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LSU’s Student Senate rejected a resolution Wednesday proposing that non-LSU affiliates — those who are not employed by or enrolled in the university — would first be required to gain approval from a registered student organization to have a public display in Free Speech Alley. Student Government resolutions are non-binding — meaning that, while the motion it proposes can be adopted by LSU, it doesn’t have to be. Instead, these measures act as suggestions to the university and indications of the student body’s wishes.
Throughout its long history, Free Speech Alley has acted as a meeting place where members of the general public are encouraged to exchange ideas with the student body. At moments in that history, including recently, the strip of sidewalk in front of the Student Union has become a source of debate.
Free Speech Alley draws members from the outside community to campus — artists, peaceful protestors and concerned citizens — but controversial groups with harsh methods have drawn criticism.
“I have seen some rallies that have occurred because of some people, and they’re just inappropriate,” said Cameron Jones, a biochemistry and kinesiology junior. “There was one rally I saw—they had Jesus on a stick, and there was a condom on it.”
Kinesiology junior Ariana Findley, who appreciates many of the groups who come to Free Speech Alley, called others “disruptive” and somewhat “excessive.”
“I see a lot of club stuff there
that looks interesting and the people who’ve been selling jewelry recently, that looked really pretty. . .” English senior Elle Coleman said. “I don’t love being harassed by the church people that yell at you though.”
At Wednesday’s Student Senate meeting, the resolution, SGR 1, was met with skepticism as senators questioned the Student Senate’s ability to fix problems in Free Speech Alley.
Sen. Calvin Feldt noted that any overly disruptive group in Free Speech Alley would be subject to police removal anyways but did say “that we do have a real problem on Free Speech Alley.”
He argued the resolution wasn’t legally feasible.
“We do not have the legal grounds to implement anything like this on campus,” he said. “... I would strongly urge against this resolution. . .because we would look like fools for passing this resolution.”
Other senators shared that sentiment.
Sen. “Corbitt” Driscoll asserted that the difference between free speech and hate speech must be observed, but then pointed out that if LSUPD isn’t removing disruptive demonstrators now, the resolution would be hopeless.
“If they’re not doing what they’re supposed to be doing now, how are they going to do this?” he said.
The opponents’ arguments
won out. The measure failed with only 17 votes in favor, eight abstensions and 28 votes against.
The resolution’s authors, Sens. Lailah Williams and Cartie Whitelaw, responded to the decision with mixed feelings but a positive outlook.
“Today is not a total loss; it is just a redirection,” Williams said.
“While the resolution did not pass today, I’m still happy about it,” Whitelaw said. “I’m really hoping that this’ll start a conversation…about all the things that happen in Free Speech Alley, and…start a conversation about fostering a safer environment here at LSU.”
Aidan Anthaume contributed reporting to this article.
LSU’s Student Senate passed a resolution Wednesday condemning Jeff Landry for missing a gubernatorial election forum held on campus Sept. 13.
The resolution was authored by graduate student Sens. Alicia Cerquone and Cullen Hodges. It passed with 42 voting in favor, three against and six abstaining.
All the other major candidates for governor were present at the forum. Landry has frequently skipped campaign stops that involve sharing the stage with other candidates.
“Jeff Landry will be in Bossier tonight for an event with Don-
ald Trump Jr.,” said Kate Kelly, Landry’s campaign spokesperson, in a statement to the Reveille the day of the forum.
The resolution said Landry’s absence was “a detriment to the electorate.”
“Attorney General Landry’s conscious decision to participate in a hyper-partisan rally instead of an organized debate with his actual opponents reveals a calculus that disregards the fullfledged, good-faith argument of policies most concerning to the Louisiana State University community,” the original resolution said.
The Landry campaign declined to comment for this article.
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Companion Animal Alliance, Baton Rouge’s largest nonprofit animal shelter, has been consistently over capacity this year. Some feel a contributor to this issue is the strict restrictions local apartments place on pet ownership.
CAA is the only open intake shelter in all of East Baton Rouge Parish, according to its website. Last year, the shelter took in over 9,000 animals, and this year, CAA estimates it will match or surpass that number.
With more animals than the shelter can hold, CAA has been forced to keep dogs in pop-up crates and staff offices. At times, staff members have even had to bring the pets home with them.
Capacity-forced euthanasia decisions have been occurring on a weekly basis.
Holly Danielson, CAA grants and communications manager, said the biggest reason for animal surrender are owners moving and not being allowed to have pets in their new living space.
“It affects our intake and our outcomes,” said Morgan Talluto, CAA director of development. “You see more animals coming in because they’re moving into housing that doesn’t allow that animal or they’re not going to
LIFE
adopt at that time because they live in an apartment that has a breed restriction, weight restriction or just a limitation altogether.”
Apartments allowing dogs would mean more homes for pets, more potential adoptions
and, consequently, more pets kept alive, Danielson said.
“The last thing we want in regard to euthanasia is to have to make those space decisions,” Danielson added. “But we’ve kind of been backed into a corner and we’ve been in that state
The LSU campus-wide lighting project is moving into its third phase, with the second phase more than halfway done, according to Greg Lacour, director of campus planning at LSU.
The push for better lighting began with site security issues, receiving feedback from parents and students reporting poorly lit areas across campus, according to Dennis Mitchell, assistant director and landscape architect for LSU campus planning.
To begin, LSU conducted a survey with light meters taking readings of all the pathways across campus to document areas in need.
LSU Campus Planning was granted $4 million from the Louisiana Legislature to carry out this entire project.
of having to make those space decisions lately. So, if we had more homes to give dogs to, it would relieve our capacity, I’m sure, immensely.”
177 apartments near LSU
Phase one of the master plan, which began in October 2022, focused on the parking area across from Patrick F. Taylor Hall and the Agricultural and Coliseum parking areas. This phase was completed in early February 2023.
see DOGS, page 4 see LIGHTING, page 4
There are many places to eat on LSU’s campus, but few match the popularity of the school’s two dining halls: The 5 and The 459 Commons. With both offering similar all-you-can-eat styles and vast food selections, one can’t help but wonder: Which one’s best?
The 5
Built in 1966 as the “Pentagon Dining Hall,” The 5 Dining Hall has been the go-to place for residents on the northern side of campus for years—and with good reason, diners say.
“The 5 is literally steps away from the Pentagon gates. The convenience is unmatched,” screen arts major Trevor Tripp said.
Broussard, Cypress and Spruce Halls as well as the West Campus Apartments are also a short walk away.
The convenience isn’t the only thing that keeps students coming back, as The 5 was listed as one of the “36 best dining halls in
the U.S.” as recently as 2015 in a ranking from Food Publication Spoon University.
That ranking is a product of The 5’s various offerings: a soup and salad bar, a wood stone pizza oven, a large breakfast selection, many vegetarian options, a bakery, display cooking, ice cream
and more. The 5 also features The “Take 5” convenience store with options from sushi and cold foods to toothpaste and laundry detergent.
Where The 5 might gain an edge over its rival is in its allergy accommodations. The Pure Eats section is a 5 exclusive, provid-
ing students food options that are free of the top nine allergens: milk, eggs, nuts, fish, crustaceans, shellfish, wheat, soy and sesame. “I know I can always have a good meal that tastes good and be safe too,” said engineering major Allsion Brual on the allergen-free offerings.
The 459 Commons
Once called the “Laville Food Emporium” due to its location in the backyard of Laville Hall, The 459 Commons was built in 1949 as a “common” area for students living on the east side of campus. For students living in Laville, Camilia, Azalea and McVoy halls, as
DOGS, from page 3 aren’t pet friendly, according to data from Apartments.com. And apart from no-dog policies, some apartments have breed, behavior or weight restrictions.
Danielson believes the subjectivity of the breed and aggressiveness of a dog is significant to apartment pet restrictions. Someone could adopt what is seen as a pit bull, but on paper it’s a terrier, Danielson said.
“I would ask them to be more open with their pet policy,” Danielson said. “Some pet policies, it’s my understanding, are outdated as far as aggressive breeds go. I am personally of the philosophy that there’s no such thing as an aggressive breed, only aggressive animals. Aggressive animals are typically a byproduct of poor training. I think if they didn’t have those breed restrictions, we could see more placement of a larger variety of dogs.”
Talluto called the heavy restrictions on weight, behavior and breed “blind blanket discrimination.”
Often when dogs have increasing levels of fear, anxiety and stress, it’s kennel-related or shelter environment-related, Talluto said. The second they are out of the kennel, they may be totally different dogs.
These pet policy decisions often don’t come down to the
property management or landowner, it comes down to the insurance companies dictating what will be covered. In many cases that includes heavy restrictions. If a more inclusive policy is purchased it’s likely much more expensive which leads to higher cost for the resident, only reshaping the issue, Talluto said.
“What I would ask of students is to read your lease, to know your pet policy before you sign it and before you adopt an animal,” Talluto said. “Consider your pets. If you are signing a new lease and that pet cannot go with you, have a plan in place. Don’t wait for the day before to surrender your animal.”
CAA has taken in more dogs every year since 2019, with the exception of 2020. In 2022, it took in 500 more dogs than it did in 2019. Despite this, the staff has managed to improve its save rate by 14% since 2018.
While Baton Rouge has seen an improvement in new dog parks and pet-friendly workplaces, restaurants and bars, housing has remained a stagnant issue.
Bissell Pet Foundation, a partner of CAA, encourages dog lovers to reach out to talk to local officials, policy makers, legislators and corporations to help keep dogs with their families: “If enough people raise a red flag, lawmakers will listen,” reads its website.
LIGHTING, from page 3
Phase two began in February 2023 and is still under way, with completion planned for November 2023. The area’s focus is on the Law School, the Campus Lakes, Highland Road, the Quad, the pedestrian corridors around Coates Hall, the Renewable Natural Resources Building and Sturgis Hall.
Phase three prioritizes the pedestrian corridors around the Pentagon Residential Community, the LSU Campus Mounds, the areas along North Stadium Road and the parking lots along South
Stadium Road and Skip Bertman
Drive. Construction began in May 2023 and is planned to finish by May 2024, according to Lacour.
“The areas that we still need to keep track of are those that aren’t high priority but still have the wrong color fixtures and aren’t efficient,” Mitchell said.
The Enchanted Forest lighting project would be the next phase after the first three are completed. The “Enchanted Forest” is adjacent to the Pentagon, behind the Greek Theater. This fourth phase is projected to take place from June 2023 through December 2023.
DINING, from page 3 well as the East Campus Apartments, The 459 is just a short walk away.
Inside, The 459 features plenty of seating options and modern decor. Food sections include the Sweet Shoppe, Flame, Carved and Crafted, Rooted, Student Choice, Nook, Homestyle, Fresh 52 and 500 Degrees, all serving a similar buffet-style array of foods, similar to The 5 but with the added flair of some catchy titles.
What The 459 has over The 5 is student-chosen music playing while you eat. All students need to do is download the Rockbot app and queue up their very own LSU pre-approved song.
The 459 is also home to a student mini-market, featuring the same items as The Take 5 in The 5.
Which is Best?
The decision between the The 5 and The 459 Commons dining halls comes down to a few factors: convenience, allergies, ambience and personal preference.
Whether you prefer the historical charm and wide selections of The 5 or the trendy ambiance and student-run music of The 459, both are more than just a place to eat. They are places to make memories, friends and to enjoy a taste that is just as vibrant as LSU’s culture.
A few popular series have recently taken the media by storm. Here’s a rundown of what we’re watching and what the hype is all about.
“I’m a Virgo”
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
The joyride comedy “I’m a Virgo” depicts the absurd adventures of Cootie, a 13-foot-tall, 19-year-old Oakland, California, native who was relatively sheltered by his adoptive parents, up until sneaking out of the house and being discovered by a group of teenage political activists.
As Cootie navigates the real world, he develops a sense of self for the first time, encounters his longtime idol and makes friends along the way.
The show’s creator, Boots Riley, gained prominence for his indie satire film “Sorry to Bother You” and seems to be taking a similar approach with this series. Prominent cast members include Mike Epps, Jharrel Jerome and
Brett Gray.
“One Piece”
Where to Watch: Netflix
The popular Japanese manga series now has a live-action show under its belt. “One Piece” follows the trials and tribulations of Monkey D. Luffy, a young man who is made of rubber and wants to become the king of all pirates.
As Luffy goes along his journey to find the ultimate treasure known as the “One Piece,” he encounters friends, foes and the occasional near-death experience.
The manga’s writer and illustrator, Eiichiro Oda, was inspired by his own childhood interest in pirates. Netflix recently greenlit the live-action show for a second season, and it was topping the platform’s streaming charts within two weeks of its premiere.
Cast members include Iñaki Godoy as Luffy, Emily Rudd as Nami and Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro.
“The Bear”
Where to Watch: Hulu
“The Bear” is a comedy-drama starring Jeremy Allen White as Carmy, a young man from the
fine dining world who returns to his hometown of Chicago to take over operations at his family’s Italian sandwich shop.
As Carmy navigates the highs and lows of small business ownership, he finds a second family in his kitchen staff and gradually returns The Bear to its former glory while grieving his brother’s death.
The first season received 13 Emmy nominations and wide -
spread acclaim for its subject matter, riveting plot twists and unique production value. Prominent cast members include Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce and Abby Elliott.
“The Summer I Turned Pretty”
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
The coming-of-age romantic drama “The Summer I Turned Pretty” was created by author Jenny Han and based on her
novel series of the same name. The series premiered in June 2022 and has since been renewed for a third season.
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” follows Isabel “Belly” Conklin, an almost 16-year-old who measures her life in summers and navigates growing up, her first romantic experiences and the inevitable changes that life brings.
The series kicks off with Belly and her family reuniting for the summer with Susannah Fisher and her two sons, Jeremiah and Conrad—the latter of whom Belly has had a crush on for years. But this summer is different. The brothers take note of how much Belly has changed over the years, and their sudden interest in her causes a love triangle to ensue.
As life takes everyone in various directions, Belly must decide who she wants to be with, as well as what she wants out of life. The show has captured the hearts of countless hopeless romantics and features cast members such as Lola Tung as Belly, Gavin Casalengo as Jeremiah, and Christopher Briney as Conrad.
Thursday at 10 a.m. SEPTEMBER 21st
Saturday at 6 p.m. SEPTEMBER 23rd
LSU Student Government is handing out free donuts along with information about voting. The event is located in Free Speech Alley outside of the LSU Student Union from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
LSU Parade Ground
Fall Fest is free and open to LSU students, faculty and staff, and celebrates being a part of the LSU community. Bring your Tiger Card to obtain food items.
LSU is playing Arkansas this Saturday in Death Valley. The game will begin at 6 p.m. You can still buy tickets at lsusports.net.
Need a car wash? Well, you’re in luck. The Minority Women’s Movement is hosting a car wash. The fundraiser is located outside of the UREC. The event will begin at 12 p.m. and last until 3 p.m.
SEPTEMBER Friday at 11 a.m. 22nd
SEPTEMBER 24th Sunday at 12 p.m.
A number of construction projects are in the works around campus. Improvements include: lighting, air conditioning and general repairs.
BY CONNOR BARNEY @theconnorbarney
This past weekend was full of upsets, chaos and telling performances. The picture for the potential playoff teams has changed, and the chances of LSU being on that list increased tenfold.
LSU ended the weekend with its first Southeastern Conference win following a thrashing in Starkville, Mississippi, boosting its national AP ranking to No. 12, becoming the highest ranked team in the SEC West.
Given its loss to Florida State in the first game of the season, LSU’s best chance of making the college football playoffs relies on the SEC Championship. As the best team in the SEC West, that chance is getting better.
Alabama and Tennessee show weakness
This past weekend, two teams who were previously ranked higher than LSU dropped to a ranking below them: No. 23 Tennessee and No. 14 Alabama.
Tennessee, which was previously ranked No. 11, fell in a convincing loss to the Florida Gators. Led by running back Trevor Etienne, the Gators dominated the Volunteers at home, cruising to their first SEC victory.
Tennessee was stunned. As the clear favorites going into the game, its time in the swamp was less than favorable. Quarterback
FOOTBALLJoe Milton and the Tennessee offense looked disoriented and out of place for most of the game.
The Volunteers’ time in Florida magnifies their weaknesses. Although LSU won’t play them this season, the team’s loss and drop in rankings gets rid of one more competitor against the Tigers.
Alabama, which was ranked No. 10 last week and No. 3 before the season began, secured a win against South Florida, but it wasn’t pretty.
Ending with a final score of 173, Alabama went into the first half
tied at 3-3. Head coach Nick Saban decided to bench quarterback Jalen Milroe, who led the Crimson Tide into its loss against Texas. That benching seemed to cause more harm than good.
Alabama’s other two quarterbacks, Tyler Buchner and Ty Simpson, combined for a whopping 107 passing yards on 43% completion. The passing game was nonexistent for the Crimson Tide, and its saving grace was the running back duo of Roydell Williams and Jase McClellan.
The problems in Tuscaloosa
seem to only be getting worse. The loss against Texas was hard fought and against a top-10 opponent, but the team’s play hasn’t improved. Even though Alabama won, its performance against South Florida shows their struggles are far from gone.
With an unclear quarterback and a heavy reliance on the run game, the Crimson Tide is far from the dominant power they once were. As the highest ranked team in the SEC West besides LSU,
FOOTBALLLSU safety Greg Brooks Jr. underwent emergency surgery Friday after being diagnosed with a “large brain tumor,” his family said in a statement.
Brooks was unavailable for LSU’s win over Mississippi State due to what head coach Brian Kelly described as a “medical emergency.” He declined to comment further at the time.
According to the statement, doctors removed the mass during the procedure, and the family is awaiting biopsy results.
“We are grateful for the work and care of the medical staff helping Greg through these challenges and for the concern and love poured out by so many in the Louisiana, Arkansas and national sports communities. This means the world to us at this difficult time,” the family said in the statement.
“Greg continues to fight, and we await further clarity on the extent of that battle. His incredible strength of character gives us confidence, but we also know that he needs our support now more than ever. Please keep Greg
After an impressive 41-14 win over Mississippi State, it would be easy for an LSU team with renewed confidence to overlook an opponent like Arkansas.
After all, Arkansas isn’t flashy. The Razorbacks average the fewest yards per offensive play in the Southeastern Conference. They’ve run the ball 40 times per game, the third-most in the SEC, and yet they average only 3.8 yards per rush, a mark that’s the third-worst in the conference and in the bottom half of the FBS.
It’s possible No. 12 LSU might be looking past an opponent like Arkansas toward the following week’s bout with No. 15 Ole Miss, which very well could decide the SEC West crown. With betting lines this weekend set at a margin of 17.5 in favor of the Tigers, the consensus seems to be that LSU will win this one with relative ease.
However, the memory of an unexpectedly close 13-10 defensive slugfest last November has LSU
wary of an opponent that’s sure to bring its best.
“We know Arkansas is going to come out with an edge that we got to match,” linebacker Greg Penn III said. “It’s going to be a great game. We know it’s going to be a tight, physical game.”
In last year’s game, the Razorback defense came in with a passion to stifle then-No. 7 LSU’s offense. Quarterback Jayden Daniels finished with only 86 yards passing and accounted for two turnovers.
That defensive success came as a result of Arkansas’ discipline, according to center Charles Turner.
“They weren’t really extra aggressive,” Turner said about Arkansas’ defense in last year’s game. “They just played their gaps well, they got up the field and penetrated well. It wasn’t a chippy game, nothing like that. They did their assignments very, very well.”
This year, Arkansas’ calling card is once again its defense, and it may be the best unit LSU has faced this season. The team ranks No. 11 in the nation in yards allowed and No. 4 in rushing de -
fense. The Razorbacks also slot in at No. 11 in turnovers forced and No. 7 in sacks, both the best marks in the SEC.
“They don’t do a lot of movement. They just try to play up front, plug up gaps,” Turner said. “That’s something we got to watch out for in our combos, staying cheek-tocheek and shoulder-to-shoulder.”
Defensive end rusher Landon Jackson, who was once at LSU, and linebacker Jaheim Thomas have been standouts for Arkansas’ disruptive defensive front, accounting for six and 4.5 tackles for loss, respectively.
The key matchup to watch will almost certainly be between LSU’s offensive line and Arkansas’ front seven. Keeping Daniels clean and paving the way for the run game so that the Tigers’ offense isn’t one-dimensional will be a tall task for the unit, which looked good against Mississippi State but has had its struggles this year.
Last week, Arkansas’ defense looked mortal as it allowed 38 points against BYU and gave up a touchdown on three of the Cou-
gars’ four red zone drives. Arkansas entered the game having given up just one red zone touchdown on six tries.
However, that 38 points doesn’t look as bad when you realize it came on 15 offensive possessions for the Cougars. In addition, of BYU’s five touchdowns, three came on plays of 20 yards or more. Aside from those three long touchdowns, Arkansas allowed only 179 yards across 54 offensive plays.
This doesn’t mean Arkansas’ defense isn’t exploitable or doesn’t have its weaknesses; it may have an issue with allowing big plays, which LSU has been great at generating. However, the Razorbacks shut down BYU for much of the game and didn’t really allow sustained drives. The defense is much better than the final score would have you believe, and LSU should be prepared for a challenge.
LSU’s offense has been hard to slow down this year, but if the Arkansas front can stop the run and make Daniels uncomfortable, there’s potential for a close game.
On the offensive end, Arkansas
hasn’t been particularly effective so far this year. Part of that has been due to the absence of running back Raheim Sanders, who was a first team All-SEC selection in his sophomore season last year.
He’s missed the Razorbacks’ last two games with a knee injury. Though head coach Sam Pittman has yet to rule him out, it looks more than likely he won’t play against LSU.
That leaves running backs AJ Green and Rashod Dubinion as Arkansas’ primary options on the ground. The run game has been inefficient overall, but Green in particular has had his moments, with 86 yards and two touchdowns on only nine carries against BYU. LSU and its dynamic defensive front, coming off a great performance against Mississippi State, will need to account for him.
The run game is also something that needs to be accounted for with quarterback KJ Jefferson. Jefferson isn’t dynamic as a passer, but he takes care of the ball and
PLAYOFFS, from page 9 their former throne is for the taking.
Dark horses emerging Missouri has been turning heads this season, and its latest win came in a thrilling upset against No. 15 Kansas State. With a last second 61-yard field goal to win the game, the Tigers find themselves 3-0 and on a roll.
Snubbed out of the top 25, Mizzou is turning into a dark horse in the SEC. The team is on LSU’s schedule this year, and as it continues its season playing strong football, it can turn into a crucial ranked win for the Tigers down the line.
Florida obtained its first
ARKANSAS, from page 9
takes care of the ball and is efficient, with a completion percentage north of 70. However, Jefferson’s greatest assets as a player are his size and his legs. He’s run for over 600 yards in both his years as the Razorbacks’ starter.
“We can’t just go in and tackle high and expect to bring him down, especially with him being like six-four, 240.” junior defensive end Sai’vion Jones said. “The emphasis on him is to make sure we hit him nice and low and backside pursuit, make sure we always run to the ball. Don’t assume he’s
ranked win as well, beating No. 11 Tennessee at home. The Gators entered the season as an overlooked team. With its star Anthony Richardson leaving for the NFL, many thought this would be a rebuilding year for Florida.
Head coach Billy Napier had other ideas, and he’s beginning to prove the doubters wrong. Starting the year off with a loss to now No. 11 Utah, the Gators seem to have found themselves on the field. The running game is in full swing, and the defense looks strong.
Florida squeezed into this week’s top 25 list at No. 25, but its rank is bound to improve if the team continues playing like it did against Tennessee. Traveling to
down.”
“As long as we stay disciplined in our gaps, and we tackle with the right fundamentals, I think we shouldn’t have a problem,” Jones said.
If LSU’s front seven can neutralize the run game and if its improving secondary can take away the easy throws for Jefferson and move him into more difficult passes that stretch his capabilities, the team has a good chance of winning.
Arkansas will be a tough matchup that will test LSU’s physicality. In a game that will be won and lost in the trenches, the Tigers can’t overlook the Razorbacks’ strength.
Baton Rouge this year, the Gators could become an important win for the Tigers as they make their case for the playoffs.
No. 15 Ole Miss remains 3-0 with a ranked win over Tulane under their belt, and they stand as a strong test for the Tigers. Quarterback Jaxson Dart is returning with the Rebels for vengeance against LSU as they travel to Oxford.
The Rebels are an important opponent for the Tigers, and securing an LSU win would improve their odds of a playoff berth. Ole Miss looks to be the biggest test for the Tigers in the West with their deadly offense and home field advantage.
What it means for LSU
As the rankings stand, the
BROOKS JR, from page 9 and our family in your prayers,” the family said.
Kelly gave more details on the situation during the Southeastern Conference coach’s teleconference on Wednesday, clarifying that Brooks dealt with symptoms of the tumor back during fall camp. Brooks missed time during camp with vertigo, which Kelly confirmed they later found out was a symptom of the tumor.
Kelly said Brooks had another “episode” last week, which led to him getting an MRI that confirmed the diagnosis.
Tigers now have five opponents in the top 25 with the possibility of more being added. Their loss to Florida State likely keeps them out of the top four based on schedule alone, but their SEC Championship route is becoming more promising.
As their regular season opponents continue to show increasing problems, the Tigers look potentially likely to win the SEC West.
Alabama is struggling greatly with its offense, and Texas A&M dropped from the rankings following an unranked loss to Miami. Ole Miss is beginning to be the only team without drastic issues, and their matchup against LSU will be difficult, but it can go either way.
“Finally, we said enough is enough and we got him an MRI and that’s when the tumor was located. The vertigo was just a symptom of what was obviously a larger issue,” Kelly said.
Regarding a possible return to the field, Kelly said it’s hard to know at the current moment.
“There’s so many unanswered questions. I don’t even know that I could begin to give you the medical pieces relative to the surgery to give an educated answer to that,” Kelly said. “I know before he went in, he was pretty clear about playing again this year, but that’s Greg Brooks.”
Assuming LSU wins the rest of the season, its test comes in the SEC Championship against No. 1 Georgia. The Bulldogs have kept quiet at the top with three unranked wins, but they have yet to be seriously tested on the field.
The Tigers still look deserving of the No. 1 spot, but bigger upsets have happened before. LSU isn’t out of the picture yet.
As the season continues and chaos ensues, LSU’s projections seem to only be getting better. The team is showing their potential as the offense continues to fire on all cylinders and the defense begins to buff out their kinks, and something special could happen as the Tigers find themselves leading their division.
Garrett’s Gavel
GARRETT MCENTEE
@9are_bear
LSU is busy. Campus is downright bustling during the day. The Student Union is flooded with hungry customers, and the sidewalks are rage-inducing clusters of slow walkers. Meanwhile, record-shattering heat makes stepping outside insufferable. At night, students are out and about, going to the University Recreation Cener, Tigerland or whatever other holy activities college students get up to.
The staggering number of students who attend LSU is most powerfully felt in the various dining locations on campus. At lunch and dinner time, the lines wrap around the Union and dining halls, and Popeyes has students spilling out of its orange gates just to get a three-piece spicy chicken tender meal.
Interestingly, most of LSU’s dining spots are ghost towns during breakfast for two main reasons:
Students avoid morning classes like the plague, and the breakfast spots on campus are slightly… lackluster.
The breakfast options on campus, excluding official dining halls, are Einstein Bros., Chick-fil-A, CC’s Coffee, Smoothie King and 3 Little Pigs Café & Eatery. That’s five breakfast-focused restaurants, none of which are open late, which is disappointing, as most students are up at ungodly hours.
We, the Tigers of LSU, are missing something desperately -- a 24/7 breakfast joint. A place filled with yellow, love and goodness. LSU is missing a Waffle House.
A Waffle House on campus would give students a place to safely connect 24/7. As stated earlier, students are up at all hours of the day, so a place that’s open 24/7 is a necessity, especially for students lacking consistent transportation.
A campus Waffle House would also give LSU the chance to flex a new style of food: greasy and buttery breakfast food (something sorely missing). One of the best parts of Waffle House is its truly
expansive menu. They have hash browns, omelets, Texas melts, sandwiches, biscuits, crispy bacon, burgers and, well, waffles.
Another reason Waffle House is a necessary addition to campus is the culture it brings. Waffle House is beloved, accessible and wellknown. It’s like a slice of home. Everyone has eaten at the breakfast restaurant, so students from all walks of life can mingle and taste a bit of home at a familiar space, even in an unfamiliar area.
This isn’t to mention the presence that the Waffle House workers themselves would bring to campus. A very specific type of person works at a Waffle House, and they’re either the most comforting and understanding person alive or a demon who will spew vitriol at you while making you the best meal of your month. It’s also my firm belief that many LSU students need to be humbled by a Waffle House worker.
The plethora of reasons listed above are all well and good, but just in case more praise for Waffle House is required, here are some
student testimonials.
Amaria Jorden, a political science junior, believes emphatically in the good a campus Waffle House would bring.
“Yes! We do need a Waffle House. It’s so convenient, open all the time for students like me that are on campus late and have early classes,” Jorden said.
Freshman psychology student Michael Brown thinks there wouldn’t really be a downside to the addition.
“Adding another option will never be a bad move, and it definitely can be a place that people gather. People love to hang out in Waffle Houses,” Brown said.
More than anything else, LSU needs a Waffle House to connect its diverse student body and nourish its thinkers. LSU needs a Waffle House, so we can have a Waffle Home.
Garrett McEntee is an 18-year-old English freshman from Benton.
FRANK KIDD @FK446852315
Editor’s note: The following column is satire.
Fox News host Jesse Watters found himself in hot water after saying former President Donald Trump’s arrest increased his popularity among Black Americans.
“The mug shot has breathed new life into the Trump campaign and broadened his appeal to Black Americans. The mugshot is up on the side of buildings in the inner city. The 2016 phenomenon is happening all over again,” Watters said.
The mural in question was mocking Trump, as evidenced by the artist’s alternative interpretation of MAGA: “My Ass Got Arrested.”
Watters went on to say, “Trump won that election because of a laser-like focus on the forgotten man. A bond was formed back then that can never be broken, and there’s a new forgotten man, the Black man. Democrats have forgotten about them.”
Watters was attacked for sug-
EDITORIAL BOARD
Claire Sullivan Editor in Chief Managing Editor Lauren Maddengesting that the Black man has only recently been mistreated in America, but his critics are ignoring the growing sentiment in academic communities that Black people have been privileged since the country’s inception.
This idea most recently came to the public eye when the Florida Board of Education voted to teach about how slavery was actually good for Black people. Florida wants its students to know about the lucrative retirement plans that enslaved people received. The plans were so good, they drew in more people to plantations, resumes in hand, begging for a role in the fields.
Watters was heavily scrutinized by those who believed his comments were racist. Some even suggested that it’s an early contender for Fox News’ “Most Racist Statement” award, to be presented after David Duke receives his Lifetime Achievement award.
The negative reactions to Watters’ comments are fueled by a lack of understanding of our current political reality. Watters is correct, and his comments show a deeply nuanced understanding of the Black community that’s going to help Republicans in upcoming
elections.
Black Americans don’t want reparations or voting rights protection; they want airbrushed T-shirts of Trump’s mugshot next to a cup of lean. They want shirts that show Trump smoking weed with Steve Urkel and Bernie Mac. The Trump campaign is working hard to make both of those shirts a reality.
Republicans know that the Black community isn’t concerned with substantive efforts to combat the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow. They’d rather see a candidate star in a rap music video.
Trump’s campaign is working on turning him into a “hood hero” or a “block legend,” much like rappers Chief Keef or King Von. Trump has been on Chicago’s famous housing project “O Block” every day, handing out “Lock Her Up” chains and his debut mixtape “Free the Guys.” The cover of the album features the mugshots of other rappers alongside him, with Martin Luther King Jr.’s mugshot placed in the middle.
His lines are an interesting combination of typical rap tropes combined with conservative talking points. For instance, in the intro to the album he says “Trapping in the Oval Office, I can send you
packs. Try to come ‘cross the border, I’ll send you back.” Later in the album, he raps, “Big T strapped, I don’t play ‘bout the tool. When I’m back, swear I’ll take the drag out the school,” and “You learning how to be fly, like pilot training. My chain so icy I don’t care ‘bout the climate changing.”
It’s been rumored that Trump has ditched his old hairstyle for a fade, and he’s been trying to get waves in his hair by wearing a durag all day. Some have even floated the idea that he’s in consideration
for an N-word pass.
Watters is right; Trump is becoming more popular in the Black community. Republicans have claimed that they’re going to win a significant portion of the Black vote in every election, but this time it’s true. Trump’s new strategy will garner Black support that hasn’t been seen since former President Barack Obama.
Frank Kidd is a 22-year-old mass communication senior from Springfield, Virginia.
“What nicer thing can you do for somebody than make them breakfast?”
Cross Harris News Editor Colin Falcon Opinion Editor
Deputy News Editor Oliver Butcher
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