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.

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.”

Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says he’s greatly disturbed over an Associated Press report that says Governor Edwards knew Ronald Greene was involved in a violent struggle with State Troopers the day after he died. That information was kept quiet from Greene’s family and the public for months. Schexnayder says the Legislature may conduct its own investigation into who knew what, when and hold them accountable.

Teacher pay raises will be front and center in the upcoming legislative session. David Grubb has more
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.”

A three-week redistricting session begins tomorrow at the state capitol. Lawmakers will attempt to pass new political boundaries for the state legislature, the U-S House, BESE, the Public Service Commission, and it’s not mandatory, but they could also draw new district lines for Supreme Court Justices. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says the last time the Supreme Court lines were redrawn was in 1997…
cut 15 (11) “….be tough”

LSU fans are excited to see Joe Burrow lead the Cincinnati Bengals to the Super Bowl and of course Bengals fans are over the moon. Cara Brook President of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio says Bengal fans are saying thanks to Burrow by donating to his Hunger Relief Fund…
cut 11 (07) “….of 31”
The 31 represents the number of years in between playoff victories for the Bengals.