It’s the first full day of the redistricting session where Democrats are pushing for a second minority-majority Congressional District while Republicans propose district lines to resemble the current map. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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By simply filling out a survey, Louisiana families could receive assistance as they recover from major storms over the past two years. David Grubb has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards gave his side of the story after allegations he withheld information about Ronald Greene’s 2019 death and tried to impede an investigation while campaigning for a second term. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Today is the first full day of the redistricting session and the creation of a second minority-majority congressional district could be the most contentious debate of the session. Of the state’s six districts only one is majority Black. Baton Rouge Democratic Senator Cleo Fields says it’s time for another district because the 33-percent of the state’s population is black.

Cut 4 (10) “…than fair..” 

While the map Republicans are pushing for makes minimal changes to the current district lines, Fields has filed legislation to allow for second Black to be elected. He says failure to do so is a federal violation.

Cut 5 (09) “…black district.”

The state senate has a Republican super-majority but Fields says if they fail to add a second minority-majority district then it will either be vetoed by the governor and if overridden, decided in court.

Cut 6 (12) “…absolutely wrong.”

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Louisiana is encouraging homeowners who sustained damage from Hurricanes Laura and Delta in 2020 to fill out a survey at restore.la.gov. Louisiana Office of Community Development Director Pat Forbes says the state will soon receive 600-million dollars in federal disaster block grant funding and answers to this survey will help determine how the money is allocated…

Cut 7 (09) “…out there.”

Forbes says they know there are many homeowners struggling financially as a result of the storm damage done to their homes in 2020 and the goal is to get this assistance out quickly once it becomes available…

Cut 8 (09)  “….vulnerable people first.”

The survey will help guide the state in developing its action plan for those funds. Homeowners can complete the survey online or on their mobile devices at restore-dot-la-dot-gov, or by calling 866.735.2001. Forbes says the process is easy to navigate and complete.

Cut 9 (08)  “…easy to sign up.”

The OCD is also urging any homeowner impacted by hurricanes over the last two years, including Hurricane Ida, to complete the survey, because they expect more federal assistance to become available.

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Governor John Bel Edwards denies his office impeded an investigation into the death of Black motorist, Ronald Greene, who died in State Police custody following a violent struggle with Troopers. Edwards met with reporters at the state capitol after accusations were made that his office was involved in a cover-up…

Cut 10 (10) “…categorically false.”

Edwards has been embattled in a controversy over what he knew about Greene’s death since an Associated Press report suggested he may have kept details of the police custody death quiet because he was up for re-election in 2019. But Edwards says he never interfered with the investigation…

Cut  11 (11)  “…being served.”  

Edwards met with the Legislative Black Caucus on Tuesday and Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder is calling for a legislative investigation to determine if Edwards did anything wrong. The governor was asked about an investigation by a GOP-led legislature…

Cut 12 (09) “…would stop.”

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Louisiana State Treasurer John Schroder has launched a new campaign to heighten awareness of the unclaimed property program. It’s called the Louisiana Cash Campaign and Schroder says it’s a renewed effort to return over 900-million dollars in unclaimed property to the rightful owner…

Cut 13 (06) “…keep promoting.”

Schroder says there’s a new website for you to check if you have any unclaimed money in your name and that’s La-Cash-Claim-dot-org. He says they are also rolling out a series of digital promotions and commercials in an effort to get people to check to see if they have any money owed to them…

Cut 14 (06)  “…its results.”

Unclaimed property consists of abandoned financial assets like checking and savings accounts, unpaid wages, life insurance payouts, and proceeds from safe deposit boxes. Schroder says one in six Louisiana residents have an unclaimed property…

Cut 15 (09)  “…today.”

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National Signing Day is Tuesday, the first for Brian Kelly as the head man at LSU. Glen West, editor of LSU Country for Sports Illustrated says even with the outstanding job that Kelly has done already, the Tigers can never have too much talent.

Cut  16 (07)  “…on the roster.”

Though LSU filled a number of needs during the early signing period, West says the Tigers still have position groups that they are targeting.

Cut 17 (14) “ …another offensive lineman.” 

A big part of Kelly’s recruiting has been identifying the types of players that fit his vision for what an LSU Tiger should be on the field and off.

Cut 18 (14) “ …a positive way.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards met with members to the Legislative Black Caucus this afternoon to give his side of the story after an Associated Press report says he had knowledge of the death of a motorist after a struggle with state police in May 2019. The motorist in question is Ronald Greene, where body camera footage shows Greene being beaten repeatedly. Edwards says he didn’t see video of the arrest until October of 2020 and didn’t comment on it until it went public due to an investigation.

Cut 26 investigation :22

Edwards says he requested that Greene’s family and members of the Black Caucus be allowed to view the video privately and the Justice Department agreed.

February is American Heart Month, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute is sharing ways for people of all ages to maintain a healthy heart. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US, and Dr. David Goff, Director of the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences diet plays a major role in heart health and Louisiana faces some unique challenges due to our rich food culture.

Cut 8 (08) “…including Louisiana.”  

The federal government is sending Louisiana 111-million dollars to plug and restore abandoned oil and gas wells. The money comes from the one-trillion dollar infrastructure bill and the first allocation is for 47-million dollars. Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s heard from communities across Louisiana about the environmental and safety hazards of orphan wells…

Cut 13 (09) “…infrastructure bill”

Governor John Bel Edwards gave his side of the story after allegations he knew of Ronald Greene’s 2019 death and that he failed to make details public and interfered with the investigation prior to his 2019 reelection. A text from then State Police Head Kevin Reeves informed Edwards that an unnamed motorist was pronounced dead at a hospital after a struggle with responding officers.  Edwards asked what political advantage is gained when the investigation was turned over to District Attorney in Union Parish two and a half months before the election?

Cut 24 is no :24

Edwards says the Department of Justice told him not to release video of the arrest to the public so it wouldn’t interfere with the investigation.

The redistricting session began Tuesday, and the creation of a second minority-majority congressional district could be the most contentious debate of the session. Of the state’s six districts only one is majority Black. Democratic Senator Cleo Fields says it’s time for a second district because 33-percent of the state’s population is black.

Cut 4 (11) “…than fair.” 

If you’ve ever contemplated taking to the open road and becoming a truck driver, the Louisiana Workforce Commission has just the plan for you. It’s called the “Drive Your Future” program. LWC Secretary Ava Cates says it gives Louisianans a chance to change careers and be trained at no cost for their CDL

Cut 10 (07)  “…issues.” 

Visit LaWorks.net for information.

Governor Edwards meets with the Legislative Black Caucus today to discuss what he knew about the death of Black motorist Ronald Greene, who died after a violent struggle with State Troopers. Edwards says he was made aware of Greene’s fatal arrest in May of 2019 the day after his death but didn’t see the videos of the arrest until October 2020. That’s when he called the actions of the officers in the video unacceptable and should be investigated. Appearing on Talk Louisiana today Democratic state Senator Cleo Fields says he’s frustrated there’s no state agency investigating state police regularly.

Cut 4 (07) “…real problems”

Greene’s family was initially told he died in a car crash. Republicans are calling for an investigation to see if the governor was involved in a cover-up.

The federal government is sending Louisiana 111-million dollars to plug and restore abandoned oil and gas wells. The money comes from the one-trillion-dollar infrastructure bill and the first allocation is for 47-million dollars. Senator Bill Cassidy says in many cases the wells were last owned by a company that’s now out of business or it’s hard to determine ownership of that well…

Cut 14 (11)  “…pay for it” 

If you’re looking to get a CDL and enter the trucking industry, the Louisiana Workforce Commission wants to help by paying for your training. LWC Secretary Ave Cates says women make up only 7-percent of drivers. Cates says she read about a nurse who left the medical field and entered the trucking industry.

Cut 12 (08) “…registered nurse.”  

Visit Laworks.net for more information. Classes begin in two weeks.

An AP report says Governor Edwards received a text in May 2019 of the death of an unnamed motorist, which turned out to be Ronald Greene, ULM Political Science Professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says so far there’s no evidence the governor was involved in a coverup…

Cut 14 (11)  “…or investigation.”

Edwards’ office says he didn’t see video of the arrest where Greene was repeatedly beaten by officers until October 2020. Greene’s family was initially told he died in a crash. Edwards will meet with the Legislative Black Caucus this afternoon.

The redistricting session begins today. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says a number of districts will have to be redrawn due to population changes and some members could lose their seats. He says its great political theater.

Cut 12 (09) “…have no other choice.”

A woman’s body, stuffed into a plastic container, was found in an abandoned truck in Ascension Parish over the weekend. The sheriff’s office says someone came across the vehicle near Bayou Narcisse Road and found the body. Investigators believe the woman, who appears to be in her 20s died of an overdose and was most likely dumped out of fear. It remains under investigation.

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.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m David Grubb.”

Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder is calling for an investigation to find out if Governor John Bel Edwards possibly participated in a cover-up of Ronald Greene’s death, a black motorist who died after he was beaten by State Troopers during a traffic stop in 2019. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Schexnayder uses the term gross misconduct in his statement…

Cut 3 (10) “…impeachment proceedings.”

According to an AP report, Edwards was informed the day after Greene died that he was involved in a violent struggle with troopers.

In March lawmakers will discuss the governor’s proposed teacher pay raises. Erath Representative Blake Miguez, whose wife is a teacher, understands their challenges but says he also wants to make sure the state can afford raises in the future…
Cut 9 (11)  “…across our state.”

A three-week redistricting session begins tomorrow at the state capitol. Lawmakers will attempt to pass new political boundaries for the legislature, the U-S House, BESE, the Public Service Commission. And they could also draw new district lines for the State Supreme Court. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says the last time they were redrawn was 1997…

Cut 15 (11)  “…be tough.”

A federal judge in D-C has invalidated a Gulf of Mexico oil and gas lease sale that took place in November where a record one-point-seven million acres were sold. The judge expressed concern over environmental impacts, but Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Mike Moncla says canceling the sale will result in more dependence on foreign oil….
Cut 5 (10) “…it’s frustrating.”

Lawmakers return to the state capitol tomorrow to begin a three-week redistricting session to redraw the political boundaries for the legislature, the U-S House, BESE, the Public Service Commission, and State Supreme Court. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says some of the remapping work will be tricky…

Cut 13 (09) “…really, really tough.”

The session must end by the 20^th.

When the regular session begins in March, Governor Edwards’ proposed teacher pay raises will be debated. Chairman of the Louisiana Republican Legislative Delegation, Blake Miguez says some of the funds that created a surplus won’t last forever and lawmakers are concerned about the use of one-time dollars.

Cut 8 (11)  “…year or two.”

A federal judge in Washington invalidates a Gulf of Mexico oil lease sale over environmental concerns. But Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Mike Moncla says revenues from offshore oil and gas production help improve Louisiana’s environment…

Cut 6 (09) “…offshore.”

Joe Burrow going to the Super Bowl, and he’s made a huge impact with the Joe Burrow Hunger Fund.  LSU fans are challenged to donate the score of their favorite 2019 game or $84 for being the 84^th Heisman winner. Cara Brook President of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio says they’ve been able to unite forces with groups that get to the root of food insecurity.

Cut 12 (08) “…those investments.”

To donate visit JoeBurrowFund.org.

A federal judge has invalidated a Gulf of Mexico oil and gas lease sale that occurred in November. David Grubb has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.”

In Rapides Parish 35-year old Kayla Giles was found guilty on her birthday Saturday of second-degree murder of her estranged husband Thomas Coutee, Jr. Coutee was shot in the parking lot of a Walmart in Alexandria September of 2018. The victim’s father told Giles Happy Birthday as he left the courtroom.

Lawmakers return to the state capitol tomorrow to begin a three-week redistricting session to redraw the political boundaries. Research Council President Steven Procopio says there will be serious discussion over whether there should be a second minority-majority Congressional district…

Cut 14 (11)  “…two out of those six”

When the regular legislative session begins in March, there will be much debate over Governor John Bel Edwards’ proposed $1500 pay raises for teachers. Chairman of the Louisiana Republican Legislative Delegation, Blake Miguez, says everyone agrees teachers deserve more money, but it is the responsibility of the legislature to ensure the raises are affordable and sustainable.

Cut 7 (09) “…process to see.”

An Associated Press report has found out that Governor John Bel Edwards knew within hours Ronald Greene died after a violent, lengthy struggle with State Troopers, but Greene’s family was told he died in a car crash at the end of a police chase. Greene’s deadly May 2019 arrest occurred as Edwards was up for re-election. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says it could have been damaging to Edwards if it became public that Greene died after he was beaten by troopers…

Cut 9 (07) “…point though.”

After the AP released video of the arrest, Edwards called the troopers’ actions unprofessional and disturbing and even used the word criminal. Greene’s arrest remains under a federal investigation, no charges have been filed.

Lawmakers will return to the state capitol on Tuesday to begin a three-week redistricting session to redraw the political boundaries for the state legislature, the U-S House, BESE, the Public Service Commission, and Louisiana Supreme Court. The session must end on February 20th and Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says some of the remapping work will be tricky…

Cut 13 (10) “…really, really tough.”

A federal judge in Washington has invalidated a Gulf of Mexico oil lease sale over concerns it will harm the climate by producing more planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Mike Moncla says its disappointing Judge Rudolph Contreras supports the Biden Administration’s energy policy…

Cut 4 (08) “…all doubled.”

With mobile sports betting live the Louisiana Department of Health wants bettors to be aware of the potential for addiction and how to deal with it.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

In Bossier City, Corey Jackson is charged with Second Degree Cruelty to a Juvenile. Police say after Jackson brought in his four-month-old son to the ER on Tuesday with a medical emergency it was later discovered the child also had multiple injuries from non-accidental trauma. The child’s condition is listed as critical but expected to worsen due to brain swelling. Jackson’s bond is set at $350,000.

An Associated Press report has found out that Governor John Bel Edwards knew within hours Ronald Greene died after a violent, lengthy struggle with State Troopers. The May 2019 arrest happened as Edwards was up for re-election that he won over Republican businessman Eddie Rispone with 51-percent of the vote. Support among black voters helped the governor secure a second term. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says many supporters are likely disappointed Edwards didn’t do more after hearing details about Greene’s arrest…

Cut 10 (09)  “…his legacy” 

When video of the arrest was made public two years later, Edwards called the troopers’ actions unprofessional, disturbing, and even used the word criminal. Greene’s arrest remains under a federal investigation, no charges have been filed.