As experts predict another above average hurricane season in 2022, the Louisiana Department of Education is taking steps to get schools ready for what comes before and after the storm. David Grubb has more.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m David Grubb.”
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State lawmakers begin the task of Redistricting Louisiana later today; a task that comes around once every ten years. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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Governor Edwards’ office issues a statement in regard to a media report he was aware of Ronald Greene’s death in May 2019. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (38) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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The Louisiana Department of Education is getting proactive when it comes to hurricane preparedness with the launch of the Protect Louisiana Schools: Hurricane Preparedness Commission. State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley believes now is the time to bring together as many bright minds as possible to put a comprehensive plan in place for our schools.
Cut 4 (14) “…back into classrooms.”
Dr. Brumley says that district leaders are faced with a wide number of problems, ranging from communications to infrastructure to getting cafeterias restocked with supplies. With the input of experts from the government, educational, and private sectors, he wants to provide leaders with best practices for preparation and recovery.
Cut 5 (11) “…much as possible.”
The commission will get to work immediately, and Brumley expects to have recommendations in place by the time districts begin their planning for what is expected to be a very active hurricane season.
Cut 6 (12) “…next hurricane season.”
For more information visit ProtectLaSchools.org
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It appears online sports wagering got off to a big start over the weekend. And while he doesn’t have exact figures yet, State Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says when you compare activity for the inaugural weekend to other states Louisiana is not an underdog.
It was a big sports weekend for online sports betting to debut with the NFL playoffs and with several former high profile LSU players on the gridiron, there was even more motivation to place a wager. Technical-wise Johns says everything went off without a hitch.
Johns says he doesn’t have an amount yet of how much the state profited opening weekend he does believe Louisiana covered the spread.
Six sports betting platforms were online for opening weekend and Johns says to expect even more in the coming weeks.
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State lawmakers are off to Baton Rouge to begin the 20-day special legislative session for redistricting Louisiana. The House & Senate must agree on new boundaries for the legislature, Public Service Commission, state courts and six U.S. Congressional seats. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he believes the latter – U.S. House districts – will be addressed right up front…:
Cut 10 (11) “…or NOT override a veto.”
The Governor and black leaders say the state needs to have a second majority minority district, and that is liable to be fuel for some disagreements within the Capitol. Pinsonat says better to get that settled early on, before moving on the more local matters; like redrawing in-state House & Senate boundaries…:
Cut 11 (10) “…related to that.”
A number of districts in areas surrounding cities like Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Lafayette are currently represented by African-American members, but those districts have lost population and will have to redrawn. Some members could lose their seats, because district lines have moved away from where they reside. Pinsonat says Redistricting is great political theater that only comes around every ten years…:
Cut 12 (09) “…have no other choice.”
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Governor John Bel Edwards’ office issued a statement in response to the Associated Press story that he was notified by State Police Head Kevin Reeves in May 2019 regarding an unnamed motorist who died in their custody. The motorist was Ronald Greene, and ULM Political Science Professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says this could prove volatile for Edwards.
Edwards was campaigning for his second term at the time, where he narrowly defeated Eddie Rispone in the run-off.
Edwards’ office says it is standard procedure for the governor to be notified when someone dies in state police custody, but Edwards did not see video of Greene’s repeated beating by officers until October 2020. Stockley says so far there’s no evidence that Edwards was involved in a coverup…
Cut 14 (11) “…or investigation.”
Edwards will meet with the Legislative Black Caucus today. Stockley says the Black community deserves to know what Edwards knew and his immediate response. He says the governor needs the support of the Legislative Black Caucus entering a redistricting session and then a regular session…
After the meeting, Edwards is expected to take questions from the media.
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The LSU Tigers have tumbled all the way to 25th in the AP rankings after dropping four of their last five games. LSU is back home in the P-MAC tonight as they host Ole Miss. The Rebels are just 2-6 in SEC play but are allowing opponents to score only 66 points per game with their multiple defenses, something Will Wade says the Tigers will have to adjust to.
Cut 16 (22) “…do a great job.”
Injuries have been a major factor for the Tigers, dating back to the loss of Adam Miller before the season began. Only center Efton Reid has been able to start all 21 games, and several players are still fighting injuries. Wade says he’s hopeful the team’s health will improve, but is preparing for if it doesn’t.
Cut 17 (18) “ …back healthy again.”
It wasn’t that long ago that the Tigers were challenging for a top-4 seed in the NCAA tournament, but Wade is far more concerned with the games remaining on the SEC schedule, which has not been kind so far.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.
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