Louisiana saw a rise in traffic fatalities from 2016 to 2017. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”
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A parent is suing the Bossier Parish School System after the recent arrested of a teacher who allegedly preyed on students for years. Matt Doyle has more.
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On November 6th, voters will have the opportunity to decide whether gas tax money should be solely reserved for infrastructure projects. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle..”
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The Highway Safety Research Group has released its report that breaks down the data of Louisiana’s 2017 traffic reports that shows the state had 771 highway deaths last year, up slightly from 2016. Executive Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Lisa Freeman says the state has work to be done.
Cut 4 (08) “…these fatality rates.”
The main contributing factors in traffic fatalities were alcohol with 187 deaths and a low percentage use of safety belts, as 56% of all occupants who died in a crash weren’t wearing a safety belt. Freeman says the impact of the traffic crashes, are denting both cars and the economy, with costs over $8 billion.
Freeman says the state has seen a slight decrease in pedestrian deaths from 2016 to 2017, but says the they still need to reach out to motorists to remember to share the road.
Cut 6 (05) “…that’s concerning.”
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Parents of a Benton Elementary School nine-year-old student who say their child was abused by alleged serial predator and teacher “Perry” Norcross have filed a lawsuit against the Bossier Parish School System alleging negligence. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says if evidence surfaces that the school was warned about Norcross, they could be in trouble.
Norcross was arrested two weeks ago on video voyeurism and rape charges involving separate students, with four counts of molestation of a juvenile, and two indecent behavior with a juvenile charges being added in the past few days.
Meche says the framework of the lawsuit closely mirrors litigation in the nationwide scandal involving a major religious organization.
Cut 8 (06) “…abusing children”
Norcross worked as a coach and teacher at Benton since 2004
Six new charges of abuse arrived on Friday, taking the total number of children, young boys and girls, allegedly victimized to eight. Meche says the large number of allegations makes it more likely the plaintiffs will win their case.
The Bossier Parish School System Superintendent Scott Smith says school administrators had no suspicions of impropriety previous to the charges.
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Amendment number four on the November ballot lets Louisianans decide whether or not their gas tax dollars should be allowed fund State Police, instead of being solely dedicated to infrastructure. President of Louisiana Good Roads Ken Perrett says people he’s talked to have been shocked to find out where this money has gone in the past.
Since the start of the Edwards administration, the state has ceased using gas tax dollars to plug other holes in the budget, and reserved that money for infrastructure. Perrett says LSP does not need the gas tax money, which is better spent on the state’s ailing roads.
Even though it hasn’t been used to fund State Police in a while, Perrett says that could always change in future administrations, which is why this amendment is needed.
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No heartbreak this time around as the Black and Gold beat the Vikings in Minneapolis 30 to 20. It didn’t take a vintage Brees game either, as the career passing yards leader only passed for 120 yards and one TD, along with his first pick of year. Brees says considering what happened last year, this win meant a little more than others.
The offense only put up 270 yards, but featured what has to be a first for the Saints, a red zone package where all three quarterbacks took the field. Brees says even though they lacked big plays, they went 2 for 3 in the red zone.
Despite allowing 423 yards, the Saints defense was probably the star of the night, with four sacks, including two from rookie Marcus Davenport, an interception return for a touchdown from PJ Williams, and a play early in the game that Coach Sean Peyton credits for being the play that turned the game.
Next Sunday the Saints take on the undefeated Rams in a game that will have huge ramifications for playoff seeding.
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The Ragin Cajuns are tied with ULM for first place in the Sun Belt West Division after rallying to beat Arkansas State 47-43 on Saturday night in Lafayette. Quarterback Andre Nunez threw for 295 yards and two touchdowns to lead the way. Coach Billy Napier says it was a complete team win…
Trey Ragas scored the winning touchdown with 1:18 seconds left, but the Cajuns three touchdown performance in the first quarter may have been the difference in the game. Napier says they came into the game with a great game plan…
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McNeese State moved into sole possession of first place in the Southland Conference with a 23-21 victory over Central Arkansas. Cody Orgeron, the son of LSU Coach Ed Orgeron, made his first start at quarterback and Little “O” ran for a touchdown in the first quarter…