A deadly chain-reaction crash on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge has many calling for changes to traffic laws along the heavily trafficked stretch of I-10.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Louisiana A-T-and-T workers on strike earlier this week return to work at noon today. Technicians, customer service reps and others who install and maintain A-T-and-T’s resident and business wireline telecommunications network were off the job for four days over claims the company was not bargaining a new labor contract in good faith. Negotiations are ongoing.

Following a cease and desist from Rutgers University over the use of a block “R” logo, the Ruston High Bearcats have a new logo.  Ruston High Principal Dan Gressett says the overhaul isn’t a radical change.

Cut 10 (07) “…we were using.”

The two schools have maintained a cordial relationship as Ruston phases out the use of the old logo, and as part of a memorandum of understanding, has ten years to completely phase out the logo use.

DeRidder Police arrest a school bus driver for suspected DWI and child endangerment. Deputy Chief Christopher Rudy says police were first alerted at 7 AM on Tuesday about concerns for the driver from a 15-year-old student on the bus who notified 911.

Cut 13 (07) “…running stop signs.”

By 7:16, police located the bus and identified the driver at 60-year-old Tammy Gibson of DeRidder.

A deadly chain-reaction crash on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge has many calling for changes to traffic laws along the heavily trafficked stretch of I-10.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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 Saturday’s game against Georgia Southern will mark the first time Tiger Stadium general admission goers will be able to have a beer with them when they take their seats…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Ruston High School finalizes a new logo after a trademark dispute with Rutgers University. Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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A fiery, deadly crash on the I-10 Atchafalya Basin Bridge has prompted calls for a new look at speed limits on the highly trafficked stretch, along with other changes.

Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says it’s too early in the process to be proposing changes. He adds we’re still not exactly sure what caused the chain-reaction pileup.

Cut 4 (08) “…accident.”

Three 18-wheelers were involved in the incident that took the life of 31-year-old Christopher McGee of Florida.

Wilson says the Basin Bridge drive offers a beautiful view, but some unique challenges for traffic, including an ever-increasing number of vehicles.

Cut 5 (08) “…distraction.”

The crash locked down the passageway used by 55,000 drivers both Monday and Tuesday.

The bridge drops the general speed limit to 60, and 55 for 18-wheelers. Some have suggested further lowering the speed limits for trucks, but Wilson is hesitant to embrace that…

Cut 6 (10) “…back.”

Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Page Cortez says “We have to do better, whatever we are doing is not working with regards to monitoring or speed limits.”

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LSU will be selling eight dollar domestic, nine dollar premium beers at Tiger Stadium this season in it’s first year selling alcohol to general seating.

Senior Associate Athletic Director Robert Munson says you won’t find folks hawking bud light up and down the aisles, but it should only be a short walk from your seat to the nearest vendor.

Cut 7 (11)“…little bit”

There’s a two purchase a person limit for each transaction, and IDs will be required for every transaction.

Rough estimates show as many as 45,000 beverages could be sold per game on average. Munson says he’s excited, but hopes fans will have a little patience…

Cut 8 (12) “through”

All drinks must be poured out of their cans and into plastic cups by the server.

Offering a little booze might help keep the crowds from thinning out after LSU runs up a 30 point lead at halftime against Georgia Southern. Munson says just remember to be responsible.

Cut 9 (10) “…benefit”

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Following a cease and desist from Rutgers University over the use of a block “R” logo, the Ruston High Bearcats have a new logo.  Ruston High Principal Dan Gressett says the overhaul isn’t a radical change.

Cut 10 (07) “…we were using.”

The two schools have maintained a cordial relationship as Ruston phases out the use of the old logo, and as part of a memorandum of understanding, has ten years to completely phase out the logo use.  Gressett says the community feedback has been good for the most part, but some think the new logo may have been rushed.

Cut 11 (09) “…really the case.” 

Gressett says the logo has been circulating social media recently, but the first physical use of the logo can be seen when the Bearcats kickoff their football season against Neville High School on September 6^th.

Cut 12 (09) “…it’ll be seen.”

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DeRidder Police arrest a school bus driver for suspected DWI and child endangerment. Deputy Chief Christopher Rudy says police were first alerted at 7 AM on Tuesday about concerns for the driver from a 15-year-old student on the bus who notified 911.

Cut 13 (07) “…running stop signs.”

By 7:16, police located the bus and identified the driver at 60-year-old Tammy Gibson of DeRidder. Rudy say it is a situation that is not being taken lightly.

Cut 14 (08) “…in the situation.”

Rudy did not say whether Gibson has had previous issues with the law or with her job as a bus driver, but the investigation continues and bond is still pending.

Cut 15 (09) “…of a motor vehicle.”

It’s estimated that the twenty-five children were on the bus at the time and all were safely delivered to their schools.

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Sixth-ranked LSU is nearly a four-touchdown favorite to beat Georgia Southern in Saturday’s season opener. A top ten matchup against Texas looms the following week, but defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko says the Eagles won 10 games last year and they can’t look past them

Cut 16  (19) “…the game”   

The Eagles are led offensively by quarterback Shai Werts. Last season he rushed for 908 yards and 15 touchdowns. Linebacker K’ Lavon Chaisson says Werts is fast…

cut 17 (17) “…big gain” 

Offensively, the Tigers are looking to make a statement and put some points on the board. Quarterback Joe Burrow says he’s tired of hearing about previous LSU offenses that were not very good

Cut 18 (09) “…(chuckles)” 

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The Ragin Cajuns will open in the season on Saturday in the Superdome against Mississippi State. U-L Lafayette Coach Billy Napier says they have several guys who will see their first collegiate action and the great unknown is how will they perform

 cut 19 (30)   “practice rep” 

Levi Lewis will start at quarterback for the Cajuns. Napier is expecting a big year from the junior out of Baton Rouge…

cut 20 (23) “we have” 

The Secretary of State’s office has unveiled a new I Voted sticker, which is a new take on the State Seal featuring a pelican with a crown on its head underneath the bold red font of I Voted. Lafayette Artist Tony Bernard designed the striking piece. He says he’s tickled to know that his creation will hopefully help draw more people to the polls, and hopes to see turnout in the millions for the fall elections.

Cut 8 (09) “…direct that”

It cost the state 18,500 dollars to get enough stickers to take us through the October Primary and November Run-Off.

Louisiana Department of Education data shows 46 percent of the general population hit “Top Growth” on their 2019 LEAP scores, while only 43 percent of African American students did. Superintendent of Education John White…

Cut 3 (09) “…this year.”

Slidell is home to a Guinness record-breaking grapefruit. The grapefruit has the distinction of having the largest circumference at 73 centimeters and a weight of 7 pounds, 14 ounces. Growers Doug and Mary Beth Meyer plan on writing a children’s book about their experience.

Cut 10 (09) “…experience with Guinness.”

The previous record was set in Rio de Janeiro nearly 13 years ago, weighing in at 7 pounds, 1 ounce, with a circumference of 70 centimeters.

State Police say a Florida man was killed in Monday afternoon’s chain-reaction crash on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. Trooper Thomas Gossen says 31-year-old Christopher McGee was one of three 18-wheelers involved in the pile-up, along with others.

Cut 13 (09) “…as well.”

The incident has sparked calls for a new look at traffic laws for 18-wheelers in the Basin.

Slidell is now home to a Guinness record-breaking grapefruit with the distinction of having the largest circumference at 73 centimeters and weight at 7 pounds, 14 oz. Doug and Mary Beth Meyer say it’s all thanks to a little magic given to them by their grandkids…
Cut 9 (12) “…to the fairies.”
It’s been preserved in a freezer since January.

This year’s edition of the I Voted sticker is a new take on the State Seal featuring a pelican with a crown on its head underneath the bold red font of I Voted. Lafayette Artist Tony Bernard says it’s derived from a painting he did, called “In Love With Louisiana”, and sports a reoccurring character of his…

Cut 6 (11) “…fitting.”

It cost the state 18,500 dollars to purchase enough stickers for the fall season.

State Police say a Florida man was killed in Monday afternoon’s chain-reaction crash on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. Trooper Thomas Gossen says along with the one fatality, several people were hurt. The injuries range from minor to moderate and they were taken to local hospitals. The westbound lanes are closed as emergency crews continue the clean-up
Cut 14 (11) “…crime lab”

Louisiana Department of Education data shows 46 percent of the general population hit “Top Growth” on their 2019 LEAP scores, while only 43 percent of African American students did. Despite the call to see higher growth rates in historically disadvantaged students than the general population, Superintendent of Education John White says that doesn’t mean they’re neglecting other students.

Cut 5 (10) “…all.”

This year’s edition of the I Voted sticker is a striking piece designed by an Acadiana artist who hopes his work might just nudge a few more people off the sidelines and into voting booths. The last edition featured George Rodrigue’s iconic Blue Dog, and when Lafayette’s Tony Bernard got a good laugh in when he was asked to do this year’s follow-up.

Cut 7 (12) “…neat”

Louisiana voters were first given I Voted stickers in the 2016 presidential election.

State Police say a Florida man was killed in Monday afternoon’s chain-reaction crash on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. Trooper Thomas Gossen says 31-year-old Christopher McGee was one of three 18-wheelers involved…

Cut 12 (09) “…dry case”

McGee’s tractor-trailer caught on fire and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Louisiana Department of Education data shows 46 percent of the general population hit “Top Growth” on their 2019 LEAP scores, while only 43 percent of African American students did. Superintendent of Education John White says they’re trying to close the achievement gap by helping schools develop tailored plans. For example, if data shows a specific school’s 3^rd graders aren’t reading at grade level…

Cut 4 (12) “…together.”

A 73-centimeter, 7 pound 14 oz Slidell creation sets two new Guinness world records for circumference and weight of a grapefruit. Growers Doug and Mary Beth Meyer say despite the accomplishment they do not expect other fruits on the same tree to break the record again.

Cut 11 (11) “…very very delicious.” 

The previous record was set in Rio de Janeiro nearly 13 years ago.

Louisiana voters will be treated to a new I Voted sticker design in the upcoming fall elections. Matt Doyle spoke with the talent behind the new look.

Cut 1 (30) “..I’m Matt Doyle”

A 17-hour standoff in Baton Rouge ends after a shootout with police leaves the suspect dead. The suspect’s identity has yet to be released, but Police Chief Murphy Paul confirms officers involved in the shooting did everything they could to end the incident peacefully.

Slidell is now home to a Guinness record-breaking grapefruit. The grapefruit has the distinction of having the largest circumference at 73 centimeters and a weight of 7 pounds, 14 ounces. Growers Doug and Mary Beth Meyer say they have preserved the grapefruit in their freezer since harvesting the fruit in January. Now, they plan on writing a children’s book about their experience.

Cut 10 (09) “…experience with Guinness.”

The Meyers credit the results to a bit of magic bestowed upon the tree from their grandchildren and a fairy garden at the base of the tree.

LSU has a record number of freshmen on campus this year as the first day of the fall semester was yesterday. President F. King Alexander says 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.”

This year’s edition of the I Voted sticker is a new take on the State Seal featuring a pelican with a crown on it’s head underneath the bold red font of I Voted. Lafayette Artist Tony Bernard says it’s derived from a painting he did, called “In Love With Louisiana”, and sports a reoccurring character of his…

Cut 6, 11 seconds, fitting

It cost the state 18,500 dollars to purchase enough stickers for the fall season.

Slidell is now home to a Guinness record-breaking grapefruit with the distinction of having the largest circumference at 73 centimeters and weight at 7 pounds, 14 oz. Doug and Mary Beth Meyer say it’s all thanks to a little magic given to them by their grandkids…

Cut 9 (12) “…to the fairies.”

It’s been preserved in a freezer since January.

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

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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.”