Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

06.29.22
by

LRN PM Newscall June 29

Since a temporary restraining order was placed on Louisiana’s abortion trigger laws Monday, abortions can continue in the state. Brooke Thorington has more from the Director of the Hope Medical Center for Women in Shreveport.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

Police are investigating a potential hate crime at Delhi High School. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.”  

______________________________________

Since a temporary restraining order was placed on Louisiana abortion trigger laws Monday, abortions can continue in the state. Director of the Hope Medical Center for Women in Shreveport, Kathaleen Pittman says since the restraining order they’ve been fully booked with appointments, but they are not making any past July 8th until a hearing on the order is scheduled.

Cut 3 (09) “…to get in.”

Pittman was a guest on Jim Engster’s Talk Louisiana Radio program this morning and she says the reversal of Roe v Wade has been extremely emotional and with all their appointments booked until the court hearing on July 8th, she’s having to turn patients away.

Cut 4  (11) “…the staff.”

When asked about the safety of terminations in the first trimester Pittman says it actually it’s much safe due to substandard healthcare. Louisiana has a maternal mortality rate and the leading cause of death for pregnant women is murder.

Cut 5  (12) “…increased considerably.”

The Hope Medical Center for Women is one of the three abortion clinics in Louisiana.

____________________________________________

A hearing scheduled for today in U-S District court is canceled as a result of the U-S Supreme Court putting a hold on a lower court ruling that said the Legislature must draw a map that allows for a Black candidate to represent two of the state’s six congressional districts. House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski says they were waiting for the Supreme Court to weigh in…

Cut 6 (05) ” ..go through.” 

Stefanski says the U-S Supreme Court’s action on Tuesday that halts the Congressional remap effort is not a final decision on the merits of the case from the nation’s highest court…

Cut 7 (08) “…next election.” 

The U-S Supreme Court is also considering a similar case out of Alabama and will hold arguments on their case in October, so Louisiana’s case will remain on hold until then. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields, a supporter of a second-majority Black district, is hopeful the nation’s highest court will see the approved Congressional map violates the Voting Rights Act…

Cut 8 (07) “…the plantiffs”

The Secretary of State is moving forward with using the map approved in February by the Republican-led Legislature for the fall Congressional elections.

________________________________________________

Delhi police are investigating a potentially disturbing incident at Delhi High School, where a noose was found lying on the stage of its auditorium. Chief Roy Williams says it was discovered by a custodian who notified the Superintendent of Schools. Williams then visited the school personally to assess the situation.

Cut 9 (11) “…and a suspect.”

The suspect is one of the contractors working on renovations at the school, and because of that video cameras within the auditorium were deactivated, leaving no footage of what happened. Chief Williams says the next steps will be taken by the District Attorney’s office.

Cut 10 (10) “…hate crime charge.” 

The incident has been met with outrage among members of the Delhi community. Nooses have long been a symbol of hatred towards Black Americans, and though the contractor says it was “unintentional,” Chief Williams says it is his obligation to provide as much information as possible for the DA to make a determination of just what happened and what should happen.

Cut 11 (11)  “…touchy situation” 

Richland Parish Superintendent Sheldon Jones said that the RPSB will cooperate fully with law enforcement during the investigation.

______________________________________________________________

We’re starting to see a slow decline, not as fast as it surged but a decline nonetheless in prices at the pump. And while the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas is $4.43, Triple A fuel analyst Don Redman says it looks like we’ll continue to see a small break-even though prices remain above $4.00 a gallon.

Cut 12 (09) “…statewide.”  

But Redman says the decline in gas prices will be short-lived. He expects them to climb again towards the end of July, or the first of August because refineries will close down for maintenance thus reducing supply.

Cut 13 (12) “…back up.”

Redman says with crude oil prices averaging $110 a barrel as opposed to $125, that’s a reason for the slight decline in prices.

Cut 14 (10)  “…a break.” 

The national average for a gallon of regular gas is $4.87.

The current statewide average for a gallon of diesel is $5.35.

06.29.22
by

2:30 LRN Newscast

Since a temporary restraining order was placed on Louisiana abortion trigger laws Monday, abortions can continue in the state. Director of the Hope Medical Center for Women in Shreveport, Kathaleen Pittman says since the restraining order they’ve been fully booked with appointments, but they are not making any past July 8th until a hearing on the order is scheduled.
Cut 3 (09) “…to get in.”
Pittman was a guest on Jim Engster’s Talk Louisiana Radio program.

The statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is down another penny today to $4.42. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman doesn’t expect a huge in surge in prices with the fourth of July holiday coming up….
cut 12 (09) “…statewide”
Redman says prices could climb again at the end of July when some refiniries shut down for some much needed maintenance.

A hearing scheduled for today in U-S District court is canceled as a result of the U-S Supreme Court putting a hold on a lower court ruling that said the Legislature must draw a map that allows for a Black candidate to represent two of the state’s six congressional districts. House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski says they were waiting for the Supreme Court to weigh in…
Cut 6 (05) ” ..go through.”
The Secretary of State is moving forward with using the map approved in February by the Republican-led Legislature for the fall Congressional elections.

Authorities are investigating a noose that was found inside the auditorium at Delhi High School in Richland Parish. Delhi Police Chief Roy Williams says an employee of a contractor performing renovation work inside the auditorium is the suspect…
cut 11 (11) “….touchy situation”
Williams says once he completes an investigation he’ll turn the information over to the local D-A to determine if the suspect should be charged with a hate crime.

06.29.22
by

12:30 LRN Newscast

The U-S Supreme Court has put a hold on a federal judge’s order that Louisiana must have a Congressional District map where two of the six Congressional districts should favor a candidate. House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanksi says the U-S Supreme Court’s action is not a final decision on the merits of the case…
Cut 7 (08) “…next election.”
The U-S Supreme Court is also considering a similar case out of Alabama and will hold arguments on their case in October, so Louisiana’s case will remain on hold until then. Louisiana Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry….
cut 15 (11) “,….here in Louisiana”
The Secretary of State is moving forward with using the map approved in February by the Republican-led Legislature for the fall Congressional elections.

Louisiana’s three abortion clinics are open as a result of New Orleans judge putting a temporary restraining order on a Louisiana law that bans most abortions because of the reversal of Roe Versus Wade. Katahaleen Pittman is the director of the Hope Medical Center for Women in Shreveport and she says they are trying to squeeze in as many appointments as they can before a July 8th court hearing…
cut 4 (11) “…the staff”

Delhi police are investigating a potentially disturbing incident at Delhi High School, where a noose was found at the school. Chief Roy Williams…
Cut 9 (11) “…and a suspect.”
Williams says the suspect claims it was unintentional, but the chief plans on forwarding the results of his investigation to the local district attorney’s office.

06.29.22
by

10:30 LRN Newscast

The U-S Supreme Court has halted an effort for Louisiana to have two black majority Congressional districts. That means the 2022 Congressional election will use the map approved by the Republican-led Legislature that has one majority Black district out of six. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields has been leading the push for a second majority minority district.
cut 14 (11) “….ruling of the court”
Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry says he’s grateful the Supreme Court ended this legal circus.

Fair Fight Initiative, which is a group of lawyers, say they will provide free legal services for anyone who is charged for participating in an abortion. Attorney David Utter…
cut 12 (09) “….been healthcare”
A New Orleans judge has put a hold on Louisiana’s abortion ban trigger laws.

A law set to get into effect on August first, would make it illegal to send drugs through the mail that can result in an abortion. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt is author of the legislation…
cut 6 (10) “….with these pills”
The Food and Drug Administration approved the drugs 20 years ago and the U-S Attorney General says states can not ban these drugs.

We are heading into the fourth of July weekend. Todd Tullier with Louisiana Fireworks says so far, sales have been in line with what he’s seen the past few years. He expects with the high price of gas, and the 4th of July falling on a Monday, people may be more interested in some explosive at-home entertainment…..
cut 8 (09) “….do it themselves”
Tullier says the COVID pandemic generated a boost in sales as public gatherings were limited and families were forced to stay home.

06.29.22
by

6:45 LRN Sportscast

I’m Kevin Gallagher and this Louisiana Radio Network Sportscast is brought to you be tele-leaf-dot-com, Louisiana’s access to medical marijuana from the comfort of your home.

Is LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson done plucking players out of the transfer portal. So far three position players have made the announcement they are transferring to LSU. And two pitchers have also committed to the Tigers.

It all started when Creighton Pitcher Dylan Tebrake announced his plans to transfer to LSU in mid-June. Tebrake has been the top pitcher in the Big East the last two seasons and could still decide to play professional baseball if a Major League team offers him enough money.

Vanderbilt right-hander Christian Little is also heading to LSU after appearing in 18 games for the Commodores this past season.

LSU is also re-tooling its infield with the help of the transfer portal. North Carolina State’s Tommy White blasted 27 home runs as a freshman for the Wolfpack, Baylor starting shortstop Jake Pineda is also heading to BAton Rouge after hitting three-hundred last season. And Vanderbilt shortstop Carter Young is also on his way to LSU.

_________________________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech baseball is getting some players out of the transfer portal. Texas A-and-M pitcher Rawley Hector has announced he’s heading to Ruston to play for the Bulldogs next season. Hector appeared in just nine games for the Aggies last season and had an E-R-A close to eight.

And Baseball Coach Lane Burroughs has named Cooper Fouts to his staff. He’ll serve as the team’s recruiting coordinator and pitching and catching coordinator. Fouts was formerly at Purdue and has 16 seasons of collegiate coaching experience including two stints at Pepperdine.

U-N-O second baseman Amani Larry is transferring to Mississippi State. The former Parkway star finished third in the Southland this past season in batting average and runs driven in. He led the league in runs scored with 67.

Former LSU Tiger and most recently a Rams Super Bowl Champion, Andrew Whitworth, will serve as a studio analyst for Amazon’s broadcasts of Thursday night football. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is up for an ESPY for comeback player of the year.

06.28.22
by

LRN PM Newscall June 28

Oil & Gas Industry leaders are calling on President Joe Biden to look inward for solutions to record-high gas prices. David Grubb has more…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m David Grubb.”

______________________________________

A class action lawsuit against homebuilder D.R. Horton alleges the company is not building homes to properly withstand the heat and humidity in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

______________________________________

After receiving a tip, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cites 40-year-old Caleb Hudson of Breaux Bridge for illegal possession of two venomous and restricted snakes. Adam Einck with LDWF says agents found two snakes in plastic totes inside Hudson’s home.

Cut 3 (05) “…his possession.”

Einck says copperheads are on the list of restricted snakes in Louisiana and being in possession of venomous and restricted snakes can be costly.

Cut 4  (10) “…as well.”

As for the two snakes, they’ll remain in the state, Einck says agents seized the copperheads and donated them to two separate zoos in Louisiana.

Cut 5  (05) “…Alexandria Zoo.”

____________________________________________

Dozens of leaders within the oil and gas industry have signed off on a letter to President Joe Biden, urging him to visit domestic energy facilities prior to a scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia next month. Tommy Faucheux, president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association says that before the President considers asking other nations to increase their production, he’d like him to take a closer look at how to do so here at home.

Cut 6 (09) ” …energy companies.” 

Faucheux says that he understands the White House’s commitment to reducing fossil fuel emissions, however, he believes that the goals of reducing emissions and producing enough energy for American families can both be accomplished.

Cut 7 (11) “…or the other.” 

Oil & Gas industry leaders say they would like to see a shift in policy from President Biden and the Department of the Interior that addresses the current problems in production as well as prepares the US for the future.

Cut 8 (12) “…carbon emissions.”

________________________________________________

A class-action lawsuit against homebuilder D.R. Horton alleges the company is not building homes to properly withstand the heat and humidity in Louisiana. Attorney Lance Unglesby says after receiving calls from several homeowners they had experts inspect the homes and they found high humidity levels.

Cut 9 (09) “…grow mold.”

Unglesby says the homes do not have proper ventilation in the attic and their HVAC systems are unable to handle the excessive humidity.

James Brown the attorney representing D. R. Horton denies the allegations their homes are not built properly. Brown says D-R Horton homes meet all the state building codes and are properly inspected throughout the construction process.

Cut 10 (09) “…warranty act.” 

When asked how many homeowners had used the warranty in Louisiana, Brown said he did not have that information.

D. R. Horton issued a statement saying, “The health and safety of our homeowners is a top priority, and D.R. Horton is committed to superior customer service and building quality homes.” Unglesby says photos prove otherwise and the homebuilder should defend their case in court and not hide it in arbitration.

Cut 11 (11)  “…feel better.” 

Brown says there’s a clear arbitration clause in the purchase of a D. R. Horton home and the process is more expedient and he disagrees with Unglesby claim the homebuilder is trying to hide behind arbitration.

Cut 12 (12) “…a lot cheaper.”  

A hearing is set for August 1st to decide if the matter will go to court or arbitration.

______________________________________________________________

Minden Mayor Terry Gardner passed away today at the age of 68 after a battle with cancer. Gardner publicly announced on May 24th he had pancreatic cancer and it also spread to his liver. Minden Councilwoman Pam Bloxom says Mayor Gardner was the ultimate supporter of Minden…

Cut 13 (05) “…Terry Gardner.”

Mayor Gardner was in his first term as he took office in January of 2019. Bloxom says he worked at getting Minden on firm financial ground, worked hand-in-hand with small business owners and the former landscaper also worked to improve Minden’s appearance…

Cut 14 (11)  “…spotlessly clean” 

Gardner was seeking re-election and Bloxom says he’ll be missed

Cut 15 (08) “…to fill” 

06.28.22
by

1:30 LRN Newscast

Oil & Gas Industry leaders are calling on President Joe Biden to look inward for solutions to record-high gas prices. David Grubb has more…
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m David Grubb.”

Gas prices are on the decline. According to Triple-A, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline fell another penny from yesterday to $4.43. That’s eight cents lower than a week ago.

A class-action lawsuit has been filed against D-R Horton, claiming the home builder has built poorly ventilated homes across south Louisiana which has led to high humidity inside and mold. An attorney from D-R Horton says their homes are built to industry standards and local building codes, but attorney Lance Unglesby says the homeowners he represents believe differently…
cut 11 (11) “…feel better”
The next court hearing is August 1st.

In northwest Louisiana, the mayor of Minden has passed. Terry Gardner lost his bout with cancer at the age of 68. It was just last month Gardner announced he had pancreatic cancer, which spread to his liver. Council woman Pamela Bloxom says he’ll be missed…
cut 15 (08) “…to fill”

06.28.22
by

9:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana’s three abortion clinics can resume operations this week after a New Orleans judge put a temporary hold on a law that bans abortions in Louisiana. Sarah Zagorski with Louisiana Right to Life hopes pregnant women look at other options and there are programs in place…
cut 6 (07) “…that situation”
A hearing is scheduled for July eighth for Orleans Parish District Judge Robin Giarusso to hear arguments over the state’s abortion ban that was set to go into effect once Roe versus Wade was overturned. Pro-choice groups call the law constitutionally vague.

A week trough of low pressure south of the Louisiana coast continues to drift towards Texas. The National Hurricane Center says there is a low chance the system will develop into a tropical depression, the but disturbance will continue to bring rain and thunderstorms to Louisiana through the middle of the week.

Louisiana is experiencing an influx of sports bettors from Texas as it’s not legal to bet on sports in the Lone Star State. Kevin Gallagher has the story…
Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder can not run for re-election for his seat in Ascension Parish, which is why he’s strongly considering a run for Lt. Governor…
cut 8 (14) “….legislative side”
Schexnayder plans to make an official announcement later this summer.

06.28.22
by

8:30 LRN Newscast

A temporary restraining order is in effect against trigger laws in Louisiana and in the meantime, abortions can continue in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more form a pro-life organization.
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Gas prices continue to decline. According to Triple-A statewide average fell another penny from yesterday to $4.43 and that’s eight cents lower than a week ago. Economic fears of a potential global recession has led to a lower demand for oil, dropping the price for a barrel of oil.

Sports betting has been legal in Louisiana for six months and it’s resulted in 12.5 million dollars in tax revenues for the state. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says sports betting has been a nice addition for the gaming industry, but casinos are reporting a decline in spending for amenities due to inflation, rising interest and high gas prices…
Cut 15 (10) “…activities.”

With the cost of living on the rise some college students are struggling with food insecurity. University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson says help is on the way as the governor has signed a bill that establishes colleges as a “hunger-free campus”….
cut 12 (07) “…opportune time”
The law establishes a task force to create action plans focused on food insecurities on college campuses.

06.28.22
by

7:30 LRN Newscast

Abortions can resume in Louisiana today after a New Orleans judge put a temporary hold on a trigger law that made abortions illegal as a result of the Supreme Court overturning Roe versus Wade. Sarah Zagorski with the Louisiana Right to Life says they are working with Attorney General Jeff Landry to fight the restraining order…
cut 5 (08) “….that he can”
A hearing on the trigger ban is scheduled for July 8th. A lawsuit says the state’s trigger laws are vague and do not spell out what conduct is exactly prohibited.

At the Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention, Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder told attendees he plans on running for Lt. Governor…
cut 9 (09) “….forward as well”
Schexnayder says a formal announcement could come later this summer.

Legalized sports betting is six months old and Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says the activity has generated an additional 12.5 million dollars in tax revenues for the state. Johns says a portion of that money goes towards early education…
cut 14 (12) “….sports betting”
Johns says 80-percent of legal sports betting is conducted through mobile platforms.

Governor Edwards has signed a bill that requires the Board of Regents to establish a Hunger-Free Campus designation program. University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson says food insecurity is a major issue for some college students…
cut 11 (06) “…be successful”
When Henderson was the president at Northwestern State, students started a food pantry on campus and it quickly expanded due to demand.