Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

10.17.21
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LRN AM Newscall October 18

Drug overdose deaths in Louisiana are way up since the Covid-19 pandemic invaded the state.  Details from reporter Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Dave Brannen”

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Republican U.S. Senator John Kennedy reports he has raised $15-million for his 2022 re-election campaign. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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When LSU won a national championship in 2019, it seemed like Ed Orgeron would be the coach of the Tigers forever. But less than two seasons later, he’s out. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Shocking statistics from the CDC show that drug overdose deaths in Louisiana shot up by 56-percent between March 2020 and March of this year. Dr. James Patterson, Clinical Director of the Louisiana Addiction Research Center at LSU-Shreveport, blames social isolation during the pandemic for the dramatic increase.

Cut 4 (06) “…on stress.”

According to the CDC, predicted drug overdose deaths totaled more than 21-hundred in the one-year period ending this past March.

Dr. Patterson says that a lack of interaction with other human beings during the pandemic has proven costly.

Cut 5 (08) “…on our society.”

Dr. Patterson says the impact of social isolation and overdose deaths are reflected in part in the way a large segment of grade school children in Caddo Parish are handling the pandemic.

Cut 6 (08) “…the past year.”

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Republican U.S. Senator John Kennedy reports he has raised $15-million dollars for his re-election campaign in 2022. Required campaign finance reports show Kennedy raised $3.25-million in the 3rd quarter of this year, and that he has nearly $10-million cash on hand. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the Kennedy figures are (quote) “amazing”….:

Cut 7 (09) “…working very hard.”

In a press release Friday, Kennedy said “Louisianans continue to humble me with their support” and vows to continue to fight the liberal/progressive agenda. Pinsonat says, with a year before he must run for re-election, Kennedy is so popular with constituents he could quite likely raise another $10-million dollars or more…:

Cut 8 (13) “…conservative idol up there.”

Pinsonat says a seated senator’s likelihood of being re-elected has a lot to do with the popularity of the man in the White House…:

Cut 9 (09)  “…a great position.”

(Pinsonat says if Kennedy runs without a highly popular Republican challenger, his chances of another term are quite good.)

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The app LA Wallet is being put to use in another convenient way. Bryan McClinton with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says that beginning today hunting and fishing licenses will also be displayed on the app.

Cut 10 (08)  “…the waterproof paper.” 

LA Wallet is also used to show driver’s licenses and Covid-19 vaccination confirmations.

McClinton says you don’t have to do anything to make sure your hunting or fishing licenses are actually incorporated with the LA Wallet app.

Cut 11 (13) “…pull it up.”

While you may choose to carry your physical hunting and fishing licenses with you, McClinton says it won’t be necessary from now on as long as you have a registered LA Wallet app on your smartphone.

Cut 12 (12) “…versions any longer.”

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Less than two years after a 15-0 season and a national championship, Ed Orgeron is out as head football coach of the LSU Tigers. Orgeron will continue to lead the program for the rest of the 2021 season, while the search for a new head coach is underway. After that glorious 2019 season. Orgeron’s Tigers have gone 9-and-8…

Cut 13 (11) “…was time”

Orgeron was asked why the program has fallen to mediocrity

Cut 14 (08)  “…(laughs)”

LSU athletics director Scott Woodward says it was time for a new direction based on the on-field results and the evaluation of the potential for future immediate success…

Cut 15 (11)  “..that standard.”

Orgeron currently has 15 high school football players in the Class of 2022 committed to LSU. He’s already met with two of them and plans to tell all of them to keep their commitment to LSU…

Cut  16 (14) “…will not change”

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In LSU’s upset win over Florida, the Tigers got a record-setting performance by junior running back Ty Davis-Price. The junior from Baton Rouge rushed for a school-record 285 yards on 36 carries and also had three touchdowns. Davis-Price credits his o-line…

Cut 17 (16) “.proud of em” 

LSU rushed for 321 yards, while one of the top rushing attacks in college football, Florida, was held to 138 yards. The defense also forced four turnovers, which resulted in 21 points. Senior linebacker Damone Clark had a game-sealing I-N-T late in the fourth quarter. Clark says a player’s only meeting led by injured defensive end Andre Anthony put the team in right mind frame…

Cut 18 (14)”…we did”

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Louisiana Tech failed to score a touchdown in a 19-3 loss to Texas-El Paso on Saturday. Bulldogs quarterback Austin Kendall threw for 164  yards and he was intercepted three times. Coach Skip Holtz says it was a disappointing performance…

Cut 19 (10)  “…consistently.” 

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ULM was a 32.5 point underdog heading into Saturday’s game against Liberty but the Warhawks put out the Flames with a 31-28 victory in Monroe. ULM trailed 14-0 at half but exploded for 28 passes in the third quarter. Chandler Rogers threw two touchdown passes. Coach Terry Bowden says Rogers is figuring it out after signing with the school in the summer

Cut 20 (20)  “with the football.” 

10.15.21
by

16:45 LRN Sportscast

A short-handed LSU team is set to take on 20th ranked Florida at 11 AM on Saturday. The Bayou Bengals will be missing five starters on defense. Defensive linemen Ali Gaye and Joseph Evans are the two latest Tigers who have been ruled out for the year because of injuries.

The Tigers are an 11.5 point underdog and because of the team’s recent performance and early kick-off time, you can expect plenty of no-shows. Stubhub’s Adam Budelli says they have tickets as cheap as 20-dollars on their site for the Florida game…
cut 12 (10) “…bench”
Budelli says they have 42-hundred tickets available for sale at Stubhub and the average price for a ticket sold is 180-dollars.

Southeastern Louisiana, Grambling and Northwestern State also have home games on Saturday. The Lions host Houston Baptist, Grambling takes on Texas Southern and the Demons welcome the McNeese Cowboys to Turbin Stadium.

Louisiana Tech returns from a week off to take on UTEP on Saturday night in El Paso. The Bulldogs are two and three and won their only conference game of the year, a 24-17 victory over North Texas. Coach Skip Holtz is glad the non-conference games are done…
cut 17 (13) “….next seven weeks”
UTEP is 5-and-1 and the Miners are off to their best start since 2019. UTEP’s defense ranks 16th in the FBS as they allowing just 300 yards a game. The kick-off is at 8 PM.

The Saints are off this Sunday and they will not play again until a week from Monday when they visit the Seahawks. Seattle plays on Sunday night this weekend as they play the Steelers in Pittsburgh. Russell Wilson’s streak of 149 straight starts will come to an end as the Seahawks quarterback had finger surgery and he’ll miss the Saints game too.

10.15.21
by

10:30 LRN Newscast

An FDA advisory committee voted unanimously to recommend emergency use authorization for the Moderna booster shot and the FDA is expected to do so in the next few days…
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell tells NOLA-dot-com she’s considering a vaccine mandate for those traveling to the city for Mardi Gras festivities. Cantrell says they may require passengers who land at Louis Armstrong Airport in the two weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday are either vaccinated or test negative for COVID.

Today is the last day to request a free blue tarp from the Army Corps of Engineers to cover up roof damage from Hurricane Ida. The Blue Roof program is active in 25 parishes and Lt. Colonel Paul Stambaugh says thousands have signed up for it…
cut 6 (12) “….had been installed”
To sumbit your Blue Roof application go to B-L-U Roof-dot-u-s.

AAA research has found that vehicles equipped with lane-keeping assistance departed their lane 69-percent of the time when it was raining and test vehicles with automatic emergency braking collided with a stopped vehicle 33-percent of the time in the rain. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says their research also found automatic braking systems have difficulty seeing pedestrians at lower speeds…
cut 9 (10) “….engaged driver”

10.15.21
by

8:30 LRN Newscast

If your vehicle has automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance, AAA warns those safety features might not be optimal during bad weather. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says research indicates you shouldn’t rely on these safety features when the weather takes a turn.
Cut 7 (11) “…inclement weather.”
Redman says this is concerning since many drivers are relying on these features so they can pay more attention to their smartphone.

FDA vaccine advisers are recommending those who received the Moderna vaccine and are 65-and-older or susceptible to severe COVID infection should get a half-dose booster. Doctor Lucio Miele with LSU Health New Orleans previously worked for the FDA and says the Moderna booster advisory is an important step in the pandemic, but also controversial because there are still so many internationally who have yet to be vaccinated…
cut 14 (05) “….after another”

Starting October 24th, individuals who have a telephone number with a 337 or 504 area code, will have to dial all ten digits of a phone number to make a call. FCC spokesperson Paloma Perez says it’s because those area codes have phone numbers that begin with 9-9-8. 9-9-8 is three-digit suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline…
cut 12 (10) “….similiar function”

LSU hosts Florida and there is speculation tomorrow could be Ed Orgeron’s last game as coach of the Tigers. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgin says Athletic Director Scott Woodward is not known as someone who makes in-season firings…
cut 19 (10) “….fire people”
If LSU fires Oregeron in-season, they may have to pay him 20-plus million, 17-million if they wait until December 1st or they could avoid the buyout if they fire him without cause.

10.15.21
by

7:30 LRN Newscast October 15

Two of our state’s area codes will soon have to dial all ten digits when calling out – even for local calls. Paloma Perez is with the F.C.C. and says the change is to accommodate a much-needed national 3-digit suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. That number will be 9-8-8. She says within the area codes 504 And 337, there are numbers that begin with those three digits…:
Cut 10 (12) “…wasn’t a switch-up.”
Beginning on October 24th, everyone in the 504 and 337 area code must dial the whole 10-digit number.

Time is running out to order a FEMA-paid-for Blue Roof if your home suffered damage in one of the 25 parishes declared a disaster area as the result of Hurricane Ida.
cut 4 (06) “…midnight central time”
Lt. Colonel Paul Stambaugh of the Army Corps of Engineers says the website address is b-l-u-roof-dot-us.

A group of U-S health advisers has recommended to the F-D-A that older Americans and those at risk of severe infection from COVID should get a half-dose Moderna vaccine if they received their first two Moderna shots over six months ago. Doctor Lucio Miele with LSU Health New Orleans says it’s a good idea….
cut 15 (07) “…. a long time ago”
Today, the same panel will recommend whether certain individuals who received the one-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine should also get a booster.

AAA research has found that vehicles equipped with lane-keeping assistance departed their lane 69-percent of the time when it was raining and test vehicles with automatic emergency braking collided with a stopped vehicle 33-percent of the time in the rain. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says their research also found automatic braking systems have difficulty seeing pedestrians at lower speeds…
cut 9 (10) “….engaged driver”

10.15.21
by

6:45 LRN Sportscast

There are many who believe Ed Orgeron’s coaching days are numbered at LSU. Orgeron signed a six-year, 42-million dollar contract after winning the national championship, and based on that deal he would be paid 21-million dollars if he was let go during the season and 17-million dollars on December 1st. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says it’s an expense LSU will have to pay…
Cut 18 (12)”…budget”
The Tigers host Florida on Saturday and Orgeron announced yesterday that defensive linemen Ali Gaye and Joseph Evans will miss the rest of the season because of injuries. The Tigers will play the Gators without five defensive starters.

Last night in high school football, St. Charles Catholic scored a late touchdown to beat Newman 12-7. Alexandria Senior High pounded Pineville 42-7, Byrd beat Benton 45-17 and Lafayette Christian topped Notre Dame 27-10.

Louisiana Tech is back in action tomorrow as the Bulldogs will visit the UTEP Miners. Texas-El Paso is 5-and-1 and they are 2-and-0 in Conference USA. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says they are one of the top defensive teams in the league…
Cut 16 (15) “…national level”
Meanwhile, Louisiana Tech ranks 12th out of 14 teams in total defense in Conference USA. Kick-off Saturday is at 8 PM.

Pelicans All-Star Zion Williamson will not be healthy enough to play when the regular season starts next week. Vice President of basketball operations David Griffin said at the start of training camp that they hoped Williamson would be ready for the regular-season opener after breaking his foot in the summer, but now his injured foot will not be re-evaluated again for another two weeks.

10.15.21
by

6:30 LRN Newscast October 15

An FDA advisory committee is recommending a third offering of the Moderna COVID vaccine. Dr. Lucio Miele, Assistant Dean for Translational Science at LSU Health New Orleans says the committee has advised the FDA to give emergency use authorization to the Moderna booster shot which is actually a half dose of the vaccine.
Cut 13 (11) “…severe COVID-19.”
The panel is expected to discuss today whether a Johnson and Johnson booster vaccine is needed.

Today is the last day for people living in 25 parishes impacted by Hurricane Ida to make a request through the U-S Army Corps of Engineers for a tarp to cover up a damaged roof. Lt. Colonel Paul Stambaugh says requests are still coming in for Blue Roofs…
cut 5 (07) “…some every day”
For more information visit blue-roof-dot-us.

Louisianans in two of the state’s most heavily populated area codes will have to begin dialing all ten digits when placing calls. Kevin Gallagher tells us why…:
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

10.14.21
by

LRN PM Newscall October 14

The Bayou State is no exception in the ongoing nationwide shortage of truck drivers as we hear in this report from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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Industrial gas supplier Air Products will build a $4.5 billion clean energy facility in Ascension Parish. Brooke Thorington has more on what this means for the state.

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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The truck driver shortage continues nationwide leaving some store shelves nearly bare, and goods not getting to where they are needed.  Our state is no exception, says Renee Amar, CEO of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association.

cut 3 (08) “….on the road”

While there seems to be no silver bullet to solving the driver shortage, Amar says the LMTA is offering scholarships through its foundation to offset some of the expense for drivers to obtain their CDL licenses.

Amar says the truck driver shortage and the significant growth in e-commerce since the beginning of the pandemic is causing major problems in the delivery of goods.

Cut 4 (11) “…seeing right now.”

Amar says you should consider buying Christmas gifts, including specific toys, sooner rather than later, but not just because of the truck driver shortage that could lead to empty shelves.

Cut 5 (09) “…of the toys.”

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The industrial gas supplier Air Products will build a $4.5 billion clean energy facility in Ascension Parish. The plant will produce blue hydrogen which uses natural gas to create an alternative fuel.  Governor John Bel Edwards says it’s a tremendous step in clean energy.

Cut 6 (10) “…footprint.” 

The plant will also be able to capture carbon dioxide emissions and store them underground.

Edwards says this will be the world’s largest permanent carbon dioxide capture project to date. In addition to creating an alternative fuel, the complex will also feature carbon capture at the production source and store it underground.

Cut 7 (12) “…manufacturing base.”  

Air Products is not new to Louisiana, the company already employs 330 and the new plant is expected to create 170 new jobs. Air Products president Seifi Ghasemi (Say-fee Gah-sim-ee) says they share the governor’s vision to make Louisiana a leading player in the energy transition and a hub for clean energy production.

Cut 8 (12) “…kinds of projects.”

The facility is expected to be up and running by 2026.

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It’s been nearly seven weeks since Hurricane Ida made landfall and the recovery remains slow in the coastal town of Dulac in Terrebonne Parish. Former state representative Joe Harrison says the biggest need remains housing

Cut 9 (12) “…deal with” 

There has been movement on getting travel trailers to the hard-hit areas. They serve as a temporary place to live for families who have destroyed homes. Sherry Verdin lives in Dulac and says they are waiting on FEMA for assistance…

Cut 10 (11)  “…from nothing” 

Just over one thousand people live in Dulac, which is 17 miles south of Houma. Harrison says many families are eager to rebuild, but many residents are struggling to get an adjuster to come to their damaged home…

Cut  11 (10)  “…not here”  

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The attorneys for Ronald Greene and Aaron Bowman say Governor Edwards has not done enough to end a pattern of excessive force by State Troopers. There’s body camera video showing Greene and Bowman on the receiving end of beatings by State Troopers during arrests in 2019 in north Louisiana. Attorney Lee Merritt represents the Greene family

Cut 12 (13) “….specific action.”  

Greene died in police custody after he was repeatedly punched by Troopers. The governor’s office says the head of State Police, Colonel Lamar Davis, is working each day to implement reforms. But Merritt says the agency should be dismantled

Cut 13 (12) “…from himl”

Attorney Donecia Banks-Miley represents Bowman, a black man who was hit in the head 18 times with a flashlight. Trooper Jacob Brown is facing state and federal charges in connection with the Bowman incident. Banks-Miles is calling for significant changes to the L-S-P…

Cut 14 (09) “…expedite the change,” 

Governor Edwards told KNOE-TV says some changes have been made, but more are needed.

10.14.21
by

LRN Sportscast October 14

One of the big stories in college football is the hot seat that LSU Coach Ed Orgeron sits on. The Tigers host 20th ranked Florida this Saturday. Gators Coach Dan Mullen is aware Orgeron is on the hot seat. He calls Orgeron a great coach who won a national championship two years ago but he says you’re rated as a coach week to week…
Cut 18 (09)”…week to week deal.”
The injuries continue to mount for the LSU Tigers. Cornerback Eli Ricks will miss the rest of the season as he’ll have surgery on his injured shoulder.

LSU recruit and the nation’s top prospect in the Class of 2023 will play on national TV tonight. Arch Manning and the Newman Greenies will play St. Charles Catholic at Strawberry Stadium in Hammond at 7 PM. You can watch the game on the NBC Sports Network.

ULM is a huge underdog heading into Saturday’s game against Liberty. The Flames are 5-and-1 and they have an outstanding quarterback in Malik Willis, who leads the team in passing and rushing…
cut 20 (10) “…much talent”
That’s Warhawks Coach Terry Bowden who is trying to avoid a three-game losing streak. Kick-off is at 6 PM.

The Saints announce that the late Sam Mills will enter the team’s Ring of Honor at the Caesars Superdome when the Black and Gold hosts the Dallas Cowboys on December second. Mills was part of the team’s famed Dome Patrol and averaged more than 100 tackles per season in his nine years with the Saints.

The Saints are off this Sunday, but the team they are chasing in the NFC South, Tampa Bay is at Philadelphia to take on the Eagles.

Bengals Quarterback Joe Burrow has been told to preserve his voice as much as possible, after suffering a throat contusion in a loss to the Packers. Cincinnati is at winless Detroit this Sunday.

10.14.21
by

8:30 LRN Newscast October 14

ACT scores have dipped slightly in Louisiana as the Class of 2021 earned an average ACT composite score of 18.4 in 2021, down from 18.7 in 2020 and 18.8 in 2019. Superintendent of Education Doctor Cade Brumley says students have faced extraordinary challenges over the last two years.

TV and film workers are threatening to strike unless an agreement is reached with major studios. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Former State Police trooper Jacob Brown pleaded not guilty in federal court in Monroe yesterday for the civil rights charge he faces for the videotaped beating of a black motorist during a 2019 arrest. The body camera footage shows Brown hitting Aaron Bowman of Monroe with a flashlight 18 times. The incident occurred around the same time another black motorist, Ronald Greene died after a beating he received from State Troopers. Bowman’s attorney is Donecia Banks-Miley…
cut 14 (11) “…this matter”

Two years from today, the 2023 gubernatorial primary will take place. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says a couple of members of the state’s Congressional delegation might run…
cut 9 (09) “….we’ll be discussing”