Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

06.25.24
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LRN AM Newscall June 26

The Louisiana Department of Health has enhanced its Heat-Related Illness Dashboard, and the numbers might surprise you. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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23% of Louisiana adults 65 and older are still working according to a study by the U-S Census Bureau, putting us 10th nationally. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…Mel Bridges.” 

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Former Ragin’ Cajuns two-sport star and assistant Alabama softball coach Alyson Habetz is returning to U-L Lafayette as head softball coach. Jeff Palermo reports a Hall of Fame coach is excited for her former school.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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We all know it’s pretty hot outside, but have you ever wondered how many people experience heat-related illnesses? Dr. Sundee (Sunday) Winder with the Louisiana Department of Health says you can view trends on how the high temperatures impact individuals on their Heat-Related Illness Dashboard.

Cut 4 (12) “…regions etc.”

And if you thought last year was hot, you’re right. Winder says the average number of ER visits for heat-related illness for the last decade was 2,800.

Cut 5 (08) “…numbers.”

The dashboard has been enhanced and this year you can see how many heat-related illnesses there are by the day and the temperature. Winder hopes the dashboard will raise awareness of how the heat can impact your health.

Cut 6 (11) “…as well.”

Included with the dashboard are tips on how to avoid heat-related illnesses and guides for employers.

To view the dashboard visit. ldh.la.gov/heat

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Process Service Specialist is expanding with a $3.5 million manufacturing plant at the Port of Lake Charles. PSS Vice President of Fabrication Aaron Reeves says the expansion will allow them to have a major fabrication facility.

Cut 7 (08) “…our needs.”

PSS is headquartered in Gonzales.

Reeves, a native of Lake Charles, says the facility will create 160 new jobs over the next three years with an average annual salary of $100,000

Cut 8 (05) “…these guys.”

Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in 318 indirect jobs and almost 500 potential new jobs for southwest Louisiana.

Reeves says it’s exciting to see the area rebound after the 2020 Hurricane season.

Cut 9 (10)  “…these projects.”

Reeves says they will be holding job fairs in the future in conjunction with the Louisiana Workforce Commission.

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A LendingTree analysis of U-S Census Bureau Survey Data shows 23% of Louisiana adults 65 and older are still working, an increase of 17% from 2022. UNO business professor Mark Rosa says many retirement-aged adults were hesitant to stop working when the economy was good…

Cut 10 (11) “…(x3) change.”

The analysis cites several reasons older adults may stay in the workforce, including changes in Social Security policies and a higher cost of living. Rosas says in such an inflated economy, it likely doesn’t make sense for some people to retire.

Cut 11 (11) “…steady paycheck.”

The percentage of retired Louisiana adults decreased 16% from 2022 to 24, the fifth-most in the nation. Rosas estimates this will only continue to lower.

Cut 12 (10) “…then retire.” 

Louisiana ranks 10th nationally for the highest percentage of retirement-age adults still working.

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Former Ragin’ Cajuns two-sport athlete and Alabama softball coach Alyson Habetz is returning to U-L Lafayette as softball head coach following Gerry Glasco’s departure for Texas Tech. Yvette Girouard, who coached Habetz when she played softball for the Cajuns, says Habetz’s homecoming is long anticipated.

Cut 13 (15)  “…perfect timing.”

Habetz has coached softball for 25 years, most recently serving as Alabama’s assistant coach until 2023. Before that, she played softball and basketball at U-L Lafayette, and even helped lead the Cajuns to the 1993 Women’s College World Series. Girouard says longtime Ragin’ Cajun fans and alumni are especially excited to have Habetz back.

Cut 14 (15)  “…for her.”

Though Girouard and others have been pushing for Habetz to coach at U-L Lafayette for years, Girouard credits Cajuns Athletic Director Dr. Bryan Maggard as the person to finally convince Habetz, a Crowley native, to come home.

Cut 15 (15)  “…it could be a go.”

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The first round NBA draft is tonight and the New Orleans Pelicans currently hold the 21st overall pick and no picks in the second round. Jake Madison, host of the Locked On Pelicans Podcast, says New Orleans is looking for a center. But if there isn’t anyone left at pick 21 the Pels like, he says, they could be left in a weird spot.

Cut 16 (21) “…just yet.” 

Trade rumors about Pelicans’ small forward Brandon Ingram have also been floating around, with some speculating the team could bundle him in with the 21st pick in a draft day trade deal. But Madison says when — or even if — Ingram will leave is still up in the air.

Cut 17 (16) “…with that.”

Madison thinks there’s no guarantee the Pelicans will draft someone tonight, as this year’s draft class looks weak. Still, he says, whoever the team drafts or trades is to build around star power forward Zion Williamson.

Cut 18 (19)  “…point guard position.”

The draft begins tonight at 7 P.M. CST.

06.25.24
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

Tennessee is a national champion in college baseball for the first time in program history. The Volunteers beat Texas A-and-M six to five last night in the final game of the college baseball season. In Baseball America’s final Top 25, Tennessee is number one, followed by Texas A-and-M, Kentucky, North Carolina and Florida State. Baseball America does not have LSU in its final Top 25.

LSU’s Tiger Stadium comes in at number three in EA Sports’ ranking of the toughest places to play in College Football 25. Texas A-and-M’s Kyle Field is ranked number one and Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium is ranked second. EA sports said it considered winning percentage, attendance, active home winning streaks and team prestige when determining the ranking.

U-L Lafayette has named Alyson Habetz as its new head coach. Habetz was a standout basketball and softball player for the Cajuns in the 90s and then was an assistant coach at Alabama for 25 years.

Jacob Mayers, who announced over the weekend he’s transferring from Nicholls State to LSU has come a long way. Mayers didn’t make the freshman team at St. Amant High School, but the six-foot-five right-hander says that only motivated him…
cut 19 (19) “…adversity”
Mayers now has a fastball that can get into the upper 90s and he hopes to be a weekend starter for the Tigers in 2025.

Ragin Cajuns football has received verbal commitments from a couple of local high school football stars. Cecilia defensive back Brent Gordon and Acadiana High’s Russell Babineaux will play for U-L Lafayette after their senior season.

The Pelicans have promoted Bryson Graham to General Manager today as he’ll replace Trajan Langdon, who is now with Detroit. Graham has been with the Pelicans franchise for the last 14 seasons and spent the last five years as assistant general manager.

06.25.24
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LRN PM Newscall June 25

Wayne Warner, the principal at Chalmette High School will have to have surgery after being attacked by a man in a wheelchair. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Governor Jeff Landry has named former Congressman Ralph Abraham as the state’s first surgeon general. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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Former Baton Rouge Representative Scott McKnight is running for the Public Service Commission. McKnight will seek to replace District 2 PSC Commissioner Craig Greene, who is not seeking re-election.

Cut 3 (10) “…state of Louisiana.”

McKnight served in the Louisiana House from 2020-to-2024 and unsuccessfully ran for State Treasurer last year. McKnight says he’s a pro-job conservative Republican who believes government should foster an environment for growth and prosperity.

Cut 4 (11) “…market.”

McKnight says this is a regulatory position and that means striking a balance of what is going on in the industry.

Cut 5 (06)  “…Louisiana.”

Republican Congressman Garrett Graves, who is not seeking re-election for his seat in the U-S House, says he does not intend to run for P-S-C seat and looks forward to stepping back from the growing divisiveness and polarization of political office; spending more time with normal people and reintroducing himself to friends and family.

The election will be held on November 5, 2024 with a December 7th run-off if necessary. Candidates will qualify for the election next month.

Lafayette Senator Jean-Paul Coussan and former state representative Barry Ivey from Central have also expressed interest in running.

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Chalmette High School principal 79-year-old Wayne Warner will have to have surgery after he was allegedly attacked by 33-year-old Christopher Kidd who is wheelchair-bound. St Bernard Parish Sheriff James Pohlman says when Warner saw Kidd pushing over trash cans Sunday night, he stopped to render aid.

Cut 6 (09) “…(x2) in the wheelchair.”

Pohlman says Kidd, who is no stranger to law enforcement, was taken into custody later that evening as he attempted to shoplift items at a nearby Winn Dixie.

Cut 7 (05) “…the deputies.”  

Pohlman says the incident is sad on both ends, Warner who’s done so much for the community, must have surgery for his injuries…

Cut 8 (12)  “…some help.”

Kidd faces numerous charges including resisting arrest with force, battery on a police officer, simple assault, and battery.

Warner is the longest-serving principal in the country. He’s been the principal at Chalmette High School since 1973.

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Doctor Ralph Abraham has been named as the state’s first Surgeon General. Abraham was serving as Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Health. Governor Jeff Landry says this will put a doctor in charge of health policy and an executive will oversee implementation

Cut 9 (10) “…healthcare system”

Abraham has been a practicing family medicine physician in Richland Parish for more than 30 years and he also served three terms in Congress. Undersecretary Michael Harrington has been promoted to L-D-H Secretary.

Landry says in his role as Surgeon General, Abraham will look to modernize Louisiana’s healthcare and policies…

Cut 10 (10) “…our field.”

Abraham says he wants to change policies that have been holding the state back in providing better healthcare…

Cut 11 (11) ” …patient.”

Wade is the longest-serving principal in the country. He’s been the principal at Chalmette High School since 1973.

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Three Mandeville teenagers are facing charges after allegedly stealing a woman’s LGBTQ flag from her home and burning it. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Lt. Suzanne Carboni says detectives have been investigating the hate crime since Memorial Day weekend

Cut 12 (07) “… remarks.” 

The video evidence of the act led to the arrest two 15-year-olds and one 14-year-old. Carboni says they face several charges…

cut  13 (08) “…their parents.” 

06.25.24
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Tennessee Volunteers are champions of college baseball after holding off Texas A-and-M six to five last night. Vols Coach Tony Vitello was hired in 2017 and he took a program that received very little attention and now Tennessee can call themselves national champs.

Josh Simpson is returning to the LSU baseball program after spending last season as an assistant coach at Georgia. Simpson was the The Tigers director of baseball operations during the 2023 national championship season. He’s also a former scout for the Texas Rangers and Coach Jay Johnson calls Simpson an elite evaluator.

The Pelicans have announced Bryson Graham is the team’s new general manager. He’s been with the franchise for 14 years and he’s spent the last five years as an assistant GM. The Pelicans will reportedly promote Swin Cash to Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations, making her one of the highest-ranking women in an NBA front office.

One of the top pitchers in the Southland is heading to LSU. Jacob Mayers had two standout seasons at Nicholls, his freshman season was particularly good as he had an ERA of 2.02 and was named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Freshman Pitcher of the Year. Mayers gives a lot of credit to former Colonels Coach Mike Silva
Cut 17 (21) “…crazy.”

Former U-L Lafayette softball coach Gerry Glasco posted a farewell message to Cajuns fans on his personal Facebook page this morning. Glasco is leaving U-L for Texas Tech after seven seasons. Glasco says leaving such a place is challenging and difficult, but he looks forward to a new challenge and beginning.

06.25.24
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9:30 LRN Newscast

The ACLU has filed suit against Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law that will go into effect on January first requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Plaintiffs include nine multi-faith families with children in public schools. Reverend Jeff Sims is a Presbyterian pastor who has three children attending Louisiana public schools…
Cut 4 (07) “…tramples on it.”
But Republican Senator Bill Cassidy says the nation’s moral code is crumbling and a daily reminder of the Ten Commandments can lead to a less violent world…
cut 27 (11) “….reinforced”
Governor Jeff Landry says he signed the law to advance the values of our Founding Fathers.

The situation New Orleans homeowner Cheron Brylski faces is not unique in Louisiana. After her previous property insurance carriers left the state, she’s been forced to use Citizens and says now she has no other choice but to sell the home she and her late husband restored.
Cut 11 (13) “…realistic.”
Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple believes lawmakers approved important changes to tort reform law in this year’s legislative session that should lead to more property insurance companies writing policies in the state.

Heirloom Carbon Technologies announces they will build two direct air capture facilities at the Port of Caddo-Bossier that will take carbon emissions out of the atmosphere. Heirloom Carbon Technologies Community Liaison Caitlyn Cain.
Cut 8 (12) “…accelerated the process.”
Construction is expected to begin by the end of the year.

06.25.24
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8:30 LRN Newscast

A federal lawsuit has been filed against the state’s new law that mandates the displaying of the Ten Commandments in public schools in every classroom. One of the plaintiffs is Reverend Jeff Sims, a Presbyterian pastor who has three children attending Louisiana public schools
cut 5 (12) “…chosen religion”
Supporters of the law say the Ten Commandments are the foundational documents of our state and national government.

Heirloom Carbon Technologies announces plans to build two facilities at the Port of Caddo-Bossier that will collect carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide. Scientists say carbon dioxide is the main driver of climate change. Where will they put the carbon dioxide, Caitlyn Cain of Heirloom Carbon Technologies gave us this answer…
cut 9 (06) “…central Louisiana”
Construction is expected to start by the end of the year.

As the insurance crisis continues to financially cripple Louisiana homeowners, some face the reality of selling their homes. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch says accused killers Daniel Callihan and Victoria Cox will be tried in both Mississippi and Louisiana…
cut 15 (09) “…working together”
Callihan and Cox are facing murder charges in Louisiana and Mississippi for the brutal murder of a Loranger mother and the death of her four-year-old child.

06.25.24
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7:30 LRN Newscast

Nine Louisiana families of multiple faiths and with children in public schools have joined together to file a federal lawsuit against Louisiana’s law mandating that public schools post the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Plantiff Joshua Herlands says the state is dividing children on religious lines and the new law has no education benefits…
cut 7 (12) “….religious text”
Republican U-S Senator Bill Cassidy says the Ten Commandments could help re-establish the nation’s moral code…
cut 28 (10) “…commit adultery”
The law is set to go into effect on January 1st and State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says he looks forward to implementing the law.

Heirloom Carbon Technologies is investing $475 million and will use another 550-million dollars from the federal government to build two plants that will take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson”

We heard from Mississippi officials again yesterday in the investigation of Daniel Callihan and Victoria Cox. They face murder charges in both Mississippi and Louisiana for the death of a Loranger mother and her four-year-old child. Callihan admitted to the murders during his perk walk and Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade says…
cut 16 (06) “…what he did”

06.25.24
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

Tennessee won its first national championship in college baseball last night as the Volunteers held on to beat Texas A-and-M six to five. Tennessee fell short in eclipsing LSU’s 1997 record for home runs in the season. The Vols hit 184 this year, while LSU in 1997 set the record with 188.

Now we watch to see who Texas hires as its next head baseball coach. The Longhorns finally announced the firing of David Pierce. Texas is expected to make a run for Texas A-and-M Head Coach Jim Scholossnagle.

Former Nicholls star Jacob Mayers could be a weekend starter for the LSU Tigers next season. Mayers had just one scholarship offer coming out of St. Amant High School in Ascension Parish and ended up being a Friday night starter for the Colonels. Mayers looks forward to wearing the Purple and Gold…
Cut 18 (17) “…to Omaha.”

The state’s second best high school prospect for the Class of 2025, Jaboree Antoine, of Westgate High School in New Iberia announced over the weekend he was decommitting from LSU. Antoine is still considering LSU, but he’s also taking a look at Miami and Florida State. Zack Nagy, LSU recruiting analyst for Sports Illustrated…
cut 28 (20) “…what’s next”
Nagy says LSU is still in the running to sign Antoine when national signing day rolls around in December.

Bleed Tech Blue reports U-T Arlington centerfielder Garrison Berkley has committed to Louisiana Tech. The Aledo, Texas native, who started his college career at TCU, hit .240 on the season with five home runs and 34 RBIs for the Mavericks last season.

06.25.24
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6:30 LRN Newscast

The ACLU has officially filed suit against the Ten Commandments law which requires public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Sean Richardson has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick is upset that Texas was not the first state in the nation to pass a law mandating that the Ten Commandments should be posted in every public school classroom. The Texas Senate passed a bill to do so, but the bill died in the House. Patrick says he will pass the Ten Commandments Bill again out of the Senate next session.

Daniel Callihan, the man charged with the murders of Callie Brunett and her daughter Erin of Loranger, says he won’t fight extradition charges and he’s requested to be transferred back to Louisiana. At a press conference Monday, Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade says he’ll never forget when he saw four-year-old Erin’s body…
Cut 14 (11) “…accountable.”
It remains to be seen who will try Calllihan and his alleged accomplice, Victoria Cox, first. Will it be Louisiana, Mississippi or federal prosecutors.

Heirloom Carbon Technologies has announced a 475-million dollar investment to establish North America’s second Direct Air Capture facility. It will be built at the Port of Caddo-Bossier and it will capture carbon emissions in the atmosphere and work with another company to store CO2 in underground wells. Heirloom Carbon Technologies Community Liaison Caitlyn Cain says they chose the Port of Caddo-Bossier because Louisiana is the energy capital of the U-S…
cut 10 (05) “…that we need”
The project will create more than one-thousand construction jobs and 81 permanent jobs.

06.24.24
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

Former LSU sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson is headed to the Paris Olympics after running the fastest time by a woman this year in the 100 meters at the U-S Olympic trials in Oregon this past weekend. Richardson is a favorite to win the Gold in the 100 meters…
cut 12 (11) “…well executed race”
Richardson competed at LSU in 2019 and as a freshman set an NCAA record for her time in the 100-meters. The Texas native qualified for the Olympics in 2021 but tested positive for marijuana and didn’t compete. Richardson admitted to smoking pot to cope with the death of her biological mother.

One of the top cornerbacks in the Class of 2025 has decommitted from LSU. Jaboree Antoine plays at Westgate High School in New Iberia. Antoine is also considering Miami and Florida State.

Louisiana Tech baseball coach Lane Burroughs has received a five-year contract extension. The Bulldogs are coming off a season in which they won a Conference USA regular season championship. Burroughs says it’s difficult to succeed as a smaller program in the NIL era, but his Bulldogs can compete with anybody…
cut 18 (17) “….way we can”

Texas announced the firing today of head baseball coach David Pierce after eight seasons. U-T athletic director Chris Del Conte could make an attempt to get Aggies head coach Jim Schlossnagle. A-and-M will battle Tennessee for a college baseball national championship tonight.

Nicholls best pitcher over the last two seasons, Jacob Mayers is reportedly transferring to LSU Had a 2.02 ERA his freshman season, it was 4.58 ERA this past season as he had trouble with his control.