Author Archives: LRN News

01.21.22
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

More good news for LSU on the recruiting trail. Four-star running back TreVonte’ Citizen has announced his commitment to the Tigers. The Lake Charles product averaged more than 120 yards per game last season.

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Former LSU Heisman trophy winner Joe Burrow will lead the Bengals into a divisional matchup with the Titans on Sunday afternoon. In just his second season, Burrow is a legitimate candidate for the NFL’s MVP award, but he will be tested by top-seeded Tennessee. The key for Burrow is being prepared for whatever may come his way.

Cut 17 (12) “…confidence in.”

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It’s one moving in and one moving out for the Southern Jaguars. A day after defensive back Devin Bush made a commitment to the Jags, he changed his mind and is now headed to rival Grambling. Southern did add former LSU linebacker Donte Starks earlier in the week.

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The Pelicans ended their two-game losing streak with a road win over the Knicks, Thursday. Brandon Ingram left the game with a right ankle injury. No update as to his status as of now.

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Louisiana Tech starts a critical, three-game home stand tomorrow with a battle for first place in Conference USA’s Western Division. The Bulldogs enter their matchup with UAB, riding a seven-game win streak. The Blazers were the preseason pick to win the conference title, so coach Eric Koncol knows his team will have to be at its best to hold on to the top spot.

Cut 19 (10) “…this Saturday.”

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LSU may be without two major pieces when the 13th-ranked Tigers face number 24 Tennessee, Saturday. Will Wade says that guard Xavier Pinson remains doubtful and forward Darius Days will be a game-time decision. LSU has lost two in a row, but beat the Vols at home on January 8.

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In the SWAC, first-place Southern hosts Arkansas-Pine Bluff tomorrow at 5pm. The Jags are coming off their first conference loss of the season, a six point loss at Grambling.

Meanwhile Grambling sits in second place in the SWAC. The Tigers welcome Mississippi Valley Saturday at 2:30.

01.21.22
by

1:30 LRN Newscast January 21

Today’s cold temperatures are just the beginning of a frigid weekend in Louisiana. State climatologist Barry Keim says temperatures won’t climb higher than the mid-40s either today or tomorrow.

Cut 3 (04) …”this time of year.”

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The state adds COVID re-infections to the dashboard, and the Omicron variant has caused them to grow considerably. Booke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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For the month of December $39.5 million was wagered in Louisiana casinos in the second full month of legalized sports betting. Eleven riverboats, racinos, and Harrah’s land based casino recorded proceeds of close to 4.4 million according to figures released by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. Of the eight operating in November 27.6 million was wagered with revenues of 5.7 million.

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This weekend’s low temperatures will be felt throughout the state, but strawberry producers are prepared for the cold. Tangipahoa Parish Associate Extension Agent Mary Helen Ferguson says the relatively mild winter up until now allowed some growers to begin picking up their crops…

Cut 13 (09) “…back on.”

The mild winter has also allowed for boil-worthy crawfish in January. However, Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says this weekend’s weather increases the difficulty for crawfish farmers to catch mudbugs, and cold temperatures don’t help them grow…

Cut 14 (07) “…in action.”

01.20.22
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LRN AM Newscall January 21

After missing two years due to COVID, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is back this spring. Kevin Gallagher has lineup highlights…:

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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COVID numbers are indicative the state may have reached a peak,  but stats also show the Omicron variant has been the hardest one yet for children. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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According to the 2022 Roadmap of State Highway Safety Laws, Louisiana ranks 9th in the nation. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is back for 2022; at the Fairgrounds and on its traditional dates.  Jazz Fest director and organizer Quint Davis says this year’s roster of performers has something for everyone…:

Cut 4 (10) “…Stevie Knicks, Billy strings, Nora Jones.” 

There was no 2020 Jazz Fest due to the pandemic, and a planned FALL Jazz Fest for 2021 fell apart amid the Delta surge. Davis says it is back after three years, and this year’s top headliners are The Who, Foo Fighters, Jimmy Buffett, Lionel Richie, Willie Nelson and dozens more. Davis says a number of artists planned their other dates AROUND being at Jazz Fest’s big return…like one superstar in particular…:

Cut 5 (11) “…we’re gonna be there.”

Back to its traditional dates – the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May – Jazz Fest has put reserved special admission packages and weekend pass tickets on sale now. Individual day tickets will go on sale soon. Davis says he is deeply grateful to the dozens of artists who’ve stayed by Jazz fest during its hiatus. He says most of them wouldn’t have it any other way…:

Cut 6 (11) “…like three years now.”

NOJazzFest.com for more information on acts and tickets.

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State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says COVID numbers hint that the state might be close to peaking with cases but yet it’s still too early to tell.

Cut 7 (12) “…very, very high.”

On Thursday the state reported 14,706 new cases and the state is expected to reach at least 1.1 million total cases today week after eclipsing a million earlier in the week.

Kanter says however the Omicron variant proves it’s much harder on children than others. He says this past week 33 children were admitted to the hospital with COVID and for the month of January 199 children have been admitted.

Cut 8 (12)  “…be vaccinated.”

Omicron is also impacting children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome, a condition where different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, and brain. Kanter says we added four cases this week.

Cut 9 (06)  “…marker as well.”

Because the highest percentage of pediatric cases are among ages four and younger, which are ineligible to be vaccinated Kanter says it’s imperative those around them be vaccinated and masked to protect them.

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Louisiana receives a top grade when it comes to laws that prevent auto crashes. Allison Kennedy, spokesperson for Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety says their report looks at 16 different factors that are statistically are proven to reduce traffics accidents and Louisiana has 10 of those laws on the books.

Cut 10 (07) “…passengers.”

But Kennedy also notes statistically only half of drivers and passengers are properly restrained in crashes

Areas, where Louisiana needs improvement, include booster seat laws, which Kennedy says are critical for child safety, and graduated drivers’ licenses.

Cut  11 (08)  “…impaired driving crashes.”  

According to DOTD 997 people were killed last year in traffic crashes, an alarming increase from previous years. Kennedy says Louisiana is not immune because traffic fatalities are up nationwide. And according to a recent survey Kennedy says 75-percent of respondents were unaware of the increase however…

Cut 12 (10) “…being done.”

Kennedy says another bright point for Louisiana is helmet laws for operators and passengers.

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Louisiana is dealing with its coldest air of the winter as overnight temperatures over the next few days will dip well below the freezing mark. Even the Houma-Thibodaux area could see lows in the mid-20s this weekend. The state has reported ten home fire deaths this year and Governor John Bel Edwards doesn’t want to see any more anytime soon…

Cut 13 (04) “…generators.”

Edwards is also asking Louisiana residents to be good a neighbor, check on those who are elderly during this frigid weather…

Cut 14 (06)  “…again.”

Light freezing rain was a possibility in south Louisiana during the overnight hours. Edwards says the state department of transportation has crews ready to address any slick roads, but he’s asking motorists to be careful…

Cut 15 (10)  “…driving.”

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Last week, former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow led the Cincinnati Bengals to their first playoff victory in more than 30 years. Now, as he prepares to face the top-seeded Tennesse Titans in the AFC’s divisional round, Burrow says that postseason pressure and big games are nothing new to him.

Cut  16 (10)  “…situation before.”

Already a candidate for MVP in his second season, Burrow says that his focus on preparation is what’s made the biggest impact on his early success.

Cut 17 (12) “ …confidence in.” 

Burrow has put up some eye-popping numbers this year, but knows he hasn’t gotten the NFL figured out just yet.

Cut 18 (10) “ …see still.” 

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Louisiana Tech starts a critical three-game homestand this weekend with a battle for first place in Conference USA’s Western Division. The Bulldogs will play host to UAB riding a seven-game win streak. The Blazers were the preseason pick to win the conference title, and coach Eric Koncol knows his team will have to be at its best to hold on to that top spot.

Cut 19 (10)_“…this Saturday.” 

Tech’s early success already has fans wondering just how far the Bulldogs can go. Koncol isn’t looking too far ahead as he keeps his young team improving each day.

Cut 20 (09) “…real strengths.”  

4

01.20.22
by

5:30 LRN Newscast January 20

Governor John Bel Edwards visited Shreveport today for the announcement of a $100 million investment by American Electric Power to develop a transmission control center in the city. Edwards says the center will create 20 direct jobs with an average salary of $115 thousand.

AEP’s 77-thousand square foot transmission facility will be the first business to move into Shreveport’s Resilient Technology Park.

Cut 7 (9) “…reliable electricity.”

Edwards says the timing of the investment couldn’t be better, after so many experienced lengthy power losses due to weather last year.

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The new terminal at Lafayette Regional Airport is no longer on standby. Travelers were welcomed into the $150 million state of the art facility today. Airport Executive Director Steven Picou says this is just the beginning.

Cut 5 (11) “…go that direction.”

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Senate Republicans were able to use the filibuster to defeat a voting rights bill that Democratic and civil rights leaders say is needed to protect our democracy. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, an opponent of the bill, accuses the Biden administration of manufacturing a fake voting crisis to distract from more pressing issues.

Baton Rouge representative Ted James, outgoing chair of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, says the bill wasn’t partisan and would have made voting more accessible to millions of Americans.

Cut 12 (11) “…to the polls.”

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Today was just the beginning of severe winter weather, with low temperatures expected to remain below freezing for most of the state through Sunday morning.

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain stresses that owners of livestock exercise the necessary precaution to protect their animals from these frigid temperatures.

Cut 15 (12) “…out of the weather.”

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01.20.22
by

4:45 LRN Sportscast January 20

UL-Monroe welcomes the Trojans of Troy for a matchup with the Sun Belt Conference’s top team. The WarHawks are looking for their second straight upset after last weekend’s shocker over UT-Arlington.

Over six Sun Belt games, ULM has yet to see the team that got off to an 8-4 start due to Covid-related absences. Head Coach Keith Richard hopes that tonight is the night he gets to see his whole roster in action.

Cut 17 (10) …”at full strength.”

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LSU came up short on the road at Alabama, losing 67-70 on Wednesday night. The Tigers fought their way back into the ball game, showing a spark that had been missing as of late. Will Wade praised his team’s effort, and believes the best is ahead for the Tigers.

Cut 23 (9) …of our guys.”

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Tonight, the New Orleans Pelicans will be looking to snap their own two-game losing skid in the Big Apple against the New York Knicks. They could be without the services of point guard Devonte’ Graham who is listed as questionable with a left ankle injury.

The Pels currently sit two games out of tenth place in the Western Conference standings.

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It’s the anniversary of one of the most controversial playoff games in New Orleans Saints and NFL history. Three years ago today, the Saints lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship game, 23-26 in overtime. The game is infamous for the “NOLA No-Call,” a missed pass interference penalty against the Rams that potentially cost the Saints the game-winning score in regulation.

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And, former Louisiana Tech football coach Skip Holtz has been named head coach of the USFL’s Birmingham Stallions. Over 22 collegiate seasons and stops at four different schools, Holtz put together a record of 152-121.

The eight team league, which includes the New Orleans Breakers, opens its season April 16, with all games being played in Birmingham.

01.20.22
by

11:40 LRN Sportscast January 20

UL-Monroe has an opportunity to take down the Sun Belt Conference’s top team when they host Troy tonight. The Warhawks are coming off of an upset of Texas State last weekend; a game Monroe won with only seven active players due to Covid protocols.

Taking down the Trojans will be no easy task. Warhawks head coach Keith Richard says that Troy is a deep, talented, and dangerous team.

Cut 18 (08) “…really play together.”

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The LSU men’s basketball team has lost back-to-back games for the first time this season. The Tigers 67-70 defeat dropped them to 3-3 in conference play.

Tari Eason led the Tigers with 26 points and 10 rebounds.

In the game, LSU was called for 25 personal fouls that led to 32 Alabama free throw attempts, 17 more than the Tigers. Will Wade, received a technical foul in the second half after angrily protesting the discrepancy. Wade says it was time to take a stand.

Cut 28 (16) “…keep taking it.”

LSU faces Tennessee on Saturday.

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LSU won’t take to the baseball diamond for nearly a month, but excitement is already reaching a fever pitch with the Tigers sitting eighth in the DI Baseball Preseason Top 25.

Head coach Jay Johnson brings in the top recruiting class in the country and an offensive approach that should produce plenty of runs.

The offense is headlined by sluggers Dylan Crews and Jacob Berry, but Aaron Fitt, co-editor of the D1 website said that LSU’s lineup has an embarrassment of riches from top to bottom.

Cut 20 (16) “…just insane.”–

The Pelicans will close out a three-game road trip tonight in New York City against the Knicks. New Orleans has lost two in a row and three of its last five games.

The Pels sit two games out of tenth place in the Western Conference standings, and with both Portland and Sacramento losing yesterday, they have a chance to inch closer to a potential play in tournament berth.

01.19.22
by

4:45 LRN Sportscast January 19

The 13th-ranked LSU Tigers try to get back on the winning side of things tonight as they visit the Alabama Crimson Tide. LSU is off to a 3-2 start in SEC play after beginning the season with 12 straight victories. Coach Will Wade says injuries and fatigue are something the Tigers have to overcome.

Cut 18 (13) “…we need to.”

Guard Xavier Pinson, who has missed the last two games with a knee injury, is a game-time decision for tonight’s contest with the Tide. LSU has dropped four in a row to Alabama.

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Former LSU football coach Ed Orgeron is one of 14 people dropped from a lawsuit that accuses the University of ignoring gender discrimination and sexual misconduct claims.

10 current and former LSU students filed the lawsuit in April of last year. After initially naming 19 defendants, that list has been narrowed down to five.

The defendants are seeking monetary damages as well as enforcement of Title IX guidelines meant to prevent gender discrimination.

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Former Louisiana Tech superstar and current Pelicans assistant Teresa Weatherspoon has pulled her name from consideration for the head coaching job with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury.

She has spent the past three seasons with the Pelicans. Shams Charania of The Athletic says Weatherspoon is a serious candidate for an NBA head coaching job in the near future.

Basketball pioneer Luisa Harris passed away at the age of 66 yesterday.

Harris was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992, the first Black woman to earn that honor.

After becoming a three-time All-American and national champion at Delta State, she was drafted by the New Orleans Jazz in the seventh round of the 1977 NBA draft.

She remains the only female player ever drafted to the NBA.

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Northwestern State has found its next AD. Kevin Bostian, who comes from the University of North Carolina Greensboro, will be formally introduced Thursday morning.

Bostian will take over for Greg Burke, who will remain with the university in a development role. Burke led the NSU athletic department for more than 25 years.

 

01.18.22
by

LRN AM Newscall January 19

John Bel Edwards wants to give litter the boot. David Grubb has more on how he plans to clean up Louisiana…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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Among some of the bills, legislators have filed for the 2022 regular session is one pertaining to homeowners’ associations. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Another blast of cold winter weather is coming our way. Is there snow, sleet or freezing rain in our future? Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards is calling on all Louisianans to help beautify the state. Tuesday the Governor announced the creation of his Task Force on Statewide Litter Abatement and Beautification but says it will take all of us to make a difference…

Cut 4 (05) “…to play.” 

Governor Edwards believes that preserving the state’s natural beauty and resources is vital to a thriving Louisiana…

Cut 5 (14) “…call home.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, whose office will oversee the Task Force, sees litter as not just a quality of life issue, but an economic development one as well…

Cut 6 (14) “…our economy.”

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We’ve all heard of or might have even experienced a situation in which a homeowners association enforces its rules with one resident and not another leaving the homeowner with few options. Mandeville Representative Paul Hollis is filing legislation setting limits on an HOA’s authority.

Cut 7 (11) “…very important.”

St. Tammany Parish, which is in Hollis’ district, has one of the highest per-capita rates of residents living within an HOA-managed community in the state. Hollis found himself in a situation with his HOA when he wanted to erect a privacy fence to protect his children from a neighbor’s webcam.

Hollis says he’s heard numerous stories from residents in his district that felt their legitimate concerns were ignored by an HOA and yet other less serious infractions were enforced. Hollis acknowledges the bill can’t remedy every situation with an HOA…

Cut 8 (11) “…constitutional rights.”

And while Hollis acknowledges not all HOAs covenants are bad some associations practice selective enforcement. Hollis says his bill would restrict an HOA from the overreach of taking away your right to protect your property and family.

Cut 9 (11)  “…particular family.”

Hollis says it’s also likely that he will file a companion bill that affords property owners the ability to opt out of existing HOAs.

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Get ready for another blast of cold, wintery weather across Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Wednesday starts fairly mild, with sunshine and temperatures reaching into the 60’s and lower 70’s, but then…:

Cut 10 (12) “…at least a possibility.”

Keim says a cold front moves through later this evening and overnight, bringing a chance of possible winter precipitation to the I-20 corridor in the late-night hours…:

Cut  11 (10)  “…pretty chilly day.”  

Keim says the approaching cold front is expected to stall offshore in the Gulf, setting up the chance of some potentially hazardous winter precipitation for Thursday night and into Friday morning…:

Cut 12 (10) “…up through Alexandria.”

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The Biden Administration’s Website to order free at-home COVID tests is officially open at COVIDtests.gov. There’s been a huge demand for home tests with Omicron and they are extremely difficult to locate. LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Genetics Dr. Lucio Miele says better access to home tests is vital.

Cut 13 (08) “…limited worldwide.”

A PCR test is more accurate at detecting COVID, results take days because they are sent off to a lab.

Miele says you should only use a home test if you have symptoms and advises if you test negative to retest again in a few days because the rapid test has a high false-negative rate.

Cut 14 (07)  “…on these tests.”

The free tests sent via COVIDtests.gov are initially limited to four tests per household but you can also be reimbursed by your health insurance provider now, up to eight at-home tests per month, per insured individual.

Miele says because there is a shortage across the globe for tests you should reserve home tests for when you need an answer and not test for the sake of testing.

Cut 15 (08)  “…is critical.”

To order the tests online you need to enter your name, address and email to receive tracking information. Tests will ship in seven to 12 days.

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The 11th-ranked LSU Tigers will face Alabama on Wednesday night, trying to bounce back from a tough loss to Arkansas. While defense has been the team’s calling card so far this season, Will Wade is looking for his stagnant offense to execute a lot better against the Tide.

Cut  16 (20) “…over again.”

One player that has to get back on track is Tari Eason. The Tigers’ leading scorer this season hasn’t made his presence felt as of late. Wade says it’s time for that to change.

Cut 17 (22) “ …down there.” 

Wade says that the Tigers will have to utilize their depth to avoid the fatigue that has plagued them during late-game situations.

Cut 18 (14) “ …need to.” 

01.18.22
by

4:45 LRN Sportscast January 18

Louisiana Tech scored a big win on the recruiting trail after four-star running back De’Anthony Gatson gave his verbal commitment to the Bulldogs. Gatson is rated as the 17th-best runner in the country after compiling more than fifty-six hundred yards and 83 TDs during his high school career.

Meanwhile, LSU continues to replenish its ranks. The Tigers have announced that Missouri defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo and East Tennessee State offensive lineman Tre’Mond Shorts will be joining the program, bringing the number of incoming transfers to eleven.

Shorts has five years of experience and was one of the most coveted players available in the portal. Wingo, a former three-star recruit, had 27 tackles and a sack as a freshman at Mizzou.

On the diamond, LSU enters the DI Baseball preseason top-25 ranked eighth in the nation. The Tigers are one of six SEC teams in the top ten. LSU opens its first season under new coach Jay Johnson on February 18 at Alex Box Stadium.

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The LSU men’s hoops squad has lost its offensive rhythm as of late, as the Tigers have averaged just 61 points over their last two games. Coach Will Wade says his team has to get back to playing with purpose when they have the ball.

Cut 16 (20) …”over again.”

The thirteenth-ranked Tigers visit Bama tomorrow.

The LSU women’s basketball team has moved up to eleventh in the latest AP rankings after wins over Missouri and Vanderbilt. This is the highest they’ve been ranked since the Tigers were number five on December 20, 2009. With 17 wins, the Tigers have almost doubled their win total from a season ago.

And the NFL has completed the opening round of the playoffs after the Rams defeated the Cardinals 34-11 Monday night.

Former LSU standout Odell Beckham Jr had four catches for 54 yards and a touchdown. He also completed a 40-yard pass in the win.

01.18.22
by

11:40 LRN Sportscast January 18

LSU head football coach Brian Kelly continues to fill out his staff with big names with local ties. Kelly announced the hiring of Georgia assistant and New Orleans native Cortez Hankton as the team’s wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator. Hankton served in the same role for the Bulldogs for the past three seasons. Tiger Rag Editor Adam Hunsucker says Kelly’s staff is ready to compete with any in the SEC.

Cut 20 (10) “…national title.”

Tigers’ wide-out Jaray Jenkins will be working with Hankton next season, as he announced he will be returning to LSU for a fifth year. Over the past two campaigns, Jenkins has 57 catches for 899 yards and eight touchdowns.

On the defensive side of the ball, safety Jay Ward will also be back in the purple and gold, according to a report from 247sports. His return is a huge boost for the Tigers’ secondary. Ward collected 71 tackles, two interceptions, and six pass breakups last season.

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Moving to baseball, LSU enters the DI Baseball preseason top-25 ranked eighth in the nation. The Tigers are one of six SEC teams in the top ten. LSU opens its first season under new coach Jay Johnson on February 18 against Maine at Alex Box Stadium.

Kim Mulkey is another LSU coach making waves. The women’s basketball team has moved up to eleventh in the latest AP rankings after wins over Missouri and Vanderbilt. This is the highest LSU has been ranked since the Tigers were number five on December 20, 2009.

And the Pelicans dropped their second straight game on their current three-game road trip, falling to the Boston Celtics, 104-92.

The Pels led by as many as 18 points before their second-half collapse. Coach Willie Green said that there are just some games like this, but he expects his team to bounce back.

Cut 17 (08) “…their physicality.”

New Orleans is back on the court Thursday when they face the New York Knicks.