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COMBATING COVID-19 As the novel coronavirus infects a 16th U.S. state, Gov. John Bel Edwards says cases in Louisiana are inevitable.
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The three Student Government presidential and vice presidential candidates faced off in a debate on Tuesday night.
ENTERTAINMENT
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“What was meant to be a coming-of-age series turned out to be just another teen Netflix show that lacked originality.”
SPORTS
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“If the sky were to fall, many would panic as they should. As for LSU baseball, there’s nothing to worry about.”
OPINION
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“Despite the social media hate, Middleton is endearing and should be renovated, not torn down.”
L SU Re ve i l le.co m @l s u r e ve i l le
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‘When, not if’: Coronavirus concerns reach LSU, lead to cancellations of study abroad trips BY JACOB MATTHEWS, KIMSEY STEWART & CHARLES FISKE @Jacobbdm24, @KimseyStewart & @chuck_fiske The 2019 coronavirus, or COVID-19, presents a growing threat to the U.S., with over 100 confirmed cases and 11 deaths, as of March 4. Although the illness has not yet reached LSU’s campus or the state of Louisiana, many University students are still affected by the outbreak. A group of 10 University students returned to the U.S. from a study abroad trip in Italy and are required to self-isolate for 14 days, according to Media Relations Director Ernie Ballard. The University also cancelled a spring break study abroad trip to China. “Please be aware this is a very fluid situation that can change quickly,” an email sent to students in the canceled study abroad program said. “We are staying in touch with LSU’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and other offices to keep you up to date.” Other scheduled study abroad trips have not yet been canceled but may be canceled as the virus continues to spread. The University is working alongside local, state and federal health officials to monitor the developments of the virus, Ballard said, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is updating University officials. There are currently no confirmed cases in or around campus. The effects of the virus include fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, particularly in people with underlying severe and chronic health issues, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. Coronavirus spreads similarly to the flu, so the CDC is recommending people wash their hands often, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, cover their mouths while coughing and to stay home if they are sick. University officials also ask sick students to contact the LSU
Student Health Center immediately. LSU Division of Strategic Communications sent an email to the student body, Feb. 29 informing students of coronavirus symptoms and preventative measures. “Students, faculty and staff who have returned from a country that is classified as Level 3 or higher by the CDC for COVID-19 are required to self-quarantine for 14 days and not return to campus unless they are asymptomatic for that period,” the email said. “Those returning from countries classified by the CDC as Levels 1 and 2 are required to monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days and take their temperature twice a day.” Students, faculty and staff must register international travel in the University’s international travel registry, according to the email. Trips booked with the University’s contracted travel agency are automatically registered. One student, international studies junior Anabelle Johnson, arrived for her study abroad program in China in August 2019 and had to leave in February, although she was not initially scheduled to return until the end of the spring semester. Johnson said she was disappointed her trip came to an abrupt end. “I thought I had three more months with the people and the country that I loved, and I’m angry that the coronavirus took that from me,” Johnson said. Students like Johnson are required to self-quarantine for 14 days and not return to campus unless they are asymptomatic for that period. Students who return from countries with lower level infection rates, such as Italy, are required to monitor symptoms for 14 days. All students are also asked to report to a doctor immediately if they have symptoms and to avoid contact with anyone. “Even though I knew it was for my own safety, I was devastated to be told I have to leave China,” Johnson said. Rebecca Fontenot, director of wellness and health promotion at the Student Health Center, said the
STEPHEN M. DOWELL / Orlando Sentinal via AP
Airline passengers wear masks in the terminal area of Orlando International Airport on March 4 in Orlando, Fla.
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NEWSROOM (225) 578-4811 Editor in Chief CALEB GREENE Managing Editor BRITTNEY FORBES Digital Editor ANDREW MIERAS News Editor BAILEY CHAUVIN Deputy News Editor ANNA JONES Sports Editor NATASHA MALONE Deputy Sports Editor ANTHONY MOCKLIN Opinion Editor RACHEL MIPRO Production Editor LUKE JEANFREAU Multimedia Editor ABBY KIBLER
KIMSEY STEWART / The Reveille
A sign hangs outside the Student Health Center warning students who have flu-like symptoms, recently traveled to China or come into contact with someone diagnosed with coronavirus to notify the front desk. SHC is working closely with the EOC, who would lead the response should the virus come to campus. The Health Center has signs posted on every door telling students to alert someone if they believe they may be at risk for developing the coronavirus. “We’re still seeing a lot of seasonal flu now, on top of the mumps, so here, currently, right now, you’re more likely to have the flu than the coronavirus,” Fontenot said. “We want you to take the normal preventative measures for respiratory viruses. CDC recommends washing your hands often with soap and water, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, stay home when you’re sick and cover your cough and sneeze.” The Reveille contacted the EOC about any plans the department has in the event coronavirus makes its way onto the University’s campus, but it declined to comment. Ballard said both the SHC and EOC are “monitoring and taking guidance from Public Health and the CDC,” and the University is following all recommendations and procedures. International trade and finance freshman Mario Gomez said the University is underprepared for an outbreak of coronavirus on campus. “They’re not prepared at all,” Gomez said. “They haven’t sent any advertisements nor given us any types of talks about this virus.” Mass communication freshman Bryce Johnson said he is unsure if the University would be prepared for a coronavirus outbreak on campus considering the current mumps outbreak.
“We had over a dozen cases with that [mumps] outbreak, and that’s something students are supposed to get vaccinated for,” Johnson said. “If they [LSU] are prepared, it won’t be until there’s too many cases. Then, they’ll have to figure something out quickly.” LSU Interim President Thomas Galligan said University leaders will meet daily to discuss coronavirus prevention methods. He also said it is likely the University will cancel study abroad programs in countries labeled Level 4 or Level 3, including China, South Korea, Iran and Italy. China is a Level 4 country, with a “do not travel” warning issued from the State Department. South Korea, Iran and Italy are Level 3, with a “reconsider travel” warning. Japan and Hong Kong are under Level 2 warnings, and travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said there are a few dozen Louisiana residents who may have been exposed, but they have all been quarantined and there are no confirmed cases. East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston said her office is also monitoring the situation, and she is confident in Edwards’ administration. Edwards announced the creation of a COVID-19 task force that will offer guidance to state agencies in a press conference on Tuesday. The state now has the capability to test for the virus through a swab. “We do believe it’s a matter of when, not if,” Edwards said.
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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 weekly during the fall, spring, and summer semesters, except during holidays and final exams. Second-class copies postage paid at Baton Rouge, LA, 70803. Annual weekly mailed subscriptions are $125, semester weekly 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 UP FOR DEBATE
Three presidential, vice presidential candidates face off in debate before March 9 election
BY JOANNA CLARK & BAILEY CHAUVIN @front_row_jo & @ BaileyChauvin In preparation for the upcoming Student Government election on March 9, the three presidential/vice presidential pairs faced off in a debate on Tuesday. The debate was hosted by Commissioner of Elections Avery Spicker and moderated by Tiger TV Station Manager Abigail Hendren and News Director Joshua Bowering. Mechanical engineering junior Stone Cox and English and political science junior Hannah Barrios are running on the “Reach” ticket. Sports administration junior Desh Gaskins and political science junior Hayden Robert are running independently. The “Envision” campaign includes political science junior Mi’Kel Granville and mass communications junior Sophia Pollman. Cox said he would restrict passive campaigning to the spring semester to ensure SG members are focused on action instead of re-election. Granville and Pollman said SG campaigns should be able to use the University’s name or logo while campaigning. “If we’re running for president or vice president, we’re here to represent this top-notch University, and that should be something we should be proud of,” Pollman said. “We shouldn’t have restrictions on it for any upcoming elections next year.” Barrios emphasized the importance of effective communication among the executive branch to the Reach ticket. Gaskins said his
campaign would seek to implement more transparency and support for students. The Envision ticket would also strengthen communication within the executive staff, but also with senior college administration, Pollman said. Cox said he would implement more student outreach within the executive branch. “Reaching the students where they’re at, going to them and overhauling student outreach,” Cox said. “Making sure that we’re with these students and hearing these students so that we can most effectively advocate for these students.” Gaskins said he would work to make SG more representative of all ethnicities and demographics. Pollman and Granville said under their administration, all SG members would participate in outreach. Candidates expressed thoughts on how to shift the University’s culture away from hazing. Cox, a Sigma Phi Epsilon member, said he would use his experience within Greek life to ensure all Greek students feel accepted. Gaskins stressed the importance of education in combating hazing on campus. Pollman said SG should work to change hazing culture while also recognizing the importance Greek organizations have within the community through philanthropy. The next question addressed discrimination against minorities and LGBT students reported in the University’s latest Campus Climate survey. Cox said the Reach ticket includes almost 80 students in
multiple different demographics, which demonstrates the campaign’s commitment to inclusivity. Gaskins said he and Robert would work to make a women and gender studies class a requirement for all majors for students to have conversations about diversity in a regulated setting. Gaskins, Robert and Pollman, who aren’t currently SG members, spoke to how they would leverage their experiences in other organizations if elected. Gaskins, who previously served as the Residence Hall Association president, and Pollman, who started her own non-profit at 13 years old, stated their previous leadership experience would benefit them. The candidates who are SG
members spoke to their experience within the organization. Presidential candidates were asked what makes their vice presidential candidates good potential presidents. Cox spoke to Barrios’ leadership experience and passion, Gaskins praised Robert’s organization, and Granville mentioned Pollman’s passion and commitment. The Reach ticket, as well as Gaskins and Robert, agreed that the University could provide more resources for sexual assault prevention and discussed partnerships with University departments to create those resources. The Envision ticket said there
see STUDENT GOV, page 4
ELIZABETH SULLIVAN / The Reveille
LSU Student Government Presidental canidates and their Vice Presidental candidates debate on Tuesday, Mar. 3.
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Two Baton Rouge friends gone viral BY CAITIE ZEILMAN @caitiezeilman A pair of Baton Rouge friends have taken over the internet with a series of viral videos across several social media platforms. The success began for 22-year-olds Cale Saurage and John Corban when the duo posted a video of themselves dancing around downtown Baton Rouge to the song “Baby I’m Yours” by Breakbot. The video posted to Twitter on Jan. 1, 2019, is captioned “HOW I’M COMIN ALL 2019.” It begins with Saurage jumping out of a dumpster. The video received over 14 million views and 106,000 likes, as of March 4. Saurage has his largest following on the video-sharing social networking app TikTok. He has over 1.4 million followers and a collective 13.4 million likes on his videos, as of March 4. TikTok has over 1 billion users across 150 countries, according to social media advertising agency Wallaroo Media. The app is most popular among 13 to 30-year-olds. Saurage is most known for his character “Cowboy Cale,” a high-energy, dancing cowboy with a thick southern accent. Saurage and his group of friends had one viral hit filmed in Tiger Stadium. The video posted to Twitter shows the
see TIK TOK, page 4
LSU professor James Carville still sees no clear Democratic nominee BY CHARLES FISKE @chuck_fiske
On Tuesday, 14 states and American Samoa held their primary elections for the 2020 presidential cycle. While President Donald Trump is the unquestionable nominee for the Republican Party, the selection of primaries has historically determined the nominee for parties with multiple candidates. In the wake of former South Bend mayor Pete Buttigieg, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg’s dropouts from the race for the Democratic nomination and subsequent endorsements of former Vice President Joe Biden, the momentum of self-described democratic socialist Bernie Sanders’ nomination has been halted. However, Manship School of Mass Communication Professor
James Carville, former political strategist and prominent figure within the Democratic Party, said Sanders’ platform was already doomed. “[The Democratic Party] cannot nominate Bernie Sanders,” Carville said. “The chances of that happening have declined in the last week.” In an interview with the Reveille on Tuesday, Carville criticized the merit of Sanders’ philosophy. “They say in elections, if you stay true to your ‘progressive values,’ that you will stimulate a turnout, particularly among young people and working people,” Carville said. “That has never happened before, and that is not how we are going to win the election.” Carville continued his criticism of “the single most debunked argument in political science” by
likening that argument to someone being an advocate of “climate denial.” In a piece in The New York Times, Pulitzer Prize winner and distinguished author Michelle Goldberg sang a similar tune. She argued that to make up ground lost from moderate voters choosing Trump over Sanders, Sanders would have to inspire an 11% surge in youth votes, more than twice the increase in African American votes during Obama’s 2008 campaign. While Carville does not contest that platforms such as Sanders’ will help engage younger citizens, he firmly believes they will not substantially change voting patterns. “It’s not that I don’t expect it. It’s not going to happen. It’s not,” Carville said.
In his March 3 appearance on MSNBC, Carville emphasized how important the participation of African American and female voters
is in the Democratic presidential nomination, referencing 2018
see CARVILLE, page4
CHRIS CARLSON / Associated Press
Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks at a primary election night campaign rally Tuesday, March 3 in Los Angeles
Thursday, March 5, 2020
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LSU mechanical engineering senior runs 125 miles, raises money for ALS BY KIMSEY STEWART @KimseyStewart Mechanical engineering senior Dante’ Hebert had only run one marathon before deciding to run the 125-mile route along the Mississippi River levee. His efforts raised money for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. The money Hebert raised went to Team Gleason, an organization founded by former New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason and his wife, Michel. Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in 2011, and he used his platform as a football player to raise awareness for the disease and raise money to go toward research efforts. “Steve Gleason has become an integral part of Louisiana culture
STUDENT GOV, from page 3 are resources, but they aren’t highlighted enough. “I don’t think LSU administration has enough rules and protocol set in place for someone who is sexually assaulting our women on campus,” Pollman said. “If they are a student here then there needs to be something set in stone as a punishment for those who sexually assault our women on this campus.” Cox and Barrios plan to add a section for freshmen in campus career fairs to make the University more inclusive in light of freshmen now being required to live on campus. Gaskins and Granville stressed SG’s role of highlighting different organizations. Candidates were then asked initiative specific questions based on the initiatives they had previously submitted. The Reach ticket addressed their initiative to create a dinein option at the Student Union to reduce distribution of single use plastic. Barrios said the initiative would be implemented similarly to the dining halls’ current use of reusable dishes and silverware. Gaskins and Robert spoke about the importance of campus equality research surveys and suggested conducting voluntary
in my eyes,” Hebert said. “Having a way to support Team Gleason and know they will make a difference ultimately lead to my decision of running for them.” Hebert ran his first marathon in 2018 but suffered a few injuries in 2019 that delayed his racing. After his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, Hebert felt an urge to return to racing and help a philanthropic cause. “My mom was initially hesitant about the possibility of an injury,” Hebert said. “After settling her down a bit and pulling a plan together, we ended up fathering more support than we could have ever imagined.” Hebert started the race at Tiger Stadium on Jan. 9, his mother’s birthday. He ended the run at the Mercedes Benz Superdome
hours before the Jan. 13 National Championship for LSU started. Hebert did not complete this run alone. He had a support crew, including his twin brother, Dakota, and his father, John, to ensure his health and safety along the way. His friends were waiting to cheer him on at the end of the grueling run. “This sort of event really changes your perspective on a lot of things in life,” Hebert said. “We were such a small group, but we made a major impact in people’s lives.” The money Hebert raised surpassed his original goal of $5,000, and is now at $7,140 of his new $7,500 goal. Hebert is on track to graduate in May, so he doesn’t have plans to make the race an annual
in-person surveys to increase student participation. The Envision ticket plans to create programs that would allow University students to access prep classes for exams like the LSAT and MCAT for free. The Reach ticket summarized their campaign by reiterating their goal of “reaching’ every student on campus and creating a connected, inclusive community throughout the University. Gaskins closed by emphasizing several of his priorities if elected as president. “We strive to have diversity, equality, sustainability and health and wellness,” Gaskins said. “If you noticed, those happen to spell ‘Desh.’” Pollman asked the audience to raise their hands if they were connected to a campaign and then asked those who weren’t in a campaign to raise their hands. Her question revealed the majority of the audience was involved in one of the three SG campaigns, which the Envision ticket hopes to change. “With the Envision ticket we believe diversity matters. Not only by race but with leadership and individuality,” Granville said. The SG presidential election will take place on Tigerlink on March 9.
TIK TOK, from page 3 men touching the iconic WIN bar before entering the stadium and dancing around. The video was posted in late August 2019 to promote the then upcoming football season. It has amassed over 3.6 million views. The friends also danced on the sidelines of the field of Tiger Stadium during the 2019 season’s first home game. “The energy in the stands is crazy,” Corban told The
CARVILLE, from page 3 midterm elections being largely defined by new female voters showing out for the Democratic Party. On Super Tuesday, these demographic groups showed up in large numbers at the polling booths for Biden. Super Tuesday’s results have upended Sanders’ status of the front runner. The outcome of Super Tuesday has left Biden with a considerable delegate lead. Coming off a big win in South Carolina on Feb. 29, Biden’s campaign, thought to be dead in the water just weeks ago, swept southern states that held primaries on Tuesday. Alongside a dominant performance in Virgin-
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event. He does, however, intend to continue fundraising in the future. “I would be glad to help pass the torch to any individual or
team who would be interested in being involved with something like this,” Hebert said. “[Helping people] is something I will gladly try to continue wherever I go.”
COURTESY OF DANTE’ HEBERT
Mechanical engineering senor Dante’ Hebert and his father, John Hebert, smile in front of Tiger Stadium on Jan. 9. Advocate. “So you can imagine that being on the field.” The Reveille contacted Saurage and Corban, but received no response. Sociology sophomore and TikTok user Samantha Slaton said she is a big fan of Saurage and loves that he showcases Baton Rouge in his videos. “He’s super funny,” Slaton said. “I recognize most of the areas where he shoots his videos. And, of course, I love that he promotes LSU.” Mass communication senior
Samantha Lanham both watches and produces TikTok videos. She is also a fan of Saurage. “I like his dancing TikToks,” Lanham said. “Specifically the ones that highlight southern music. It’s cool that he’s a viral sensation, and he’s from here.” Saurage told The Advocate his main focus is creating positive content. “Everybody tells us, ‘Y’all are doing the same thing you always did, but y’all are just filming it now.’ That’s cool to hear,” Saurage said.
ia, where he captured 63% of the vote, and an unexpected victory in Massachusetts, Biden has accumulated a lead of over 60 delegates. It is still too early to see a clear nominee for the Democratic Party, as no candidate has yet to crack 600 delegates, and 1,991 delegates are needed to secure the nomination. According to a FiveThirtyEight analysis, there was a 69% chance that no clear nominee would arise from the Democratic primaries heading into Super Tuesday, splitting the other 31% almost down the middle between the two frontrunners, with a slight edge for Sanders over Biden. Carville’s thoughts on Sanders’ campaign weaknesses was met with some pushback. Less than
a week after an MSNBC appearance by Carville on Feb. 5 where Carville explained the fallacy of Sanders’ philosophy, an article in The New Republic by Ed Burmila chastised Bill Clinton’s former strategist, stating his analysis of Sanders “represents much that’s wrong with the Democratic Party.” Burmila went on to say Carville’s thoughts on how candidates should approach their campaigns are outdated and too obsessed with “swing voters.” Carville extended an invitation to Burmila to Skype into his class at the University to “explain to [Carville’s] students why he thinks their professor is obsolete.” Carville has yet to receive a response.
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ENTERTAINMENT
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REV R ANKS
DOCUMENTARY SERIES
THE TRIALS OF GABRIEL FERNANDEZ Netflix
The six-part documentary follows the trials of Gabriel’s mother, her boyfriend and the four social workers who handled Fernandez’s case. The judicial system sentenced the boyfriend with the death penalty, the mother with life in prison and the four social workers were found not guilty.
Morgan Money @MorganPMoney
MOVIE
THE INVISIBLE MAN Universal Pictures
Production design, music, editing and camera movement combine to create a truly unique and clean experience, which works as a way of mirroring the sense of control that Adrian still has over Cecilia’s life. The film suffers from the typical horror movie ailment of “characters doing dumb things,” as many character decisions ranged from head-scratchers to eye-rolls.
Charles Jones @saxycj
TV SHOW
THE FINAL TABLE Netflix
The Netflix original “The Final Table” gives cooking shows a new meaning. The competition is intensified with not only having well-known food critics and chefs judging the dishes, but with the contestants themselves being world-famous chefs. Enhancing the skills of the competitors brings more creativity displayed in the dishes, making the elimination round more challenging.
Caroline Hebert @ sister_carols
TV SHOW
JOHN MULANEY & THE SACK LUNCH BUNCH Netflix
It’s a children’s show, but it is geared toward adults. The jokes are strange and entertaining. The children are talented and make you think about your own talents. There is an eight-year-old kid who can sing, and I can only cram information for a test. It’s wholesome and much needed on a bad day if you want to uplift your mood.
Britney Young @byoun99
Read the full reviews online at lsunow.com/entertainment
“I Am Not Okay with This” is one more teen series Netflix didn’t need BY ENJANAE’ TAYLOR @ _queenet_
“I Am Not Okay with This” is pretty much what everyone expected it would be. When the trailer for the latest Netflix teen drama series dropped it had people talking a lot on Twitter. People recognized its seemingly unoriginal plot and saw it as a “Carrie” ripoff. Critics also complained about the cast being not very diverse. Since then people have continued to share negative opinions on Twitter and the topic has even spread to Tik Tok, with people making fun of the trailer by recreating it and showcasing how easy it was for them to make another typical Netflix teen show within a couple of seconds. I went into watching this show as open-minded as possible, but the people have spoken, and the people weren’t wrong. Sydney Novak (Sophia Lillis) is an angsty teen girl who feels different than everyone else in her town, except for the boy that lives close to her, Stanley (Wyatt Oleff), who she likes because he’s different too. Her best friend, Dina (Sofia Bryant), who starts dating the popular rude jock at school named Brad (Richard Ellis). This bothers Sydney because her feelings for Dina are complex. Dealing with the stress of being a teenager, the recent suicide of her father and her bad relationship with her mother, Sydney struggles to have fun in high school. Chances of her being normal halt as she discovers through one of her emotional episodes that she has powers that she can’t control. Everything about this show is typical and unsurprising. We’ve seen this storyline done so many times that I simply can’t find a reason as to why someone dids it again without making any significant additions. A girl who feels different and actually turns out to be different but that’s ok because everyone’s different and it’s a cool
COURTESY OF NETFLIX
thing. We’ve learned this les son many times over the years, but I fail to see what makes this story special. Sydney is able to do things like make people bleed and flip over street signs, and worries her powers may become too much to handle. Throughout the show, a scene is foreshadowed where Sydney is covered in blood and running away from something, hinting that her powers did become too much and things escalated. I can’t say I expected to be surprised, and when I got to the end, I wasn’t. There is a graphic scene at the end, but it still didn’t shock me concerning the storyline since it was pretty predictable with the homage to ‘Carrie’ that something like that
would happen. What was meant to be a coming-of-age series turned out to be a just another teen Netflix show that lacked originality and excitement. The actors did well with what was given, I enjoyed Oleff’s performance, but the script was sometimes too cringeworthy to stand. Netflix has great coming-ofage teen shows like “Sex Education,” “The End of the F***ing World,” “Stranger Things” and “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.” There’s no excuse for them to produce shows of lesser quality. I’m sure this show will have a second season. I hope it’s more creative and exciting than the first.
Thursday, March 5, 2020
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Thursday, March 5, 2020
STUDENT GOVERNMENT CANDIDATES
page 7
PHOTOS BY ELIZABETH SULLIVAN
SG presidential and vice presidential candidates discuss platforms, initiatives during Tuesday’s debate.
ENVISION
REACH
LSU Student Government canidates Mi’Kel Granville (left) and Sophia Pollman (right) speak on Tuesday, Mar. 3, 2020, during the Student Government debate.
LSU Student Government canidates Stone Cox (left) Hannah Barrios (right) speak on Tuesday, Mar. 3, 2020, during the Student Government debate.
Candidates
Candidates
Political science junior Mi’Kel Granville Broadcast journalism junior Sophia Pollman Granville previously a member of SG, Pollman is not
Platform Less restriction on SG campaigning SG should work to change hazing culture while recognizing importance of Greek organizations within the community Create programs for students to access free prep classes for exams like the LSAT and MCAT
I don’t think the LSU administration has enough rules and protocol set in place for someone who is sexually assaulting our women on campus. If they are a student here then there needs to be something set in stone as a punishment for those who sexually assault our women on this campus.
INDEPENDENTS LSU Student Government canidates Desh Gaskins (left) and Hayden Robert (right) speak on Tuesday, Mar. 3, 2020, during the Student Government debate.
Candidates
Mechanical engineering junior Stone Cox English and political science junior Hannah Barrios Both serve in SG executive branch
Sports administration junior Desh Gaskins Political science junior Hayden Robert Both are new to SG
Platform
Platform Restrict SG campaigning to spring semester Implement more student outreach University should provide more resources for sexual assault prevention Increase students’ knowledge of SG college councils Initiative to create a dine-in option at the Student Union to reduce distribution of single-use plastics
SG judicial branch should serve students efficiently and effectively Seek to implement more transparency and support students Work to make SG more representative of all demographics Work with senior colleges on requiring a women and gender studies class across all majors as an approved elective Importance of campus equality research
Reaching the students where they’re at, going to them and overhauling student outreach. Making sure that we’re with these students and hearing these students so that we can most effectively advocate for these students.
Being able to know truly what hazing is would then set the precedent through collaboration and through education. So that when [students] are making their decision they would realize that and think about that for future endeavors within their student organizations.
STONE COX, ON STUDENT OUTREACH
SOPHIA POLLMAN, ON SEXUAL ASSAULT
Envision vice president candidate
Reach presidential candidate
DESH GASKINS, ON HAZING
Presidential candidate
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THE Daily Commuter Puzzle ACROSS 1 A-E connection 4 Red tree 9 Foot part 13 “If __ a Hammer” 15 Sifting device 16 Hatchets 17 Actor Hackman 18 Lost color 19 Stack 20 Scold 22 Williams or Griffith 23 Broadcasts 24 In one __ and out the other 26 “The __ of the Light Brigade” 29 Highest point 34 Stops walking 35 Intertwined 36 Gun the engine 37 Needs a doctor 38 Looked toward 39 Key __ pie 40 Tomorrow: abbr. 41 Yearned 42 Bit of gossip 43 Item in a makeup kit 45 Mom or dad 46 Ring of flowers 47 Juvenile delinquent 48 “Jeremiah __ bullfrog…” 51 Spending lavishly 56 Apple sampler 57 Basketball rims 58 At no time, to a poet 60 Actress Turner 61 Miss __; role on “Dallas” 62 Celebration 63 Caustic soap components 64 Great buys 65 File drawer, perhaps DOWN 1 Oversized 2 Sonny’s ex 3 Hans Christian Andersen, for one
by Jacqueline E. Mathews
Created by Jacqueline E. Mathews
4 Have high hopes 5 Neeson’s namesakes 6 Boxer Oscar __ Hoya 7 Like 2, 4, 6 and 8 8 Blushed 9 World’s largest hot desert 10 Plow pullers 11 Go before others 12 Notice 14 Leaves 21 Big __; semis 25 Common conjunction 26 Rub enough to make sore 27 As __ as an ape 28 Pitcher Reynolds 29 Many a racehorse 30 Like petits fours 31 Arson or burglary 32 Yellow fruit 33 Chris of tennis 35 Path 38 Concluded
3/5/20
Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved
©2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved.
39 Lying furtively in wait 41 Dessert choice 42 Pealed 44 Camels’ smaller cousins 45 Handbags 47 Student 48 Mural surface
3/5/20
49 Call it __; quit & go home 50 Rational 52 Mast 53 Actress Falana 54 __ miss; close call 55 Becomes firm 59 Traitor
SPORTS Ok, Strike That LSU baseball is not finished, only getting started ABBY KIBLER / The Reveille
If the sky were to fall, most people would run around in panic. And rightly so. After all, the sky is falling. But all the yelling and screaming will not stop the sky from falling. LSU baseball is similar to the sky. Yes, the Tigers did pick up a win against Southeastern on Tuesday, but the team struggled offensively during the Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic in Houston and were no hit by No. 15 Oklahoma for the first time in program history. What made it even worse was that A.J. Labas pitched a one-hitter against the Sooners and still got the loss because one home run and two hits were enough. I am here to tell you that you should still go about your day as you have always done because the sky is not falling.
While the hitting is a concern, LSU still has consistency from some players at the plate. Junior infielder Zach Mathis is batting .341 and junior outfielder Daniel Cabrera leads the team in average at .372. The main problem is power, Sophomore infielder Cade Beloso, while hitting consistently, is without a home run this season. Even with these question marks, there are still a lot of positives, mainly on the mound and in the bullpen. Right-hander Jaden Hill turned out to be just the man coach Paul Mainieri said he would be if healthy: an absolute beast on the mound. Hill has only given up one hit in 7.2 innings pitched. He could be the key to keeping opponents at bay late in games. Right-hander Nick Storz, while not throwing as much heat, has also impressed by only allowing four hits in 7.2 innings pitched. Along with these two bullpen arms, Friday starter, right-hander
Cole Henry is leading the charge as the ace of the staff with a 1.80 earned run average. Landon Marceaux and A.J. Labas are both showing signs they can pick up the slack if Henry gets the injury bug. As for the bats, that’s where the real issue for the Tigers lies. Freshman infielder Collier Cranford hit a double against Southeastern and looks to be seeing the ball better than his .125 average indicates. Sophomore outfielder Giovanni DiGiacomo is batting an even .300 and would be a tremendous help on the base path if he can continue seeing the ball. Factor in freshman infielder Cade Doughty — who leads the team in home runs and has shown the defensive ability to keep up in the field — getting more adjusted to college pitching, and the Tigers are just fine at the plate. Put these factors together and you have a solid team that
BASEBALL
Consistent hitting key in LSU’s midweek victory over SLU BY KENNEDI LANDRY @kennlandry
LSU baseball first base sophomore Cade Beloso (24) screams during LSU’s 7-4 victory against Indiana on Feb. 15 in Alex Box Stadium. BY MYLES KUSS @KussMyles
page 9
is learning to play with one another. It’s frustrating to see them lose games on big stages — the no-hitter against Oklahoma and a blown lead against Baylor — even when they seem to be playing good baseball, but that is what makes the game so great. The results will start to come along as the middle of the order learns to adjust to an always competitive Southeastern Conference. So, do not run around yelling and screaming as the world is not collapsing, the team is simply learning how they can compete day in and day out. Everyone knows that LSU can pitch; it’s up to Mainieri to calm his hitters down and let them do what they know they can: hit the baseball. Even if the sky is falling, running around without a plan is not the course of action. Going to these games and watching them make it to the College World Series is.
LSU baseball doesn’t normally practice on Mondays. This Monday though, after the Tigers were no-hit by Oklahoma on Sunday, coach Paul Mainieri thought practice would be best to flush the weekend away ahead of Tuesday’s matchup with Southeastern. Practice seemed to work for the Tigers, who notched nine hits in a 6-3 victory over Southeastern Tuesday. “We needed to get back to work,” Mainieri said. “We’re disappointed we lost those last two games in Houston, but we could’ve won all three games. We were right there. They were great ball games and could’ve gone either way. “When you lose close games, you just don’t want your kids to get down in the dumps, so we got back to work yesterday and got ourselves focused on tonight. I thought we came out with a lot of fire.” Junior outfielder Daniel
see BASEBALL, page 10
MEN’S BASKETBALL
LSU basketball lands two 4-star prospects and Gaines BY HARRISON VALENTINE @HValentineLSU LSU basketball made a big splash this weekend as the Tigers picked up a critical win against Texas A&M but also gained two commitments from four-star prospects on the recruiting trail. Head coach Will Wade landed a verbal pledge from four-star Georgia guard Eric Gaines on Sunday morning, moving LSU up to the No. 6 recruiting class in the country for 2020, according to 247Sports team rankings. Gaines, the 6-foot-3 Lithonia native, joins a loaded incoming class of five-star shooting guard Cam Thomas, four-star forward Mwani Wilkinson, three-star
guard Jalen Cook, three-star center Bradley Ezewiro, and impact transfers Shareef O’Neal (UCLA) and Josh LeBlanc (Georgetown). “It just made me feel like I was back at home,” Gaines told 247Sports of his commitment to LSU. “The environment was welcoming, and I got along with the teammates and coaches.” Gaines is rated the No. 16 point guard in the country and the No. 8 prospect overall in the state of Georgia. That night, Wade secured another commitment from his first recruit for the 2021 class in four-star center Jerrell
see BASKETBALL, page 10
JALEN HINTO / The Reveille
LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade coaches his team during the Tigers’ 82-78 win over the Miizzou Tigers on Feb 11, in the PMAC.
page 10 BASKETBALL, from page 9 Colbert. Colbert is ranked the No. 6 center in America for 2021 and No. 32 overall prospect, according to 247Sports. “I picked them because basically it’s where I’m most
BASEBALL, from page 9 Cabrera and freshman infielder Cade Doughty both had two hits on the night, including a two-run bomb by Doughty in the third inning. Outfielder Drew Bianco also added a hit and walk with two runs on the night. Doughty said he’s just trying to barrel up every single pitch. Cabrera said the Monday practice was a positive experience for the Tigers and allowed the team to get ready to prepare for good Southeastern squad. He said the Monday practice, which he believed is the first of his LSU career, was a good idea to get ready for Tuesday’s game. “We completely put that (Oklahoma game) behind us,” Doughty added. “We just came out today with our approaches just set in stone and focused on what we could control, and it ended up working out for us.” Mainieri said a big key coming out of LSU’s weekend in Houston was limiting strikeouts and hitting opposite field at the
Thursday, March 5, 2020 comfortable at and the best fit for me to get to the next level with their training,” Colbert told Evan Daniels of 247Sports. “LSU was hitting me up every day. I really liked that. The other schools were hitting me, but not as much
as LSU.” Former four-star prospect Shareef O’Neal, son of LSU legend Shaquille O’Neal, decided to transfer from UCLA back in January and announced his decision to join LSU in February.
plate. The Tigers improved in both areas. The team had only five strikeouts — which Mainieri said still was not ideal — and a significant amount of opposite field hits. “It was a good approach,” Doughty said. “We stayed true to ourselves, but I think it’s really good to get back down to the grind and figure out what we have to do.” Doughty said another key to LSU offensive performance against Southeastern was getting back to the basic fundamentals of hitting and the things that new hitting coach Eddie Smith teaches. Cabrera said the Tigers focused on all those things in that Monday practice. “Today we came out ready to play against a good Southeastern team,” Cabrera said. “We did a pretty good job; we probably could’ve finished a little better at the end, scratched a few more hits or runs, but it’s baseball, and we’ll learn and get better from it for tomorrow.”
LSU baseball junior outfielder Daniel Cabrera (8) sprints towards third base during LSU baseball’s season opening 8-1 win against Indiana in Alex Box Stadium on Feb. 14, 2020.
“It’s real big footsteps [to follow],” O’Neal said, “but I’m ready for it. It’s a great program. Louisiana is a different scene. I’ve been in L.A. most of my life, but I’m ready for it.” Despite recent strug-
gles, Wade has secured the third-best recruiting class in the Southeastern Conference. The Tigers wrap up the season on Saturday against Georgia before traveling to Nashville for the SEC Tournament next week.
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OPINION
page 11
TikTok creators should not be paid for unoriginal content SINCERELY SHELBY SHELBY BORDES @shelbybordes Unless you don’t have a phone, you have probably heard TikTok. The app is a host for many 15-second to one-minute videos in a wide range of genres. Since it was launched in 2016, TikTok has attracted many popular creators who generate thousands of views on their videos and create traction for the app itself. TikTok recently began paying the popular creators based on viewership and promotional aspects in their videos. The videos, are usually made by people lip syncing to various audio. The app is mostly people using popular songs or clips from videos to dance or “act out” the audio in a number of ways. Many of the creators who generate revenue are not creative or original. Most of the videos are not hard to produce
as they make use of trends including lip singing and dancing to audio that is not their own. One of the most popular creators, Charli D’Amelio, is a 15-year-old girl from Connecticut. She has over 30 million followers and has earned 2 billion likes on her videos. D’Amelio generates anywhere from $19,000 to $30,000 per video. I normally wouldn’t see anything wrong with that amount of money, but I don’t think the content she creates is worthy of revenue. Other platforms, specifically YouTube, pay the creators who generate enough viewership on the videos they have worked hard to create. YouTube creators produce original and complex content, much of which is worthy of revenue. TikTok creators—and I hesitate to call them creators—produce material that hardly requires any work or talent. Most popular people on the app adhere to the stereotypical societal standard of beauty. Looks bring them attention.
The appearances of these TikTok users allow them to make simple, unoriginal videos and receive a large amount of likes, followers and money. A former LSU student, Addison Easterling, has become very popular on TikTok, gaining 20 million followers on her account. To further consolidate this fame, she recently moved to California into a residence deemed the “Hype House,” where other TikTok creators live. Easterling’s videos, much like D’Amelio, showcase her ability to dance and lip sync to popular songs. The odd thing about TikTok creators is that their followers hardly, if ever, hear their actual voices. That means their followers don’t really know them or have a sense of their personality. It’s hard to understand how a person could be so popular on the app if they can only be recognized by their face. I don’t think TikTok creators should be paid because of their ability to look good in a
Courtesy of TikTok
60-second video. I believe paid creators should work hard to produce original and creative content.
Shelby Bordes is a 21-year-old mass communication junior from Rayne, Louisiana.
Middleton Library is charming, doesn’t deserve hate SAUCE BOSS CÈCILE CÉCILE GIRARD @_cegi_ At the center of the financial tug-of-war between athletics and academics is a looming figure: the Troy H. Middleton Library. As the football facilities are remodeled with the athletic department’s bottomless pool of funding, many students have called for the demolition of Middleton to make room for a more modern library. Despite how strongly I believe academics should be prioritized over athletics, I am opposed to the idea. The truth is that I actually like old, outdated, mustysmelling Middleton Library. At 62-years old, Middleton is far from being a truly old building, at least not in the same sense as the Parthenon or the Pyramids of Giza. It’s not even the oldest building on the University campus—that title goes to the 97-year-old Dairy Barn. Yet as a heavily trafficked hub of student life and knowledge, it wears age more prominently than most University buildings.
Every corner of the library breathes with the lives of past students. The heavily graffitied desks of the third and fourth floors are stratigraphic testaments to the generations of students before me who have desperately crammed for finals. The narrow, bookpacked shelves represent the accrued stories of the University, human history and imagination. Middleton’s age makes it inviting in a way that most cold, impassive modern buildings are not. Its weathered, knowing, sometimes chaotic vibe comforts me as I enter and settle before a computer to work or study. Based on the students I see studying around me in Middleton, I’m sure many other LSU students feel the same way. Despite the aesthetic charms of Middleton, I recognize it needs some structural changes in the interest of health and safety. Many ceiling tiles show signs of water damage, and students with respiratory problems can never stay long on the top floors. In 2019, a Reveille article revealed that Middleton “needs $400,000 to replace asbestos flooring on the first floor by the stacks.” I’ve always felt there was
BEN CAPLAN / The Reveille
Many students come to middleton in search of a quiet and safe studying environment. something special in the air at Middleton, but I’d rather it not be microscopic cancer-causing fibers. The necessary renovations can be made without tearing down the entire library, which would not only keep Middleton mostly in its current state, but would save the University money and avoid
the dysfunction of temporarily running a university without a library. I hope the University will soon make the needed repairs to the titan of the quad so that the unique charm of Middleton can be preserved for years to come. There is just no other indoor spot on cam-
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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. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, The Reveille or the university. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille.com or delivered to B-39 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must provide a contact phone number for verification purposes, which will not be printed. The Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration while preserving the original intent. The Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Reveille’s editor in chief, hired every semester by the LSU Student Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.
pus that rivals a desk by a window on the fourth floor, basking in the aerial view of the quad’s oak trees as the smell of old books wafts past you. Cécile Girard is a 20-year-old psychology sophomore from Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Quote of the Week “Health is not valued till sickness comes.”
Thomas Fuller Historian 1608 — 1661
page 12
Thursday, March 5, 2020
LSU needs to amend attendance policies for recent outbreaks TEA WITH MARIE MARIE PLUNKETT @MarieC_214 At 8:32 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 29, the University sent out a “Coronavirus Update” email to all faculty, staff and students. The email assured its recipients that the University was in contact with health officials at the local, state and federal level to ensure the safety of everyone on campus. The email contained a warning about the virus’ symptoms and effects, as well as preventative measures students should take. A majority of the preventative steps are probably practiced routinely by students even without the threat of coronavirus, except for one: staying home when you are sick. Most students know to cough or sneeze into a tissue, to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, to disinfect frequently touched surfaces, to avoid drinking after others and to wash their hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds. However, very students have the luxury to skip class because of feeling under the weather. University instructors and professors are incredible and
very understanding most of the time, but unless they’re teaching an online class, chances are most professors enforce a strict attendance policy that doesn’t take COVID-19 into account. The solution would be for students to get sick notes from the University’s health center or a primary care physician, which would effectively excuse them from class. However, with the recent mumps cases and the sudden coronavirus hysteria in addition to the already busy flu season, the Student Health Center doesn’t have the capacity to provide every unwell student with an appointment in a timely fashion. Without a reliable option for excused absences, most students will be unwilling to let their grades drop for the sake of public health. The unfortunate reality makes a second piece of advice given by the University nearly impossible: to avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoiding people who are sick or possibly infectious is solid advice, but it’s naive on a college campus. If students feel they have no alternative but to attend classes, they will. Those students then pose a threat not only to all their fellow students, but also to their professors and staff in general Univer-
ETHAN GILBERTI / The Reveille
Along with coronavirus and the mumps outbreak, LSU students must deal with strict attendance policies. sity. While LSU has yet to report a coronavirus case, the mumps outbreak earlier this year doesn’t lend much credence to the University’s ability to prevent public health crises. Even though LSU is an academic institution, the health and well being of its stu-
dent body should always be top priority, which currently isn’t being reflected in University policy. The University shouldn’t be criticized for sending out the email, nor for attempting to calm fears and potential corona virus hysteria within the LSU community, as both were done with
good intentions. However, the University needs to amend its attendance policies or provide students with viable options for adhering to those already in place. Marie Plunkett is a 21-year-old classical studies junior from New Orleans.