A new “I Voted” sticker design is being revealed by Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin today. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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 3,500 Louisiana AT&T workers are striking, protesting what they say is the company’s refusal to send a representative who can negotiate a new contract…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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LSU President F. King Alexander is touting record numbers with the incoming freshmen class. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is set to unveil the “I voted” sticker design for the fall 2019 elections at UL Lafayette this morning.

The stickers first surfaced for the 2016 Presidential election as an effort to incentivize voter turnout but have not been seen in elections since then.  Ardoin says the demand for the return is clear.

Cut 4 (09) “…2019 gubernatorial election.”

The 2016 sticker featured the Blue Dog made famous by artist George Rodrigue and was in high demand with many flipping the stickers on eBay. Ardoin expect similar enthusiasm for the new sticker.

Cut 5 (10) “…secret just yet.”

Ardoin says his office is footing the bill and despite running out of the stickers in previous years, expects there will be enough for voters in both the primary and runoff.

Cut 6 (08) “…for the gubernatorial.”

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Roughly 3,500 Louisiana AT&T workers are on strike, protesting what they say is bad faith negotiating by the company in discussions for the union’s new contract which recently expired.

Communication Workers of America Local 403 President Dwaine Henderson says the union is ready to negotiate, but AT&T refuses to send a representative who can actually cut a deal.

Cut 7 (10)“…done”

AT&T spokesperson Jim Kimberly told WBRZ “We’re baffled as to why union leadership would call a strike when we’re offering terms that would help our employees be better off.”

Henderson says in the meantime workers will not be out installing or repairing new AT&T services. He says this should send a message to the company about the value of their workers.

Cut 8 (09) “normally do”

The strike covers the Southeastern region of AT&T CWA workers and is estimated to include 20,000 total people.

Henderson says it’s the first time they’ve struck in Baton Rouge since 1983. He says they didn’t want to have to strike, but the company’s actions have forced their hand.

Cut 9 (13) “…that”

The 403 will be staging a unified informational picket this afternoon starting at 4:30 PM at the corner of Corporate and Jefferson in Baton Rouge.

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Many economists are warning that a new round of tariffs set to kick in in December between the US and China may set off a global recession.

House Minority Whip and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise says the global economy would brighten  up and recession fears would recede if the Chinese were to accept a fair trade deal with the US.

Cut 10 (09) “…China.”

The chief economist for Morgan Stanley warned the recession could begin six to nine months after the tariffs take effect.

Scalise backs the President’s trade war and says the short-term disruption to the economy is necessary to make up for decades of trade inaction on the China issue.

Cut 11 (10) “…away with.” 

The December tariffs will raise rates on 250 billion dollars worth of Chinese goods to 30%, and 300 billion dollars worth of Chinese goods to 10 percent. China has vowed equitable retaliation.

Negotiations with China on a long-term trade deal recently collapsed. Scalise says it’s been difficult to get the People’s Republic to stay committed on any details.

Cut 12 (10) “…trade deal.”

The comments come from an interview with WWL Radio.

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LSU had a record number of freshmen on campus this year for the first day of class yesterday. University President F. King Alexander says by the numbers, the class has 6,200 students, up from last year’s record 5,800 with an average GPA of nearly 3.7.

Cut 13 (06) “…in state record.”

Alexander adds with new facilities and residence halls, the school has room to grow.  The number of students residing on campus has also grown to a record level from 6,700 to 7,800. Alexander says this contributes to better outcomes.

Cut 14 (10) “…also graduating more.”

Alexander credits work in several areas for the growth, and says the numbers are a testament to the effectiveness of the holistic admissions approach LSU has taken.

Cut 15 (08) “…that just entered.”

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We’re just four days away from seeing LSU’s new spread offense. It will make its debut in Saturday night’s season opener against Georgia Southern. Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron continues to promise big things for the Tigers offense, especially with the passing game

Cut 16  (13) “…very well”   

Orgeron has released a depth chart ahead of Saturday’s game and it shows junior Clyde Edwards-Helaire as the Tigers starting tailback. Orgeron is also expecting big things from his freshmen ball carriers, Tyrion Davis-Price and John Emery…

cut 17 (23) “…very explosive runs” 

On defense, LSU will have to play assignment football on Saturday to stop Georgia Southern’s triple-option offense. The Eagles averaged 266 yards on the ground last season, the seventh-best mark in the F-B-S. Orgeron is glad they’ve had some extra time to prepare…

Cut 18 (13) “…big play” 

A first-grader admits to starting a church fire in Vivian after playing with a lighter they found in the parking lot of the building. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the child insisted they didn’t have a vendetta against the church or anyone who went there, they were just curious about fire…

Cut 10 (08) “…matches and lighters.”

The 7-year-old told investigators he snuck into the church while it was closed to play with the lighter.

The world champion Eastbank Little League team is back home after an incredible tournament run capped by two consecutive shutout games to end the competition. U.S. House Minority Whip and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise says the team is one the state can be proud of.

Cut 3 (10) “…fun to watch.”

President Trump has extended an invitation for the team to visit the White House.

The Dean Lee Research Center outside Alexandria is now the farthest north location for sugar cane planting in the world as scientists try to test the limits of the cash crop. Currently, the farthest north commercial sugarcane is grown is in Lecompte, a few miles south of Dean Lee. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Ken Gravois says it’s remarkable we’ve even found success that far inland.

Cut 8 (12) “…varieties.”

Soybeans and corn tend to dominate acreage the further north you move in Louisiana.

Authorities allege an impaired driver killed a motorcyclist from Vidalia early Sunday morning in Concordia Parish. Trooper Scott Moreau says 63-year-old Veria Coleman of Jonesville crossed the center line on U-S Highway 84, striking several motorcyclists, one of them fatally.

Cut 12 (10) “…the motorcycles”

The deceased motorcyclist is identified as 22-year-old Cody McClung.

The Eastbank Little League World Champions are back in New Orleans today.  President Trump has extended an invitation for the team to visit the White House following the 8-0 shutout in the championship game.  Assistant coach Kevin Johnson says the victory hasn’t really sunk in and had an effect on the team yet.

Cut 4 (10) “…to get home.”

Johnson credits a positive mental attitude for the teams success.

A Caddo Parish first-grader admits to starting a church fire in Vivian. The 7-year-old told investigators he broke a window at the Church of Christ on Saturday, came back Sunday to see the opening was patched with cardboard.  State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the child snuck into the church through that opening.

Cut 9 (09) “…whole building down.”

State Police believe an impaired driver caused a wreck that killed a motorcyclist from Vidalia early Sunday morning in Concordia Parish. Trooper Scott Moreau says 63-year-old Veria Coleman of Jonesville crossed the center line on U-S Highway 84 and hit a couple of motorcyclists. Moreau says the fatality occurred when one of the fallen motorcyclists was hit by a vehicle driving behind them
Cut 13 (08) “…the motorcycle.”
The deceased motorcyclist is identified as 22-year-old Cody McClung. There were five additional injuries and they were transported to an area hospital.

The Dean Lee Research Center outside Alexandria is now the farthest north location for sugar cane planting in the world as scientists try to test the limits of the cash crop. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Ken Gravois says more and more farmers are growing interested in the crop in central Louisiana and elsewhere away from the coast.

Cut 6 (11) “…Alexandria.”

The world champion little league team from suburban New Orleans is back in town following their triumphant run that was capped with a 8-0 final win over Curacao. U.S. House Minority Whip and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise says the team is one the state can be proud of.

Cut 3 (10) “…fun to watch.”

President Trump has extended an invitation for the team to visit the White House.

Researchers are testing the boundaries of just how far north sugarcane can grow at the Dean Lee Research Center outside Alexandria. Currently, the farthest north commercial sugarcane is grown is in Lecompte, a few miles south of Dean Lee. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Ken Gravois says it’s remarkable it’s moved that far inland…

Cut 8 (12) “…varieties.”

Sugarcane prices are considered more stable than grain and soybeans.

A Caddo Parish first-grader admits to starting a church fire in Vivian. The child told investigators he found a lighter in the parking lot, and played around with it after sneaking into a closed church. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the child insisted on having no ill will or issues with the church or its congregation.

Cut 10 (08) “…matches and lighters.”

Due to the suspect’s age, no arrest was made.

State Police believe an impaired driver caused a wreck that killed a motorcyclist from Vidalia early Sunday morning in Concordia Parish. Trooper Scott Moreau says 63-year-old Veria Coleman of Jonesville crossed the center line on U-S Highway 84 and hit a couple of motorcyclists

Cut 12 (10) “…the motorcycles”

The deceased motorcyclist is identified as 22-year-old Cody McClung. There were five additional injuries and they were transported to an area hospital.

The Little League World Series Champions are traveling back home to the New Orleans area today. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (28) “..I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Authorities say a seven-year-old is responsible for a church fire in the Caddo Parish town of Vivian. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says due to the suspect’s age, no arrest was made. Browning this is a teachable moment for the child and other kids who are fascinated by fire….
cut 11 (09) “…of control”
Browning says the child told investigators that he lit cardboard and toilet paper to start the fire.

The LSU Ag Center is conducting research into whether the climate in central Louisiana can support the growing of sugarcane. LSU Ag Center sugarcane specialist Kennth Gravois says hard freezes are more common in CENLA which can decimate the tropical crop.
Cut 7 (11) “…effect”
Currently, commercial sugarcane is grown as far north as Lecompte, which is 16 miles south of Alexandria.

State Police believe an impaired driver caused a wreck that killed a motorcyclist from Vidalia early Sunday morning in Concordia Parish. The deceased motorcyclist is identified as 22-year-old Cody McClung. State Trooper Scott Morea says 63-year-old Veria coleman of Jonesville crossed the center line and hit a group of motorcycles early Sunday morning, causing McClung’s death…
cut 14 (07) “….crime lab”
Five people were sent to the hospital for treatment of injuries.

The Little League World Series champs are on their way back to Louisiana after completing their title run with an 8-0 win over Curaco in Williamsport. There will be a welcome home celebration at 4:00 this afternoon in a parking lot at the Shrine on Airline in Metairie. Assistant coach Kevin Johnson says on why the team succeeded…
cut 5 (09) “..group of kids”
President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to the team from River Ridge to visit the White House.

A Caddo Parish first-grader admits to starting a church fire in Vivian on Sunday. The 7-year-old told investigators he broke a window at the Church of Christ on Saturday and came Sunday to see the opening was patched with cardboard. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the child snuck into the church through that opening.
Cut 9 (09) “…whole building down.”
Due to the suspect’s age, no arrest was made. Browning says this is a teachable moment for the child as well as other children.

The L-S-U Ag Center is trying to determine if sugarcane can successfully grow in central Louisiana. Matt Doyle has the story…
cut 2 (31) “…reporting”

Hundreds of AT-and-T Workers around the state are on strike claiming unfair labor practices. An estimated 20-thousand workers in Louisiana and eight other states have walked off the job. A-T-and-T says they are baffled by the walkout since they offered terms that would result in their employees being better off.

The Dean Lee Research Center outside Alexandria is now the farthest location north for sugar cane planting in the world as scientists try to test the limits of the cash crop. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Ken Gravois says more and more farmers are growing interested in the crop in central Louisiana and elsewhere away from the coast.

Cut 6, 11 seconds, Alexandria

The objective is to study how the crop endures hard freezes more common in central Louisiana.

The Eastbank Little League World Champions are traveling back to New Orleans today on the heels of their 8-0 win over Curcao, and are expecting a welcoming celebration at the Shrine on Airline this afternoon.  Assistant coach Kevin Johnson says the victory hasn’t really sunk in and had an effect on the team yet.

Cut 4 (10) “…to get home.”

 President Trump has extended an invitation for the team to visit the White House following the 8-0 shutout in the championship game. 

The 18-year-old who caused a fiery, fatal crash in Baton Rouge last month is now in the care of the state mental health hospital after a ruling from a judge. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

State Police say an impaired driver caused a crash in St. Landry Parish that killed a woman from Sunset and her two-year-old passenger. Trooper Thomas Gossen says 48-year-old Michael Shane Guidry of Carencro suffered non-life threatening injuries, but 35-year-old Lacy Leger and the toddler in her vehicle were not as fortunate…
cut 8 (06) “…force”
Gossen says Guidry crossed the center line on a I-49 service road and hit Leger’s vehicle.

An 18-year-old Baton Rouge teenager who said God instructed him to drive his vehicle at a high rate of speed into another car, killing the person in that vehicle, is now at the state’s mental health hospital. The attorney for Jack Jordan, James Manasseh, says his client had good grades in school and no previous criminal history, but all of sudden he has a severe mental illness…
cut 12 (10) “…quite as easily”
Jordan is facing a second-degree murder charge.

Eastbank from River Ridge was victorious in an 8-0 shutout over Curaçao Sunday to win the Little League World Series. U.S. House Minority Whip and Louisiana Congressmen Steve Scalise says the team is one the state can be proud of.
Cut 3 (10) “…fun to watch.”
President Trump has invited the Louisiana team to visit the White House so he can personally congratulate them.

The Edwards administration says next year’s construction budget will include 85-million dollars in state funding for a new I-10 Calcasieu Bridge in Lake Charles. Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says its in response to President Trump’s promise that he made in May to replace the bridge if re-elected…
cut 13 (11) “…soon as possible”
Wilson says despite the need for a new bridge, the current bridge is still safe.