisiana.
Cut 4 (11) “…feel better.”

A survey finds a Thanksgiving dinner cooked in a home in Louisiana will cost less than the national average.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

11.17.22
by

LRN AM Newscall November 17

Mental health officials say crisis calls have jumped by nearly half since a new, shorter number replaced an old ten-digit number. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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A lot of names are being thrown about as possible candidates for Governor in 2023. Kevin Gallagher reports on two of them who’ve been pretty quiet about it so for…:

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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A survey finds a Thanksgiving dinner cooked in a home in Louisiana will cost less than the national average. Whitney Thomas reports…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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Louisiana’s suicide prevention coordinator says she is glad so many Louisianans are using the new mental health and suicide prevention hotline. When the new 988 number replaced an old ten-digit number calls increased by nearly 50 percent.  Robyn Thomas says when people call 988 they reach a trained professional.

Cut 4 (11)  “…feel better.”

She says counselors can connect callers with additional resources if they are needed.

Cut 5 (11) “…confidential.”

Thomas says there’s been an increase in substance abuse calls, plus calls related to anxiety, depression, and especially financial concerns.

Cut 6 (12)  “… financial assistance .” 

Again, the number is simply 988

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Political buzz is afoot about who will or will not enter the race to be Louisiana’s next governor in 2023. The state Republican Party announced its support of Attorney General Jeff Landry. Another name being mentioned is District 6 Congressman Garret Graves, who’s been in the House since 2015. Graves says, since the midterm elections, he’s had dozens of people ask him if he would consider running…:

Cut 7 (12) “…the race right now.”

U.S. Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy, plus Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and State Treasurer John Schroder are also considering running for governor. Graves says there are some possible opportunities to better represent Louisiana in Congress in the New Year, and he is weighing his options seriously…:

Cut 8 (09)  “…over Thanksgiving.”

Another Republican considering the 2023 race for governor is St. Tammany Parish state Senator Sharon Hewitt, who is a committee chair and has authored numerous bills that became state law. Hewitt says she is also looking at her options…:

Cut 9 (07)  “…in January.”

Hewitt says she’ll announce her decision sometime in January. She says she is deeply concerned about the direction of the state, and who will really work to make things better…:

Cut 10 (12) “…greener pastures.” 

Hewitt says her decision will be based on where she can be of most & best use to Louisiana.

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And while who’s running for governor in 2023 has made the headlines of late, Governor John Bel Edwards says there are a few things he wants to accomplish in the final year of his second term. For example, continued strides with education.

Cut  11 (13)   “…far too long.” 

The next legislative session, and Edwards’ final session, will be a fiscal one and he’s hoping lawmakers remain focused on what’s best for the state and not their own agenda considering it’s an election year.

Cut 12 (11) “…their election.”

And Edwards says there have been great strides in making passenger rail service from New Orleans to Baton Rouge a reality in the near future and even more projects are in the works.

Cut 13 (11) “…about that.”

And the state’s 56th governor believes a continued focus on clean energy will only attract more industry and individuals to the state.

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Inflation has been at a 40-year high but your Thanksgiving dinner will not break the bank. According to the 37th annual American Farm Bureau price survey Louisiana residents can expect to pay $13.62 less than the national average for a classic Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people. Fam Bureau of Louisiana spokesperson Avery Davidson says when farmers can save in producing people can save consuming…

Cut 14 (07)  “…sweet potatoes.”

Consumers can purchase a frozen self-basting Young Tom Turkey for a little under $20 this year and purchase fresh sweet potatoes for less than $3.00. Davidson says farmers have been working hard to keep consumer satisfaction.

Cut 15 (13)  “…in the world.”

Cubed stuffing, Serving rolls, and frozen greens are all under $8.00 this year. Davidson says he’s satisfied with Louisiana food resources.

Cut  16 (12)  “…food source.”

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 LSU will honor 17 seniors on Saturday night before they face UAB in the final home game of the season. One of those seniors is defensive end Ali Gaye. The native of Gambia says his parents will attend their first game in Tiger Stadium

Cut 17 (16) “…seeing that.”

Gaye has had a nice season, but many people in college football are talking about true freshman Harold Perkins, who has been named SEC Defensive Player of the Week two years in a row. Gaye says Perkins is a special player…

Cut 18 (15) “…for him” 

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ULM has won two in a row but face a big test this Saturday when they visit Troy. The Trojans have won seven in a row and holding opponents to 16 points a game. Warhawks Coach Terry Bowden says Troy is playing championship defense…

Cut 19 (19) “…every week.”

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The Saints are sticking with Andy Dalton as their starting quarterback for this Sunday’s game against the Rams. Coach Dennis Allen announced his decision after Wednesday’s practice…

Cut 20 (20) “…focus on”

11.16.22
by

4:45 LRN sportscast

The Saints are sticking with Andy Dalton as their starting quarterback for Sunday’s home game against the Los Angeles Rams. The offense has only scored two touchdowns in the last two games and Dalton has thrown three interceptions. He played well in his first five starts.

Nothing wrong with the offense for the LSU women’s basketball team. They scored over 100 points for a school record fourth straight game as the Lady Tigers defeated Houston Christian 101 to 47 today. Angel Reese had another double-double 29 points and 16 rebounds.

Zion Williamson will not play again tonight because of a foot injury. New Orleans hosts the struggling Bulls after beating Memphis 113 to 102. C-J McCollum had 30 points as the Pels improved to eight and six on the season. Chicago is 6-and-8. Tip time is seven PM.

Saturday will be senior day for the sixth ranked LSU Tigers as they host UAB. Seniors like Micah Baskerville have been big this season, but Coach Brian Kelly says the freshmen class has also been a big part of this team’s success..
cut 17 (18) “…different ways”
UAB interim head coach Bryant Vincent says Perkins is the best true freshman he’s seen in his career.

The Ragin Cajuns will head to Tallahassee this Saturday to face 19th ranked Florida State. The Seminoles are coming off a 38-3 thrashing of previously ranked Syracuse. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux
cut 20 (11) “….the ball well”
Kick-off is at 11 AM.

11.16.22
by

LRN PM Newscall November 16

School performance scores for K-12 return to pre-pandemic levels. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1(32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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State health officials say more people in Louisiana are getting the flu this year, and they’re getting it early. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (27)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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School performance scores indicate Louisiana K-12 schools are back at pre-pandemic levels Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley made the announcement this morning and says the statewide performance score in 2019 was 77-point-1 and for 2022 the state has bounced back.

Cut 3 (11) “…77-point-1” 

The scores are based on student achievement data.

He credits a collective focus on attendance and well-being and professional learning for teachers for the increase in scores. Brumley says the boost in performance scores should be celebrated.

Cut 4 (09)  “…in Louisiana.” 

Brumley believes if they stay the course on literacy, refresh the way they think about math, continue to transform our high schools and…

Cut 5 (09) “…in the state of Louisiana.” 

For the 2020-2021 school year the department released simulated school performance scores that were not official results due to the pandemic. For a listing of scores, you can visit a link at Louisiana Radio Network-dot-com.

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First District Congressman Steve Scalise from Jefferson Parish has been elected as Majority Leader in the 118th Congress, which will be controlled by Republicans starting in 2023. Scalise says they will fight for hardworking Americans…

Cut 6 (11)  “…communities safe.”

Scalise says as majority leader he looks forward to bringing legislation to the House floor that will reduce inflation, lower energy costs, secure the border, and help law enforcement officers keep our communities safe…

Cut 7 (11)  “…struggling”

Hale Boggs was the last U-S Representative from Louisiana to serve as majority leader and he held that post in the early 1970s.

 

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In addition to Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise serving as House Majority Leader in DC next year, Congressman Mike Johnson will keep his current position as vice-chair of the Republican caucus. When ask what it means for the state Johnson says it gives Louisiana more of a voice on steering committees and committee chair appointments.

Cut 8 (10)  “…whole country.“

And with just a thin majority in the House, Johnson says the GOP will have the power of the purse strings…

Cut 9 (10)  “…in January.

Congressmen Garret Graves, Clay Higgins, Julia Letlow, and Troy Carter are also expected to advance in their committee assignments.

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Flu season is hitting Louisiana early, and hard. State health officer Dr. Joseph Kanter says flu activity is twice the national average.

Cut 10 (10) “…of slowing yet.” 

Kanter says this follows two years of lower flu rates because people were taking precautions due to COVID. He says people may be putting off getting their flu shots because after COVID they’ve got vaccine fatigue. But he says the flu vaccine takes effect relatively quickly and urges people to get vaccinated, especially with the holidays approaching.

Cut 11 (11)  “…very strong flu season.”

Kanter says the current vaccines are up to date and effective at preventing the current flu strains that are making the rounds. He urges everyone six months of age or older to get the flu shot. He says this season the flu has already caused one pediatric death.

He says if you don’t have health insurance or are low on funds you can get a free shot.

Cut 12 (07) “…parish health units.” 

For more information on free vaccines go to ldh.la.gov.

11.16.22
by

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU has moved up one more spot in the College Football playoff rankings to number to six. The Tigers are SEC West Champions with UAB and Texas A-and-M left on the regular season schedule before the Bayou Bengals play the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship game. Coach Brian Kelly says he is proud of the team’s determinatiion and preparation this season…
cut 18 (18) “….to be champions”
Tulane is number 21 in the College Football Playoff rankings after losing to Central Florida on Saturday. The Green Wave host SMU tomorrow night.

Zion Williamson did not play for the Pelicans last night because of a sore foot, but CJ McCollum broke out of a shooting slump to score 30 points in a 113 to 102 win over the Grizzlies. New Orleans hosts the Bulls tonight.

The Saints have reportedly signed 30-year-old running back David Johnson to their practice squad. Johnson played last season with Houston and spent some time in New Orleans during the team’s minicamp in the offseason. We could get an answer from head coach Dennis Allen today on who will start at quarterback against the Rams.

Louisiana Tech Coach Sunny Cumbie says freshman Landry Lyddy will start at quarterback Saturday at Charlotte. That’s because regular starter Parker McNeil has a broken middle finger on his throwing hand. Jack Turner will serve as Lyddy’s backup.

The Ragin Cajuns are at Florida State this Saturday. Coach Michael Desormeaux…
cut 19 (18) “….excited for as well”
A win for the Cajuns and they are bowl eligible. F-S-U is ranked 19th in the college football playoff rankings. Kick off in Tallahassee is at 11 AM.

11.16.22
by

11:30 LRN Newscast

School and district performance scores indicate Louisiana schools are back at pre-pandemic levels Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley made the announcement this morning and says the statewide performance score in 2019 was 77-point-1 and for 2022 the state has bounced back.
Cut 3 (11) “…77.1”
He credits a collective focus on attendance and well-being and professional learning for teachers for the increase in scores.

Former President Donald Trump announced he will run for president again in 2024. Senator Bill Cassidy stopped short of saying he doesn’t approve, yet indicated the concerns of Americans is what’s most important…:
CUT 29 (12) “we’re gonna lose”
Some political pundits speculate Trump’s message may be wearing thin with some GOP voters.

Flu season is hitting Louisiana early, and hard. State health officer Dr. Joseph Kanter says flu activity is twice the national average.
Cut 10 (10) “…of slowing yet.”
Kanter says get your flu shot.

The first-of-its-kind collaboration, of Lake Charles musician Sean Ardoin and the Golden Band from Tigerland, earns a Grammy nomination. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

11.15.22
by

LRN AM Newscall November 16

Donald Trump says he will run for president again in 2024, and one Louisiana senator has some thoughts on that. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Today Southern University will host a remembrance ceremony for the on-campus shooting 50 years ago. Whitney Thomas has that story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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The first-of-its-kind collaboration, of Lake Charles musician Sean Ardoin and the Golden Band from Tigerland, earns a Grammy nomination. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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In a televised statement last night, former President Donald Trump says he will run for president again in 2024, and Louisiana Congressional delegates are beginning to react. During a Tuesday press conference, Senator Bill Cassidy was asked about Trump’s possible candidacy. He avoided saying he doesn’t approve, by saying the needs and concerns of Americans are most important…:

Cut 4 (12)  “…we’re gonna lose!”

Many Trump-backed candidates fared poorly in the November 8th elections. Political pundits speculate his message may be wearing thin with voters. Cassidy says most voters who were concerned with inflation, crime, and the border all voted republican. But many seem to have had misgivings about their candidates…:

Cut 5 (11) “…about the future.”

And what about the less-than-stellar outcome last week for the GOP? Republicans took the simple majority in the House, but the Senate remains under Democratic leadership. Cassidy says his party should see the election results as a “teachable moment”…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…any given individual.” 

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Southern University will host a commemoration ceremony with different events for the on-campus shooting that killed two students during a protest 50 years ago today.  Deputies fired shots that left Denver Smith and Leonard Brown dead as they were standing among other students. The shooting came after several weeks of protests and class boycotts over poor funding, dilapidated buildings, and little response to their concerns.

Advocate Columnist Ed Pratt was just an 18-year-old freshman during the tragedy, and calls it an unforgettable experience.

Cut 7 (11) “…me forever.”

The late Edwin Edwards was governor at the time and Pratt says he abandoned students when they needed him.

Cut 8 (14)  “…on your campus.”

There was an investigation to see who fired the fatal shots but no officers ever confessed or had been pinpointed. Pratt says the students were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Cut 9 (06)  “…the killing.”

The university named the Smith-Brown Memorial Union building in honor of both students.

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Lake Charles musician Sean Ardoin is now a four-time Grammy nominee thanks to his latest collaboration with the Golden Band from Tigerland. Ardoin’s album Full Circle received a nomination for Best Regional Roots Music Album on Tuesday and to say he’s excited is an understatement.

Cut 10 (11) “…right now.” 

In addition to being Grammy-nominated, Ardoin says the album is also historic for being the first full collaboration of a music artist and college marching band.

Cut  11 (08)   “…as well.” 

Tennessee State University marching band’s The Urban Hymnal is nominated for Best Roots Gospel album.

Every song on the album is the LSU marching band performing along with Ardoin and his band Kreole Rock and Soul, also known as zydeco. Ardoin says they recorded 14 tracks in just under two days and he couldn’t be more pleased and prouder of his alma mater.

The idea for the album happened after Ardoin spoke with LSU band director Dr. Kelvin Jones at the Auburn game last year in Death Valley.

Cut 12 (11) “…let’s do it.”

And so far, so good, the 2023 Grammy’s will be revealed on Sunday, February 5th.

And as a way to give back to the LSU band, Ardoin is releasing a double-vinyl purple and gold version of Full Circle, and 15 percent of the profits will go to the Golden Band.  Visit Louisiana Radio Network for a link to pre-order the commemorative album.

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Andrew Lincoln of Webster Parish was awarded a Life-Saving Award by Sheriff Jason Parker for his heroic actions that saved a woman’s life. On October 9, Lincoln was responding to a towing call on Highway 164 and came upon a crashed vehicle. He parked his truck in the middle of the road and looked to see if there was anyone inside the burning vehicle, but the driver’s door was jammed shut…

Cut 13 (10) “…few minutes.”

As the flames increased, Lincoln struggled to pull the female out of the vehicle. Despite the smoke and heat of the flames, Lincoln used the shirt off his back to pull the victim out of the car to safety…

Cut 14 (11)  “…under the car there.”

Lincoln says if it took “another five minutes to get her out of the vehicle and they would’ve been planning a funeral.”

He’s glad to report she’s her recovery and admired the progress she’s made…

Cut 15 (10)  “…back to work.”

Lincoln said he was simply “glad to be at the right place at the right time.”

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LSU will host UAB in their final home game of the season Saturday night. Head Coach Brian Kelly has grown a relationship with his team in his first season and praised his senior class and linebacker Micah Baskerville for their resilience…

Cut  16 (20)  “…that story.”

Not only have the veteran leaders stepped up for the tigers this season, but freshmen have played pivotal roles in the team’s success. In Kelly’s first offseason with the team, he was only able to sign 15 freshmen, but more than half of them have seen meaningful roles.

Cut 17 (18) “…different ways.”

After a season of ups and downs, the Tigers clinched the SEC West Saturday with their win over Arkansas and an Ole Miss loss. With only UAB and an away game at Texas A&M remaining, Kelly says he is proud of the team’s determination and preparation this season…

Cut 18 (18) “…to be champions” 

Kickoff in Death Valley is at 8:00

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The Ragin Cajuns moved to 5 wins on the season after a 36-17 victory over Georgia Southern. Now they’ll face their biggest matchup of the season as they visit 20th-ranked Florida State on Saturday with Bowl eligibility on the line. Coach Michael Desormeaux knows the importance of the matchup…

Cut 19 (18) “…excited for as well.”

The 7-3 Seminoles are coming off a 38-3 thrashing of previously ranked Syracuse and anticipation for the Cajuns is high. Desormeaux says both players and coaches are excited about the matchup but at the end of the day, the game remains the same…

Cut 20 (20) “…still the work.”

Kickoff is set for 11:00 AM.

11.15.22
by

1:30 LRN Newscast

A day after Senator John Kennedy issued a statement that he’s considering a run for governor, Senator Bill Cassidy says he plans to announce his intentions this week. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Authorities are looking for the gunman who shot a bullet into a home in Houma, killing 56-year-old Lanore Menard. The homicide occurred yesterday at a home on Morgan Street. Houma P-D spokesperson Travis Theriot says the motive for the shooting is unkown.

A 14-month old infant has died from her injuries sustained in a crash that occurred in Vermilion Parish on Friday. State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says 27-year-old Jhori Danielle Peters of Abbeville was the driver and she ran off the road…
cut 7 (10) “…its roof”
Gossen says the infant was on the lap of a passenger in the front seat and now Peters is facing some serious charges.

A new report says Louisiana ranks among the worst states in the nation for catching lung cancer early. The findings are in the State of Lung Cancer Report. Ashley Lyerly (LIE ER LEE) is the director of advocacy for the American Lung Association.
Cut 9 (06) “…falling behind.
The report found Louisiana ranked 45th in the nation for early diagnosis and 41st for surviving lung cancer.

11.15.22
by

11:40 LRN Sportscasts

LSU Coach Brian Kelly is a coach of the year candidate for taking a program that had less than 40 scholarship players in January to a squad that will appear in the SEC Championship game on December 3rd. Kelly used the transfer portal to help rebuild the program quickly and despite all the new players, the team has good chemistry…
Cut 18 (18) “…pulling the same way”
LSU hosts UAB this Saturday and then will conclude the regular season on November 26th at Texas A&M. Kick off in College Station is at 6 PM.

Northwestern State pulled off a big upset in men’s college basketball last night as the Demons downed 15th ranked TCU 64-63 in a game that saw 16 lead changes.

The Saints are 3-7 and tied for last in the NFC South and appear to be going nowhere this season. But Coach Dennis Allen is not ready to quit on the season…
Cut 16 (16) “…good enough”
The play at quarterback has not been good enough lately and Allen says a decision has not been made on who will start this Sunday against the Rams.

Prayers are up for former University High of Baton Rouge Running Back Michael Hollins. His family says he had a second successful surgery this morning after he was shot on Sunday night by a former football player at the University of Virginia. Three Cavalier football players were fatally shot and Hollins is one of two players who survived. The shooter is in custody.

The Pelicans host the Memphis Grizzlies tonight at 6:30. Zion Williamson is questionable with a right ankle-foot sprain.

11.15.22
by

11:30 LRN Newscast

Investigators are looking into an officer-involved shooting in front of the Ceasar’s Superdome this morning. Deputy NOPD Superintendent Chris Goodly says around 7 am three officers were called to assist a Superdome security team when a person drew his knife.
Cut 3 (11) “.his body”
Goodly says the person shot is in stable condition.

Republican Senator John Kennedy announcing he could run for governor next year could result in fewer candidates running for the state’s highest elected position than previously thought. That’s according to LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan, who says Kennedy is not the kind of opponent most candidates want…
cut 8 (12) “…like that”
Kennedy says he’ll announce his decision soon.

Charges are expected to be upgraded against a driver involved in a single vehicle crash in Vermilion Parish in which a 14-month old child died from her injuries. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says the infant was one of three children in the car and the toddler was sitting in the lap of a front seat passenger when the vehicle left the roadway and turned on its roof.
Cut 6 (08) “…preventable.”
27-year-old Jhori Danielle Peters of Abbeville is currently cited for careless operation, no driver’s license, and two counts of child restraint violations. More charges are expected pending toxicology results.

Prayers are up for former University High of Baton Rouge Running Back Michael Hollins. His family says he had a second successful surgery this morning after he was shot on Sunday night by a former football player at the University of Virginia. Three Cavalier football players were fatally shot and Hollins is one of two players who survived. The shooter is in custody.