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.

Cut 7 (11) “…weeks ago.”

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.

Cut 8 (12)  “….rolled out.”

Johns says he doesn’t have an amount yet of how much the state profited opening weekend he does believe Louisiana covered the spread.

Cut 9 (07)  “…hoped for.”

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.

Cut 13 (12) “…reelection.”

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…

Cut 15 (06)  “…accomplished.”

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 25^th 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.

Cut 18 (8) “ …get to work.” 

Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.

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House Speaker Clay Schexnayder and the Louisiana Republican Party are calling for an investigation to see what Governor John Bel Edwards knew about the State Police custody death of Ronald Greene. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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It’s been a deadly month for house fires in Louisiana and two more lives were lost Saturday. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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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 Associated Press report, Edwards was informed the day after Greene died that he was involved in a violent struggle with troopers, while Green’s family was told for nearly two years he died in a car crash.

Greene’s death was in 2019 the same year he was up for re-election. Alford says Edwards has faced numerous challenges during his time in office, but this one is unique for his administration…

Cut 4 (12) “…honor code.”

Alford says Republicans want to know if Edwards helped keep the details of Greene’s death quiet for political reasons. Alford says many legislators want to hear the governor’s side of the story…

Cut 5 (12) “…same as well.”

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Former LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr is one of five Tigers who will be playing in Super Bowl 56. OBJ has been big for the Rams since joining them at midseason, and that continued in the playoffs. Beckham had nine receptions for 113 yards in the win. Now, Beckham has found a home with the Rams and is 60 minutes from realizing a dream come true.

 Cut 6 (13) “…keep going.” 

After a rocky few seasons that put his career in question, Beckham is back on top. Advancing to the Super Bowl was a surreal experience for the player once considered a superstar, who had been traded, injured, and released.

Cut 7 (1o) “…an amazing moment.” 

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The State Fire Marshal’s Office said home fires have killed 15 people in the month of January. It’s the deadliest month the state has experienced in five years. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says 2018 was the last time the state had that many and average temperatures were below normal.

Cut 8 (11) “…in their homes.”  

Two more lives were taken over the weekend. Early Saturday morning, the Bastrop Fire Department responded to a house fire where a 58-year-old man was found dead in a bedroom. She says excessive use of extension cords was a factor.

Cut 9 (06) “…the origin.”

And Saturday afternoon firefighters responded to an RV fire in New Iberia.  Rodrigue says first responders located the body of a 50-year-old woman in the bedroom.

Cut 10 (12)  “…every outlet.” 

Rodrigue says in both incidents a working smoke detector was not located. She urges you to practice space heater safety and if you need a smoke detector to contact visit Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office website.

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Kayla Giles faces life in prison after a Rapides Parish Jury found her guilty in the murder of her estranged husband, Thomas Coutee Junior. Giles fatally shot Coutee in a Walmart parking lot in September of 218 during a custody exchange. The case was prosecuted by the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, A-G Jeff Landry…

Cut  11 (06)   “….to victims”  

Giles was convicted on her 35th birthday. She’s expected to be sentenced to life in prison March 28th. Landry says based on the statements made by Courtee’s family after the trial, they are happy with the verdict…

Cut 12 (12) “…what we did.”  

Giles attorney said he wouldn’t be surprised if the verdict was overturned on appeal because the prosecution was allowed to use other crimes as evidence. But Landry says the criminal prosecutors from his office who worked on this case presented a strong case…

Cut 13 (05) “…for her life”

A federal judge has invalidated a Gulf of Mexico oil and gas lease sale that occurred in November. David Grubb has reaction from the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association….

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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Teacher pay raises will be front and center in the upcoming legislative session. David Grubb has more on why legislators want to dig deep on the question of how to pay for them.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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In his 2019 Heisman acceptance speech, Joe Burrow spoke of the poverty rate where he grew up in Ohio. In honor of the quarterback, Bengals fans are donating to the Joe Burrow Hunger Relief Fund. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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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 (07) “…all doubled.” 

When President Biden took office, he banned new oil and gas drilling on federally owned lands and waters. A Louisiana judge struck down the moratorium and in November a record one-point-seven million acres of drilling leases were sold.

Moncla says he’s asked the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office if the federal judge’s decision in Washington can be appealed, in the meantime canceling the November lease sale will result in more dependence on foreign oil…

Cut 5 (10) “…its frustrating.”

Several environmental groups filed a lawsuit to invalidate the record lease sale in November. They said it was a huge climate bomb. But Moncla says revenues from offshore oil and gas production help improve Louisiana’s environment…

Cut 6 (09) “…off shore.”

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When the Louisiana 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 that those raises are affordable and sustainable.

Cut 7 (09) “…process to see.”

Miguez says that many of the funds that have created a surplus for the state won’t last forever and that lawmakers are concerned that the use of one-time dollars would put those raises in jeopardy down the road.

Cut 8 (11)  “…year or two.”

Miguez knows that teachers have been hit hard by the pandemic and salaries that have increased by just five percent over the last decade but wants educators to know that state lawmakers are on their side.

Cut 9 (11)  “…across our state.”

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When Joe Burrow received his Heisman trophy, he talked about poverty where he grew up in Ohio. Since then, the Joe Burrow Hunger Relief Fund has been able to help those in need. Cara Brook President of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio says it’s making a huge difference.

Cut 10 (11) “…what they could.”

Brook says and now Bengals fans are paying tribute to Burrow thanking him for ending the 31-year playoff curse and getting them to a playoff game.

Cut  11 (07)  “…gifts of 31.”  

And here’s a challenge for Purple and Gold fans, donate the score of your favorite 2019 game or even $84 for being the 84^th winner of the Heisman. Brook says every donation adds up and they’ve been able to unite forces with organizations that get to the root challenges of food insecurity.

Cut 12 (08) “…those investments.”

Visit JoeBurrowFund.org to donate.

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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 (09) “…really, really tough.”

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”

Procopio says lawmakers can also redraw the lines for the state Supreme Court which have not changed since 1997. Procopio says Louisiana’s population numbers are much different now, so there will likely have to be a major change in the court maps and federal law does not require that Louisiana redraws them…

Cut 15 (11)  “…be tough.”

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Preseason practice is underway for college baseball teams, including the LSU Tigers, who are ranked in the top 10 in the polls. The biggest question mark for the Tigers is starting pitching as it’s hard to predict who will be the weekend starters. Devin Fontenot is trying to go from closer to starter and first year coach Jay Johnson says Fontenot has the ability to do it…

Cut  16 (16)  “..see that.”

Fontenot is entering his fifth season at LSU and has not been to the College World Series. 2019 is the last time LSU hosted a super regional after losing in the supers at Tennessee last season and the 2018 campaign ended in the Oregon State regional. Fontenot says the goal is to play postseason games in the Box this year to get back to Omaha…

Cut 17 (15) “ …our fans” 

LSU is expected to have an explosive offense as Dylan Crews and Tre Morgan return after sensational freshmen seasons. The Tigers also added freshman all-American Jacob Berry, who hit .352 with 17 home runs and 70 RBIs as a freshman at Arizona. Johnson says Berry is a switch hitter who has a simple swing…

Cut 18 (18) “ .both sides.” 

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Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals are heading to the Super Bowl after rallying back from a 21-3 deficit to beat the Kansas City Chiefs 27-24 in overtime. Burrow threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns as the Bengals are heading to their third Super Bowl…

Cut 19 (19)_“move on” 

Before Burrow became a Bengal, Cincinnati won two games. In his second season in Cincy the Bengals are now Super Bowl bound. Burrow says as the season went along, he felt the team had enough talent to get there…

Cut 20 (20) “ …want to do well.”