1:30 LRN Newscast March 29

Speeding cameras along the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge are expected to be installed by the end of 2024. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says speeding fines are double along the 18-mile bridge and it’s the speed differential of vehicles, anywhere from ten miles an hour or more over 60 miles an hour that increases the chance of an accident on the narrow bridge.

Cut 7 (09)  “…the number of crashes.” 

A crash on the bridge can stop traffic along I-10 for hours.

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt files legislation to significantly increase the punishment for those who produce or combine fentanyl with other drugs. Hewitt says she’s going after those who operate clandestine drug labs…

Cut 9 (11) “…prescription drugs”

The maximum penalty would increase from 15 to 40 years.

LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine will increase enrollment and graduation rates to help with the shortage of veterinarians across the country. Vet School Dean, Oliver Garden says they will enlarge the class size from 120 to 220 – almost double the size next year.

Cut 3 (09) “…this happens”

With the LSU Lady Tigers basketball team in Dallas preparing to play Virginia Tech Friday night, the school announced this morning they’ve purchased billboard space in the Lone Star state to highlight their first appearance since 2008 to the Final Four. And a billboard featuring head coach Kim Mulkey is up in Waco, the home of Baylor University. Mulkey coached the Bears for 21 seasons and won three national titles there. Some Baylor fans are bitter about the billboard and Mulkey’s decision to leave the Big 12 school to return to her home state.