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President Trump has signed a 717-billion dollar defense spending bill. It includes pay raises for troops, and substantial investments in Louisiana based military bases. Northeast Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham says it’s the biggest pay raise for the military in nearly a decade.

Cut 3 (07) “eight years”

Abraham says those pay raises aren’t just big for the troops, they’re big for communities like Bossier City, Vernon Parish, and Belle Chasse that will see more spending in local businesses near the bases.

Cut 4 (09) “the economy”

The bill a 12-million dollar entry gate to Barksdale Airforce Base, which will pave the way for an eventual 500-million dollar nuclear storage facility for the base’s bomber fleet, and 39-million in upgraded detection equipment for the Naval Station in Belle Chasse. Abraham says this makes it much more unlikely those facilities would close in the event of base consolidations.

Cut 5 (09)  “our turf” 

 

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The National Home Education Research Institute says homeschooling is on the rise.  It’s a trend that is likely becoming a more popular option when factoring in a tailored curriculum, a difference in values, and an uptick in school violence.  President of Homeschool Louisiana, Christopher Chin, says the Bayou State is not exempt from the rise in homeschooling.

Cut 6 (13) “…largest in the state.”

Chin explains the concerns with school violence encompasses more than just school shootings.

Cut 7 (10) “…unfortunately physical assaults.”

Chin says homeschooling may not be for everyone, but says the freedoms that come with the option is something more parents should look into.

Cut 8 (06) “…take the leap.”

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A second body in the last week has been recovered in Lake Ponchartrain. On Tuesday, it was 32-year-old Sadie Thibodeaux, and on Saturday 66-year-old Milton Gomez’s body was pulled out of the lake as well. State Wildlife and Fisheries Spokesman Adam Einck says lake swimming can be dangerous because distances on the water can be misleading.

 

Cut 9 (12)  “lot further.”

Neither Thibadoux nor Gomez were wearing lifejackets when their body was recovered, and Einck says before you jump into the water there’s three things you need to keep in mind.

Cut 10 (11) “your boat.”

And before you head out on the water, Einck says make sure you check up on the conditions out on the lake, because even though it’s not the gulf, it can still be dangerous.

Cut 11 (07) “the weather”

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State agriculture commissioner Mike Strain announces the arrest of a suspected serial arsonist in Morehouse Parish. Strain says between July 20^th and August 3^rd, 55-year-old Philbert Bowers of Bastrop intentionally set several wildlife fires near the Arkansas state line…