The Legislature’s very contentious special session on Redistricting could end today. David Grubb has more…:
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m David Grubb.”
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Attorneys for the owner of the seven nursing homes that evacuated to a warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish during Hurricane Ida, says he has dementia and cannot be deposed. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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More than 50 parades will roll between Friday and Fat Tuesday in the New Orleans area and after the pandemic paused parades last year, these more than krewe members riding on Mardi Gras this year. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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The state legislature is expected wrap up its special session on redistricting today. The session officially must end Sunday at 6 p.m. Lawmakers have been split along racial and party lines on the subject of adding more majority-black voting districts to the maps for Congress, legislature, BESE, state courts and more. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford it got testy between members several times…:
Cut 4 (14) “…were anticipated.”
The House and Senate Republican majorities each passed congressional maps that still have only one majority-minority district (District 2). Alford says GOP Members feel there’s more to making a second majority-black district than simply wanting one…:
Cut 5 (15) “…there were maps passed.”
On Thursday, House member Barry Ivey blasted GOP colleagues for tabling his state Supreme Court map, which would have added more minority districts, with zero discussion. So far, NO maps that increase minority voter strength of any kind have passed. Alford says the REAL question is: once the session ends, what will the Governor do…?
Cut 6 (11) “…State Police controversy.”
Alford thinks court challenges of the district maps passed are inevitable.
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Attorneys for nursing home operator Bob Dean say he has dementia should not have to sit for depositions. Dean is facing numerous lawsuits after his decision to evacuate 843 residents to a warehouse from seven of his facilities during Hurricane Ida, which led to the deaths of 15 residents. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says his attorneys may be successful in keeping Dean from testifying…
Letters from Dean’s neurologist and hematologist in Georgia say he is unfit to answer questions and travel. Dean and his wife are now residents of Georgia.
Dean who remains under investigation by the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office could face criminal charges. And while Dean could still be held liable in civil cases Meche says you do have to be ruled competent to stand trial in a criminal case.
Cut 8 (10) “…competent person.”
Meche says a judge will make the decision if Dean has to sit for depositions and even if the request is granted, it’s not the end all be all for the cases.
The same attorneys defending Dean are also fighting the state to restore his licenses and Medicaid provider agreements that were revoked last September. Health officials say Dean left residents in unfit conditions.
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With more than 50 parades set to roll from tonight until Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras 2022 is one of the most anticipated events since COVID forced the beloved pastime to go on hiatus last year. Mardi Gras Guide publisher and carnival aficionado Arthur Hardy says revelers are more excited than ever.
As for crowds this year Hardy says it’s hard to estimate just how many tourists will attend but he expects plenty of participation from those who live in the surrounding area and so far, hotel reservations are up.
After the pandemic devastated the hospitality industry which is vital to the state’s economy there’s a lot more riding this year than krewe members on a float. Hardy says everyone is hoping Mardi Gras 2022 will be a jolt to the industry.
After a chilly weekend, Hardy says they anticipate ideal milder temps to close out Carnival season.
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Online sportsbooks took in nearly $40.5 million during their first four days of operation in Louisiana, the best four-day debut for any market in the country according to PlayUSA.com. But Thursday, Donna Jackson, gaming auditor for the Louisiana State Police, reported that the six companies licensed to operate in the state reported collective losses of nearly $9 million dollars as they pushed incentives to attract bettors.
Cut 13 (07) “…for promotional wagers.”
State law allows Louisiana sportsbooks to deduct up to $5 million annually for promotional spending, and one of the operators has already spent its entire allocation. As a group, the six operators spent nearly a third of their yearly credits just during their opening weekend said State Police audit director Jeff Traylor.
Cut 14 (12) “…a significant amount.”
Opening in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl was a major reason behind the promotional flurry, and as operators use up those credits that means more money for the state. Wade Duty, executive director of the Louisiana Casino Association, says you can expect those promotions to return with every major sporting event throughout the year.
Cut 15 (12) “…football season.”
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A new era of LSU baseball begins tonight as the Tigers begin a three-game weekend series against the Maine Black Bears at Alex Box Stadium. LSU’s preseason rankings range from as high as third from Collegiate Baseball to tenth from Baseball America. There are a lot of new faces on the team, including first-year head coach Jay Johnson who says he doesn’t have a set line-up yet…
Cut 16 (14) “…throughout a weekend.”
The LSU faithful has been notoriously impatient over the years, with the expectation being Omaha or Bust. Johnson knew that when he accepted the LSU job but stresses that he’s focused on the now rather than what’s ahead for his team and that every choice he’ll make is in an effort to win ballgames. He isn’t experimenting with lineups, he’s strategizing.
Cut 17 (18) “ …you’re doing that.”
Right-hander Blake Money will take the mound as the Tigers’ opening day starter against the Black Bears. Last season as a freshman, Money appeared in 15 games, making two starts, while recording a 1-2 record with an 8.68 ERA. Johnson says that Money should be just that for LSU. With a live arm and multiple pitches at his disposal, he’s the guy he wants on the hill.
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The Ragin Cajuns open their 99th season of recorded intercollegiate baseball by hosting 14th ranked U-C Irvine for a three-game series that begins tonight at 6 PM at Russo Park. Third year Coach Matt Deggs likes opening the year by facing a nationally ranked opponent….
Louisiana Tech begins the season with big expectations after hosting a Regional last year and is one of the favorites to win Conference USA this season. Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs says they have to put last season behind them…