Louisiana Catholic Bishops say they will reveal the names of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual misconduct in the near future. LSU Associate Professor of Religious Studies Michael Pasquier says after trying to contain stories about rampant abuse in the past, the church is being forced by public opinion to be more transparent

Cut 11 (10)   “…no choice”

The Bishops say the revelations will come as soon as they are done verifying over 50 years’ worth of documentation.

Consumers will likely pay higher prices on goods getting shipping to them from China after the President indicated that he wants to pull the US from the Universal Postal Union. Congressman Ralph Abraham he discovered most businesses were fine with the decision, and doesn’t expect it will damage the state economy.

Cut 14 (07)   “…from any country.”

The price hike would potentially impact smaller parcels.

Governor Edwards says the state is putting an additional seven million dollars into prisoner rehabilitation and education programs. Edwards says about 8.4 million dollars of the 12 million that was saved by reducing the prison population will help fund re-entry programs in Caddo, East Baton Rouge, Orleans, St. Tammany and Jefferson parishes…

Cut 7 (12)  “…to have”

Orleans Parish will receive the most money at two-million, followed by East Baton Rouge at 1-point-six million and Caddo is getting 912-thousand dollars.

New research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that when teen drivers have teen passengers, the fatality rate for all people involved in a crash increases by 51 percent. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says teens need more driving practice before they hit the road without an adult, certainly more than is currently recommended.

Cut 5 (04)  “…behind the wheel.” 

Redman says fellow teen passengers are bigger distractions than cell phones.

Governor Edwards says the state is putting an additional seven million dollars into prisoner rehabilitation and education programs. Edwards says the funding comes from the savings the state has seen since reforming its criminal justice system last year and the dollars should have an impact…

Cut 6 (07)  “…re-entry.”

Edwards says the state saved 12-million dollars by reducing its prison population.

New research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that when teen drivers have teen passengers, the fatality rate for all people involved in a crash increases by 51 percent.  AAA spokesperson Don Redman says teen distracted driving is a major issue.

Cut 3 (06) “…distraction for teenagers.” 

Redman says in the state of Louisiana, teen drivers accounted for 69 deaths in 2016.

A Houma man accused of fatally stabbing his mother in Bayou Black last year has been found not guilty by reason of insanity.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32)  “I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

A 47-year-old Bossier parish elementary school teacher has been arrested for alleged video voyeurism involving a student at Benton Elementary, where the teacher works. Aubrey Norcross of Bossier City was arrested yesterday afternoon and booked into the Bossier Maximum Security Facility on a bond of 200,000 dollars. The investigation is currently ongoing.

President Trump announces the U-S will withdraw from a Universal Postal Union, which allows countries like China to deliver small packages to the U-S at discounted rates. Matt Doyle has more.
cut 3 (24) “…Matt Doyle”
No word on how China will respond to this latest development.

Former Secretary of State Tom Schedler does not admit guilt in the legal settlement that ended a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by his former secretary. The woman will receive a 167-thousand dollar payment and the participants involved are prohibited from talking about the settlement.

A Houma man has been found not guilty by the reason of insanity for stabbing his mother to death in 2017. Assistant District Attorney Dennis Elfert say the judgement lined up with the defendant’s plea, after four mental health professionals concluded John Monteiro the third’s claim of insanity is legitimate…
cut 4 (08) “….agreed with that plea”
The 36-year-old man has been committed to a state mental facility.

The state has launched a public information campaign called vaccinate before you graduate and it’s designed to raise awareness about the importance of getting vaccinated in high school. Jeri Acosta is a spokesperson for the initiative. Her son was one of two who died during a 2006 meningitis outbreak on the UL Lafayette campus…
cut 8 (09) “…died within four”
Acosta says most parents think their children are protected, not realizing a second vaccine is needed to protect against Meningitis B.

The state’s largest health insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, announces plans to purchase the parent company of north Louisiana’s Vantage Health Plan. Once the transaction is finalized, Blue Cross and Vantage will retain their own corporate and product brands and over time it could lead to more jobs in Monroe. Vantage CEO Gary Jones hopes Vantage can expand into more markets outside of Louisiana.

President Trump plans to withdraw from a 144-year-old postal treaty that has allowed Chinese companies to ship small packages to the US at a significantly lower rate. US Representative Ralph Abraham of Richland Parish says its another way to punish China for unfair trade practices…
cut 15 (11) “…the American public”
It’s unknown if China will retaliate if the United States pulls out of the treaty.

A Houma man has been committed to a state mental facility after he was found not guilty by reason of insanity in last year’s stabbing death of his mother. Assistant District Attorney in Terrebonne, Dennis Elfert, says four mental health professionals examined 36-year-old John Monteiro the Third and each came away with the same conclusion that he did not have the requisite intent in the murder and needs long-term treatment…
cut 6 (07) “…himself and others”
Monteiro was charged with second-degree murder in the death of 65-year-old Ellen Monteiro.

A vaccinate before you graduate public information campaign has been started to get the word out that high school students need to make sure they are properly vaccinated before they get their diploma. Jeri Acosta’s son died during a meningitis outbreak in 2006 and they learned he never received a second vaccine to protect against Meningitis B…
cut 9 (09) “….took his life”
For more information go to the Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Louisiana Catholic Bishops are putting together a list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexually abusing minors and according to New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond their list will be revealed sooner than later. LSU Associate Professor of Religious Studies Michael Pasquier (Pass-Kay) says when the day comes, it’s possible the number of priests involved will be shocking.
cut 12 (11) “…many Catholics”

A Houma man has been committed to a mental health institute after he was found not guilty by the reason of insanity in the stabbing death of his mother last year. Assistant District Attorney Dennis Elfert says based on the findings from four different mental health professionals he could not prove 36-year-old John Monteiro’s guillt beyond a reasonable doubt…
cut 5 (07) “….requisite intent”
First Lady Donna Edwards along with state health leaders announced the launch of Vaccinate Before You Graduate, a public information campaign designed to raise awareness about the importance of getting vaccinated in high school. Jeri Acosta is a main spokesperson for the initiative, because her son was one of two people who died during a UL Lafayette Meningitis outbreak in 2006.
Cut 7 (08) “…within 21 hours.”
Acosta says parents should know a second vaccine is needed to protect against Meningitis B, which in the U.S. accounts for nearly 50-percent of all cases in individuals between 17 to 23 years of age.

A teacher at Benton Elementary school has been arrested on a video voyeurism charge. Deputies say the victim was a student and 47-year-old Aubrey Norcross of Bossier City has been booked into the Bossier Maximum Security Facility with a bond of 200-thousand dollars.

A Houma man accused of fatally stabbing his mother in Bayou Black last year has been found not guilty by reason of insanity. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A department of corrections spokesperson confirms Brandon Scott Lavergne attempted to escape from Angola this week, but didn’t get past his perimeter fence. Lavergne was found guilty in 2012 in the murders of Mickey Shunick of Lafayette and Lisa Pate of Youngsville.

Louisiana Catholic Bishops say they will reveal the names of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual misconduct in the near future. Nationwide the church has begun opening up about abuse scandals, scandals that recently rocked Dioceses in Pennsylvania, and LSU Associate Professor of Religious Studies Michael Pasquier (Pass-kay) says that’s leading to a deluge of revelations.
Cut 10 (09) “Parishioners“

The state has launched a public information campaign called vaccinate before you graduate and it’s designed to raise awareness about the importance of getting vaccinated in high school. Jeri Acosta is a spokesperson for the initiative. Her son was one of two who died during a 2006 meningitis outbreak on the UL Lafyaette campus…
cut 8 (09) “…died within four”
Acosta says most parents think their children are protected, not realizing a second vaccine is needed to protect against Meningitis B.

Consumers could pay higher prices on goods shipped from China, if the United States goes through with President Trump’s decision to pull out of the Universal Postal Union. Congressman Ralph Abraham applauds the decision, because he says under the current 144-year-old treaty, China receives shipping subsidies usually reserved for poor nations, giving their businesses an unfair advantage.
Cut 13 (08) “…the playing field.”
Abraham says under the current agreement it’s cheaper to ship a package from China to the U.S. than across the street in Louisiana.

A Houma man has been found not guilty by the reason of insanity for stabbing his mother to death in 2017. Assistant District Attorney Dennis Elfert say the judgement lined up with the defendant’s plea, after four mental health professionals concluded John Monteiro the third’s claim of insanity is legitimate…
cut 4 (08) “….agreed with that plea”
The 36-year-old man has been committed to a state mental facility.

An LSU Professor warns that when the Catholic Church in Louisiana reveals information about clergy sexual abuse, the number of cases could be high.
Cut 2 (31) ”I’m Matt Doyle.”

The Associated Press reports former Secretary of State Tom Schedler does not admit guilt in the legal settlement that ended a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by his former secretary.

A Houma man accused of fatally stabbing his mother in Bayou Black last year has been found not guilty by reason of insanity.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32)  “I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

__________________________________

An LSU Professor warns that when the Catholic Church in Louisiana reveals information about clergy sexual abuse, the number of cases could be shocking. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle.” 

__________________________________

It will likely be more expensive to have items shipped to you from China after the latest salvo in the Sino-American trade war. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

_________________________________________

36-year-old John Monteiro III, of Houma, who was accused of fatally stabbing his mother in 2017 has been adjudicated and found not guilty by reason of insanity.  The decision comes after four mental health professionals came to the conclusion that Monteiro’s claim of insanity appeared to be legitimate.  Assistant District Attorney Dennis Elfert says the judgment lined up with the defendant’s plea.

Cut 4 (08) “…agreed with that plea.”

Elfert says part of the obligation of the state in proving any crime is to prove the crime was intentional.

Cut 5 (07) “…the requisite intent.” 

Elfort says mental health professionals say Monteiro’s mental health has deteriorated over his lifetime and will now be in the care of a state mental facility, where he will likely be for a very long time.

Cut 6 (07) “…himself and others.”

_________________________

First Lady Donna Edwards along with state health leaders have announced the launch of Vaccinate Before You Graduate, an immunization program raising awareness for getting vaccinated as a high school student.  During the announcement, attendees learned about which vaccinations are most important for different age groups.  Being the mother of a child who died from a UL Lafayette Meningitis Outbreak in 2006, Jeri Acosta witnessed first-hand just how horrific the illness can be.

Cut 7 (08) “…within 21 hours.”
Acosta says upon being infected, the clock is ticking.

Cut 8 (09) “…died within four.”
Acosta says it’s important that the information about vaccinations gets to as many people as possible.

Cut 9 (09) “…took his life.”

____________________

Louisiana Catholic Bishops say they will reveal the names of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual misconduct in the near future. Nationwide the church has begun opening up about abuse scandals, scandals that recently rocked Dioceses in Pennsylvania, and LSU Associate Professor of Religious Studies Michael Pasquier says that’s leading to a deluge of revelations.

Cut 10 (09)   “Parishioners“

Pasquier says after trying to contain stories about rampant abuse in the past, the church is being forced by public opinion to be more transparent

Cut 11 (10)   “…no choice”

The Bishops say the revelations will come as soon as they are done verifying over 50 years’ worth of documentation. Pasquier says when they day comes, it’s possible the numbers of priests involved will be shocking.

Cut 12 (11)   “many Catholics”

___________________

Consumers will likely pay higher prices on goods getting shipping to them from China after the President pulled the US from the Universal Postal Union. Congressman Ralph Abraham applauded the decision, citing the fact that China was receiving shipping subsidies usually reserved for poor nations, giving their businesses an unfair advantage.

Cut 13 (08)   “…the playing field.”

The UPU was formed in 1874 and governs the shipping rates between countries for all 192 member nations.

Abraham says after consulting with industry leaders in Louisiana who rely on items from China, specifically those in chemical manufacturing, he discovered most businesses were fine with the decision, and doesn’t expect it will damage the state economy.

Cut 14 (07)   “…from any country.”

Past American efforts to enforce new trade rules have led to retaliatory tariffs from the People’s Republic that have hammered Louisiana’s agriculture exports, but Abraham says moves like this will help keep up the pressure and force China into better trade deals.

Cut 15 (11)   “…the American public.”

Abraham has legislation that would allow the secretary of state to require certain countries not receive special rates when shipping to the US.

_______________________________________________________

The Saints will face one of their former playmakers when they visit Baltimore on Sunday. Former Black and Gold wide out Willie Snead is now catching passes for the Ravens and he’s having a good season, with 30 catches in six games. In four years in the Big Easy, Snead grabbed 149 passes. Coach Sean Payton is not surprised to see that Snead is producing in Baltimore

Cut 16 (16) “.really well”

33-year-old Joe Flacco is off to a strong start this season, averaging a career-high 298 passing yards a game. Payton on why the Baltimore Q-B is so effective…

Cut 17 (17)  “he’s a winner”

___________________________________

Louisiana Tech will host winless UTEP for homecoming on Saturday. But the Miners have lost their last three games by a combined 19 points. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says they are playing hard, even though wins have been hard to come by….

Cut 18 (18) “…encouraged” 

After losing to UAB by three touchdowns on October 6th, Louisiana Tech bounced back with a 31-3 over UTSA last Saturday. J’Mar Smith threw for 309 yards and completed passes to nine different receivers. Holtz on what they did differently…

Cut 19 (18) “..great job” 

Baton Rouge police say a man on death row in Texas is responsible for the 1999 fatal shooting of a female LSU student. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff palermo”  

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and the Department of Children and Family Services is sending a Human Services Branch Team of three to Florida for a fifteen day deployment.  Director of Emergency Preparedness for DCFS, Ricky Montet.

Cut 13 (08) “…emergency operations center.”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves has started a GoFundMe to cover the 100,000 dollar fine the SEC slapped on LSU, after fans stormed the field following the Tigers upset win over Georgia. There’s been some criticism that the Congressman could be raising money for better causes, but when asked about it he says…

Cut 11 (07) “…to LSU”

He says it’s a fine that could eventually hit the academic side of the school, because the sports foundation donates a portion of their profits to academics, and realistically people are more likely to donate to a cause they are excited about.

There’s been a slight decline in the composite average ACT score among Louisiana students. Last year the composite average was 19.5, but this year it is 19.2, which ranks 45th in the country. The U-S average is also down. Louisiana is one of 17 states that require high school seniors to take the college readiness test.

Baton Rouge Police believe a Texas death row inmate fatally shot 19- year-old LSU student Kassie Federer in her apartment in 1999.  Investigators say DNA has linked 49-year old Travis Green to the crime. Sgt. Don Coppola says he’s not sure of why Green had a connection with the Baton Rouge area, but says he may have been fleeing the Houston area following a murder.  Green is currently locked away for that killing which happened days before the death of Federer.
Cut 8 (09) “…he is behind bars.”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves has started a GoFundMe to cover the 100,000 dollar fine the SEC slapped on LSU, after fans stormed the field following the Tigers upset win over Georgia. The account has raised over 15,000 dollars to date. Graves says if he was in the student section, he would rush the field too…

Cut 9 (07)  “…was wrong”

Governor John Bel Edwards, along with other state and local leaders, cut the ribbon this morning on the long awaited I-49–I-220 connector in Shreveport. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says the 142-million dollar project started in 2014, but delayed by major floods in 2015 and 2016. She says not only has the state opened a new interstate interchange, but I-220 has been re-constructed…

Cut 4 (07) “…as well″

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and the Department of Children and Family Services is sending a Human Services Branch Team of three to Florida for a fifteen day deployment.  Director of Emergency Preparedness for DCFS, Ricky Montet says the team doesn’t have a luxurious Florida trip ahead of them as they are facing various challenges with disabled cellular communications and hotels are all filled with people who lost homes during the storm.

Cut 14 (08) “…could stay there.”