Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

11.05.21
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11:40 LRN Sportscast November 5

The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting the Saints are expected to start Trevor Siemian at quarterback on Sunday against the Falcons. Rapoport says it’s not a surprise considering how poised Seimian was in relief last week. New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara was impressed with Seimian’s calm demeanor…
cut 20 (10) “…whole time”
Atlanta enters Sunday’s game with a 3-and-4 record, but they have a talented rookie tight end in Kyle Pitts. Pitts has caught 33 passes in seven games. Linebacker Demario Davis says at six-foot-six 250-pounds, Pitts is a tough player to defend on pass plays…
Cut 17 (19) “ ..phenonemal player.”

The Ragin Cajuns won their fourth straight Sun Belt Western Division championship last night as they scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to beat Georgia State 21-17. Montrell Johnson had those two touchdowns as U-L Lafayette improved to 14-and-3 in one-possession games over the last four seasons. Now the Cajuns look to host the conference championship game and they can do so by winning its last two games, starting with a trip to Troy on November 13th.

Add another significant piece of LSU’s defense to the injury list. Starting defensive end Maason Smith is very questionable for the game against Alabama. But Orgeron expects linebacker Micah Baskerville will play despite being limited in practice this week.

11.05.21
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10:30 LRN Newscast

The man sought for a domestic triple-homicide in Shreveport is dead after fleeing east to Franklin Parish where police caught up with him at an apartment complex yesterday. Franklin Sheriff Kevin Cobb says Barry Rigsby died in a shootout with police in Wisner.
Cut 13 (08) “…this point deceased.”
KTBS-TV in Shreveport is reporting Rigsby killed his wife and her child and brother, who were 12 and 18-years-old.

Early voting for the November 13th election will conclude tomorrow at 6 PM. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the greatest turnout is expected in New Orleans, where Mayor LaToya Cantrell is up for re-election…
cut 11 (09) “..activity going on”
Every ballot in the state contains four constitutional amendments.

Restaurant owners are asking Senator John Kennedy to refill the federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund because many restaurants failed to get assistance…
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana, Mississippi, and Indiana have joined together to file a lawsuit against President Joe Biden’s federal vaccine mandate that calls on companies with more than 100 employees to require their workers to be vaccinated. Louisiana A-G Jeff Landry says medical decisions should be made between patients and doctors, not the government.

11.05.21
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8:30 LRN Newscast November 5

The man sought for a domestic triple-homicide in Shreveport is dead after fleeing east to Franklin Parish where police caught up with him at an apartment complex yesterday. Franklin Sheriff Kevin Cobb says Barry Rigsby died in a shootout with police in Wisner.
Cut 13 (08) “…this point deceased.”
KTBS-TV in Shreveport is reporting Rigsby killed his wife and her child and brother, who were 12 and 18-years-old.

Restaurant owners in Louisiana are calling on Senator John Kennedy to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Kennedy supported the $120 billion grant program last year but so far isn’t on board this year. New Orleans Restaurant Owner Neal Bodenheimer (Bo-den-Heimer) says nearly three-thousand Louisiana establishments applied for the funding but didn’t get any assistance…
Cut 4 (09) “…three weren’t. “ (x2)

Attorneys General in several states, including Louisiana’s Jeff Landry, have filed lawsuits challenging the President’s COVID vaccine mandate for private businesses…
cut 2 (33) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher”

The prosecution is getting close to wrapping up its case against former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain, who is facing aggravated rape and incest charges. There have been eight days of testimony and five accusers have testified against him. Strain has said he’s innocent of the charges.

11.05.21
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7:30 LRN Newscast November 5

A 36-year-old man sought for a triple homicide in Shreveport is dead after fleeing to northeast Louisiana. The latest from Dave Brannen.
cut 3 (36) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

A former State Trooper who was honored as the Trooper of the Year in 2018 has been sentenced to 17.5 yards in federal prison on child pornography charges. 42-year-old Jason Boyet of Ponchatoula pleaded guilty to charges of distribution of images depicting the sexual exploitation of children. One of the victims was as young as three years old.

Restaurants are asking Senator John Kennedy to support the refilling of the federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund which closed 113 days ago. The Independent Restaurant Coalition says nearly three-thousand Louisiana Restaurants were unable to get relief. John Stubbs, Partner of Jewel in the South in New Orleans says they asked Senator Kennedy’s staff why he hasn’t joined Senator Bill Cassidy in co-sponsoring the bill to bring the relief program back…
cut 6 (10) “…not co-sponsoring”

Early voting for the November 13th election comes to an end tomorrow. This election cycle lacks a lot of hot races, but Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin reminds voters there are four constitutional amendments on the ballot…
cut 12 (07) “….they see fit”
Use the Geaux Vote app to find an early voting location near you and a sample ballot.

11.05.21
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6:45 LRN Sportscast November 5

The Saints will have to rely heavily on their defense if they want to win the NFC South again and make a deep run in the playoffs. New Orleans is fourth in the NFL in points allowed per game and rank second in stopping the run. Linebacker Demario Davis gives a lot of credit to defensive coordinator Dennis Allen…
cut 16 (22) “…behind it”
If the Saints wanted to add a talented wide receiver, they may soon have that opportunity as the Browns are expected to release Odell Beckham Junior, who apparently is not happy with Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield. There were reports the Saints tried to work out a trade for O-B-J before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.

The Ragin Cajuns are champions of the Sun Belt West for a fourth consecutive season and will play in the conference championship game on December fourth. U-L Lafayette clinched the divison with a 21-17 victory over Georgia State last night. The Cajuns were shutout in the first half but Montrell Johnson had two rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Also in the Sun Belt, ULM will visit Texas State tomorrow. The Warhawks are coming off a 59-28 loss to Appalachian State. Coach Terry Bowden says you can’t turn the ball over five times and expect to beat a team like the Mountaineers…
cut 18 (21) “…can’t have turnovers”
Kick off is at 2 PM.

11.05.21
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6:30 LRN Newscast

The search for a Shreveport triple homicide suspect ended in the Franklin Parish town of Wisner yesterday after a shootout with law officers. Franklin Sheriff Kevin Cobb says Barry Rigsby entered the Wisner Elderly Apartments late Thursday and fired shots at officers as they surrounded the complex…
cut 14 (11) “…advantage for him”
Cobb says Rigsby was eventually fatally shot and the coroner confirmed the gunmen was Rigsby, who was wanted for three counts of murder in Shreveport.

Legal challenges are expected now that the federal government has set January fourth as the date for companies with more than 100 employees to have their workers vaccinated. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the plaintiffs will argue its an overreach by the White House…
cut 7 (10) “….administrative action”

Restaurant owners are asking Senator John Kennedy to refill the federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund because many restaurants failed to get assistance. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

11.04.21
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints now know All-Pro receiver Michael Thomas will not return this season as he’s had a setback related to the surgery he had on his ankle in June. Starting left guard James Hurst says they have to take the next man up philosophy
Cut 18 (18) “…get it done”
The Saints could be monitoring what’s going on in Cleveland as Odell Beckham Junior may have played his final game with the Browns. The talented but now injury prone receiver has been told to stay away from practice after his father posted a video that shows Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield as the reason why Beckham is struggling.

The Pelicans are struggling, they fell to 1-and-8 on the season after losing to Sacramento 112 to 99.

The 24th ranked Ragin Cajuns can win the Sun Belt West tonight for a fourth straight year with a win over Georgia State at Cajun Field. U-L Lafayette is coming off an impressive 45-0 homecoming victory over Texas State and Coach Billy Napier says it was a great win last Saturday, but tonight is a new challenge
Cut 16 (21) “…start over” 2x
While U-L Lafayette has won seven in a row, Georgia State has won three straight after a one and four start.

LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says its doubtful defensive back Cordale Flott will play this Saturday against second-ranked Alabama. The Tigers are depleted in the secondary as they are already without Derek Stingley Junior, Eli Ricks, Major Burns, and freshman Sage Ryan.

11.04.21
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LRN PM Newscall November 4

Open enrollment is now underway through January 15 for those seeking health coverage under the Affordable Care Act. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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If you’ve tested positive for COVID you might want to have your dog or cat tested too. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (33)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Open enrollment is now underway for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act Plans.  Christine O’Brien, executive director of United Health Care of Louisiana, says when considering coverage keep in mind more than just the cost of a plan.

Cut 3 (12) “….in the network.”

Open enrollment continues through January 15 and more information can be found at Healthcare.gov.

O’Brien says these healthcare exchanges are designed for those who can’t get coverage under traditional routes.

Cut 4 (09) “…Medicare and Medicaid.”

The Louisiana Department of Insurance says rates for coverage are up an average of four-point-nine-percent.

O’Brien says that with the American Rescue Plan that was created as a result of COVID, seekers of insurance for 2022 on the exchanges may find help with paying their premiums.

Cut 5 (10) “…through the exchange.”

Five health insurance issuers are offering individual marketplace plans for 2022: Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Louisiana, Vantage Health Plans, United Healthcare, Christus Health Plan of Louisiana and Louisiana Healthcare Connections (also known as AmBetter).

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The Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in conjunction with the Department of Public Health is encouraging pet owners who believe their dog or cat might have been exposed to COVID to have them tested. Alma Roy, a consultant with the lab says the testing is free.

Cut 6 (11) “…be done.” 

Roy says this is part of a larger research program called One Health, that’s investigating the transmission of diseases between animals, humans, and the environment.

She says the test is not invasive whatsoever for your dog or cat and if you suspect they have symptoms or have been exposed, typically by their owner, call your veterinarian and ask to have them tested.

Cut 7 (06) “….PCR test.”  

Roy says it typically takes 48 hours for results.

While COVID in pets is not common, Roy says however they want to understand more about the disease and its relationship with our four-legged friends.

Cut 8 (07) “….animal tested”

Roy says they began testing July 1st and they haven’t seen an increase in positive cases, but they want to gather more samples in order to use all their resources from the CDC.

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An extensive manhunt is underway for 36-year-old Barry Rigsby, a suspect in a triple homicide in Shreveport. Shreveport Police Sergeant Angie Willhite says a woman conducting a welfare check on her son at a home in the Cedar Grove neighborhood found three deceased individuals, including a 12-year-old child…

Cut 9 (12) “…shot to death”

Willhite says detectives arrived at the murder scene just before 2 AM .  She says based on physical and video evidence collected, it’s been determined the homicide was the result of a domestic dispute and Rigsby is responsible for the murders…

Cut 10 (08)  “..three people”

Rigsby is considered armed and dangerous. Willhite says his vehicle was located in Franklin Parish about 150-miles away from where the murders took place…

Cut  11 (08)  “.our jurisdiction”  

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A cotton farmer in northeast Louisiana describes this year’s cotton harvest as better than average. Edward Greer grows 22-hundred acres of cotton in Richland and Ouachita Parishes and expects to see more cotton planted in the state next year because of the higher than normal price for cotton…

Cut 12 (04) “..cotton prices.”  

Greer says because of the cost of inputs next season, he expects it will cost him about 200-dollars more an acre to grow corn versus cotton, which will likely lead to an increase in cotton production…

Cut 13 (12) “…next year.”

Greer says agriculture is like most other industries, supply issues are causing problems, which is concerning…

Cut 14 (11) “…lots of stuff” 

11.04.21
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints are five and two, but they will play the rest of the season without starting quarterback Jameis Winston and All Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas. Starting left guard James Hurst says they can’t dwell on the unfortunate circumstances…
Cut 19 (19) “…situations.”
The Saints might be watching what’s happening in Cleveland. Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham has been told to stay away from the team’s facility after his father released a video showing Cleveland QB Baker Mayfield throwing errant passes in the direction of Beckham. There were reports the Saints were trying to work out a trade with Cleveland in an effort to acquire Beckham before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.

The 24th ranked Ragin Cajuns can wrap up the Sun Belt West Division title tonight with a victory over the Georgia State Panthers. U-L Lafayette is looking for its fourth consecutive division title. The Panthers are 4-and-4, but they’ve won three in a row, including a 21-14 win over Georgia Southern on Saturday. Cajuns Coach Billy Napier says Georgia State has been playing well on defense…
Cut 17 (21) “ ..of a challenge.”
Georgia State also has a stout running game as they average 222 yards per game on the ground. But the Cajuns defense is only allowing 19 points a contest. Kick-off is at 6:30 on ESPN.

The Pelicans lost again last night, falling to the Sacramento Kings 112 to 99.

11.04.21
by

11:30 LRN Newscast

An extensive manhunt is underway for a man wanted in the murder of three people, including a 12-year-old child. Authorities believe 36-year-old Barry Rigsby fatally shot three people inside a home in Shreveport. Police say a woman checking on the welfare of her son found the three deceased individuals.

Covid -19, supply chain and staffing issues, are continuing to derail the normal efforts of small businesses as the holidays approach. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

Senator Bill Cassidy is among 14 Senate Republicans looking to block the payment of nearly a half-million dollars each to illegal immigrants who were separated from their families at the border when detained.
Cut 7 (09) “…the previous administration.”
But When asked about paying migrant immigrants, President Joe Biden said yesterday that’s not going to happen and called a Wall Street Journal report that it was being considered by the White House “garbage.”

Louisiana College in Pineville is changing its name to Louisiana Christian University. President Rick Brewer says the rebranding will help prospective students learn L-C-U is more than simply an undergraduate school…
Cut 12 (11) “…we offer now.”
An official announcement of the rebranding will take place on November 16th and it needs Louisiana Baptist Convention approval.