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”

_______________________________

 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” 

______________________________

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.”

________________________________________

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)” 

____________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________

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.

New data from the state department of education finds that historically disadvantaged students are making progress, but not at a rate sufficient to close gaps with their peers. Superintendent of Education John White…
cut 3 (09) “…this year”
On English and Math assessments, 46-percent of all students demonstrated top growth this year, while 43-percent of black students reached that level, 42-percent of students with disabilities hit that mark.

A stretch of I-10 westbound between Baton Rouge and Lafayette remains closed as a result of a fiery multi-vehicle crash on the Atchafalaya Basin that killed a truck driver from Florida yesterday. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says three 18-wheelers and several passenger vehicles were involved…..
cut 13 (09) “…as well”
Along with the one fatality, several people were hurt.

A Slidell couple is Guinness Book of World Record holders for the largest grapefruit ever harvested. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
cut 2 (30) I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Louisiana voters will once again receive I voted stickers after they cast their ballot in October and November. Lafayette artist Tony Bernard came up with the design, which features a pelican with a crown on its head. Bernard hopes it increases voter turnout…
cut 8 (09) “…direct that”

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.”

3,500 Louisiana AT&T workers are on strike, 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”

State Police say a south Louisiana man is in the Acadia Parish jail after shooting a Rayne Police officer last night. L-S-P says the policeman was treated and released. 31-year-old Dustin Benoit of Rayne has been charged with the attempted murder of a peace officer. No details on what led up to the shooting.

President Donald Trump says serious talks with China will start soon in the hopes of ending the trade war between the two world powers. House Minority Whip and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise says it’s been difficult to get the People’s Republic to stay committed…
cut 12 (10) “…trade deal”

The fall semester is underway at LSU and President F King Alexander says the freshmen class is the largest on record for the Baton Rouge campus and more students than ever are living on campus…
cut 14 (10) “…also graduating more”
And Alexander says according to the Payscale College Salary report, LSU ranks fourth in the SEC for both early-career and mid-career earnings for graduates.

Some 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. But 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.”

LSU has started the school year with a record number of freshmen, 6,200. That’s four-hundred more than last year. President F King 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”

At this hour, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin unveiled s new “I voted” sticker that will be handed out during the fall elections…
voicer 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Three candidates who signed up to run for governor last month have been disqualified from the governor’s race for failing to file income tax returns. Republicans Manuel Russell Leach and Patrick Doguet and Democrat Vinny Mendoza will not appear on the October 12th ballot. That leaves six individuals still on the ballot.