AM LRN Newscall April 8

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 4th to March 1st.

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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 48th 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.