Gubernatorial candidate Democrat Amite Representative John Bel Edwards begins his first statewide tour today. He’ll be in Amite this afternoon, New Orleans this evening, covers Acadiana tomorrow then continues to hit every corner of the state through Sunday, July 12th. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Edwards needs to get his name out there…:
CUT 11 (07) “the state”

The St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s office says a 12-year-old boy was killed in a utility terrain vehicle crash on the 4th of July and the vehicle’s driver was arrested. They believe 36-year-old Joshua Tharpe of Denham Springs made a sharp turn on an area of wet sand which caused the vehicle to flip and pin the young victim underneath killing him. Tharpe is charged with vehicular homicide and posted $100,000 bond.

As the new school year is quickly approaching, The Department of Health and Hospitals is reminding parents to get their children vaccinated as required by law. DHH Immunization Medical Director Dr. Frank Welch says now is the perfect time to prevent diseases like measles, mumps, the flu and whooping cough…:
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A 14-year-old was arrested in Bossier City after detectives discovered the juvenile could be responsible for the stabbing death of a 91-year-old woman he was believed to be robbing inside her home. The teen was charged with first degree murder in the death of Ludella Scott and was transferred to the Wade Juvenile Detention Center.

Fourth of July fireworks will be lit across the state tonight; and while they can be can be beautiful, they can also be extremely dangerous. DCFS Secretary Suzy Sonnier says 40% of all fireworks injuries happen to children under the age of 15, so she says to parents, consider attending the numerous public displays…
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Not to mention, it’s cheaper.

Heads up for swimmers in Louisiana lakes and the Gulf this weekend, as the Department of Health and Hospitals says to be aware of open wounds while swimming. The reason is a flesh-eating bacteria, and State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says to pay attention to areas of the skin that look infected, and seek medical help quickly…
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There will be as many as 7 of 8 BESE board members who will be on the ballot for an upcoming fall election, and the president has yet to decide whether or not he will run. Chas Roemer has been a strong supporter of Common Core, and his decision will loom large for the curriculum’s acceptance in the future. The BESE Board has endorsed the testing in the past, but that could change with those 8 seats up for grabs in the October 24th election.

It’s the fourth of July in Louisiana, and the release date Bayou Teche Brewing’s limited edition beer. Here’s Emelie Gunn on what makes it so special…
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Governor Bobby Jindal signed into law a bill which now doubles littering fines…
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If you’re planning to take a dip in the water this weekend, DHH is reminding everyone to avoid salt or brackish water – if you have an open wound. The reason is a flesh-eating bacteria. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says there are about 5 to 15 Louisiana cases every year, so if you happen to notice an infected area of your skin after a swim, seek medical attention right away.
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A bill which gives protection to victims of domestic violence has been signed into law by Governor Bobby Jindal. The bill by Baton Rouge Senator Sharon Weston Broome will help with safe housing for victims, and give landlords the power to evict any abusers…
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The Department of Children and Family Services is urging parents and caregivers to be careful with fireworks around children during this weekend’s festivities. DCFS Secretary Suzy Sonnier says that although fireworks can be beautiful, adults need to be aware of the danger to children. She cites a statistic in a report from 2013…

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It’s the Fourth of July, and the Department of Children and Family Services reminds parents to use caution…
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There have been several hoilday road fatalities Friday across the state. A Kenner woman died in a two-vehicle crash Friday on I-10 in West Baton Rouge Parish. The victim is 66 year-old Yvonne Gooch. In Terrebonne Parish, 27 year-old Marc Boudreaux from Houma, died in a single-vehicle crash. And on I-20 near Tallulah, a California woman was killed after a collision with an 18 wheeler. State Police remind you to drive with caution and don’t drink and drive.
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Fines for littering are now double what they were in the state, after Governor Bobby Jindal signs into law a measure which raises the $75 fine up to $150…
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That’s Keep Louisiana Beautiful Executive Director Susan Russle, who adds you should also remove your fireworks this weekend.

Also signed into law, a new measure which gives victims of domestic violence more housing protection. The law allows violence victims to break there lease in an abusive situation, and also ensures that victims will not be evicted because of their situation….
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That’s the bill’s author Baton Rouge Representative Sharon Weston Broome.

Fireworks are fun but the Department of Children and Family Services is urging parents to be careful when mixing fireworks and kids. DCFS Secretary Suzy Sonnier is encouraging folks not to let children handle fire crackers and to remain involved in all activities with the young ones for the holiday…:
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Sonnier says around the Independence Day weekend, children under the age of 15 accounted for 40% of firework related injuries according to a 2013 report.

Fines for littering are now double what they were after Governor Jindal signs into law a measure which stiffens the penalty for trashing up the state. Keep Louisiana Beautiful Executive Director Susan Russell says it’s not hard to pick up after yourself…:
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She encourages folks to be sure they pick up disposed fireworks this weekend.

While many people will be out on Louisiana’s lakes and rivers this 4th of July, the Department of Health and Hospitals urges folks to be aware of open wounds when swimming. Flesh eating bacteria are more prone to grow in brackish water during the summer and State Health officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says there have been four reported cases so far..:
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Arnaudville’s Bayou Teche Brewing is releasing a new beer for the 4th of July holiday and donating proceeds to military families. President Karlos Knott says 45 dollars from every case and keg of 31 Stout purchased will go to families of the 31 United States service members who lost their lives in the force mission in Afghanistan…:
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Knott says 31 Stout will be released on Independence Day at the brewery and throughout the state.

The Department of Children and Family Services is urging parents and caregivers to be careful with fireworks around children during this weekend’s festivities. DCFS Secretary Suzy Sonnier says that although fireworks can be beautiful, adults need to be aware of the danger to children. She cites a statistic in a report from 2013…:
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Sonnier says parents might consider attending public firework displays with their kids.

It’s a beautiful day and lots of folks are out on Louisiana’s lakes, rivers and beaches celebrating the July 4th Holiday. The Department of Health and Hospitals urges folks to be aware of open wounds when swimming because of potential bacteria in salt or brackish water. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says if you do suspect infection on a cut, get help right away…:
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Governor Bobby Jindal signed into law a bill which now doubles littering fines. Eric Gill reports…:
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Another bill Jindal signed into law this week gives domestic violence victims more housing protection. Baton Rouge Senator Sharon Weston Broome sponsored the measure and says this law will help prevent further victimization of those being abused…
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The law allows domestic violence victims to break their lease to leave an abusive situation.

Governor Bobby Jindal signed into law a bill which will now double the fines for littering in Louisiana. Keep Louisiana Beautiful is asking residents to be mindful when disposing used fireworks and other party debris this weekend. Executive Director Susan Russell says they support anything that increases the enforcement effort.

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The new law increases first offense littering from $75 to $150.
While many people will be out on Louisiana’s lakes and rivers this 4th of July, the Department of Health and Hospitals urges folks to be aware of open wounds when swimming. The main culprit to keep in mind is a flesh eating bacteria. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry is warning those out in salt or brackish water this weekend.
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The bacteria invades the bloodstream and may cause a severe and potentially life threatening illness.
As festivities begin for the Fourth of July, the Department of Children and Family Services reminds parents to exercise caution around their children. Michelle Southern reports.

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Fox News will air an hour-long interview with Governor Bobby Jindal tonight. The interview is scheduled to air at 9PM during Hannity. According to the network, the interview will focus on Jindal’s record as Louisiana Governor and what he would do to create jobs and reduce the federal deficit as president. Host Sean Hannity has conducted similar interviews with other GOP presidential hopefuls.

Lots of folks will be celebrating with fireworks tonight and State Fire Marshal Butch Browning is urging you to keep safety in mind. He says make sure your surroundings are clear of flammable items and always keep a hose or bucket of water around in case the embers spark a fire:
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Bayou Teche Brewing is releasing a limited edition beer to be released on the 4th of July. Emelie Gunn reports…:
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And the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is in full swing throughout the state. Safety officials are urging you to designate a driver if you plan to drink this weekend.

Governor Bobby Jindal signed into law a bill which will now double the fines for littering in Louisiana. Currently, a first offense of simple littering can result in a $75 fine and a $500 fine for any other offenses. Now the new law increases that from $150 to $1,000. Keep Louisiana Beautiful President Susan Russell..:
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She is asking residents to be mindful when disposing used fireworks and other party debris this weekend.

Amite Representative and gubernatorial candidate John Bel Edwards says, if elected, he has no intention to keep John White in place as Education Superintendent…:
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White issued a statement in response saying politics don’t belong in the classroom.