The mother of Ronald Greene made remarks Thursday evening after criminal charges were handed down against five law enforcement officers who were at the scene when her son was beaten and tased by cops before he died in May of 2019. Mona Hardin said she asked Governor John Bel Edwards to join them last night.
Cut 6 (15) “…for itself.”
Legal Analyst Tim Meche says the grand jury failed to charge the officers with murder or even manslaughter. Only one is charged with negligent homicide, Master Trooper Kory York, which carries a maximum sentence of five years.
Cut 7 (12) “…they’re convicted.”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows Louisiana continues to add jobs.  Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Cates says November’s unemployment rate of 3.3% marked the sixth month in a row the state has either tied or set a record low. Cate says there are ten thousand openings on the workforce commission’s web page, and the state has programs to help employers and people looking for work.

Cut 15 (08) “…in January.”

Louisiana State Parks are offering special holiday events at their facilities. State Parks director Brandon Burris says all of the parks have added holiday features.

Cut 3 (08) “…Christmas pictures. ”
There are 38 state parks, historic sites, and preservation areas. He says Santa is making appearances throughout the park system. For more information go to L-A state-parks-dot-com.

The mother of Ronald Greene made remarks Thursday evening after criminal charges were handed down against five law enforcement officers who were at the scene when her son was beaten and tased by cops before he died in May of 2019. Mona Hardin said she asked Governor John Bel Edwards to join them last night.

Cut 6 (14)  “…for itself.”

Hardin has repeatedly called on those responsible for Greene’s death to be held accountable. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says the grand jury failed to charge the officers with murder or even manslaughter. Only one is charged with negligent homicide, which carries a maximum sentence of five years.

Cut 7 (12)  “…they’re convicted.”

Louisiana’s Gaming Control Board has approved the sale of the abandoned Diamond Jacks Casino in Bossier City to Foundation Gaming, a Mississippi-based company. Foundation’s marketing operator Les McMackin says they plan to open the Shreveport-Bossier City area’s first land-based Casino by December 2024 with a nearly $200 million renovation.

Cut 10 (12) “… again with that” 

Louisiana State Parks are holding holiday events at all 38 of their facilities, State Parks Director Brandon Burris says they are also running a special right now, four nights for the price of three through the end of the month. The promo code is kickoff2022. And if you’re having trouble finding a gift for someone how about a state parks gift cards.

Cut 5 (08) “…hands on”

Mona Hardin, the mother of Ronald Greene made remarks Thursday evening after criminal charges were handed down against five law enforcement officers who were at the scene when her son was beaten and tased by cops before he died in May of 2019.

She had harsh words for state leaders for allowing state police to continue their behavior and mistreatment of people of color.

Cut 8 (12)  “…clean up.“

One of the officers that were involved has since died but of the five officers who have been charged four face Malfeasance in Office and three face Obstruction of Justice. Legal Analyst Tim Meche feels the charges don’t match the crime.

Cut 9 (09) “…young man” 

Only one officer is charged with negligent homicide, which carries a maximum sentence of five years.

Louisiana State Parks are holding holiday events at all 38 of their facilities, State Parks Director Brandon Burris says Santa is making the rounds throughout the park system. Oakley House at Audubon Historic site near St. Francisville is conducting ongoing guided tours and more.

Cut 4 (07)  “…going on.” 

The parks system is offering a special: four nights for the price of three through the end of the month. The promo code is kickoff2022. For more info and reservations visit LAstateparks.com

Three and a half years following the fatal arrest of Ronald Greene, a Black motorist, criminal charges have been handed down against five law enforcement officers involved in his arrest. Master Trooper Kory York faces the most significant charge, negligent homicide, while the others have been charged with malfeasance and obstruction of justice. Attorney Ron Haley urges District Attorney John Belton to prosecute these individuals to the fullest extent of the law…

Cut 8 (09)  “…for Ron.”

Senator John Kennedy wants FEMA to explain how they calculate their Risk Rating 2.0. Kennedy says it does no good for the federal government to offer flood insurance if people can’t afford it.

Cut 6 (11)  “…their rates go up!” 

The Revenue Estimating conference says the state has an extra $925 million in this year’s budget and $608 million for the next year. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says their recommendations to the legislature on how to spend the funds will be consistent with what was done in the current year and use some of the money for nonrecurring purposes.

Cut 11 (10)  “…growing the budget.”

To make shipping your Christmas packages easier the post office’s website has a tool called “Click and Ship.” USPS spokesperson David Walton says it’s ideal for folks who want to avoid standing in line to mail a package. He says you can calculate shipping costs for your package and.…

Cut 15 (10)  “…free of charge.”

Tomorrow is the deadline to ship cards and packages first-class for a Christmas arrival.

State climatologist Barry Keim says there were 62 reports of tornadoes across seven states over two days this week—21 in Louisiana alone. However, Keim says there were most likely multiple reports of the same tornadoes. He says December tornado outbreaks are becoming more common

Cut 7 (09)  “…99 tornadoes.”

That record was set in 2002.

The United Way of Southeast Louisiana is encouraging individual to make donations its Tornado Relief Fund to help families impacted by yesterday’s tornadoes. United Way president Michael Williamson says they have already distributed some emergency supplies and need volunteers to help in the affected areas.

Cut 5 (09) “…right away”

The agency is hoping to pass out cash cards to those in need.

Governor John Bel Edwards and GOSHEP officials are doing flyovers of areas damaged by Wednesday’s tornados in southeast Louisiana. Edwards is asking those who received property damage to register online at DamageLA.gov.

Cut 14 (12)   “… federal government.”

Edwards says the state is going to do what it can to quantify damage for Federal assistance and if eligible the state will make an application for aid.

Outgoing District Three Public Service Commissioner Lambert Boissiere presided over his final P-S-C meeting today as he was defeated by political newcomer Davante Lewis. Boissiere lost by nearly 20 points in last Saturday’s election to Lewis, who is considered a progressive. Boissiere says third party groups told lies about his record

Cut 10 (12) “… worry about” 

The U.S. Coast Guard is responding to a helicopter crash about 30 miles offshore of Terrebonne Bay.  The crash happened shortly before 10 this morning and Petty Officer Gabriel Wisdom says the private aircraft with three persons onboard was en route to an oil platform when the crash occurred.

Cut 13 (09) “…oil platform.”  

The three persons were waiting to be rescued in a life raft.

State climatologist Barry Keim says there were 62 reports of tornadoes across seven states over two days this week—21 in Louisiana, and he says the warm weather was the reason.

Cut 6 (12)  “…above normal.”

But Keim says we don’t know exactly how many tornadoes there were because there were likely multiple reports of the same tornadoes.

Longtime Public Service Commissioner Lambert Boissiere says goodbye to the P-S-C during an emotional farewell speech. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The U.S. Coast Guard is responding to a helicopter crash about 30 miles offshore of Terrebonne Bay. The crash happened shortly before 10 this morning and Petty Officer Gabriel Wisdom says an aircrew from New Orleans has been dispatched.

Cut 12 (08) “…in a life raft.”  

Wisdom says the private aircraft with three persons onboard was en route to an oil platform when the crash occurred.

Outgoing District Three Public Service Commissioner Lambert Boissiere presided over his final P-S-C meeting today as he was defeated by political newcomer Davante Lewis, a 30-year-old Baton Rouge man who works for the Louisiana Budget Project. An emotional Boissiere told the commission he’s proud of his work…

Cut 9 (09) “… about me”  (2x)

Boissiere has served on the P-S-C for 17 years.

The United Way of Southeast Louisiana is asking for donations to their Tornado Relief Fund to help families impacted by Wednesday’s tornadoes. United Way President Michael Williamson says they are waiting to get an exact count of how many people lost their homes.

Cut 4 (09)  “…left standing” 

They are hoping to hand out cash cards to those in need.

Governor John Bel Edwards is traveling across South Louisiana touring storm damage from Wednesday’s severe weather. Edwards and GOHSEP officials are doing flyovers of Iberia, St. Charles, Jefferson, and St. Bernard parishes. After the flyovers, Edwards will hold press briefings in New Iberia, Hahnville, and Gretna. On Tuesday a mother and son were killed in Caddo Parish and on Wednesday one fatality was reported in St. Charles Parish. At least seven parishes received tornado damage over the two-day period.

Governor John Bel Edwards is traveling across South Louisiana touring storm damage from Wednesday’s severe weather. Edwards and officials will be conducting flyovers of Iberia, St. Charles, Jefferson, and St. Bernard parishes and hold briefings afterward in New Iberia, Hahnville, and Gretna.

The United Way of Southeast Louisiana is encouraging donations to its Tornado Relief Fund to help families impacted by yesterday’s tornadoes. Michael Williamson is President and CEO of United Way of Southeast Louisiana.

Cut 3 (07) “..holiday possible” 

Heavy storm damage was reported in Marrero, and parts of St Bernard Parish, including Arabi. He says they are waiting to get an exact count of how many people lost their homes. There was one fatality Wednesday in St. Charles Parish and on Tuesday two people were killed in a tornado in Caddo Parish.

A tornado in the St. Charles Parish town of Killona caused significant damage to homes and a school on Wednesday afternoon and claimed one life. Parish president Matthew Jewell says about 600 people were without power because of an active gas leak. Jewell says the parish hasn’t caught a break from hazardous weather.

Cut 14 (12)  “…likely tornado..”

A recent survey of small businesses says they are more optimistic about business now compared to the beginning of the year, but forty-four percent of owners reported job openings that were hard to fill with a historically high and untypical recession period. NFIB Louisiana spokesman Todd Pack says owners are doing what they can to bring in more workers.

Cut 12 (11) “…still a challenge.”

The Louisiana Department of Education is accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Governor Edwards declares a state of emergency after multiple tornados touched down across the state. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Small business owners have more optimism now compared to the beginning of the year but still face inflation disparities along with worker shortages. Whitney Thomas reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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Applications for the Louisiana Department of Education scholarship program are being accepted for the 2023-2024 school year. Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says students can receive scholarships to attend a participating private school.

Cut 4 (12)  “…non-public school.”

The household income for eligible students must not exceed 250% of the federal poverty level. Brumley says the program allows parents more freedom in choosing their child’s educational journey.

 Cut 5 (11) “…they qualify.”

Brumley says 136 schools and approximately 6,000 students participate in the scholarship program.

Cut 6 (09)  “…their child.” 

The online application can be found at LouisianaBelieves.com and the deadline to apply is January 27^th.

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After a front moved across the state Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday night and sparked multiple tornados, Governor John Bel Edwards declares a state of emergency.

Cut 7 (11) “…this disaster.”

On Tuesday a 30-year-old mother and her 8-year-old son were killed in Caddo Parish after a twister touched down in the Keithville area and in St. Charles Parish a 56-year-old woman was killed after a tornado struck her home in the Killona area Wednesday afternoon.

Cut 8 (09)  “…can bare.”

With a cold front moving in behind the storms and numerous power outages, Edwards reminds residents to practice generator safety to avoid a tragic outcome.

Cut 9 (07)  “… disaster itself.”

Edwards says they are already providing aid to those who lost their homes or received significant damage as a result of the storms. The governor asked residents to report their storm damage online at Damage.LA.gov.

__________________________________________

Small business owners are more optimistic compared to the beginning of the year, but still face problems with inflation,  with 32% of owners reporting inflation to be their single most important problem. Other owners saw Supply chain disruptions along with worker shortages.

NFIB Louisiana spokesman Todd Pack says these factors are making it difficult on small business owners.

Cut 10 (09) “…have that.” 

The percentage of owners raising their average selling prices increased as a result of the ongoing supply chain issues. Pack says owners have tried to keep prices low, but it’s impossible when the price of everything has surged.

Cut 11 (12)  “…a challenge.”

Forty-four percent of owners reported job openings that were hard to fill with a historically high and untypical recession period. Pack says owners are doing what they can to bring in more workers.

Cut 12 (11) “…still a challenge.”

______________________________________________

A tornado in the St. Charles Parish town of Killona caused significant damage to homes and a school on Wednesday afternoon. One person is dead, a 56-year-old female, and at least seven other people are injured.  Parish president Matthew Jewell says authorities responded quickly.

Cut 13 (13) “…every-bodies out.”

About 600 people are without power with an active gas leak. Jewell says the parish hasn’t caught a break from hazardous weather.

Cut 14 (12)  “…likely tornado..”

Jewell says residents need to stay off the road, and away from the affected areas.

Cut 15 (08)  “…later time.”

______________________________________________

Louisiana Tech Coach Sonny Cumbie met with reporters on Wednesday to talk about the death of Mississippi State Coach Mike Leach. Cumbie played for Leach at Texas Tech and also served on his staff. Cumbie says he’s still in shock over Leach’s sudden death…

Cut  16 (20)  “..through my heart.” 

Cumbie had a chance to coach against Leach in last year’s Liberty Bowl when Cumbie served as an interim coach for the Red Raiders. He says meeting up with Leach after the game was a special moment…

Cut 17 (17) “…thought of him.” 

Cumbie says he will always admire the belief that Leach had in his players…

Cut 18 (26) “…also.” 

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Cut 19 (18) “….way they do”

Cut 20 (20) “…with us”

In the last 24 hours at least seven tornadoes have been reported in Louisiana. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says one person was killed in a St. Charles Parish twister this afternoon and two fatalities were reported Tuesday in Caddo Parish.  Authorities say 30-year-old Yoshiko Smith and her eight-year-old son Nikolus Little were killed in Keithville when a tornado struck their home Tuesday afternoon.

A tornado destroyed a neighborhood in Farmerville last night. Jeff Palermo spoke with mayor John Crow….

Cut 1(27)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

New Iberia officials are also reporting tornado damage. Captain Leland Lasiter with the New Iberia Police Department says two tornadoes hit their town this morning…

Cut 13 (12) “…as well”  

A temporary shelter has been set up at the gym of New Iberia High School.

In ten months, Louisiana voters will go to the polls to elect the state’s next governor. Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins says he’s supporting the first Republican, Attorney General Jeff Landry, who officially announced his candidacy. In the video ad, Higgins is shown driving his vehicle and talking to the camera about Landry.

Cut 10 (11) “… people.” 

Just days after Senator John Kennedy was re-elected to a second term, he indicated he was highly considering running for governor in 2023.