_______________________________________________

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.

Bussel says everyone has a role to play in reducing youth obesity rates and says one thing that can help is seeing policymakers ensure kids are given the ability to be healthy.

 ______________________________________

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.

 

The 47-year-old Norcross has been employed at the school since 2004 as a teacher, PE instructor, and archery coach. Because of how long Norcross worked at Benton, 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”

If you were a victim, or the parent of a victim of Norcross, Davis says they have professionals ready to assist with the healing process.

Cut 8 (09) “…accordingly”

Norcross is being held at a maximum security facility on a bond of 900,000 dollars.

_______________________________________

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 the state will go 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.”

The bridge has been closed for nearly two weeks since a barge-mounted crane hit the structure. Marquette Transportation was operating the towboat moving the barge. Marquette Transportation has reportedly hit at least 32 bridges in the last 5 1/2 years and has not been sanctioned or fined.

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.”

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.”

_______________________

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. UL Lafayette Political Sci Professor Pearson Cross says the survey is a reminder that Edwards faces tough re-election chances…

Cut 12 (10)   “…so lucky”

The poll by SurveyUSA was commissioned by Kennedy.

The survey, which polled 605 likely voters, noted Kennedy had the highest approval rating in the state at 57 percent, eclipsing his potential Republican rival Jeff Landry, who sat at 41 percent. Cross says Landry’s political feud with the governor has made the A-G less popular

Cut 13 (08) “…between them.”

That being said, Cross says you may want to take these results with a grain of salt…

Cut 14 (08) “…the poll”

The only Republican in the race right now, Eddie Rispone, has a 13 percent favorability rating with most voters not having an opinion one way or the other.