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.

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”