The Council for a Better Louisiana is offering voters a more detailed look at where the major candidates for Governor stand on the big issues with the Gubernatorial Survey…

cut  2 (30) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

Election day is October 12^th.

DOTD expects to open the west bound portion of interstate 10 over the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge this afternoon. It has been closed since Monday after a deadly accident claimed the life of a Florida man. Wreckage is being cleared and DOTD crews are inspecting the bridge for damage following the blaze.

A cold front is moving through the state today and by tomorrow should make its way to the coast. While it is expected to lower temps and humidity, State Climatologist Barry Keim says it may bring some rain.

Cut 6 (07) “…some extra clouds.”

Effects from the cold front should last through LSU’s season opener on Saturday.

The teen birth rate has declined to its lowest level in recorded history in the U-S. As of 2018, there were about 17 babies born per one-thousand for girls ages fifteen to nineteen. Tulane Sociology professor Michele Adams says teens are more aware of how to prevent pregnancies now.

Cut 13 (11) “…contraceptives.”

Pew research says the teen birth rate has been cut in half since 2008 and the drop is across all races.

Council for a Better Louisiana releases their candidate surveys, offering interested voters a more in-depth, detail-oriented look at the major candidates for Governor. CABL President Barry Erwin says the survey offers voters a glimpse into how the candidates view themselves, and what they find most important.

Cut 10 (09) “…insight.”

Republican Eddie Rispone is the only major candidate of the three to not submit the survey. You can read the survey PDFs on CABL’s website.

A cold front is moving into the state today and by tomorrow should make its way to the coast. While Friday will be the most comfortable, State Climatologist Barry Keim says there will be lingering effects to last through LSU’s season opener on Saturday.

Cut 8 (11) “…your umbrellas handy”

The U-S teen birth rate has declined to its lowest level in recorded history. As of 2018, there were about 17 babies born per one-thousand girls aged 15 to 19 in the United States. Tulane Sociology professor Michele Adams says it is not that teens are having less sex, its that more are practicing safer sex
Cut 12 (12) “…consequences of sex”
Pew research says the teen birth rate has been cut in half since 2008.

State and local officials are putting plans into action to try to keep Fibrebond from leaving Minden for east Texas. The company threatened to leave due to the poor condition of bridges in north Louisiana that forced them to take a 247-mile detour to ship products west. Minden Mayor Terry Gardner says they’ve pitched the new route and are holding a meeting this Friday with state officials to try to secure the money needed to repair or replace a series of bridges that would open a second route.

Cut 4 (09) “fibrebond.”

Council for a Better Louisiana releases their candidate surveys, offering interested voters a more in-depth, detail-oriented look at the major candidates for Governor. CABL President Barry Erwin says the 11-page survey asked candidates to weigh in on most of the hot button policy issues of the day.

Cut 9 (07) “…about”

Republican Eddie Rispone is the only major candidate of the three to not submit the survey.

A cold front will begin moving into the state today and by tomorrow should make its way to the coast. While it is expected to bring down temps and humidity, State Climatologist Barry Keim says of the next few days, Friday should be the most comfortable day.

Cut 7 (08) “…couple of weeks.”

Expect lingering effects to last through LSU’s season opener on Saturday.

Matt Doyle spoke with Minden Mayor Terry Gardner about the two plans they’re pushing to keep Fibrebond from moving to east Texas…

Cut 1 (30) “..I’m Matt Doyle”

A cold front will begin moving into the state today and by tomorrow should make its way to the coast. While it is expected to bring down temps and humidity, State Climatologist Barry Keim says it may bring a bit of rain as well.

Cut 6 (07) “…some extra clouds.”

Friday should be the most comfortable day but there should be lingering effects to last through LSU’s season opener on Saturday.

And while the humidity may be low for the game, LSU will be selling eight dollar domestic, nine dollar premium beers at Tiger Stadium 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”

State and local officials are putting plans into action to try to keep Fibrebond from leaving Minden for east Texas. The company threatened to leave due to the poor condition of bridges in north Louisiana that forced them to take a 247-mile detour to ship products west. Minden Mayor Terry Gardner says they’ve found a new route that should shave off 170 miles…
Cut 3 (09) “…them.”
The new route will have the company ship it’s 150,000-pound structures down highway 80, through Camp Minden, and out through Darlene.

Following a cease and desist from Rutgers University over the use of a block “R” logo, the Ruston High Bearcats have a new logo.  As part of a memorandum of understanding, Ruston has ten years to completely phase out the logo use. Ruston High Principal Dan Gressett says the community feedback is mostly good, but some think the new logo may have been rushed.

Cut 11 (09) “…really the case.” 

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.

Interstate 10 Westbound over the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge is still closed this morning following Monday’s fiery multiple-vehicle crash that killed an out of state truck driver. The speed limit for passenger vehicles is 60-miles per hour, while 55-miles for an 18-wheeler. One state senator says maybe the speed limit should be lowered, but State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson is hesitant to embrace that…
cut 6 (10) “….back”
There’s been no timeline on when the Basin Bridge westbound lanes will be re-opened. DOTD crews need to inspect the bridge once clean-up is finally completed.

About 35-hundred Louisiana A-T-and-T workers on strike earlier this week have returned to work. 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. There’s still no new labor deal, but both sides say negotiations continue.

Ruston High School finalizes a new logo after a trademark dispute with Rutgers University
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

LSU has set its beer and wine prices at eight and nine dollars for fans in the general seating areas who for the first time can purchase the adult beverages in Tiger Stadium for football games. Senitor Associate Athletics Director Robert Munson says they are not anticipating more unruly behavior just because the booze is floowing…
cut 9 (07) “…top of that”

A fiery, deadly crash on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge has prompted calls for a new look at the speed limit, along with other possible changes. Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says it’s too early in the process to propose changes. He adds we’re still not exactly sure what caused the chain-reaction pileup.
Cut 4 (08) “…accident.”
The westbound lanes of I-10 over the Basin Bridge remain closed as clean-up continues and the bridge still needs to be inspected.

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 by a 15-year-old student on the bus who dialed 911.
Cut 13 (07) “…running stop signs.”
Calls also came from concerned parents and the driver, 60-year-old Tammy Gibson, was eventually arrested and charged with a DWI.

Puerto Rico is bracing for Tropical Storm Dorian this morning. The National Hurricane Center predicts the storm will reach hurricane strength on Friday and eye a potential landfall along the eastern Florida coastline on Monday.

Popeyes says they expect to run out of their popular chicken sandwich by the end of the week. The Fast Food chain founded in Louisiana says they will work tirelessly to bring the new sandwich back as soon as possible.

LSU kicks off a new season on Saturday and for the first time, fans who sit in the stands can purchase beer or wine for either eight or nine dollars. LSU Senior Associate Athletics Director Robert Munson says they estimate 45-thousand adult beverages could be sold per game and they ask fans to be patient…
cut 8 (12) “…through”
SEC rules state that all drinks must be poured out of the can or small win bottle and into plastic cups by the server.

The Interstate 10 westbound lanes over the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge remain closed this morning as DOTD crews still need to inspect the bridge following Monday’s fiery fatal crash that killed a truck driver from Florida. This year, three people have been killed in crashes on that bridge and Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says a variety of factors go into those fatalities…
cut 5 (08) “….distraction”
Wilson says lower speed limits on the bridge might not be the answer.

A 15-year-old on a DeRidder school bus called 9-1-1 yesterday morning to report that the bus driver was swerving and blowing through stop signs. Authorities also received calls from concerned parents. DeRidder Deputy Chief Christopher Rudy says they were able to pull the bus over safely and charged 60-year-old Tammy Gibson with a D-W-I…
cut 14 (08) “…the situation”

Saturday’s season opener against Georgia Southern will mark the first time Tiger Stadium general admission ticket holders can purchase beer or wine…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

After receiving a cease-and-desist letter from Rutgers University, Ruston High School has produced a new logo to replace the block “R” which is identical to Rutgers’ logo. Ruston High Principal Dan Gressett says it will take a while to phase out the old logo, but you’ll see the new one when the football team opens the season against Neville next week…
cut 12 (09) “…it’ll be seen”

A deadly chain-reaction crash on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge has some calling for slower speed limits on the heavily trafficked stretch of I-10.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

I-10 westbound over the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge remains closed this morning as D-O-T-D workers still need to inspect the bridge.

Meanwhile in Breaux Bridge, State Police report a nine-year-old boy from St. Martinville was killed in a three-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 31. .

LSU will sell eight dollar domestic, nine dollar premium beers at Tiger Stadium this season in its first year selling alcohol in the general seating areas. Senior Associate Athletic Director Robert Munson says you won’t find folks hawking adult beverages 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”

Parents in DeRidder might be a little uneasy sending their kids on a school bus today that’s because a school bus driver in that southwest Louisiana town was arrested yesterday morning on a D-W-I charge. DeRidder Deputy Chief Christopher Rudy says 60-year-old Tammy Gibson was taken into custody after a 15-year-old on the bus called 9-1-1 and said the bus driver was swerving and running stop signs…
cut 15 (09) “….of a motor vehicle”
An estimated 25 children were on the school bus during the eratic driving.

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.”

____________________________

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”

_______________________

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.”

_____________________________

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.

_________________________________________________________

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”