An appeals court threw out the conviction and death sentence for Jarrell Neal who was convicted on two counts of first-degree murder for a fatal 1998 shooting in Metairie. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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You might notice there are less insects bugging you, and it turns out it’s one of the only good things coming from the ongoing drought. Pierson Luscy has the story.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Pierson Luscy.”
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Mortgage rates have pushed to a 22-year high but homeowner insurance rates might be a bigger factor when it comes to purchasing a home. Teiko Foxx has more…
Cut 3 (32) …I’m Teiko Foxx.”
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Has the unrelenting heat impacted your favorite eatery? Stan Harris, President of the Louisiana Restaurant Association says while outdoor dining is practically nonexistent with the extreme temps, he’s hopeful with school back in session restaurants will experience the traditional seasonal uptick in business.
Cut 4 (04) “…eat again.”
And while increasing inflation has eased a bit, Harris says from a financial standpoint restaurants are still facing hurdles.
Cut 5 (12) “…five years ago.”
As for the outlook for restaurants, Harris says the oppressive temperatures have also affected cattle in the Midwest, and it’s bound to impact the price of beef and dairy products.
Cut 6 (12) “…as well.”
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An appeals court has thrown out the conviction and death sentence for Jarrell Neal who was convicted on two counts of first-degree murder for the 1998 Metairie shooting deaths of Greg Vickers and Fergus Robinson. Executive Director of the Capital Appeals Project Cecelia Kappel says it’s an extremely unique event…
Cut 7 (12) “…fair trial.”
Kappel says at his trial, then-21-year-old Neal, who is Black, was represented by a Jefferson Parish attorney who was completely unprepared. She says there was not a proper investigation nor forensic analysis used in the case.
Cut 8 (11) “…as the shooter.”
Kappel says they believe Neal stayed in the car the entire time and had nothing whatsoever to do with the murders and his attorney failed to use physical evidence that connected his co-defendants to the scene of the crime.
Cut 9 (12) “…for that.”
Neal is among the death row inmates that have applied for clemency. Kappel says if the state does not seek a rehearing of the case, Neal will return to Jefferson Parish and face a new trial. In the meantime, he remains in custody.
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Louisiana has not seen much rain over the past few weeks causing much of the state to be classified as in an extreme drought. But LSU AgCenter Entomologist Doctor Aaron Ashbrook says the lack of rainfall has resulted in fewer mosquitos and fire ants…
Cut 10 (06) “…less of them.”
Ashbrook says you might have also noticed fewer cockroaches.
Cut 11 (09) “…hiding places.”
He also says that ants might be in other hiding spots, but if you see them, there is an easy solution.
Cut 12 (08) “…with insecticide.”
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Mortgage rates have climbed to 7.23 percent, the highest since 2001, which has cooled the housing market. But Louisiana Realtors CEO Norman Morris says a bigger obstacle to buying a new home is affordable homeowners insurance…
Cut 13 (12) “…moving forward.”
The average cost of homeowner’s insurance in New Orleans is $5,496. In Shreveport, the average cost is $2,849 and $2,968 in Lafayette.
Morris hopes a new governor and state legislature, along with Insurance Commissioner-elect Tim Temple can up with policies and legislation that brings more insurance companies to the state.
Cut 14 (08) “…property insurance.”
Morris says inn July 2022, closed sales were down by 27 percent and pending sales by 11 percent compared to July 2023. He says less destruction by hurricanes and tighter regulations may help stabilize the market and bring in new insurers.
Cut 15 (12) “….and regulations.”
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Crews continue to respond to wildfires on the western side of the state. The largest is the Tiger Island Fire in Beauregard Parish, which has burned about 33-thousand acres according to the state department of ag and forestry. Beauregard Sheriff Mark Herford says 20 structures have been destroyed, most of them homes. Herford says they have fire fighting assistance from other states, but the winds keep shifting…
Cut 16 (16) “…week now.”
The mandatory evacuation for the town of Merryville has been lifted.
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Louisiana Tech kicked off the 2023 season with a 22-17 come-from-behind win over Conference USA rival FIU on Saturday night inside Joe Aillet Stadium. Tech trailed by as much as 14 points on two different occasions in the first half, but the Bulldogs ended up scoring 19 unanswered to go 1-and-0 on the season. Coach Sonny Cumbie says it was a great gut check victory…
Cut 17 (20) “…football team”
Tech has now nine straight home opener and seven straight Conference USA openers.
The Bulldogs defense held FIU to four yards passing, Myles Heard had a team-high nine tackles and Cecil Singleton Jr had a game sealing interception.
In his first career start at La Tech, Quarterback Hank Bachmeier threw for 333 yards and a touchdown. He completed four passes on the go-ahead scoring drive including a 12-yard pass to Cyrus Allen on 4th-and-5. Cumbie says it was a good start for Bachmeier in a Bulldog uniform…
Cut 18 (24) “…look for.”
Tech is at SMU this Saturday.
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Game week has arrived for the 5th ranked LSU Tigers as they get ready for their Top 10 matchup against Florida State on Sunday night in Orlando. LSU’s Jayden Daniels is a Heisman Trophy candidate and Florida State has a Heisman hopeful too in quarterback Jordan Travis. Tiger Rag editor Todd Horne says Travis will look to get the ball to six-foot-seven receiver Johnny Wilson…
Cut 19 (19) “…receiving.”
There are questions about LSU’s defense, especially in the secondary. But Horne says LSU’s offense is primed for a big season, with fifth-year senior Jayden Daniels at quarterback, playing behind an experienced offensive line
Cut 20 (12) “…right now.”
LSU awarded starting left tackle Will Campbell with the number seven jersey. Traditionally number seven has gone to the best playmaker. Coach Brian Kelly says the number seven jersey also represents the best player from Louisiana. Campbell was starred at Neville High School in Monroe.