Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

07.25.21
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LRN AM Newscall July 26

If you or someone you know needs help with opioid addiction in Louisiana, help is a text to three numbers way at 2-1-1. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A report by the Cleveland Clinic shows an increase in eating disorders among young people. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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A dramatic increase in COVID cases and hospitalizations results in the Governor issuing a statewide masking recommendation. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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The number of opioid overdose deaths has increased by 60-percent in the state and now Louisiana 2-1-1 is able to point you in the right direction to assist with opioid addiction. President and CEO of Louisiana Association of United Ways, Sarah Berthelot (Birth a lot) says they can direct you to local resources, like treatment centers…

Cut 4 (11) “…anytime.”

Berthelot says they worked in conjunction with the Louisiana Department of Health to develop Opioid Assistance with 211. She says LDH anticipates a forty-percent increase in opioid abuse in the next year.

Cut 5 (12) “…find help.”

In addition to 2-1-1’s 24/7 call center, Berthelot says you can also text the word OPIOID to 898-211. She says the texting option can also put you in contact with a live counselor.

Cut 6 (09) “…same time.”

Since the soft launch of the opioid crisis referral program this spring, Berthelot says they’ve assisted more than 60 individuals.

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Since the start of the pandemic, the Cleveland Clinic reports there’s been a rise in the number of young people with eating disorders. LSU Health Sciences Center Professor of Public Health Dr. Melinda Sothern says it’s an issue locally as well and pandemic isolation led many who previously had disorders to relapse

Cut 7 (10) “…seen again” 

The National Eating Disorders Association reported a more than 58 percent increase in hotline use since March of 2020.

Sothern says in particular there was a rise in reports of self-image among young girls due to more time alone and more time spent on social media…

Cut 8 (09) “…isolation.”

Sothern says there needs to be a change in the way society looks at relationships with food…

Cut 9 (12) “…foods.”

The Cleveland Clinic report showed a large number of their new admissions reported using food as a coping mechanism during the pandemic.

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The more contagious and virulent Delta coronavirus variant is tearing through Louisiana, resulting in Governor Edwards issuing a statewide mask advisory. Edwards says the statewide average of daily cases per 100,000 residents has increased 208 percent over the past 14 days…

Cut 10 (06) “…United States of America” 

Since last Monday the state has added 16,900 new positive cases of COVID, and that’s not including this weekend’s numbers that will release Monday at 12 PM. Delta is now believed to be responsible for 80 percent of new cases.

Edwards says since July 1st there has been an increase of 749 new COVID-related hospitalizations, putting us over 1,000 total.

Cut 11 (08) “…240.”

Edwards says only about 40 percent of the state is fully vaccinated and that woefully low number is driving this preventable fourth wave…

Cut 12 (09) “..vaccinated.” 

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Texas and Oklahoma are expected to announce today they are leaving the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference, which would make the SEC a 16-member league. 24-7 sports college football writer Brandon Marcello says this might mean the end of the Big 12

Cut 13 (10) “..might do.”

Marcello doesn’t believe the SEC was looking to expand

Cut 14 (09) “…makes sense”

Marcello says money is driving a reason why we are seeing another conference realignment shake-up. He says the other factor is that major conferences are looking to create their own governing body and split away from the NCAA….

Cut 15 (14)“….differently”

07.23.21
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4:45 LRN Sportscast July 23

The Saints will reportedly not have star-wide receiver Michael Thomas for the start of the season, because he’s recovering from undergoing ankle surgery last month. The NFL Network’s Ian Rappoport reports recovery from the surgery is an estimated four months, which means Thomas will likely miss several games. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says Thomas’ absence will make it difficult for both Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston who are trying to replace Drew as the starting quarterback…
cut 10 (11) “…wide receiver”

And it looks like Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC will really happen. There are multiple reports that say the Longhorns and Sooners will inform the Big 12 on Monday they are leaving that conference, which will allow them to begin official discussions with the SEC. Insiders say a move to the SEC would not happen until after their Grant of Rights expires in 2025 so they don’t have to pay a 70-million dollar plus exit fee.

The U-L Lafayette football team is picked to win the Sun Belt West after winning ten games last year. But Coach Billy Napier says this is a new season and he has a different team on his hands…
cut 20 (19) “….rookie group”
Napier says his team is fully healthy heading into the start preseason camp.

Alabama is once again picked to win the SEC West. That’s according to the SEC preseason media poll. Texas A-and-M is picked to finish second, LSU third. Over in the SEC East. Georgia is the preseason favorite, followed by Florida and Kentucky.

Cornerback Derek Stingley Junior and kicker Cade York are the lone LSU Tigers on the preseason all-SEC first team.

07.23.21
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2:30 LRN Newscast July 23

Louisiana surpassed one-thousand COVID hospitalizations today as the state health department reported another 95 individuals were admitted into hospitals statewide with COVID-related symptoms. L-D-H also reported that total cases increased by 31-hundred and eleven more people have died.

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins issued a mask advisory for his city today. Matt Doyle has more…
cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The Saints will reportedly not have star wide receiver Michael Thomas for the start of the season, because he’s recovering from ankle surgery last month. The NFL Network’s Ian Rappoport reports recovery from the surgery is an estimated four months, which means Thomas will likely miss several games. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says Thomas’ absence will make it difficult on quarterbacks Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston…
cut 10 (11) “…wide receiver”

The National Retail Federation is predicting record back-to-school shopping for this year. The N-R-F says families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend on average 849-dollars, 59 dollars more than last year. N-R-F spokesperson Katherine Cullen says about 254-dollars of that will be on clothes….
cut 13 (09) “…environment”
Shoppers are also expected to spend about 300 dollars on average on electronics.

07.23.21
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11:40 LRN Sportscast July 23

The N-F-L Network reports Saints star receiver Michael Thomas will miss the start of the regular season after undergoing surgery in June to repair ligaments in his injured ankle. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says Thomas has not been able to fully recover after injuring his ankle in the 2020 season opener…
cut 9 (09) “…do the surgery”
Recovery from the surgery is an estimated four months, which means Thomas will likely miss several games.

The SEC Media preseason poll was released today and LSU is predicted to finish third in the SEC West. Alabama is the favorite to win the West, Texas A-and-M is expected to finish second. Georgia is the preseason favorite in the East.

And Chip Brown of 24-7 sports is reporting Texas and Oklahoma are leaving the Big 12 for the SEC and will inform the Big 12 of their decision on Monday. Brown reports the Longhorns and Sooners plan to stay in the Big 12 until 2025 when their league’s grant of rights expires.

Southeastern Louisiana is the preseason favorite to win the Southland football title based on the league’s preseason poll. The Lions return senior quarterback Cole Kelley, who won the Walter Payton award last spring which goes to the best player in the FCS. Lions Coach Frank Scelfo says the team’s motto for this season is to be bold…
Cut 16 (14) “…make it happen.”
The Lions received eight first-place votes, while Nicholls received four first-place votes and is expected to finish in second place. The Colonels are coming off a spring season where they went four and three. Coach Tim Rebowe believes his team has learned from that experience
Cut 17 (13) …guys know.”
McNeese has been picked to finish fourth, while Northwestern State is projected to finish fifth in the six-team conference.

07.23.21
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9:30 LRN Newscast July 23

There are over 900 people in Louisiana hospitals being treated for COVID-related symptoms. The state health department says that’s a 350-percent increase in three weeks. Ochsner Health CEO Warner Thomas says as COVID hospitalizations increase, it’s weighing on staff as their hospitals continue to stay open to treat non-COVID patients…
cut 12 (06) “…surge”

The personal finance website Wallethub ranks Louisiana as the least safe state during COVID-19. Analyst Jill Gonzales points to the state’s low vaccination rate, only 36-percent of Louisiana’s population is fully vaccinated…
cut 5 (08) “…death rate”
The state reported 15 more COVID deaths yesterday, bringing the death toll to 10,889.

The State Republican Party is threatening repercussions for GOP lawmakers who broke rank during the veto session. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Following the conclusion of the two-day veto session, Governor Edwards described the conversations he had with lawmakers who were on the fence on whether they should override his vetoes on the transgender sports ban bill and the permitless conceal carry legislation…
cut 23 (09) “….promises”

07.23.21
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8:30 LRN Newscast July 23

The American Hospital Association is calling for all hospital staff to be vaccinated as COVID cases surge again. And the state’s largest hospital system, says they plan to follow the recommendation of the American Hospital Association. Ochsner Health CEO Warner Thomas….
Cut 10 (12) “…the FDA.”

Louisiana Republican Party Chairman Louis Gurvich believes there should be some consequences after the state legislature failed to override any of the governor’s 28 vetoes from the 2021 session. Gurvich believes all of the Democratic House committee chairs should be replaced and Kenner Representative Joe Stagni should be recalled. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow…
cut 15 (07) “….Democrats”

Louisiana will receive about 325 million dollars over the next two decades as part of a nationwide settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The Joint Legislative Budget Committee has approved a new naming rights deal for the Superdome. Starting in August, the iconic stadium will be called the Caesars Superdome as part of a 20-year naming rights deal that’s worth an estimated 138-million dollars. That money will go to the Saints, who say the dollars will be used on Dome improvements.

07.23.21
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7:30 LRN Newscast July 23

Governor John Bel Edwards will hold a press conference at 3 PM to discuss the state’s response to a fourth COVID surge. The Louisiana Health Department reports COVID hospitalizations have increased by 671 from June 19th to 913. Ochsner Health CEO Warner Thomas says 97-percent of their admissions with COVID are unvaccinated individuals…
cut 11 (06) “….population”
36-percent of the state’s population is fully vaccinated. Jill Gonzales with the personal-finance website WalletHub says the state’s low vaccination rate is impacting the economy…
cut 6 (08) “…in person”
The governor said in a radio interview yesterday that the state is heading in the wrong direction in a hurry when it comes to COVID.

Louisiana Republican Party Chairman Louis Gurvich says the failure to override any of the governor’s vetoes must have consequences. Gurvich threatened recalls and suggested there be electoral challenges against Republicans who broke rank. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffery Sadow…
Cut 13 (05) “…2023.”
Three Republican Senators changed their regular session support for “constitutional carry” legislation and one didn’t show up for the vote. On the transgender sports ban, Kenner Representative Joe Stagni joined Democrats in voting against the veto override.

Attorney General Jeff Landry says Louisiana will receive 325-million dollars to help treat opioid patients as the result of a 26-billion dollar agreement with the nation’s three major pharmaceutical distributors and another company that manufactured and marketed opioids. Landry says the agreement resolves investigations and litigations, but not before thousands have lost their lives during the opioid epidemic…
cut 8 (07) “….crisis”

07.23.21
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

The NFL is warning teams they will have to forfeit a game if they can’t play because of a COVID outbreak involving unvaccinated players. And if there is no game, players on both teams will not get paid. Former LSU Tiger and Tampa Bay running back Leonard Fournette tweeted Thursday afternoon, Vaccine I can’t do it….That tweet was deleted a short time later.

Louisiana Tech will have a good battle for starting quarterback when the Bulldogs begin preseason camp. Aaron Allen and Luke Anthony took most of the snaps last season, but Anthony suffered a major leg injury in the final regular-season game. Coach Skip Holtz says Anthony had another surgery in June, which is when he went out and signed Austin Kendall…
Cut 18 (21)”…experience.”

A day after news broke that Texas and Oklahoma were looking at joining the SEC, the Big 12 held a videoconference yesterday involving athletic directors and university presidents, but Texas and Oklahoma did not participate. The Big 12 says any school that withdraws from the league has to give at least 18 months’ notice and pay a huge exit fee, an estimated 76-million dollars apiece according to ESPN.

ULM football coach Terry Bowden made his first appearance at Sun Belt Media Days. Bowden understands he has a big job in front of him after the Warhawks went winless in 2020…
Cut 19 (25) “..another job.”

07.23.21
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6:30 LRN Newscast July 23

The state’s largest hospital system plans to require all employees to be vaccinated for COVID in the near future. Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Governor Edwards will hold a media briefing today at 3 PM to provide an update on the state’s current fourth surge in cases. And at noon, the state health department will announce the second round of winners of Shot at a Million. Two more Louisiana residents will win 100-thousand dollars each, one as a cash prize and one in scholarship money.

The state health department reported 28-hundred new COVID-19 cases yesterday. The number of COVID patients hospitalized is up to 913. That’s an increase of over 600 in two months. And the personal finance website-Wallethub ranks Louisiana as the least safe state in the country when it comes to COVID. Wallethub analyst Jill Gonzales…
cut 4 (13) “…most of them”

A 36 billion dollar settlement with opioid distributors and manufacturers will direct 325 million dollars to Louisiana over the next 18 years to help address the impacts of the opioid epidemic. Attorney General Jeff Landry says the agreement was struck with Johnson and Johnson, McKesson, Cardinal, and AmerisourceBergen.
Cut 7 (07) “…crisis.”
The CDC estimates 841,000 Americans died of an opioid overdose between 1999 and 2019.

07.22.21
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4:45 LRN Sportscast July 22

The Pelicans have made it official, announcing Willie Green as their new head coach after spending the last two seasons as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns. He’ll have an introductory press conference on Tuesday.

The NFL has reportedly told teams that if a game can not be rescheduled due to a COVID-19 outbreak among unvaccinated players, the team with an outbreak will have to forfeit the game. The NFL got every game in last year, despite a vaccine not being available for players.

Alabama Coach Nick Saban says his football team is close to a 90-percent vaccination rate and he’s hopeful his unvaccinated players will get the shot. Saban says there are two factors to consider before a player gets vaccinated…
cut 18 (21) “….a team”
Saban is showing no signs of slowing down as he’ll turn 70 years old this season.

Southeastern Louisiana is the preseason favorite to win the Southland football title based on the league’s preseason poll. The Lions return senior quarterback Cole Kelley, who won the Walter Payton award last spring which goes to the best player in the FCS. Lions Coach Frank Scelfo says the team’s motto for this season is to be bold…
Cut 16 (14) “…make it happen”
The Lions received eight first-place votes, while Nicholls received four first-place votes and is expected to finish in second place. McNeese has been picked to finish fourth and Northwestern State fifth in the six-team conference.

The Joint Budget Committee has approved a new naming rights deal for the Superdome. The iconic stadium is now the Caesars Superdome as a result of a new 20-year naming rights deal worth an estimated 138-million dollars. The Saints say that money will go towards Dome renovations.