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 session must be done by the 20^th.

Governor John Bel Edwards’ office issues a statement in response to an AP story that he was notified by State Police Head Kevin Reeves in May 2019 of an unnamed motorist who died in their custody, who turned out to be Ronald Greene. Greene died from a severe beating. ULM Political Science professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says this could prove volatile for Edwards…:

CUT 13(12)      “…in his re-election?”

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 01(31)      “…David Grubb.”

Two St. Mary Parish teens are under arrest for allegedly making bomb threats against Franklin High School in mid-January. A 14 and 15-year-old are charged with terrorizing and communicating false information. They’ve been booked, processed and released to their parents’ custody.

Governor Edwards’ office issues a statement in regard to a media report he was aware of the circumstances under which Ronald Greene died, after a beating by state troopers in May 2019. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 03(37)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Natchitoches Parish public schools are lifting their mandate that kids wear masks in class. Starting this morning staff members, parents, and students will get to choose whether or not to wear a mask on campus. The school district says masking is still strongly encouraged for pupils and teachers.

The Louisiana Department of Education gets proactive on 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 schools…:

CUT 04(14)      “…back into classrooms.”

For more information visit ProtectLaSchools.org

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 07(11)      “…a few weeks ago.”

Six sports betting platforms were online for opening weekend and Johns says to expect even more in the coming weeks.

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 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 (11) “…same as well.”

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The governor’s office released a statement that Edwards did not learn of the allegations surrounding Mr. Greene’s death until September of 2020, and that he had only been notified of the arrest and death of an unnamed individual in May of 2019. It goes on to state that the governor did not see, nor was he aware of, the video of the arrest until October of 2020.

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The Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus has called for a meeting with Governor Edwards to discuss the case and, according to Chairman-elect Vincent Pierre, “how to move forward in our mission of obtaining justice for the family of Mr. Greene.

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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. 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.”

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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 2018 during a custody exchange. 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 prosecutors presented a strong case…

Cut 13 (05) “…for her life.”

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Republican leadership in the state legislature calls for an investigation into whether Governor Edwards took part in any cover-up of the May 2019 death of Ronald Greene, after a beating by state troopers and other LEOs. 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. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says Edwards has faced numerous challenges during his time in office, but this one is unique for his administration…:

CUT 04(12)      “…honor code.”

Alford says Republicans want to know if Edwards helped keep the details of Greene’s death quiet for political reasons, as that was a re-election year. The Governor’s office issued a written statement this afternoon stating Greene’s name was not provided in the initial email from LSP and that Mr. Edwards (quote) “did not see, nor was he aware of,” the videos of Greene’s arrest until October 2020. It also states that the Governor has never intervened in any criminal investigation.

In Rapides Parish over the weekend, a jury convicted 35-year-old Kayla Giles of gunning down her estranged husband, Thomas Coutee Jr., in a Wal-Mart parking lot during a child custody exchange back in September 2018. State Attorney General Jeff Landry says, based upon statements made by Coutee’s family, they’re pleased with the verdict…:

CUT 12(12)      “…what we did.”

Giles faces probable life in prison when sentenced in late March.

The man accused of killing former New Orleans Saint Will Smith, in April of 2016, will face re-trial in the Crescent City, after a defense motion for change of venue was denied. Cardell Hayes earlier conviction for Smith’s death was overturned by the state Supreme Court last year. Smith was shot and killed – and his wife shot and wounded – during a fight over a fender-bender. Hayes says he acted in self-defense. His re-trial begins April 4^th.

It’s been a deadly month for house fires in Louisiana and two more lives were lost Saturday. Brooke Thorington looks at “why so many?”…

CUT 02(32)      “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Southern University campus, in Baton Rouge, was locked down this morning after a bomb threat. No device was found. No one was hurt. It was one of six threats made against a number of HBCU’s across the country today. Federal authorities are investigating. Classes return to normal at Southern tomorrow.

Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder calls for an investigation into 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 May 2019 traffic stop. LAPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says Schexnayder uses the term “gross misconduct” in his written statement…:

CUT 03(10)      “…impeachment proceedings.”

Greene’s family was told he died in a car crash.

Kayla Giles faces life in prison after a Rapides Parish Jury found her guilty Saturday of the murder of her estranged husband, Thomas Coutee Jr. Giles fatally shot Coutee in a Walmart parking lot in September of 2018 during a custody exchange. The case was prosecuted by the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. Here is A.G. Jeff Landry…:

CUT 11(06)      “…justice to victims.”

Giles is expected to get life when her sentencing comes up in late March.

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 01(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

A Florida man is under arrest in Houma for shooting a worker at a local business. Police say 18-year-old Max Leon, of Orlando, started a disturbance at the Main Street business. When an employee offered to escort him out, he shot the man several times. The victim is expected to pull through. Leon is charged with attempted murder.

Fifteen people have been killed in house fires across Louisiana this month; making January one of the most fire-deadly months in five years. In the most recent case, another home in Bastrop caught fire killing a 58-year-old man. State Fire Marshal’s spokesperson Ashley Rodgrigue says it’s believed an overloaded extension cord was the probable source..:

CUT 09(06)      “…of the origin.”

Also Saturday a New Iberia woman died when her RV caught fire. Neither home had a working smoke detector.

A Bossier City man is under arrest for allegedly abusing his 4-month old child. Authorities say the baby was brought to an ER non-responsive and barely breathing. Upon examination doctors found multiple lesions, bleeding inside the child’s head, multiple rib fractures, a wrist fracture and bleeding around his eyes; all indicative of physical abuse. 25-year-old Corey Jackson is being held pending a $350-thousand bond.

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder is calling for an investigation into what Governor John Bel Edwards knew about the death of black motorist Ronald Greene, who died after he was beaten by State troopers in 2019. State Police told Greene’s family he died in a car crash, but an Associated Press report says Edwards learned of the violent struggle with Trooper the day after Greene’s death. LA Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says legislators want to hear the governor’s side of the story…
cut 5 (12) “….same as well”
So far no statement from the governor’s office.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office says 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.

Former LSU Tiger Joe Burrow is leading the Cincinnati Bengals to the Super Bowl and it’s helping his push to end hunger in southeast Ohio…
voicer 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Bengals will play the Rams in the Super Bowl. Former LSU Tiger wide receiver Odell Beckham Junior will play in his first Super Bowl after signing with Los Angeles during the regular season…
cut 7 (10) “…amazing moment”

Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder is calling for an investigation to find out if Governor John Bel Ewards 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. Greene’s death was in 2019, the same the governor 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.”

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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. Public Affairs 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.”

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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.”

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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 over San Francisco. Now, Beckham has found a home with the Rams and is 60 minutes from realizing a dream come true.

Cut 6 (13) “…keep going.”

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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 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.