The attorneys for LSU employee Sharon Lews discussed today a 50-million dollar lawsuit they plan to file against the university for what they claim is retaliation against her for trying to stop sexual harassment involving former football coach Les Miles. Attorney Tammye Brown was asked why Lewis didn’t go public earlier with the misconduct claims against Miles….
cut 10 (11) “….investigator”
LSU officials, including coach Ed Orgeron, will not appear at tomorrow’s legislative hearing that’s been called to look into the sexual misconduct claims. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says they want to ask Orgeron about the accusations made by Gloria Scott that she was sexually harassed by former star running back Derius Guice in 2017….
cut 5 (07) “….for us”
Barrow made the comments as a guest on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster.

The 2021 Louisiana Survey finds that 54-percent of those polled say the state’s 4.45 percent sales tax rate is too high. Director of the LSU Public Policy Lab Doctor Michael Henderson says the 781 respondents were also asked if others are paying their fair share of taxes…
cut 13 (10) “..fair share) (2x)

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announced today the formation of the Louisiana Commission on Election Integrity and Voting. Ardoin says the panel will work to assure continued confidence in Louisiana’s elections, how to combat voter fatigue and how to improve the voters’ experience. He says the panel is made up of a diverse group of experts…
cut 8 (13) “…family forum”

Tigers football coach Ed Orgeron and athletic director Scott Woodward will not appear before a legislative committee looking into LSU’s sexual misconduct scandal. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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Attorneys for LSU employee Sharon Lewis previewed their 50 million dollar lawsuit suit alleged retaliation against their client for reporting sexual misconduct. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (33) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Football coach Ed Orgeron, Athletic Director Scott Woodward, and other LSU officials will not appear at tomorrow’s Senate Select Committee on Women and Children to discuss the mishandling of previous sexual misconduct cases. Senator Regina Barrow says Woodward told her he could not testify because an LSU employee filed a lawsuit against the school…

Cut 3 (05)  “…understand.” 

LSU’s associate athletic director of football recruiting, Sharon Lewis, has filed a 50-million dollar lawsuit against the school claiming she faced retaliation for trying to report cases of sexual misconduct by former football coach Les Miles.

Woodward and Orgeron have supplied written statements to the legislative committee, but Barrow believes they should still appear before lawmakers….

Cut 4 (06) “..say it twice” 

Barrow says Orgeron’s decision not to appear before the committee is troubling. She says they want to find out more about when the school learned about the accusations made by Gloria Scott that she was sexually harassed by former star running back Derius Guice in 2017…

Cut 5  (07)  “…for us.”

Barrow made the comments as a guest on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster.

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Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin has announced the formation of the Louisiana Commission on Election Integrity and Voting. Ardoin says the bipartisan panel will discuss ways to make sure voters have confidence in Louisiana elections and how to combat voter fatigue…

Cut 6 (09) “…out state”

Ardoin says the commission will look at all aspects of voting and the goal is to enhance the confidence in Louisiana’s election process

Cut 7 (12) “…early voting sites”

Ardoin says the commission will begin meeting after the 2021 legislative session and then issue a final report before February 1st. He says the panel is made up of a diverse group of experts…

Cut 8 (13) “..family forum”

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LSU Athletics Administrator Sharon Lewis files a lawsuit alleging she suffered harassment and career repercussions as a result of investigating reports of sexual misconduct by coach Les Miles.

Lewis attorney Bridgette Brown alleged there was a broad conspiracy to cover up Miles’ harassment and her client was humiliated and ostracized by colleagues for challenging that conspiracy.

Cut 9 (12) “she had.”

A number of LSU officials including board members, administrators, and school leaders were named in the 50 million dollar RICO civil suit. The suit also names law firm Taylor Porter, alleging the firm helped hide documents related to Miles’ alleged harassment required for Title Nine compliance.

Attorney Tammye Brown was asked why Lewis didn’t go public with the misconduct claims against Miles. Brown said Lewis was ordered to report all allegations to Miriam Segar and say nothing else.

Cut 10 (11) “…investigator” 

Lewis is the Associate Athletics Director for Football Recruiting and has worked at LSU for 20 years. Attorney Bridgette Brown says Lewis has suffered continued harassment since 2013. She was asked why Lewis waited so long to file the suit…

Cut 11 (09) “…truth”

An LSU spokesperson says the school has no comment on the lawsuit at this time. Taylor Porter has been contacted for a statement as well. Miles denies allegations that he engaged in sexual misconduct during his time at LSU.

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The 2021 Louisiana Survey finds 54-percent of adult residents feel the state sales tax is too high and the majority want neither spending cuts nor tax increases. Policy Lab Research Director Mike Henderson says not only is it a majority that feels the sales tax is too high but a majority among the two major parties.

Cut 12 (11)   “…61% of Republicans” 

The current state sales tax is 4.45%

When residents are asked if they pay their fair share of state taxes 52-percent say yes and 41-percent say they are paying too much. Henderson says they also asked if they feel others are paying their fair share of taxes and most believe other income levels are.

Cut 13 (10)“…fair share.” (x2)

Henderson says a majority of those surveyed say they do not want to see spending cuts in six areas, elementary and secondary education; higher education; health care; roads and bridges; prisons; and public assistance programs.

Cut 14 (06) “…spending” 

781 adult residents were surveyed in the state from January 4^th to March 1^st.

The attorneys for LSU employee Sharon Lewis discussed today her 50 million dollar lawsuit against her employer that alleges school officials retaliated against her for speaking out against sexual misconduct. Matt Doyle has more.
cut 2 (33) …I’m Matt Doyle.”

Lewis was one of several LSU employees asked to speak at tomorrow’s Senate Select Committee on Women and Children. But LSU’s legal team has informed the legislative panel that because of Lewis’s lawsuit no one from LSU is allowed to appear before the committee.

The 2021 Louisiana Survey finds that 54-percent of adult residents believe the state’s sales tax is too high. It’s currently at 4.45-percent. The state sales tax helps pay for many different areas of government. LSU Public Policy Lab Director Mike Henderson says a majority of the respondents also do not want to see cuts in education, health care, roads, prisons, and public assistance programs…
cut 14 (06) “…spending”

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announced the formation today of the Louisiana Commission on Election Integrity and Voting. Ardoin says the commission will look at all aspects of voting and the goal is to enhance the confidence in Louisiana’s election process
Cut 7 (12) “…early voting sites”
Ardoin says the commission will issue a final report before February 1st.

LSU Athletics Administrator Sharon Lewis files a lawsuit alleging she suffered harassment and career repercussions as a result of investigating reports of sexual misconduct by former coach Les Miles. Attorney Bridgette Brown says Lewis has suffered continued harassment since 2013. She was asked why Lewis waited so long to file the suit…

Cut 11 (09) “…truth”

Lewis has worked at LSU for 20 years.

The 2021 Louisiana Survey finds 54-percent of adult residents feel the state sales tax is too high. Policy Lab Research Director Mike Henderson says not only is it a majority, but it’s also a majority among the two major parties.

Cut 12 (11)   “…61% of Republicans” 

781 adult residents were surveyed in the state from January 4^th to March 1^st.

Tigers football coach Ed Orgeron and athletic director Scott Woodward will not appear before a legislative committee looking into LSU’s sexual misconduct scandal. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

LSU issued a statement blocking all employees from testifying under oath before lawmakers tomorrow.

Parts of the state are under a tornado watch until eight o’clock tonight. The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued the watch for most of north Louisiana to the Arkansas and Texas State lines. The watch covers north of Alexandria which includes Monroe and Shreveport.

LSU Athletics Administrator Sharon Lewis files a lawsuit alleging she suffered harassment and career repercussions as a result of investigating reports of sexual misconduct by coach Les Miles. Lewis’s attorneys spoke earlier today. Bridgette Brown said after reporting harassment by Miles her client was ostracized and humiliated by colleagues and ordered to stay quiet.

Cut 9 (12) “she had.”

Miles has denied those allegations.

LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward and coach Ed Orgeron were requested to testify in person tomorrow at a legislative hearing on LSU’s mishandling of sexual misconduct cases, but have declined to attend instead opting to send letters. Senator Regina Barrow finds that suspicious…

Cut 4 (06) “..say it twice” 

There’s an effort to allow voters to decide if recreational marijuana should be legalized and decriminalized in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Football coach Ed Orgeron, Athletic Director Scott Woodward, and other LSU officials will not appear at tomorrow’s Senate Select Committee on Women and Children to discuss the mishandling of previous sexual misconduct cases. Senator Regina Barrow says Woodward told her he could not testify because an LSU employee filed a lawsuit against the school…

Cut 3 (05)  “…understand.” 

Barrow says that LSU’s associate athletic director of football recruiting; Sharon Lewis, who has filed the lawsuit will appear tomorrow.

Speaker Pro-Tem Tanner Magee says the legislative response to the LSU scandal will be in the form of mandatory reporting bills, for example, if you fail to report a sexual assault you can be terminated.

Cut 10 (07) “…this session.”

Magee also stated many lawmakers want to give the university level funding over the school’s lack of transparency.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin has announced the formation of the Louisiana Commission on Election Integrity and Voting. Ardoin says the bipartisan panel will discuss ways to make sure voters have confidence in Louisiana elections and how to combat voter fatigue…

Cut 6 (09) “…out state”

Ardoin says the commission will begin meeting after the 2021 legislative session and then issue a final report before February 1st.

Baton Rouge Area Foundation VP John Spain says funding for a passenger rail line between Baton Rouge and New Orleans could arrive as early as winter if Congress passes the President’s infrastructure bill. Spain says travel from the Capital to the Crescent City would take about 45 minutes to an hour and they’d likely start with eight to ten round trips per day and increase over the first few years.

Cut 15 (08)“…bridges.”

Speaker Pro Tem Tanner Magee says due to LSU’s lack of transparency over the alleged Title IX violations some lawmakers are considering only giving the school level funding.  Which could jeopardize construction of a new library and science building. Magee says ultimately, it’s the students who are punished and not those responsible.

Cut 12 (10) “…the table.”

Mandeville Republican Richard Nelson files legislation to allow a statewide vote on if marijuana should be decriminalized, regulated, and sold recreationally. Nelson says if the Legislature approves the ballot initiative and a majority of citizens vote in favor, marijuana would be decriminalized across the state.

Cut 5 (10)“…in favor.”

Nelson hopes it will make it on the Fall 2022 ballot.

Baton Rouge Police release body camera footage showing the November 8^th encounter between officers and LSU receiver Koy Moore that led to Moore filing a complaint. The footage shows Moore and a friend hiding behind a truck as police broke up a party. An officer tells them to put their hands on a truck before moments later pulling a gun on the two. Police Chief Murphy Paul says the officers’ intent was not malicious, but both were given letters of reprimand.

Cut 9 (11) “…experience.”

Included in President Biden’s two trillion-dollar infrastructure proposal is funding for passenger rail service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Baton Rouge Area Foundation VP John Spain says it would be perfect for professionals who commute between the two cities. Commuters could get some work done while traveling, whereas…

Cut 13 (03) “…done.”

Spain adds the rail system could come in handy for moving people out of harm’s way during hurricanes.

The U-S Department of Education confirms the Office for Civil Rights is investigating LSU to determine whether they violated Title Nine requirements. The news comes as an LSU athletic department employee files a 50-million dollar lawsuit against LSU, claiming she was retaliated against after trying to stop cases of sexual harassment and assault while Les Miles was the football coach.

Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson has proposed legislation that would decriminalize marijuana possession and gives voters the opportunity to vote on whether marijuana can be grown and sold legally in their parish. Nelson says he’s asking the legislature to approve his bil in the legislative session that begins next week and the issue would then appear on the ballot in the fall of 2022…
cut 6 (09) “….this going”
A recent poll from LSU found 67-percent of Louisiana voters are in favor of legalizing cannabis.

There’s a push to create a passenger rail service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans and Baton Rouge Area Foundation V-P John Spain says the transportation project is included in President Biden’s infrastructure bill. He says the rail service would be handy for those who live outside of New Orleans, but want to fly out of Louis Armstrong Airport…
cut 14 (12) “…..one night”
The project still needs Congressional approval.

There’s an effort to allow voters to decide if recreational marijuana should be legalized and decriminalized in Louisiana.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

LSU head coach Ed Orgeron will not attend a legislative hearing into the mishandling of sexual misconduct cases at the school and athletic program despite requests from an all-woman group of lawmakers. Instead, he has submitted a written letter with his response. LSU is now under a second federal investigation into Title Nine violations.

Baton Rouge Police released body camera footage showing an encounter last year between officers and LSU receiver Koy Moore that led to Moore filing a complaint. The video shows an officer pointing a gun at Moore and Alabama receiver Traeshon Holden just seconds after approaching them. BRPD Chief Murphy Paul confirmed the two did nothing wrong…

Cut 8 (12) “…through that.”

Two officers were given letters of reprimand for the incident.

Baton Rouge Area Foundation VP John Spain says funding for a passenger rail line between baton rouge and new Orleans could arrive as early as winter if Congress passes the President’s infrastructure bill. Spain says travel from the Capital to the Cresent City would take about 45 minutes to an hour and they’d likely start with eight to ten round trips per day, and increase over the first few years.

Cut 15 (08)“…bridges.”

A group of female lawmakers has called on LSU athletic director Scott Woodward and head football coach Ed Orgeron to testify at Thursday’s hearing into the mishandling of sexual misconduct cases at the school, but both say they will not be attending. Orgeron will instead submit a letter. Speaker Pro-Tem Tanner Magee says this lack of transparency could have ramifications for the entire school…

Cut 11 (07) “…these things.”

In more legislative news a Mandeville Republican files legislation to allow a statewide vote on whether or not marijuana should be decriminalized, regulated, and sold recreationally. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says if the Legislature approves the ballot initiative and a majority of state citizens vote in favor, marijuana would be decriminalized across the state.

Cut 5 (10)“…in favor.”

President Biden’s infrastructure plan could make passenger rail service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans a reality. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

Northwest and Central Louisiana is in for some nasty weather today. National Weather Service Shreveport reports strong to severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes are expected this afternoon and into the evening as a cold front moves into the region. The Monroe and Ruston area are under an enhanced risk while Shreveport is under a slight risk.