PM LRN Newscall Jan 26

Hold on to your phones. Mobile sports wagering is set to go live in Louisiana this Friday. David Grubb has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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Tiger Rag.com broke the news Tuesday that Sharon Lewis, LSU associate athletic director of football recruiting and alumni relations, was fired from the school, months after she filed a lawsuit against the university. Brooke Thorington

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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When Governor Edwards revealed his proposed budget for the fiscal year that would begin in July funds are earmarked for teacher raises of $1,500 and for support staff $750. President of the Louisiana Association of Educators Dr. Tia Mills says it’s a step in the right direction.

Cut 3 (11) “…ultimate goal.”

Even before the pandemic, Louisiana was experiencing a teacher shortage and the demands of COVID prompted even more to leave the profession. In the last legislative session, the Teacher Recruitment, Retention, and Recovery Task Force was formed, and Dr. Mills says the shortage is due to multiple factors.

Cut 4 (08) “…as such.”

The proposed raises of $1,500 and $750 for teachers and support staff, respectively could increase if the Revenue Estimating Conference recognizes additional funds. Dr. Mills says she’s looking forward to the session.

Cut 5 (06) “…educators.”

Lawmakers will discuss the budget during the regular session that begins in March. Final approval of the state’s budget will most likely happen in early June.

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Mobile sports wagering is set to go live in Louisiana, outside of the nine parishes that voted it down, beginning this Friday, January 28.

Ronnie Johns, Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board,  praised the collaborative efforts among agencies as the state prepares to go live.

 Cut 6 (13) “…ready to go.” 

Johns says at this point, there’s nothing in the way of operators to begin to accept wagers this Friday, ahead of one of the busiest sports betting weekends of the year.

Cut 7 (10) “…gonna go live.” 

Johns is proud of the fact that Louisiana has gotten a leg up on our neighbors to the east in the competition for sports betting revenues in the region.

Cut 8 (11) “…ahead of Mississippi.”  

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Tiger Rag.com reports Sharon Lewis who filed a 50-million dollar Title IX lawsuit against the university last year is no longer employed by the school. Lewis alleges in her lawsuit that she was retaliated against for reporting sexual harassment allegations made against former coach Les Miles. Tiger Rag Editor Adam Hunsucker got a statement from Lewis’ attorneys over her firing…

Cut 9 (11) “…some time.”

Tiger Rag has learned Athletic Director Scott Woodward fired Lewis on January 5th. LSU will not comment on the specific reason why Lewis was let go, but they say there have been 40 personnel changes within the LSU athletic department. Baton Rouge civil rights attorney Jill Craft says LSU will have to show her termination is not because of the lawsuit…

Cut 10 (12)  “…unlawful reason.” 

Hunsucker says despite the strained relationship between LSU and Lewis, the former track athlete will likely continue as the president of LSU’s National L Club Board of Directors…

Cut  11 (10)   “…over that”

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Liberal U-S Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is stepping down from the bench. And while the court will remain majority conservative, Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says naming Breyer’s replacement is time-sensitive for progressives and democrats.

Cut 12 (11) “…by the Senate.”  

Ciolino says expect President Biden to name someone who’s middle-aged to replace Breyer, much like Donald Trump did with his appointment of Justice Amy Coney Barrett when she was 48.

Cut 13 (07) “…any indiction.”

On the campaign trail, Biden promised to appoint the first Black woman to the supreme court.

After Brett Kavanagh and Barrett’s appointments, there were talks of stacking the court and adding more justices. Biden appointed a commission to look into it and Ciolino says their report was not well received at the White House or Congress.

Cut 14 (09)  “…to happen.” 

83-year old Breyer was appointed in 1994 by President Bill Clinton.

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