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

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 it’s likely the new allegations will lead to additional charges.

Cut 6 (10)  “…sure yet.”

The 47-year-old Norcross has been an instructor at the school since 2004.

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 4^th worst in the nation for the issue.  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) “…national rate of 15.8%.” 

Bussel says the obesity rate held steady between 2016 and 2017.

Amendment number two on the November ballot is getting nationwide attention, with over two million dollars pumped into the state to convince voters to support requiring unanimous jury decisions in felony trials. President of the Public Affairs Research Council, Robert Travis Scott, says despite bi-partisan support, some prosecutors may find the amendment frustrating, because it will take away a powerful tool in the trial process.

Cut 9 (08) “…of time.”

No major state organizations, including Louisiana DAs and Sheriffs groups, have voiced opposition to the change.

A pacific hurricane impacting Louisiana?  Hurricane Willa will cross Mexico first, but enough of the remnants of the storm will be left over to bring some rain to the Bayou State. National Weather Service Slidell Meteorologist Kevin Gilmore says temps will remain relatively cool, not really climbing up much thanks to all the cloud cover and rainfall.

Cut 11 (04)   “…even lower 70s.”

Gilmore anticipates the rain from the system will begin today.

Construction is underway on the iconic Memorial Tower on the LSU campus. Crews will spend 16 to 18 months restoring the 95-year-old building and that restoration includes the installation of air conditioning into the tower, so that it can serve as a museum housing displays and artifacts…
cut 15 (07) “….historical condition”
That’s LSU Assistant V-P of Planning, Design and Construction, Roger Husser, who says the tower was originally constructed as a memorial to the Great War, later know as World War One.

A Pacific hurricane impacting Louisiana? The remnants of Hurricane Willa that has crossed Mexico into Texas will bring some rain to the Bayou State. National Weather Service Slidell Meteorologist Kevin Gilmore says the rain from the former Category 5 storm will start as soon as today and continue into tomorrow.
Cut 10 (09) “…potential as well.“

Senator John Kennedy says he’ll let Louisiana known whether or not he’s running for governor by December 1^st. In an interview with the AP, he said he’s happy in his current job, but its “hard to stomach what is happening in Louisiana right now.” ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says many Republicans are probably thinking “about time”.

Cut 4 (09) “…their mind”

The only Republican to have officially announced their campaign against Democrat John Bel Edwards is Baton Rouge Businessman Eddie Rispone, who has pledged five million dollars of his own money for the race.

Amendment number two on the November ballot is getting nationwide attention, with over two million dollars pumped into the state to convince voters to support requiring unanimous jury decisions in felony trials. President of the Public Affairs Research Council, Robert Travis Scott says supportors hope the amendment will modernize the state legal system.

Cut 8 (10) “…is now.”

The Advocate newspaper reports that Marquette Transportation, the barge operator that’s responsible for hitting the Sunshine Bridge at Donaldsonville, had 32 collisions or “brush-ups” with bridges since 2013, and were not penalized. Ascension Parish Council Chairman Bill Dawson worked for decades and is currently a consultant in the industry, and when asked if the pilot who took the crane barge into the bridge should have been allowed out on the water…
Cut 13 (06) “…solution.”

With no hot races in Louisiana, a low voter turnout is expected for the November 6th election, but JMC Analytics Publisher John Couvillon says Secretary of State Candidates are still flying under the radar. The pollster says that’s due to the position’s low profile, and fundraising difficulties.
Cut 5 (11)  “…full rotation” 
Early voting for the November ballot runs through Tuesday, but closed on Sunday.

LSU says the SEC will not overturn Devin White’s suspension for the first half of the Alabama game, because of targeting a Mississippi State player. So can legal action be taken?  Suspended Hahnville High School quarterback, Andrew Robison, received a court order to play football, but he’s yet to take the field, because the LHSAA could hand down future penalties. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the same thing could happen to LSU, if a judge ruled White can play Bama…

Cut 10 (08)  “…the SEC”

A Moss Bluff man is facing charges of attempted second degree murder after allegedly shooting at his wife.  Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso says 36 year old Robert Moreau was driving home with his wife from a party with a gun in his lap when he threatened to shoot her.  Upon disarming Moreau during a scuffle at home, one of the couple’s three sons, ages 10, 12, and 14, then pulled another gun and threatened Moreau.  Mancuso says this did not sit well with Moreau.
Cut 7 (10)  “…and taking shots”

An analyst is predicting Louisiana could see much better turnout for the November midterms than usual. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”
Early voting for the November ballot runs through Tuesday, but closed on Sunday.

The Advocate newspaper reports that Marquette Transportation, the barge operator that’s responsible for hitting the Sunshine Bridge at Donaldsonville, had 32 collisions or “brush-ups” with bridges since 2013, and were not penalized. Ascension Parish Council Chairman Bill Dawson says their piloting should have been addressed much sooner.

Cut 12 (09)   “…true there”

A Moss Bluff man is facing charges of attempted second degree murder after allegedly shooting at his wife.  Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso says 36 year old Robert Moreau was driving home with his wife from a party with a gun in his lap when he threatened to shoot her.  It escalated as they got home.

Cut 6 (09)  “…grab the gun.”
Upon disarming Moreau, one of the couple’s three sons, ages 10, 12, and 14, then pulls another gun on Moreau and threatened him if he doesn’t leave their mother alone. Moreau’s bond was set just shy of a quarter million dollars.

LSU says the SEC will not overturn Devin White’s suspension for the first half of the Alabama game, because of targeting a Mississippi State player. So can legal action be taken? Legal analyst Tim Meche says LSU would have no problem finding a Baton Rouge judge to grant a temporary injunction, but it comes with a risk

Cut 9 (10)  “bowl game”

LSU says the SEC will not overturn Devin White’s suspension for the first half of the Alabama game, because of targeting a Mississippi State player. Legal analyst Tim Meche says further legal action is highly unlikely, and at this point, fans should move on and accept number 40 will have to ride the pine…

Cut 11 (07) “the game”

The game kicks off November 3^rd.

The Advocate newspaper reports that Marquette Transportation, the barge operator that’s responsible for hitting the Sunshine Bridge at Donaldsonville, had 32 collisions or “brush-ups” with bridges since 2013, and were not penalized. Ascension Parish Council Chairman Bill Dawson says it’s clear the Coast Guard needs to reform how it tracks company and pilot accidents on the river.

Cut 14 (11) “…lower level.”

JMC Analytics Publisher and Analyst John Couvillon says he doesn’t see any of the Congressional races on the November ballot resulting in a change in the state’s congressional delegation. He did say the 3rd district could get interesting though, where Clay Higgins faces a Republican challenger and a crowded democratic field. Even then the analyst says he expects Higgins to avoid a run-off, and the rest of the congressional races to be far less close…

Cut 4 (11) “…near 80.″

Early voting for the November ballot runs through Tuesday, but closed on Sunday, and if any candidates fail to crack 50 percent, the election run-offs would be held December 8^th.

And Senator John Kennedy says we’ll know whether or not he’s going to challenge Governor John Bel Edwards before the first of December. In an interview with the AP, Kennedy said he loves his current job but finds it “hard to stomach what is happening in Louisiana right now.”

With no hot races in Louisiana, a low voter turnout is expected for the November 6th election, but JMC Analytics Publisher John Couvillon says Secretary of State Candidates are still flying under the radar. The pollster says that’s due to the position’s low profile, and fundraising difficulties.

Cut 5 (11)  “…full rotation” 

Early voting for the November ballot runs through Tuesday, but closed on Sunday.

The Advocate newspaper reports that Marquette Transportation, the barge operator that’s responsible for hitting the Sunshine Bridge at Donaldsonville, had 32 collisions or “brush-ups” with bridges since 2013, and were not penalized. Ascension Parish Council Chairman Bill Dawson worked for decades and is currently a consultant in the industry, and when asked if the pilot who took the crane barge into the bridge should have been allowed out on the water…

Cut 13 (06) “…solution.”

LSU says the SEC will not overturn Devin White’s suspension for the first half of the Alabama game, because of targeting a Mississippi State player. So can legal action be taken?  Suspended Hahnville High School quarterback, Andrew Robison, received a court order to play football, but he’s yet to take the field, because the LHSAA could hand down future penalties. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the same thing could happen to LSU, if a judge ruled White can play Bama…

Cut 10 (08)  “…the SEC”

A Moss Bluff man is facing charges of attempted second degree murder after allegedly shooting at his wife.  Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso says 36 year old Robert Moreau was driving home with his wife from a party with a gun in his lap when he threatened to shoot her.  Upon disarming Moreau during a scuffle at home, one of the couple’s three sons, ages 10, 12, and 14, then pulled another gun and threatened Moreau.  Mancuso says this did not sit well with Moreau.

Cut 7 (10)  “…and taking shots”

A Moss Bluff man is facing charges of attempted second degree murder after allegedly shooting at his wife.  Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso says 36-year old Robert Moreau was driving home with his wife from a party with a gun in his lap when he threatened to shoot her.  It escalated as they got home.

Cut 6 (09)  “…grab the gun.”
Moreau later lead authorities in a traffic pursuit before being arrested.  His bond is set just shy of a quarter million dollars.

LSU says the SEC will not overturn Devin White’s suspension for the first half of the Alabama game, because of targeting a Mississippi State player. So can legal action be taken? Legal analyst Tim Meche says LSU would have no problem finding a Baton Rouge judge to grant a temporary injunction, but it comes with a risk

Cut 9 (10)  “bowl game”

An analyst is predicting Louisiana could see a much better turnout for the November midterms than usual. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Here’s a look at your commodities…

State election officials say turnout could be noticeably higher for this year’s fall elections relative to last year’s 13 percent participation, but JMC Analytics Publisher John Couvillon is even more bullish, saying turnout could near 30 percent despite a lack of competitive Congressional races, because of the national political climate.

Cut 3, 8 seconds, pressure there

Analysts say national turnout could crack 55 percent, which would be more than double the 2014 midterm numbers.

And voters won’t just be deciding on congressional candidates, the Secretary of State, or a suite of amendments. All 64 Parishes will have the opportunity to decide whether or not fantasy sports gaming should be legal.  Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana President Robert Travis Scott says, surprise, fantasy leagues that involve money are actually illegal, but…

Cut 9 (10) “…activity.”

All eyes are on the $1.6 billion jackpot for tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot drawing after no jackpot-winning ticket was sold on Friday night.  Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says the current multi-state game’s jackpot is a record setter.

Cut 10 (08)   “…US lottery history.“

The cut off to buy a ticket for a chance to be that winner is 9PM

The National Retail Federation says spending is slightly up for Halloween as they are projecting Americans will spend a total of $9 billion on the holiday.  It’s the second highest year of the 14 years the NRF has surveyed spending habits for the Halloween.  NRF spokesperson Ana Serafin Smith says the spending breaks down to just shy of $90 per person.

Cut 13 (12)   “…from last year.”