11:30 AM Newscast

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.” 

10:30 AM Newscast

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.

9:30 LRN Newscast

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”

8:30 LRN Newscast August 28

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.

7:30 LRN Newscast August 28

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”

6:45 LRN Sportscast August 28

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 end Breiden Fehoko says the Eagles won 10 games last year and they can’t look past them
Cut 16 (19) “…the game”
Former LSU defensive back Kelvin Joseph has transferred to Kentucky. Defensive back Mannie Netherly announced on a twitter that he’s entered the NCAA transfer portal leaving LSU thin at the cornerback position when it comes to experience.

LSU Athletic director Scott Wodward said at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation’s Quarterback Club luncheon that the football team’s attention to detail has been unmatched.

The Ragin Cajuns will open 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”
Mississippi State is expected to identify the players that were involved in the violation of academic policies, which means the Bulldogs could be short some players for Saturday’s game. The NCAA has found that tutors took exams and completed online assignments for Mississippi State football and basketball players during the fall 2018 semester.

6:30 LRN Newscast August 28

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.

AM LRN Newscall

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 6th.

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” 

530PM LRN News

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.

4:45 LRN Sportscast August 27

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron has released a depth chart ahead of Saturday’s game against Georgia Southern 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” (2x)
The depth chart does not list a starter at left guard, it will be either Senior Adrian Magee or sophomore Chasen Hines. The battle at middle linebacker also continues as the depth chart lists either Jacob Phillips or Patrick Queen as the starter. Kick-off on Saturday is at 6:30.

The Saints will conclude the preseason on Thursday with a home game against the Miami Dolphins. After the game, New Orleans and the rest of the NFL teams will have until 3:00 on Saturday to get their roster down to 53 players. Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins is back on the active roster as he’s been removed from the physically unable to perform list. It appears Rankins is recovering well from a torn Achilles Tendon suffered in January. Hard to say if he’ll play in the regular-season opener against Houston.

Saints cornerback P-J Williams has pleaded guilty to reckless operation of a motor vehicle in New Orleans. If you remember, Williams was charged with a D-W-I when he was pulled over three days after the loss to the Rams in the NFC Championship game. By pleading to a lesser charge, the case against Williams is completed and the 26-year-old was ordered to pay a 340-dollar fine.

The Astros, who have won four in a row, begin a series tonight in Houston against Tampa. Texas starts a series in Los Angeles against the Angels.