The Traveling Tigers are hitting the road tomorrow for the most anticipated game of the season. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

__________________________________________

JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon releases the halftime reports on the first four days of early voting.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”    

__________________________________________

All eyes are on Tuscaloosa this weekend for the biggest game in college football and the LSU’s Traveling Tigers are making the trip as well. According to Alumni Engagement Travel Manager Ali Brooks the Bama trip sold out in July. Brooks says they will load up buses tomorrow morning in Baton Rouge and hit the road.

Cut 3 (12)   “…to Tuscaloosa” 

Brooks says even if you aren’t traveling with the group and will be in Alabama this weekend, Tiger fans can participate in events the group is holding before the game.

Cut 4 (11) “in Tuscaloosa.”

For more information about tickets to the all-inclusive tailgate visit lsu-alumni-dot-org.

Brooks says LSU was allotted five-thousand tickets for the game but she says many Tiger fans are being resourceful and finding tickets on the secondary market.

Cut 5 (11) “…ready for” 

____________________________________

Last night’s Presidential rally in Monroe may have been held to hype Eddie Rispone to north Louisiana Republicans, but impeachment ended up taking center stage for most of the night.

President Trump got some of his biggest applause lines of the night going after familiar targets like Nancy Pelosi, Adam Schiff, and the media over their handling of the Ukraine scandal…

Cut 6 (08) “…*boos*”

Eddie Rispone worked impeachment into his stump speech, using it to attack Governor Edwards’ party affiliation…

Cut 7 (11) “…me in”

The Edwards campaign says the attack was just another example of Rispone trying to make the local race about national issues.

And US Senator John Kennedy dropped maybe the most controversial line of the night and one that’s got him a lot of play on national TV this morning.

Cut 8 (12) “*cheers*.”

Kennedy made the comments in the context of President Trump’s economic record.

________________________

Turnout remains strong as the first four days of early voting has resulted in 295,000 showing up to the ballot box.  JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says he would not be surprised if nearly 500,000 total votes are cast when early voting wraps up.  That’s a boost from the primary.

Cut 9 (06)  “…in the primary.”

Only one time has early voting broke the half-million mark and that was with 2016 President with 531,000 votes.

Couvillon says he predicts a Democratic surge on Saturday as data shows a disproportionate number of Democrats wait until the last minute to early vote.  As for which parish will likely see the biggest increase in voters versus the primary…

Cut 10 (07) “…was Orleans.”

Couvillon expects early voting to account for roughly a third of all votes cast in this election, with the overall participation in the runoff eclipsing the primary.

Cut 11 (08) “…in the primary..”

_______________________

Campaign finance reports are out for the late September to late October fundraising period and Eddie Rispone has seen a fundraising explosion since entering the run-off.

Rispone pulled in 2.9 million dollars during the period. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that because Rispone has the full weight of the GOP behind him.

Cut  12 (11) “now” 

Edwards raised 5.2 million during the period.

Pinsonat says you’ll start to see a lot more local Republican money pour into the race because donors won’t have to fear playing favorites like in the primary.

Cut 13 (09) “…situation”

Both campaigns are sprinting to the finish line with just over a week left before voters hit the polls. Pinsonat says the campaigns need any donations in by Wednesday at the latest.

Cut 14 (07) “…Thursday.”

The election will be held next Saturday, November 16^th.

LSU is ranked second and not first in the first college football playoff rankings for 2019. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

__________________________________________

Eddie Rispone is hoping President Trump’s visit to Monroe tonight will put him in the Governor’s mansion. But a recent study indicates Trump may not be pushing voters as much as one would think. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”    

__________________________________________

To the surprise of some LSU fans, the Tigers are not number one in the first college football playoff ranking for the 2019 season. The selection committee ranked Ohio State ahead of LSU and Alabama is third. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says he’s not surprised with the Buckeyes getting the top spot…

Cut 3 (12)   “…and defense” 

Higgins says it’s probably better for LSU that they are ranked second behind Ohio State….

Cut 4 (12) “…about that.”

Penn State is ranked fourth in the first college football playoff rankings, the defending national champion Clemson Tigers are fifth. So two teams from the SEC and Big 10 are in the top four, but Higgins says that will change

Cut 5 (08) “…   self out” 

____________________________________

A study of the gubernatorial primary results show President Trump’s October rally in Lake Charles may have only had a slight boost at the ballot box.  LSU political researcher Dr. Michael Henderson says Trump may have only moved the needle in the Lake Charles region by about 2%, which resulted in an additional 2,000 GOP votes.

Cut 6 (11) “…avoid a runoff.”

Henderson says there is no evidence that the impeachment inquiry galvanized Republicans to oppose the Democrat Governor.

Cut 7 (11) “…remained pretty steady.”

Henderson says the question remains as to whether the continued tethering of Trump’s and Rispone’s parallels will result in Republican voters viewing the race through a partisan lens.

Cut 8 (08) “…all about partisanship.”

Trump continues to focus on the Governor’s race with an appearance in Monroe tonight and he’ll be in Bossier City on November 14th.

________________________

Public school report cards are out and the state’s overall performance score is up slightly, but more work needs to be done to improve struggling schools.

16 percent of schools scored an A, 32 percent a B, 29 percent a C, 14 percent a D, and nine percent a failing grade. Superintendent of Education John White compares that to last year.

Cut 9 (08)  “schools.”

The total number of school systems that earned an A rating jumped from four last year to nine this year.

By state metrics, overall quality is up, but a new federal rating metric, the Every Student Succeeds Act, has identified hundreds of problematic schools.

Cut 10 (11) “years.”

571 schools were identified under ESSA as having achieved low marks for two consecutive years in achievement for certain disadvantaged groups within the school.

White touts the work done to address problematic schools. He says 36 percent of those schools identified under ESSA have seen a three-point grade increase, compared to only 29 of schools overall.

Cut 11 (07) “…state.”

All 571 schools identified under ESSA must submit an action plan on how to address their overall problematic performance or their problematic performance with certain populations.

_______________________

Renown Pointe Coupee Parish Pulitzer-nominated author, and former UL Lafayette Writer-in-Residence Ernest Gaines passed away yesterday at 86.

Gaines was born on a plantation into a rural sharecropping family during the Great Depression, and told Jim Engster during an interview in 2008 that it wasn’t an easy upbringing…

Cut  12 (11) “…that way.” 

Gaines would eventually move to California in his teens because African Americans did not have a high school at that time in Pointe Coupee. Gaines returned home in the 80s after living in San Francisco.

Cut 13 (11) “…changed”

Gaines studied Literature at San Franciso State University before serving in the Army for two years.

Gaines found mass critical acclaim with his works The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pitman and A Lesson Before Dying, but saw a lot of himself in a protagonist from his 1963 short story, The Sky is Gray.

Cut 14 (07) “…everything.”

Much of Gaines’ work focuses on the experience of African Americans living in the Jim Crow south.

Monroe will be a gubernatorial campaigning hotspot tomorrow with visits from President Trump, GOP challenger Eddie Rispone, and Governor Edwards. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

__________________________________________

A Denham Springs man allegedly told authorities he drove a stolen electric shopping cart from Walmart to avoid getting a D-W-I. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo   

__________________________________________

President Trump visits Monroe tomorrow in support of GOP gubernatorial challenger Eddie Rispone.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Trump’s popularity is high in the state and could be a big motivating factor to get the Republican voters to the polls, especially those that supported Congressman Ralph Abraham in the primary.

Cut 3 (12)   “…deal for him” 

Governor Edwards will also be in Monroe tomorrow morning, addressing what President Trump is expected to say during his visit.  Edwards will gather campaign volunteers at Charles Johnson Children’s Park.

Pinsonat says Trump has a strong history of garnering voter turnout as evident by the results of the 2016 Presidential election.

Cut 4 (10) “…the big advantage.”

President Trump has an excellent rating on his job performance to the tune of 60-70% among white voters.  Pinsonat says Trump does not have the same outlook from black voters.

Cut 5 (08) “…a huge deal.”

The Trump event takes place at the Monroe Civic Center tomorrow night.

____________________________________

A Denham Springs man is under arrest for stealing an electric shopping cart from a Walmart in Houma, allegedly to avoid getting a DWI.

Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson John DeSantis says 32-year-old Brice Kendell Williams had parked at one bar, started drinking, then decided to steal the cart and drive it to another bar.

Cut 6 (08) “…DWI.”

Deputies were alerted to the alleged theft by a security guard at the bar.

But DeSantis says there’s a problem with Mr. Williams’ logic; he still could’ve been charged with a DWI for drunk driving the cart.

Cut 7 (08) “…lawnmower.”

DeSantis says nothing in Mr. Williams’ report indicated that he had a disability that would have warranted use of the cart.

And Mr. Williams had to drive the cart more than a half-mile down the road, which could have led to a potentially fatal accident.

Cut 8 (08) “…himself”

Williams is facing felony unauthorized use of a moveable and a 2,500 dollar bond.

________________________

A 23-year-old Prairieville man was arrested for allegedly impersonating a police officer and chasing another vehicle from Jefferson to St. Charles Parish.

St. Charles Sheriff’s Corporal James Grimaldi says that led to the pursued vehicle, a Dodge Charger, wrecking on Interstate 310. He adds witnesses report seeing Peyton Oubre’s Audi with emergency lights…

Cut 9 (12)  “violation.”

Emergency lights were allegedly later discovered when Oubre’s vehicle was searched.

Grimaldi says when questioned as to why he engaged in the high-speed chase, Oubre gave a cryptic answer…

Cut 10 (09) “details.”

Oubre also allegedly told deputies he chased down the Charger because it was being operated recklessly. Grimaldi says never take the law into your own hands on the road.

Cut 11 (07) “…details.”

Grimaldi says they do not believe the incident is related to another case of reported officer impersonation that occurred in St. Charles parish in October.

_______________________

The first college football playoff rankings for the 2019 season will be released tonight at 8 PM. Jerry Palm of cbs-sports-dot-com says either LSU or Ohio State will be ranked number one…

Cut  12 (06) “…Ohio State.” 

The Tigers have defeated three teams ranked in the A-P Top 10, while the undefeated Buckeyes have won by an average score of 40 points.

Palm believes Alabama will be ranked third in the College Football Rankings. He says despite injuries, the Crimson Tide are very talented, especially if quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is healthy…

Cut 13 (09) “…beating LSU”

Tua had surgery to fix a high ankle sprain following a win over Tennessee on October 20th. He’ll reportedly play against LSU this Saturday.

Palm says even if LSU loses this Saturday in Tuscaloosa, the Tigers could still be in the four-team college football playoff, because of the schedule they’ve played…

Cut 14 (10) “…against Texas.”

The Ukraine Scandal whistleblower wants to avoid a public hearing and submit answers in writing, but many Republicans say that’s not acceptable. Kevin Barnhart spoke with a member of the state’s Republican Congressional delegation…

Cut 1 (24) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

_____________________________

An anti-Eddie Rispone radio ad compares Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone to David Duke. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

________________________

Bayou Teche Brewing and Tony Chachere’s Famous Creole Cuisine release a beer brewed from gumbo.  Brooke Thorington has the story.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

________________________

Republicans are blasting a request from the Ukrainian Scandal whistleblower seeking to submit written answers instead of publicly testifying at an impeachment inquiry hearing.  Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins says a desire for anonymity is understandable, but that can be done while still offering a chance to question the whistleblower in person…

Cut 4 (10) “…authorities.”

The whistleblower’s attorney requested not to have a public hearing. Higgins says they’re fairly confident they know who the whistleblower is, and that person is ethically compromised.

Cut 5 (13) “…a bind.”

Higgins says the whistleblower had contact with Intelligence Committee Chairman Schiff prior to the complaint. The whistleblower’s attorneys say that’s not true.

The Congressman, who has access to information from previous classified hearings in the Ukraine investigation, says none of the information kept secret so far was worthy of this level of secrecy.

Cut 6 (06) “…pissed.”

____________________

GOP gubernatorial challenger Eddie Rispone lashes out over a radio ad paid for by a New Orleans based political organization that compares Eddie Rispone with former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke.  Rispone says the ad is offensive and says Governor Edwards needs to demand it to be retracted.

Cut 7 (10) “path.” 

The Edwards Campaign says they are not responsible for the ad.

But Black Organization for Leadership Development, the group that produced the radio ad isn’t backing down. BOLD Operations Chief Jay Banks says Rispone and Duke are peas in a pod.

Cut 8 (09) “…true”

Banks doesn’t understand why Rispone is mad. He says Duke and Rispone are both anti-New Orleans and anti-Medicaid.

Rispone says it’s a dirty campaign season smear that reflects poorly on Governor Edwards.

Cut 9 (07)  “things”

But Banks, a New Orleans City Councilman, says Rispone has buddied up to the President and brought the President’s divisive style of racial politics to Louisiana.

Cut 10 (08) “…Louisiana”

_________________________________

Bayou Teche Brewing and Tony Chachere’s Famous Creole Cuisine have combined forces to release Gumbo Stout, a craft beer aimed at capturing the spirit of the signature Louisiana dish. Brewery founder Karlos Knott says the beer was brewed around the flavor of a chicken and sausage gumbo.

Cut 11 (06) “…work together.”

Knott says the beer was inspired by the Mexican Michelada.

Cut  12 (12) “…version of that.” 

Knott says Bayou Teche is no stranger to beers based around the unique flavors of Louisiana foods, adding the different variations sell quickly.

Cut 13 (13) “…some Louisiana ducks.”

Gumbo Stout will be available for a limited time at select retailers around the state.

_______________________

As the election draws closer, GOP gubernatorial challenger Eddie Rispone is hoping to take the shine away from Governor John Bel Edwards.  Rispone’s recent attack on Edwards’ military service has drawn criticism and UL Lafayette poli sci professor Pearson Cross says it probably was not the best choice when there are other areas to highlight.

Cut 14 (09) “…at that time.” 

Cross expects Rispone to bring attention to Louisiana not seeing as much of the benefit from Trump’s handling of the national economy due to Baton Rouge politics.

Cut 15 (10) “…big wild card.”

Rispone criticized Edwards supporters for running ads that draw parallels between himself, President Trump, and former KKK leader David Duke, calling the comparisons dirty politics.  Cross expects it will only get dirtier from both sides.

Cut 16  (12)  …bets are off.  
________________________________

The hype is building towards Saturday’s SEC Showdown between top ranked LSU and second-ranked Alabama. But Crimson Tide Coach Nick Saban doesn’t want his players to get involved in the hype or worry about the implications of the game…

Cut 17  (19)     on thAt  

Saban will be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in June. Saban when he accepts the award in Natchitoches, he’ll accept it on behalf of others…

cut 18  (20) “own right” 

Saban says star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will be a game-time decision to play as he continues to test his ankle that recently underwent surgery…

cut 19 (15)   “the plan   

A record number of early voters showed up Saturday to cast their ballots for the run-off. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

__________________________________________

LSU will be missing one of its top pass rushers for Saturday’s big SEC tilt between the Fighting Tigers and Alabama. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo   

__________________________________________

89,623 people early voted on Saturday for the run-off, an all-time record high topping even the first day early voting turnout of the 2016 Presidential election. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says Governor Edwards is likely a lot happier with the demographics of this early voting period…

Cut 3 (12)   “…base” 

First-day run-off early voting was up 16 percent over this year’s primary.

Couvillon notes the voters most up for grabs in the coming election were notably absent Saturday…

Cut 4 (08) “…election day.”

Edwards holds a 60-37 percent lead among white Democrats, while Rispone sports a 56-38 percent lead among white independents according to JMC’s most recent poll.

Couvillon says using these numbers you can begin to derive a good best guess for what total turnout might look like for the run-off.

Cut 5 (10) “…primary”

Early voting runs through Saturday.

____________________________________

Louisiana earns an F-grade on preterm birth rates from the March of Dimes’ report card on maternal and infant health.  The state’s preterm birthrate is at 13%, slightly higher than last year.  March of Dimes spokesperson Frankie Robertson says the results look at the health of the mother as it intertwines with that of the child.

Cut 6 (07) “…and after pregnancy.”

Nationally, preterm birth rates increased for the fourth year in a row, earning an overall C-grade.  New Orleans and Baton Rouge rank among the worst preterm birth rates in the nation’s 100 largest cities.  Robertson says the poverty rate is a negatively contributing factor.

Cut 7 (10) “…consequences for health.”

Among the recommendations, group prenatal care, bias training, eliminating structural racism in health care, and increased availability of Medicaid.

Cut 8 (12) “…federal poverty guidelines.”

___________________________________

GOP gubernatorial challenger Eddie Rispone was among those to take advantage of early voting this morning in Baton Rouge.  Rispone says it is a rewarding feeling to see his name on the ballot after making it into the runoff.

Cut 9 (05)  “…like they have.”

Rispone’s recent statements that Governor John Bel Edwards has tarnished the name of West Point Military Academy has garnered criticism.  Rispone says the comments were inspired by talking to veterans along the campaign trail.

Cut 10 (10) “…came to mind.”

Governor Edwards says he is not ashamed of his accomplishments since leaving West Point.

Cut 11 (12) “…I’m proud of.”

And the Governor reiterated how proud he was that he was able to keep his campaign promise of righting the state’s finances after the Jindal years left the budget in chaos.

Cut  12 (12) “…of financial ruin.” 

Election Day is November 16th.

________________________________

Oddsmakers do not have top-ranked LSU beating Alabama this Saturday and ending the Crimson Tide’s eight-game winning streak over the Tigers. Bama is a 6.5 point favorite, but LSU Coach Ed Orgeron listed the reasons on why his team can win…

Cut 13 (12) “…Florida”

Orgeron says the previous eight games in the series between the two schools will not have an impact on what happens this Saturday afternoon…

Cut 14 (12) “…our side.”

LSU has not been able to beat Alabama since 2011 as the Crimson Tide have outplayed the Tigers along the line of scrimmage. But Orgeron believes his defensive line matches up better with the Bama o-line this year and they have a solid run-stuffer in Tyler Shelvin..

Cut 15 (11) “..very well.”

But LSU will be without linebacker Michael Divinity, Coach O says he’s left the team for personal reasons.

A new poll of likely voters has Governor Edwards barely inching over the 50 percent mark, with GOP challenger Eddie Rispone right on his heels at 47 percent. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…Matt Doyle”

__________________________________________

Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards and his Republican challenger Eddie Rispone have completely different views on how well the state’s economy is performing. Jeff Palermo has more…

cut  2 (27) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”   

__________________________________________

A cold front has passed through and Canadian air has dramaticly dropped temperatures compared to yesterday.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says this is the beginning of a cold stretch of days.

Cut 3 (09)   “…next few days.” 

Keim says by tomorrow morning, we are likely to see a light freeze across the northern parishes.

Cut 4 (09) “…the coastal zone.”

Keim says those cold temps may inspire trick-or-treaters to have an extra layer under the costume tonight.

Cut 5 (11) “…a little bit.”

______________________

Last night’s gubernatorial debate saw fireworks between Governor John Bel Edwards and GOP challenger Eddie Rispone.  Edwards fired back as Rispone said dangerous convicts were set free as a result of criminal justice reform.

Cut 6 (12) “…and fear mongering.”

Rispone says criminal justice reform was a letdown for law enforcement and crime victims.

Cut 7 (13) “…that I’ve done.”

Rispone owns Baton Rouge-based ISC Constructors and has touted a history of job creation throughout the campaign.  Governor Edwards questioned who exactly the company was hiring.

Cut 8 (12) “…misleading folks.”

Moderators were having trouble keeping the train on the tracks as the two kept unleashing attacks about job creation.

Cut 9 (12)  “…thank you both.”

_______________________________

A My People Vote poll gives Governor Edwards just over 50 percent support, while Eddie Rispone is right behind him at 47 percent.

The margin of error is 3.6 percent, and political analyst Ed Chervenak says the results show a nearly dead-even race heading into the final two weeks…

Cut 10 (09) “slightly.”

The other poll Chervenak mentioned, by JMC Analytics, puts the race at 48 percent to 46 percent in favor of Edwards.

There’s no real gender gap to speak of between the two candidates and Chervenak says there’s next to no partisan drift either…

Cut 11 (11) “Republicans”

Only three percent of likely voters surveyed were still undecided. Chervenak says that means the race is going to come down to who can inspire their voters to show up on November 16^th.

Cut 12 (09) “…victorious” 

The survey polled likely voters, who Chervenak says are more likely to have made up their mind than the average registered voter.

_________________________________________

President Trump will be in Monroe Wednesday, November sixth to support GOP gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone. The rally will begin at 7 PM at the Monroe Civic Center. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says the President’s visit falls during the middle of early voting

Cut 13 (08) “…Rispone”

Recent independent polls show Edwards closing in on 50 percent. Stockley says if Rispone wants to win, he needs to sure up disillusioned Ralph Abraham voters. A Presidential rally could do just that.

Cut 14 (13) “…show up.”

Monroe is in the 5^th Congressional district, which is represented by Congressman Ralph Abraham. Abraham will be in attendance.

Stockley does not expect attendance to be as high as the President’s previous rally in Lake Charles, but…

Cut 15 (08) “…turnout.”

The Commander in Chief holds an approval rating in the low 50s statewide according to recent polls.

Livingston Sheriff Jason Ard defends his decision to employ Dennis Perkins, who is in jail on sex crime charges. Matt Doyle reports Ard had a combative press conference with reporters today about an incident that happened with another child in 2013…

Cut 1 (30) “…Matt Doyle”

__________________________________________

According to the nation’s report card, Louisiana has seen more improvement from eighth graders in the area of math than any other state. Kevin Barnhart has more

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”   

__________________________________________

Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard speaks publicly for the first time, defending his decision to keep SWAT Commander Dennis Perkins on staff. Perkins and his wife are accused of sex crimes involving children.

WBRZ detailed a Baton Rouge cop’s 2013 allegation of improper conduct against his step-child by Perkins. Ard blames the officer for not putting the allegation in writing.

Cut 3 (10)   “investigation.” 

Ard says the “verbal investigation” unveiled no sexual misconduct and determined Perkins was just “tickling” the child.

Ard further defended his office’s decision to retain Perkins in light of the 2013 allegation…

Cut 4 (11) “…years ago”

The Sheriff says there are no reports of incidents or allegations against Perkins’ in his official file.

WBRZ also uncovered a 2011 restraining order filed against Perkins over allegedly using his LPSO vehicle to stalk someone. Ard says they had no record of it in administration.

Cut 5 (11) “by that”

WBRZ reports the restraining order was stamped received.

______________________

Four contractors are expected to submit bids by Friday with their plans on how to clear the site of the Hard Rock Hotel collapse.  New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell says an exact timeline on demolition is unclear.

Cut 6 (10) “…every single day.”

McConnell says the responsibility of taking down the building is on the property owner, but the city has been hands-on with the analysis of the demolition plans.

Cut 7 (09) “…an active investigation.”

McConnell says public safety is the top priority in the handling of the site, but there is still a focus on how to recover the two dead bodies that remain inside the structure.

Cut 8 (10) “…about doing that.”

The building collapsed October 12^th, killing three and injuring numerous others.  The cause of the collapse remains unknown.

_____________________________

LSU will likely be the number one team in the Associated Press Top 25 poll when they visit second-ranked Alabama on November ninth. But Coach Ed Orgeron says they are not paying attention to the current rankings

Cut 9 (11)  “…towards that”

The hype is just starting to build on this potential number one versus number two match-up. Orgeron says they don’t want to give any bulletin board material for Alabama to feed on…

Cut 10 (08) “…ball is snapped.”

Orgeron says safety Grant Delpit will be available for the Alabama game, despite an ankle injury suffered in the win over Auburn.

Alabama Coach Nick Saban says Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will be a game-time decision after undergoing surgery last week to correct a high ankle sprain. Saban says he’s well aware of the challenge LSU will present them

Cut 11 (12) “successful.”

Last year, Alabama shutout LSU in Tiger Stadium. But Saban says the Tigers are completely different offense…

Cut 12 (11) “…at it” 

______________________________________________________

The nation’s report card ranks Louisiana between 44^th and 49^th in math and reading assessments. However, the report shows the state has made more improvement than any other state in 8^th grade math. State Superintendent of Education John White says the findings indicate the state is turning around.

Cut 13 (12) “…answer is yes.”

Eighth graders were ranked 48^th for math. White says among the challenges to tackle in Louisiana is attracting STEM teachers to the education field.

Cut 14 (11) “…to the classroom.”

The state ranked 49^th on the ACT, down from 45^th last year. Louisiana is one of 15 states requiring all high school students to take the ACT and ranked 13^th among those, only ahead of Mississippi and Nevada. White says those results are a letdown.

Cut 15 (11) “…better next year.”

The state composite ACT score was 18.8, down from 19.2 last year, compared to the national average of 20.7, which is also down just slightly from 20.8 last year. Results are based on a scale of 1-36.

President Donald Trump says he’ll be back in the Bayou State to rally Republicans to vote for Eddie Rispone, but when should we expect his next visit?

Cut 1 (30) “…Matt Doyle”

__________________________________________

A few mock drafts show LSU quarterback Joe Burrow as a number one pick in the NFL draft next April. Jeff Palermo on the fifth-year senior’s rise up the draft boards…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”   

________________________________________

President Trump says he’ll be back in Louisiana before the November 16^th run-off to rally support for Eddie Rispone, but it’s unclear as to when, or where that will be. LSU-Shreveport Poli Sci Professor Jeff Sadow thinks Trump will return after the November 9^th early voting period ends…

Cut 3 (09)   “…dissipate.” 

The President’s last visit to the state was an October the 11^th primary eve night trip to Lake Charles.

Sadow says there won’t be early voting period visits from the President because the kinds of people who early vote don’t really need any more encouragement, and usually can’t be swayed.

Cut 4 (09) “…ago.”

Vice President Mike Pence made a trip to Baton Rouge Monday, but it wasn’t a rally, it was a 5,000 dollar a plate fundraiser for Rispone.

Sadow says assuming the President visits sometime between November 9^th and the 16^th, the Commander in Chief is likely to hold court in north Louisiana.

Cut 5 (06) “Rispone.”

President Trump has a 52 percent approval rating as of Monday’s JMC Analytics poll.

______________________

A fire destroys the Livingston Parish home of a murder suspect that is currently in jail.  The home of Errol Hicks burned down Monday.  State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the blaze was a very destructive fire making the investigation a challenging one.

Cut 6 (10) “…their investigative efforts”

Hicks is facing a second-degree murder charge stemming from an act of domestic violence for the September death of Carol Hutchinson.  Rodrigue says investigators indicate there is a wide range of possibilities as to what sparked the fire.

Cut 7 (10) “…or the other.”

Rodrigue says it appears no one was inside the structure at the time of the fire.

Cut 8 (09) “…occupying the home.”

Livingston Parish Fire Protection districts 6, 7, and 4 worked to combat the blaze before 4am Monday.

_____________________________

Joe Burrow’s record-breaking season at LSU has some NFL scouts salivating over the prospect of making the fifth-year senior the new face of their franchise next year.

NFL Analyst Mike Detillier says the Tiger’s captain is clearly in the first-round conversation, and likely being looked at by teams like the Bengals, Dolphins, and Broncos…

Cut 9 (09)  “…Oregon”

Burrow has thrown for 2,800 yards and 30 TDS while completing 79 percent of his passes this year.

Bama’s Tua Tagovialoa was the consensus top-rated player heading into the season, but Detillier says Burrow could surpass him if the right team likes his match in their system.

Cut 10 (12) “…quarterback.”

Ohio State defensive end Chase Young is now regarded as the top overall rated player in college, but the top of this year’s draft will be full of QB needy teams.

Burrow was, at best, considered a second-round pick heading into the 2019 season. Detillier says his rapid rise is akin to similar efforts by the last two draft’s number one picks.

Cut 11 (10) “at best.”

____________________________

The NCAA says it will develop so athletes can make money off their name, image and likeness. Tiger Rag Magazine assistant editor Tyler Nunez says it remains to be seen how this will work…

Cut 12 (08) “…want to” 

The NCAA says it must embrace change to provide the best possible experience for college athletes. The governing board of college athletics hopes to develop rules and put them in place by January 2021. Nunez says it will be interesting to see what the exact rules say

Cut 13 (09) “to happen”

The NCAA has long been resistant to paying college athletes as they’ve wanted to protect their amateur status. But Nunez says with all of the money that football and basketball produces for schools, it’s time for players to see their cut…

Cut 14 (13) “…dramatic way”

The State Fire Marshal Office’s receives a $55-thousand grant to distribute free smoke alarms to needy families. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “..Brooke Thorington”

__________________________________________

University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson remembers former ULM leader Dwight D. Vines, who died Saturday at age 88. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”   

________________________________________

Tropical Storm Olga’s early Saturday morning landfall left at its peak 92,000 Entergy customers without power.  Entergy spokesperson Lee Sabatini says 80 mile per hour winds gusts produced incredible damage on the Northshore and Metro New Orleans…

Cut 3 (12)   “…spans of wire.” 

The most recent report indicates about 6,700 are still without power.  Sabatini says they are tackling the issue of accessibility to damaged energy infrastructure.

Cut 4 (10) “…transformers in backyards.”

Sabatini says they have brought in extra workers to help speed up service restoration.

Cut 5 (11) “…restored by tomorrow.”

About 2,000 CLECO customers are also without power.

______________________

The State Fire Marshal and Operation Save a Life are partnering together to put more working smoke alarms in homes to reduce fire fatalities. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the $55-thousand dollar FEMA grant will help several families as the cold weather will soon arrive…

Cut 6 (10) “.use it”.

This year’s current fire fatality count is 52, which is lower compared to the same time last year of 60.  The grant will allow them to purchase five-thousand smoke detectors. Cold morning lows are expected to arrive later this week. Rodrigue reminds users to keep space heaters away from combustibles and never leave them unattended.

Cut 7 (12) “…fire hazard.”

Taking proper precautions like having your heater inspected and serviced before use can also help prevent fire fatalities. Rodrigue says but things do happen and the best tool to help prevent fire deaths is working fire alarms.

Cut 8 (12) “…your home.”

To register for a free smoke alarm visit lasfm-dot-org

_____________________________

Visitation for former ULM President Dwight D. Vines, who died Saturday at age 88, is today from 5 to 9 pm at First Baptist Church in Calhoun.  Vines was at the helm of the university from 1976-1991.  President of the University of Louisiana System Jim Henderson remembers Vines as a great example for higher education leaders.

Cut 9 (12)  “…now ULM.”

Under his leadership, 40 new degree programs were added.  Vines also created the University Foundation, which today has raised millions to advance the school.  Henderson says Vines still had a presence on the campus in recent years and last year was named President Emeritus.

Cut 10 (08) “…quality of ways.”

Henderson says personally, he knew Vines as “Uncle Delbert” as Vines was the half-brother to his mother, and remembers him as an outstanding family man.

Cut 11 (10) “…of the man.”

Services for Vines are scheduled for 10:30 tomorrow morning at the church, with interment at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Rayville.

____________________________

LSU is ranked number one in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time since 2011. The win over Auburn was LSU’s third over a Top 10 team and it convinced voters to rank the Tigers over number two Alabama and number three Ohio State. Assistant Tiger Rag Editor Tyler Nunez says there’s not much separation between the top three teams

Cut 12 (05) “…six voting points” 

LSU, Bama and Ohio State are off this Saturday, so that likely means LSU will be ranked number one when they visit Tuscaloosa on November 9th. Nunez says Oklahoma’s loss to Kansas State on Saturday helps LSU’s chances of making the college football playoff

Cut 13 (07) “to Alabama.”

After throwing for another 321 yards and a touchdown against Auburn, Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow continues to distance himself from the other Heisman Trophy candidates

Cut 14 (05) “…this point”

VP Mike Pence will headline a five to 15 thousand dollar a couple fundraiser for Eddie Rispone today in Baton Rouge. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I”m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________

Nine in ten workers admit they’ve gone into the office when suffering from a cold or the flu. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

________________________

The Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge in southwest Louisiana is celebrating 100-years of conservation. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Connor Ferrill”

________________________

Vice President Mike Pence returns to Louisiana today to hold a closed-door fundraiser for Eddie Rispone in Baton Rouge.

Tickets are 5,000 dollars per couple for general access. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s likely the money won’t be headed directly into the Rispone campaign.

Cut 4 (06) “indirectly”

It’ll cost you 15,000 dollars per couple to get the VIP treatment.

It’s a boon for the Baton Rouge businessman who’s poured over 11 million dollars of his own funds into the campaign but appears to have stopped self-funding. Pinsonat says he likely won’t need to anymore.

Cut 5 (09) “Pence”

If the money is being raised for PACs, then by law PACs are not allowed to coordinate with political campaigns.

Pinsonat says national GOP visits have proven effective, citing Edwards’ drop from 59 percent support in Calcasieu parish in the 2015 run-off, to his recent primary finish of just 44 percent in the parish after…

Cut 6 (11) ”…close”

It’s the second time this month Pence has visited Louisiana. His last trip was a rally in Kenner on October 5^th.

____________________

Assumption Parish native and Department of Energy Deputy Secretary Dan Brouillette is awaiting Senate confirmation as the nation’s next Energy Secretary. President Trump nominated Brouillette and says his experience is unparalleled. Brouillette says it’s a nomination he does not take lightly.

Cut 7 (08) “the President” 

Brouillette is a U-S Army veteran, who previously worked for former Louisiana Congressman Billy Tauzin. He also had a position in the George W. Bush administration and served on the Louisiana State Mineral and Energy Board.  Brouillette says the department of energy has been working on advancements in technology in getting energy products to the market.

Cut 8 (09) “…today”

Brouillette says the department is currently working on advancements in nuclear energy, but there is a push for all versions of energy, which he says could be promising for Louisiana’s contributions to the nation’s energy needs.

Cut 9 (09)  “…solar”

Brouillette currently lives in San Antonio. He and his wife have nine children.

______________________________

An Accountemps survey shows nine in ten workers admit to coming into work with cold or flu-like symptoms, and a third of workers admit to always going into work when sick. Senior Recruiting Manager for Robert Half in New Orleans, Carrie Lewis, says bosses should set the expectation that sick workers can stay home…

Cut 10 (10) “…organizations.”

54 percent of those who admit they’ve rolled into work with a cold or the flu say it’s because they have too much work to do, another 40 percent admit to not wanting to use up sick leave.

Lewis says only about 27 percent of workers 40 and older admit to always coming into work when sick, versus 39 percent of workers aged 25 to 40.

cut 11 (10) “…promotion.”

It’s 2019, so Lewis says not all jobs have to be done at the office. If you’re contagious but still capable of working, see if you can do it from home.

cut  12 (10) “…all-around.” 

The survey questioned 2,800 workers in 28 cities around the country.

_____________________________

The Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge is celebrating 100-years of conservation on 70,000 acres of coastal land in Cameron and Vermillion Parish. Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge Program Manager Scooter Trosclair says thousands of visitors from around the world every year spend a weekend at this fabulous recreational spot…

Cut 13 (08) “…fresh water species.”

Edward Avery Mcllhenny, the son of Tabasco founder Edmund Mcllhenny, agreed to donate the land to the state in exchange for a promise that it would be used for research purposes. The deal led to research breakthroughs in the 50s, 60s and, 70s that helped out gators worldwide.

Cut 14 (12) “…endangered species list.” 

Trosclair says the biggest challenge the refuge has faced over the past century is a familiar one, coastal land loss…

Cut 15 (11) “…15,000 acres.”

Trosclair says the refuge has received 33 million dollars in grant funding to help strengthen shoreline protection.

_________________________________________

LSU is the new number one college football team in the country after a hard fought 23-20 win over Auburn. The Tigers have won a lot of games on pure execution this season, but LSU used grit on Saturday to beat Auburn for a third straight season. Coach Ed Orgeron says its the kind of game you need to win to have a championship season

Cut 16  (21)     everybody” 

LSU held Auburn to 287 total yards and used a balanced attack on offense as the ground game produced 187 yards rushing. Junior running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 136 yards and one touchdown. The Baton Rouge product told running backs coach Tommie Robinson he would not be denied…

cut 17  (11) “…it happen” 

Now the Tigers can finally focus on the Alabama game which will take place on November 9th. Both teams do not play this weekend. LSU has lost eight in a row to Bama. Quarterback Joe Burrow lost at home to the Tide last season…

cut  18 (14)  two weeks”  

__________________________________________________

Drew Brees was sharp on Sunday as he came off a five-week absence to lead New Orleans to a sixth straight win, a 31-9 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Brees tossed three touchdown passes and threw for 373 yards. Some were concerned that the Saints were rushing Brees back, but Coach Sean Payton was not concerned…

cut 19 (23)   “good win”   

Brees says it was great to be back…

cut 20 (15) “ those guys”   

The Saints are off Sunday and return to the field November 10th to host the struggling Falcons, a stretch of four straight games against divisional opponents.