LSU is facing calls for additional punishments for those involved in the mishandling of sexual misconduct cases. Don Molino has more…
Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Don Molino”

Baton Rouge TV stations are reporting a State Trooper accused of beating a Monroe man during an arrest in 2019 has resigned from the L-S-P. Jacob Brown was charged in December with second-degree battery and malfeasance in office. Aaron Bowman says he was hit with a flashlight every time he spoke during the alleged attack following a traffic stop.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto says a special needs woman allegedly killed her 77-year-old caretaker at a home in Terrytown today. Investigators believe the two women had an argument which then led to a physical altercation. Lopinto says they believe the cause of death is blunt force trauma…
cut 14 (08) “….happened’
Lopinto says a family member of the suspect discovered the body.

Saturday is the last day for early voting for the March 20th election that includes the special congressional elections for the 2nd and 5th districts. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon projects a turnout of 15-20-percent but he’s observed an increase in the percentage of mail-in ballots
Cut 9 (08) “…election day”
15 candidates are seeking to replace Cedric Richmond in the 2nd district and eleven candidates are seeking to represent the fifth district, which covers northeast and central Louisiana and parts of the Florida parishes.

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the homicide of a 77-year old caretaker and the suspect is the special needs woman she cared for. Sheriff Joseph Lopinto says the incident happened around 10 a.m at a home in Terrytown.
Cut 12 (10) “ …sitter”
Lopinto says the suspect, who is nonverbal, has been taken to a psychiatric ward.

Early voting ends tomorrow for the two special congressional races for the second and fifth districts. Pollster John Couvillon says the second district race is likely headed to a run-off, but the fifth district could be won outright when the election is held on March 20th. He says Republican Julia Letlow is the prohibitive favorite…
cut 11 (09) “…before”
Early voting will end tomorrow at 6 PM.

It was a week ago today that the Husch Blackwell report came out, which detailed how LSU has mishandled previous sexual misconduct cases. LSU interim president Thomas Galligan said today that they are implementing the 18 recommendations found in the report, which includes beefing up the Title Nine Office…
cut 4 (11) “…our size”
Galligan says they’ve already started streamlining the investigative process after a sexual misconduct claim is reported.

The weather looks great for boating this weekend. Lieutenant Dean Aucoin, with the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Department, says before going on the water, make sure your safety equipment is in good shape…
cut 8 (10) “…everybody on board”
There is a marginal risk for severe weather in northeast Louisiana on Sunday.

Governor Edwards declares Sunday a Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Louisianans who died from COVID-19 as Sunday marks the one-year anniversary of the state’s first confirmed coronavirus-related death. Over nine-thousand flags have been placed on the front lawn of the State Capitol. Communications director for the governor’s office, Shauna Sanford says each flag represents a Louisiana life lost due to COVID-19.
cut 8 (05) ” flags”
The COVID-19 death toll in Louisiana has reached 9,828.

Saturday is the last day for early voting for the March 20th election that includes the special congressional elections for the 2nd and 5th districts. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon projects a turnout of 15-20-percent but he’s observed an increase in the percentage of mail-in ballots
Cut 9 (08) “…election day”
15 candidates are seeking to replace Cedric Richmond in the 2nd district and eleven candidates are seeking to represent the fifth district, which covers northeast and central Louisiana and parts of the Florida parishes.

Sexual assault victims, state lawmakers, and students are calling on LSU to issue more disciplinary action against those named in the Husch Blackwell report that examined LSU’s mishandling of sexual assault cases. LSU interim President Thomas Galligan says they continue to comb through the report
Cut 3 (12) “…will be appropriate”
Galligan has handed down suspensions for two athletic administrators Verge Ausberry and Miriam Segar, 30 and 21-days respectively.

With the pandemic showing signs of ending soon, many Americans are planning to take a trip this year, but AAA says the travel experience will still be different. Spokesperson Don Redman says the keyword is “prepare” Cut 13 (09) “…restrictions.”

Governor Edwards declares Sunday a Day of Prayer and Remembrance in honor of the one-year anniversary of the state’s first reported COVID death…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

A top aide to Lousiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has resigned after another person came forward with a sexual harassment complaint against him. A former lawyer in the A-G’s office alleges Pat Magee assigned women in his office less serious cases that he deemed good for women and the complaint says women dressed down in order to avoid unwelcome attention from Magee.

President Biden has signed the 1.9 trillion dollar American Rescue Act, which includes nearly 29-billion dollars in assistance to bars and restaurants. Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris.
Cut 4 (08)“…things.”
National reports show there are 17 percent fewer restaurants when comparing the end of 2020 to 2019.

Louisiana has signed an agreement with NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility that could lead to the creation o the Louisiana Space Campus, a 50-acre business park within NASA’s site in New Orleans East. Michoud has developed and constructed space vehicles. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the space campus would build on that foundation with a new initiative to attract leading-edge tenants…
cut 12 (06) “….together”

Sunday marks the one-year anniversary of the first confirmed COVID-19 death in Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards has declared Sunday as a Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Louisianans who died from COVID-19…
Cut 7 (11) “…community.”
The governor’s communications director Shauna Sanford says over 98-hundred white-colored flags have also been placed on the front lawn of the State Capitol as a way to remember each COVID-19 death in Louisiana.

The COVID-19 relief bill signed by President Biden contains nearly 29-billion dollars in grants for restaurants. Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says struggling restaurants can receive up to five million dollars in aid per location and up to ten million dollars per company…
cut 5 (11) “…leave’

As the pandemic continues to show signs of ending soon, many are planning on taking a trip this year. AAA spokesperson Don Redman recommends working with a trusted travel adviser to help with travel insurance options and what destinations and attractions are open…
cut 15 (09) “…destigatnions”
Redman says a travel adviser can also help if you need to make a last-minute change to the trip.

The state has signed an agreement with NASA’s Michoud (MEE-shoo) Assembly plant that could lead to the creation of the Louisiana Space Campus, a dedicated business park within NASA’s site. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says it’s an opportunity to bring modern facilities to the site.
Cut 10 (12) “…industry.”
The proposed space campus would be 50-acres located within NASA’s 829-acre site east of New Orleans.

Governor Edwards declares Sunday a Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Louisianans who died from COVID-19 as Sunday marks the one-year anniversary of the state’s first confirmed coronavirus-related death. Over nine-thousand flags have been placed on the front lawn of the State Capitol. Communications director for the governor’s office, Shauna Sanford says each flag represents a Louisiana life lost due to COVID-19.
cut 8 (05) ” flags”
The COVID-19 death toll in Louisiana has reached 9,828.

The latest COVID relief package passed by Congress contains over 28-billion dollars in grants for restaurants that saw their revenues nose dive in 2020. Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris…
cut 6 (04) “…losses”
Harris says five billion dollars has been set aside for those restaurants that generated less than 500-thousand dollars in revenue last year.

As more people are vaccinated, confidence is growing to begin traveling again, but AAA warns it will not be the same. Brooke Thorington explains
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Gas prices continue to surge at the pump as the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline has reached $2.55. That’s ten cents higher than a week ago. Triple-A says rising crude prices, tightening gas supplies, and increased gas demand continues to drive pump prices to higher ground.

President Biden has signed the 1.9 trillion dollar American Rescue Act, which includes nearly 29-billion dollars in assistance to bars and restaurants. Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says this is a welcome relief.
Cut 4 (08)“…things.”
National reports show there are 17 percent fewer restaurants when comparing the end of 2020 to 2019.

With the pandemic showing signs of ending soon, many Americans are planning to take a trip this year, but AAA says the travel experience will still be different. Spokesperson Don Redman says the keyword is “prepare,” so you are not caught off guard by the mandates put in place by state and local governments.
Cut 13 (09) “…restrictions.”

Sunday marks the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 death in Louisiana. Since then there have been over nine-thousand confirmed COVID deaths. On the lawn in front of the State Capitol, a white flag has been planted representing every death. Communications director for the governor’s office, Shauna Sanford…
cut 9 (12) “…to remember”
On Sunday, Governor Edwards is calling on all Louisianans to join him and the First Lady for a moment of prayer or remembrance for those who have died from this virus.

The state health department is reporting 514 COVID patients in the hospital. That’s the fewest number they’ve had since March 25th.