Two women who allege LSU mishandled their allegations of sexual misconduct against former LSU running back Derius Guice shared their stories with lawmakers. One woman, Samantha Brennan, told lawmakers Guice took a nude photo of her and distributing it to other members of the football team and when she reported it LSU officials pressured her to report it unofficially. Brennan says she left LSU after Guice became a more prominent member of the football team…

Cut 6 (11) “…behind me”

Guice denied the allegations.

AARP’s latest dashboard indicates COVID infections and deaths in nursing homes in Louisiana dropped from the previous 4-week period. 1,521 to 643 for new cases and deaths dropped from 347 to 183. AARP State Director Denise Bottcher…

Cut 14 (09) “…system.” 

Legislation is filed that would allow you to take social media companies to court if they ban or restrict your account in a biased manner. Under the bill, if you feel your social media account was unfairly targeted you could take the company to court and potentially win 50,000 dollars in damages per violation. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says it’s about fairness…

Cut 11 (09) “…mine.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is issuing an alert to aquarium owners that moss ball products could be contaminated with zebra mussels. LDWF”s Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Rob Bourgeois you can visit the LDWF website for photos and guidance on how to dispose of them safely.

Cut 9 (12) “…rid of it”

Lawmakers heard from women who made allegations of rape and sexual misconduct against former LSU running back Derius Guice, and accusations that LSU covered up those allegations yesterday. Samantha Brennan spoke, saying Guice allegedly taking a nude photo of her and distributing it to other members of the football team. She was asked by LSU officials if she wanted to report it officially or unofficially, which she felt was a lot of pressure on a 19-year-old…

Cut 5  (09)  “…someone’s life” 

Guice denies the allegations.

A top aide to Attorney General Jeff Landry has resigned after another complaint was filed against him alleging sexist and demeaning behavior towards women in the workplace. Pat Magee denies the claims, calling them false and unjust. Magee was recently suspended after an investigation found he made inappropriate comments about women working for him.

In the upcoming April session lawmakers will consider Alexandria Representative Lance Harris’ bill that would allow social media users to sue social media companies if they feel their accounts were restricted or banned as a result of political censorship. Opponents of the legislation say social media companies have a right to dictate what content their platforms host, but Harris says there’s already precedent for this type of regulation.

Cut 12 (11) “ …of that” 

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is issuing an alert to aquarium owners that moss ball products could be contaminated with zebra mussels. LDWF”s Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Rob Bourgeois not only can zebra mussels can destroy the filtration system in your aquarium but if released…

Cut 8 (04) “…fisheries.”

State lawmakers hear testimony on how the university helped cover up sex crimes committed by former running back Derrius Guice….

Cut 1 (35) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

President Joe Biden signs the 1.9 trillion dollar American Rescue Act, a sweeping spending package that includes 1,400 dollar stimulus checks, a substantially expanded child tax credit, extended enhanced unemployment checks, a restaurant and bar rescue fund, state aid, vaccine funding, and more. 

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is issuing an alert to aquarium owners that moss ball products could be contaminated and if not disposed of properly could cause havoc on pipes and the ecosystem. LDWF”s Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Rob Bourgeois on how you might accidentally have them.

Cut 7 (10) “…with those”

Zebra mussels can clog pipes, damage boats, and even damage the ecosystem.

AARP’s latest dashboard indicates COVID infections and deaths are declining in nursing homes in Louisiana based on the case and fatality numbers from mid-January to mid-February. However, AARP State Director Denise Bottcher says we are not out of the woods yet.

Cut 13 (08)“…of 2020.”

A former LSU tennis player who was allegedly raped by former LSU running back Derius Guice spoke to lawmakers yesterday about how the school failed to take her claim seriously. Abby Owens Abby Owens said her Dad told tennis coach Julia Sell what happened, but Owens said Sell called her a liar and when the incident was reported to Associate A-D Miriam Seger it was never investigated.

Cut 4 (10) “…came after.” 

Legislation is filed that would allow you to take social media companies to court if they ban or restrict your account in a biased manner. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says he’s had tons of constituents voice concerns to him that social media companies are discriminating against them based on their ideology.

Cut 10 (11) “…families.” 

LDH says of those who’ve received one dose of the COVID vaccine so far, only 25-percent are Black. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…Brooke Thorington”

In the latest cost-cutting move, the New Orleans Saints have released veteran cornerback Janoris Jenkins.  Jenkins started 15 games for the Saints last season and was on track to make 11.2 million dollars in salary and bonuses for the upcoming season, 1.2 million of which was guaranteed.  This move will save the team at least 7 million dollars against the salary cap and could save an additional $3 million if the move is designated as a post-June 1 release.

The LSU baseball team got a win last night against UNO on the road 5-0, it comes just one day after the Tigers took down Texas Southern in another mid-week game.  Freshman Tre’ Morgan continued his success at the plate as he went 3-4 with 2 RBI’s.  Cade Beloso had a solid night as well, batting 2-3 with RBI’s as well.  Pitcher Will Hellmers was given the win after throwing five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts.  The Tigers improved to 11-3 with the win.

The Ragin Cajuns dropped their midweek game on the diamond to number-two ranked Mississippi State last night 4-0.  The Cajuns actually outhit the Bulldogs, but were unable to score any runs as State pitcher Houston Harding earned 8 strikeouts in five shutout innings.

Minute 2

The New Orleans Pelicans are back in action for the first time since the All-star break as they host the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at 7 p.m.  The Pels come into the matchup with a 15-21 overall record while the T-Wolves come into New Orleans with a 7-29 mark.

The Louisiana Tech men’s basketball team will begin Conference Tournament play today against Florida Atlantic.  The Bulldogs have three players that average around 11 points per game in Isaiah Crawford, Kalob Ledoux, and Kenneth Lofton Jr.  Head coach Eric Konkol says opponents can’t focus on one particular player which makes them harder to defend.

Cut 19 (14) “strong suits”

Southern and Grambling will face off in the SWAC Conference Basketball Tournament quarterfinals in Birmingham, Alabama tonight.  These two teams split the regular-season series at one win apiece. Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m.

The UNO basketball team took down Southeastern Louisiana 80-63 in the second round of the Southland conference tournament.  New Orleans has won six of its last seven and will play Northwestern State today at 5 p.m.

Congress passes the 1.9 trillion dollar American Rescue Act, President Biden’s covid relief and economic stimulus bill. The bill covers everything from a significantly increased and revamped child tax credit, 1,400 dollar stimulus checks to over 80 percent of Americans, increased health insurance subsidies, and a number of other items. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves voted against it citing its substantial cost…

Cut 13 (09)“…bill”

Graves additionally noted that as much as a trillion dollars from previous COVID relief bills remains unspent and spending in this plan stretches out to 2023.

Farmers Insurance, the 9^th largest property and casualty insurance carrier in the country, is returning to Louisiana. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says adding the Bayou State and others is part of Farmers’ growth.

Cut 4 (10) “…brand.” 

The Saints have begun the process of releasing players in an effort to get under the salary cap. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Governor Edwards celebrates as the state registers 450,000 people who’ve completed their vaccine series. Edwards says that means more people have completed their series than have tested positive for COVID…

Cut 6 (06) “…milestones.”

Nearly a quarter of all Americans have now received at least one dose of the vaccine.

More Louisianans have now completed their vaccine series than have tested positive for COVID. Governor Edwards says the 450,000 series competitions are proof the state is serious about fighting the pandemic and committed to ending it…

Cut 6 (06) “…milestones.”

The number is expected to balloon even faster now that those 16 and older with a wide range of common comorbidities are eligible to get vaccinated.

Farmers Insurance, the 9^th largest property and casualty insurance carrier in the country, is returning to Louisiana after a seven-year hiatus. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon adding the Bayou State and others is part of Farmers’ growth.

Cut 4 (10) “…brand.” 

Farmers sold policies in the state before from 1999 to 2014 but left after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. 

The Saints have begun the process of releasing players in an effort to get under the salary cap. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The US House has given final passage to President Biden’s 1,9 trillion dollar COVID relief and economic stimulus package. Included in it is a substantial increase in the child tax credit, now up to 3,600 per child from the current cap of 1,400 to 2,000 dollars, and now fully refundable meaning families who previously didn’t make enough money to qualify for the credit will be able to receive it for 2021. Plans are being drawn up to allow parents to draw the credit in monthly installments.

Those 16 and older in Louisiana who are overweight, smokers, have diabetes or asthma, or suffer from a list of other comorbidities are now eligible to receive a COVID vaccine. Governor Edwards this another important step in the state’s fight against COVID-19 as he hopes getting more of the population vaccinated will reduce serious illness and death from the virus.

Cut 4 (08) “…the virus.” 

State Treasurer John Schroder says he won’t be getting a vaccine. Schroder says instead he’s focusing on making sure his immune system is strong. Schroder told Jim Engster on Talk Louisiana he’s under a doctor’s care…

Cut 10 (10) “…system.” 

Schroder was hospitalized with COVID in December.

Les Miles is out as the head football coach at Kansas University after reports that surfaced last week where Miles acted inappropriately with female students at LSU. Allegations ranging from texting, attempting to kiss a student, and performing unwanted touching. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says Kansas had no choice…

Cut 7 (12) “…any level”

President Biden declares Louisiana a major disaster area after two winter storms last month. Deputy Director of the Governor’s Office Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Casey Tingle says In addition to the 23 parishes, nine others could also be eligible for assistance.  A few weeks ago, GOHSEP asked residents to complete a Damage.LA.gov survey for a better idea of how many were impacted by the storms.

Cut 13 (10)“…included here”

Governor Edwards announces Louisiana has expanded the eligibility requirements for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

A Senate committee meets tomorrow to discuss the handling of sexual misconduct incidents on college campuses. The stated purpose of the meeting is to receive in-depth responses from all public university systems in the state regarding their handling of sexual misconduct cases, and the policies in place to respond to such incidents.

State Treasurer John Schroder tells Talk Louisiana host Jim Engster he will not be taking a COVID vaccine. Schroder was asked about the substantial expansion in vaccine eligibility. He says…

Cut 9 (07) “…vaccine”

Schroder, who was hospitalized with COVID in December, says instead he will focus on boosting his immune system.

President Biden declares Louisiana a major disaster after two winter storms last month. Deputy Director of the Governor’s Office Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Casey Tingle says the length of the two storms and extensive damage to some water systems gave the state eligibility for a declaration in the winter.

Cut 14 (10) “…weather”