Louisiana is receiving a $3 million in grant money from Youth Villages to implement a new program for youths aging out of foster care. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31)  “I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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The 112^th Annual State Fair gets kicked off today in Shreveport.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

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The legislature heard from a Mississippi gaming official who says the Magnolia State is reaping the financial benefits of legalized sports betting. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle..”

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We’ll see heavier than normal rains today as the remnants of a Pacific hurricane passes through Louisiana, after initially making landfall in Isla Del Bosque, Mexico. State Climatologist Barry Keim says that system will augment existing cloudy weather to bring some nasty weather.

Cut 4 (07) “…an inch”

But it’s not going to last. The climatologist predicts the system will be out of our hair by the end of the work week, leaving us with perfect weekend weather.

Cut 5 (10) “..the weekend” 

And it’s not all that common that a storm that first hit in Pacific Mexico makes it’s way to the bayou, but Keim says there’s at least one recent example it reminds him of.

Cut 6 (10) “…on occasoin.”

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Louisiana is receiving a $3 million grant over the next three years from Youth Villages, a nonprofit organization offering services to young people aging out of foster care. The organization will be training DCFS staff to implement their program known as YVLifeSet. DCFS Child Welfare Manager Christy Tate says the research on the program indicates positive outcomes.

Cut 7 (08) “…exiting foster care.”

Tate says the funding comes at the great time for the state’s foster care programs.
Cut 8 (12) “…of the same.”

Tate says the intent is to keep the YVLifeSet program going, even after the grant ends.
Cut 9 (11) “…three million dollars.”

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The 112^th Annual State Fair gets kicked off today in Shreveport. With about sixty carnival rides, rodeo events, parades and more, there is plenty to do for every member of the family.  The event first took place in 1906 and State Fair spokesperson Russell Adams says the fair is tradition for many families.

Cut 10 (09)   “…years ago.“

General gate admission is $12, with discounts on the weekdays.  Adams says if live music is what you are looking for, the fair has you covered every night.

Cut 11 (06)   “…your gate admission.”

Adams says they’ve got a large collection of animals for a petting zoo as well.

Cut 12 (09)  “…feed the giraffes.”
The fair is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, with the exception of Election Day, and runs through November 11^th.

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The Legislature is investigating the effects of sports gaming legalization in Mississippi, now that the Magnolia State has a few months of the activity in the books to look at. They heard testimony from the Louisiana State Police Audit Director Jeff Traylor, who says there estimates an American Gaming Association study says legalization would contribute a hefty sum to state coffers.

Cut 13 (12)   “…be high.”

The Senate also sat down with Mississippi Gaming Commission Executive Director Allen Godfrey, who says they’ve been impressed with the rapid expansion of the activity since allowing the first bets to be placed on August 1^st.

Cut 14 (08)   “…sports book”

Godfrey says August and September gaming revenue numbers are up 23 million relative to last year in Mississippi.

And Metairie Senator Danny Martiny brought up the financial success and substantial participation numbers from online sports betting. Godfrey says while Mississippi does not have online betting, it’s something they would consider to combat illegal betting.

Cut 15 (07)   “…is big.”

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LSU’s players say Devin White is maintaining a positive attitude even though he’ll miss the first half of the Alabama game on November 3rd, because of the targeting penalty called on him last Saturday. Fellow linebacker Michael Divinity says White’s focus is on helping the Tigers beat the Crimson Tide, even though he can’t play in the first half…

Cut 16 (16) “.to have”

Coach Ed Orgeron said on the SEC teleconference either Patrick Queen or Micah Baskerville will fill in for White during his first half suspension. Orgeron says Jacob Phillips will make the calls and checks in White’s absence. Phillips says he’s ready for the extra responsibility…

Cut 17 (10)  “to everybody”

Billboards that read hashtag free Devin White have gone up in Birmingham, Alabama, the home of SEC headquarters. They were paid for by LSU fans. Phillips says White appreciates the love he’s receiving from Purple and Gold nation…

Cut 18 (08) “…they love us” 

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Saints Coach Sean Payton says they are hopeful newly acquired cornerback Eli Apple will play in Sunday night’s game against Minnesota. Apple had highs and lows during his 2.5 seasons in New York, but Payton feels good about the trade after talking with players on their roster who played with Apple at Ohio State….

Cut 19 (15) “.with him” 

The Saints sent a 2019 fourth round pick and a 2020 seventh round pick to the Giants to complete the trade. New Orleans doesn’t have a first, third or fourth round pick for the 2019 draft, but that’s not a big concern…

Cut 20 (19) “team better” 

A Benton Elementary School teacher who’s facing rape and video voyerism charges involving students may have more charges on the way. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Alongside the announcement that John Kennedy will announce his gubernatorial intentions by December 1^st, the U.S. Senator released a poll showing Kennedy had the highest approval rating in the state at 57 percent, eclipsing his potential Republican rival Jeff Landry, who sat at 41 percent. UL Lafayette Political Sci Professor Pearson Cross.

Cut 13 (08) “…between them.”

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has released the results of its latest analysis on national and state-by-state obesity rates among youth and it ranks Louisiana as the fourth worst in the nation.  Senior Program Officer for the foundation, Jamie Bussel says  while the rate is still far too high across the board, the obesity rate held steady from 2016 to 2017.

Cut 4 (09) “…state of Louisiana.″

After touring the damaged Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish, Governor John Bel Edwards announced plans for it to re-open in January 2019. The estimated cost to repair the damage is five-million dollars. Edwards says crews will be working around the clock to fix the bridge, but windy conditions could cause delays…

Cut 10 (08)  “…this bridge is reopened.”

The bridge has been closed for nearly two weeks.

Alongside the announcement that John Kennedy will announce his gubernatorial intentions by December 1^st, the Senator released a poll showing Kennedy leading Governor Edwards 48 percent to 39 percent in a theoretical race. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says the poll is a reminder that Edwards faces a difficult reelection campaign.
Cut 12 (10)   “…so lucky”

After touring the damaged Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish, Governor John Bel Edwards announced plans for it to re-open in January 2019. The estimated cost to repair the damage is five-million dollars.  Edwards says the state will be going after the barge operator to pick up the tab, not only the repairs, but the extra law enforcement costs in redirecting traffic.
Cut 9 (07)  “with the repairs.”
The bridge has been closed for nearly two weeks since a barge-mounted crane hit the structure.

*The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has released the results of its latest analysis on national and state-by-state obesity rates among youth and it ranks Louisiana as the fourth worst in the nation.  Senior Program Officer for the foundation, Jamie Bussel says there are steps that can be taken to avoid youth obesity.
Cut 5 (08)  “…to be physically active.” 

The foundation’s data indicates that around 1 in 6 kids age 10 to 17 are obese in Louisiana.

Up to ten additional parents have come forward with information suggesting Benton Elementary School teacher “Perry” Norcross of Bossier City behaved inappropriately with their child. Norcross is facing rape and video voyeurism charges related to two other students. Bossier Parish Sherriff Spokesperson Lt. Bill Davis says authorities aren’t ruling out how far back the alleged abuses may have occurred, and are asking anyone, regardless of age, to come forward with information.

Cut 7 (10)  “…such things”

After touring the damaged Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish, Governor John Bel Edwards announced plans for it to re-open in January 2019. Edwards saw drone footage and photos prior to today’s visit, and says after seeing the damage first hand, it’s much more severe than what he initially anticipated.

Cut 11 (11) “that bridge is.”

The estimated cost to repair the damage is five-million dollars.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has released the results of its latest analysis on national and state-by-state obesity rates among youth and it ranks Louisiana as the fourth worst in the nation.  Senior Program Officer for the foundation, Jamie Bussel says the data indicates that around 1 in 6 kids age 10 to 17 are obese.

Cut 3 (09) “…15.8 percent”

Up to ten additional parents have come forward with information suggesting Benton Elementary School teacher “Perry” Norcross of Bossier City behaved inappropriately with their child. Norcross is facing rape and video voyeurism charges related to two other students. Bossier Parish Sherriff Spokesperson Lt. Bill Davis says if you were a victim of Mr. Norcross, they hope you’ll report the incident to police.

Cut 8 (09) “…accordingly”

The 47-year-old Norcross has been employed at the school since 2004 as a teacher.

Alongside the announcement that John Kennedy will announce his gubernatorial intentions by December 1^st, the U.S. Senator released a poll showing he leads Governor Edwards 48 percent to 39 percent in a theoretical race, along with data that he has the highest approval rating in the state, but UL Lafayette Political Sci Professor Pearson Cross says take it with a grain of salt.

Cut 14 (08) “…the poll”

After touring the damaged Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish, Governor John Bel Edwards announced plans for it to re-open in January 2019. The estimated cost to repair the damage is five-million dollars.  Edwards says crews will be working around the clock to fix the bridge, but windy conditions could cause delays…

Cut 10 (08)  “…this bridge is reopened.”
The bridge has been closed for nearly two weeks since a barge-mounted crane hit the structure.

Alongside the announcement that John Kennedy will announce his gubernatorial intentions by December 1^st, the Senator released a poll of likely voters, noting Kennedy had the highest approval rating in the state at 57 percent, over his potential Republican rival Jeff Landry, who sat at 41 percent. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says Landry’s political feud with the governor has made the A-G less popular
Cut 13 (08) “…between them.”

A Benton Elementary School teacher who’s facing rape and video voyerism charges involving students may have more charges on the way. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The state fire marshal’s office says a 10 year old boy was killed in a house fire in Monroe overnight. A second child, a 13 year old, had been hospitalized for smoke inhalation, but has since been released. Two adults also escaped the fire through a master bedroom window.

Governor John Bel Edwards toured the damaged Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish today, which has been closed since a barge carrying a crane slammed into the structure on October 12.  The estimated cost to patch up the damage is around $5 million.  Edwards says the state will be going after the barge operator to pick up the tab, not only the repairs, but the extra law enforcement costs in redirecting traffic.
Cut 9 (07)  “with the repairs.”
Weather permitting, Edwards says bridge will likely be reopened in January 2019.

Alongside the announcement that John Kennedy will announce his gubernatorial intentions by December 1^st, the Senator released a poll showing Kennedy leading Governor Edwards 48 percent to 39 percent in a theoretical race. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says the poll is a reminder that Edwards faces a difficult reelection campaign.
Cut 12 (10)   “…so lucky”

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has released the results of its latest analysis on national and state-by-state obesity rates among youth and it ranks Louisiana as the fourth worst in the nation.  Senior Program Officer for the foundation, Jamie Bussel says there are steps that can be taken to avoid youth obesity.
Cut 5 (08)  “…to be physically active.” 

The foundation’s data indicates that around 1 in 6 kids age 10 to 17 are obese in Louisiana.

Up to ten additional parents have come forward with information suggesting Benton Elementary School teacher “Perry” Norcross of Bossier City behaved inappropriately with their child. Norcross is facing rape and video voyeurism charges related to two other students. Bossier Parish Sherriff Spokesperson Lt. Bill Davis says authorities aren’t ruling out how far back the alleged abuses may have occurred, and are asking anyone, regardless of age, to come forward with information.

Cut 7 (10)  “…such things”

Senator John Kennedy says he’ll let the state know whether or nor he’s running for governor before December. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Matt Doyle” 

Governor John Bel Edwards is touring the damaged Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish today. Meanwhile, Louisiana’s Congressional delegation is seeking information from the Coast Guard and the N-T-S-B on why a barge with a large crane hit the bridge on October 12th.  The bridge has been closed since the accident, causing the estimated 25-thousand drivers who use the bridge daily to find another route.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has released the results of its latest analysis on national and state-by-state obesity rates among youth and it ranks Louisiana as the fourth worst in the nation.  Senior Program Officer for the foundation, Jamie Bussel says while the rate is still far too high across the board, the obesity rate held steady from 2016 to 2017.

Cut 4 (09) “…state of Louisiana.″
The foundation’s data indicates that around 1 in 6 kids age 10 to 17 are obese.

The state fire marshal’s office says a young boy was killed in a house fire in Monroe overnight. A second child has been hospitalized for smoke inhalation. Authorities say more information will be released as it becomes available.

Here’s a look at your commodities

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says the targeting penalty against All-American linebacker Devin White was unfair and it’s unfortunate he will not be able to play in the first half against top ranked Alabama on November 3rd. Orgeron says he’s reviewed the tape of White’s hit on Mississippi State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald and it was not viscous…
Cut 19 (19) “..step up”
Orgeron says Damone Clark, Micah Baskerville and Patrick Queen are possible starters in the place of the suspended White.

Former LSU Quarterback Justin McMillan will make his first start Saturday for Tulane as the Green Wave visits Tulsa. The Greenies are just 2-and-5 on the season.

Despite the 5-and-1 record, the Saints have had issues with their defensive secondary, which is why they sent a fourth and seventh round draft pick to New York for cornerback Eli Apple. Seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson also wants to be traded, but NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the Peterson’s price tag might be too high….
cut 18 (17) “…the NFL”
Apple has one interception and 20 passes defensed in his two and half years in the NFL.

The Pelicans didn’t shoot the ball well last night, but still defeated the Los Angles Clippers 116 to 109 to improve to 3-0 on the season. Anthony Davis had 34 points and 12 rebounds, Elfrid Payton had 20 points and Nikola Mirotic had 18 points and 12 boards. The Pels host Brooklyn on Friday.