08:30 Newscast, April 20th, 2017

A report by the state Department of Children and Family Services finds the number of reported sex trafficking cases in Louisiana rose 25-percent last year. Emelie Gunn has more…:
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College student leaders from around the state are asking lawmakers to fully fund TOPS. Southeastern Louisiana University student president Erin Fernandez says with all the uncertainty surrounding the state budget, it’s hard for students and parents to plan…:
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TOPS is currently only funded at 70 percent.

Governor John Bel Edwards said on his monthly call-in radio show that he doesn’t think the state should be involved in decisions about removing Confederate monuments in New Orleans. He says this is an issue that was brought forward by New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, who wants to see the monuments removed…:
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It was Edwards’ first public comments on the controversial issue in several months.

North Louisiana is known for its incredible fishing spots which has inspired Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, who oversees the state Department of Tourism, to launch the Louisiana Bass Trail. Anglers who sign up at louisianabasstrail.com will be sent, for free, a Louisiana Bassport that they may take to seven lakes at any of eight Louisiana State Parks…:
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Once they fish four of the lakes, they’ll receive a T-shirt. Anglers who fish all seven get #OnlyLouisiana swag.