Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

03.17.22
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7:30 LRN Newscast March 17

The state health department is reporting the number of COVID hospitalizations is down to 182. That’s the lowest that number has been since the state began keeping track of COVID hospitalizations two years ago. The Ochsner Health System says the state is reporting a seven-day average of 182 cases a day, also a new low.

First responders located an abandoned infant in north Baton Rouge by helicopter, alive and well in a church parking lot. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The state department of transportation says they’ve identified three contractors who can build a new Jimmie Davis Bridge, which connects Caddo and Bossier parishes. Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says in order to speed up the process and control costs, DOTD is utilizing the design-build method…
cut 8 (13) “….delivery method”
The 150-million dollar project is fully funded through a combination of federal and state dollars and construction is expected to begin early next year.

The first week of the legislative session concludes today. During his Ask the governor show, Governor John Bel Edwards is hopeful positive bills, not divisive ones reach his desk..
cut 12 (12) “…look forward”
The session ends on June sixth.

03.17.22
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

Today is one of the best sports days of the year as the first round of the NCAA Tournament tips off. The first game begins at 11:15 when Michigan meets Colorado State. Tomorrow, LSU will face Iowa State in Milwaukee in a six versus 11 seed match-up. The Tigers made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament last year but interim head coach Kevin Nickelberry says this year’s experience will be different…
cut 17 (19) “….we’ll see”

Last night in the N-I-T, S-M-U ended Nicholls season as the Mustangs galloped past the Colonels 68-58. Devante Carter had 20 points and seven assists in a losing effort.

Southeastern Louisiana lost to South Alabama 70-68 in the first round of the inaugural The Basketball Classic postseason tournament.

The Lady Tigers are getting ready for their first-round NCAA Tournament matchup against Jackson State. LSU is 25-and-5 and first-year head coach Kim Mulkey is getting a lot of the credit, but Mulkey says LSU couldn’t have the season it has had, without seniors Khayla Pointer, Jalin Cherry and Faustine Aifuwa…
cut 19 (20) “….starts with them”
Pointer has been named a second-team All-American.

In college baseball last night, the Ragin Cajuns outscored McNeese ten to eight. It’s the second straight game U-L Lafayette had 17 hits. Will Veillon, Heath Hood and Julian Brock each had three hits.

And Tulane topped Nicholls five to three.

Texas swept the Cajuns in a softball doubleheader.

03.17.22
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6:30 LRN Newscast March 17

On his Ask the Governor Show, Governor Edwards said he hopes Louisiana’s U-S Senators will vote to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U-S Supreme Court…
cut 10 (11) “….for her”
Edwards says Judge Brown is qualified and experienced and has support from groups of different political leanings. Confirmation hearings for Jackson begin Monday.

A report from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs recommends the closure of the Alexandria VA hospital. The report is the result of the 2018 Mission Act, which required an assessment of American vets’ current and future health care needs. Senator Bill Cassidy says the same law also requires a safety net for those the Alexandria VA facility would treat…:
Cut 4 (09) “…their private doctor.”
The senator says the report is – just a report. No action has been taken and, there’s no assurance the VA medical center in Pineville WILL close.

A new Jimmie Davis Bridge in northwest Louisiana has taken another step closer to becoming a reality. David Grubb has more…
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

03.16.22
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LRN PM Newscall March 16

If you’re filling up your vehicle today, you might notice an ever so slight decrease in prices. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The state’s oil and gas industry is on a steady climb back after struggling through the pandemic. David Grubb has more.

Cut 2 (31)…I’m David Grubb.”  

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The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $4.13, down two cents from the record high of $4.15 set on Friday.  Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says it’s too soon to say if prices have peaked at the pump.

Cut 3 (11) “…and Russia.”

Redman believes if peace negotiations are reached then gas savings will continue. Another factor that’s dropped the price of crude oil is the possibility of another COVID lockdown in China which would reduce demand.

And while prices jumped quickly, they won’t necessarily fall at the same speed. Redman says that’s because when forecasters estimated crude oil prices could reach $200 a barrel many distributors locked-in prices for example at $130 a barrel.

Cut 4 (07) “…month contract.”

As for making any drastic budget changes in hopes that gas prices will continue to decline, Redman recommends budgeting for $4.00 a gallon at least until May and practice fuel efficiency.

Cut 5 (08) “…one trip.”

The average price for diesel in Louisiana today is $4.97 a gallon.

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The U-S Senate has approved legislation to make daylight saving time permanent. It was a unanimous vote in support on the Senate side, but still needs House approval and President Biden’s signature. State Representative Dodie Horton from Haughton is a supporter of Daylight Saving Time year-round…

 Cut 6  (07) “…energy cost saving” 

Horton authored legislation in 2020 that was signed into law that would allow Louisiana to adopt daylight saving time as the year-round standard if the federal government gave states the option to decide. Horton says she’s excited to see the Senate unanimously vote to make daylight saving time permanent…

Cut 7 (12) “…they represent” 

Daylight Saving time runs from March to October. During standard time, clocks are moved an up hour. If Daylight Saving time is year-round, the sun will not rise in January until well after 7 AM. But Horton believes changing clocks twice a year is a bigger problem for the public…

Cut 8 (09) “…their life” 

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According to the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, requests for drilling permits have been steadily climbing as gas prices continue to rise. Communications director Patrick Courreges says after seeing a wave of COVID closures in 2020, the oil and gas industry has bounced back as prices have stabilized.

Cut 9 (12) “…they’re doing again.”

Over the past year, DNS has seen a 28 percent increase in permits, and Courreges says that numbers continue to trend upward.

Cut 10 (12)  “…in December.”

In 2020 roughly 26 rigs were operating. This year, that number has nearly doubled with more coming down the proverbial pipeline. Courrages says companies are ready once again to make major investments in people and equipment.

Cut 11 (09)  “…getting out there.”  

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made an emotional plea to the United States Congress today that his country needs more assistance from America to help fend off Russia’s assault on his nation. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says the U-S wants to help

Cut 12 (14) “…liberty and guts.” 

Zelensky spoke to federal lawmakers via video from his office in Kyiv. Kennedy says Zelensky made it clear he’s not asking for American troops, but military aid to combat Russian warplanes…

Cut 13 (10) “…to him.”

After Zelensky’s address to Congress, President Biden announced plans to send an additional 800-million dollars in military aid to Ukraine. Kennedy says in an ironic twist it’s Russia who established the precedent when it comes to providing another country with anti-aircraft systems…

Cut 14 (11)  “…here they are”  

03.16.22
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11:30 LRN Newscast March 16

Lawmakers heard from Ronald Greene’s mother and even had tense exchanges with former state police Col Kevin Reeves during a special committee investigating Greene’s 2019 fatal arrest. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (45) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana today is $4.13, down two cents from the record high of $4.15 last Friday. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says while a slight decrease is hopeful it’s too soon to say if prices at the pump have peaked.
Cut 3 (11) “…and Russia.”
Redman believes if peace negotiations are reached then gas savings will continue.

After 24 months, Governor John Bel Edwards’ COVID public health emergency order expires today as the state has seen a significant drop in cases and hospitalizations, plus there is a wide availability of vaccines. Tulane epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig is concerned because lifting the emergency order sends a message the crisis is over…
cut 9 (08) “….I’m concerned about”

03.16.22
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8:30 LRN Newscast March 16

Lawmakers heard from Ronald Greene’s mother and even had tense exchanges with former state police Col Kevin Reeves during a special committee investigating Greene’s 2019 fatal arrest. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (45) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

For the first time in two years, Louisiana is not under a public health emergency order for COVID. Governor John Bel Edwards is allowing his latest order to expire today, as the state has seen a decrease in cases and hospitalizations. But Tulane epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says there’s still a possibility of another surge, so save your masks, get vaccinated and boosted if you are not and…
cut 10 (12) “…going forward”

Former LSU star and Rams offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth has decided to go out on top after 16 seasons in the NFL as the West Monroe native has retired from professional football. Lifelong friend Rick Guillot says today is a day for celebrating
Cut 14 (12) “…better than that.”
Guillot expects Whitworth to remain involved in the game.

03.16.22
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7:30 LRN Newscast March 16

Former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves denied accusations that State Police was involved in a coverup in the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. Reeves testified before a special House committee investigating the Greene case. During questioning, lawmakers accused Reeves of being disengaged for not being more involved in the investigation into Greene’s death, who died after he was beaten and tased by State Troopers. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan found Reeves’ hands-off approach alarming…
cut 7 (10) “…do these things”
Greene’s mother, Mona Hardin, watched as the testimony unfolded and broke down in tears when New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes called Greene’s death a murder…
cut 6 (12) “…I’m sorry”
Federal and state prosecutors have not charged the troopers involved in Greene’s arrest.

Governor John Bel Edwards is backing legislation that would create a non-partisan commission to help legislators in future redistricting sessions…
cut 12 (07) “…isn’t working”
Edwards says despite an increase in the state’s Black population, none of the maps approved by the Republican-led Legislature last month features additional majority-minority districts. GOP legislators are confident the maps they drew are legal and in compliance with the Voting Rights Act.

Rams offensive tackle and former LSU star and West Monroe standout Andrew Whitworth has announced his retirement from the NFL after 16 seasons. The 40-year-old was the oldest offensive lineman to start in the Super Bowl last month and a key component for ten playoff teams. Former high school teammate Rick Guillot believes Whitworth will be enshrined in Canton, Ohio…
cut 15 (10) “…Hall of Fame”

03.16.22
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6:45 LRN Sportscast March 16

NFL free agency officially begins today and the Saints have a number of holes to fill, the biggest at starting quarterback. Rod Walker covers the Saints for the Advocate Newspaper and says if the team fails in its pursuit of Texas QB Deshaun Watson, they could lose out on re-signing Jameis Winston, who went five and two as a starter last season…
cut 17 (12) “….after all”
The Deshaun Watson trade sweepstakes could come to an end today as Houston could pull the trigger on a trade today.

New Orleans has lost safety Marcus Williams to free agency. The second-round pick in the 2017 draft has signed a five-year, 70-million dollar deal with the Ravens. But the Saints have found his replacement as they’ve reportedly inked a three-year deal with Marcus Maye. Maye has been a starter with the Jets, but he tore his Achilles last November.

Former LSU Tiger and West Monroe star Andrew Whitworth has announced his retirement at the age of 40 and after 16 NFL seasons. Whitworth was just honored as the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year and he also goes out on top, winning his first Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams.

What’s next immediately for Whitworth is up in the air. Coaching, broadcasting, and even joining the Rams front office are all possibilities. West Monroe native Rick Guillot, who also serves on the board of Whitworth’s foundation, says his dedication to making a difference for others is one thing that won’t be in question.
Cut 16 (12) “…already made.”

In college baseball last night, fourth-ranked LSU held off Tulane seven to five for its fifth straight win. Right-hander Eric Reyzelman struck out six of the eight hitters he faces. Southeastern Louisaina upset top-ranked Ole Miss five to one in Hammond. It’s the third victory for the Lions against a ranked opponent this season. Walker Burchfield homered twice as Louisiana Tech doubled up ULM 8-4.

03.16.22
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6:30 LRN Newscast March 16

Former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves denies there was a coverup in the May 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. Reeves made the statement during an emotional hearing in front of a special House committee formed to look into why the Greene family was initially told he died in a car accident, but body camera video shows troopers repeatedly punching and tasing Greene before he died. Reeves also told legislators it was standard procedure to not get involved in such investigations…
Cut 4 (08) “…the report (x2).”
The mother of Ronald Greene, Mona Hardin was disappointed in Reeves’ testimony.
Cut 5 (10) “…directly answered.”
Lawmakers accused Reeves of being disengaged.

Governor John Bel Edwards is behind Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover’s bill that would create an independent panel to help the Legislature with reapportionment the next time the Legislature holds a redistricting session. Edwards says 18 other states have some type of commission…
Cut 11 (09) “… the day”
Edwards vetoed the Congressional District map approved by the Legislature during the redistricting session because it did not have two majority Black districts. But Republican lawmakers say the Black population is not concentrated enough to create two majority-minority districts.

After 24 months, Governor John Bel Edwards’ COVID public health emergency order expires today as the state has seen a significant drop in cases and hospitalizations, plus there is a wide availability of vaccines. Tulane epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig is concerned because lifting the emergency order sends a message the crisis is over…
cut 9 (08) “….I’m concerned about”

03.15.22
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LRN PM Newscall March 15

How safe are Louisiana’s elections? Really safe based on a new report. David Grubb has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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Former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves tells lawmakers there was no cover-up in the 2019 fatal arrest death of Ronald Greene, but legislators believe he should have been more involved in the investigation. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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Election security has been a major topic of discussion dating back to the 2016 presidential election, and in 2021 the Louisiana Legislative Auditor began a review of the Department of State to determine whether election security and integrity were preserved. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the report confirms what he already knew.

Cut 3 (13) “…they deserve.”

Auditors found voter rolls to be more than 99 percent accurate with fewer than three percent of all ballots rejected between the 2016-2018-and 2020 elections. Ardoin says DOS is pursuing legislation that would improve those numbers.

Cut 4 (10) “…to address that.”

Ardoin says that the department has already accepted the auditor’s recommendations for areas of improvement and will continue to research best practices to ensure the accuracy of voter records and ballot totals.

Cut 5 (12) “…is consistent.”

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A 20-year old Baton Rouge man has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his girlfriend and her 2-year old son. Both victims had not been seen in over a week. Baton Rouge Police Lt. Don Coppola says Murphy admitted to the killings.

 Cut 6  (10) “…recovered” 

The victims are 24-year-old Kaylen Johnson and her son, Kayden. There are reports Johnson was pregnant with the suspect’s child.

Johnson and her son were last seen on March 5th and reported missing March 11th. When asked about a motive and how the victims were killed, Coppola responded…

Cut 7 (06) “…determinations” 

Coppola says the bodies of victims were found in separate locations.

Cut 8 (07) “…Thruway area.” 

Murphy is being held without bond in the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

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In an appearance on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster, former LSU President F. King Alexander was asked about the firing of basketball coach Will Wade. Alexander suspended Wade in 2019 for his refusal to meet with university officials to discuss the investigation swirling at the time.

Cut 9 (11) “…to his suspension.”

Alexander and then-athletic director Joe Alleva were subject to harsh criticism from fans at the time, and according to Alexander, several LSU board members as well, who preferred the removal of Alleva to the dismissal of Wade.

Cut 10 (13)  “…was mistreated.”

During the investigation, the FBI refused to share its evidence on Wade with LSU. Alexander says without that evidence, he didn’t have the cause or the support to terminate the coach.

Cut 11 (09)  “…New York Post.”  

Alexander also criticized what he called a pattern of LSU board members catering to athletics rather than focusing on diversification and increasing graduation rates.

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Former State Police Colonel Kevin Reeves denies allegations that State Police tried to cover up the facts surrounding the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. Reeves made the statement while testifying in front of a special legislative committee that’s looking into the death of Greene who died after body camera evidence shows him getting beaten and tased by State Troopers

Cut 12 (06) “…cover up anything.” 

Lawmakers on the panel have accused Reeves of being disengaged and not doing more to follow up after learning there was a violent struggle that turned deadly with a motorist in Union Parish. Baton Rouge Representative Tony Bacala….

Cut 13 (11) “…further details.”

Reeves says he was responsible for State Police during the time of Greene’s death and the investigation. He says he trusted the process and the people involved in the investigation…

Cut 14 (14)  “…in the investigation.”