Husch Blackwell will release its report today on how LSU has handled cases of sexual assault and violence involving students, including football players. USA Today Network reporter Glen Guilbeau says many of the people involved in the alleged mishandlings still work at LSU…
cut 14 (12) “….book”
LSU has released information from a 2013 investigation into former football coach Les Miles who was accused of sexual advances on female student workers. The coach was ordered to stop texting and being alone with them.

Early voting begins tomorrow for Louisiana’s two special congressional elections. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says there’s a chance Doctor Julia Letlow could win the fifth district without a runoff…
cut 8 (11) “….election”
The primary is March 20th.

DOTD says they’ve received 37 letters of interest from firms who are interested in a public-private partnership to build a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry is in support of a 100-million dollar settlement between a dozen coastal parishes and Freeport McMoRan. The parishes claim the mining corporation damaged Louisiana’s coastal wetlands. The Oil and gas industry says they are disappointed Landry sided with plaintiffs’ attorneys in support of job-killing lawsuits.

Husch Blackwell the firm hired by LSU to review the school’s title nine policies and procedures following reports the university failed to properly act on allegations of sexual misconduct releases its report today to the LSU Board of Supervisors. USA Today Network reporter Glen Guilbeau says if the report lacks details, board members can grill investigators for more information…
cut 15 (07) “…you want”
LSU released a report yesterday that said in 2013 former football coach Les Miles was ordered to stop texting female student workers and could not be alone with them, because of inappropriate conduct.

The state health department says 713-thousand Louisana residents have received at least one shot of a two-shot COVID vaccine. 60-percent are women. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter on why that might be…
cut 4 (10) “….a little bit”

A political analyst says Dr. Julia Letlow remains the prohibitive favorite in the 5th Congressional District special election as early voting begins tomorrow. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (29) “…Matt Doyle.”

Dr. Julia Letlow remains the prohibitive favorite in the 5^th Congressional District special election as early voters head to the polls Saturday. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…Matt Doyle.”

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DOTD says they’ve received 37 letters of interest in the long-awaited I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A report by a private firm hired by LSU to investigate the school’s handling of past sexual misconduct cases will be unveiled today at a Board of Supervisors meeting. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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When you look at a breakdown of who’s been vaccinated so far, you’ll see it’s more women than men in Louisiana. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says he feels that women are generally more informed about the vaccine and when you look at the population that is currently eligible…

Cut 4 (10)“…a little bit.”

The breakdown of people who’ve begun their vaccination series and those who’ve completed both injections is 60-percent female and 40-percent male. Kanter says…

Cut 5 (10)“…opportunity.”

And with teachers also eligible he doesn’t see that percentage changing anytime soon.

He says while it’s understandable to be hesitant about the vaccines, Kanter says to seek out reputable sources like the CDC and the state health department’s website and ask questions of those with knowledge about the vaccines.

Cut 6 (12) “…with them.”

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Early voting in the 5^th Congressional District special election primary to replace Luke Letlow, who died last year of COVID, begins Saturday.

ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Letlow’s wife Julia, a Republican, remains the prohibitive favorite.

Cut 7 (09)  “….side.”

Julia Letlow has a Ph.D. in communications from the University of South Florida, a Bachelors from ULM, and has held administrative positions at Tulane, ULM, and South Florida. She currently lives in Start with her two children.

Election day for the primary is March 20^th and if no candidate wins over 50 percent of the vote a runoff will be held on April 24^th. Stockley seriously doubts this will go to a runoff.

Cut 8 (11) “…election.”

Besides Letlow 11 other candidates are signed up for the 5^th headlined by Democrat Sandra Christophe. Democratic candidates combined for about a third of the vote in last year’s election.

Stockley says Dr. Letlow might be new to politics as a candidate but she is not new to politics as a participant and has impressed on the campaign trail.

Cut 9 (09) “…well.”

Voters in the 2^nd Congressional District can also begin casting ballots in their special election race Saturday.

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DOTD says there’s been significant interest in the long-sought-after I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says he’s very encouraged after receiving 37 letters of interest in a public-private partnership.

Cut 10 (08) “…industry.”

Wilson says there are several steps in the process before construction begins. Next, DOTD will invite those who have shown interest in the bridge project to a meeting to discuss details.

Cut 11 (10) “…teams.”

Then they create a Request for Proposals or an RFP in which interested parties respond with what they will bring to the project and bidders are narrowed down even more.

Wilson says with a private-public partnership it is a revenue risk project where those involved finance the project and could be reimbursed via collections from a toll road.

Cut 12 (08) “…formula. ”

Wilson says they expect the cost of the project to be in the billion-dollar range, but they are searching for partners to bring about innovative cost-effective ways to build and maintain the bridge over time.

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Today the LSU Board of Supervisors will hear a report on the school’s handling of past sexual misconduct cases, specifically regarding football players.

USA Today LSU beat reporter Glenn Guilbeau cautions to temper any expectations the report will be a bombshell. He says the investigating firm, Husch Blackwell, was hired by the school after all…

Cut 13 (10) “…that out.”

Guilbeau says the report could be interesting because many of the people involved in the alleged mishandlings still work at LSU.

Cut 14 (12) “…book.” 

Guilbeau says if the report itself is lacking detail or specifics it will be up to board members to grill investigators for more information…

Cut 15 (07)“…you want.”

The USA Today also uncovered more details about former coach Les Miles’ alleged misconduct involving female student workers. The investigation, which was completed in 2013, alleges Miles was barred from having one-on-one meetings, texting or interactions with student employees after he allegedly took one of the female students to his condo alone and on one occasion allegedly kissed her. Miles strongly denies kissing the girl and said he did nothing wrong.

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The LSU men’s basketball team looks to end the regular season tomorrow with a solid road win at Missouri. A victory would also give the Tigers the three-seed in next week’s SEC Tournament. Coach Will Wade says Mizzou is a big, physical team that features six-foot-ten senior Jeremiah Tillmon…

Cut 16 (08) “…a lot better.”

This could be the final regular-season game for several Tigers. Cam Thomas is expected to be one and done, Trendon Watford could leave after his sophomore season and Darius Days and Javonte Smart could also be heading for the pros after three seasons. Wade says Smart is having his best year at LSU

Cut 17 (15) “….part in the league”.

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The Saints have released 12-year veteran Thomas Morstead the franchise’s best punter. Morstead was more than steady since New Orleans drafted him in the fifth round of the 2009 draft. But he did not have a good year by his standards in 2020 and New Orleans needs to free up money to get underneath the salary cap. Morstead thanked the fans during an emotional zoom call with reporters

Cut  18 (17) “…different ways.”

Morstead says he plans to keep punting in the NFL, but New Orleans will remain his home…

Cut 19 (20) “…exceptional.” 

Morstead was an All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 2012 and his average net punt is the second best in the NFL since the statistic first was recorded in 1976. He also made 15 playoff appearances and executed the onside kick to begin the second half in the team’s only Super Bowl victory….

Cut 20  (18) “…done that.” 

According to USA Today, former LSU head football coach Les Miles was accused of texting female students, taking them to his condo alone, making them feel uncomfortable and on at least one occasion kissing a student. After the 2013 sexual harassment probe Miles was barred from having one-on-one contact with female students.

State Police is investigating a fatal police shooting in Abbeville that also resulted in a deputy getting shot. Trooper Thomas Gossen says a Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s deputy attempted to serve a protective custody to 41-year-old Dwight Brown when Brown began firing. Neighbors told K-A-T-C-TV Brown was a veteran who suffered from P-T-S-D. Gossen says an order of protective custody is usually associated with mental evaluations.

Cut 5  (12)  “…that report.” 

33 Louisiana Republican lawmakers urge Governor John Bel Edwards to join Texas and Mississippi in dropping the mask mandate. Governor Edwards has indicated the mandate will likely be one of the last public health orders to go because of how effective it is and the fact that it doesn’t have an economic impact but House GOP Caucus Chairman Blake Miguez says it is no longer necessary.

Cut 9 (11) “…their own”

Three farmers will be inducted into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction during a ceremony tonight co-hosted by the Louisiana Radio Network. LRN Farm Director Don Molino says one of the inductees is longtime Louisiana Farm Bureau President Ronnie Anderson…
cut 12 (09) “….150-thousand today”

USA Today uncovers additional information about an LSU investigation into former LSU football coach Les Miles’ alleged inappropriate behavior with female student workers. The investigation, which was completed in 2013, alleges Miles was barred from having one-on-one meetings, texting or interactions with student employees after he allegedly took one of the female students to his condo alone and on one occasion allegedly kissed her. Miles strongly denies kissing the girl and said he did nothing wrong.

33 Louisiana Republican lawmakers urge Governor Edwards to join Texas and Mississippi in dropping the mask mandate. House GOP Caucus Chairman Blake Miguez, a signee, says by failing to join our neighbors in loosening restrictions we risk further impeding the state’s economic recovery.

Cut 11 (08) “…any longer”

Edwards says the mask mandate will remain in place because it has no negative economic impacts and has been proven to significantly reduce the spread of coronavirus.

The Louisiana Health Department announces it’s holding a series of mass COVID vaccination events for those eligible to be vaccinated. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says refrain from taking a pain reliever before you are vaccinated to get the best immune response.

Cut 8 (11) “…thing.”

For a listing of mass vaccination events, visit the state health department’s website.

Three farmers will be inducted into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction during a ceremony tonight co-hosted by the Louisiana Radio Network. Sugarcane producer John Gay, longtime Louisiana Farm Bureau President Ronnie Anderson, and Jackie Loewer from Acadia Parish made the 2021 class. LRN Farm Director Don Molino says Loewer has been a member of several national rice boards…

Cut 14 (09) “…can have” 

USA Today reports that after a 2013 internal sexual harassment probe former LSU head football coach Les Miles was barred from one-on-one contact with any female student. Miles was accused of texting female students, taking them to his condo alone, making them feel uncomfortable and on at least one occasion kissing a student.

A group of 33 Louisiana Republican lawmakers is urging Governor Edwards to cancel the statewide mask mandate. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

State Police is investigating a fatal police shooting in Abbeville yesterday afternoon that also resulted in a deputy getting shot. Trooper Thomas Gossen says a Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s deputy attempted to serve a protective custody order when the deputy and police officers were shot at by 41-year-old Dwight Brown. Gossen says the deputy who shot Brown, was also shot…

Cut 4 (04) “…been released.” 

The Louisiana Health Department announces it’s holding a series of mass COVID vaccination events for those eligible to be vaccinated. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says they are using the Johnson and Johnson one dose vaccine. He says this vaccine doesn’t require deep cold storage making it ideal for large events and compared to the other vaccines in use it’s just as effective.

Cut 7 (10) “…vaccine”

For a listing of vaccination events, visit the state health department’s website.

According to USA Today, former LSU football coach Les Miles was accused of texting female students, taking them to his condo alone, making them feel uncomfortable and on at least one occasion kissing a student. After the 2013 sexual harassment probe Miles was barred from having one-on-one contact with female students, according to an internal investigative report released by LSU.

The Louisiana Health Department is holding a series of mass COVID vaccination events for those eligible to be vaccinated. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says they have partnered with various agencies and churches to reach as many as possible, especially those with access to care issues.

Cut 6 (11) “…barriers.”

You can visit LDH’s website under the news tab for a listing of sites.

33 Louisiana House Republicans urge Governor John Bel Edwards to join Texas and Mississippi in dropping the mask mandate. GOP Caucus Chairman Blake Miguez says the mandate leads to nonsensical situations wherein people wear a mask into a restaurant, sit down to eat, take it off, then put it back on to leave.

Cut 10 (07) “…normal.” 

Governor Edwards has indicated the mandate will likely be one of the last public health orders to go.

Three farmers will be inducted into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction during a ceremony tonight co-hosted by the Louisiana Radio Network. LRN Farm Director Don Molino says sugarcane producer John Gay will also be inducted tonight. Molino says Gay farms over 45-hundred acres in Iberville Parish… (eye)

Cut 13 (06)“…a lot”