LRN AM Newscall April 30

Reaction to yesterday’s Supreme Court decision that ruled Louisiana’s congressional map unconstitutional is split down the same ideological lines as the ruling itself. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Supreme Court ruling that throws out Louisiana’s congressional map is not good news for Democrat Cleo Fields, who represents the district at the heart of the case. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Ground has been broken on the 2.3-billion-dollar I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Louisiana’s congressional map fell along ideological lines, and so is reaction to that ruling. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says the ruling vindicates a position that the state has taken from the beginning in that it shouldn’t be sorting voters by race.

Cut 4 (12) “…and state constitution.”

Murrill says the Supreme Court made it clear that race cannot be the overriding factor in drawing the new congressional map.

Cut 5 (11) “…kind of scrutiny.”

The district at the heart of the case that the Supreme Court just ruled on is the Sixth District that runs diagonally from Shreveport to Baton Rouge and is represented by Democrat Cleo Fields. Fields says while the Supreme Court did not strike down the 1965 Voting Rights Act with its ruling, it might as well have.

Cut 6 (08) “…register to vote.”

Fields says the Voting Rights Act was the only way for a state like Louisiana to get a Black person elected to Congress.

Cut 7 (10) “…over a third.”

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The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that strikes down Louisiana’s current congressional map is not good news for sixth district Congressman Cleo Fields. It’s his district that has resulted in the court calling Louisiana’s U.S. House map an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says the next map will not be kind to Fields politically.

Cut 8 (07) “…will be elected.”

Hogan says Louisiana’s new congressional map will likely result in the Republicans gaining a seat in the U.S. House, which is why there will be pressure to redraw the map this year.

Cut 9 (08)  “…to do it.”

Hogan says the Supreme Court decision has impacts across the country, since state legislatures now know that they do not have to make race the biggest factor when drawing political boundaries.

Cut 10 (07) “…how they’re drawn.”

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Ground has been broken on the long-awaited I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles. The 2.3-billion-dollar project will replace the existing bridge that was built in the 1950s with a state-of-the-art structure engineered to meet 21st century demands. Lake Charles Mayor Marshall Simien says this is a huge day in the city’s history.

Cut 11 (13) “…the longest time.”

Ninety-thousand vehicles cross the current Lake Charles bridge that was completed in 1952.

When Governor Landry took office in 2024, he made it one of his priorities to find a way to fund a new Lake Charles Bridge. His solution was a public-private partnership with Calcasieu Bridge Partners that will use federal, state and toll dollars to build the bridge. Landry says 15-percent of the tolling revenues will go right back into the area.

Cut 12 (10) “…Imperial Calcasieu forever.”

The new bridge will not open until 2031, and it will be several years before toll rates will be determined. Landry says in the meantime, he’ll ask the federal government for more money.

Cut 13 (09) “…around the area.”

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Manning Family Children’s Hospital New Orleans has been designated as the only hospital in the State of Louisiana approved to offer the new FDA-approved gene therapy treatment for sickle cell disease. Gene Therapy Program Director Dr. Benjamin Watkins says Children’s Hospital is also one of only 13 hospitals across the country providing this sickle cell gene therapy, and New Orleans is the ideal place for one.

Cut 14 (08) “…in the country.”

Dr. Watkins says the FDA has approved this therapy for patients 12 years old and older; as such, despite the fact that it’s a pediatric hospital, they will treat older patients with this therapy.

Cut 15 (09) “…age of 30.”

In fact, the first patient to receive the therapy at Children’s Hospital was a 23-year-old man who sought it so that he could get his pilot’s license. Watkins says for patients older than 30, they will work with them to be treated at one of the non-pediatric hospitals offering this treatment.

Cut 16 (07) “…here in Louisiana.”

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The LSU baseball team picked up a much-needed win over Southeastern Louisiana Tuesday. The Tigers have recently seen strong production from their freshmen, and coach Jay Johnson believes the young stars have made the team more competitive.

Cut 17 (12)  “…off the weekend.”

Even though LSU’s bats are heating up at the right time, the pitching staff continues to struggle. The Tigers have allowed 36 runs over their last five games and rank last in the SEC with a 5.32 ERA. Johnson says Pitching Coach Nate Yeskie and Director of Pitching Development Jamie Tutko met to address the issues and says the staff has to execute better in order to turn things around.

Cut 18 (16)  “…than they have.”

Despite the pitching struggles, the Tigers received some positive news. Johnson says sophomore pitcher Casan Evans’ tests came back clean, but his status for the weekend still remains uncertain.

Cut 19 (10) “…we’re not sure.”

To make the postseason, LSU will likely need to win seven of its final nine conference games.

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LSU football’s cornerback room took a hit earlier this month when sophomore Aidan Anding suffered a torn Achilles during the scrimmage. Head coach Lane Kiffin says the position group is a concern due to limited depth and believes the Tigers will need several players to step up this summer.

Cut 20 (17) “…what you have?”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast/Legislative Report

The state legislature will soon have to draw a new congressional map, after the Supreme Court ruled the current one unconstitutional. In a six-to-three ruling that fell right along ideological lines, the court ruled that the creation of the second majority-Black district, one that stretches diagonally from Shreveport to Baton Rouge, relied too much on race. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the legislature may certainly use other factors in drawing a new map, but it may not intentionally use race.

Cut 10 (09) “…game going forward.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill was pleased with today’s Supreme Court ruling.

Cut 12 (14) “…to do that.”

So now that the legislature has to draw a new map, the big question is, when will it actually do so? Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

In a joint statement, House Speaker Phillip DeVillier and Senate President Cameron Henry say they’re reviewing the court’s ruling and are meeting with the members of their respective houses, representatives from the executive branch, elections officials and counsel to determine the next steps to be taken in the best interests of the state and its voters.

2:30 LRN Newscast

The Supreme Court has ruled Louisiana’s congressional map unconstitutional. In a six-to-three ruling that fell right along ideological lines, the court ruled that the creation of the second majority-Black district relied too much on race. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says while the Supreme Court did not strike down the 1965 Voting Rights Act, its ruling today will have the effect of significantly gutting Section Two of that law.

Cut 11 (13) “…in drawing lines.”

The district in question runs diagonally from Shreveport to Baton Rouge and is represented by Cleo Fields. As one might expect, Fields was not happy with the decision.

Cut 14 (10) “…state is Louisiana.”

With the Supreme Court ruling Louisiana’s congressional map unconstitutional, the case is now remanded to the Western District of Louisiana. State Attorney General Liz Murrill says in the meantime, a new congressional map will need to be drawn.

Cut 13 (11) “…draw a map.”

For the second time, Chalmette Representative Mike Bayham’s proposed constitutional amendment limiting governors to two lifetime terms comes up three votes short of the 70 needed for it to advance. Bayham is disappointed one of the 21 “No” votes came from Covington Representative Mark Wright…

Cut 4 (09) “…all of us.”

Seventeen lawmakers abstained from voting.

11:30 LRN Newscast

The Supreme Court rules Louisiana’s congressional map unconstitutional. The vote was six to three, and it fell right down ideological lines. The court ruled that the state relied too heavily on race in drawing its current congressional map, which includes a district that stretches diagonally from Shreveport to Baton Rouge. ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says the court did not throw out the 1965 Voting Rights Act in its ruling; but it did leave a key question unanswered – how much is too much?

Cut 10 (12) “…and is enough?”

The current map will remain in place until a new map is drawn. The big questions are – when will the legislature draw that new map, and is there any chance that it will be in place for the November election? One thing that could complicate that is that early voting in the closed primary starts Saturday.

Construction officially gets underway this afternoon on the new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Brian Abshire says the new 2.3-billion-dollar bridge will be a vast improvement over the one that it will be replacing.

Cut 5 (06) “…still being debated.”

The state will collect tolls for 50 years; Abshire says that was the only option to gain the funding needed for the massive project, which will take seven years to complete.

Louisiana Tech and Conference USA reach an agreement that will allow the school to move to the Sun Belt July 1st. Even though the move will cost the university an estimated eight-million dollars, Matt Bellinson of the Ruston Leader believes it will be money well spent when all is said and done.

Cut 15 (12) “…right for them.”

LRN AM Newscall April 29

Construction officially gets underway this afternoon on a new I-10 bridge in Lake Charles. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Baton Rouge-based Turner Industries announces plans to build a nuclear fabrication facility in New Iberia and Port Allen. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Louisiana Tech is closing the chapter on its time in the Conference USA and turning the page to a new era in the Sun Belt. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Construction officially gets underway in Lake Charles this afternoon on the new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. The 2.3-billion-dollar bridge is being built immediately next to the existing bridge that first opened in 1952, predating I-10. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Brian Abshire says the bridge is of utmost importance, with 75-thousand vehicles passing over it every day.

Cut 4 (08) “…a screeching halt.”

Abshire says the new bridge will be a vast improvement over the one that it will be replacing.

Cut 5 (06) “…still being debated.”

The bridge will also have 12-foot-wide shoulders on both sides of the roadway, and it won’t rise as high above the river. Whereas the current bridge takes traffic 152 feet above the river, the apex of the new bridge will be somewhere between 75 and 95 feet.

Abshire says not only will the new bridge be a lot safer than the current one, but it will also hopefully be an economic boost to the City of Lake Charles.

Cut 6 (07) “…downtown Lake Charles.”

The bridge will be a toll bridge; Abshire says that was the one and only option to get the funding needed for the project. Construction will take seven years, and the bridge will be tolled for 50 years.

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Baton Rouge-based Turner Industries announces it’s creating one-thousand jobs, as it’s building state-of-the-art nuclear fabrication facilities in New Iberia and Port Allen. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the facilities will be dedicated to the production of high-precision modules and nuclear-grade piping for the next generation of nuclear power.

Cut 7 (05) “…one as well.”

Turner Industries was founded in Baton Rouge in 1961. It’s one of the nation’s largest industrial contractors, with more than 93-hundred employees and six offices statewide.

Turner Industries CEO Stephen Toups made the announcement at a nuclear power summit in New Orleans organized by the Landry administration. Bourgeois says Toups believes Louisiana should be at the center of the next wave of nuclear innovation.

Cut 8 (12) “…when you’re ready.”

The nuclear fabrication facilities coming to West Baton Rouge and Iberia parishes will build pipes, modules and subassemblies for nuclear reactors. Each facility will see 500 new jobs with annual salaries of 77-thousand dollars.

There’s a renewed focus on nuclear power, because energy experts say it’s reliable and does not emit greenhouse gases. Bourgeois says it’s exciting to see a homegrown company meet the new demand.

Cut 9 (12)  “…state but others.”

Environmentalists have expressed concern about the radioactive waste that carries health and safety risks.

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The House Education Committee approves legislation that would give Louisiana public colleges the authority to increase tuition by as much as 10-percent for all graduate, professional and specialized programs and any undergraduate program identified as high-cost. Lobbyist Norby Chabert (sha-BEAR) testified in favor of the legislation; he says the money generated from the higher tuition costs would be put to good use.

Cut 10 (08) “…to student ratios.”

The bill passed on an eight-to-three vote and heads to the House floor. Lafayette Representative Josh Carlson says if you raise tuition, fewer students will attend college.

Cut 11 (06) “…in lower demand.”

The state’s four management boards currently have the authority to set what is known as differential tuition. But the bill’s author, Ruston Representative Christopher Turner, says that authority should really reside with each public institution.

Cut 12 (12) “…with basic needs.”

Tuition increases are necessary, since the state no longer funds higher education to the level it once did. Carlson asks why universities need to raise tuition when enrollment is dropping, a four-year degree is no longer a necessity to get a good paying job, and the state has more public universities than it really needs.

Cut 13 (12) “…percent every year.”

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An agreement has been reached between Louisiana Tech and Conference USA that allows Tech to leave Conference USA and join the Sun Belt this summer. Terms of the out-of-court settlement have not been released, but Matt Bellinson of the Ruston Leader says Louisiana Tech most likely had to pay a hefty exit-fee.

Cut 14 (08) “…eight-million dollars.”

Even though the move to the Sun Belt will cost the university a pretty penny, Bellinson believes it’s one that will end up favoring Louisiana Tech when all is said and done.

Cut 15 (12) “…right for them.”

Not only will Louisiana Tech save money by traveling far less than they had to, but Bellinson says the move will also favor the athletes.

Cut 16 (11) “…sort of stuff.”

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LSU football coach Lane Kiffin met with the media on Monday to discuss the end of spring practice. He said quarterback Sam Leavitt took part in 7-on-7 drills during Saturday’s final practice. While Leavitt was limited, Kiffin said he’s trending in the right direction.

Cut 17 (13)  “…the guys more.”

At the start of spring practice, LSU’s defense was miles ahead of the offense. With several new pieces on that side of the ball, it took time to adjust, but Kiffin says he’s seen progress for the second straight week following Saturday’s scrimmage in Tiger Stadium.

Cut 18 (13)  “…pleased with that.”

Redshirt quarterback Sam Leavitt has missed most of the spring while recovering from a Lisfranc foot injury. Kiffin says that even though he has not been able to spend much time on the field, Leavitt has remained engaged and continues to find ways to improve.

Cut 19 (13) “…but mentally also.”

Junior safety Dashawn Spears moved to the STAR position this offseason. Kiffin says it’s one of the most important roles on the field and believes the Denham Springs native did a tremendous job there this spring.

Cut 20 (14) “…we’ve gotten here.”

 

5:30 LRN Newscast/Legislative Report

The House Education Committee approves legislation that would give Louisiana public colleges the authority to increase tuition by as much as 10-percent for all graduate, professional and specialized programs and any undergraduate program identified as high-cost. Lobbyist Norby Chabert (Sha-bear) testified in favor of the legislation. Chabert says the money generated from the higher tuition costs would be put to good use…

Cut 10 (08) “…to student ratios.” 

The bill passed on an eight to three vote and heads to the House floor. Lafayette Representative Josh Carlson says if you raise tuition, fewer students will attend college.

Cut 11 (06) “…lower demand.”

Tuition increases are necessary, since the state no longer funds higher education to the level it once did.

The Louisiana House has approved legislation that would increase the amount the state compensates the families of police and firefighters killed in the line of duty from 250-thousand to 404-thousand dollars. Marrero Representative Kyle Green says a cost-of-living adjustment should be tied to the bill.

Cut 14 (08) “…inflationary increase.”

The bill’s author, Jeff Wiley of Ascension Parish, says he will look into Green’s amendment proposal before he brings the bill up for debate in the Senate.

A House bill requiring the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to publish prison data on its website advances to the Senate. The bill by Baton Rouge Democrat Barbara Carpenter passed in the House on a vote of 59 to 32. Data that would be required to be posted online in accordance with Carpenter’s bill include demographics, in-custody deaths and prisoner releases. No personal information protected under state and federal law would be released.

2:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana House has approved legislation that would increase the amount the state compensates the families of police and firefighters killed in the line of duty from 250-thousand to 404-thousand dollars. State Representative Jeff Wiley of Ascension Parish is the author of the bill.

Cut 12 (06) “…an increase.”

Five law enforcement officers and two firefighters lost their lives while on duty last year, and Wiley says the family members left behind deserve adequate financial support from the state.

Getting the fuel gauge to “full” continues leaving many bank accounts “empty.” Regular unleaded gasoline is now averaging $3.73 a gallon – an increase of five cents overnight. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says the average price of diesel, meanwhile, remains just above five-dollars a gallon.

Cut 8 (11) “…into the summer.”

People gathered at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge yesterday evening for a candlelight vigil in memory of Martha Odom. She’s the 17-year-old Lafayette girl who was killed when she was caught in the crossfire of a shooting at the food court last Thursday. East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards told those gathered that last week’s incident has deeply affected the entire city.

Cut 3 (08) “…our whole city.”

Those of you in north Louisiana, you’ll want to be weather aware today, as a tornado watch is in effect for Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Union and Webster parishes until seven this evening. National Weather Service Meteorologist Gary Chatelain says along with damaging winds, large hail and heavy downpours are possible.

Cut 10 (11) “…watching radars.” 

1:30 LRN Newscast

A candlelight vigil is held in Baton Rouge for the 17-year-old girl who was shot and killed at the Mall of Louisiana. Lafayette State Representative Annie Spell read some of Martha Odom’s writings from her theology class at Ascension Episcopal School.

Cut 5 (16) “…are passed away.”

Unless you drive an EV, you’re likely finding yourself curtailing your driving to save as much money as you can. Gas prices rose another five cents overnight, and regular unleaded is now averaging $3.73 a gallon in Louisiana. Don Redman with Triple-A says stalled peace talks between the United States and Iran have led to an increase in oil prices.

Cut 7 (07) “..energy up.”

LIV Golf tells Louisiana officials it has to postpone its tournament in New Orleans scheduled for next month. Joe Gallinaro has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Those of you in North Louisiana, you’ll want to be weather aware for the rest of the day today. A tornado watch is in effect for Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Union and Webster parishes until seven this evening. The National Weather Service says a strong cold front is responsible for the severe weather threat. Large hail and heavy downpours are also possible.  

12:30 LRN Newscast

There is an enhanced risk of severe weather through this evening for areas of the state north of Natchitoches. A tornado watch until 7 PM is in effect for Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Union and Webster Parishes. Gary Chatelain with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says large hail is another threat…

Cut 9 (11)  “…incident from occurring.”

Damaging winds and heavy downpours are possible as well.

The statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline shot up five cents overnight to $3.73. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says the sudden jump at the pump coincides with a spike in oil prices as a result of what’s happening in the Middle East…

Cut 6 (09) “…OPEC.”

People gathered at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge yesterday evening for a candlelight vigil in memory of 17-year-old Martha Odom, who was killed when she was caught in the crossfire of a shooting at the food court last Thursday. Community activist Cathy Tolivar says gun violence is out of control, and it has to stop.

Cut 4 (12) “…pull them in.”

A downtown Baton Rouge hotel will soon be converted into a year-round sports hospitality destination. The Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center will get a 40-million-dollar makeover and will reopen as a Sports Illustrated Resort. Geoff Richards, the chief operating officer of vacation ownership at Travel And Leisure Company, says one man behind this venture happens to be an LSU institution – Shaquille O’Neal.

Cut 16 (11) “…particularly at LSU.”

LRN AM Newscall April 28

After two years, Cleco’s owners have found a buyer. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Congressman Clay Higgins is urging the three major Republican U.S. Senate candidates to hold a statewide televised debate. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A recent Gallup poll finds that more young men are saying religion is very important in their lives. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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For two years, the Canadian-based owners of Cleco Power have been trying to sell the utility. Now, it has a deal in place to do just that. Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets has reached a deal to sell the company to Stonepeak Energy and Bernhard Capital Partners. Jennifer Cahill with Cleco says the company’s leadership team fully supports the deal.

Cut 4 (09) “…serve throughout Louisiana.”

Cahill says Cleco will be in good hands with its new owners.

Cut 5 (08) “…presence in Louisiana.”

Cleco is headquartered in Pineville and is the city’s biggest employer. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says those people can rest easy, knowing that the new owners will honor the resolution that the legislature adopted last year strongly requesting that the company’s headquarters remain in the city.

Cut 6 (12) “…it is now.”

Johnson says furthermore, Cleco’s customers should notice no difference in not only the reliability of their electric service, but also their electric rates – and the Public Service Commission will hold the new owners to that.

Cut 7 (07) “…to our members.”

The Public Service Commission will have the final say on the sale, and there’s no word on when it will be finalized.

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Congressman Clay Higgins is urging the major Republican U.S. Senate candidates to hold a statewide televised debate. Higgins is calling for a one-hour debate with solid questions posed by a moderator. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Higgins wants voters to hear from the candidates and not from their PACs.

Cut 8 (11) “…kinds of groups.”

Cross says even though Higgins has not issued an endorsement in the race, there does seem to be one in particular that he’s not supporting.

Cut 9 (12)  “…and MAGA generally.”

Last week, the three Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate held a televised debate in Baton Rouge. Cross says that likely had no bearing on Higgins’ call for the Republican candidates to follow suit.

Cut 10 (13) “…of the aisle.”

The primary election is now just 18 days away. Early voting starts Saturday.

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A new poll finds that the number of young men in the U.S. who say religion is a very important component of their lives is increasing. Gallup says its survey shows 42-percent of men between the ages of 18 and 29 say religion is very important to them. That’s up from 28-percent in 2022-23. Dr. Justin Langford at Louisiana Christian University in Pineville has a theory on why that might be.

Cut 11 (08) “…than ever before.”

Dr. Langford says many young men are also likely turning to religion because they may feel that the social media community  they belong to is not genuine.

Cut 12 (08) “…that really matters.”

Gallup says for the first time in 25 years, young men have surpassed young women on this measure of religiosity. Langford says it’s good to see more young men going to church, but it’s also important they live a life that reflects their faith.

Cut 13 (11)  “…these moral principals.”

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A downtown Baton Rouge hotel will soon be converted into a year-round sports hospitality destination. The Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center will get a 40-million-dollar makeover and will reopen as a Sports Illustrated Resort. Geoff Richards, the chief operating officer of vacation ownership at Travel And Leisure Company, says the goal is to make Baton Rouge a year-round sports tourism destination.

Cut 14 (13) “…and vacation ownership.”

Richards says when his company was scouting cities to establish Sports Illustrated Resorts, Baton Rouge was a logical choice.

Cut 15 (12) “…see throughout Louisiana.”

Richards notes that one man behind this venture happens to be an LSU institution – Shaquille O’Neal.

Cut 16 (11) “…particularly at LSU.”

The Hilton will operate normally for the remainder of the year. The renovation will begin next year, with the resort opening by the end of the year.

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UL-Lafayette picked up a pivotal series win over Arkansas State this weekend, taking two of three games from the Red Wolves. The Cajuns now sit 11th in the Sun Belt standings, just one game outside the top 10 that qualifies for the conference tournament. Head coach Matt Deggs said his team needs to keep winning league games to secure a postseason spot.

Cut 17 (15)  “…as we can.”

The Cajuns begin a five-game homestand this week against Southern tonight at six p-m. The Jaguars have won ten straight.

Former UL-Lafayette catcher Jonathan Lucroy will become just the third player in program history to have his jersey retired  Saturday. Lucroy, who played for the Cajuns from 2005–07, finished his career with a .356 batting average and still holds program records in doubles, RBIs, and total bases. Head coach Matt Deggs says Lucroy will be remembered as one of the greatest to ever wear the vermilion and white.

Cut 18 (17)  “…person for sure.”

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LSU junior linebacker Davhon (DAY-von) Keys led the team with 92 tackles last season after stepping in for the injured Whit Weeks. Keys says the opportunity to play significant snaps showed him what he needs to improve heading into next year.

Cut 19 (15) “…those throwing windows.”

The Tigers wrapped up spring football practice Saturday. Keys says the team is focused on putting in the work to avoid repeating last year’s results.

Cut 20 (14) “…hard every day.”