6:45 LRN Sportscast

The fears over the coronavirus have resulted in the cancellation of the NCAA Men’s and Women’s basketball tournament. No March Madness and no College World Series or Women’s College World Series. The decision to cancel the College World Series caught many people in the college baseball world by surprise.

The SEC and many other leagues have already canceled all sporting events through March 30th, leaving open the possibility that spring sports can still be played. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey held a press conference in Nashville, where the SEC Tournament was supposed to be played. He was asked if games could be played after March 30th, but he doesn’t know…
cut 12 (11) “…beyond”

Of course the NBA season has been suspended. The league owners have asked Commissioner Adam Silver to reevaluate the league’s suspension of play in 30 days. The Pelicans say they will provide updates to our fans, ticketholders and team partners as they become available.

The Major League Baseball has halted spring training and Opening Day which was scheduled for March 26th has been halted for at least two weeks.

There are games being played in the state today and that’s the high school basketball state championships. In Lake Charles yesterday, five teams advanced to state title games on Saturday. In One-A top seeded, North Central crushed Tensas 68-48. The Hurricanes will play Lincoln Prep after the Panthers defeated Grand Lake 61-55. In 3-A top-seeded Bossier beat Brusly 53-51. And the Four-A semifinals were played last night as Peabody and Breaux both advanced and they’ll play each other Saturday night at 8 PM.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The public health emergency we are facing means we’ll have to live without sports for awhile. Last night, the NBA made the decision to suspend its season. The NHL is doing the same and Major League Baseball is suspending spring-training games and delaying the start of the regular season by at least two weeks.

The SEC has canceled all games between now and March 30th. That includes the SEC Tournament in Nashville. The LSU baseball team was set to leave for Oxford to begin SEC play versus Ole Miss. But as soon as they got on the bus, they got off and were told there will be no games until at least March 31st. Coach Paul Mainieri understands why they need to halt play, but he’s still sad for his players, because they’ll never be able to relive this part of their life…
cut 14 (12) “….in the world”

Due to the coronavirus, the NFL has canceled its upcoming league meetings in Palm Beach, Florida from March 29th to April 1st. So any proposed rule changes will now be placed on the NFL spring meetings agenda on May 19th to the 20th.

The Southland and Conference USA have suspended their spring sporting events. Northwestern State, Nicholls and Louisiana Tech were all scheduled to play in tournament basketball games today, but those tournament games have been called off.

High school basketball games are being played in Lake Charles as the boys state basketball tournament continues at the Burton Coliseum. Earlier today, in Class One-A, top seeded North Central defeated Tensas 58-48. They will play the winner of tonights’ game between Grand Lake and Lincoln Prepatory School.

Last night, Alexandria and Bonnabel advanced to tomorrow night’s Class Five-A Championship game. The Trojans beat Hahnville 70-54 and the Bruins defeated Walker 65-60.

Also tomorrow, the Class C title game between district rivals Pleasant Hill and Hicks. And in Two-A, Rayville will face Port Allen in a rematch of last year’s title game won by Rayville.

LRN PM Newscall March 12

Stress levels are rising as the number of COVID-19 cases grows. Matt Doyle spoke with an LSU Health New Orleans expert about how to manage that stress…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards says everybody in Louisiana has a role to play in slowing down the spread of the coronavirus. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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COVID-19 is provoking anxiety in many as the number of cases continues to grow internationally, and locally.

LSU Health New Orleans professor of Clinical Psychology Michelle Moore says one way to reduce anxiety is to make sure that you are getting your news from a legitimate source.

Cut 3 (12)  “…fact”  

Moore says logging off of social media, for the time being, is another way to reduce anxiety.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…sites”

Moore says the best way to handle the stress of this growing pandemic is to approach it like you would a hurricane.

Cut 5 (10)  “…from it.”

She adds talking to your children about the virus may be a difficult conversation, but teaching them how to stay safe at this time is important.

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The COVID-19 outbreak continues to pummel the stock market as today trading was halted after the DOW was down more than 2100 points.  Tulane Professor of Finance Peter Ricchiuti says for those investors who have their money tied up in the market and are feeling uneasy, it is understandable to want to offload some of that stock.

Cut 6 (08) “…really that uncomfortable.”

Ricchiutti says for older investors, investment allocation is important as most advisors would recommend decreasing the percentage of investment in volatile stocks as an investor gets older.

Cut 7 (11) “…the stock market.”

Ricchiuti says for younger investors, he’d be hesitant to recommend making any moves because of a built-in advantage.

Cut 8 (09) “…make it up.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says every Louisiana resident has a role to play in slowing down the spread of the coronavirus. The state is up to 14 presumptive cases and Edwards says the virus can be spread by a person who doesn’t have any COVID-19 symptoms

Cut 9 (06) “…loved ones.″

Edwards also says cover your cough and stay home if you’re sick. U-S Surgeon General Jerome Adams visited with Louisiana leaders today and said if you believe you should be tested for coronavirus, call your health care provider…

Cut 10 (14) “…back quick.”

Adams says it usually takes 24 to 48 hours to get the results of the test back. The governor says he has not been tested since he has no symptoms and has not come into contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19.

Adams says while young people might not get sick from the coronavirus, they still need to be smart in order to protect the elderly…

Cut 11 (16) “…to Europe.”

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Sporting events are being wiped out across nation due to the coronavirus and LSU has not been exempt.  All SEC sports events have been axed through March 30th.  LSU Baseball coach Paul Mainieri talked to reporters upon hearing the breaking developments.

Cut 12 (10) “…to Oxford today.”

Mainieri says after the hard work being put in by everyone involved with the team, the timing is discouraging but says he’s explained to the players about putting this into perspective.

Cut 13 (08) “…baseball games canceled.”

Mainieri says he is sad for the players as this time in their life they’ll never be able to relive.

Cut 14 (12) “…in the world.”

1:30 LRN Newscast March 12

Louisiana has reported an additional presumptive case of the coronavirus bringing our total to 14. U-S Surgeon General Jerome Adams visited with Louisiana leaders today and said if you believe someone should be tested for the coronavirus, call your health care provider…
Cut 10 (14) “…back quickly”
Governor Edwards says he has not been tested since he has no symptoms and has not come into contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19.

The stock market continued to plummet today as the Dow has reached a bear market. Tulane Finance Professor Peter Ricchiutti says for older investors, investment allocation is the key…
Cut 7 (11) “…the stock market.”

Stress levels are rising as the number of COVID-19 cases grows. Matt Doyle spoke with an LSU Health New Orleans expert about how to manage that stress…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Sports fans are going to have a difficult time over the next couple of weeks. The NBA has suspended its season. SEC schools will not hold any games until at least March 30th. LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri says he’s explained to the players on how they should put it into perspective…
cut 13 (08) “…baseball games canceled”
Conference USA and the Southland Conference have also halted play.

10:30 LRN Newscast March 12

The state has reported an additional presumptive case of the coronavirus bringing our total to 14. The office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Alex Billioux says 11 of the cases are from Orleans Parish…
cut 5 (12) “…New Orleans area”
The other patients are from Jefferson, Lafourche and Caddo Parish. Iberia Parish was once on the list, but it has been removed.

Congress is seeking to pass an economic stimulus package to prevent a prolonged economic slowdown. President Trump has proposed a payroll tax cut. Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s unsure about the idea.
Cut 7 (10) “…anyway”

LSU is encouraging the campus community not to travel for Spring Break…
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

The NBA has suspended its season, fans are not allowed at NCAA Basketball Tournament games, including the women’s Final Four in New Orleans. The SEC will not have fans at games on their campuses through March 30th. The LHSAA is still allowing fans to watch state basketball tournament games at the Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles. But that’s subject to change.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards has said we’ll see updated coronavirus case numbers at 9 AM. But as of 9 AM today the number of cases is holding steady at 13. Ten of the patients are from Orleans, one from Jefferson, one from LaFourche and one from Caddo Parish.

The Louisiana Nursing Home Association is asking the public not to visit their loved ones in a nursing home. Matt Doyle spoke with LSU Health New Orleans about the request…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

In an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus, Tulane, Loyola, and UNO have transitioned to online classes. LSU is still holding regular classes, but they’ve asked students and faculty not to travel for spring break. Shola from Baton Rouge has scrapped her travel plans. She says developments in recent days have changed her outlook on just how serious the virus is.
Cut 14 (11) “…get a notification.”

The Dow Jones Industrial Average has lost another two-thousand point today and for the second time, this week trading has been halted after triggering a circuit breaker. Some employers are asking their workers to work from home. We haven’t seen schools close because of the pandemic, Senator Bill Cassidy says that could lead to a parent losing income…
cut 9 (08) “….child”

8:30 LRN Newscast

State officials announce the number of presumptive cases of coronavirus in Louisiana has grown to 13. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The NBA is suspending its season until further notice. As of now, the NCAA Basketball Tournament will be played, but fans will not be allowed in arenas. That includes the women’s final four in New Orleans April third and fifth. The SEC has also decided to keep fans away for its contests through March 30th.

There are three presumptive positive COVID-19 cases at a New Orleans retirement home. This news, plus the deadly outbreak connected with a Seattle-area nursing home prompted the Louisiana Nursing Home Association to prohibit the public from entering their facilities until further notice. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says that means even if you aren’t showing symptoms…
Cut 10 (07) “…transmitting it.”

Spring Break is coming and LSU is asking students and faculty to consider canceling any travel plans they may have. Some of the students we spoke with say they are now staying put. Reese from New Orleans says his Spring Break travel plans have already fallen through due to a Miami music festival cancelation.
Cut 13 (09) “…first world problem.”
LSU says they know some students will travel, so they are considering whether to close school for awhile after spring break.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a public health emergency as the state is reporting 13 presumptive cases of coronavirus. Three residents of the Lambeth House, a retirement center in New Orleans have tested positive and Louisiana nursing homes are restricting access into their facilities. An outbreak at a Seattle-nursing home has resulted in at least 15 deaths LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Doctor Fred Lopez says we can’t let that happen here.
Cut 11 (11) “…of COVID-19.”

Congress is seeking to pass an economic stimulus package to prevent a prolonged economic slowdown. President Trump has proposed a payroll tax cut. Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s unsure about the idea.
Cut 7 (10) “…anyway”

LSU is encouraging the campus community not to travel for Spring Break…
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

The NBA has suspended its season, fans are not allowed at NCAA Tournament games, including the women’s Final Four in New Orleans. The SEC will not have fans at games on their campuses through March 30th. Governor Edwards says, unfortunately, these decisions are necessary…
cut 6 (12) “….with local governments”

6:45 LRN Sportscast March 12

The Pelicans were all set to play the Sacramento Kings last night, but New Orleans never came out for its pregame warm-up. That’s because one of the referees worked a game earlier this week that involved Rudy Gobert. The Utah Jazz center tested positive for the coronavirus, which resulted in the NBA suspending its season until further notice.

As of now, the NCAA Basketball Tournament is set to be played, but fans will not be allowed. That includes the women’s final four in New Orleans April third and fifth. Conference tournaments will go on without fans. The SEC has also decided to keep fans away for its contests until March 31st.

The LHSAA boys basketball state tournament in Lake Charles will continue today with fans, but that could change. Here are your winners from yesterday, Wossman, Simsboro, Doyline, Alexandria, and Bonnabel. The Trojans and Bruins will meet Friday night in the 5A championship game.

Former LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey will be inducted into the college football hall of fame in December. The unanimous all-American helped the Tigers win the 2007 national title Dorsey was a unanimous first-team All-American that season and remains the most decorated defensive player in LSU history.

In the last game in front of fans until at least March 30th, the 19th ranked LSU baseball team beat South Alabama four to one. Freshman second baseman Cade Doughty had three hits and Cade Beloso hit his first home run. The Tigers begin SEC play on Friday at Ole Miss.

The 5th ranked Rebels won their 16th straight yesterday as they defeated ULM 18 to seven. Ole Miss hit five home runs on the day.

Elsewhere…UNO defeated Southern 11 to five, Tulane doubled up Lamar six to three, and Nicholls banked Mississippi Valley State.

At the Southland Conference Basketball Tournament…Northwestern State advanced with a 79-62 win over Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi, McNeese lost to Lamar 80-59. Nicholls plays Lamar tonight.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana now has 13 presumptive cases of COVID-19, a number that’s ballooned from just one reported case Monday. We now have coronavirus cases in St. Tammany, LaFourche, Iberia and Caddo parishes. The elderly are at risk for the most devastating impacts of the virus, so Governor Edwards says recent developments at a New Orleans nursing home are concerning.
Cut 4 (12)_ “…Lambeth House.”
Louisiana nursing homes are screening visitors and restricting who can enter their facilities.

Tulane, Loyola, and UNO have transitioned to online classes. LSU has yet to do so. A student by the name of Gabe from Lafayette says he has no issue if the university decided to halt on-campus classes…
cut 15 (10) “….that pretty easily”

With public events being canceled, travel being restricted and the possibility of people being quarantined and not working, the nation’s economy is expected to take a downturn. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says the best way to avoid an economic slowdown would be if Congress approved a robust infrastructure package…
cut 8 (12) “….jobs”

The Coronavirus is affecting sporting events. The NBA has suspended its season. The SEC will not allow fans at its sporting contests through March 30th. The boys basketball state tournament in Lake Charles continues with fans, but that may change.