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…

Cut 1 (33)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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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.

Cut 6 (11)  “…are not.”

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.

Cut 7 (12) “…this year.”

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.

Cut 8 (12) “…mental health.”

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…:

Cut 11 (11)  “…the next day.”

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

Cut  16 (16)  “.. thing going” 

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…

Cut 17 (21) “..a lot of fun” 

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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…

Cut 18 (18) “…they had”

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…

Cut 20 (20)  “…he’s doing”  

Legislation seeking to triple state legislators’ pay to $60,000 will be heard in the legislative session that begins today. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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More Louisianans consider themselves pro-choice than pro-life, that’s according to a poll conducted last week. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (35)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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State lawmakers returned to the capitol today for a two-month long legislative session. They will be asked to vote for a that would legislator’s pay from $16,800 annually to $60k. Lawmakers have not received a raise since 1980 and if the bill by Gretna Representative Joe Marino is approved, it will go into effect next year.

Cut 3 (04) “…never occurred.”

Lawmakers have not received an increase in salary since 1980 when Jimmy Carter was President. Marino says the pay is too low and only the wealthy or self-employed can afford to hold the seats in the Legislature.

Cut 4 (12)  “…without opposition.” 

The Louisiana Legislature approved a legislative pay raise in 2008 but after public pressure, then Governor Bobby Jindal vetoed the bill. Marino says legislators are getting out of the law making business because of the low pay…

Cut 5 (11) “…you started.”

Marino will not run for reelection. He has decided to spend more time with his family and concentrate more on his work as a criminal defense attorney.

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Governor Edwards gave his last “State of the State” address today as the 2023 legislative session got underway. Over the next two months, lawmakers will debate a wide variety of bills, including legislation to improve the state’s property insurance market. Edwards says he does not want to see legislation that makes it easier for insurers to wear people down…

Cut 6 (11)  “..for everyone.” 

Edwards says he’s once again asking lawmakers to pass legislation to raise the minimum wage and add rape and incest exceptions to the state’s abortion ban and for the first time in an address to the entire Louisiana Legislature the governor gave his position on the death penalty…

Cut 7 (08)  “…(applause).” 

Edwards says this session he’s also supporting paid family and medical leave legislation and equal pay legislation for men and women who do the same work…

Cut 8 (07)  “…as a result” 

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A poll, conducted last week, indicates a majority of Louisianans are more pro-choice than pro-life when it comes to the issue of abortion. John Couvillon with JMC Analytics says 53 percent support a constitutional amendment to establish the right to an abortion. He says after the Dobbs decision overturned Roe v Wade…

Cut 9 (11) “…level of exceptions.”

49 percent identify as pro-choice compared to 44 percent who are pro-life.

Several advocacy groups who support a woman’s right to choose commissioned the survey of 1,000 individuals.

Couvillon says the poll asked if exceptions should be made for rape or incest and if a physician believes it’s medically necessary.

Cut 10 (10) “…that exception.” 

70 percent support exceptions for cases involving rape and incest.

(73 percent support a medically necessary exception).

Of the individuals surveyed, 38 percent were Republican, 39 percent Democratic, and 23 percent Independent. Couvillon says the breakdown is one lawmakers must consider during this legislative session and election year.

Cut 11 (09)  “…this year.”

The poll was conducted April 3-6, 2023.

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State Police are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting at a Lafayette nightclub Sunday evening. Trooper Thomas Gossen says shortly before 11 PM Lafayette Police responded to shots fired in which an off-duty officer working a security detail at the club was involved.

Cut 12 (07) “…his injuries.” 

The names of the victim and the Lafayette police officer have not been released.

Cut 13 (09) “…the officer.”

The officer was not injured.