Could further legal ramifications be a concern for suspended LSU basketball coach Will Wade? Matt Doyle spoke with legal analyst Tim Meche to find out.
____________________________
Flu season may see the worst to come as Louisiana has a second round of flu on the way. Connor Ferrill has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Connor Ferrill”
_______________________________
House Democrats passed a bill that features substantial reforms to the American electoral system. Republicans say it’s a non-starter. Matt Doyle has more.
__________________________________
LSU head basketball coach Will Wade has been suspended by the university in the wake of reports of an FBI wiretap involving his activities in a college basketball corruption scandal. But legal analyst Tim Meche says Wade may see ramifications from the feds if things get much worse for the coach, but there are questions that need to be answered.
Cut 4 (11) “…of this activity.”
Audio of Wade in conversations with recruiting handler Christian Dawkins caught with the FBI wiretap appear to be discussing a payment to a recruit’s family. Dawkins was recently sentenced to six months in jail after being found guilty of fraud and conspiracy charges for facilitating payments to the families of recruits. What’s the worst that could happen to Wade?
Cut 5 (10) “…wire fraud theory.”
Meche doesn’t foresee LSU being on the receiving end of legal ramifications from the feds in this situation.
Cut 6 (11) “…Mr. Smart’s scheme.”
Meche says during Wade’s suspension, he would expect Wade to go into hiding and his legal counsel to advise the coach to not make any public comment.
___________________________________________________
Flu season may see the worst to come as Louisiana has a second round of flu on the way. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious disease specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says though the Bayou State handled the H1N1 strand well this year another flu variation is rearing its ugly head again…
Lopez says Louisiana is already facing the brunt of this flu season without help from any tourists who came to the Bayou State for Mardi Gras…
Lopez says just because you had the flu this season doesn’t mean you are protected from the emerging strain. He says the best protection from H3N2 is the flu shot and it’s not too late to get it…
The CDC says the H3N2 strain is accounting for almost half of all new diagnoses this year.
__________________________
House Democrats passed a sweeping elections reform package last week that includes major electoral changes such as making voting days federal holidays, automatic voter registration, and other substantial changes. Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham, who voted against the bill, calls it the Democrat Politician Protection Plan.
Cut 10 (09) “…American history.”
The bill passed unanimously with Democrats, who say the legislation would dramatically increase voter participation. Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell says the bill will not be considered in the Upper Chamber.
If passed, the legislation would also subsidize federal candidates by giving a six to one match for every dollar under 200 bucks donated to a candidates. Democrats say this allow candidates to run for office without needing major corporate backers, but Abraham says it’s highly inappropriate.
The legislation allows federal workers six paid vacation days a year to work at polling locations.
The proposal also seeks to create independent redistricting commissions to draw voting districts that it says would be more representative of the population, whereas current redistricting duties in Louisiana are handled by elected officials. Abraham says that’s a duty best left to the states…
HR 1 would also require Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates to release tax information going back ten years.
______________________________
An amped up LSU crowd celebrated an SEC title in basketball on Saturday, but before and during the contest they expressed anger towards athletic director Joe Alleva for suspending coach Will Wade. Freshman Javonte Smart was also held out, because of reports the FBI has a recorded conversation with Wade trying to set up a payment for a recruit, believed to be Smart. With Smart out, Marshall Graves hit four three-pointers. He says the players fed off the crowd’s energy…
Cut 13 (15) “…represent them well.”
Darius Days was LSU’s leading scorer on Saturday with 15 points. Tony Benford is the interim head coach in Wade’s absence and Days says the coaches had the Tigers prepared….
LSU is the number one seed in this week’s SEC Tournament. The Tigers will play Friday versus the winner of Thursday’s game between Florida and Arkansas. Benford says it’s possible Smart could play in the SEC Tournament…