Louisiana District Attorneys Association reacts to Governor Edwards’ letter to the Board of Pardons to hear clemency applications. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (27)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The October 14th ballot is set and there are 16 individuals running for governor. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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Six senior cheerleaders from Oak Grove High School are fired up to take part in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this November but need funds to make it happen. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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The Pardon Board has scheduled to hear 20 of the 56 clemency cases from death row inmates in response to Governor Edwards’ request. Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association Loren Lampert says the governor is asking the board to go against their own rules.

Cut 4 (12)  “…time frame.”

Last month, the board decided not to hear them on the grounds they were not filed within a year after the inmates’ final appeal was denied. Edwards says it does not violate the rules but an opinion from the Attorney General says it does.

In the letter, Edwards recognized the emotional toll on board members when reviewing a case.  But Lampert says it’s what’s not in the letter that resonates.

Cut 5 (07)   “…volumes.”

Lampert says the limited time frame for the cases to be reviewed before Edwards leaves office in January presents another issue.

Cut 6 (08)  “…unassailable.”

The 20 cases are scheduled to be heard between October 13 and November 27.

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The monthly survey of small business owners nationwide finds that labor quality remains the biggest concern. National Federation of Independent Business director Dawn McVea says 42-percent of owners report job openings are hard to fill, which is a historically high percentage…

Cut 7 (07) “…for work.”

McVea says labor quality has been an issue the since the pandemic started. She says there are a couple of theories on why…

Cut 8 (08) “…indicate that”

But McVea says this latest survey did find that optimism among small business owners is gradually improving. She says inflation has eased slightly and some small business owners believe the worst is behind them…

Cut 9 (07)  “…for everybody.”

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Qualifying has ended for the governor’s race and the seven major candidates we expected to run have qualified and their name will appear on the October 14th ballot. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Attorney General Jeff Landry continues to be in a great position to get in the November runoff…

Cut 10 (11) “…most of em.”

Pinsonat says former state transportation secretary Shawn Wilson is also in great position to make an expected runoff since he’s the lone major Democrat in the race. Pinsonat expects the other candidates will be aggressive in attacking Landry but it might not work…

Cut 11 (09) “…be in.”

Early voting for the October 14th election begins September 30th. Pinsonat says the candidates who are not named Jeff Landry do not have much time to build their name recognition….

Cut 12 (11) “…everybody.”

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Six senior cheerleaders in West Carroll Parish have been selected to participate in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and are raising money to help fund their travel. Angela Johnson, the mom of Ashley Johnson – one of the cheerleaders, says a select number of cheerleaders are chosen and they were notified in July…

Cut 13 (11) “…that trip.”

The Oak Grove High School squad will have a busy schedule consisting of multiple rehearsals a day. But in between, Johnson says the team will also have the opportunity to see a Broadway show, take a tour of the Empire State Building, embark on a Statue of Liberty tour, and more. She says it isn’t just talent that gets the teams into the parade, it also requires a large amount of money…

Cut 14 (11)  “…kinda thing.” 

The goal is to raise 36 thousand dollars. Johnson says time is ticking and the cheer squad has been working non-stop. She says it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to show their talents and the squad is committed…

Cut 15 (09)  “…trip happen.”

To donate, contact Oak Grove High School.

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LSU Offensive Coordinator Mike Denbrock spoke to media yesterday. Denbrock’s experienced offense is expected to be the strength of the Tigers under fifth-year senior quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels threw for almost 3,000 yards and 17 touchdowns with only three interceptions last season, but was sometimes criticized for being too conservative with the football. Denbrock says he’s made an effort to spread the ball around more and take shots this offseason…

Cut 16 (18) “…on the football.”

One of those dynamic playmakers will be Daniels’ favorite target a season ago, wide receiver Malik Nabers. The Louisiana native had a breakout season last year with over 70 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards. Denbrock says the junior has worked hard all offseason to improve and been a great leader in a relatively inexperienced receiver room…

Cut 17  (14) “…skills necessary” 

The Tigers found surprise success under first year Head Coach Brian Kelly last year thanks to their talented roster and impressive coaching. With most of the offensive production returning from last season and a second year in the new system, Denbrock says the offense is far ahead of where they were this time last year…

Cut 18 (18) “…goes along.”

The Tigers will open the season in 3 weeks against Florida St.

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The Saints are just days away from their preseason opener against Kansas City Sunday but that doesn’t mean tight end Taysom Hill has gotten much clarification on his role in the offense. Originally a quarterback, Hill has played snaps at just about every offensive position and on special teams. He says he can throw, block, run, catch, or do whatever the team needs him to…

Cut 19 (19) “…stay ready.”

Hill has spent the offseason with the tight ends and new addition Jimmy Graham. Hill’s experience as a signal caller gave him a good understanding of the offense, but he says learning from Graham has been similar to listening to Drew Brees when he first arrived in New Orleans…

Cut 20 (17) “…special person.”

Qualifying for the 2023 election ended today, and in the governor’s race two more Republicans added their names to the ballot, 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.”
Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson also qualified today. He’s 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 fix”

The primary is October 14^th.

A one-point-one-billion-dollar solar panel manufacturing facility is coming to Iberia Parish. Teiko Foxx has the story…
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

The Louisiana Pardon Board is following the directive of Governor Edwards as they’ve started scheduling clemency application hearings from 20 of the 56 death row inmates seeking to reduce their sentence to life in prison without parole. Edwards, who does not support capital punishment, asked the board to review their cases.

Qualifying has ended and the main candidates running for Louisiana governor include five Republicans, one Democrat, and one Independent. Republican Stephen Waguespack, Former Louisiana Association of Business and Industry president, is considered a long-shot because the Republican Party is backing Jeff Landry. But Waguespack is already taking an issue with a mailer from a political action committee that attacks him…

Cut 10 (13)  “…that man”

The youngest candidate in the race is Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson 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.” 

First Solar, a solar energy manufacturer, 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.  Pierson says the company was awed by University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s solar energy lab..

Cut 7 (06) “…as well” 

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

Maybe you haven’t seen a coyote in your neighborhood, but residents in Jefferson Parish have. Jefferson Parish officials held a meeting this week to address residents’ concerns about the recent increase in coyote sightings. 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.

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”

The Louisiana Pardon Board is moving forward with Governor Edwards’ request for the clemency applications of 56 death row inmates to be heard. The Pardon Board has scheduled 20 hearings so far, beginning in October. Edwards opposes capital punishment.

The largest solar energy manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere, First Solar, announces plans to build a one-point-point 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”
The project is expected to be completed in 2026.

Earlier this week Jefferson Parish officials held public meetings to discuss the increase in coyote sightings in neighborhoods. LDWF State Wildlife Veterinarian Doctor Jim LaCour says coyotes are looking for food so it’s hard to keep them out of your subdivision, but you can take steps to keep them out of your yard…
cut 5 (11) “…controlled operator”

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.”
Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson also qualified today. 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 fix”

A one-point-one-billion dollar solar panel manufacturing facility is coming to Iberia Parish. Teiko Foxx has the story…
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

The Louisiana Pardon Board is following the directive of Governor Edwards as they’ve started scheduling clemency application hearings from death row inmates seeking a reduction of their sentence from lethal injection, to life in prison without parole. Governor Edwards, who does not support capital punishment, asked the board to review their cases.

The field appears set for the 2023 governor’s race as qualifying will come to a close at 4:30 today. Two more main Republican candidates qualified today, Stephen Waguespack, the former president of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry and state representative Richard Nelson. Both trail the GOP front-runner Jeff Landry in the polls. Waguespack has a message for the Landry campaign as he takes issue with a mailer that’s been sent to voters attacking the former LABI chief….
cut 10 (13) “….that man”
Meanwhile, Nelson chose to discuss the issues. He says the homeowners insurance crisis must be addressed…
cut 11 (08) “…moot”
The primary is October 14th.

Big economic development news for Acadiana as Iberia Parish is the future home of a one-point-one billion dollar solar panel manufacturing facility. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says First Solar plans to employ 700 people…
cut 8 (12) “….shove ready”
The project is expected to be completed in 2026.

Coyote sightings are become more frequent for people who do not live in rural areas. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries state veterinarian Doctor Jim LaCour says coyotes are nocturnal creatures looking for food
cut 4 (12) “…dens are”
LaCour says there are very few instances of coyotes attacking humans.

The governor’s race is heating up as candidates have been qualifying this week at the Secretary of State’s Office. The front-runner, Attorney General Jeff Landry, completed the paperwork to put his name on the October 14th ballot. Landry touts his experience as a former law enforcement officer, a business owner, and a former economic development director in St. Martin Parish…
Cut 19 (12) “… in the country”
Landry has the endorsement of the Louisiana Republican Party. Former Louisiana Association of Business and Industry leader, Stephen Waguespack, qualified today and says party leaders will not elect our next governor…
cut 9 (10) “…resonate with”
Qualifying comes to a close at 4:30 and there are seven main candidates running for governor.

First Solar announces it will build a one-point-one billion dollar solar panel manufacturing facility in Iberia Parish. The largest solar energy manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere plans to hire 700 workers. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says First Solar sees the workforce talent that’s available and they are impressed with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s solar energy lab…
cut 7 (06) “…as well”
First Solar plans to use U-S materials to produce their solar panels.

Have there been more coyote sightings in your neighborhood? 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.”
Jefferson Parish officials have held meetings about an increase in coyote sightings and there’s not much you can do. But don’t leave small pets outside at night.

LSU football is on the practice field again for today’s portion of fall camp. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock will then speak to the media at around noon. Coach Brian Kelly says that him and Denbrock’s comfort level on the staff has gotten better with both entering their second year with the Tigers.

Cut 19 (15) “…what’s expected.”

For an extended breakdown of Denbrock’s interview and LSU, TigerRag.com will be publishing their take on what was said at the media availability later today. Kelly also says that quarterback Jayden Daniels is stepping up his role as a leader in the locker room.

Cut 20 (14) “…roll right now.”

The Saints are preparing for their first preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. They are holding practice today, but it will be closed to fans after moving the practice indoors due to the extreme heat. The Saints used their first two picks in the 2023 draft on a defensive tackle and defensive end, but in the first Saints unofficial depth chart, neither of them are listed as starters. Despite this, Coach Dennis Allen says that he has seen a development from the group before the season.

Cut 17 (10) “…the passer inside.”

ULM coach Terry Bowden is entering his third year as coach of the Warhawks. In his first two seasons he has gone on 8-16 and will be looking to make some noise in the Sun Belt. The team starts their season on Sept. 2 against Army, and Bowden says that the Warhawks are going to start working on practicing with the players that are going to see significant playing time.

Cut 26 (13)

The largest solar energy manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere, First Solar, announces plans to build a one-point-point 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”
The project is expected to be completed in 2026.

Federal, state and local officials broke ground today in Belle Chasse on the long awaited Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion. Executive assistant to the governor for coastal activities, Bren Haase, says this project will use the power of the Mississippi River to build and sustain thousands of acres of wetlands in the Barataria Basin…
Cut 7 (10) “…coastal wetlands.”
The project costs two-point-nine billion dollars, most of the funding comes from BP settlement dollars.

The GOP front-runner in the governor’s race is officially in as Jeff Landry qualifies to have his name on the October 14th ballot. Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 1 (31) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Today is the final day of qualifying. Republican Stephen Waguespack qualified today and we are expecting another Republican, Richard Nelson, will also qualify today. That gives us seven main candidates for the governor’s race, unless we get a surprise by the 4:30 qualifying deadline.

Governor John Bel Edwards directed the Pardon Board to review the 56 clemency applications filed by death-sentenced prisoners in Louisiana. Last month, the panel decided not to take them up, on the grounds they were not filed within a year after the inmates’ final appeal was denied. But Executive Director of the Capital Appeals Project, Cecelia Kappel says the board has heard cases outside of the one-year window before…

Cut 13 (09) “…the constitution.”

Edwards term ends January 8^th.

Republican Jeff Landry, The frontrunner in the governor’s race, officially entered the race yesterday.  Landry has a big lead in the polls and the endorsement of the state Republican Party.  Landry says he’s receiving this support because of his work as the Attorney General for the last eight years…

Cut 6 (16)  “…we are lagging”

A major coastal restoration project breaks ground today along the Mississippi River in Belle Chasse. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

First Solar, an energy technology company, will invest $1 billion dollars to build a new facility in Iberia Parish, creating more than 700 direct jobs. The company will produce high-performance solar modules and is expected to be complete by 2026.