Former State Police Colonel Kevin Reeves denies allegations that State Police tried to cover up the facts surrounding the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. Reeves made the statement while testifying in front of a special legislative committee that’s looking into the death of Greene who died after body camera evidence shows him getting beaten and tazed by State Troopers. Reeves addresses accusations he was disengaged as LSP head, and says he trusts the process of the investigation and the people involved…:

CUT 14(14)      “…in the investigation.”

The U.S. Veterans Administration proposes shuttering the VA hospital in Alexandria; prompting responses from senators Kennedy & Cassidy. In written statements, Senator Bill Cassidy calls the idea “infuriating” and vows to work to assure veterans have access to health care at non-VA facilities. Senator John Kennedy says the VA plan is “unacceptable.”

How safe and secure are Louisiana’s elections? Really safe based on a new report. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 01(33)      “…David Grubb.”

A Baton Rouge man is in jail; accused of killing his girlfriend and her 2-year-old son and dumping their bodies in separate locations. BRPD Lt. Don Coppola says that’s two murder charges, but a third may be coming because the victim MAY have been pregnant…:

CUT 07(06)      “…those determinations.”

A 20-year old Baton Rouge man is being held for the disappearance and deaths of his girlfriend and her 2-year old son. BRPD spokesman Lt. Don Coppola says Brynnen Murphy was brought in and questioned by investigators…:

CUT 06(10)      “…were later recovered.”

The victims are 24-year-old Kaylen Johnson and her son, Kayden. They went missing March 11^th. Kaylen may have been up to five months pregnant when she was killed.

At the Capitol, a panel of lawmakers continues looking into the roadside death on Ronald Greene in 2019. Greene’s family was told by State Police he died in a crash, but body cam footage shows him taking a severe beating from troopers. Panel member Rep. Tony Bacala feels then State Police head Kevin Reeves was disengaged…:

CUT 13(11)      “…further details.”

Vice President Kamala Harris will be in Louisiana this week. Ms. Harris will visit Sunset, in St. Landry Parish, to talk about White House endeavors to make high speed Internet available to low-income homes statewide. The VP will be here Friday.

Election security has been a major topic of discussion dating back to the 2016 presidential election, and in 2021 the Louisiana Legislative Auditor began a review of the Department of State to determine whether election security and integrity were preserved. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the report confirms what he already knew…:

CUT 03(13)      “…they deserve.”

Louisiana Uber drivers are speaking out, after the company added a 45-to-55-cent surcharge to all rides. The move was to help offset drivers’ gasoline costs, but Uber drivers themselves say it is pitifully little and won’t even come close to off-setting the high prices of gas. Drivers plan a one-day walkout to protest on the 17^th.

Former State Police Colonel Kevin Reeves denies allegations that State Police tried to cover up the facts surrounding the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. Reeves made the statement while testifying in front of a special legislative committee that’s looking into the death of Greene who died after body camera evidence shows him getting beaten and tased by State Troopers…
cut 12 (06) “…cover up anything”
Lawmakers on the panel have accused Reeves of being disengaged and not doing more to follow up after learning there was a violent struggle that turned deadly with a motorist in Union Parish.

Baton Rouge Police have charged 20-year-old Brynnen Murphy with murder after his 24-year-old girlfriend Kaylen Johnson and her two-year-old son were found dead in two separate locations.
cut 8 (07) “….Thruway area”
That’s Baton Rouge Police Lieutenant Don Coppola who says Murphy told detectives where the bodies were located.

In his State of the State speech to begin the legislative session, Governor John Bel Edwards laid out his priorities for lawmakers to address. In addition to giving teachers at least a 15-hundred dollar pay raise, Edwards also wants to give a $100-a-month pay hike to first responders; like law enforcement officers and firefighters.
Cut 27 (14) “…the public deserves it.”

In an appearance on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster, former LSU President F. King Alexander was asked about the firing of basketball coach Will Wade. Alexander suspended Wade in 2019 for his refusal to meet with university officials to discuss the investigation swirling at the time.
Cut 9 (11) “…was all about.”
Alexander and then-athletic director Joe Alleva received a lot of criticism from fans and board members for suspending Wade, but Alexander believes Alleva took the appropriate action.

Previous legislation to ban access to sexually explicit content on state-issued phones and computers gave universities an exception to the rule under the guise of research. Brooke Thorington has more on legislation to remove the exception.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Louisiana State Police has hired a firm to conduct a comprehensive and independent review and assessment of LSP policies, procedures, training, and overall culture. Here’s trooper Dustin Dwight.

Cut 4 (09) “…organizational areas.”

— Break

In his annual State of the State speech, Governor John Bel Edwards laid out some of his priorities for lawmakers to address, including dedicating $550-million in federal American Rescue Plan funds to refill Louisiana’s depleted Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund., which took a hard hit from the COVID pandemic.

Cut 9 (13) “…need right now.”

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A recent state report showed that nearly 50-thousand students go without their regular teacher each day. State Representative Rick Edmonds wants to create inducements to bring retired educators back to school. He says some rules would have to be temporarily relaxed in order to provide those incentives, including one that caps what teachers can earn if they do return to a public school position.

Cut 11 (12)  “… a bit more money.”

20-year old Brynnen Murphy is being held in connection with the deaths and disappearances of his girlfriend 24-year old Kaylen Johnson and her son 2-year old Kayden. Lt. Don Coppola with the Baton Rouge Police Department Johnson and her son were last seen on March 5th and reported missing March 11th. When asked about a motive and how the victims were killed, Coppola responded…

Cut 7 (06) “…determinations” 

He says Murphy told investors where they could find the bodies.

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell is hoping to ban access to sexually explicit or pornographic content by anyone using state-issued phones and or computers at colleges and universities.  Mizell says while it’s already enforced among state offices it now adds postsecondary education to the adopting the policy.

Cut 13 (10) “…not acceptable.”

Governor John Bel Edwards lays out his legislative priorities for the regular session during his State of the State address.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Special Committee to inquire into the circumstances and investigation of the death of Ronald Greene will hear testimony from former LSP Superintendents Col Mike Edmonson, Col Kevin Reeves.

20-year old Brynnen Murphy is being held in connection with the deaths and disappearances of his girlfriend 24-year old Kaylen Johnson and her son 2-year old Kayden. Lt. Don Coppola with the Baton Rouge Police Department says Murphy arrived at a local precinct Monday.

Cut 6 recovered:10

Murphy faces two counts of first-degree murder and Coppola says more charges could be filed as they await the medical examiner’s report. There are reports the victim was pregnant with the suspect’s child.

Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds files a bill to encourage retired teachers to return to the classroom. The proposal would allow retired educators to earn more of their annual pension…
cut 11 (12) “…bit more money”
State Police hires a firm to conduct an independent review and assessment of LSP policies, procedures, training, and overall culture. Trooper Dustin Dwight says it’s an extension of Colonel Lamar Davis’ action plan to restore trust in the agency and provide an outline for reform.

Cut 5 (08) “…and 2023.”

The Special Committee to inquire into the circumstances and investigation of the death of Ronald Greene meets at 11 am and former LSP Superintendents Col Mike Edmonson, Col Kevin Reeves are scheduled to testify.

In 2018 legislation prohibiting the access of material deemed sexually explicit via state-issued devices went into effect with colleges given the exception for research purposes. But Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says it’s time for that to change.

Cut 15 (10)  “…unintended purposes.”

In his annual State of the State speech, Governor John Bel Edwards lays out some of his priorities for lawmakers to address. In addition to giving teachers & school staff a pay raise, Edwards says wants to invest over $1-billion in one-time dollars coming into state coffers on major infrastructure projects, such as…:

Cut 8 (15)  “…across our state.”

The Louisiana State Police has hired a firm to conduct a comprehensive and independent review and assessment of LSP policies, procedures, training, and overall culture. Trooper Dustin Dwight.

Cut 4 (09)  “…organizational areas.”

The Bowman Group will conduct the review and once completed LSP will share with the public.

The bodies of 24-year old Kaylen Johnson and her two-year-old son Kaden were found in Baton Rouge Monday after they were reported missing March 5^th. Johnson’s boyfriend 20-year old Brynnen Murphy turned himself into police yesterday. Johnson was reportedly pregnant, but police are waiting on the coroner’s report.

State Representative Rick Edmonds has introduced a bill to tackle the state’s growing teacher shortage. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards lays out his legislative priorities for the regular session during his State of the State address. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Edwards also supports legislation that would establish an independent redistricting commission to support the Legislature in reapportionment for future redistricting. The governor also supports insurance reform efforts and he is once again pushing legislators to raise the minimum wage.

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell has a bill to ban access to sexually explicit or pornographic content by anyone using state-issued phones and or computers at colleges and universities.
Cut 13 (10) “…not acceptable.”
Mizell’s measure also prohibits the downloading or streaming of pornographic material on a college’s wi-fi or through their internet service provider.

Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds says Louisiana is facing a teacher shortage and he’s filed a bill to get retired teachers back in the classroom. The proposal would allow retired educators to earn more of their annual pension if they returned to school…
cut 11 (12) “…bit more money”
The bill is awaiting discussion in the House Retirement Committee.