Search and rescue teams will continue to go through the wreckage looking for a missing worker at the collapsed Hard Rock Hotel construction site. New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell says they are not giving up hope…
cut 11 (11) “…prayers”
The evacuation zone around the collapsed site has expanded over concerns that the cranes attached to the building could fall.

Political analysts are crediting rural white voters for forcing a run-off in the governor’s race. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Eddie Rispone’s political ads hit their target…
cut 8 (11) “…values”
Cross says about 200,000 more rural, mostly white voters showed up to vote in this primary than in the 2015 governor’s race.

The state department of education has been awarded 115-million dollars in federal grant money or literacy instruction, expanding mental health services, help teachers earn credentials in STEM fields and establish a leadership program for special ed administrators. State Superintendent of Education John White says the information will be provided to school systems on how they can access the grant dollars…
cut 13 (12) “….these issues”

A new city in Louisiana is expected to be established by January first. It’s called St. George and a public vote on Saturday called for the incorporation of the southeast corner of East Baton Rouge Parish. St. George spokesperson Drew Murrell on why the city was created…
cut 5 (11) “…more efficient government”
Murrell says St. George will be the fifth largest city in Louisiana, surpassing Lake Charles.

Rescue operations are still ongoing for a missing worker at the partially collapsed Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans and officials are concerned heavy rains today and tomorrow could make the site even more unstable. New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell…
Cut 10 (07) “…collapse.”
The evacuation zone around the collapsed site has been expanded as two cranes outside of the building could fall. Two died when the building collapsed Saturday and a third person remains unaccounted for.

St. George is set to become the newest city in Louisiana following Saturday’s vote to incorporate the southeast corner of East Baton Rouge Parish. St. George spokesperson Drew Murrell says the new city should be up and running by January 1st…
Cut 4 (07) “…and city council.”
St. George’s population would be around 86-thousand, making it the fifth-largest city in Louisiana.

115-million dollars in federal grants is awarded to Louisiana schools. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Voicer 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Lafayette Sheriff’s office says it has arrested a student as part of an investigation into the potential poisoning of a student at St. Thomas More High School. The juvenile has been charged with Aggravated Battery. The sheriff’s office is not releasing any other details.

And a freshman student at Alabama is facing charges after he allegedly called in a threat to LSU’s Tiger Stadium during the LSU-Florida game.

The evacuation zone around the Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans that partially collapsed over the weekend has been expanded. There are two cranes attached to the 18-story building under construction and New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell says one of the cranes is visibly damaged…
cut 12 (08) “…crane”
McConnell says they are also concerned the rain will weaken the cranes. Crews continue to search for a missing worker at the collapsed site.

The US Department of Education awards Louisiana 115-million dollars in grants to help students and teachers. Superintendent of Education John White one how the money will be used.
Cut 13 (12) “…in our schools”
The Department will provide information to school systems about how they can access the grant dollars.

A year ago, most Louisiana residents never heard of Eddie Rispone. Now the Baton Rouge businessman is on the cusp of becoming the state’s next governor. Matt Doyle has more on Rispone’s rise…
cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

There are allegations of hazing against cadets at the State Police training academy. Up to ten cadets reportedly sought medical attention for cuts, bruises and in one case a fractured arm. Captain J-B Slaton says the injuries occurred during defensive tactics training and they are investigating.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone’s rise from unknown to GOP standard-bearer has come as a surprise to many. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says analysts underrated Rispone’s straight forward branding as a President Trump-loving businessman. He says it was a clarion call for white voters.
Cut 7 (11) “…well.”
The Edwards campaign is touting a poll that shows him winning the run-off over Rispone, 52-to-36-percent.

The state department of education has been awarded 115-million dollars in federal grant money. The lion’s share of the funding will enhance literacy instruction, 100-million dollars over five years. State Superintendent of Education John White…
cut 14 (10) “…a college-level”
The other grant dollars will expand mental health services, help teachers earn credentials in STEM fields and establish a leadership program for special ed administrators.

A new city is coming to Louisiana. Kevin Barnhart reports voters in southwest East Baton Rouge Parish have voted to create St. George.
Cut 1 (33) “I”m Kevin Barnhart”

A new city is coming to Louisiana. Kevin Barnhart reports voters in southwest East Baton Rouge Parish have voted to create St. George.

Cut 1 (33) “I”m Kevin Barnhart”

_____________________________

Matt Doyle spoke with a political anaylst who explains how once longshot gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone pulled off his primary win against an entrenched establishment favorite…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

________________________

$115 million in federal grants is awarded to Louisiana schools. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

________________________

St. George is set to become the newest city in Louisiana following a vote that sees the area break away from Baton Rouge.  St. George spokesperson Drew Murrell says for the next step, the Governor will soon appoint a mayor and city council.

Cut 4 (07) “…and city council.”

Murrell expects the city to be officially incorporated by January 1^st.  Murrell says the election results are like winning the Super Bowl to those who have been pushing the City of St. George movement for years.

Cut 5 (11) “…more efficient government.”

Murrell says the city now surpasses Lake Charles as the fifth largest city in the state.

Cut 6 (11) “…to be created.”

The population shift now means Shreveport overtakes Baton Rouge as the second-largest city in Louisiana.

____________________

Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone’s rise from statewide unknown to GOP standard-bearer came as a surprise to many political analysts who underrated his chances nearly a year ago.

UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says analysts underrated Rispone’s uncomplicated, straight forward branding as a President Trump-loving businessman. He says it was a clarion call for white voters.

Cut 7 (11) “…well.” 

Rispone was the first Republican to announce his candidacy when he joined the race late last year.

Cross says Rispone was able to tap into a growing sense of identity politics among many white voters in the United States whose views align closely with Rispone’s messaging.

Cut 8 (11) “…values.”

Cross says roughly 200,000 more rural, mostly white voters showed up to vote in this primary than in 2015’s.

The President and Vice President made visits to Louisiana the week before the election. Cross says the last-minute blitz was effective, and a sign of a changing local political climate.

Cut 9 (06)  “…races.”

______________________________

Rescue operations are still underway at the partially collapsed Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans, but officials are increasingly concerned the incoming rainy weather could make the site even more unstable.

Several inches of rain is projected over the next few days and New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell says that could cause some serious, new problems.

Cut 10 (07) “…collapse.”

Two people are confirmed dead as a result of the Saturday morning construction site collapse. McConnell says they aren’t giving up hope for a third unaccounted for person.

Cut 11 (11) “prayers”

The collapse occurred on Canal Street and Conti, and forced the evacuation of nearby businesses including the Saenger Theatre, which was airing the Broadway musical Wicked.

The structure has two cranes attached, one of which is visibly damaged and could come down at any moment. McConnell has bad news about the other…

Cut 12 (08) “…crane” 

__________________________________________

The US Department of Education awards Louisiana $115 million in grants.  A total of five grants will help support students and teachers over several years. Superintendent of Education John White says it’s exciting news for the state to receive the support from the five competitive grants.

Cut 13 (12) “…in our schools”

The lion’s share of the funding comes from the Comprehensive Literacy State Development Program Grant, which will see $100 million awarded over five years.  White says the state aims to serve 600 high-need schools and early education providers by the end of the grant period.

Cut 14 (10) “…a college level.” 

White says the next step for schools to obtain a portion of the money is figuring out the best distribution.

Cut 15 (12) “…on these issues.”

_____________________________________

After a two-touchdown victory over Florida, LSU gets ready to visit Mississippi State for a 2:30 kick-off against the Bulldogs. Two years ago, the Tigers went into Starkville and were handed 37-7 loss. Coach Ed Orgeron says his guys were not prepared to play that night…

Cut 16  (17) “…that stadium” 

LSU is 6-0, but the Tigers defense has had trouble stopping teams at times. Orgeron says he doesn’t want LSU involved in games like last Saturday, when both teams are trading touchdowns

cut 17  (15) “…get better” 

Tiger Stadium was electric on Saturday and plenty of recruits were in attendance. Orgeron says the feedback he’s received has been outstanding

Cut 18 (22)  our fans” 

Republicans are close to obtaining a supermajority in the Legislature, and LSU Communications Professor Mike Henderson says if Republicans win the 50th House district seat in St. Mary Parish and the 62nd in East Feliciana and on hold on to the seats they already have, they’ll have the 70 needed for a supermajority. Henderson says in the 62nd district Johnny Arceneaux is looking to defeat incumbent Roy Adams, who is an Independent…

Cut 4 (11) “…Republican challengers”

The GOP already has a supermajority in the Senate.

A highly competitive Baton Rouge Senate race is likely headed for a hand recount after a voting tally adjustment results in a tie between Republican Representatives Franklin Foil and Steve Carter. Former state Democratic Party Chairman Jim Nichol says each campaign can select two representatives to witnesses the recount.

Cut 7 (08) “…private”

Democrat Beverly Thompson has already made the run-off.

LSU’s impressive win over Florida on Saturday moved the Fighting Tigers to number two in the latest AP Top 25. Alabama is ranked number one, even though LSU has two victories over Top 10 teams and the Crimson Tide’s schedule has not been as difficult. The Advocate’s Brooks Kubena is a Top 25 voter and has a theory on why Bama is ranked number one….

Cut 12 (11) “…that’s it” 

In Kubena’s Top 25 poll, he has Ohio State number one, followed by LSU and then Alabama.

Widespread showers and thunderstorms over the next couple of days will bring rain to the state that hasn’t seen much precipitation over the last several weeks. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the rate of rain fall with a light drizzle is perfect for recharging the soil.

Cut 11 (11) “…landscape can handle.” 

The pattern could result in three to four inches over the next three days, especially over northern parishes. 

A recount is likely the Senate District 16 race in Baton Rouge as there’s a tie for second place between term-limited state representatives Steve Carter and Franklin Foil. Both are hoping to get in a runoff against Democrat Beverly Brooks Thompson. Former state Democratic Party Chairman Jim Nichol says when a run-off occurs, each campaign can select two representatives to witness the recount…
Cut 7 (08) “…private”
If the vote remains tied, a three-way run-off will be held.

Widespread showers and thunderstorms over the next couple of days will bring rain to the state that hasn’t seen much precipitation over the last several weeks. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a front is currently stalled along the coastline…
Cut 9 (13) “…even more rain.”
Keim says two-thirds of the state is considered to be abnormally dry or in drought.

Based on the results from the October 12th election, Republicans are two seats away from capturing a Super Majority in the state House. Dr. Michael Henderson, assistant professor at the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication, says the GOP won several house seats Saturday held by a Democrat, but voters in that district supported President Trump in 2016
Cut 3 (11) “…to three”

LSU’s impressive win over Florida on Saturday moved the Fighting Tigers to number two in the latest AP Top 25. Alabama is ranked number one, even though LSU has two victories over Top 10 teams and the Crimson Tide’s schedule has not been as difficult. The Advocate’s Brooks Kubena says LSU’s offense is one of the best in the country, but there are questions about the Tigers defense, which might be why LSU received 12 first-place votes, compared to Alabama’s 30

Cut 13 (09) “…up 28 points.”

Republicans are on the verge of holding a supermajority in both the House and Senate. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Rescue crews at the Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans continue their rescue efforts in trying to locate a worker who went missing following Saturday mornings deadly construction collapse.  The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office has confirmed Anthony Magrette as the identity of the worker whose body was removed from the building on Sunday.

A highly competitive Baton Rouge Senate race is likely headed for a hand recount after a voting tally adjustment results in a tie between Republican Representatives Franklin Foil and Steve Carter. As of Sunday morning it looked like Foil would make the run-off over Carter by an eight vote margin. Senator Dan Claitor, who was term-limited out of the disputed seat, says it’s an incredible development.

Cut 6 (11) “…settle”

Democrat Beverly Brooks Thompson has the most votes and is guaranteed a spot in the Senate District 16 run-off.

LSU’s impressive win over Florida on Saturday moved the Fighting Tigers to number two in the latest AP Top 25. The Advocate’s Brooks Kubena is a Top 25 voter, and in Kubena’s Top 25 poll, he has Ohio State number one, followed by LSU and then Alabama. Kubena says the Buckeyes look like the most complete team to him…

Cut 14 (12) “…doing well”