Former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves tells a special House committee examining the May 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene that he did not take an active role in the investigation of the motorist’s death. The 30-year veteran of law enforcement says it was standard procedure to not get involved in such investigations…

Cut 4 (08)  “…the report (x2).”

Ronald Greene’s mother Mona Hardin also testified and voiced her disappointment and frustration with Reeve’s and his lack of involvement.

Governor John Bel Edwards discusses why he vetoed the congressional map the legislature approved in the redistricting session last month. He says the map does not increase majority-Black districts and a lawsuit has already been filed in federal court over the map. Edwards says it’s disappointing and unfortunate

Cut 13 (07) “…Voting Rights Act.”

The Governor’s COVID health emergency order expires today, but some medical experts say he may have acted too soon. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

18-year-old Joshua White Jr. of West Monroe is charged with domestic abuse battery-serious injury burning in connection with burning his former girlfriend. The victim told police White previously stated he wanted to know what it was like to set someone on fire and on the evening of March 5^th he poured a flammable liquid on her head and body and used a lighter. White also told the victim he would kill her if she reported it.

Former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves told members of the special House committee formed to look into the events surrounding Ronald Greene’s death says it’s procedure not to get involved in such investigations, but the mother of Ronald Greene, Mona Hardin expressed her disappointment in Reeves.
Cut 5 (10) “…directly answered.”
Lawmakers accused Reeves of being disengaged.

Governor John Bel Edwards’ health emergency orders for the COVID pandemic expire today, and some medical experts are worried he may have lifted the order too soon. Tulane University Medical School epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig says she’s concerned because the virus isn’t “gone” yet…:

Cut 8 (13)  “…if we need to.”

A Vandebilt high school student faces hate crime charges. The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office says the student was arrested in connection with a racially motivated video filmed in the school’s cafeteria. The video was shared on social media and the 15-year old 9^th grader is charged with a hate crime and simple battery.

An LSU legend calls it a career. David Grubb has the story.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

Lawmakers heard from Ronald Greene’s mother and even had tense exchanges with former state police Col Kevin Reeves during a special committee investigating Greene’s 2019 fatal arrest. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (45) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

For the first time in two years, Louisiana is not under a public health emergency order for COVID. Governor John Bel Edwards is allowing his latest order to expire today, as the state has seen a decrease in cases and hospitalizations. But Tulane epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says there’s still a possibility of another surge, so save your masks, get vaccinated and boosted if you are not and…
cut 10 (12) “…going forward”

Former LSU star and Rams offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth has decided to go out on top after 16 seasons in the NFL as the West Monroe native has retired from professional football. Lifelong friend Rick Guillot says today is a day for celebrating
Cut 14 (12) “…better than that.”
Guillot expects Whitworth to remain involved in the game.

Former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves denied accusations that State Police was involved in a coverup in the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. Reeves testified before a special House committee investigating the Greene case. During questioning, lawmakers accused Reeves of being disengaged for not being more involved in the investigation into Greene’s death, who died after he was beaten and tased by State Troopers. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan found Reeves’ hands-off approach alarming…
cut 7 (10) “…do these things”
Greene’s mother, Mona Hardin, watched as the testimony unfolded and broke down in tears when New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes called Greene’s death a murder…
cut 6 (12) “…I’m sorry”
Federal and state prosecutors have not charged the troopers involved in Greene’s arrest.

Governor John Bel Edwards is backing legislation that would create a non-partisan commission to help legislators in future redistricting sessions…
cut 12 (07) “…isn’t working”
Edwards says despite an increase in the state’s Black population, none of the maps approved by the Republican-led Legislature last month features additional majority-minority districts. GOP legislators are confident the maps they drew are legal and in compliance with the Voting Rights Act.

Rams offensive tackle and former LSU star and West Monroe standout Andrew Whitworth has announced his retirement from the NFL after 16 seasons. The 40-year-old was the oldest offensive lineman to start in the Super Bowl last month and a key component for ten playoff teams. Former high school teammate Rick Guillot believes Whitworth will be enshrined in Canton, Ohio…
cut 15 (10) “…Hall of Fame”

Former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves denies there was a coverup in the May 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. Reeves made the statement during an emotional hearing in front of a special House committee formed to look into why the Greene family was initially told he died in a car accident, but body camera video shows troopers repeatedly punching and tasing Greene before he died. Reeves also told legislators it was standard procedure to not get involved in such investigations…
Cut 4 (08) “…the report (x2).”
The mother of Ronald Greene, Mona Hardin was disappointed in Reeves’ testimony.
Cut 5 (10) “…directly answered.”
Lawmakers accused Reeves of being disengaged.

Governor John Bel Edwards is behind Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover’s bill that would create an independent panel to help the Legislature with reapportionment the next time the Legislature holds a redistricting session. Edwards says 18 other states have some type of commission…
Cut 11 (09) “… the day”
Edwards vetoed the Congressional District map approved by the Legislature during the redistricting session because it did not have two majority Black districts. But Republican lawmakers say the Black population is not concentrated enough to create two majority-minority districts.

After 24 months, Governor John Bel Edwards’ COVID public health emergency order expires today as the state has seen a significant drop in cases and hospitalizations, plus there is a wide availability of vaccines. Tulane epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig is concerned because lifting the emergency order sends a message the crisis is over…
cut 9 (08) “….I’m concerned about”

Lawmakers heard from Ronald Greene’s mother and even had tense exchanges with former state police Col Kevin Reeves during a special committee investigating Greene’s 2019 fatal arrest. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (45) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Governor’s COVID health emergency order expires today, but some medical experts say he may have acted too soon. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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An LSU legend calls it a career. David Grubb has the story.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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Former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves tells a special House committee examining the May 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene that he did not take an active role in the investigation of the motorist’s death. The 30-year veteran of law enforcement says it was standard procedure to not get involved in such investigations…

Cut 4 (08)  “…the report (x2).”

Reeves testified for about three hours on Tuesday where lawmakers accused him of being disengaged after learning that a motorist died following a violent struggle with troopers.

The mother of Ronald Greene, Mona Hardin listened to Reeves’ testimony and had this response.

Cut 5 (10) “…directly answered.”

In his opening statement, Reeves said Greene was on cocaine and was drinking during the high-speed chase leading up to his death. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes told Hardin her son was never given the opportunity to face a judge or jury because he believes Greene was executed.

Cut 6 (12)  “…(crying) I’m sorry (x2) .”

Reeves told the committee he trusted the system and allowed officers to perform their investigation into Greene’s death and turn over their findings to the DA. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan told Reeves his hands-off approach is alarming

Cut 7 (10) “…do these things.”

Reeves did acknowledge that he’s responsible for everything that happened during his tenure as superintendent at state Police from March 2017 until October of 2020.

_______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards’ health emergency orders for the COVID pandemic expire today, and some medical experts are worried he may have lifted the order too soon. Tulane University Medical School epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig says she’s concerned because the virus isn’t “gone” yet…:

Cut 8 (13)  “…if we need to.”

Dr. Hassig says a new mutated variant could arise and catch the people of the state with their guard down because lifting the emergency orders sends a message the crisis is over…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…I’m concerned about.”

Hassig is happy to see a lull in cases of coronavirus but reminds us there have been four such lulls previously in the two-year pandemic. She says the virus is not yet ENDEMIC, because that would mean some predictability of infection going forward, which is not yet the case. She’s worried we’ll have another surge, and so her advice: “save your masks and consider getting the shots”…:

Cut 10 (14) “…going forward.”

____________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is behind Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover’s bill that would create an independent panel to help the Legislature with reapportionment the next time the Legislature holds a redistricting session. Edwards says 18 other states have some type of commission…

Cut  11 (09)  “… the day”  

Edwards vetoed the Congressional District map approved by the Legislature during the redistricting session because it did not have two majority Black districts. The governor says the state’s African American voting-age population is 31-percent so based on basic math two of the state’s six congressional districts should be majority Black

Cut 12 (07) “…isn’t work”

Supporters of the Congressional district map that passed say two majority Black districts would dilute the African American vote in both districts, not producing the results sought.

Edwards allowed the redrawn maps of the House and Senate to become law without his signature. The maps do not increase majority-Black districts and a lawsuit has already been filed in federal court in Baton Rouge. Edwards says its disappointing and unfortunate

Cut 13 (07) “…Voting Rights Act.”

____________________________________________

Former LSU star Andrew Whitworth has decided to go out on top after 16 seasons in the NFL. The four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro had a storybook ending to his career after winning the Super Bowl with the Rams last month. Lifelong friend Rick Guillot says today is a day for celebrating, not sadness.

Cut 14 (12)  “…better than that.”

At 40 years of age, Whitworth was the oldest offensive lineman to ever start in the Super Bowl and a key component for 10 playoff teams. Guillot believes that Whitworth’s consistency will eventually lead him to another destination…Canton, Ohio.

Cut 15 (10)  “…Hall of Fame.”

What’s next immediately for Whitworth is up in the air. Coaching, broadcasting, and even joining the Rams front office are all possibilities. Guillot, who also serves on the board of Whitworth’s foundation, says his dedication to making a difference for others is one thing that won’t be in question.

Cut 16 (12)  “…already made.”

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Monday marked the start of the NFL’s free agency period and the New Orleans Saints enter with a number of holes to fill, the biggest being starting quarterback. Saints beat writer Rod Walker says if the team fails in its pursuit of Texans QB Deshaun Watson, they could lose out on re-signing Jameis Winston who went 5-2 as a starter last season.

Cut 17 (12) “ …after all.” 

The Saints have already lost Marcus Williams to the Baltimore Ravens, and are still roughly $3 million from meeting salary cap compliance. Walker says he didn’t think Williams would be re-signed and Tarron Armstead could be gone as well as a cap casualty, so safety and tackle must be addressed.

Cut 18 (12) “ …two priorities.” 

Walker said Mark Ingram and Tre’Quan Smith are strong candidates to be let go as the Saints once again work some cap magic. Former LSU standout and New Orleans native Tyrann Mathieu is likely out in Kansas City and could be under consideration to replace Williams if the price is right.

Cut 19 (15)_“…Marcus Williams.” 

I’m Kevin Gallagher with today’s Legislative Update from the Louisiana Radio Network

A panel of state lawmakers continue investigating the roadside death of Ronald Greene in State Police custody back in 2019. At issue, what did the head of LSP at that time – Kevin Reeves – know and when did he know it? Ascension Parish Representative Tony Bacala questions whether Reeves was engaged in the case…:

CUT 13(11)      “…further details”

Reeves says, yes, he WAS responsible for LSP at the time Greene died, but he says he trusts the process and those doing the investigation…:

CUT 14 (14)      “…in the investigation”

Green’s mother, Mona Hardin, says she’s troubled at how reluctant Reeves was to answer questions posed…:

CUT 30(10)      “…directly answered.”

Governor John Bel Edwards is behind Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover’s bill that would create an independent panel to help the Legislature with reapportionment the next time the Legislature holds a redistricting session. Edwards says 18 other states have some type of commission…:

CUT 11(09)      “…rule the day.”

A Legislative Auditor’s report gives Louisiana high marks for the security and integrity of its elections. This is pleasing to Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin, who says his department has already accepted the Auditor’s recommendations for areas of improvement. He says they’ll looking for best practices to ensure voter record accuracy and ballot counts…:

CUT 05(12)      “…is consistent.”

Former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves tells lawmakers there was no cover-up in the 2019 fatal arrest death of Ronald Greene, but legislators believe he should have been more involved in the investigation. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(35)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

A Franklinton lawmaker’s bill would ban access of sexually explicit content on state-issued phones and or computers on Louisiana college campuses. Senator Beth Mizell says the tech is in place to do it, and the bill should be easy to pass through both chambers.

There’s been concern about the security and integrity of elections since the 2016 presidential election, but a report from the state Legislative Auditor gives Louisiana’s election systems two thumbs up. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says a score of 99-percent accuracy is great news, but he keeps working to improve on that…:

CUT 04(10)      “…to address that.”

While appearing on “Talk Louisiana” with Jim Engster, former LSU President F. King Alexander talked about the firing of Tigers basketball coach Will Wade. Alexander suspended Wade in 2019 for refusing to meet with university officials to discuss alleged NCAA recruiting violations…:

CUT 09(11)      “…to his suspension.”

Alexander says LSU Board members tend to cater to athletes, rather than seeking diversity and better graduation rates.