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T hu r s d ay, Fe b r u a r y 6 , 2 02 0
“STABILITY AND PROGRESS” Interim President Thomas Galligan approaching job with enthusiam as LSU Board of Supervisors looks for University’s next leader.
Read on
page 2 photo by BEN CAPLAN
NEWS
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The Student Health Center confirmed five student cases of mumps and is offering free MMR vaccines at the Injection Clinic.
ENTERTAINMENT
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Meet the business and marketing freshman who has turned social media into a brand.
SPORTS
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LSU softball opens the 2020 season Thursday against Central Arkansas in the 10th annual Tiger Classic.
OPINION
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Columnists give their take on the issue of college debt forgiveness, one against, one pro-cancelling of student debt.
L SU Re ve i l le.co m @l s u r e ve i l le
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LSU Interim President Thomas Galligan discusses vision for University, MLK, cancelling class BY KATHERINE MANUEL AND ANNA JONES @kmanuel2 and @annajoneses When Interim President Thomas Galligan isn’t running marathons with his daughter, Sarah, or spending time with his wife and other two children, he enjoys traveling the European countryside — more specifically, the El Camino route from St. Jean Pied de Port, France, to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Galligan made the 484-mile trek in between jobs, transitioning from his role as president at Colby-Sawyer College to the dean of Paul M. Hebert Law Center, the University law school. For the next few months, Galligan will have a lot less free time on his hands. “Somebody [LSU Board of Supervisors Chair Mary Werner] came to see me and asked if I would be interested [in the role of University interim president],” Galligan said. “I was like, ‘woah.’ I didn’t expect it.” Galligan was asked to step in for former University President F. King Alexander, who left LSU after nearly seven years to serve as president of Oregon State University. Alexander announced his departure on Dec. 13 and officially stepped down on Dec. 31, though he will remain at the University in a research capacity until March. Galligan describes his role as interim president as the University’s chief officer. Galligan aids in planning for campuses across the state and determines where the resources come from for those plans. With the legislative session about to begin, he plans to spend time at the state capitol talking to legislators and administrators. “I’m not an introvert,” Galligan said. “I’m really having a great time meeting people and getting to sing the praises of LSU.” Galligan’s position may be temporary, but he has a vision for the University’s future: stability and progress. While these two themes appear to contradict each other, Galligan said stability for the University will be continuing an upward slope of progress. “I’ve been here 15 and a half years over two hitches, and at no time in my 15 and a half years at LSU have we been stronger than we are right now,” Galligan said. Galligan said any LSU president should prioritize student experience, safety, quality of research, government relations, communication, state and federal support and private philanthropy, topics he plans to focus on himself. Galligan said he approaches the job with enthusiasm, excitement and opportunity. He hopes to see progress in the recruitment of more students across all LSU campuses, as well as coordination and collaboration across all campuses. Galligan praised his predeces-
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Pictured from left to right: LSU Vice President for Strategic Communications, Jim Sabourin looks over to LSU Media Director, Ernie Ballard as he answers a question.
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Pictured from left to right: LSU’s Interim President, Tom Galligan listens to a question while LSU’s Vice President for Strategic Communications, Jim Sabourin observes on Feb. 3 in an interview with Galligan in his office at the University Administration building on LSU’s campus. sor, F. King Alexander, for attracting diverse freshman classes and driving the Fierce for the Future initiative. He said Alexander led the University through the state’s slashing of its higher education budget during Gov. Bobby Jindal’s administration and to a new philosophy on admissions that helped the University work to its full capacity. Coincidentally, the former University president lives on the same street as Galligan. “I’m very grateful to him, and I think he did a wonderful job while he was president,” Galligan said. “He certainly aided me, and he’s also been willing to listen and share as we were transitioning.” Though he will continue the programs and plans that Alexander initiated, Galligan plans to put his own “inflection” on those programs. “Will I do things differently? Yeah,” Galligan said. “Every leader is his or her own person.” During his first few days in the new role, Galligan was tasked with the discussion of cancelling classes on Jan. 13-14 for the National Championship game. Many students praised the decision and Galligan, but he said it was the Board of Supervisors who chose to cancel classes. “I would have recommended
not cancelling classes,” Galligan said. Galligan’s concern was mainly with the next Monday being Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and classes that met only on Mondays not meeting until the third week of school. This could affect their refund opportunities for students who later decided to drop a class, Galligan said. He explained that the Board of Supervisors hoped to allow for as many students as possible to enjoy both Gov. John Bel Edwards’ inauguration on that Monday and the National Championship later that night. The Board also worried about students who drove to New Orleans for the game, and wanted to ensure their safety and prevent them from being rushed to get home. Though he disagreed with the board, he said it was a great example of how the board works with the University’s president. “We really had a good, professional conversation about it,” Galligan said. “Reasonable minds can disagree. They’re the Board, so they win.” In honor of MLK Day on Jan. 20, Galligan sent a broadcast email encouraging students to spend their day off of school reflecting on King’s legacy, or participating in service projects.
“Today, LSU is home to students of every race, ethnicity, and nationality. We are diverse, inclusive, and welcoming to all,” Galligan wrote in the email. “That wonderful reality is a testament to Dr. King – his actions, his words, and his ultimate sacrifice.” Though he is enjoying the position, Galligan has no plans to apply for the official role. He hopes to return to the Law School after his time as interim president ends. “I really am a teacher,” Galligan said. “I got into this because I love to teach.” As for a permanent president, LSU Media Relations Director Ernie Ballard said that the Board is researching the best configurations and options from around the country before making its decision about the organization of the position. The board is deciding if the president should be in charge of the entire LSU system, including the Baton Rouge campus, or if the president will be in charge of the LSU system and there will be a chancellor specific to the Baton Rouge campus, according to Ballard. No time frame was given for the decision, but Galligan said that when Werner asked him to step in, she said it would be for six to nine months.
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CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS The Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure its readers the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards. This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes that may have been printed in The Reveille. If you would like something corrected or clarified, please contact the editor at (225) 578-4811 or email editor@lsureveille.com.
ABOUT THE REVEILLE The Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Reveille is free. To purchase additional copies, please visit the Office of Student Media in B-39 Hodges Hall. The Reveille is published biweekly during the fall, spring, and summer semesters, except during holidays and final exams. Second-class copies postage paid at Baton Rouge, LA, 70803. Annual biweekly mailed subscriptions are $125, semester biweekly mailed subscriptions are $75. Non-mailed student rates are $4 each regular semester, $2 during the summer; one copy per person, additional copies 25 cents each. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Reveille, B-39 Hodges Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, LA 70803.
NEWS
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LIGHTING THE WAY
Lighting improvements, repainted crosswalks implemented near Tigerland BY CATHERINE ZEILMAN @caitiezeilman Baton Rouge officials installed two new lights, upgraded old lighting and repainted crosswalk lines at the intersection of Nicholson Drive and Bob Petit Boulevard in an effort to make the area safer for pedestrians. The improvements came after several pedestrian accidents and deaths in the intersection located near Tigerland. City officials announced plans to make area improvements in August 2019. The parish has many locations in need of infrastructure improvements, said East Baton Rouge Parish Director of Transportation Fred Raiford. It is not standard practice to wait for an incident to occur before taking action, but the demand for improvements has caused delays. Nicholson Drive is under the Department of Transportation and Development’s control, according to Raiford. He is working with DOTD to make other improvements to Nicholson Drive from Gourrier Avenue to Brightside Lane, which would include new lighting, sidewalks and bike lanes for pedestrian use. “I hope that the students will work with us to get this project underway,” Raiford said. “We will have public meetings on this project and we hope the student population attends these meetings
to see what is going to be built.” Over 7,000 people signed a petition demanding more lighting be installed on Nicholson Drive at the E. Boyd Drive intersection following the death of LSU sophomore Sarah James on July 19, 2019. Nursing student Nikki Genova started the movement. “I am thrilled to hear of the new improvements that are happening around the Nicholson area,” Genova said. “Although the
petition may have been a help in the push to start changes, I believe the true push was all the students and supporters of the petition. Without them, none of these concerns would have been heard.” Leadership and human resource development junior Schoen Jones said he believes the improvements are great, but alcohol consumption remains a significant factor in the accidents
that occur in the area. “Most of the time it’s not even an issue of lighting,” Jones said. “It’s an issue of drunk people stumbling out into the road or people running across the road in order to get from A to B.” Pedestrians who died in this intersection have been both sober and intoxicated at the time of the incidents. Raiford reminds students to be
see TIGERLAND, page 4
BELLA BIONDINI / The Reveille
Selfguided tours of PFT now available
BY TAYLOR LANDRY @taylor.landry
Patrick F. Taylor Hall contains more than 400,000 square feet of space to provide students and faculty with stateof-the-art classrooms and labs. With so much to explore, the College of Engineering recruiting staff created a self-guided tour to showcase the engineering building and everything it has to offer. To start the tour, one scans a QR code at the first stop, the Capstone Gallery and follow the online map to hear audio descriptions. All that is needed is a phone for online explanations and earbuds to hear the audio. Director of Communications for the College of Engineering Joshua Duplechain is excited about the tour because it displays what PFT has to offer. “There’s really so much to see and so much going in the building that the tour has already chosen the 14 highlights for you to check out when you’re here,” Duplechain said. “You’ll get to see our Robotics Lab, our virtual reality BIM Cave, our
The new crosswalks and lights sit on the intersection between Jennifer Jean and Nicholson Drive on Tuesday, Jan. 21
see PFT, page 4
Student Health Center confirms five student mumps cases BY BAILEY CHAUVIN @BaileyChauvin The LSU Student Health Center has confirmed five student cases of mumps, which was communicated to students and faculty in a broadcast email on Tuesday evening. The first confirmed mumps case at the University was presented at the Student Health Center on Friday, according to Rebecca Fontenot, director of wellness and health promotion. Mumps is a contagious disease spread via contact with infectious respiratory secretions and saliva. When someone contracts mumps, the salivary glands under one or both ears swell, causing puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw, according to the CDC. Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite. Symptoms usually appear 16-18 days after being infected. There is no specific treatment for mumps, but most people
fully recover within two weeks. However, mumps can occasionally cause serious complications. The Student Health Center recommends good washing, not eating or drinking after others and covering one’s nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to help prevent transmission of the disease. Receiving two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to prevent pumps. While the vaccine is not 100% effective, a person with two doses of the MMR vaccine will experience an 88% reduction in risk for mumps, according to the CDC. Proof of immunity to mumps or two doses of the MMR vaccine is currently required for all students at the University. Most students on campus should be protected due to the vaccine, according to the Student Health Center. Anyone who has not received two doses of the MMR vac-
cine is recommended to get the vaccine as soon as possible. A third MMR vaccine is
recommended for anyone who has come into contact with someone currently diagnosed
with mumps, Fontenot said.
see MUMPS page 4
BELLA BIONDINI / The Reveille
The LSU Student Center sits on 56 Infirmary Drive, Baton Rouge on Monday, Jan. 27.
Thursday, February 6, 2020
page 4 MUMPS, from page 3 Another mumps outbreak occurred at the University in 2017. About 17 student cases of mumps were confirmed in mid-March that year, with several more students showing symptoms of the disease. The 2017 mumps outbreak was part of a larger trend; a 2016 study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined the number of mumps cases that year was the highest it had been in 10 years. 5,311 mumps cases were reported to the CDC in 2016. Students with swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears or jaw on one or both
PFT, from page 3 beautiful Capstone Gallery, and a number of other spaces.” Duplechain said the self-guided tour was created when recruiters had large groups of prospective students and families in need of tours of PFT. “It was created to help our recruiting staff and ambassadors, who normally give the tours, to help to meet the demand,” Duplechain said. “We’re very fortunate to have this building and the facilities that we do. As such, a lot of people want to get a tour of
sides of the face should seek care at the Student Health Center or with their primary care provider. Students with mumps symptoms must be kept in isolation for at least five days from the onset of salivary gland swelling. The Student Health Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Students can receive the MMR vaccine free of charge at the Student Health Center Injection Clinic, which is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Charles Fiske contributed to this report.
TIGERLAND, from page 3
the building. This self-guided tour allows them to do that without first having to schedule something.” Biological engineering freshman Chloe Heitmeier said she was unaware a self-guided tour was developed but thinks it’s a neat idea. However, she thinks that there is also valuable information to be learned from a tour guide. “Physical tour guides know the best-underrated study spaces,” Heitmeier said. “You can be taken through cool highlights with a self-guided tour, but with a real tour guide, you get realistic information
about the building” Chemical engineering freshman Holden Horridge believes that a self-guided tour is a good idea as long as prospective students still have the option to be led by someone educated on the building. “Sure, it is a good idea, but sometimes human interaction is just better than what technology can do,” Horridge said. With so much to see, the tour contains 14 stops. Prospective students can see main common spaces, studentfocused lab spaces and the “Student Services Suite. The self-guided tour is a great as-
proactive in preventing future accidents. Pedestrians should wear bright colors and avoid crossing the street when traffic is coming. “Sometimes people feel that they can get across, but vehicles are coming too fast,” Raiford said. “Currently this road is a truck route, which students need to be aware of.” Genova said she has a message for University students who walk to and from Tigerland. “We finally have the lights and the crosswalk, so please make sure you use them and urge your friends to carefully cross the street so that we can make this difference for ourselves and for those who come after us,” Genova said.
NOT ALL
BELLA BIONDINI / The Reveille
The new crosswalks and lights sit on the intersection between Jennifer Jean and Nicholson Drive on Tuesday Jan. 21. set to the engineering college, and Recruiting and Outreach Manager Andy Osborn assures that Chevron Engineering Ambassador-led tours will still be offered. “Our Chevron Engineering Ambassadors actually give almost all of the building tours – and we definitely still offer tours every weekday for students who sign up online,” Osborn said. “The self-guided tour is to be a supplement option for building tours, but it definitely isn’t a replacement for our robust Chevron Engineering Ambassador program and tour offerings.”
BELLA BIONDINI/ The Reveille
Patrick F. Taylor Hall sits on South Quad Drive, Baton Rouge on Wednesday, Jan. 29
GREEN!
CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHIES ARE
GOLD...
some are
2019 gameday
recycling challenge
champions
ENTERTAINMENT STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
page 5
Business and marketing freshman turns social media account into a budding enterprise
BY MORGAN MONEY @MorganPMoney For many, social media is a place to post pictures and to keep up with friends. However Jordyn Power uses Instagram to promote a brand that has turned her account into a blooming business. Power was hesitant to accept the deal at first, but in the year and a half since, she hasn’t looked back. Now, she promotes 18 brands ranging from teeth whitening, local apartments and active wear. With the list of brands growing, Power decided it was time to turn her fun side hustle into a real business. “I kept getting offers to promote brands on Instagram by posting ads and the end goal of all this is to promote brands full time,” Power said. As Power’s brand representation has grown, she established J. Power Marketing, LLC. With a legitimate business now in place,
her plan is to grow into a staffed, six-figure enterprise by the time she graduates. While she admits building a successful business is a slow process, she is confident that with her work ethic and flexibility of being her own boss that she will succeed. Power experiences her fair share of haters. She manages to rise above the crude comments and rude messages through her strong belief of choosing joy. Power uses her platform for more than making money. Hosting weekly question-and-answer sessions, her 6,056 followers fill her direct messages. Whether they are seeking advice on places to eat or how to handle stressful situations, she is always willing to give them advice and encouragement. Social media wasn’t Power’s original plan. Until a year ago her goal was to become a doctor; however, after a lot of consideration she felt her calling was to
become an influencer. “I didn’t actually ever pursue being an influencer, it pursued me,” Power said. “I have finally let go of every fear I had and gone all in with it.” Power is eager for her degree in marketing and business to help grow her influence. She credits the many networking opportunities the University offers from making connections to collaborating with other budding entrepreneurs. Power seamlessly manages the schedules of a student and a business woman. Both challenge her with deadlines and responsibilities, and she has learned staying ahead of deadlines keeps her lifestyle balanced. Power is excited to have the opportunity of developing an authentic marketing resource that will lead both new and established brands to greater financial success. To check out Power’s Instagram, go to @Jordyn_Power.
@JORDYN_POWER VIA INSTAGRAM
MOVIES & TV
n w o d k c a Sm r e t a e h T Movie How do Baton Rouge’s movie theaters stack up? The date night go to, the place to go with friends, an escape or a place to work at are one of the many reasons to go to the movie theater. Drenching popcorn in butter and unapologetically buying overpriced snacks can be the wave, but which theater do you go to? Baton Rouge has three big theaters in the area, and here’s some pros and cons to look into before you reserve your tickets.
BY BRITNEY YOUNG @byoun99
Movie Tavern Pros: • • • • • • Cons: • •
Closest theater from campus Dinner and a movie all at once Recliner seats $5 tickets on Tuesdays with complementary popcorn $6 tickets for students on Thursdays with complementary popcorn Reserve seats Meals are too expensive There might be a slight noise level from those eating around you Overall, these movie theaters have its strengths and weaknesses. I think depending on what your mood is determines which theater is the best. If you’re willing to spend a lot of money, Movie Tavern is the place to go if you want to have dinner while watching a movie. I recommend going on the discount days, so the price at the end won’t cause that much of a dent in your pocket. But if you want to find somewhere that is closest to campus, pick
Cinemark
AMC Theater Pros: • • • • Cons: • • •
Recliner seats Near the mall for impromptu shopping Big parking lot You can reserve spots online
Pros: • • • •
Only members get discounts It’s further from campus Don’t confuse it with another AMC farther away
Movie Tavern. If you like the atmosphere of places, Cinemark is the best. You’re surrounded by cool restaurants or shopping stores. You’re also not far from the mall. It’s quiet a drive, but it’ll be worth it at the end. If the movie you want to see is highly anticipated, make sure to reserve seats ahead of time because they will sell out. AMC is only good if you spontaneously wanted to watch a movie, and you’re leaving the mall. I don’t have much to say about it
• Cons: • •
$5 tickets on Tuesdays Next to multiple stores and restaurants Recliners seats that are bigger than normal Showings on older movies on certain days if your favorite movie is going to be on the big screen again Nice interior Further from campus Traffic is usually hectic in that area
because it’s basically like any other movie theater. But, it is a good place to go to for last minute decisions when all the seats at the other theaters are filled up. Each experience will be different. Some may like this place more than the other, and that’s alright. Just look at what these theaters have to offer, and choose what’s best for the situation that you’re in. At the end of the day, you’re still going to see a movie and be buttered up with popcorn.
Thursday, February 6, 2020
page 6 BATON ROUGE COMMUNITY
This Week in Baton Rouge BY CAROLINE HEBERT @sister_carols
A new month means new adventures. Mardi Gras season is here, and I think it’s safe to say everyone is excited. The party never ends here in Louisiana and this upcoming week is full of events.
Parade, parades, parades Time to grab your bead bags and a beer because this coming weekend parade season is rolling in. Krewe of Oshun Parade is Saturday the 8th and for your furry friends, Mystic Krewe of Mutts is the 9th. As of now, the weather is supposed to be perfect for paradin’. For more details and routes check out visitbatonrouge.com.
Turn up the music! Friday Feb. 7, Hotel California - A Tribute to The Eagles, will host at L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge. Starting at 8 pm you and your friends can enjoy this performance for as little as $34 a ticket, but if you’re looking for tickets up close and personal, floor tickets are ranging from $250 to $360. To find the perfect seat check out excite.com
Runnin’ Runnin’ Runnin’ For all my marathon runners, we have something for you too. Mardi Gras Mambo is a race taking place on Saturday the 8th. The fun begins at 8 am with the 1 Mile Fun Run, the 10k and 15k takes off at 8:30 am. So lace up your running shoes and register at runsignup.com.
Let’s get cooking Are your cooking skill slacking? Well, thanks to one of our many local grocery stores, your cooking can be improved. This Wednesday the 5th, Rouses Market, in Drusilla Shopping Center, will be hosting a free cooking demonstration. Chef Sally will be preparing Rouses Shrimp Jambalaya from 11 pm to one pm.
Farmers Market Saturday On Saturdays from eight am to 12 pm Red Stick Farmers Market has farm-fresh produce, goods, cooking demonstrations and more. Located at Main Street Market, 5th and Main Streets you, your friends and family can enjoy what the local Baton Rouge community has to offer.
Baton Rouge always has something to interest its people. No matter the season, there is always something to celebrate and this week has something for you.
Thursday, February 6, 2020
page 7
REV R ANKS ALBUM
MUSIC TO BE MURDERED BY
Eminem
Eminem is taking a step in the right direction with “Music To Be Murdered By,” but a much more polished, graceful and consistent project is going to be needed for him to return to the glory days of Slim Shady.
Taylor Swift’s ‘Miss Americana’ reveals that old Taylor really is dead
Charles Jones @saxycj
TV SHOW
DIRTY JOHN
Netflix
The family that suffered through this dark time was brave enough to share their story and the horrible details that came with it. For people who are into true crime stories, this is the perfect show for you. The story is based on a true story that is also a podcast called “Dirty John.” To listen to the truecrime check it out on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Caroline Hebert @sister_carols
ALBUM
JACK BOYS Travis Scott
The production is decent, but I think more could’ve been done. I consider this more of a sampler than a album. But, Scott definitely has a talent for making party songs that will get you ready for a night out. That’s why I can forgive this album for songs like “OUT WEST” and “GATTI.” COURTESY OF IMDB
Britney Young @byoun99
TV SHOW
DRACULA Netflix
“Dracula” is not a horror series like “Haunting of Hill House.” It is also not a drama. Calling it a detective show does it no justice either. It is in three, dragged out parts, but it could really be one or two. It is the story of the good old Transylvanian Count Dracula with a few neat twists, but it is nothing to write home three huge and for some reason separate notes about.
Taner Morgan @taner_morgan
Read the full reviews online at lsunow.com/entertainment
BY MORGAN MONEY @MorganPMoney When it comes to Taylor Swift, there are two categories, you either love her or love to hate her. Slowly, I’ve transitioned into an accidental Swiftie. With her never fading smile, charm, and the fact she’s a fellow Nashvillian, I couldn’t help but grow to love her. However, “Miss Americana” highlights the vulnerable interior Swift is now ready to show the world. The documentary opens with Swift reflecting on old writing journals, sharing her belief that to be successful she had to be praised by the public. We watch her transform from her immediate success with her debut album, “Taylor Swift”, to the crushing reality of learning “Reputation” flopped at the Grammys. We watch her grow from the curly haired teen determined to conquer country music to the
fierce woman she is today. Swift reveals the lingering ghosts of an eating disorder and the crushing, evolving weight of constantly needing to be praised in order to feel validated. Ultimately, we see her crash and burn before rising from the ashes. From tackling politics and taking control of her image, she shows no sign of backing down. Witnessing the raw insecurities Swift carries with her makes us feel like we’ve known her for years. Honestly, I started crying 10 minutes in and and in total I teared up five times. I wasn’t expecting to be so affected. I thought I already knew who Swift was. She’s always treated her fans like her best friends with a genuine glimpse into her life. Listening to her albums and watching her performances is an insight, but it isn’t the whole truth. Seeing her breakdown from
the detrimental effects of the scrutiny and judgement was humanizing. Swift isn’t supposed to be insecure; she’s Taylor Swift. Despite placing her on a pedestal for years, I found myself relating to her biggest insecurities, and it was a reminder that she is simply human, a fact that the public and the press have forgotten. “Miss Americana” is an eye opening revelation of the hard limits and silent suffering Swift has gone through but it’s more than that. It’s goodbye to the young Taylor Swift. After watching her career grow throughout the documentary, we witness Swift completely destroy who she was in order to become who she was meant to be. Just like her music, Swift pours her heart and soul into this film with a purpose. She wants the entire world to know the old Taylor can’t come to the phone anymore and she isn’t sorry for it.
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FOR RELEASE FEBRUARY 6, 2020
THE Daily Commuter Puzzle ACROSS 1 Deadly squeezer 4 Singer Lou __ 9 “Get lost!” 13 Thousand __, CA 15 Hatred 16 Bagel’s center 17 Blender speed 18 Fargo or Reed 19 Go upward 20 Worldwide 22 Mysterious sightings 23 Lunch hour 24 DNA analysis site 26 Valuables 29 Cowboy hats 34 Piece of china 35 Picked 36 Police officer 37 Has a bug 38 Most terrible 39 “If the __ fits, wear it” 40 Last biblical bk. 41 Bakery display 42 Honking birds 43 Shook 45 Flew high 46 Inquire 47 TV’s “Let’s Make a __” 48 __ a test; passed easily 51 Horrifying 56 Soft drink 57 Forgo 58 Christmas carol 60 Actor West 61 Prank 62 Hurricane wind 63 Moniker 64 Bread ingredient 65 FDR’s successor DOWN 1 Gift topper 2 Pearl Harbor’s location
by Jacqueline E. Mathews
Created by Jacqueline E. Mathews
3 Related 4 Cowboy competitions 5 Decorate 6 Takes first prize 7 __ moth; green insect 8 Dinkiest 9 Bushes 10 Hairdo 11 Additionally 12 Golf pegs 14 Small pianos 21 Cast a ballot 25 Dined 26 Take __; disassemble 27 Craftier 28 Healing balm 29 Grate cheese 30 Fling 31 Dark yellow 32 Loop with a slipknot 33 Miles per hour 35 Rum mixer 38 __ with; steal 39 Making airtight
2/6/20
Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved
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41 “Survivor” network 42 Hockey score 44 Soissons señora 45 Opt for 47 Bette or Ossie 48 As straight __ arrow
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49 Concluding musical passage 50 Cheese variety 52 Window piece 53 Stuffed bread 54 Webster or Wyle 55 Becomes firm 59 Permit
SPORTS SIGN-STEALING
Column: Current, former LSU players look internally to deal with scandal MYLES KUSS @KussMyles
Aaron Nola was at the top of his game on May 9, 2018, against the San Francisco Giants. At age 24, he struck out 12 batters in only seven innings. Everything was working from his 95 miles-per-hour fastball to his devastating curveball that had hitters off-balance throughout the night. The former LSU standout pitcher, and member of the Philadelphia Phillies, has already been mentioned as one of the best pitchers in the game. Two years after that night against the Giants, Nola has been selected to an All-Star game with 53 career wins. Now, this success is being threatened by the scandal plaguing Major League Baseball. Baseball has been around for 150 years and has faced multiple disgraces from domestic violence to performance enhancing drugs, but the current “sign stealing” scandal shows modern technology can bring about its own set of problems. The scandal came to the forefront when the Houston Astros were accused of using cameras to relay the opposing pitchers’ signs to players while they are batting, so they know what type of pitch is coming. The Boston Red Sox have also been linked to the scandal, but have not been formally accused by the MLB. The 2017 World Series-winning Houston Astros have faced
the only punishments concerning the scandal thus far. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred took Houston’s first and second round draft picks for the 202021 drafts and fined the Astros $5 million. The Astros also handed down punishments of their own, by firing manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow. While Nola has never faced the Astros, he understands the gravity of the situation. “It makes it tough, especially for guys that are getting called up [from the minor leagues] and pitching over there and getting their signs stolen and then sent back down,” Nola said “That can be hard to swallow.” Nola grinded in Minor League Baseball for close to a year and knows that no one wants to get their signs stolen, especially pitchers that have worked hard to get a chance and see it destroyed by unfair tactics. Aaron is not the only Nola in the major leagues either. His brother Austin has recently found a home with the Seattle Mariners, but has not had the instant success that his brother experienced early in his career. Austin Nola, 30, won a College World Series with LSU in 2009, but achievements have been hard to grasp since that victory in Omaha. Austin spent nearly four years in Minor League Baseball, attempting to play multiple positions and earn a roster spot, but he could not seem to find his way into the MLB until the Miami Marlins gave him a chance in 2016. While Austin did not play a
page 9 SOFTBALL
Softball to open at home vs. Central Ark.
BY REED DARCEY @byreeddarcey
COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA
Current Houston Astros and former LSU infielder Alex Bregman prepares to throw during a game against the Baltimore Orioles on July 21, 2017. team accused of cheating, he understands that this opportunity does not come along often and cheating should not stand in the way of hard work. “I think we all have an obligation to stay clean,” Austin said. “Unfortunately, we have to continue to go play and continue to do things the way we do it.” Yet, the scandal did not seem to bother him as he focused more on faith, teamwork and offered a simple solution to clean up the dilemma. “It doesn’t bother me at the end of the day,” Austin said. “Honestly, the team effort can always overcome the cheating.” The two former LSU stars echoed similar messages: fight through the adversity. LSU head coach Paul Mainieri—who coached both Nola
brothers at LSU—agrees this scandal should be addressed, but the solution might start at the college level and show that quality baseball can be played without using unnecessary technology. No accounts have come out yet that any college team has ever attempted to steal signs, but Mainieri has said that standards have to change. “I hear whispers,” Mainieri said. “Major League Baseball has so much more resources to govern that kind of thing. I don’t know if we will ever have those kinds of resources. “When you are using technology as a home team, you are gaining an advantage that I do not think should be allowed.
see SIGN STEALING, page 10
No. 11 LSU softball will face Central Arkansas in its season opener at 6 p.m. in Tiger Park on Thursday. During the ensuing weekend, the Tigers will host the Tiger Classic tournament and face No. 13 Oklahoma State and Florida A&M. Senior outfielder Aliyah Andrews was recently named to the watch list of the 2020 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Award. Andrews was also awarded a spot on the Preseason AllSEC team, along with junior pitcher/utility Shelbi Sunseri. Andrews stole 47 bases last season, breaking the school’s single-season record. She finished the 2019 campaign with a .358 batting average after scoring a team-leading 61 runs. A member of the SEC’s All-Defensive Team, the center-fielder finished 2019 with a .980 fielding percentage. Sunseri was a 2019 NFCA Second Team All-American. Her five saves tied the program’s singleseason record. She pitched five shutouts and ended the season with a 2.34 ERA. Sunseri also impressed in the batter’s box. She opened the season with a 30-game on-base streak and closed it with a .340 batting average. The pitcher collected a team-high 60 RBI and 17 home runs on 54 hits. The Tigers are ranked 11th in both the ESPN.com/USA Softball poll and in the USA Today/NFCA DI Coaches poll, joining nine oth-
see SOFTBALL, page 10
GYMNASTICS
LSU gymnastics confident going forward, despite early struggles BY KENNEDI LANDRY @landryyy14 The LSU gymnastics team has been known for its high level of competition from start to finish. This season, it’s been a little slower coming along. At week five, LSU currently has a team average score of 196.645 compared to week five scores of 197.555 in 2017, 197.290 in 2018 and 197.015 in 2019. This is the lowest team average for LSU after five weeks of competition since putting up 196.525 in 2016. It’s worth mentioning that the Tigers finished second in the nation at the NCAA Super Six that season. Despite struggles so far this season, co-head coaches D-D
Breaux and Jay Clark are not worried about the Tigers’ longterm success. Breaux said she’s seen development in this team and has seen individual gymnasts grow throughout the season so far. “We know what we have,” Clark said. “We talk about that a lot, whether it’s just bad routines within a particular meet, or a bad meet, but we know what we have. We know that when we get healthy, when we get to a place where we can have some level of consistency in our training. We just know what we have and regardless of outcomes, sometimes there’s things that happen that you can’t control.”
see GYMNASTICS, page 10
ABBY KIBLER / The Reveille
LSU Co-Head Coach D-D Breaux smiles at gymnastics junior Bridget Dean before her beam routine on January 31 during LSU’s 196.775 to 196.425 loss to Alabama in the PMAC.
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Thursday, February 6, 2020
SIGN STEALING, from page 9 There is a word for that, and it’s called cheating.” The 13-year LSU coach opposes cheating in his clubhouse and top returning pitcher Cole Henry, who has drawn similarities to Aaron Nola, says that cheating will never be a problem at LSU. “I know it’s not really fun to pitch when your signs are stolen,” Henry said. “Overall, I just think going out there and pitching my game. I try not to think about it.” The attitude around the club-
GYMNASTICS, from page 9 Injuries are a big reason for the Tigers’ early season struggles. Two major contributors— senior all-rounder Kennedi Edney and junior all-rounder Sarah Edwards— are out or limited with injuries. Clark understands the potential struggles those injuries present. Edney injured her elbow in practice on Jan. 30, and is limited to just two events (beam and floor exercise), while Edwards injured her left ankle on her second floor pass against Florida on Jan. 24. Even with the injuries, the Tigers are focused on controlling what they can control and hop-
house is one of keeping on the path that got them to the Super Regionals a year ago—commitment and putting their heads to the grindstone. Two of the past three World Series champions—the Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros— have been linked to the scandal. That kind of success can be tempting to try at any level of the game. Yet, everyone around the LSU program wants the problems to be fixed above them but do not see the necessity of dwelling on the situation. Veteran catcher Saul Garza realizes the impor-
tance of keeping the game he loves clean, and it all starts with by leading example. “Obviously now technology has evolved,” Garza said. “We had a pretty long meeting with all the pitchers and catchers, just trying to get the signs right going into the season. “I think it is definitely something that needs to be addressed as a part of the game, but, as far as us, we are trying to do the things the way we can and the right way.” From the MLB down to the collegiate level, the LSU response seems to shout the need
for internal development as opposed to lashing out to others. A calm attitude that addresses the need to stop cheating everywhere by staying only focused on personal discipline. The Nola brothers will try to fight their way to a World Series by playing the game the only way they know how to play it—clean, while coach Mainieri guarantees one thing: “Nobody at LSU will ever do those kinds of things [sign stealing],” Mainieri said. “When we hold that trophy up, we are going to know that we earned it the right way.”
er SEC programs in the rankings. LSU has been ranked each week the poll has been held since the end of the 2014 season. The Tigers add seven freshmen and return 16 players from the 2019 team, which compiled a 43-19 record. “Our expectations are always the same,” Coach Beth Torina said at media day. “We want to be the best team in the country. The expectations are not any less for this group, nor will they ever be for any group that we put on the field at Tiger Park.”
ing the depth in the lineup can perform at a high level. “The things we can control are that we did get a little tentative, trying to compete not to lose (against Alabama),” Clark said. “That’s just a bad mindset for any team to allow themselves to get into. We’ve got to move on to the next thing and as long as they buy into that and truly do it, we know we’re going to be fine. We talk about the disappointments and where we went wrong, what needs to change, but there’s no knee jerk with this team. We’re not going to categorically change anything we’re doing because we know what we have.” That’s the culture of this team, Clark said. Being able to
get up on the floor each week, regardless of the previous week’s disappointments, and continue to compete to the fullest. Freshman Kiya Johnson said it’s personally been difficult for herself and the rest of her fellow freshmen to get adapted to the collegiate competition and live up to the legacy of past LSU teams. It’s that developing confidence in themselves and each other that will propel the Tigers to put an entire meet together, Johnson said. “It took a little while to gain that culture,” Clark said. “I just know in the first couple years that I was here, there was a little bit less of that. It’s more about
having a group of young women that believe in the message and when the message stays consistent and the belief follows, then the results begin to happen, which then reinforces the belief and confidence begins to grow.” “I think we’re still a very confident group. we’re a little bit angry at the way things have gone from time to time, but I wouldn’t say that there’s any sense of panic or desperation, not coming internally from this program.” The overarching culture of a program is as important as anything, but the identity of every individual team is vital. This year’s Tigers are are still trying to find that identity, but Clark said they turned a corner
that night at Florida. He’s confident that this team will ready to compete for a championship in March and April. “I’m incredibly positive about this team,” Clark said. “That’s what I keep trying to say to them and anyone who will hear me. The sky’s not falling. We know what we have and they know what they are. Every team goes through growth and maturation at a different rate.” “It doesn’t change where we’re headed. It doesn’t change what our intentions are. I love this group. They’re hungry and they want to do well. When you’ve got that kind of foundation and the kind of talent level that we have, we know we’re going to be fine.”
SOFTBALL, from page 9
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OPINION
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Head
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College debt should be responsibility of students YOUR BEST BRETT BRETT LANDRY @ bmlandry3 Let’s set the record straight: universities are outrageously expensive. In response to such abnormal costs, Democratic presidential candidates such as Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Bernie Sanders of Vermont have released plans to forgive student loan debt nation-wide. While something should be done to combat the rising prices of student loans, student loan forgiveness is a bad idea. To begin, Warren’s plan has a price tag of $1.25 trillion, while Sanders’ plan is estimated to cost around $2.2 trillion. The Democratic arty could not even run the 2020 Iowa caucus to run successfully. It is worth questioning if its leading candidates can be trusted with the much more expensive and complicated task of managing student loan debt. The next relevant question to be asked is how will this be paid for? Both Sanders and Warren explain that the debt forgiveness will be “forgiven.” But in all fairness, debt forgiveness means a debt transfer, either to the taxpayer or the national deficit, which inevitably is paid for by the taxpayer. If such a plan transfers over to the national debt, it will mean the largest ever immediate growth in the national deficit. Furthermore, if the debt forgiveness is put on the taxpayers, it would be a serious issue. Sanders and Warren are quick to state that the national debt can be paid for by the “billionaire class.” However, both candidates hold a serious misunderstanding about the richest people of the nation. In the U.S., the combined net worth of all 2,200 billionaires is $9.1 trillion. This does not mean a billionaire’s salary is in the billion-dollar range, but rather that all their individually incurred assets, including cars, homes and stocks combined reach over $9 trillion. Expecting the “Billionaire Class” to pay for even Warren’s cheaper plan would pull more from the aggregated monetary well than could be replenished, assuming that billionaires and millionaires do not immediately flee the country as soon as a Democrat is elected. Next, it is important to understand that student debt forgiveness creates an inevitable tax on the lower economic classes. Those who hold the most student loan debts are usually the ones making the most income, such as doctors, lawyers and advanced engineers.
Therefore, those who voluntarily chose to refrain from college and thereby make less money, would be the ones forced to pay for the education pursued by those who make significantly more money and have acquired more education. A student debt forgiveness plan could be accurately described as welfare for the wealthy. Additionally, Senator Warren’s campaign argues that forgiving student debt would allow for expenditure in other areas of the market, such as homes. To point out the logical fallacy, how can those who failed to pay off student loan be deemed capable of paying off a mortgage? The main issue in this country is that society has mandated that anyone who believes themselves to be smart needs to attend a university and should expect a sixfigure salary upon graduation. This is false. Not everyone needs to attend a university to be successful or intelligent. And of those careers requiring a degree, there are ways around incurring debt, such as community college, or joining the military. Getting a university education is an individual choice, not an obligation. In the end, a university degree is an investment in oneself, with the student volunteering to take on any loans necessary to finish their education. It is the duty of the student to pay their own loans back. Just because some rich people can afford to pay for others’ education does not mean they are obligated to do so. Brett Landry is a 21-year-old political communications senior from Bayou Petit Caillou, Louisiana.
Head Students should be helped with college debt SAUCE BOSS CECILE CÉCILE GIRARD @ _cegi_
Imagine the constant pressure of $37,172 of debt dogging you at every moment. Now imagine this financial weight immediately lifting, never to return. Under the student loan debt cancellation plans espoused by Democratic presidential candidates Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, this could be the new reality for the millions of Americans suffocating under the immovable and crushing weight of student loan debt. Contrary to critics’ complaints, the current debt total of $1.6 trillion would not be paid for by dramatic tax hikes on the average American. Under Sanders’ plan, Wall Street would foot the bill through “a 0.5 percent tax on stock trades...a 0.1 percent fee on bond trades, and a 0.005 percent fee on derivative trades.” Under Warren’s plan, the top 0.1% “would pay an annual 2% tax on every dollar of net worth above $50 million and a 6% tax on every dollar of net worth above $1 billion.” More plainly said, two sources of extreme, unthinkable wealth, Wall Street and the ultra-millionaires of America, would be taxed at a rate low enough to disrupt neither the functionality of our financial system nor the quality of life for the rich, yet still high enough to rake in the trillions of dollars neces-
cartoon by ETHAN GILBERTI / The Reveille
sary to cancel all student loan debt. For those complaining student debt cancellation would be unfair to those of us without student debt, who made you so bitter? Students are not taking out enormous student loans due to financial frivolity, but because as a college degree becomes a necessity to earn a living wage, tuition prices skyrocket. Forbes found that over the last 30 years, “the cost to attend a university increased nearly eight times faster than wages did.” It is no longer realistic to plan on “working your way through college” without receiving substantial scholarships, help from family or both. For students who find themselves without these resources, student loans are the only option. A 2018 study conducted by the Levy Institute found “[debt] cancellation would have a meaningful stimulus effect” for the American economy. College graduates, once fiscally restrained due to their monthly debt payments, would be more likely to invest their money in places that boost the nation’s GDP, like small businesses. The average American would see their credit scores boosted, leading to increases in home ownership, marriage and family-building. In the long-term, debt cancellation would have to be paired with a more sustainable solution, namely making public universities free. The combined effect of debt cancellation and free public college would lead to a more educated American population, which as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development found in a 2015 study, would mean American citizens “live longer, healthier lives, commit fewer crimes, and are more civically engaged.” According to a report published by the Reveille earlier this year, the average LSU student graduates with $24,933 in debt. While this is over $10,000 less than the national debt, it is still an incredible source of stress to recent college graduates who must throw much of their small paychecks into the ever-growing pit of student debt. Rather than devote much of their post-graduation earnings to paying off this impossible debt, University graduates deserve to be able to devote their money toward building families and investing in industries that make LSU proud. Cécile Girard is a 20-year-old psychology sophomore from Lake Charles, Louisiana.
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Quote of the Week “Who has not felt the urge to throw a loaf of bread and a pound of tea in an old sack and jump over the back fence?”
John Muir Author 1838 — 1914
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Thursday, February 6, 2020
Students will probably end up paying laundry fee in some form FROM THE CRO’S NEST ELIZABETH CROCHET @elizabethcro_ Towels, shirts and pants, oh my! I have never met someone who likes having to spend money on their dirty clothes. Students who live in residential halls on campus know the struggle of paying for laundry each week. But things may be changing soon. The idea to get rid of laundry fees was proposed by the Freshman Leadership Council, which brainstorms ideas to make campus life better for students. Most recently, there has been a survey spreading around the University to see what students think about the proposed measure. It seems many agree that the cost of laundry should be free or included in the residential hall fees. As someone living in the dorms, I agree that paying for laundry adds up. Each wash and dry costs $1.25 separately. With towels and clothes and everything else, I wash about three loads every week. Although it may not seem like a lot, it averages to $20 a month. I am fortunate to live close
enough to drive home some weekends to do my laundry. For those who live out of state, the cost of laundry is even more of a struggle. I would not mind paying it as much if the machines actually worked. I, along with many others, often find that the dryers do not work on just one cycle. When I get my laundry, sometimes it is still wet. I then have to pay for another round in order to make sure everything is dry. Some students living on campus feel they should not have to pay for their laundry due to the price they are paying to live on campus. But as the wise artist, Blondie, once sang, “One way or another, they’re gonna find ya.” Even if the laundry fee is taken away, I believe the University will implement the fee somewhere else. If students do have to pay for laundry, I would rather the fee be put into the cost of living. To me, paying for the fee once gets it over with. If this were the case, students would not have to constantly worry about finding change or adding TigerCASH to their card week after week just to wash their clothes. Another thing to keep in mind is that it is mandatory for freshmen who live outside a 50-
THE REVEILLE ARCHIVES / The Reveille
Washing machine prices inside the dorm rooms are set to $1.25 a load making it $5.00 just to clean and dry two loads. mile radius to live on campus. In most off-campus apartments, laundry is either covered in the utilities or free. Here on campus, we do not have that benefit, and we are already paying much more for our living spaces. Those in charge should take this into account in the future.
As I am sure we have all heard before, nothing in life is truly free. I am fine paying the cost for laundry, but I think it should be implemented differently. The University and students who live on campus should come together to discuss what is the easiest way for students to pay. A com-
promise where the cost for laundry still remains, but student have the option to pay for it all at once, or for each load. Elizabeth Crochet is an 18-yearold political communication major from New Orleans, Louisiana.
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