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.

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.”

US Senator John Kennedy says he’ll make a decision known by December first on whether he’ll run for governor in 2019. Kennedy also released a poll that shows he’ll beat Governor John Bel Edwards in a potential run-off. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley….
cut 5 (11) “…or out’
Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone has already made his intentions known he’ll run for governor, while Congressman Ralph Abraham and Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry are other potential challengers.

Fort Polk officials have identified a woman’s body found in the trunk of a car occuped by a solider and another woman. 22-year-old Shelena Kyle ws found dead by Calcasieu Parish authorities. 22-year-old Logan Kyle and 24-year-old Sarah Parker of Moss Bluff were arrested in the Lake Charles area. US Amry Criminal Investigation Demand is investigating Shelena Kyle’s death.

Louisiana voters face the historic choice of whether or not to require unanimous jury decisions in felony trials when they cast their ballot for the November 6th election….
Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle.”

Construction has started on restoring LSU’s iconic Memorial Tower. LSU Assistant VP of Planning, Design, and Construction, Roger Husser says the project costs six-point-three million dollars…
cut 13 (12) “….when it was built”

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.

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 the amendment will have huge legal ramifications if approved.
Cut 7 (08) “…in Louisiana.”
Louisiana and Oregon are the only two states that do not require an unanimous jury decision to secure a guilty verdict.

The winning one-point-six billion dollar Mega Millions lottery ticket was sold in South Carolina. But there are nine Mega Millions tickets sold in Louisiana worth 10-thousand dollars, so check your tickets again.

LSU’s iconic Memorial Tower is recieving a six-point-three million dollar facelift that will not be completed until the Summer of 2020. LSU Assistant Vice President of Planning, Design and Construction, Roger Husser, says significant work will be done to the 95-year-old structure…
cut 14 (09) “…of the building”
Husser says they will also install air conditioning, so that the tower can serve as a public museum.

Republican John Kennedy says he loves his job in the United States Senate, but he can’t stomach what is happening in Louisiana. In a statement, Kennedy said he’ll make a decision by December 1st on whether he’ll run for governor next year. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says it’s the job Kennedy has always wanted….
cut 6 (08) “…governor’s office”
Kennedy released a poll that shows him leading Governor John Bel Edwards by nine-percent in a possible run-off next year.

Edwards will tour 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.

Billboards are up in Birmingham, the home of the SEC headquarters, that read hashtag-free Devin White. LSU fans raised the money through a Go Fund Me Account.

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.“

U.S Senator John Kennedy says he’ll make a decision by December 1st on whether he’ll run for governor next year. Fellow Republicans Ralph Abraham and Jeff Landry are also looking at challenging John Bel Edwards, so ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says the December 1st deadline is critical…
cut 4 (09) “…their mind”
Kennedy says he’s happy with his current job, but its “hard to stomach what is happening in Louisiana right now.”

Early voting is underway and Constitutional Amendment two on the ballot asks voters whether a unanimous decision by a jury should be required for a conviction in a felony case. Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott says some prosecutors could be against this proposal…
cut 9 (08) “…of time”
Current law only requires 10 of 12 jurists to agree on a guilty verdict.

Repairs are beginning on the damaged Sunshine Bridge in St. James. Governor Edwards will tour the damage today.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture says the first-batch of medical marijuana will not be available to Louisiana patients until next year. The ag department has been looking for an independent lab to test the product.

There has been a fatal shooting in New Orleans historic French Quarter. New Orleans Police say a man was shot in the chest near Bourbon Street and Iberville.

One ticket matched the necessary numbers to win the one-point-six-billion dollar Mega Millions jackpot last night. The lucky ticket was sold in South Carolina.

And remnants of Hurricane Willa which hit the western coach of Mexico is expected to bring rain to central and south Louisiana tonight and tomorrow. But National Weather Service Meterologist Kevin Gilmore there is good news for those with outdoor plans for the weekend….
cut 12 (05) “…the upcoming weekend”

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”