07:30 LRN Sportscast

Two high-ranking LSU athletic officials have been suspended as a result of an extensive report that looked at how the school failed to properly handle sexual assault complaints…
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo

The Husch Blackwell report also revealed that former LSU athletic director Joe Alleva attempted to fire then football coach Les Miles for inappropriate behavior with female student workers, including an accusation he kissed a female student twice. Kansas has put Miles on administrative leave to review the material in the report.

The eighth ranked LSU baseball team suffered its worst loss since 2007 in a 22-7 defeat to Oral Roberts yesterday. Jaden Hill allowed eight runs in the first inning. Louisiana Tech trounced McNeese 11-0 in the first game with fans at the new J-C Love Park.

The LSU men’s basketball team wraps up the regular season today with a game at Missouri. It could be the final regular season game for several Tigers, including junior guard Javonte (Juh-von-tey) Smart. Coach Will Wade says Smart is having his best year at LSU….
cut 17 (15) “”….in the league’
Tip off is at 2 PM.

In the Sun Belt Tournament, South Alabama eliminated ULM. The Jaguars will face the Ragin Cajuns today at 5 PM.

In college football, Northwestern hosts Nicholls, Southeastern is at McNeese and Grambling hosts Jackson State.

LRN PM Newscall March 5

Phase Three allows live music to return but with numerous strings attached, some say it’s hitting all the wrong notes. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke. Thorington”  

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Two high-ranking LSU athletic officials have been suspended as a result of a nearly 150-report that looked at how the school failed to properly handle sexual assault complaints. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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Phase Three allows live music to return indoors but under strict rules. Like a strong HVAC system and plexiglass between the stage and audience. Louisiana native and country music artist David St. Romain says it will be difficult for most venues to meet the requirements.

Cut 3 (11)  “…outdoor.”  

St. Romain says for example when you look at a venue like The Texas Club in Baton Rouge, where capacity is 1,200 it’s not the best fiscal decision to bring back music.

Cut 4 (11) “…600 people.” 

St. Romain says the new normal for him and other musicians have been to play online and try to reach as many as possible. He says even when venues can open to full capacity he will continue to play online as well.

Cut 5  (11)  “…facilities.” 

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Early voting in the 2nd Congressional District special election begins Saturday and the race appears to be shaping up around three candidates.

Political analyst Clancy DuBos says there are two clear frontrunners at the moment, New Orleans lawmakers Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter. Of the two…

Cut 6 (09) “Richmond.”

Carter also boasts the endorsement of prominent Baton Rouge lawmaker Cleo Fields. Peterson’s endorsements are headlined by Emily’s List and Stacy Abrams.

DuBos expects this race to head to an April runoff due to the 15 candidates on the ballot, most notably the presence of Baton Rouge social justice activist Gary Chambers.

Cut 7 (08) “…here”

Over 70 percent of the voters in the 2nd are based in Metro New Orleans, with the rest coming from the River Parishes and north Baton Rouge.

No third parties have polled the race so far and DuBos says internal campaign polling shows there’s still a lot of undecideds left…

Cut 8 (11) “…window.”

Voting in the 5th Congressional District special election also begins Saturday.

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LSU suspends two high-ranking athletic officials without pay as a result of a report on how the school mishandled allegations of sexual and domestic assault. Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry received a 30-day suspension, while senior associate A-D Miriam Segar received 21 days. LSU interim president Thomas Galligan

Cut 9 (09) “…go unaddressed”

Ausberry and Segar will be required to go through training on sexual misconduct, domestic violence and more.

Husch Blackwell delivered what Galligan called a brutally honest and objective evaluation. Husch Blackwell Partner Scott Schneider says their report found that LSU’s Title Nine office was woefully understaffed and one victim described how complicated it was for a case to get investigated…

Cut 10 (11) “…warned down.” 

The report gives 18 recommendations on improving LSU’s Title 9 practices and Galligan says the school plans to act on all recommendations and that includes beefing up the Title 9 Office…

Cut 11 (08) “…any longer”

There is criticism over the severity of the punishment handed down to Ausberry and Seger. Galligan says Ausbery and Seger acknowledge they made mistakes but there was no clear path on how to report sexual assaults…

Cut 12 (12) “ …appropriate resources” 

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A mass vaccination event will be held Saturday at the Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City, for those who are eligible, bring a photo ID and insurance card.  LSU Health Shreveport Professor of Infectious Disease Johnny Vanchiere says it will be from 9 to 4.

Cut 13 (08)“…community”

Teachers will also need to bring proof of employment, vaccines for instructors will be from 2 to 4 pm.

The Johnsons and Johnson one dose vaccine will be administered. Vanchiere says if possible, they would like to you preregister at lsuhs dot edu.

Cut 14 (06) “…vaccinated” 

The Brookshire Grocery Arena is the former CenturyTel Center in Bossier City located at 2400 Century Link Center Drive.

Cut 15 (05) “…arena” 

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU suspends two high ranking athletic officials without pay as a result of a report on how the school mishandled allegations of sexual and domestic assault. Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry received a 30-day suspesion, while senior associate A-D Miriam Segar received 21 days. LSU interim president Thomas Galligan…
cut 9 (09) “…go unaddressed”
Ausberry and Segar will be required to go through training on sexual misconduct, domestic violence and more.

There’s more spring college football on the schedule Saturday. Northwestern kicks off its six-game spring season by hosting seventh-ranked Nicholls at six PM tomorrow. Also, Southeastern hosts McNeese. Grambling will host Deion Sanders and the Jackson State Tigers at noon tomorrow.

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 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.

Nicholls men’s basketball has won its second Southland Conference championship in four years after beating rival in-state rival McNeese 80-67 last night.

10:30 LRN newscast March 5

At this hour, the LSU Board of Supervisors is hearing a report from the firm Husch Blackwell about how LSU has handled allegations of sexual and domestic assault in years past. USA Today LSU beat reporter Glen Guilbeau tempers any expectations the report will be a bombshell…
cut 13 (10) “…that out”
LSU interim president Thomas Galligan says Husch Blackwell has delivered a brutally honest and objective evaluation of their culture.

Early voting for special elections to elect U-S Representatives in districts two and five will begin tomorrow. In the fifth district, Congressman-elect Luke Letlow’s widow, Julia Letlow, appears to be the favorite to win. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley…
cut 9 (09) “…well”

State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says they’ve received 37 letters of interest from firms who are interested in teaming up with the state to build a new I-10 Calcasieu Parish bridge. Wilson says a private-public partnership is a revenue risk project, so tolls could be used to help finance construction…
cut 12 (08) “….formula”
Wilson says they expect the cost of a new bridge in the billion-dollar range.

The state health department is holding more mass COVID-19 vaccination events today and tomorrow. State Health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says if you are on the fence about getting vaccinated, seek out reputable sources….
cut 6 (12) “…with them”

9:30 LRN Newscast March 5

Dr. Julia Letlow remains the prohibitive favorite in the 5th Congressional District special election as early voters head to the polls Saturday. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (29) “…Matt Doyle.”

The other special congressional election is District two. 15 candidates have signed up to replace Cedric Richmond, who now works with the Biden administration. State senators Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter have been the most active on the campaign trail, along with Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers.

State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says there is significant interest from private firms who are interested in partnering with the state in building a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Wilson says he’s encouraged after receiving 37 letters of interest.
Cut 10 (08) “…industry.”
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.

Based on data from the state health department, 60-percent of the people who have received at least one-shot of the two-shot COVID-19 vaccines are women. State Health Officer Doctor Joseph Kanter…
cut 5 (10) “…opportunity”
Kanter says with teachers eligible he doesn’t see that percentage changing soon.

8:30 LRN Newscast March 5

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.”

USA Today reports that after a 2013 investigation 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, and on one occasion kissed a student. Miles denies he kissed a student.

Early voting in the 5th Congressional District special election 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.”
There’s only one Democrat in the race, Candy Christophe. Early voting will also begin in the second district race, two state senators, Karen Carter Peterson, and Troy Carter are the main candidates in that race.

The state department of transportation says they’ve heard from 37 firms who are interested in a public-private partnership to build a new I-10 bridge in Calcasieu Parish. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says they will invite those who have shown interest to a meeting…
cut 11 (10) “…teams”

7:30 LRN Newscast March 5

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.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Husch Blackwell will release its report today on how LSU has handled previous cases of sexual assault and violence involving students, including football players. The university hired the law firm after a USA Today report provided examples of the school mishandling sexual assault cases. USA Today Network reporter Glen Guilbeau says many of the people involved in the alleged mishandlings still work at LSU…
cut 14 (12) “….book”

Yesterday LSU released information about a 2013 investigation into former football coach Les Miles who was accused of kissing a female student twice, unwanted touching and suggesting they go to a hotel or condo together. Miles denies kissing the student, but the coach was ordered to stop texting and being alone with female student-workers.

The Saints have released fan favorite and punter Thomas Morstead after a 12-year run in the Black and Gold. Morstead leads the franchise in punts, punting yards and yards per punt. He does not intend to retire, but the former fifth-round pick says New Orleans will remain his home…
cut 19 (20) “….exceptional”
Releasing Morstead saves the Saints 2.5 million dollars against the cap.

Zion Williamson did not play last night because of a right toe injury and the Pelicans shot just 40-percent from the field and lost to the Miami Heat 103-93.

Nicholls defeated McNeese 80-67 in Lake Charles last night to clinch a share of the Southland Conference regular-season title.

6:30 LRN Newscast March 5

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.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast March 4

The Saints released 12-year veteran and punter Thomas Morstead today. Morstead was drafted in the fifth round in 2009 and he executed the surprise onside kick in the Black and Gold’s only Super Bowl victory. He’s been one of the NFL’s best punters over the last decade, but didn’t have a strong 2020 season. Sean Payton says it’s been an honor to coach Morstead.

The USA Today has learned former LSU football coach Les 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 occassion allegedly kissed her. The USA today report is based on the results of an investigation conducted by the school in 2013 that have finally been released. In the report, Miles strongly denies kissing the girl and said he did nothing wrong and was simply mentoring young women at the school. The investigation said Miles’ actions were inappropriate and unacceptable.
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The Pelicans will host the Miami Heat tonight after falling to the Chicago Bulls 128 to 124 last night. Zion Williamson scored 28 points, but he missed eight free throws. Tonight is the final game before the All-Star break. Williamson will head to Atlanta to compete in his first all-star game on Sunday.

The Nicholls men’s basketball team can clinch at least a share of the Southland Conference regular-season championship with a win over McNeese tonight at the Burton Coliseum. The Cowboys have won three of their last four and can clinch a spot in next week’s Southland tournament with a win tonight.

LSU baseball has moved the start for tomorrow’s game against Oral Roberts to 1 PM, because of the threat of rain in the Baton Rouge area on Friday night. The Tigers hit six home runs in a pair of victories yesterday, 16-1 over crosstown foe Southern and a five to four walk-win against Nicholls. The Bayou Bengals lead the nation in home runs as they’ve hit 21 of them in nine games.