Rising sea levels along the Gulf and Southeast coasts have reached extremely high rates over the past 12 years according to a recent study by Tulane University. Teiko Foxx has more…
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In the State of the State address, Governor John Bel Edwards asked lawmakers to address two issues that are often the deciding factor for voters and who they will support at the polls this election year. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Former Louisiana Attorney General Richard Ieyoub has passed away at 78 years of age. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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A new study led by Tulane University scientists finds record-breaking rates of sea-level rising along the U.S. Southeast and Gulf coasts since 2010. River-Coastal Science and Engineering Professor of Tulane, Sonke Dangendorf says these rapid rates are unprecedented and are attributed to the effects of man-made and natural climate changes.
Cut 4 (12) “…twentieth century.”
Researchers investigated different causes, such as vertical land motion, ice-mass loss, and air pressure, but none of them could sufficiently explain the recent rate. Dangendorf says the widespread acceleration that extends from the Gulf of Mexico into the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Seas is independent of the subsidence in the area.
Cut 5 (11) “…the subsistence.”
Scientists believe rates will likely return to more moderate levels but it is not time to give an all-clear. Dangendorf says these high rates of sea-level rise have put more stress on vulnerable coastlines, particularly in Louisiana and Texas where land is also sinking rapidly.
Dangendorf said the results demonstrate the urgency of the climate crisis for the Gulf region and interdisciplinary along with collaborative efforts are needed to sustainably face these challenges.
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During his last State of the State address, Governor John Bel Edwards highlighted legislation, he’s supporting in the 2023 regular session. Among the bills is to raise the minimum wage, something he’s fought for every year of his two terms.
Edwards is supporting legislation to raise the minimum wage to $12 an hour from the current $7.25. And through executive power, he’s raised the hourly minimum wage for state employees to $10.
Edwards also encouraged lawmakers to support family and medical leave legislation and another bill to close the gender pay gap.
And since the state’s trigger law banning abortion went into effect, Edwards, who’s a pro-life Democrat supports adding exceptions to the current ban.
Edwards says an exception for victims of rape and incest is overwhelmingly supported by the people of Louisiana.
And in keeping with his pro-life stance, for the first time, Edwards made a clear declaration of his feelings on the death penalty, by asking lawmakers to end the procedure.
Cut 9 (08) “…culture of death.”
In the closing of his address, Edwards said it’s been the honor of a lifetime to serve as governor for a state he loves dearly.
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Former Louisiana Attorney General Richard Ieyoub has passed away. Ieyoub served three terms as head of the state Department of Justice – from 1992 to 2004. In August of last year, Ieyoub made what may be his last media appearance, on “Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster.” During that show he talked of his accomplishments, like winning a massive settlement with Big Tobacco for the harm their products did Louisianans, which netted over $4-Billion to Louisiana…:
Cut 10 (11) “…to young people.”
Ieyoub’s settlement with tobacco companies also forced them to stop marketing their products to teens. Ieyoub remembers getting a visit from a group of lawyers representing tobacco interests…:
Ieyoub actively fought against narcotics, underage drinking, and DWI. He established the state’s first special unit targeting sex offenders.
Ieyoub ran for governor in 2003 but did not win. He says his campaign was impeded by fellow Democrat and fellow Lake Charles attorney (the late) Claude “Buddy” Leach, who campaigned hard against him in the New Orleans area and siphoned off over 5-percent of his voter support…:
Cut 12 (07) “…any other candidate.”
Ieyoub survived cancer twice in recent years. He reportedly died in his sleep after experiencing complications related to surgery. Richard Ieyoub was 78.
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A House bill for this legislative session would allow courts to crack down on parole eligibility for offenders deemed a danger to society. Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman (pronounce FREEMAN) says, if his bill is passed, district attorneys would be able to ask judges to consider an offender’s previous arrests and convictions when considering parole…:
Cut 13 (09) “…suspension of sentence.”
Frieman’s HB 188 would give judges leeway to refuse parole or probation during sentencing if the accused was previously convicted of violent crime, sexual crimes, drug-related crimes, racketeering, or terrorism. He says some are under the false impression his bill gives that decision to the prosecutor…:
Cut 14 (07) “…the judge to decide.”
Under Frieman’s proposed legislation, a convicted offender would have a hearing to determine IF he or she IS a dangerous offender prior to the sentencing phase. If the judge determines them to be a danger to society, parole and/or probation can be denied. Frieman says the man who murdered a Covington priest and church volunteer last fall (and burned their bodies) was released from jail early several times. He says the current parole system fails to protect citizens from such people…:
Cut 15 (08) “…their maximum time.”
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The Ragin Cajuns baseball team is starting to get national attention. At 23-9, UL-Lafayette is ranked 28th in Collegiate Baseball’s Top 30 poll and the Cajuns are receiving votes in the USA Today Coaches Poll. Coach Matt Deggs team takes a five-game winning streak into tonight’s game against Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs are 16-and-16
The Cajuns lead the Sun Belt in fielding percentage, second with a team ERA of 4.12 and they are in the middle of the pack in the league with a team batting average of .288. Deggs says his team is not hitting many home runs, but they are getting on base…
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The top-ranked LSU baseball team will take on Tulane at Turchin Stadium in New Orleans tonight. The Bayou Bengals are 26-5, while the Green Wave are just 9-23, but Tigers Coach Jay Johnson says Tulane is a much better team than their record indicates…
LSU’s strength of schedule is ranked at the 9th best in the country. Johnson says many of the non-conference teams they’ve played are having a great season
Cut 19 (30) “.. then the opponent”
LSU has several relief pitchers who are unavailable because of injuries. No timetable has been given on when Chase Shores, Garrett Edwards or Nate Ackenhausen will return. But Johnson says left-hander Javen Coleman will pitch this season after undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery 13 months ago…