Author Archives: LRN News

07.01.22
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5:30 LRN Newscast July 1

You’ll no longer pay state sales tax on feminine products along with diapers. It’s called the “Pink Tax” exemption and it’s a result of New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman’s legislation from the 2021 legislative session. She says it’s a tax exemption that will help women in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (09) “…without a tax.”

The “Pink Tax” exemption includes diapers for both children and adults. Freeman proposed legislation this year for schools to provide feminine products for students which ultimately failed but she plans to refile the bill next year.

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The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says extra officers will be on the highways this Fourth of July weekend to detect and stop impaired drivers. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says if you plan on drinking to celebrate America’s birthday, let someone else drive.

Cut 3 (04) “…to drive.”

Based on data from LSU 100 people were injured and six killed in alcohol-related crashes last Independence Day weekend.

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The Pelicans and star forward Zion Williamson have reportedly reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension that will keep Williamson in New Orleans for the next six years. The deal could be worth up to $231 million. Fox Sports’ Rob Parker says it was a no-brainer for both sides.

Cut 6 (11) ”…match made in heaven.”

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28-year-old Brian Allen of Alexandria is facing second-degree murder charges for allegedly providing fentanyl that led to an overdose death in Pineville. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office chief of staff Tommy Carnline says over the past several months, detectives have been investigating overdose-related deaths

Cut 12 (08) “…made the connection”

Allen has also been charged with criminal conspiracy and possession and distribution of a C-D-S-two, which is fentanyl. Carnline says Sheriff Mark Wood has made it a priority to arrest drug dealers responsible for overdose deaths…

07.01.22
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4:45 LRN Sportscast July 1

The Pelicans and star forward Zion Williamson have reportedly reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension worth up to as much as $231 million. Zion has played in just 85 of a possible 226 games over his career so far. FOX Sports’ Rob Parker says that even with his injury history, the Pelicans’ potential reward is worth the risk.

Cut 7 (10) “…gotta sign him.”

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The Pelicans haven’t made much noise at the start of free agency. Head Coach Willie Green’s team already has plenty of players who will be looking for minutes, a problem he says he’s glad to have.

Cut 16 (20) “…just keep rolling.”

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Now that USC and UCLA have made the move to the Big Ten, NYU Sports Law professor Dan Lust says that he expects more dominoes to fall as other conferences scramble to remain viable against the surging juggernauts in the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference. One of the biggest could be on the national level as the notion of amateurism in collegiate athletics, which took a major hit from the emergence of NIL, will be tested by players who see billions of dollars changing hands and ask for their fair share.

Cut 15 (09) “…entitled to.”

In other conference realignment news, the Southland Conference officially welcomed Texas A-and-M-Commerce as the league’s ninth member, while the Sun Belt adds James Madison, Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss.

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Former Louisiana Tech star and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson died last week from the combined effects of fentanyl and cocaine, based on the results of an autopsy on the body of the 26-year-old as reported by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore. Ferguson was found unresponsive in the late hours of June 21.

07.01.22
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11:40 LRN Sportscast July 1

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Pelicans and forward Zion Williamson are close to reaching agreement on a contract extension that would keep the star in New Orleans for the next six seasons. The five-year deal would be worth as much as $231 million according to the report, an average of $46.2 million per season, and includes protections for both sides. In 85 career games, Williams has posted 25.7 points per game while shooting over 60 percent and was named to the 2020 All-Star team.

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The Pels introduced rookies Dyson Daniels and EJ Liddell to the media on Thursday. Daniels, a 6-7 guard, brings a lot of versatility to the lineup and feels like he can contribute in a number of ways.

Cut 17 (20) “…here right now.”

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A seismic shift in college sports as USC and UCLA are leaving the PAC-12 for the Big Ten starting with the 2024 season. NYU Sports Law professor and co-host of the Conduct Detrimental podcast, Dan Lust, says this probably spells the end of the so-called “Power 5.”

Cut 13 (11) “…to my schools.”

Lust says that he expects more dominoes to fall as other conferences scramble to remain viable against the SEC and Big Ten superpowers.

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In other conference realignment news, the Southland Conference officially welcomed Texas A-and-M-Commerce as the league’s ninth member today, while the Sun Belt has added James Madison, Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss, expanding its membership to 14.

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Former Louisiana Tech star and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson died last week from the combined effects of fentanyl and cocaine, based on the results of an autopsy on the body of the 26-year old as reported by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore. Ferguson was found unresponsive in the late hours of June 21.

06.30.22
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LRN AM Newscall July 1

Cooking out for the 4th of July will cost more this year. Brooke Thorington has more on what you can expect to pay.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Now that Governor Edwards is done signing and/or vetoing bills, will lawmakers seek to override any of his vetoes? Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Has the Power 5 been shrunken to the Super 2? David Grubb has the story on the major shakeup in college sports…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m David Grubb” 

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Cooking out for the 4th of July will cost more this year. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says each year the American Farm Bureau Federation surveys grocery stores across the country for the average price of burgers, pork chops and all the fixings.

Cut 4 (09)  “…from last year.”

But in the southeast the average price of a cookout for ten is $64.31.

Davidson says that breaks down to just under $7 per person but it’s still a sizeable increase from last year. On the bright side he says the cost of strawberries, sliced cheese and potato chips are down from last year, however…

Cut 5 (09) “…on average.”

He says the reasons for the increase in prices are supply chain issues, the war in Ukraine and gas prices.

Cut 6 (08)  “…transported.”

And while food prices are higher, Davidson says there’s a common misconception that farmers are making more. He says on average on eight cents from each dollar spent makes it back to your local farmer.

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Governor Edwards has vetoed over 20 bills passed by state lawmakers during the recent regular legislative session. Now, the question is “will lawmakers convene a veto override session?” House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says state law requires House & Senate members to vote NOT to have one, otherwise they are scheduled automatically. He says ballots for that vote went out this week…:

Cut 7 (10) “…that will take place.”

Schexnayder says some are ready to have one, after the Governor ended bills that would have sent state education dollars to private or homeschooled students who read below their grade level…barred discrimination based on one’s vaccination status…stiffened penalties for killers of cops or first responders and others. He also says there are member who are not anxious for another special session…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…some of them are…”

Lawmakers must return the ballots sent to them by the 11th. Schexnayder says a simple majority of members voting NOT to convene will cancel the override session. He says the House & Senate are also aware of the money already spent this year on legislative actions…:

Cut 9 (12)  “…when they come in.”

Schexnayder says he would prefer to have the override session, but he’ll abide by the will of members. He says vetoed bills can be revisited next year.

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Operation Dry Water begins Friday and wraps up on Independence Day. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says it’s their annual enforcement of state waterways looking for impaired operators of vessels. He says while alcohol and open containers are allowed while on the water…

Cut 10 (10) “…on the waterways.”

Einck says what’s traditionally an enjoyable pastime for the 4th can quickly turn tragic when an impaired operator is on the water.

Cut  11 (07)  “…nation average.” 

In addition to looking for impaired operators this weekend, Einck says agents are also encouraging boaters to have the correct number of life jackets and that they are Coast Guard approved. And if you are caught impaired and operating a boat it can be costly.

Cut 12 (10) “…already.” 

A first offense DWI carries a $300 to $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail.

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In a move that will reverberate throughout the world of college athletics USC and UCLA, two of the most storied programs in the country, are preparing to leave the PAC-12 for the Big Ten as early as 2024. NYU Sports Law professor and co-host of the Conduct Detrimental podcast, Dan Lust, says this probably spells the end of the so-called “Power 5.”

Cut 13 (11) “…to my schools.”

Lust says the SEC’s move to poach Texas and Oklahoma from the Big 12 last year certainly pushed the Big Ten to make a counter of its own. Now it adds the nation’s second-largest television market to its roster just before it finalizes a new television deal with Fox and raises its level of competition within the league.

Cut 14 (12)  “…to keep pace.”

Lust says that he expects more dominoes to fall as other conferences scramble to remain viable against these two juggernauts. One of the biggest could be on the national level as the notion of amateurism in collegiate athletics, which took a major hit from the emergence of NIL, will be tested by players who see the money changing hands and ask for their fair share.

Cut 15 (09)  “…entitled to.”

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The New Orleans Pelicans introduced rookies Dyson Daniels and EJ Liddell to the media on Thursday. With a roster loaded with players looking for minutes, head coach Willie Green says it’s a great problem to have.

Cut 16 (20)  “…just keep rolling.”

Dyson Daniels, a 6-foot-7 inch point guard, was the team’s top choice heading into the draft according to GM Trajan Langdon. Daniels says he can help the team in a number of ways, starting on the defensive end.

Cut 17 (20) “ …here right now.” 

The Pels were surprised that EJ Liddell was still available when they took him with the 41st pick. Liddell says his competitiveness is his greatest asset and New Orleans is the perfect fit.

Cut 18 (13) “ …do that here.” 

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06.30.22
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4:45 LRN Sportscast June 30

In a stunning move, it appears that Pac-12 royalty USC and UCLA are preparing to join the Big Ten as early as 2024. Several sources indicate that both schools have begun the process of formally applying to the Big Ten and an announcement is expected within the next 24 hours. The timing of the move coincides with the expiration of the Pac-12 television contract after the 2023 football season. The departures of these “blue bloods” seem to have been accelerated by Texas and Oklahoma leaving the Big 12 behind for the SEC. Conference revenue projections now have the SEC and Big Ten making nearly double the amount of money generated by some other Power 5 conferences by the end of this decade, and that’s before the Big Ten finalizes its television deal with Fox. NYU Sports Law professor and co-host of the Conduct Detrimental podcast, Dan Lust, says the optics are what they are…

Cut 21 (07) “…super two, right?”

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Fans and media got their first look at new Pelicans Dyson Daniels and EJ Liddell today, as the team held an introductory press conference. The youth, depth, and potential of the roster are exciting, and Coach Willie Green says having a lot of talent is a great problem to have.

Cut 22 (09) “…deep roster.”

NBA free agency begins tomorrow, and the Pels are expected to offer Zion Williamson a five-year extension worth up to $186 million. Williamson has said that signing a new deal is a “no-brainer,” however, VP of basketball operations David Griffin has said there are details to be worked out; including just how much of the extension will be guaranteed. The Pelicans have until mid-October to finalize a deal with Williamson.

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LSU will welcome Louisiana Tech to Tiger Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025. The Bulldogs will receive a $1.6 million guarantee for the game. It will be the first meeting between the programs since 2018, a 38-21 victory for the Tigers.

06.30.22
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11:40 LRN Sportscast June 30

Jay Johnson wasn’t kidding when he said he was going straight to work following the conclusion of LSU’s baseball season. He continues to add talent to his roster at a dizzying rate. One of those newcomers, former Baylor shortstop Jack Pineda, told Tiger Rag Radio he chose the Tigers because he wanted to compete with and against the very best players in the nation.

Cut 17 (20) “…in that conference.”

Freshman right-hander Thatcher Hurd of UCLA confirmed that he’s transferring to LSU where he could have up to three years of eligibility. Hurd had a 1.06 ERA through 34 innings last season. Meanwhile, redshirt junior utility man Drew Bianco has entered the transfer portal, the 10th player to do so.

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The Pelicans will introduce rookies Dyson Daniels and EJ Liddell this afternoon during a press conference at the team’s headquarters in Metairie. Daniels was taken with the eighth pick in last week’s NBA Draft and Liddell, expected to go in the first round, fell into the Pelicans’ laps at pick 41.

NBA free agency begins tomorrow, and the Pels are expected to offer Zion Williamson a five-year extension worth up to $186 million. Williamson has said that signing a new deal is a “no-brainer,” however, VP of basketball operations David Griffin has said there are details to be worked out; including just how much of the extension will be guaranteed.

Since being taken with the number one overall selection in the 2019 draft, Zion has played in just 85 of a possible 226 games in his career. The Pelicans have until mid-October to finalize a deal with Williamson.

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LSU will welcome Louisiana Tech to Tiger Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025. The Bulldogs will receive a $1.6 million guarantee for the game. It will be the first meeting between the programs since 2018, a 38-21 victory for the Tigers.

06.29.22
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LRN AM Newscall June 30

After a two-year hiatus, the Essence Festival of Culture returns to New Orleans at full strength this holiday weekend. David Grubb has more…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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Despite increased costs for…well, everything, Independence Day holiday travel is predicted to be HUGE. More from Kevin Gallagher.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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It will like take months before the Supreme Court makes a final determination on the legality of Louisiana’s Congressional map. David Grubb has more…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m David Grubb” 

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After a two-year hiatus, the Essence Festival of Culture returns to New Orleans at full strength this holiday weekend. Now in its 27th year, Essence Fest is the nation’s largest music festival, regularly drawing more than half a million visitors to the city. Councilman Oliver Thomas says there’s no way to overstate its importance for the city and state.

Cut 4 (12)  “…tourism industry.”

New Orleans has been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons lately, with concerns over crime and city services. Thomas says this is an opportunity for “The Crescent City” to send a message to the nation that it remains one of America’s premier cultural destinations.

Cut 5 (12) “…we host people.”

This year’s headliners include comedian Kevin Hart, Nicki Minaj, Janet Jackson, and New Edition. Attendees will also be able to attend seminars, shop local vendors, and participate in both in-person and virtual events at the Morial Convention Center. Thomas says the star power is unmatched.

Cut 6 (10)  “…second to none.”

Festival organizers say that all attendees are required to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination for admission. Essence Fest starts tonight and ends Sunday.

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Despite high gasoline costs and increased prices for food and lodging, over 47 million Americans are expected to travel this Independence Day weekend. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says that estimate reflects the second-busiest July 4th weekend since the year 2000. He says a great many will be on the highways…:

Cut 7 (11) “…travel industry.”

AAA predicts a 6-percent increase in motorists from 2019 for the four-state region of Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma…

Cut 8 (10)  “…our region.”

Redman says, while the number who intend to drive for the holiday is up sharply, airline bookings are down considerably. He says air travel estimates haven’t been this low in over 11 years…:

Cut 9 (12)  “…the airline fees.”

Redman says hotel rates are up over 20-percent, restaurant dining is up over 12-percent, and airfares have increased about 14-percent. Nevertheless, he says, people are ready to get out and go after the pandemic.

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There are 17 new wildlife agents on the job today, they are the most recent graduates of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Law Enforcement Academy. LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says potential agents undergo a rigorous selection process to before they attend the academy.

Cut 10 (10) “…of the training.”

Einck says it’s an ideal profession individuals who enjoy hunting, fishing, boating or hiking. He says it’s the perfect job for people who love the outdoors.

Cut  11 (11)  “…waterways of the state.” 

The primary focus for a wildlife agent is ecosystem and conservation enforcement along with recreational boating safety. And Einck says another task agents perform is search and rescue.

Cut 12 (08) “…big floods.” 

For more information on becoming a wildlife agent visit LDWF’s website.

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Qualifying for the Congressional elections is next month and based on a ruling from the U-S Supreme Court this week, Louisiana will use the district map approved by the Legislature in February. What if the Supreme Court later rules the map is unconstitutional? ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says this fall’s election results will stand…

Cut 13 (07) “…elected.”

Stockley says this is not the first time a Congressional District map drawn up by the Legislature needed the courts to determine if it was legal…

Cut 14 (11)  “…for Louisiana.”

The U-S Supreme Court might not make a final ruling on Louisiana’s Congressional map until after the fall elections. They are also looking at Alabama’s Congressional map. Stockley says based on their recent rulings, he expects the court to rule that it does NOT violate the Voting Rights Act…

Cut 15 (11)  “…stay in effect.”

Stockley says a ruling from the U-S Supreme Court on Louisiana’s map might not come down until next summer.

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Once known as the most prolific offensive team in the NFL, the Saints have been owners of one of its most dangerous defenses the past few seasons, even in the face of some incredible adversity. Defensive end Cam Jordan says overcoming that adversity has given the unit tremendous confidence heading into this season.

Cut 16 (14)  “…is unreal.”

Jay Johnson wasn’t kidding when he said he was going straight to work following the conclusion of LSU’s baseball season. He continues to add talent to his roster at a dizzying rate. One of those newcomers, former Baylor shortstop Jack Pineda, says he chose the Tigers because he wanted to compete with and against the very best players in the nation.

Cut 17 (20) “ …in that conference.” 

Pineda likely slots in at the top of the LSU batting order next season. He says he’s already thinking about how dangerous the Tigers’ lineup could be for opposing pitchers.

Cut 18 (16) “ …of the time.” 

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06.29.22
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4:45 LRN Sportscast June 29

LSU has added another arm to its arsenal with the announcement that former UCLA pitcher Thatcher Hurd has given his verbal commitment to join Jay Johnson’s Tigers. Hurd, a freshman right-hander, was the ninth-ranked righty in the 2022 recruiting class. His season was cut short due to a stress fracture in his lower back, but when he was on the field he was impressive, posting a 1.06 ERA over 34 innings pitched, including six starts for the Bruins. Hurd becomes the third potential starter to join the roster through the transfer portal, joining fellow right-handers Dylan Tebrake and Christian Little.

Texas A-and-M pitcher Rawley Hector has announced he’s heading to Ruston to play for Louisiana Tech next season. Coach Lane Burroughs has also named Cooper Fouts to his staff as the team’s recruiting coordinator as well as pitching and catching coordinator.

Tulane loses sophomore closer, Zach DeVito, to Georgia. DeVito was 4-1 with nine saves for the Green Wave last season. However freshman outfielder Jackson Linn confirmed he has withdrawn his name from the portal and will stay with the team.

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The New Orleans Pelicans have announced their roster for the upcoming NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Aside from new draftees Dyson Daniels, EJ Liddell, and Karlo Matkovic, veterans Jose Alvarado, Trey Murphy III, Naji Marshall, and Jared Harper will be among those competing in the desert from July 7-17. Last summer, the Pels went a perfect 5-0, outscoring opponents by an average of nearly 15 points per game. Their performance was seen as a springboard for a rookie class that went on to be major contributors during the season.

LSU basketball coach Matt McMahon has received his first SEC basketball schedule, with the 18-game slate released Wednesday. Six of those games come against permanent home-and-home foes Alabama, Arkansas, and Texas A-and-M. The Tigers also play series against Florida and Missouri this season. Their home schedule rounds out with Auburn, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt. LSU goes on the road to face Georgia, Kentucky, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State. Dates and times will be announced later this summer.

And Former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow has been nominated for the ESPY for Best Comeback Athlete.

06.29.22
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1:30 LRN Newscast June 29

Since a temporary restraining order was placed on Louisiana’s abortion trigger laws Monday, abortions can continue in the state. Brooke Thorington has more from the Director of the Hope Medical Center for Women in Shreveport.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The FBI has opened an investigation into sex abuse within the Roman Catholic Church in New Orleans that will look into decades of allegations of abuse, including whether priests took children across state lines to molest them, according to a report by The Associated Press. More than a dozen alleged victims have been interviewed so far.

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A hearing scheduled for today in U-S District court is canceled as a result of the U-S Supreme Court putting a hold on a lower court ruling that said the Legislature must draw a map that allows for a Black candidate to represent two of the state’s six congressional districts. The high court is considering a similar case out of Alabama and will hold arguments on that case in October, so Louisiana’s case will remain on hold until then. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields, a supporter of a second-majority Black district, is hopeful SCOTUS will find that the approved Congressional map violates the Voting Rights Act…

Cut 8 (07) “…the plaintiffs.”

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Delhi police are investigating a potentially disturbing incident at Delhi High School, where a noose was found lying on the stage of its auditorium. The suspect is one of the contractors working on renovations at the school, and because of that video cameras within the auditorium were deactivated, leaving no footage of what happened. Here’s Chief Roy Williams.

Cut 10 (10) “…hate crime charge.”

06.29.22
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11:40 LRN Sportscast June 29

LSU’s Jay Johnson has earned a reputation as one of the most relentless and successful recruiters in the country. He already has the nation’s top recruiting class, with 12 players rated 4-stars or better. He’s been just as solid utilizing the transfer portal to address the Tigers’ needs heading into next season. One player who should make a big impact is Baylor transfer shortstop Jack Pineda. LSU fans got to see him up close back in March when he went 2-for-5 with a home run, two RBI, and three runs scored when the Bears topped the Tigers 9-6 in Houston. During an appearance on Tiger Rag radio, Pineda said his choice to come to Baton Rouge is about the opportunity to be a champion.

Cut 21 (16) “…attractive for me.”

In two seasons at Baylor, Pineda batted .313 with 135 hits in 105 games.

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Kim Mulkey is no stranger to high expectations. It’s the price that comes with winning more than 85 percent of your games and three national championships. After leading the Tigers to the greatest single-season turnaround in SEC history and being named AP College Coach of the Year for the third time after her first season at LSU, fans will be expecting the team to pick up right where it left off. Coach Mulkey told Tiger Rag Radio that isn’t as easy as it might look. The Tigers have added talent but lost a lot of experience.

Cut 22 (20) “…is definitely there.”

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Texas A-and-M pitcher Rawley Hector has announced he’s heading to Ruston to play for Louisiana Tech next season. Coach Lane Burroughs has also named Cooper Fouts to his staff as the team’s recruiting coordinator as well as pitching and catching coordinator.

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