Supporters of the family of Ronald Greene, the Black motorist who died after a beating by white State Police troopers in 2019, held a press conference to respond to statements made by Governor John Bel Edwards. David Grubb has more…
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.”
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The development of two wind farms in the Gulf of Mexico off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana could create thousands of jobs, the Bayou State is already breezing ahead in the industry Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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State lawmakers are debating proposed new U.S. Congressional district maps, and many are at odds over creating a second majority-Black district. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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Louisiana once again ranks number one for the highest average combined state and local sales tax rate at 9.55 percent. That’s according to the Tax Foundation and policy analyst Janelle Cammenga says Louisiana edge out Tennessee for the top spot, but Tennessee does not have an income tax…
Cut 4 (09) “…tax there”
As it stands now the state’s sales tax will drop nearly a half percent in July of 2025. Cammenga says if that happens Louisiana could fall from its number one ranking for highest combined state and local sales tax rate…
Cut 5 (09) “…extra revenue.”
Louisiana ranks second behind Alabama for the highest average local sales tax rates. Cammenga says sales taxes provide the predictable amount of money for the state’s general fund, but it’s a tax that’s harder on low-income wage earners…
Cut 6 (05) “…in Louisiana.”
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Supporters of the family of Ronald Greene, who died after a violent struggle with Louisiana State Troopers in 2019, including civil rights organizations and other families that lost loved ones to police violence, held a press conference Thursday to respond to statements made by Governor John Bel Edwards on Tuesday.
Krystal Muhammad, chair of the New Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, says the Governor must be held accountable for his words and actions.
Cut 7 (15) “…of Ronald Greene.”
Devon Norman, part of the Lafayette community collective “The Village 337” said that Governor Edwards neglected to act in the best interests of the citizens he swore to protect, and is only speaking because of mounting political pressure.
Cut 8 (12) “….to the people.”
Norman says the governor ignored protestors and their calls for action in 2019, and that Edwards stayed out of the fray to preserve his chances for re-election in 2020.
Cut 9 (14) “…availability of electricity.”
Greene’s family was scheduled to participate in the call, but were reportedly meeting with their attorneys and were unavailable for comment.
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Even before wind farms are constructed in the Gulf of Mexico, the Bayou State is already marking its mark in the industry offshore on the east coast. Michael Hecht, CEO of economic development organization at Greater New Orleans, Inc. says Louisiana firms are engineering, constructing, deploying, and servicing farms in the Atlantic.
Cut 10 (11) “…offshore wind.”
Louisiana is ranked number four in the country for offshore wind and the American Clean Power Association says the construction of two windfarms off the coasts of Louisiana and Texas could create more than 17-thousand jobs.
In addition to jobs, Hecht says windfarms will create a more sustainable source of electricity, companies will be able to use a cleaner source of energy and reduce greenhouse emissions.
And while it’s easier to harness wind energy off the east coast right now, Hecht says technology is advancing due in part to Louisiana-based firms that will only improve the opportunity for offshore wind farms elsewhere.
Cut 11 (07) “…in the Gulf.”
Hecht says the biggest innovation for wind technology right now is the creation of larger and more efficient windmill blades.
Cut 12 (11) “…107 meters long.”
He says the larger the blade, the more efficient windmills are at generating power which then lowers cost.
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At the State Capitol, lawmakers continue debate on drawing up new boundaries for the state Senate and for U.S. Congressional districts. The Governor and the Black caucus want a second majority black U.S. House district and Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields has proposed two maps that achieve that. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says both plans have the potential to unseat Congresswoman Letlow…:
Cut 13 (08) “…to elect a black congressman.”
Minorities make up 32-percent of state voters, so many agree the second district is mathematically sound. One of Fields proposed Congressional map covers New Orleans and surrounding parishes; the other starts in Baton Rouge and encompasses river parish areas north to the state line and half of Ouachita Parish. Pinsonat says he expects a lot of pushback on the proposals…:
Cut 14 (07) “…second congressional district.”
Pinsonat says the migration of population out of the northern parishes will require new districts be drawn for the state Senate (and the House). He expects those discussions will also be divided along both party and racial lines…:
Cut 15 (07) “…the Louisiana Senate.”
The redistricting session continues through the 20th.
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Former LSU and current Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth is in a unique position. Whitworth was drafted by the Cincinnati in 2006, and spent a decade with the Bengals, earning All-Pro honors three times. Next weekend though, he’ll be face his old team in Super Bowl 56. Whitworth appreciates his time with the Bengals and welcomes the opportunity to play against them.
Cut 16 (09) “…so much to me.”
Whitworth was with the Rams in 2018 when they lost to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 53. After going the last two seasons without a playoff win, the four-time Pro Bowler isn’t taking his second shot at a championship for granted.
Cut 17 (10) “ …lot to us.”
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You’d think that Joe Burrow would be feeling at least a bit nervous heading into his first Super Bowl in only his second season. His Cincinnati Bengals weren’t even supposed to be here, but after knocking off the top two seeds in the AFC, they’ve shown they belong. With just over a week to go before the big game, Burrow isn’t letting the hype get to him.
Cut 18 (11) “ …feels normal.”
Burrow had the opportunity to speak with five-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady. Brady just wrapped up a 22-year career that saw him capture every award possible. For Burrow reaching and possibly surpassing that level of excellence is the goal.
Cut 19 (12)_“get there someday.”
There may not be a position in sports that comes with more pressure than being a quarterback in the NFL. Burrow said when he first began playing football, he didn’t want to be under center…but now, there’s no other place he’d rather be or position he’d rather play.
Cut 20 (17) “ ..lose with me.”