7:30 LRN Newscast April 10

Governor John Bel Edwards says it is likely schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year. The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has sent a letter to the Governor supporting such a move. BESE president Sandy Holloway says it is in the best interest of public health…
Cut 9 (07) “…facilities too soon.″
Interim Education Superintendent Beth Scioneaux says if schools remain closed, every community needs a plan for continued learning.

The Attorney General’s office is assisting the state department of health in investigating whether Louisiana’s three abortion clinics are violating a state order against non-emergency medical procedures during the stay-at-home order. Attorney General spokesperson Deanna Fortin on what happens if these facilities are found to be in violation…
cut 8 (12) “…this”

Louisiana now has 18-thousand positive cases of COVID-19 and 702 have died, including state lawmaker Reggie Bagala, a freshman member of the House from Lafourche Parish.

But there have been positive signs. The rate of new hospitalizations has slowed and the number of COVID-19 patients on ventilators has decreased. Many are wondering if the governor’s stay at home order will be lifted in May, But Governor John Bel Edwards says even if it is, things will not go back to normal right away…
cut 5 (10) “…period”

It’s Easter weekend. Ponchatoula-based candy maker Elmer Chocolate has donated about 15-thousand candy eggs to those battling the pandemic…
cut 15 (06) “…two food banks”
That’s Elmer Chocolate CEO Rob Nelson.

6:45 LRN Sportscast April 10

In a move that doesn’t surprise anyone, the Louisiana High School Athletic Association has decided to cancel the rest of the season for spring sports because of the coronavirus pandemic. LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine feels horrible for the seniors…
cut 17 (19) “…recommendation”
Bonine says the LHSAA executive committee is scheduled to meet in June to talk more about fall sports. Football teams will get an extra week of practice.

A four-star safety out of Texas commits to LSU. Bryan Allen Junior is rated as the second-best safety in the nation by 24-7 sports for the class of 2022. LSU’s 2022 class features four commits.

Several former LSU players will participate virtually in the 2020 draft which is in two weeks. This means Joe Burrow, Grant Delpit, Justin Jefferson, Kristian Fulton, Lloyd Cushenberry, Patrick Queen, and Thaddeus Moss will be available for interviews once they are selected.

Former Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks is on the move again. The Rams have traded Cooks to the Texans for a future fourth-round pick. This will be Cooks’ fourth team after he spent his first three seasons in New Orleans. He’s battled concussions and only caught 42 passes last season.

A court official says the emails the Saints sent to the Archdiocese of New Orleans should remain private. A man who says he was abused by clergy with the Archdiocese of New Orleans says the Saints helped the church conceal the alleged crimes. The Saints have said they were offering advice to the Archbishop, advising him to be transparent in their list of identifying abusive clergy.

6:30 LRN Newscast April 10

Governor Edwards says the state continues to flatten the curve but warns life is unlikely to go back to normal anytime in the next few months. Federal projections show a steep drop-off in expected COVID deaths in Louisiana relative to projections at the start of the month, but…
Cut 4 (07)_ “…May.”
Edwards says that’s not an official announcement that the stay at home order is being extended, but a warning that it’s a possibility.

The governor’s stay at home order calls for the suspension of all elective and non-emergency medical procedures. The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office has activated a task force to help the state health department investigate possible violations. Spokesperson Deanna Fortin says they’ve received complaints that abortion clinics in Shreveport and Baton Rouge are still performing procedures….
cut 7 (08) “…cancer”
But the abortion rights group Louisiana Lift says abortion is essential health care.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is among several groups asking Governor John Bel Edwards to close schools for the remainder of the year. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine made it official today, the spring high school sports season has been canceled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The spring sports season was halted in mid-March and today’s decision means baseball, softball, track, and other sports will not resume their seasons.

Will we have college football in the fall? College football insider Brett McMurphy with the Stadium Network says athletics director could choose to have games with no fans in the fall, but they may prefer to wait until spring of 2021 to have games with fans in attendance…
cut 18 (25) “….do it”

Former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow is expected to be the first pick in the 2020 draft which is two weeks from tonight. The top prospects can’t attend the draft since it will be fully virtual, a couple of cameras will be inside Burrow’s home so they can get his reaction and conduct interviews after he’s picked. Dozens of other prospects are also expected to have cameras in their homes.

A four-star safety in the 2022 recruiting class has committed to LSU. Bryan Allen Junior from Aledo, Texas reportedly chose the Tigers over Texas A-and-M, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, and U-S-C. 24-7 sports rates him as the number two safety in the country and the fifth-best player in the state of Texas in the class of 2022.

The Superdome and Tiger Stadium will be lit up in blue tonight at 8 Pm in honor of healthcare workers. Several other state buildings are doing the same, like the State Capitol and the governor’s mansion.

ESPN will re-air the final round of the 1997 Masters tonight. That was the first time Tiger Woods put on the green jacket.

LRN PM Newscall April 9

Crawfish boils have been canceled for Easter due to coronavirus, and Louisiana Crawfish Farmer’s Association says farmers are set to take a devastating hit…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

____________________________

State health officials reported 50 more COVID-19 deaths the total number of fatalities to 702. Jeff Palermo reports the climbing death toll is why Governor Edwards urges residents to stay away from large gathering this Easter weekend…

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

_____________________________

The state health department reports that at least 130 nursing home residents are among the 702 people in Louisiana who have died from COVID-19. Office of Public Health director, Doctor Alex Bilioux, says it’s critical that employees at these facilities practice social distancing when they are away from work

Cut 3 (11)  “…that reason”  

COVID-19 cases have been reported in 93 nursing homes in Louisiana. Bilioux says they are working with the C-D-C. He says these facilities where clusters have developed, you have residents who have the virus, those who are suspected of having COVID-19 and those who are free from having the coronavirus

Cut 4 (09)_ “…tight spaces.”

Bilioux says the state is working with nursing homes and senior care facilities to make sure they have personal protective equipment…

Cut 5 (09)  “…new communities”

__________________________________________

Louisiana Crawfish Farmer’s Association President David Savoy says sales for crawfish are at 40-percent of what they were last year. Savoy says Easter is the industry’s Super Bowl, but this weekend they project a massive drop-off relative to what they would normally sell.

Cut 6 (12) “phone calls”

Savoy says the biggest problem they are facing is the cancellation of major 100-150 bag corporate events, and the reduction of family boils from 12 bag events to three to four bag boils.

Cut 7 (11) “…outside that.”

Many farmers use peeling factories as a buyer of last resort when private sales are down, but Savoy says the peelers are so inundated with crawfish that you can’t sell to them at a profit.

Cut 8 (06) “dollar.”

Savoy says the industry needs federal and state assistance for all struggling farmers, and soon.

___________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says this Easter holiday will not look like other years.  Edwards urges continued social distancing efforts.  The Easter holiday does not create an exemption from mitigation efforts of virus spread.

Cut 9 (10) “…of the virus.″

Edwards has no issues with crawfish boils for families that live together, but it shouldn’t be turning into a block party or a family reunion.

Cut 10 (13) “…can avoid it.”

Despite the lack of traditional holiday gatherings, Edwards recommends finding a meaningful and significant way to worship and celebrate.

Cut 11 (10) “…ten person limit.”

________________________________________________

Zachary police report a tragic double-murder suicide where it’s believed a man shot and killed his two stepchildren the day after his wife, their mother, died.

Zachary Police Chief David McDavid says it appears 77-year-old James Brannon was distraught over the loss of his wife and shot 48-year-olds Deborah Ross and Beverly Watts.

Cut 12 (10) “before”

McDavid says officers reported seeing the family out in their yard during their community policing rounds.

Cut 13 (07) “…area”

McDavid says they’ve had an uptick in mental health-related calls in the past few weeks.

Cut 14 (10) “…worried”

11:40 LRN Sportscast april 9

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association has canceled the spring sports season. The LHSAA halted spring sports in mid-March and executive director Eddie Bonine has made the decision they will not resume due to the spread of the coronavirus and the possibility the governor will announce schools will remain closed for the rest of the year.

The question is being asked more and more, will there be a college football season in the fall. College football insider Brett McMurphy at the Stadium Network has surveyed the 130 F-B-S athletic directors and he believes the best option is for a football season starting in the spring
Cut 16 (20) “…the fall”
McMurphy says A-Ds could decide to hold games in the fall without fans, but they would prefer to sell tickets and wait for the spring.

Usually, for the N-F-L draft, the top prospects go to the site of the draft to hear their name called and get their new jersey from Commissioner Roger Goodell. That will not happen this year, because it will be a fully virtual draft. But the NFL network says former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow and other likely first and second-round selections will have two cameras in their home so viewers can see their reaction and then do interviews. The first round of the draft is two weeks from today.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees and his wife Brittany were guests on “The Ellen Show” and he said, “the American people need sports right now.” Brees says the return of sports can be part of the recovery and not having sports right now, makes the situation we are in much tougher. The future Hall of Famer said it would be really weird if they had to play games this fall in empty stadiums and he also admits the NFC South got tougher with Tom Brady signing with Tampa Bay.

9:30 LRN Newscast April 9

Governor Edwards announces the state has received the federal funding necessary to pay enhanced unemployment benefits to the tune of an extra 600 dollars a week on top of the state’s 247 dollars. Edwards says the expanded benefits begin Monday and will also include workers who did not previously qualify.
Cut 10 (11) “…yesterday”
The governor says you can apply for unemployment at Louisianaworks.net and if possible do so between 10 PM and 4 AM to avoid peak traffic.

Senator John Kennedy anticipates a vote today in the Senate to add more dollars to the 349-billion dollar Paycheck Protection Program, which provides loans to small businesses…
Cut 13 (09) “…relief”

Religious congregations face an unprecedented dilemma approaching one of the holiest times of the year for different faiths. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Louisiana Association of School Superintendents has asked the governor to keep schools closed for the rest of the academic year. A spokesperson for John Bel Edwards says the governor is looking at the request. If the governor orders schools closed until next August, it will be up to BESE and the state department of education to set up guidelines for school districts to follow.

8:30 LRN Newscast April 9

Governor John Bel Edwards announces the state has received federal money to begin paying an additional 600 dollars a week to those who are receiving unemployment. Edwards says 277-thousand people have filed for unemployment since March 1st and the state paid out 25-million dollars in benefits last week…
cut 12 (09) “….million dollars”
Nationally, 16-point-six million have filed for unemployment, which means 10-percent of the U-S labor force is out of work.

The U-S Senate is expected to vote today to add an additional 250-billion dollars for the popular Paycheck Protection Program. That’s the loan program that helps small businesses keep paying their workers, the rent and other operating expenses. Kennedy says it’s a lot of money, but necessary…
cut 15 (07) “….shut down”

A team from LSU is creating personal protective equipment for healthcare workers including much-needed masks and gowns. LSU Biomedical Engineering senior Meagan Moore says they are using materials like cardboard, hot glue, and trash bags.
Cut 4 (12)_ “…protection for physicians.”
Moore says Lamar Advertising is donating old billboards to make gowns.

Its tradition for Christians to attend services at their church on Easter. But most churches will be closed on Sunday. LSU Associate Professor of Religious Studies Michael Pasquier (pass-cay) says a message from religious leaders to congregation members can go a long way in letting them know they are doing the right thing by their faith by staying home…
cut 8 (100 “….religious obligation”

7:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana has received more federal dollars so starting on Monday unemployed workers will receive an additional 600-dollars a week on top of the state benefits they receive, which is a maximum of 247-dollars. Gig workers and contract employees are also eligible for this money. Governor Edwards says since March 1st, 277-thousand people have filed unemployment claims…
cut 11 (06) “…thousand”
The enhanced benefits will be available until August.

Senator John Kennedy anticipates Congress will authorize additional funding for a Small Business Administration loan program designed to prop up companies during the coronavirus shutdown. The 349-billion dollar Paycheck Protection Program is so popular that Kennedy says more dollars are needed…
Cut 13 (09) “…relief”

A group of LSU students is trying to support doctors and nurses by make masks, face shields, and ventilator parts. LSU Biomedical Engineering senior Megan Moore says they are using cardboard, hot glue, trash bags and even old billboards from Lamar Advertising for supplies. She says they have a website, one-louisiana-now-dot-org where the public can connect with the team if they believe they’ve got materials to contribute…
cut 6 (12) “….can help additionally”

Sunday will be a very different Easter than we’ve ever experienced before. Many Christians will attend religious services from their own home as churches are closed. But LSU Associate Professor of Religious Studies Michael Pasquier (pass-cay) says there will be some pastors who will still welcome their congregation into their church…
cut 9 (08) “…go it’s church”
Tony Spell, who leads the Life Tabernacle Chruch outside of Baton Rouge plans to have a big Easter service at his church. He’s already facing charges for defying the governor’s stay at home order.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU football releases a social media post that poses the question will the Tigers play football this fall. In the video, LSU’s team doctor Brent Bankston, says it’s essential we follow the C-D-C guidelines for good hygiene and the governor’s stay at home order in order to flatten the curve.

Stadium network college football insider Brett McMurphy says he’s polled every F-B-S athletic director and he believes it’s likely a college football season will have to wait until the springtime and that could result in some of the top players not playing…
cut 17 (20) “….NFL draft”
McMurphy says its possible games could be played in the fall without fans, but A-Ds would prefer fans in the stands and that could result in a season starting in the spring.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees and his wife Brittany were guests on “The Ellen Show” and said “the American people need sports right now.” Brees says the return of sports can be part of the recovery and not having sports right now makes the situation we are in much tougher. The future Hall of Famer said it would be really weird if they had to play games this fall in empty stadiums and he also admits the NFC South got tougher with Tom Brady signing with Tampa Bay.

ESPN’s re-broadcast on Monday of the “Rebirth” game, the iconic Monday night contest between the Saints and Falcons in 2006 attracted about 70-thousand television viewers in the New Orleans area. The peak local rating was an 11.7.

Former NFL quarterback great Peyton Manning bought 140 meals from Drago’s Seafood Restaurant to feed health care workers caring for coronavirus patients at the Tulane Health System. In a video message, Manning said he wanted to take a minute to say thank you.