On his monthly call-in radio show Governor Edwards briefly discussed the Pardon Board’s scheduling hearings to review clemency applications from 20 different death row inmates. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Three in four Louisiana parishes have seen more deaths than births between 2020 and 2022. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Even with a break from the extreme heat, the lack of rainfall is presenting problems in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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On his monthly radio call-in show, Governor Edwards discussed the clemency applications from death row inmates that will be reviewed by the Louisiana Pardon Board. The board originally rejected to hear the 56 cases on the grounds, they weren’t filed within a year of their final appeal being denied, but Edwards directed the panel to do so anyway. So far 20 of the cases have been scheduled for review.

Cut 4 (08)  “…to comment.”

Once the board reviews the individual cases, Edwards says they will send a recommendation on whether to grant clemency or not. He says it usually takes a week or two after it goes before the board, before he receives them.

Cut 5 (06)   “…a decision.”

In the last year of his second term, Edwards publicly stated he opposed the death penalty, and that was soon followed by 56 applications for clemency.

Edwards acknowledges the Pardon Board has difficult decisions to make. He says many factors are considered in clemency applications…

Cut 6 (10)  “…public safety.”

The death row inmate clemency applications are requesting life in prison without parole in lieu of the death penalty.

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Recent research from LSU Demographer Tim Slack found that three in four Louisiana parishes saw more deaths than births from 2020 to 2022. Slack says overall the state’s population declined by 67,000 during that time period…

Cut 7 (10) “…than births.”

Between 2020 and 2022, Louisiana had the fourth largest population loss in the country. Slack says the state had the fifth-highest overall death rate during that time period, with only 414 more births than deaths.

Cut 8 (11) “…overdose epidemic.”

Slack says urban areas and suburban parishes in south Louisiana are exceptions, as they are seeing more births than deaths. The same goes for the Fort Polk area, Bossier Parish and Lincoln Parish.

He says some of the parishes where deaths outnumber births by more than ten-percent, Webster, Morehouse, Winn, Franklin, LaSalle, Iberville and Pointe Coupee parishes. Slack says it’s a significant problem…

Cut 9 (11)  “…so forth.”

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One more day of slightly lower temperatures and humidity and then it’s back to the excessive heat. Rain chances will stay low through the weekend, worsening the drought problem. State Climatologist Barry Keim says to give you a better idea of just how dire things are, for the last 30 days in northwest Louisiana, they’ve only had about a half inch of rain. That’s 15-percent of normal rainfall…

Cut 10 (10) “…normal rainfall.”

Keim says the lack of rain coupled with the extreme heat makes for a dangerous situation. And while residents are having to water their lawns due to the drought…

Cut 11 (11) “…go out there.”

Keim says the situation is not as bad in southeastern Louisiana, but over the last 30 days, they’ve seen just 50-percent of what’s normal rainfall.

Cut 12 (06) “…rain bad.”

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72-year-old Hamid Ghassemi, a used car dealer in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, faces life in prison after a jury found him guilty of  first-degree murder after he hired three men to kill his ex-wife in 2015 so he would not have to pay her a $1 million judgment. The first-degree murder verdict was unanimous. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says a proper verdict was rendered

Cut 13 (09) “…his life.”

Ghassemi paid Daniel Richter, Tyler Ashpaugh, and Skyler Williams $10,000 to kill his ex-wife, 54-year-old Taherah Ghassemi, and their son Hamed after the couple divorced. She was killed in April 2015. Moore says it has been a painful eight years for the son and the rest of the family…

Cut 14 (11)  “…relationship with.” 

Moore says this was a win for the community and a win for justice. He says his team and all of the law enforcement agencies worked diligently on this case.

Cut 15 (10)  “…outstanding job.”

Sentencing is scheduled for September 19th. Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty.

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Former 5-star recruit and Texas A-and-M transfer cornerback Denver Harris has been missing from LSU’s practice this week. Coach Brian Kelly provided this update…

Cut 16 (12) “… this weekend”

Kelly also gave an update on defensive tackle Maason Smith, who has been watching from the sidelines and says that his injury from Saturday is not serious.

Cut 17 (10) “…any joints.”

Kelly likes what he’s seeing from his offense during the first two weeks of preseason camp. And he likes what he’s seeing from receiver Malik Nabors after leading the SEC with 72 receptions. He’s practicing with more focus this year…

Cut 18   (19) “…special things”

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The Saints and Chargers will hold a joint practice today and tomorrow before the two teams play in Los Angeles on Sunday night. Coach Dennis Allen on going up against the Bolts.

Cut 19 (10) “…those guys.”

Linebacker Jaylon Smith spoke to the media or the first time since signing with the Saints last Friday. Even though he just joined he does not think it will take a while to learn the defense.

Cut 20 (11) “…take long.”

Finding unclaimed cash in your name has been made simpler with a new search feature on the LA Wallet app. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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A recent survey of one thousand adults in Louisiana gives an in-depth look at the prevalence of violence in the Bayou State. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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 If you haven’t walked outside yet you’re in for a treat weather-wise, Brooke Thorington.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The State Treasurer’s Office is making it easier for residents to check for unclaimed money through a new easy-to-use search on the LA Wallet app. Director of Unclaimed Property Kathleen Lobell says it simplifies the process for citizens to reclaim their lost funds.

Cut 4 (12)  “…to search.”

Unclaimed cash comes from uncollected funds from payroll checks, old bank accounts, utility deposits, insurance claim payments, interest payments, stock certificates, or life insurance proceeds. Lobell says one in six individuals in Louisiana has unclaimed property.

Cut 5 (11)   “…our search.”

Lobell says the app-based solution securely harnesses the power of technology and the new feature assists in returning money to their rightful owners…

Cut 6 (10)  “…for you.”

To find out if you have unclaimed property, go to the LA Wallet app, search LaCashClaim.org, or call 888-925-4127.

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A new survey by Tulane University gives more insight into the prevalence of violence in Louisiana. Newcomb Institute Executive Director Anita Raj led the survey and says the findings were alarming. Of the 1,000 adults surveyed, more than half have been physically or sexually assaulted.

Cut 7 (08) “…in childhood.”

One in 14 Louisiana adults has experienced physical violence in the past year.

Raj says the nature of the violence differs among genders.

Cut 8 (09) “…an intimate partner.”

The survey found that 42% of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from a partner, with about one in 10 of these women reporting that their partner threatened or harmed them with a gun.

Raj says most researchers can only analyze crime statistics and data, but yet the survey is able to dive deeper, because many crimes, like sexual assault, aren’t always reported. The number is as high as 90% of people who experienced violence never formally reported the assaults.

Findings from the study will be shared at the Louisiana Women’s Policy and Research Commission meeting today in Baton Rouge.  Raj hopes policymakers will review the findings and work towards creating initiatives to prevent violent crime.

Cut 9 (06)  “…societal issue.”

The study also found that those who are victims of violence reported negative consequences, which include anxiety and depression, thoughts of suicide, and absenteeism.

Another common theme among the findings was gun violence. Raj says about one in five Louisianans have been threatened or harmed with a gun in their lifetime. To read the full report https://newcomb.tulane.edu/LaVEX

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We’ll get a slight reprieve from the heat today and tomorrow. A cold front moved through Louisiana and State Climatologist Barry Keim says humidity levels are lower…

Cut 10 (10) “…out there.”

Lows this morning in the northern parishes were in the 60s, and in the mid to upper 70s in the southern parishes. Highs today will be in the low to mid-90s which Keim says is typical for this time of year.

Cut 11 (10) “…less than triple digits.”

Keim says the break from the humidity and oppressing heat indices will be short-lived so take advantage of it…

Cut 12 (09) “…roof again.”

Despite two days of lower humidity and dewpoints, Louisiana remains under a State of Emergency due to the extreme heat until September 9^th, unless terminated beforehand. The statewide burn ban remains in effect.

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Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis plans to ask the state’s utility companies to delay customer disconnections for non-payment while the governor’s declared state of emergency because of the heat is active. Lewis says prolonged heatwave is deadly and no one should go without power in these conditions.

Cut 13 (10) “…and life.”

Lewis says there’s currently a heat advisory disconnection policy in place that if it’s over a certain temperature customers cannot be disconnected. The Democrat represents 10 parishes, that include Baton Rouge and New Orleans. He’ll make the request at today’s PSC meeting.

Cut 14 (12)  “…has issued.” 

While it is common for electric utilities to pause disconnects following natural disasters and other emergencies, Lewis believes utilities should understand now is not the time to turn off the power because of non-payment…

Cut 15 (11)  “…for them.”

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LSU football had another media availability and quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was one of the players that took questions. There was heavy speculation that he was going to transfer because he was going to be the backup, but he set the record straight.

Cut 16 (09) “…that I’m in.”

Quarterback Jayden Daniels is expected to be the starter for the team this season, and Nussmeier says he’ll be ready whenever his name is called.

Cut 17 (12) “…that works.”

He also says the team has gotten better with second-year head coach Brian Kelly.

Cut 18   (10) “…come in.”

Cornerback Duce Chestnut also spoke to the media. Before Chestnut played for LSU, he was with Syracuse, but always had his eyes on the Tigers.

Cut 19 (11) “…on tv.”

Chestnut says he prefers playing in the Southeastern Conference.

Cut 20 (11) “…to be drafted.”

The state Office of Public Health in  Acadiana is holding a back-to-school hygiene drive for the next month. Teiko Foxx reports it’s a first-of-a-kind event where the goal is to reduce anxiety and improve self-esteem for middle schoolers struggling with personal hygiene…

Cut 1 (29)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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While the national average for a gallon of regular gas is the highest it’s been in 10 months at $3.85, in Louisiana, prices have remained steady. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The governor has declared a state of emergency due to the extreme heat. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health is hosting its first back-to-school hygiene drive for students beginning today through September 15 in Acadiana.  Regional Medical Director Dr. Tina Stefanski says the goal is to reduce anxiety and improve self-esteem…

Cut 4 (11)  “…school year.”

Stefanski says statistics show when students have their needs met, they actually perform better in the classroom. She says the supplies collected are not just for young girls in middle schools…

Cut 5 (08)   “…as well.”

Stefanski says items including menstrual products, soap, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, body wipes, lotion, deodorant, and hair combs will be collected and delivered to schools throughout Acadiana. She hopes the community joins the efforts of supplying essential hygiene products…

Cut 6 (11)  “…all schools.”

Stefanski says only new and unused items will be accepted. Items can be dropped off at libraries and health units in Iberia and Vermillion Parishes between now and September 15th.

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The national average for a gallon of regular gas is $3.85, the highest it has been in about 10 months. But Triple-A Fuel Analyst Don Redman says at least in Louisiana, the price has remained steady about the past week, but it’s still about 30 cents higher than it was a month ago.

Cut 7 (11) “…a barrel.”

Redman says typically at the beginning of the school year demand tends to wind down and in September demand will decrease even more. He says they are advising motorists to budget $3.50 to $3.75 a gallon.

Cut 8 (12) “…produce oil.”

Redman says the price at the pump has increased since OPEC-plus countries decided to cut production a million barrels a day. He says concerns of an economic slowdown, especially in Asia, prompted the cutback.

Cut 9 (08)  “…the economies.”

He says higher gas prices erode your personal finances, but a dramatic drop in gas prices would be an indicator that the economy is suffering.

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A Livingston Parish judge will soon be tasked with hearing the state’s first child custody battle between a divorced same-sex couple. A Denham Springs woman is suing for custody, despite the fact she’s not a biological parent of the child. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says a 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision ruled that laws applying to heterosexual marriages must also apply to legal same-sex unions…:

Cut 10 (13) “…this has to happen.”

In many states, a biological mother’s ex-wife has the same custody rights as an ex-husband, but in Louisiana, they do not. Plaintiff’s attorneys argue that the child was born while the couple were married, so parental custody rights should apply. Ciolino says, in his opinion, Louisiana needs to comply with the High Court’s ruling…:

Cut 11 (12) “…different-sex marriages.”

The defendant claims she is the sole biological parent and her ex-wife has no custodial rights. Ciolino says this should be a fairly easy decision for the judge in the case. He calls it “cut and dry”…:

Cut 12 (09) “…Louisiana statute.”

Livingston Parish Judge Erika Green is scheduled to hear the case in early September.

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Governor Edwards declares a State of Emergency due to the extreme heat. Spokesperson for the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Mike Steele, says the prolonged excessive heat is putting significant stress on resources in some areas of the state and the declaration is procedural for funding.

Cut 13 (09) “…to take place.”

Steele says the high temperatures and humidity are impacting agriculture and other industries. And low water levels along the Mississippi River are causing problems for water systems in south Louisiana.

Cut 14 (06)  “…these conditions.” 

Steele says unfortunately the heat has been responsible for some deaths and visits to emergency rooms for heat-related illnesses have already exceeded the yearly average.

Cut 15 (10)  “…as the heat.”

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LSU football’s star safety Greg Brooks Jr. has been dealing with a bout of vertigo but should be okay to return to practice today. The fifth-year senior from Harvey is a leader for the Tigers on defense. He says he’s seen great things from his young teammates.

Cut 16 (12) “…about that.”

Defensive coordinator Matt House spoke to the media on Saturday and said the team needs to get off the field on third downs more and to get more turnovers. Brooks on how they can do that.

Cut 17 (13) “…building ahead.”

LSU’s defense is more experienced than last year and Brooks says that fall practice has been more about improving rather than getting situated.

Cut 18   (11) “…going to be good.”

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The Ragin Cajuns had their first scrimmage of preseason camp yesterday and second-year coach Michael Desormeaux is pleased to see how Ben Wooldridge is performing as the team’s starting quarterback. Desormeaux says Wooldridge is moving around well as he’s set to return from a torn ACL. Wooldridge sees areas of his game that need improvement

Cut 19 (12) “…to do it.”

Wooldridge also says what the biggest change is in this year’s team compared to last year’s.

Cut 20 (11) “…with everybody.”

A one-point-one-billion dollar solar panel manufacturing facility is coming to Iberia Parish. Teiko Foxx has the story…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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On the final day of qualifying, former L-A-B-I president Stephen Waguespack and Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson added their names to the ballot for governor. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (36)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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Jefferson Parish officials held a meeting this week to address residents’ concerns about the recent increase in coyote sightings in neighborhoods and backyards. LDWF State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour says the escalated sightings are due to an increase in urban development and the availability of food…

Cut 3 (11) “… urban sprawl.”

According to Wildlife and Fisheries, coyotes are becoming more common in urban and suburban areas across the state including Jefferson and Orleans Parishes. Although coyotes are predators, LaCour says coyotes are nocturnal creatures but they are also opportunistic feeders.

Cut 4 (12) “dens are”

Coyotes in Louisiana are observed as outdoor quadruped and can be killed year-round by anyone possessing a state hunting license. While the chances of getting bitten by a coyote are relatively low, LaCour says there are several things people can do to prevent problems with coyotes.

Cut 5 (11) “ controlled operator.”

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The largest solar energy manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere, First Solar, announces plans to build a one-point-one billion dollar solar panel manufacturing facility in Iberia Parish. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the facility will employ 700 workers. He says it’s a huge win for the state and the country…

Cut 6 (07) “…big way” 

First Solar CEO Mark Widmar says Louisiana’s ability to deliver the talent stood out as they looked for a location to build this manufacturing facility. Pierson says they are also impressed with University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s solar energy lab..

Cut 7 (06) “…as well” 

Pierson says the Acadiana facility will be built on an LED Certified Site, meaning it has gone through extensive due diligence and studies to be declared development ready….

Cut 8 (12) “…shovel ready”

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Today is the final day to qualify for governor and two more Republicans joined the race, bringing the total number of main candidates to seven. Former Louisiana Association of Business and Industry president Stephen Waguespack is considered a long-shot, because the Republican Party is backing Jeff Landry. But Waguespack says party leaders will not elect our next governor…

Cut 9 (10)  “…resonate with.”

Waguespack is hoping the candidates run a clean race and he already takes issue with a mailer from a political action committee that attacks him…

Cut 10 (13)  “…that man”

Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson is the youngest candidate in the race at 37.  The Republican says among his top priorities are to change the state’s tax structure, recruiting and retaining qualified teachers. Nelson says he’d call a special session immediately to find solutions for the insurance crisis.

Cut 11 (08)  “…moot.” 

Nelson is a big proponent of tax reform, including eliminating the state income tax and making up for the revenue loss with higher property taxes and the elimination of certain sales tax deductions.

Cut 12 (09) “…trying to find.” 

Nelson says too many businesses and residents are moving to neighboring states and the next governor needs to make significant changes to keep that from happening.