The longest-serving member of the LSU Board of Supervisors is calling on the school to drop the school’s law firm of Taylor Porter amid the ongoing scandal. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A COVID vaccine hotline is now online in Louisiana offering residents a one-stop-shop for appointment booking. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Governor Edwards disagreed with calls from an all-woman Legislative committee for administrators at LSU to lose their jobs over the mishandling of sexual misconduct reports. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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LSU Board of Supervisors member Lee Mallett is calling for the university to cut ties with legal counsel Taylor Porter. He says their advice to a small group of university leaders to keep the board in the dark about the alleged sexual misconduct of former coach Les Miles, is the core of the school’s coverup.

Cut 4 (09)“…about it.”

Mallett, the longest-serving board member, says while he can’t speak for the board during that period, he does believe if all members had been informed, that those involved would have been terminated.

Amid the scandal Mallet feels the current board is being wrongly accused. He says they had no knowledge, but they are committed to correct the ongoing culture at LSU.

Cut 5 (09)“…successful.”

Mallett says the board recognizes that it is now their responsibility to fix it. He says they are committed to doing so for the school and their family.

Cut 6 (09) “…engaged.”

The Baton Rouge law firm of Taylor Porter has represented the university for 80 years.

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The state launches a vaccine hotline that can help schedule COVID vaccine appointments for residents at nearby providers.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the hotline is open 8 AM to 8 PM Monday through Saturday and noon to 8 PM on Sundays. The number is 855-453-0774.

Cut 7 (11)  “…vaccine.”

The hotline can connect residents with health care experts who can tell you more about how the vaccines are made, what makes them safe, and what makes them highly effective.

Kanter says we’ve approached the point where those who want to get vaccinated can do so easily and without much of a wait, which is why making getting an appointment easy is so important.

Cut 8 (08) “…feel.”

28 percent of all Louisianans have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine, 71 percent of those over the age of 65 have.

The only bad news: due to a quality control error at a Baltimore vaccine production plant the nationwide supply of Johnson and Johnson will be low for quite a few weeks.

Cut 9 (06) “…Johnson.”

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Governor Edwards reiterated his support for LSU’s decision not to fire anyone in the wake of the Husch Blackwell report detailing widespread mishandling of sexual misconduct cases.

Edwards says it’s clear that a number of former LSU employees should’ve been fired back in 2013, 14 and 15, but those employees aren’t at LSU anymore…

Cut 10 (11) “…years.”

A growing chorus is calling for Atheltic Administrator Verge Ausburry to be fired for his mishandling of those cases, but Edwards says the failure was systemic, not individual…

Cut 11 (06) “…supervisor.”

Ausberry was suspended for 30 days as a result of the Blackwell findings but is back working at the school now.

LSU recently barred all employees from testifying before a Select committee dedicated to investigating the school’s failure to handle those cases. Edwards didn’t disagree with the school’s decision…

Cut 12 (10) “…sure.”

LSU is being sued by Athletic Administrator Sharon Lewis who alleges there was a broad conspiracy to cover up sexual misconduct by former coach Les Miles, and that she faced retaliation for investigating allegations against Miles. LSU lawyer Winston Decuir responded to the suit saying the school will defend against the claims and that Lewis is just trying to take advantage of the ongoing situation for personal benefit.

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The 2021 Louisiana Survey asks residents about the extent of racial discrimination in six different situations like at work; applying for loans; voting; medical treatment and dealing with the police. Policy Lab Research Director Mike Henderson says overall 55-percent of white Louisianans feel Blacks are treated equally.

Cut 13 (07) “…police.”

However, when Black Louisianans were asked the same questions, Henderson says a very large majority of respondents feel they are treated less fairly than whites.

Cut 14 (07) “…circumstances.”

Henderson says of the multiple situations questioned in the survey the one area where both whites and Blacks agree is the discriminatory treatment of blacks by police.

Cut 15 (07)“…circumstances.”

Regarding if the country needs to make further changes to achieve equal rights, 84-percent of Black Louisianan say yes compared to 39-percent of whites.

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

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The 16th ranked Louisiana Tech baseball team has won three straight weekend series as they begin a four-game set tonight at Rice. The Bulldogs have won 12 of their last 14.  A big part of their success has been on offense. Coach Lane Burroughs says they are doing a good job of getting clutch hits, especially when trailing.

Cut 16 (13) “…off the bench.”

Tonight’s game against the Owls will start at 6 PM.  Rice is 13-14-1 on the season and just 2-5-1 in Conference play.  Despite their record, Burroughs says Rice is a talented team.

Cut 17 (13) “…wrong time.”

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Fresh off a five to three win over Alabama on Wednesday, the ULM baseball team begins a three-game series tonight against Georgia Southern. The Warhawks are looking to snap a five-game losing streak in Sun Belt play. Coach Michael Federico on what he wants to see from his team in Statesboro

Cut  18 (18)  “…to win.” (x2)

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LSU looks to snap a six-game losing streak in the SEC when they visit Kentucky for three games starting tonight in Lexington. Landon Marceaux is tonight’s starting pitcher for the Tigers and A-L Labas gets the ball tomorrow. Coach Paul Mainieri is holding off on naming a starter for Sunday’s series finale…

Cut 19 (19) “…three guys” 

Labas on the importance of getting an SEC victory sooner than later…

Cut 20 (15) “…one game at a time.” 

An attorney for LSU sent a statement to The Advocate regarding Associate Athletic Director Sharon Lewis’s lawsuit against the university. Winston DeCuir said the university is disappointed that a 20-year employee, who has received several promotions throughout her career, is now filing a lawsuit. Following a press conference by her attorneys, LSU believes it is an attempt to take advantage of the situation for personal benefit and they intend to defend these claims.

A New Orleans lawmaker says LSU’s decision to bar all employees from testifying under oath to a legislative committee investigating the school’s mishandling of sexual misconduct is stopping witnesses from coming forward. Representative Aimee Freeman says she has witnesses who claim either Verge Ausberry or Miriam Segar violated the terms of their recent suspensions they were given for mishandling sexual misconduct reports…

Cut 10 (12) “…job” 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says a family of four in Louisiana could purchase a health insurance plan for premiums as low as 163-dollars per month at health-care-dot-gov. Director of the Office of Minority Health Doctor LaShawn McIver says if you need assistance, they have a toll-free number at 1-800-318-2596

Cut 15 (11) “…COVID relief law.” 

Colorado State University predicts 17 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and 4 major ones for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. Graduate Researcher Jhordanne Jones says this time last year sea surface temperatures along the east coast and Gulf of Mexico were higher than normal.

Cut 7 (09) “…active season”

Lawmakers grilled LSU’s lawyer over the decision to ban all employees from testifying under oath at a legislative committee investigating the school’s mishandling of sexual misconduct cases. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

The state officially launches a vaccine hotline to help residents schedule their COVID vaccines and connect those with concerns about the vaccine with a healthcare professional to answer their questions. The number is 1-855-453-0774.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says a family of four in Louisiana could purchase a health insurance plan for premiums as low as 163-dollars per month at health-care-dot-gov. Director of the Office of Minority Health Doctor LaShawn McIver says that’s because of newly expanded financial assistance

Cut 13 (12)“…enrollment period”

McIver says the President recently extended the special enrollment period to August 15, so that families can take advantage of newly expanded financial assistance.

Colorado State University hurricane researchers anticipate an above-average 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. Graduate Researcher at CSU Jhordanne Jones says they are predicting 17 named storms.

Cut 6 (09) “…in 2020”

LSU’s General Counsel Winston Decuir told lawmakers LSU employees are banned from speaking under oath to a Legislative Committee today because of a lawsuit filed by current athletic administrator Sharon Lewis. But New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman pointed out head coach Ed Orgeron had already refused to attend before the lawsuit and Tuesday night Orgeron held a Zoom press conference…

Cut 11 (06) “…statement”

Several other athletic and administrative leaders had also refused to attend before the lawsuit was known. Several LSU students have testified at the ongoing hearing expressing their disappointment with the university over the alleged Title IX violations and that university places athletics above the safety and well-being of its students. A lawsuit was filed on behalf of Lewis this morning seeking $50-million from the university. Lewis alleges she was the victim of retaliation in connection to the investigation of sexual harassment by former coach Les Miles.

State Police say a vehicle heading in the wrong direction on Interstate 10 near Crowley caused a fiery crash that killed three people. Trooper Thomas Gossen says they are still trying to determine why a vehicle was going the wrong way and for a period of time…

Cut 4 (08) “..westbound lanes” 

Another person is listed in critical condition and the victim’s identities have not been released.

Colorado State University predicts 17 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and 4 major ones for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. While not as many as we experienced in 2020, Graduate Researcher at CSU Jhordanne Jones says this time last year sea surface temperatures along the east coast and Gulf of Mexico were higher than normal.

Cut 7 (09) “…active season”

Jones also says predictions last year though were eerily similar to the current ones.

State Police say a vehicle heading the wrong way on Interstate 10 near Crowley caused a fiery crash that killed three people and left another person in critical condition. Trooper Thomas Gossen says the vehicle driving in the opposite direction slammed head-on into another vehicle…

Cut 3 (07)  “…that was also involved.” 

Gossen says they are still trying to determine why one of the vehicles involved was heading in the wrong direction

LSU has barred all employees from testifying under oath at today’s Legislative hearing into the school’s mishandling of sexual misconduct cases. This comes after both coach Ed Orgeron and AD Scott Woodward decided not to attend. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says this setback will not stop lawmakers from pressing on…

Cut 4 (10)“…again.”

The 2021 Louisiana Survey finds 57-percent of residents support raising the state’s gasoline tax if it’s used to fund transportation infrastructure. LSU Public Policy Lab Research Director Mike Henderson says they also asked if they want the funds spent on maintaining current infrastructure versus expanding and the responses were surprising.

Cut 9 (08) “…capacity.”

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

The longtime voice of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Dave Nitz has decided to retire as the radio voice of football and basketball but will remain behind the mic to call baseball games.  The 78-year-old Nitz says he’s been considering this transition for quite some time.

Cut 13 (10) “…football and basketball.”

LSU is not allowing its employees to speak at a legislative hearing today that’s set to discuss the school’s past problems in reporting sexual misconduct claims. Brooke Thorington has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Voters in 55 parishes approved Sports Betting last fall but before you can legally place your wagers a few things but happen. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The legendary voice of Louisiana Tech athletics Dave Nitz has decided to retire from football and basketball and solely focus on baseball after 47 seasons of calling games on the gridiron and hardwood.  Taylor Sharp has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Taylor Sharp.”

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LSU barred all employees from testifying under oath at today’s Legislative hearing into the school’s mishandling of sexual misconduct cases.

This comes after both coach Ed Orgeron and AD Scott Woodward decided not to attend. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says this setback will not stop lawmakers from pressing on…

Cut 4 (10)“…again.”

Barrow says she keeps hearing from frustrated constituents who say they’re concerned that nothing is going to happen at LSU as a result of this scandal.

Cut 5 (09)“…questions.”

Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response President Rachel Hebert says seeing LSU leaders refuse to speak about this situation sends a bad message to victims.

Cut 6 (11) “…to that.”

LSU sent a letter to lawmakers Wednesday informing them that persons associated with the university cannot answer questions under oath due to a pending lawsuit by current athletic administrator Sharon Lewis, who is alleging a number of school officials engaged in a conspiracy to cover up sexual misconduct by former coach Les Miles and retaliated against her for investigating those claims.

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The 2021 Louisiana Survey finds 57-percent of residents are in favor of raising the state gasoline tax if it’s used to fund transportation infrastructure. Policy Lab Research Director Mike Henderson says they received mixed messages on this question, and when asked about raising taxes in general for transportation it’s split evenly.

Cut 7 (12)  “…the pump.”

Henderson says support is strong among Democrats at 60-percent and independents at 62-percent for a gas tax for transportation infrastructure but lags among Republicans at 46-percent.

The survey also asked respondents if they would support a gas tax for transportation if more state revenue could be raised along with federal matching dollars. Henderson says support then decreased slightly.

Cut 8 (08) “…unexpected finding.”

Another item the survey indicated that when asked if you want more funds spent on maintaining current infrastructure versus expanding transportation infrastructure to create better flow, Henderson says responses were surprising.

Cut 9 (08) “…capacity.”

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

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Voters in 55 of 64 parishes approved Sports Betting last fall and for it to become a reality both a regulatory and tax bill must make it through the legislature. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says his bill proposes tax revenue from sports betting be undedicated so it can assist with budget shortfalls.

Cut 10 (11) “…as good.”

Stefanski said in the regulatory bill twenty licenses will be granted to specific gaming locations where you can place your bets, like casinos.

Cut 11 (08) “…as well.”

In addition to casinos and racetracks, Stefanski believes it is vital for sports betting to be successful to that there is a mobile app platform on your phone for making wagers.

Cut 12 (08) “…the state.”

Stefanski says the bills also must receive a supermajority in both the house and the senate for passage.

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The longtime voice of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Dave Nitz has decided to retire as the radio voice of football and basketball but will remain behind the mic to call baseball games.  The 78-year-old Nitz says he’s been considering this transition for quite some time.

Cut 13 (10) “…football and basketball.”

Nitz has been the voice of Tech athletics for over four decades and has called over 4,000 games as he enters his 48^th season of Bulldog baseball.  Despite his long career in Ruston, the West Virginia native says he never thought he’d be here this long.

Cut 14 (13) “…somewhere like that.”

Nitz will certainly miss calling football and basketball, and he hopes the fans enjoyed his time in the booth.

Cut 15 (09)“…it may be.”

Nitz was inducted as a member of the LA Tech Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.

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

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

LSU issued a statement blocking all employees from testifying under oath before lawmakers tomorrow because of a lawsuit that attorneys plan to file on behalf of LSU’s associate athletic director of football recruiting, Sharon Lewis. Attorneys say it’s 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.

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.

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” 

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.

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 declined, instead opting to send letters. Senator Regina Barrow finds that suspicious…

Cut 4 (06) “..say it twice” 

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” 

The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued the watch for most of north Louisiana to the Arkansas and Texas State lines until 8 pm. The watch covers areas north of Alexandria which includes Monroe and Shreveport.

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.

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.