Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

01.04.22
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LRN PM Newscall January 4

As kids return to the classroom, some systems are reinstating the use of face masks as COVID cases surge once again. Brooke Thorington has more from Louisiana’s Superintendent of Education.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana has surpassed 15-thousand COVID deaths since March 2020. Jeff Palermo reports on whether the rate of COVID deaths will slow…

Cut 2 (27)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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The school bell is ringing once again in Louisiana and with COVID cases back on the rise some school systems are reinstating mitigation practices. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says the decision about face masks is best made locally.

Cut 3 (10) “…their kids.”

Research indicates having students in the classroom is best for everyone and Brumley says systems should do all they can to do so as safely as possible.

Brumley says as long as there isn’t a statewide mask mandate the department’s stance on the issue is that it’s a local decision, and because parents are very impassioned about face masks on both sides of the issue, he recommends they reach out to local school leaders.

Cut 4 (07) “…for kids.”

When it comes to vaccines Brumley says he’s thankful they are available for the majority of school-age children now and he advises parents to discuss the matter with their healthcare provider.

Cut 5 (11) “…parent’s decision.”

In addition to COVID, Louisiana schools have had to adjust for hurricanes, winter storms, and flooding the past two school years and Brumley says through it all schools have managed to keep students in the classroom for the most part.

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The state is reporting 15-thousand COVID deaths since the pandemic started, but could we see fewer COVID deaths in the months ahead. Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says one hopeful sign is that the mortality rate with the Omicron verge does not seem to be as severe as it was with the Delta surge…

 Cut 6 (11) “…the virus” 

Hassig says the best way to prevent death from COVID is getting vaccinated and keeping up with the boosters, but that’s a concern in Louisiana, which has one of the nation’s lowest vaccination rates as 50-percent of the population has completed the vaccine series…

Cut 7 (12) “…more people vaccinated” 

Hassig says while its possible the rate of deaths from COVID may slow down, the concern remains about hospitals being inundated with sick COVID patients and not having the ability to properly treat other diseases…

Cut 8 (13) “…COVID there” 

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The first fire fatality in Louisiana for 2022 occurred Sunday night in West Monroe claiming the life of a 69-year-old man and his dog. State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says firefighters learned the occupant initially escaped the blaze but re-entered his home in an attempt to save his pet…

Cut 9 (12) “…your life for”

Firefighters located the man’s body in the living room and the remains of his dog in a bedroom. Rodrigue says investigators have not been able to pinpoint an actual cause but have determined where it started…

Cut 10 (06)  “…electrical in nature”

Official identification is still pending but it’s believed the victim is the tenant. Deputies didn’t locate working smoke alarms but Rodrigue says even with working fire alarms staying out is of the utmost importance…

Cut  11 (10)  “…and staying out” 

Families in need of a fire alarm can get help through the Operation Save-A-Life program which provides free fire alarm installation through local fire departments.

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A 15-year has been arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Murder in connection with a New Year’s Eve fatal shooting in St. Landry Parish. Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says the victim has been identified as 38-year-old Keith Adam Joseph from Washington, Louisiana…

Cut 12 (10) “…once in the chest”  

Just before midnight Friday, deputies were dispatched to a Washington home. Guidroz says the juvenile fled the scene prior to their arrival…

Cut 13 (09) “….surrounding the incident. “

The teen was also charged with Juvenile in Possession of a Firearm.

Those with any information about the crime are urged to contact the St Landry Crime Stoppers by calling 948-TIPS. Guidroz says this is just another case in a larger issue…

Cut 14 (06)  “…it appears.” 

The investigation is still ongoing.

01.04.22
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11:40 LRN Sportscast January 4

LSU has about 40 scholarship players available for tonight’s Texas Bowl matchup with Kansas State. The Tigers will have a skeleton crew out there because of players entering the transfer portal, opt-outs, suspensions and COVID protocols. But interim head coach Brad Davis says the goal remains to win the football game
Cut 16 (15) “…from me.”
The Wildcats are favorite by a touchdown and it’s unclear who will start at quarterback. Many are speculating it will be Jontre Kirkland who starts at Q-B as Garrett Nussmeier will not play in order to preserve his red-shirt season.

Ragin Cajuns running back Montrell Johnson has reportedly entered the transfer portal. Johnson was the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year this past season after rushing for 833 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The 21st ranked LSU men’s basketball team looks to bounce back from its first loss of the season by hosting 16th ranked Kentucky at 6 PM. The Wildcats lead the SEC in scoring, averaging nearly 84 points a game. Tigers coach Will Wade says Kentucky is excellent in the half court…
cut 20 (16) “…in transition” (2x)
Kentucky is 11-and-2 and is led by six-foot-nine forward Oscar Tshiebwe (SHEE-bway), who is averaging 16 points and 15 rebounds a game.

The Pelicans lost to the Utah Jazz last night 115 to 104 in the Smoothie King Center as Utah hit 19 three-pointers. Brandon Ingram returned after suffering an Achilles injury had just ten points. New Orleans hosts the Phoenix Suns tonight.

01.04.22
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10:30 LRN newscast January 4

Children return to school this week and with the state breaking records for new COVID cases some school systems are reinstating mitigation practices. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says the decision about face masks is best made locally.
Cut 3 (10) “…their kids.”

Parish Rice owner Michael Fruge of Eunice is growing rice called Parish Rice that’s found to have 53-percent more protein and a glycemic index of 41 out of 100. Fruge and one of his growing partners have learned the low glycemic level allows diabetics to eat rice without needing to worry as much about the sugar level…
cut 8 (08) “…a significant deal”
To find out more go to parish-rice-dot-com.

Long lines were seen at the state’s nine medical marijuana pharmacies yesterday as patients were eager to get their hands on the smokeable form of medical marijuana which became legal in Louisiana on New Year’s Day. According to the Advocate newspaper, prices range from 10 to 25 dollars a gram some patients say that’s too high.

The northwest Louisiana town of Minden is set to be featured on HGTV’s newest series Home Town Kickstart. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

01.04.22
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8:30 LRN Newscast January 4

Another cold start to the morning, but we’ll begin to warm up today. COVID hospitalizations have quadrupled over the last month to 1,106 and COVID deaths since the pandemic started have surpassed 15-thousand. LSU football plays in the Texas Bowl tonight against Kansas State.

And on LSU’s campus tonight, the basketball court inside the PMAC will be named after former head coach Dale Brown. Kevin Gallagher has more…
cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

A new and healthier type of white rice has been developed in Louisiana. It’s called Parish Rice and it has 53% more protein and a glycemic index of 41 out of 100, the lowest of any white rice on the market. Parish Rice owner Michael Fruge of Eunice says many people avoid rice for health reasons, but he wants to educate the public on how much rice has changed…
Cut 7 (09) “…different options.”
Parish Rice can also be found in select stores in southwest Louisiana and at parish-rice-dot-com.

Film crews are in Minden as H-G-T-V is featuring the Webster Parish town in a new series called Home Town Kickstart. The TV show will help revitalize Minden. Community activists Rachel Miller and Sarah McDaniel applied for H-G-T-V to feature Minden in this new show…
cut 12 (08) “…we’re chosen”
The series will air late in the spring.

01.04.22
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7:30 LRN Newscast January 4

Long lines were seen at the state’s nine medical marijuana pharmacies yesterday as patients were eager to get their hands on the smokeable form of medical marijuana which became legal in Louisiana on New Year’s Day. According to the Advocate newspaper, prices range from 10 to 25 dollars a gram.

The northwest Louisiana town of Minden is set to be featured on HGTV’s newest series Home Town Kickstart. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Inflation has spurred an increase in benefits for those on social security and individuals who receive veterans benefits and cash assistance through the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program. Louisiana DCFS Assistant Secretary Monica Brown says it’s the first increase in FITAP (pronounced Fi-tap) that she can remember.
Cut 4 (08) “….almost double.”
Brown says for example monthly benefits for an average family of three increase from $240 to $484 this month.

Legendary LSU basketball coach Dale Brown will be honored during tonight’s home game against Kentucky when the court inside the PMAC is officially named after him. Brown says it is a singular honor, but he must share the credit…:
Cut 13 (09) “…trusted in LSU in-game.”
The 86-year-old Brown won 448 games at LSU and led the Tigers to two Final Four appearances.

01.04.22
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6:45 LRN Sportscast January 4

LSU football closes out of the season tonight by facing Kansas State in the Texas Bowl. It’s unclear who will start at quarterback for the Bayou Bengals. On the depth chart, Garrett Nussmeier is listed as the starting QB, but he might not play tonight, because he would lose the ability to call this a red-shirt season. That means wide receiver and former Lutcher star Jontre Kirkland could line up at quarterback. Interim head coach Brad Davis says whoever starts at Q-B, they want to be consistent…
Cut 17 (15) “ …good game.”
On defense, LSU will need to figure out a way to slow down Wildcats running back Deuce Vaughn, who has rushed for 12-hundred yards and averages nearly six yards a carry. Kick-off is at 8 PM.

The 21st ranked LSU men’s basketball team looks to bounce back from its first loss of the season by hosting 16th ranked Kentucky at 6 PM. The Wildcats lead the SEC in scoring, averaging nearly 84 points a game. Tigers coach Will Wade says Kentucky is excellent in the half court…
cut 20 (16) “…in transition”
Kentucky is 11-and-2 and is led by six-foot-nine forward Oscar Tshiebwe (SHEE-bway), who is averaging 16 points and 15 rebounds a game.

Louisiana Tech men’s basketball has been named ESPN’s Team of the Week for its victories Marshall and Western Kentucky to begin Conference USA play. And Cobe Williams was voted CUSA player of the week as the sophomore guard averaged 20 points in those two victories.

01.04.22
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6:30 LRN Newscast

The state health department reports 24-thousand new COVID cases over the New Year’s Eve holiday and hospitalizations have quadrupled over the past month with 11-hundred people hospitalized with complications from the virus. 50 of those patients are in need of a ventilator.

A new and more nutritious type of white rice that has more protein and a lower glycemic index score has been developed in Louisiana. Erik Piccoli has the story…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

Residents who are on social security or veterans benefits will see a cost of living adjustment of nearly six percent this year. One of the largest increases in recent memory. And Louisiana DCFS Assistant Secretary Monica Brown says because the state is still under an emergency health order, SNAP recipients who are also on social security or receive V-A benefits will see the maximum amount from SNAP…
cut 5 (08) “….in a month”

It’s a big day for LSU sports. The football team faces Kansas State in the Texas Bowl and the 21st ranked basketball team hosts 16th ranked Kentucky. And tonight LSU officially renames the court after former head coach Dale Brown….
cut 14 (14) “…being really truthful”
Tonight’s game will tip off at 6 PM.

01.03.22
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16:45 LRN Sportscast January 3

The Saints kept their playoff hopes alive with an 18-10 win over the struggling Panthers yesterday. The defense led the way as they sacked Carolina quarterback Sam Darnold seven times. Defensive end Cam Jordan had 3.5 sacks and cornerback C-J Gardner-Johnson had the game-sealing interception. Gardner Johnson credits the defensive line
Cut 18 (18) “ ..one on one”
If the Saints beat Atlanta on Sunday and the 49ers lose to the Rams, New Orleans is in the playoffs. Linebacker Demario Davis is glad the 17th game of the season has meaning…
Cut 11 (11) “…with it”
Kick-off is at 3:25.

The LSU Tigers have fallen five spots to number 21 in both college basketball polls after suffering their first loss of the season last week to ninth-ranked Auburn. Tomorrow night, the Tigers will host 16th ranked Kentucky and they’ll officially name the court inside the PMAC after legendary coach Dale Brown. Tip-off is at 6:00.

After winning their 13th straight game yesterday with a 75-66 win over Texas A-and-M, the Lady Tigers are up to number 13 in the A-P Poll. LSU will try to improve to 3-0 in the SEC when they host top-ranked South Carolina on Thursday.

Louisiana Tech men’s basketball has been named ESPN’s Team of the Week for its victories Marshall and Western Kentucky to begin Conference USA play. And Cobe Williams was voted CUSA player of the week as the sophomore guard averaged 20 points a game in the Bulldogs two victories at home. Tech is at UTEP on Thursday.

The Pelicans host Utah Jazz. Starting center Jonas Valanciunas is back in the lineup after missing Saturday’s loss to Milwaukee because of COVID protocols.

01.03.22
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LRN PM Newscall January 3

Senator Bill Cassidy’s Surprise Medical Bill legislation which helps patients avoid paying for out-of-network services has gone into effect. Erik Piccioli has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

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There’s quite a chill in the air in the Bayou State to keep off the first work week of the new year. Jeff Palermo has the low down on the low temps.

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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State police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Jackson Parish. Trooper Michael Reichardt says the sheriff’s office received a call Saturday that 63-year-old Michael Dobbins broke into a Chatham residence assaulted one person and then fled the scene. But hours later he was found behind some abandoned cars.

Cut 3 (12) “…at the scene.”

Reichardt says it was a long day for sheriff’s deputies, he says before they received a call that Dobbins was in a residence assaulting one person and threatening to kill another, they believe Dobbins broke into a vehicle and stole a gun.

Cut 4 (08) “…for a little while.”

Reichardt says considering all the incidents Dobbins was allegedly involved in Saturday they are thankful no one else was severely injured in the shootout.

Cut 5 (07) “…was hurt.”

The incident remains under investigation.

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Senator Bill Cassidy’s Surprise Medical Bill legislation preventing patients from paying unexpected fees after going to the hospital is now in effect. Cassidy says this is one of the first steps towards getting price transparency but there’s still a lot to be done…

 Cut 6 (08) “…that’s never been the case” 

The legislation prevents patients from paying out-of-network costs for emergency services and if some of the equipment or personnel is not in your network then the patient must be informed, given an estimate, and allowed to find someone in-network.

Cassidy says he’s heard of insurance companies playing games by not going in-network with doctors knowing it would put the patient at risk for the cost but now patients are no longer at risk…

Cut 7 (07) “…is out of the middle” 

If you leave the hospital with a higher bill than anticipated, Cassidy suggests first checking with your insurance company to see what the issue is along with contacting the Louisiana Department of Insurance at 1-800-259-5300. Cassidy says patients have recourse with this new law…

Cut 8 (11) “…to pay more” 

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The Saints still have a shot at making the playoffs even though they’ve scored just one touchdown in the last three games. New Orleans defense produced seven sacks in an 18-10 win over Carolina yesterday. Defensive end Cam Jordan had 3.5 sacks and says holding the Panthers to only 88 yards rushing was also a key…

Cut 9 (10) “…just sacks”

Sunday’s victory gives New Orleans an 8-and-8 record and some of the recent wins have been ugly as a result of an offense missing starters on the o-line. Linebacker Demario Davis says the defense doesn’t have a problem with stepping up its game…

Cut 10 (10)  “…that opportunity”

If the Saints beat Atlanta on Sunday and the 49ers lose to the Rams, New Orleans is in the playoffs. Davis is glad the 17th game of the season has meaning…

Cut  11 (11)  “…with it” 

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Louisianans needed much more than a light jacket as they ventured out into the frozen tundra this morning. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it was quite a contrast to the unseasonably warm temps the Bayou State was experiencing.

Cut 12 (12) “…down to 35”  

Keim says we’ll only see highs in the upper 40s today so don’t expect the sun to warm us up too much.

As for Tuesday AM, Keim says it will be much of a repeat of this morning with basically everything north of I-10 waking up to freezing temps.

Cut 13 (10) “….and Thursday. “

With another chilly night on tap, many will be using space heaters to keep warm. State Fire Marshal’s Office Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says keep anything that can catch on fire at least three to five feet away from the heating unit.

Cut 14 (10)  “…a chain.” 

Rodrigue also reminds you to never use your stove or oven to heat a home because it increases your chances of fire and or carbon monoxide poisoning.

01.03.22
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints are still alive for a playoff berth in the NFC after beating Carolina 18-10 yesterday. It was another dominating performance by the defense as they sacked Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold seven times. Coach Sean Payton credits the defense for keeping their playoff hopes alive…
cut 20 (15) “…takeaways”
In order for the Saints to get the last spot in the NFC playoffs, New Orleans will need to beat Atlanta on Sunday and the 49ers would have to lose to the Rams. Both games will kick off at 3:25.

Joe Burrow and Ja”Marr Chase and the Cincinnati Bengals are champions of the AFC North after rallying to beat the Kansas City Cheifs 34-31. Chase set an NFL rookie record with 266 yards receiving.

The LSU Tigers have released their depth chart ahead of tomorrow night’s Texas Bowl matchup against Kansas State and the Bayou Bengals only have 44 scholarship players on the depth chart. Damon Clark, Neil Farrell and Tyrion Davis-Price are some of the top players who have opted out. Despite the key absences, interim head coach Brad Davis says the preparation has been good…
cut 17 (17) “….victorious”
New Head coach Brian Kelly is with the team in Houston, but will not coach the team tomorrow night. Kelly has made his offensive coordinator hire public. Mike Denbrock is leaving Cincinnati as the Bearkats offensive coordinator to be the O-C in Baton Rouge. Denbrock has coached with Kelly at Notre Dame and Grand Valley State. Kelly says Denbrock is one of the best offensive minds in the game.