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?

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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. Republicans are calling for an investigation to see if the governor was involved in a cover-up. But Democratic state Senator Cleo Fields said on Talk Louisiana he’s willing to give Edwards the benefit of the doubt…

Cut 3 (07) “…real problem”

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 disturbing and unacceptable and should be investigated.

State Police initially told Greene’s family he died from injuries suffered in a car crash. But a reexamined autopsy rejected L-S-P’s claim. State Attorney General Jeff Landry says Speaker Clay Schexnayder can call on the House Criminal Justice Committee to investigate who tried to keep Greene’s family in the dark on how he died…

Cut 6 (10) “…cover-up”

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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 at the NHLBI, says Louisiana is one of the states most at risk.

Cut 7 (11) “…high blood pressure.”

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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 be trained at no cost for their CDL.

Cut 10 (07) “…issues.”

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The federal government is sending Louisiana 111-million dollars to plug and restore abandoned oil and gas wells. Senator Bill Cassidy says the money will create jobs and make Louisiana a cleaner place to live…

Cut 15 (08) “…get it done.”

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.

We expect to find out more information today on what Governor John Bel Edwards’ knew about Ronald Greene’s death, a black motorist who died while in State Police custody.
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

At 5:00 today, the Louisiana Legislature begins a redistricting session. Democrats have filed bills to create a second-minority majority Congressional district, while the Republicans are pushing for minor changes to the state’s Congressional district map.

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) “…infrastrucutre bill”
The state Department of Natural Resources estimates there are 46-hundred abandoned wells in Louisiana and cleanup is likely to cost 400-million dollars.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission launched a new program today that would provide qualified applicants with free truck driver training…
cut 11 (09) “…our country”
That’s L-W-C Secretary Ava Cates who says the five-week classes begin in mid-February and they hope to ease the state’s driver shortage.

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. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says it’s the Legislature’s responsibility to seek the truth about Edwards’ involvement in a possible cover-up of how Greene died. State Attorney General Jeff Landry supports a fact-finding mission by a legislative committee…

Cut 5 (11) “…that information”

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February is American Heart Month, and Dr. David Goff, of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, says that managing that stress is an important step we can all take in improving our vascular health.

Cut 9 (08) “…your overall health.”

Nearly 40 percent of Louisianans live with hypertension, 6th-highest in the US.

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If you’re contemplating a career change and want to become a truck driver the Louisiana Workforce Commission is providing free CDL training. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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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.

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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. Republicans are calling for an investigation to see if the governor was involved in a cover-up. But Democratic State Senator Cleo Fields said on Talk Louisiana he’s willing to give Edwards the benefit of the doubt…
Cut 3 (07) “…real problem”
State Police initially told Greene’s family he died from injuries suffered in a car crash. But a reexamined autopsy rejected L-S-P’s claim. Landry says Speaker Clay Schexnayder can call on the House Criminal Justice Committee to investigate who tried to keep Greene’s family in the dark on how he died…
Cut 6 (10) “…cover-up”
Governor Edwards is scheduled to take questions from the press at 4:30.

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.”
Training is only five weeks and LWC is partnering with community colleges and training sites across the state. More information can be found at la-works-dot-net.

Today is February first, the start of American Heart Month, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute is sharing ways for people of all ages to maintain a healthy heart. Dr. David Goff, Director of the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences at the NHLBI, says Louisiana is one of the states most at risk.
Cut 7 (11) “…high blood pressure.”
Goff encourages regular physical activity, eating heart-healthy foods, and manage your stress.

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.”

Governor John Bel Edwards is set to meet with members of the Legislative Black Caucus today to discuss what he knew and when he knew about details surrounding the death of black motorist Ronald Greene, who died after a violent encounter with State Police troopers. Edwards is also expected to take questions from the press at 4:30.

At 5 PM, state lawmakers will begin the redistricting session, a task that comes around once every ten years. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Over the last two years, hurricanes have disrupted the educational experience for Louisiana schools, so that’s why Louisiana’s Superintendent of Education Doctor Cade Brumley has launched a Hurricane Preparedness Commission. Brumley says the commission will help create operational best practices for school systems and leaders during hurricanes…
cut 6 (12) “….next hurricane season”
The commission is comprised of local school officials, state lawmakers, and experts in emergency planning.

According to the state’s Gaming Control Board Chairman, Ronnie Johns, the first weekend of online sports betting went smoothly. Johns says he doesn’t have an amount yet of how much the state profited but he believes Louisiana covered the spread.
Cut 9 (07) “…hoped for.”
Six sports betting platforms were online for opening weekend and Johns expects even more in the coming weeks.

Governor John Bel Edwards office says he was not part of a cover-up of the May 20129 death of Ronald Greene. Greene died while in State Police custody after a lengthy high speed car chase. His death was due to injuries at the hands of troopers and other LEOs. The public and Greene’s family were told he died in a car crash. Mr. Edwards says he WAS told of a man dying in LSP custody, but did not see the video of Greene’s beating until October 2020. Edwards meets today with the Legislative Black Caucus to talk about it. UL-Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says – with a redistricting session starting today and a regular legislative session starting in March – Edwards needs black lawmakers’ support…:

CUT 15         (06)    “…if anything accomplished.”

A Tangipahoa Parish man dies after developing an auto-immune disease that doctors say was caused by his second COVID vaccine shot. Brandon Pollet WAS a healthy 33-year-old husband and father.

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 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 05         (11)    “…as much as possible.”

For more information visit ProtectLaSchools.org

Over a hundred plaintiffs – many of them businesses – have joined in a lawsuit against New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and her government; alleging her COVID mask and vaccine mandates have forced them to put their lives on hold. The lawsuit claims it is a case of government overreach. The plaintiffs also say the directives have caused social, economic and cultural harm to the city. They are calling for an injunction on the mandates until the case is heard.

Governor John Bel Edwards office responds to an AP report that he knew of the death of Ronald Greene in state Police custody, while the public and Greene’s family were being told he died in a car crash. Edwards was campaigning for his second term at the time. His 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. UL – Monroe political science professor Joshua Stockley says there’s no evidence that the Governor took part in a cover-up…:

CUT 14(11)      “…or investigation.”

Edwards will meet with the Legislative Black Caucus today. Afterward, he’s expected to take questions from the media.

Jefferson Parish deputies say a 4-year-old accidentally shot himself while sitting in a car, while adults smoked weed in the front seat. The toddler found a gun under the seat. No arrests have been made as yet.

The special session on redistricting Louisiana starts today in Baton Rouge. Lawmakers must decide new boundaries for their own chambers, the Public Service Commission, judicial districts and six U.S. House districts.  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. Political analyst Bernie 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.”

The session must be completed within 20 days.

More than 67-million wagers have been made since sports betting became legal in Louisiana in November. The 11 establishments offering sports book raked in just over $10-million. It’s too early yet to have any figures from the first weekend of legal mobile app sports betting. Nine parishes voted to reject sports book, but 55 allow it.