The Freeman Report

LSU has been in the national media for the last week as it tried to sign several "pro football players" to its roster.  Forty players sued the SEC to try and reinstate their eligibility and the case were heard in a Baton Rouge court where the judge basically ruled in their favor.  The SEC turnaround and sued LSU in federal court in Birmingham, AL.   The 16 leaders of the SEC schools will have a vote on Thursday to decide if LSU should be kicked out of the SEC.  Will they? We shall see but I believe, unlike some others, it would be a huge blow to LSU.Moving on Michigan should be 0-1 right now but somehow the officiating crew managed to find an extra second.  Even though the scoreboard and broadcast clocks both said 0.00, the Big Ten crew thought otherwise.  I think Western Mich should have been declared the victor.Oh and there were a few elections again this past week.  Going to get interesting.Enjoy,KG

The biggest game in week #1 is LSU and Clemson.  LSU has also created a little controversery with trying to sign players that were with NFL teams during the preseason.  A Teacher's Union is pushing back on Mamdami because he does not want to give education paraprofessionals a $10,000 bonus and potential raise.  Is there a leak in the dam?Trump is still being Trump even though the war he said would be over very soon when it started just hit the 6 month mark.KF

Angie Nixon was elected in the Democratic primary in Florida and will face Republican Ashley Moody in the November Election.  NIxon is an avowed DSA member who wants Free Medicare for all, Free Affordable Housing and much more.  How does she propose to pay for it?Enes Freedom, a former NBA player has declared for the 2027 WNBA draft but was thrown out of a game in Chicago for wearing a T-shirt that did not sit well with one of the players.  Some USA Today writer lists his top 25 gameday party schools and LSU is not even on his list.  Ohio St. is #25.  Who made the list - Delaware, East Carolina and Southern Cal.  His number one is Tulane in New Orleans.  Must be something is the tea.  I can tell that when a big team comes to Tiger Stadium, which holds over 100k, there may be 200,000 partying on campus.  Wonder how many Delaware has?  It is not just the number of people, it is the food, drinking and hospitality.  No where like the SEC.  And finally College Football is less that two weeks away!  Will there be another Indiana this year?Enjoy,KF

Once again my son John, Ten year old Grandson Foster and I make our College Football predictions for the upcoming 2026 season.  We also had special guest picker Andrew Williams.  Andrew does a Game Day set in Baton Rouge and posts in on youtube.  He had us on last year and he always has keen insight.  We also made our Heisman choices and what teams will make the playoffs and win the national championship.  None of us had Indiana in our top ten nor Fernando Mendoza on our Heisman radar.A final note - towards the end of the podcast my little 18 year old yorkie, Sissy, started barking.  She has not barked in over a month and I thought she could no longer bark because of her age and physical ailments.  When she barked, Foster rushed downstairs to take care of her.  A true trooper.  She was hearing my voice and wanted me to get her.  Otherwise, I hope you find it entertaining and maybe glean some knowledge.  John as always we quite prepared and poised as always.Enjoy,KF

Wisconsin managed to not elect DSA member Francesca Hong in the Democrat primary for Governor.  She lost by less than a point when the polls showed her up by double digits.  Who are these pollsters?  A few other races  with some suprises.  My take on why the DSA is gaining traction and then a few musical notes including Barry White.  KFb

By all accounts the polls said Abdul Ed Sayed would defeat Haley Stevens by a landslide yet he won by a little over 14,000 votes with over 1&1/2 million cast.  How did the polls get it so wrong?  I knew Northern Virginia was pretty Blue but thought central VA was more red.  She may not be a declared DSA member but Shannon Taylor, former Henrico County Commonwealth attorney certainly has some leanings that way.  Wisconsin is next and if the polls are right this time Francesca Hong should be the Democrat nominee for governor.  Some polls say she is currently up by 22 points.A few comments on economy and then a question on the Rock & Roll hall of Fame and lastly a musical suggestion.KF

Michigan's primary is only a few days away and it appears as if Abdul El Sayed has opened quite a lead which would give the DSA another victory.  A few weeks ago it seemed as if Haley Stevens was a few points ahead but now El Sayed is about 13 points up.  This after he claimed in a debate he is really a capitalist.  Right!! He still believes in the DSA Platform espouses their views.  Is this a bait and switch.Wisconsin also has a DSA member leading in the Democrat field for governor.  Francesca Hong is ahead of several other democrats running and she has come out and stated she believes in the same ideas, including the elimination of prisons and free housing.  We shall see.The WNBA PR group just keeps rolling on and it can be confusing as well as Trump still maintaining the damage to the Reflection Pool was done by vandals even though experts have now come out and said it was due to poor installation.  Even the contractor has admitted as such.Enjoy

Michigan will be the next big state to have its primary and Abdul El-Sayed, a democrat socialist. faces off against Haley Stevens. Will the DSA continue to make waves?Also two Grahams in the news this week along with VP JD Vance and a girl named Sophie.

Andrew Hundley was sentenced at the age 15 to life in prison for a heinous crime.  Due to a Supreme Court ruling regarding life sentences for minors, he managed to get out after 19 years with time served.  He could have quietly tried to assimilate back into society working a regular job, but instead he chose to give back and while attending LSU to get a degree he co-founded the Louisiana Parole Project.  The organization provides advocacy, training, education, social skills, housing, etc. for prisoners about to be released or those that have already been released.  In fact, the LPP just assisted the 701st client who recently got out.  The Louisiana Parole Proect assists both men and women.  While still in prison they must learn a skill and get at least one certification.  What started out as a mission for Andrew Hundley, who is also the current Exectuve Director, has now become a full-time vocation.  He and his group are helping formally incarecerated persons become productive in society.  Also in the interview is john Paul Funes, who was a pillar in the Baton Rouge Medical and Business Community until he, using his words, "got greedy"  John Paul spent 33 months in a federal prison in Indiana but is now part of the Project.I must say I was one who always felt if someone committed a crime they needed to stay behind bars.  My trip to Angola, the Louisiana State Penitentiary, gave me a different perspective.  Afterall, 90% of all inmates will one day get our of prison and we need them to be good, productive citizens.  I truly believe this program could be emmulated in all 50 states.  Right now Louisiana is the only one doing it on this scale.Enjoy,KFIf you want to know more about the LPP please visit their website at:    www.paroleproject.org. 

This past week another Democrat Socialist, Melat Kiros, defeated long time Denver congresswoman, Diane Degette.  Kiros has even made the comment that the U.S. deserved 9/11.  Is this where we are heaed?Also give my take on Stephen A. Smith lambasting the L.A. Lakers for trading for Walker Kessler and the fact that their three best players are now white.  Really and no comments from ESPN or pundits on racial comment.We are also celebrating our 250th birthday in the greatest country on earth.  We need to be proud of it.  Please thank those who are serving or have served whenever you can.  Their sacrifice keeps our country safe.KF

This past week New York City voted for 3 Democrat Socialists  for Congress and 5 others for state or local offices.  All supported by Mayor Mamdani.  Is this where the Democrat Party is headed?  I believe a fight for control of the party is coming.Last night Louisiana republicans elected Julia Letow to be in the runoff for U.S. Senator.  Even in her speech she said she thinks Trump is the greatest President ever.  Maybe a littel history lesson is in order but that is her belief.This past Thursday I visited Angola where the worst of the worst criminals in Louisiana are sent.  I was there with the Louisiana Parole Project and plenty more to come from that.Caitlin Clark is continuing to get beaten up in the WNBA and the league does not seem to care.  If she leaves they will all care plenty.Finally, the full moon last night was truly extraordinary!Enjoy,KF

I want to extend a Happy Father's Day to all Dads but I pay tribute to my Dad, who to me was the greatest Dad of all time.  He passed away 15 years ago yesterday and I miss him dearly.KF

This is the first in a series of what I am calling Weekly Digest.  It will be about current events.  Still will continue to do other topics as well.Enjoy,KF

California held elections last Tuesday and they are still not close to declaring who will be in the runoff for both L.A. Mayor and Governor.  This in supposedly the Tech Capital of the world.  They may still not be complete a week out and does this play into the Democracts hands?  Also a little more on my home state politics, Sissy and a music note.Enjoy,KF

In less than two weeks we have seen several long term and prominent Republican Senators and a U.S. Congressman get defeated as Trump endorsed their opponents.  Bill Cassidy, a friend and former school mate came in 3rd here in Louisiana while long term Texas Senator, John Cornyn lost in his primary to Trump endorsed AG Ken Paxton.  One of the two candidates in the runoff in Louisiana even stated that President Trump is the greatest president the United States has ever had.  Guess who has his endorsement?  What I don't want are politicians who will do all of his bidding without hesitation.  I want politicians on both sides of the aisle that can think and weigh what they believe is the right decision.  Is there where we are headed?  Is the legislative branch not an independent branch of government any more?Also cannot wait for the Los Angeles mayor's race coming up soon!Enjoy,KF

There is a lot going on in the around the world with the war, in our country constant protests and even in my state with a recent Supreme Court Ruling.  Just giving my take on a few of these and even offer a few possilbe solutions to gerrymandering.KF

Last week there was a senseless killing in my home town of Baton Rouge at the Mall of Louisiana when shots were fired by two rival gangs.  The mall is located in what most people would call a safe part of town.  Not anymore.  At least that is the story so far.  A week prior 8 children were murdered by their father in Shreveport, LA over a domestic dispute.The other night another assassination attempt was made on President Trump at the White House Correspondent's Assoc. dinner. When did we get to this point that it innocent lives are being taken because people get upset.  How do we stop this madness?  I don't have answers but I do have a few suggestions.KF

In this episode I talk about our 18 year old teacup yorkie and getting the call after her six month check-up fromt the Vet saying you need to come in to talk about your dog.  I knew it was not good at that point.But here is the story.KF

Have you traveled since the latest partial shutdown started.  In major aiports lines can weave all the way outside as one did in New Orleans.  It actually went into the parking garage.  Just got back from Puerto Rico and that airport was crazy but just about everyone was civil.  Saw two people who never even made it to TSA screening and missed their flights.  Who is to blame?  To me the answer is simple and both parties should be ashamed.  I even make a suggestion as to how we should treat them if they travel while this is still going on.  All I ask is that you tell TSA agents you appreciate them.  I know I do as they continue to work through this crisis.Also trying to get back to making  few musical recommendations.Enjoy,KF

Well by Scott the Khakis are now off and I explain in this episode what that meant.  The Elite 8 tournament is finally over but not without some questioning of the seedings just prior to the start of the tournament.  By halftime of several games there looked to be potential upsets.  How did they turn out - listen.Enjoy,KF

By Scott I intend to wear my khakis as long as the Bears are winning. Finally, the Baton Rouge CSAA Elite brackets for 2026 are out and the tournament begins this week.  In my opinion any one of five teams can win the tournament with the championship game taking place this Sunday night.  Really, any one of the eight teams that made the tournament can win it all but I give my take on why I think only the top five have a true chance of taking home trophy.  There are people literally all over the country that played in the Elite 8 and I am sure some have fond memories while other remember only heartache. Will give an update once the big show is over.KF

One of the very first podcasts I did was 'Why men wait until it it too late to go to the doctor'.  Recently I did not heed my own podcast advice.  I do wish to thank the medical that is helping me ge through this.  Just wished I would have listened to what my body was telling me.  So I urge you to listen to your body and if something does not feel right, do not wait as I did.KF

The Elite 8 Championship is about a month away and half way through this season has been one to remember.  I give my top 8 standings that many may disagree with but any of the top 3 could be #1.  Someone has to be.  Have not seen this much parity in a long time.KF

Many all over the country who have played in this league in years past anticipate the annual preseason rankings for the Baton Rouge CSAA league.  Doctors, lawyers and business men living in virtually every state from A-Z may remember playing for one of the teams. Altough the name of the league may have changed several times, the fierce competion remains. The preseason rankings were posted before the Dunham tournament, the first one of the year and boy did it change everything.  No one expected the ending results of that tournament and now all are waiting league play to see how things will shake out.BearTiger is now in the 20th year of posting the preseason rankings and many people let their feelings be known.  Click on the link below to be amused.https://www.tigerdroppings.com/rant/more-sports/20th-annual-csaa-formerly-csal-8th-grade-basketball-preseason-rankings/121656844/ Enjoy,KF

Having done a podcast with someone that has Parkinison's, Frank O'Mara and someone who has Dementia, Austin Goings, never did I think the two might meet but in researching for this podcast I discovered there is something called Parkinson's Disease Dementia.  There are numerous types of dementia and the most prominent is Alzheimer's.  But how does a doctor discern which type a patient has?  For that answer you have to listen.  In this episode I sit down with Dr. Kevin Sullivan of the Mind Center located in Jackson, Mississippi to discuss exactly what dementia is and where are they with research.  Curious about the connection to music and Alzheimer's, Dr. Sullivan did not dispute my theory.  Having also  done a recent podcast with Dr. Kim Tarver of the Mind Center and the head of Caregiver University, I wanted to explore how research in dementia works and the progress that has been made to find a cure.  The last five years have  shown tremendous progress but there is still much more research to do and Dr. Sullivan and the team at the Mind Center are on the leading edge.  Below is a link to the Mind Center.  They are in the process of building a brand new facility on the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.  I urge  to visit the website and if you know someone that has form of Dementia, considering giving to the new building.https://umc.edu/mindcenter/MIND-CENTER-Home-page.html Enjoy,KF

I never really thought much about Caregivers until recently when I had a conversation with a family member taking care of her sister.  Caregivers to me were in the medical field and were mostly associated with hospice, those that came in to help someone at the end of life.  My view was totally wrong!The Mind Center located in Jackson, MS has a program called Caregiver University where they educate family members, friends, and in some cases, others to become caregivers.  I learned that caregivers can give up a tremendous amount of personal life, get stressed, both personally and financially, and need help themselves sometimes.I sit down with Dr. Kim Tarver of the Mind Center to discuss the wonderful things they are doing at Caregiver University.  The Mind Center is associated with the University of Mississippi Medical Center.  In my conversation with Dr. Tarver I gained a whole new respect for caregivers and hope you will too.Enjoy,KF

John, Foster and I just spent 3 great days in Virginia.  Foster and I traveled aroudn the state visiting several Civil War battlefields while John worked and the three of also managed to go to VA Tech/MIami football game in Blacksburg.  Was certainly different in Lane stadium than Tiger stadium.  People were nice and love the intro with Enter Sandman.  But LSU takes tailgating to a whole other level.  Went to a tap room one night for dinner and have brunch Sunday morning at a place called Fork in the Alley in Roanoke.We are also near the end of the regular season in college football and I preview some of the big games.Enjoy,KF

I discuss the big college football games for week 12 and we are now in the period where many are right on the edge - lose and they are out of the playoffs. Win and they still have a chance to make the CFP.  Additionally, I traveled to Michigan and Ohio this past week and all airports seemed calm and the TSA personnel were very professional without having received a paycheck in about a month.  The shutdown was not over yet and most travelers where respectful.  Except for usual ones that still feel like all of us around them want to hear there personal conversations.  Next week John, Foster and I travel to Virgiania for a bit of tourning and attending the VA Tech/Miami football game.  Hopefully travel will be like this past week all flights will be on time.KF

Last week LSU had an interim President, head football coach and athletic director.  Today we now have a president and AD.  I am not infatuated with the choice for president as some alums I have spoken to feel the same way.  Many think he was railroaded in as the choice of the governor who also supposedly had a hand in the firing of Brian Kelly and Scott Woodward, the AD.    My personal feeling is we have taken a few steps backwards with the recent hire.  Was a chancellor also hired to appease the faculty and students?  I believe that as well.New York, New Jersey and Virginia all had elections last week and the people have spoken.  New Jersey did not surprise me in electing a democrat governor but I thought the vote would be closer.  Virginia was not as surprising, except for AG, as it has a large population of federal workers that live in the state and clearly are not happy at this moment.Finally, I may start a new part of some podcast segemnts with a food shout out.  In this one I recommend the Cavern Burger from Spelunker's in Front Royal, VA.  Happened to be in the recently and decided to try their best burger.  If you are really hungry get the Cavern double with cheese and bacon.  Worth the stop.Enjoy,KF

Dave Cox is in Baton Rouge to attend the LSU - Texas A&M game and came on the Freeman Report as a guest for the second time.  We recap week 8 games and then preview some upcoming games this weekend of Week 9.  Enjoy

Week 7 saw a few upsets and surprises and Week 8 in college football has some games where the loser will probably fall out of CFP contention.  Another coach got fired last week and I am not a fan of the buyout clause for coaches who get let go.  James Franklin will get $49 million after being terminated by Penn St. To me you pay for success and sometimes when coaches do well and schools want to keep them after big season, they add to the buyout.  I would rather they be paid for success but not be paid huge sums for failure.  But I am not an athletic director and these guys make big bucks too.Enjoy,KF

I sit down with Mayor Sid Edwards of East Baton Rouge Parish to talk about his first nine months in office, the highs and lows and also his thougths on Governor Jeff Landry requesting National Guard troops for Shreveport, New Orleans and Baton Rouge. When Coach ran for office he was a political novice.  He is that no more and sees a bright future for Baton Rouge.EnjoyKF

Jordan LaHaye Fontenot's Great Grandfather, Aubrey LaHaye, was kidnapped and murdered in January of 1983.  He was a prominent banker and entrepeneur in the small south, central Louisiana town of Mamou.  Her great grandmother, Emily, was with Aubrey that fateful morning and saw the abducter before being tied to their bed.  Her later testimony would become crucial during the trial.  The FBI was even called in to help investigate and ultimately law enforcement settled on one person, John Brady Balfa.  John Brady was related to the cajun music group know as the Balfa Brothers.  His father evened played with them for a period. Even to this day some believe he his innocent as the event pitted family against family, friend against friend and even some from the same families as well.  There were several suspects, including the mafia.  Reading the book you too may find yourself questioning whether John Brady was really guilty or did law enforcement simply want to get quick closure.  And Miss Emily's testimony, her description of the supsect contracted what she described in the days after kidnapping.  It was ten days before they found Aubrey's body.  For the most part the family did not want to talk about it.  Jordan was at LSU and wanting to write a story about her family.  Her dad told her the story which she vaguely remembered hearing as a child but now he told her to follow the story wherever it took her.  And follow it she did.  John Brady reamains in Angola prison to this day claiming his innocence.Jordan has a gift in writing and this book is not only a story of murder it also is a history lesson about her heratige, Cajun to the core.  Beautifully written.  I can only hope she continues to write.Enjoy,KF

In this episode i recap big games from Week 5, some surprising and then review a few upcoming games for this week.Enjoy,KF

Week 4 is now complete and I recap some of the bigger gamesa and then give a preview of some big games for week 5, including my LSU Tigers vs the Ole Miss Rebels.Below is link to the YouTube video of Grandson Foster and son John on a Andrew's College Gameday,  Think Foster could vie for Lee Corso's old job.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eO-4cXXym3A  As always - Enjoy,KF

I look back at Week 3 games and also preview a few big games coming up this weekend.KF

In this episode I recap some of the blowouts and bigger games that were played in week 2 and also preview some of the big games coming up this weekend.Also mentioned my grandson Foster and son John will be on a local version of ESPN College Gameday that came about after we the podcast on the upcoming season.  It will be live streamed and also available afterwards and will be filmed at our house.  Should be interesting.  Maybe I can have my dog, Finn make a guest appearance like Kirk's dogs.KFKF

Week #1 of College Football is behind us and I give my perspecitve on winners and losers, as well as, my Top Ten.  You may agree or disagree but let me know your thoughts.KF

In this episode my Grandson Foster (9), my son John and i make our 2025 top 10 college picks and our reasons why.  We also pick who will make the playoffs and also who will win the championship.    Finally, we reveal who we believe will win the Heisman and lastly make predictions on 5 big games on opening weekend.Foster has been wanting to do this podcast for a while and his preparedness surprised me but when I told him to pick the Ga. Tech/Colorado game he threw out a neme without looking at anything.  We will see how close we all get at the end of the season.Enjoy,KF

In this episode I talk once again about being in airports where many people think they are the only ones there, but also carrying that over to emergency rooms.Also do a song review by David Gilmour and his daughter Romany and finally a book review by a first time writer that is very close to home.KF

I sat down with Mark Hall, President of the Atlanta Communities Real Estate brokeage firm, to discuss the Real Estate market.  We delved into buying, selling and why you need an agent.  HIs insights are invaluable as we also discussed so much more than just real estate but also how you can make money in the real estate market.  Although his passion for music does not exceed mine, he clearly could keep up with me in that realm.  Also joining us was my brother Taylor and sister-in-law Debbie who happen to work Atlanta Communites.  Debbie has her own real estate firm but I learned what a brokage company brings to agents such as Debbie and Taylor.I look to do another podcast with Mark in the future on a variety of topics. I feel we could go from politics to music to life and not miss a beat.KF

I have waited almost eight months before uploading the podcast I did with Austin Goings regarding Alzheimer's.  At the time he only had Cognitive Memory Issues but now has the dreaded disease.  Many of us know someone that has some form of dementia but I did not realize it true impact until I spoke with a sibling of a beautiful lady who attend the function. I saw first hand how it affected her and although I was sad, she wanted to dance that night and as I cranked up the music for her, she seemed to be the happiest person at the party.  She not only danced but she danced to the music and knew the songs.  As others joined in she had the biggest smile.  She was truly happy.  It may be wonder - can music be a part of the process in helping those with types of dementia?  Watching her dance I believe it may be possible.KF

I sat down with Austin Goings last October when he said all he had at the time was Cognitive Memory Issues.  My intent was to discuss how someone prepares for the advent of Alzheimer's both for themselves and their family.  Waiting for a while before posting this podcast I am told Austin now has Alzheimer's.  He has lived an extraordinary life as a business owner, husband and father.  We also discuss another major medical occurence he had over twenty years and to hear him tell it, well you really need to listen.If you want to know more about this dreaded disease here is a link: https://www.alz.org/ As always enjoy,KF

I truly believed all hell would break loose in major United States airports on May 7th, the day everyone would need a Real ID, or passport, to get through security.  LIttle did I know that the federal government would come out on May 6th and say that you could still get through security with a normal driver's license but it might take a little longer.  What does that mean that it might take a little longer.  How about the millions who, based on what we were told, did it the right way.  I blame the Trump administration for this issue.  I also talk a little about politics and why the two sides do not talk to each other anymore.  Does anyone remember when they did speak and things got done?  We need to get back to that if we are going to move this country forward.Why do people in airports think everyone around them wants to hear their phone conversation?  Where is the civility? Just some thoughts and hope you enjoy!KF

In this episode I talk about having traveled quite a lot in the last several months and was anticipating the complete chaos that was to occur on May 7th with everyone needing a Real ID to get through security.  I just read though where they will now allow persons without one to still get through security but it will take a little longer.  In my opinion the Trump administration said it would enforce the requirement but now seems to have backed down somewhat.  Still believe it will be a chaotic.Also, as a result of my travels I question whether customer service is dead.  If we are in the throws of a recession as some pundits will have us believe, I can tell you every flight was completely full and every city I was in there were people spending money.Finally, I give a shout out to my daughter, Jamie, and her new independent bookstore which so far seems to be a big success.  If you want to buy a book online, I ask that you consider ordering from her at tbrbookshop.com.  As always - enjoy!KF

In this episode I comment on President Trump's recent speech before Congress and some of the reactions.  I also give some final thougths about the basketball season.KF

He was a major league baseball player for 13 years, president of his homeowners group, a coach, and a mentor.  Now David Dellucci wants to run for one of two St. George City At-Large City Council positions.  He is passionate about his reasons for running and believes he can make a difference in the new created city which is now the 5th largest in Louisiana.  David was part of the original Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team when they were formed and four years later won a world series.  He was leader on the field and in the clubhouse and believes he can bring those attributes to St. George.Listen as David expains his desire to help the new city grow and prosper. He does not have to serve as he is a commentator on both the SEC Network and ESPN. But his passion to help get St. George get off on the right path comes through.David needs also needs financial support for his campaign and below is a link to make a contribution if you the need.  Most importantly, if you live in the City of St. George he needs your vote.https://www.daviddellucci.com/ Enjoy,KF

As we begin the Elite 8 tournament tonight and continue through the weekend I wanted to give an update with my view of the standings versus BearTiger who posted his as well.  Some will argue St. George should be #1 and Mercy #2 based on the finals of the Mercy tournament but I stand pat on my list.Will there be an upset or two in the Elite 8 tournamant?  Tune in soon to find out the outcome.KF

In 2011 Lucas Lucas Rouggly, a white man, did not just go find a building or even a store front to begin his mission, no he moved his entire family into the one most dangerous and dilapidated neighborhoods in St. Louis.  He felt he could change the neighborhood one person at a time.  It was tough but this was not a Serpico moment. Everyone wondered what he was really doing there.  He feared for his family but felt this is where he needed to be at that time.  They heard gunshots quite often and rarely went outside at night.  When I arrived at the building where Lucas established his mission - LOVEtheLou, he was not ready to do the podcast.  He wanted me walk with him around the neighborhood, to get a feel for what it was like.  There there were boarded up buidlings and houses all over the area.  Cars sped down the streets as if they were in a NASCAR race.  People seemed to be friendly though and all knew Louis.  There are 45,000 abandoned homes in St. Louis but the day I was there he gave away a home.  I was moved and honored to be allowed to participate in the event.Lucas also gave me a tour of the buildings his mission has purchased, a church and school to name a few.  He has also torn down abandon houses and put gardens on empty lots where some of the kids are now responsible for maintaining.  There are no grocery stores in the area and I truly understood the meaning the of Food Desert.  We also talked about what it is like to be dependent on the government; how many have to stand in 21 or 22 different lines to get what they need to survive.  They don't want to be dependent but they don't know how to get off.  Louis is now teaching kids skills they can use to get a job and become successful.  He gave me a tour of his shop where they kids can learn and then he introduced me to Jayvon.  He is 18 now and has been coming here since he was 11.  Jayvon told me he wants Louis's job and I believe he was have it some day.  He started an open gym on Sunday afternoons on his own and now has about 30 people from ages 40 down to 4 coming in.  Jayvon, as did Louis, give me hope that there are pockets within this country that really are trying to make a difference.  Towards the end of our podcast I asked Lucas why stories like his and Coach Roynell Young in Houston and so many others are not getting attention.  These are stories of hope and people making a difference.   You will have to listen to hear his answer.KF

For the past19 years some guy name BearTiger, who remains anonymous, post rankings on Tiger Droppings.  Sometimes he is dead on and other years he is woefully wrong.  He has now postted his rankings for the 2024-2025 season with comments on each ranked team.   Many people have speculated BearTiger is me and in fact while I was in the hospitality room at the Dunham tournament the head varsity coach asked me if I was BearTiger.  I assured him I was not but wished I could write that well.I am sure BearTiger will give updates throughout the season and I will keep you posted.  Below is a link if you want to read it and most of the comments are worth it as well.https://www.tigerdroppings.com/rant/more-sports/19th-annual-csaa-formerly-csal-8th-grade-basketball-preseason-rankings/116518038/ KF