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