Strippers who dance in clubs in Louisiana will now have to be at least 21-years-old because of a new law that goes into effect today. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Under a new law going into effect today, municipalities must post a sign within 500 feet of a red light camera. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A new law goes into effect today that means strippers at clubs in Louisiana will have to be at least 21 years old and sources say the dancers are considering legal action. John Geiger is a bouncer at the Crazy Horse club in Port Allen. Geiger says this means dancers under the age of 21 will have to perform other jobs in the clubs or go out of state, which could be more dangerous.

CUT 3 (10)  “dance there”

Geiger says he knows there are concerns about sex trafficking, but he says he’s never seen that happen at any of the clubs he’s worked. He says the dancers are just trying to earn a living.

CUT 4 (10)  “to do”

Geiger says they believe the law is unconstitutional because it infringes on a person’s right to work. He says they will pursue legal action.

CUT 5 (08)  “it overturned”

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The Louisiana Department of Revenue has put out a warning that some Louisiana taxpayers are being targeted by scam artists. L-D-R spokesperson Byron Henderson says one woman in East Baton Rouge parish received a phone call in which she was told she was prequalified for a program that could help her resolve a tax lien.

CUT 6 (11) “was fraudulent”

Henderson says scammers often use public information to target a taxpayer. He says another method tries to convince people to reveal private financial information, which is called ‘phishing.’

CUT 7 (08) “of fraud”

Many of these scam artists claim to be with the Department of Revenue, the IRS, or other state agencies. Henderson says they will never contact a taxpayer to request personal information over the phone, instead they will typically request some form of documentation.

CUT 8 (09) “to them”

===================================================

A 5-year-old has died after a boating accident in Lafourche Parish. Adam Einck with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says 5-year-old Ethan Hancock and his father were frogging in the Intracoastal Waterway when they ran out of gas. He says the father tried paddling out, but two barges came too close to their mudboat, so they jumped into the water.

CUT 9 (11) “tugboat”

Einck says they were both wearing lifejackets. He says the boy’s body was recovered at 7:30 yesterday morning, and father was not injured in the incident.

cut 10 (07)  “that aspect”

Einck says this waterway is heavily trafficked by these large boats. He says you should let someone know when you will be on the water so they can get help if you don’t return. He says it’s best to always be prepared when out on the water.

Cut 11 (07) “of power”

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Drivers will soon know where red light cameras are located under a law going into effect today requiring municipalities to post a sign within 500 feet of each light. New Orleans Sen. Troy Carter says if a city wants to have red light cameras, that’s fine, but motorists should be warned if one is up ahead…:

cut 12 (09) “posting signs”

Carter says under this law, if a sign is not posted, then the motorists have the opportunity to challenge a ticket and go to court to have it ruled inadmissible. He has felt the red light cameras are somewhat of a money grab, but if those in support truly have the best interest of drivers in mind – then they should have no problem with this law…:

Cut 13 (09)  “budget”

Carter says if a city fails to comply with this law they will no longer be able to use photographic or video images collected by the camera to impose a fine on a citizen. He says the goal is to prevent people from running red lights, period…:

cut 14 (09)  “pay for a ticket”

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The “Blue Lives Matter” law goes into effect today. Jeff Palermo reports attacks on law enforcement can now be considered a hate crime…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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UL-Lafayette professor Dr. Heather Stone is working to archive the history of a disappearing Terrebonne Parish island before it’s gone. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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LaFourche Parish Sheriff deputies believe a mother fatally shot her young daughter and then turned the gun on herself. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The “Blue Lives Matter” law goes into effect today in Louisiana, and Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says his bill is now more important than ever after the attacks on police officers in Baton Rouge and Dallas. Harris says crimes committed against first responders, because of the uniforms they wear are now classified as hate crimes, as a result of this new law.

cut 4  (09)  “100 percent”

After the fatal shooting of two police officers and one sheriff’s deputy in Baton Rouge, there were social media threats made against law enforcement in Caddo and St. Charles parishes. Harris says this law applies to those criminal acts as well.

Cut 5  (10)  “their family”

Harris says because of this new law, people who target police officers and first responders will spend more time behind bars.

Cut 6 (07) “in Louisiana”

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A Terrebonne Parish island is disappearing, and one UL-Lafayette professor is working to preserve its history before it’s gone. Dr. Heather Stone says Isle de Jean Charles is home to the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw tribe of Native Americans. She says many tribe members have had to leave the island because the road that connects it to the coast floods often, making it impossible to get to the mainland.

CUT 7 (08)  “a choice”

In 1955, Isle de Jean Charles was about 22,000 acres and home to hundreds of people, but today it has shrunk to about 320 acres because of coastal erosion. The roughly 70 people who still live on the island will eventually relocate, thanks to a $48 million federal grant. Stone says she is passionate about preserving the tribe’s heritage because she understands having a connection to a place.

Cut 8  (07)  “personal experience”

Stone says the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw tribe came to the island when they fled the Trail of Tears. She says the people have been so helpful she doesn’t feel like she is writing their story, but more that they are writing it together.

Cut 9 (12)  “their history”

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Louisiana is ready for the possibility of local transmission of the Zika Virus. There are four confirmed cases of Zika in Florida in people who did not travel out of the country or have contact with someone who did. State Health Officer Dr. Frank Welch says Louisiana has been preparing since January…

Cut 10 (11) “local transmission”

Welch says Zika is such a mild illness in the vast majority of people that four out of five people who get the virus don’t even know they have it. He says those who do notice may confuse the illness with hay fever.

cut 11 (07) “goes away”

Welch says the biggest risk is when a pregnant woman contracts Zika because while the mother could experience no symptoms, the fetus is developing severe birth defects. He says there are ways for the public to help reduce local transmission by keeping the mosquito population down.

cut 12 (11) “in Louisiana”

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A 26-year-old mother and her five-year-old daughter were found shot to death in a residence in Thibodaux. LaFourche Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Brennan Matherne says investigators believe the mother, Nakesha Carrere shot Abigail Creamer and then turned the gun on herself…

Cut 13 (07) “enter the residence”

Matherne says investigators are still processing the evidence, but they are confident this was a murder-suicide…

cut 14 (08)  “the scene”

Matherne says Creamer’s father discovered the horiffic scene and called 9-1-1 just before noon on Sunday….

Cut 15 (07) “to the head”

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Through the first few days of training camp, Saints rookie wide receiver Mike Thomas has made several impressive catches. Coach Sean Payton likes Thomas’ passion and that he continues to make a play or two every day. Thomas says he wants to gain his teammates’ confidence that he can make the difficult catch..

Cut 16  (17)  “be that person”

Thomas is a six-foot-three, 212 pounds and the Saints selected him with the 47th overall pick. Payton says they don’t want the former Ohio State star to just be a pass catcher, they also hope he can develop into an outstanding blocker…

Cut 17 (17)  “good in that area”

Payton is also pleased with what he’s seen from last year’s third round pick, cornerback PJ Williams. The former Florida State star missed all of last season with a hamstring injury, but Payton says he’s looked good this year in training camp…

Cut 18 (19) “little faster”

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Two more arrests have been made in the case of a 4-month-old baby who was found dead of alcohol poisoning in his home in Lake Charles. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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With the voucher program being cut during the legislative session, 1/3 of kids who applied are now on a waiting list. Michelle Southern has more on what this means….

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Police have located and arrested the father of a 4-month-old baby who was found dead at home in Lake Charles, and an additional person has been booked in connection with the incident. The mother, 25-year-old Courtney Moore, was arrested at home shortly after the warrant was obtained. Police Chief Don Dixon says they received a call to investigate a death at an apartment complex two weeks ago.

CUT 3 (07)  “face down”

40-year-old Larry Champ and Moore each face charges of 2^nd Degree Murder. 23-year-old Danielle Allen was booked with Accessory after the fact. Dixon says disturbing toxicology results came back from the child’s autopsy.

CUT 4 (06)  “alcohol content”

Champ is being held on $1.2 million dollars bond, and Moore $800,000. District Attorney John DeRosier called the child’s death a tragedy.

CUT 5 (09)  “represent themselves”

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As the new school year is right around the corner, about one in three students who thought they would receive a voucher to attend a private school are now on a waiting list. President of the Louisiana Federation for Children Ann Duplessis says it’s very devastating to these families. She says over 400 young people who anticipated being placed in a private school have now been told a week before school starts, they won’t have a spot.

CUT 6 (09) “before school”

Duplessis says these students could be forced to go to some of the worst schools. She says we now have situations where siblings are split up and won’t be attending the same school.

CUT 7 (10) “disruption”

The state cut the voucher program by 2.5 million dollars for the 2016-2017 school year because of Louisiana’s massive budget deficit. But Duplessis says she’s hopeful legislators can resolve this issue soon because this is a huge problem.

CUT 8 (09) “through this”

===================================================

Grand Isle’s biggest event of the year, the International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, is underway. The massive fishing festival draws thousands of people every year. Event spokesperson, Heather Martin says on the first day of the 88^th annual rodeo, a man from Houma caught a 167 pound fish that took him 45 minutes to reel in.

CUT 9 (03) “pretty big”

The fishing rodeo began in 1928 and is informally referred to as the Mardi Gras of Grand Isle. Martin says in addition to the fishing, there will be live bands playing tonight and Saturday night as well. She says every registered fisherman is also entered to win a 20 foot boat. She says the even draws huge crowds every year.

cut 10 (03)  “daily”

Martin says plenty of fisherman have already started reeling them in, but she expects even more to come out for the final day of the event on Saturday.

Cut 11 (09) “out there”

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The Louisiana Lottery is calling 2016 the year of the jackpot as once again we’re seeing a huge prize up for grabs tomorrow. Saturday’s Powerball jackpot has jumped up to 478 million dollars. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says this jackpot has been growing since May 7^th when it was last hit at 430 million dollars. She says it doesn’t matter how big the jackpot is, the odds are always the same…

cut 12 (10) “in 25”

Chopin says the cash value is 330.6 million dollars. She says the big jackpots are happening more often after Powerball underwent a matrix change to correspond with the increase in player population.

Cut 13 (10)  “million”

Chopin says these jackpots just keep getting bigger and bigger. She says this is Powerball’s 5^th largest prize.

cut 14 (08)  “2012”

===================================================

Drug arrests have plummeted in Baton Rouge since the fatal officer-involved shooting of Alton Sterling. Crime analyst Jeff Asher says they saw similar occurrences in other cities that had police shootings, like Ferguson, Chicago, and Baltimore.

cut 15 (09) “narcotics arrests”

Asher says the homicide rate also increased during the same time period, which raises the question as to what will happen in Baton Rouge. He says this could just be a natural response to dealing with protests.

cut 16 (09) “the protests”

Asher says dealing with protests is a plausible explanation for the initial drop in narcotics enforcement, but it doesn’t explain why that drug arrest rate has stayed down.

cut 17 (09) “on there”

Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton will accept the democratic nomination tonight. Emelie Gunn has more on what to expect from the former First Lady….

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Bossier City Representatives Mike Johnson is urging voters to say yes to a constitutional amendment in the fall that would benefit families of fallen first responders. Michelle Southern reports..:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A Baton Rouge man is facing felony charges after threatening to harm US Senate candidate David Duke and claiming he would kill people for the death of Alton Sterling. State Police Sgt. Jared Sandifer says 22-year-old Anthony Moore made the threats in two separate YouTube videos posted earlier this month.

CUT 3 (08)  “for senator”

Moore said in one video, “If David Duke comes senator for Louisiana, bro, I am killing this man.” Sandifer says when detectives brought Moore in for an interview, he admitted to posting the videos.

CUT 4 (07)  “and terrorizing”

In the videos, Moore also makes threats like “I don’t know you, dude, but I’m stepping for you…cause y’all wrong for that.” Sandifer says this was in reference to the Alton Sterling shooting.

CUT 5 (09)  “police shooting”

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Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton will accept her party’s nomination at the Democratic National Convention tonight in Philadelphia. LSU Political Science Professor Bob Mann says the tone Clinton sets in her speech will be important, because not many people trust her.

CUT 6 (09) “little bit”

Mann says to the public, Clinton is often seen as emotionally closed down. But he says there is another personal, caring side to her that people usually don’t see.

CUT 7 (08) “from her”

Mann says it would be wise for Clinton to own up to her mistakes during her speech. He says the former First Lady needs to reiterate that America is a great country already, unlike Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump’s campaign slogan.

CUT 8 (10) “United States”

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Heavy rainfall in parts of north Louisiana, especially the Monroe area, has led to road closures and flash flood warnings throughout the day. Mark Murphy with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says a slow moving storm system is dropping buckets of rain on some areas…

CUT 9 (06) “the region”

Flash flooding has resulted in temporary road closures in Monroe. Murphy says northeast Louisiana has been the hardest hit from the downpours…

cut 10 (08)  “Caldwell”

Murphy says the rain is providing a break from the heat. He says periods of thunderstorms and showers will continue throughout the afternoon…

Cut 11 (10) “little bit”

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Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson is asking voters to support a proposed constitutional amendment this fall that establishes a property tax exemption for surviving members of a fallen first responder. He says a vote in favor of proposed amendment number 4 would be something that Louisianians can do to help these families in their time of great need…:

cut 12 (05) “our law enforcement”

Johnson says it would apply to the family home of the spouses of any member of the armed forces, National Guard or a law enforcement or fire protection officer killed in the line of duty. He says with so many tragedies occurring in recent months, passing an amendment like this would be the least we could do for those families of those who protect and service…:

Cut 13 (10)  “of that”

Johnson noted that tragedies like this really hit home for Louisiana as the state has the second highest number of officer deaths this year over last. He says the amendment on the ballot November 8th would provide some tax relief for those families and be a small, but important gesture…:

cut 14 (06)  “stand for all of us”

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The Law Enforcement Officers and Firemen’s Survivors Fund will give $250-thousand to each of the families of the slain Baton Rouge police officers. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A memorial is scheduled to take place today in Baton Rouge to honor the three officers who were killed last Sunday. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand says one of his deputies is lucky to be alive after fatally shooting a burglary suspect. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Each of the families of the three fallen Baton Rouge police officers will receive $250-thousand from the Law Enforcement Officers and Firemen’s Survivors Fund. Attorney General Jeff Landry is the chairman of the fund’s review board. He says each child of the officers will receive $25-thousand and the chance to attend college.

cut 4  (10)  “tuition free”

Landry says nothing can replace their lost loved ones, but this will hopefully help to bring them some financial relief. He says they should receive lump sum checks in just a few weeks, once they get all the documents from the courts and police.

Cut 5  (07)  “thereafter”

Landry says he called a special meeting of the board to get these benefits to the families as soon as possible.

Cut 6 (08) “forward”

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A memorial service honoring the three fallen Baton Rouge police officers will be held at 2pm today at Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge. Casey Rayborn Hicks with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office says she knows there are people who want to show support that maybe didn’t feel comfortable attending the services, and this is a way for them to do that.

CUT 7 (08)  “a community”

Vice President Joe Biden, US Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Governor John Bel Edwards will speak at the memorial. Hicks says this shows that their local, state, and federal counterparts are coming together in this community’s time of need.

Cut 8  (10)  “their sacrifice”

Hicks says the funerals for the three fallen officers were well attended and they anticipate a similar response for today’s memorial.

Cut 9 (10)  “of that”

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Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand said the dialogue has to change about shootings involving police. Normand made the statement, after one of his deputies shot 17-year-old Devon Martes on Tuesday night where Martes’s gun misfired when he tried to shoot the deputy after a brief chase. Normand says his deputy, David Dalton, is lucky to be alive.

Cut 10 (09) “dead officer”

Normand says the deputy faced off with Martes after the suspect was caught stealing tire rims. He showed pictures from Martes’ Facebook of him holding a gun and drugs and listed off highlights from the suspect’s rap sheet.

cut 11 (12) “trespass plead guilty”

Normand says that he keeps hearing that we need to develop trust between police and the public, but he says trust is a two way street. He says it’s bilateral, not unilateral.

cut 12 (11) “abandoned it”

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Many Saints fans are expected to make their way to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, where the Black and Gold are holding training camp.  The region was hit with devastating flooding about a month ago, but Kristy Godby with the Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau, says the area has recovered.

Cut 13 (09) “the floods”

Godby says the Greenbrier Hotel and all the hotels in nearby Lewisburg are open and ready to welcome fans. She says there’s lots of good food in the area and plenty to do after the practices.

cut 14 (11)  “state forest”

This is the third year the Saints have held their camp at the Greenbrier, and Godby says they expect this year to be bigger and better than the previous years. She says attendees should prepare to have a lot of fun.

Cut 15 (08) “you are”

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LSU Football Coach Les Miles hits on a variety of topics during his annual speech before the Baton Rouge Rotary Club. State Police Col. Mike Edmonson, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux, and Baton Rouge Police Chief Carl Dabadie were in attendance and Coach Les Miles talked openly about the tragic shooting of three law enforcement officers and had this to say about the shooter.

Cut 16  (21)  “to me”

Miles also hit on some light hearted topics, including reliving some of his childhood memories. The Mad Hatter talked about the day he was beat up by his elementary school bully, Bobby Piper, who kept stealing his lunch money.

Cut 17 (21)  “the ditch”

Miles commented on the status of kicker Colby Delahoussaye, who was in a tragic car accident in Wisconsin where two people died. He says the senior from New Iberia will have to go through rehabilitation, but his injuries won’t threaten his football career.

Cut 18 (16) “real trauma”

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According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Louisiana has the second most police officer deaths in the line of duty this year. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Don Molino”

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A Breaux Bridge priest is facing child porn charges. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana ranks second for the number of police officers killed in the line of duty this year, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. President and CEO, Craig Floyd, says seven Louisiana officers have been killed in the line of duty in 2016. He says we need to have more respect for our officers.

CUT 3 (08)  “our protection”

Four of the officer deaths were by gunfire, two by vehicular assault, and one in a car accident. The report shows firearms related fatalities spiked 78% nationwide this year. Floyd says police officers interact with the public 62 million times a year, most of the time without incident.

CUT 4 (10)  “the time”

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund says there is hope that the number of police officer deaths can be reduced. He says more officers are using fewer lethal weapons and choosing items like Tasers to detain suspects, which gives them options other than kill or be killed.

CUT 5 (08)  “dramatically”

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We are starting to see more endorsements in the U.S. Senate race. Former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer is officially backing State Treasurer John Kennedy and Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain has endorsed Congressman Charles Boustany. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says Strain being a current statewide elected official will be beneficial to Boustany.

CUT 6 (10) “endorsement”

Dubos says endorsements do help when the field is this crowded with 24 candidates. He says Strain’s endorsement of Boustany carries more weight than Roemer’s backing of Kennedy

CUT 7 (10) “as much”

Outgoing Senator David Vitter has yet to make an official endorsement for his seat but Dubos says it’s obvious who he supports.

CUT 8 (11) “kennedy”

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The 2014 viral phenomenon known as the “Ice Bucket Challenge” actually led to a scientific breakthrough towards finding a cure for ALS. Director of the ALS Association of Louisiana, Kelly Viator, says awareness attributes to dollars raised.

CUT 9 (10) “this effort”

Through those donations, Project MinE has identified a gene that’s connected to the disease, which will help develop new targeted therapy to treat ALS. Viator says all the small donations can make a big difference.

cut 10 (07)  “adds up”

An estimated 15 million people took the challenge, raising more than $115 million for ALS research. Viator says as effective as the Ice Bucket Challenge was, she doesn’t see it being repeated anytime soon.

Cut 11 (10) “won’t happen”

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State Police have arrested a Catholic Priest in St. Martin Parish on child pornography charges. Trooper Brooks David says the Special Victims Unit received a complaint alleging that a computer belonging to Father Felix David Broussard contained disturbing images of juveniles…

cut 12 (07) “child pornography”

David says the 50-year-old Priest was placed under arrest and booked into the St. Martin Parish jail on 500 counts of child pornography. He says their investigation into Father Broussard’s criminal behavior continues…

Cut 13 (09)  “further with”

The Diocese of Lafayette says they take these allegations very seriously and is cooperating fully with the investigation. Father Broussard has been placed on administrative leave and will not be allowed to preach at St. Bernard Parish. David says Broussard could spend a long time in jail, if convicted…

cut 14 (10)  “punishment”

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Powerball fever is back as tonight’s jackpot is a whopping 422-million dollars. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Pro-life Democrats will honor Governor John Bel Edwards today at the Democratic National Convention with the Governor Casey Whole Life Leadership Award. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Former state legislator and Grambling State University alumnus Rick Gallot has been selected to be the university’s new president. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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It’s been a hot summer and it appears there’s no relief in sight. The Climate Prediction Center predicts above average temperatures for the next three months. State climatologist Barry Keim says 2016 has a chance to be one of the warmest on record…

cut 4  (10)  “than normal”

Keim says the long-range prediction also calls for less rainfall from August to October…

Cut 5  (12)  “3 months”

Keim says 2015 was the warmest on a record dating back the 1880s. But he says 2016 could be another record breaker…

Cut 6 (07) “right now”

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Tonight’s Powerball Jackpot is a whopping 422-million dollars. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says this jackpot has been growing since May 7^th when it was last hit at 430 million dollars, which was the 5^th largest Powerball jackpot…

CUT 7 (08)  “really like”

The cash value for tonight’s grand prize is 291-million dollars. Chopin says even if you don’t win the jackpot, there are other Powerball prizes to be won. She says you can win a prize just for matching the red Powerball number.

Cut 8  (11)  “million dollars”

Chopin reminds players who are buying a large number of tickets, with coworkers or friends, there are some good guidelines to follow. She says have a written record that shows who’s in and how much they contributed….

Cut 9 (10)  “in advance”

_______________________________________________

Today at the Democratic National Convention, pro-life Democrats, will honor Governor John Bel Edwards with the Governor Casey Whole Life Leadership Award. Executive Director of Democrats for Life, Kristen Day, says Governor Casey was a pro-life governor of Pennsylvania who also advocated for women’s rights and higher minimum wage, so Governor Edwards was a clear choice for the award.

Cut 10 (08) “all life”

Day says Edwards is the only Democratic governor in the south, and she thinks that has a lot to do with him being pro-life. She says one in three Democrats identify as pro-life, but there are even more who support pro-life policies and want to see abortion safe, legal and rare.

cut 11 (08) “the country”

Day says Edwards’ election last fall shows that Democrats can get behind pro-life candidates. She says Southern states lean towards the Republican Party, but Democrats like Edwards, who are pro-life, can help strengthen the Democratic Party in the South.

cut 12 (09) “Democrats”

___________________________________________________________

The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors has chosen former state legislator and attorney Rick Gallot as the new president at Grambling State. Gallot replaces Willie Larkins, who resigned nearly a month ago. Gallot says he’s looking forward to bringing a sense of community back to the university. He says the connections he made as a legislator could help the university tremendously.

Cut 13 (07) “of difference”

The Grambling alumnus replaces Willie Larkins, who resigned nearly a month ago. Gallot says one of the first things he wants to do as president is to restore the university’s undergraduate nursing program, which lost its temporary approval status in 2015.

cut 14 (09)  “into decline”

Grambling has had somewhat of a revolving door when it comes to its presidents in the past few years, as there have been 10 presidents in the past 25 years. But Gallot says he plans on staying with the university for a long time.

Cut 15 (06) “going anywhere”

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The Saints report to training camp today as they look to avoid a third straight losing season. New Orleans defense has been among the worst in the NFL the last couple of seasons. Dennis Allen is the defensive coordinator this year, but NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the team lacks quality pass rushers on the roster….

Cut 16  (12)  “big question mark”

Detillier says one of the big camp battles will be along the offensive line. He says last year’s first round pick Andrus Peat, Senio Kelemete and Tim Lelito will battle for starting positions at right and left guard…

Cut 17 (12)  “two guard spots”

Detillier likes what the Saints did during the NFL draft, which could help team be more competitive in the NFC South. He expects first round pick and defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins will play right away and quarterback Drew Brees has raved about second round pick, wide receiver Michael Thomas…

Cut 18 (12) “nickel situation”

A record number of Louisiana students have achieved an ACT score of 18 or higher that will allow them to go to college. Halen Doughty reports…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The nationwide average for a gallon of gas is at a 12 year low, according to AAA. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Eddie Bonine remains the executive director of the LHSAA. Emelie Gunn has more details…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Disabled veterans will see an increase in their compensation beginning next year thanks to a bill by Congressman Ralph Abraham that has just been signed into law. Abraham says the bill will adjust the amount of compensation veterans receive for disability, dependents, and clothing allowance, as well as compensation for surviving spouses.

cut 4  (08)  “all together”

Abraham says the increase is tied to the social security increase, so we won’t know how much more money these vets will get until the end of November.

Cut 5  (09)  “adjustments”

Abraham has been an advocate for veterans since he was elected to Congress in 2014. He says veterans have been failed in a lot of areas by the Department of Veterans Affairs. He says the VA has got to get better.

Cut 6 (12) “really are”

_______________________________________________

More students than ever have achieved ACT scores that allow them to go to college, according to State Superintendent John White, who says the state’s composite ACT score has increased nearly a half a point since 2013. He says over 25-thousand students in the Class of 2016 scored an 18 or higher on the ACT.

CUT 7 (08)  “since 2012″

White says he credits this to the 2012 “ACT for All” initiative that allows students to take the exam at no cost, which he says gives more students access to the test. He says they also saw a record number of students qualify for the TOPS scholarship.

Cut 8  (10)  “life opportunity”

Since 2012, over 4-thousand more students have qualified for the TOPS Opportunity scholarship, and more than 2-thousand more earned the TOPS Performance award. White says this growth is good news for Louisiana students.

Cut 9 (07)  “our state”

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According to AAA, nationwide gas prices are at a 12 year low. Spokesperson Don Redman says the current statewide average for a gallon of regular gas is about $1.98.

Cut 10 (08) “a gallon”

Redman says the price of oil is also down to around $40 a barrel. He says drivers could see prices at the pump go down even more before the end of the summer.

cut 11 (07) “$1.84”

Redman says abundant supply has driven prices down. He says refineries have kept up with the supply surprisingly well considering the high demand.

cut 12 (10) “summer travel”

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After a nearly 4-hour meeting, the LHSAA Executive Committee decided Eddie Bonine will remain the executive director of the organization. Bonine referred to the LHSAA as a “proverbial dumpster fire” in a report to the N-F-H-S, which led to the special meeting that went into executive session. LHSAA President Vic Bonnaffee couldn’t elaborate what went into the decision to keep Bonine.

Cut 13 (10) “no comment”

Bonine says moving forward, he will be the executive director of LHSAA until the remainder of his contract which is up in 2019. He says it will be a tough task mending fences with some of the executive members…

cut 14 (10)  “point further”

Before the meeting went behind closed doors, Bonine apologized for his dumpster fire comment. He also talked about his frustrations over not being able to come up with a solution to end the public-private playoff split.  Bonine says after the airing it out session, he believes the board is fully behind him.

Cut 15 (09) “at hand”

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UL Lafayette football coach Mark Hudspeth says he’s looking forward to the compeitition at quarterback when fall camp begins next month. Jordan Davis, who played in four games, will have a chance to start this season, but Hudspeth says he’ll need to beat out former LSU quarterback Anthony Jennings…

Cut 16  (25)  “each day”

Hudspeth says even though there’s uncertainty on who will start at quarterback, he believes the offense can still put up big numbers thanks to senior running back Elijah McGuire…

Cut 17 (12)  “make plays”

New Warhawks Head Football Coach Matt Viator made his first appearance at Sun Belt Media Day. He was asked if the rebuilding job he faces at ULM was similar to one he faced at McNeese when he took over as the Cowboys Head Coach ten years ago…

Cut 18 (20) “to do”  (2x)

ULM won just two games a season ago, but senior wide receiver AJalen Holley says the players are determined not to have another bad season….

Cut 19 (12) “get better”

According to House Transportation Committee chairman Kenny Havard, lawmakers will likely consider increasing the state’s gasoline tax during the 2017 session. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The last of the final goodbyes to the three recently slain Baton Rouge Police officers took place today as Corporal Montrell Jackson is laid to rest. Michelle Southern reports..:

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Tragedy hit the Sabine River this weekend when a father and his two sons drowned in Beauregard Parish. Sheriff Rick Mosely says 51-year-old Harlin Powell’s 12-year-old son Dale Powell and stepson Robbie Merritt were swimming in the river when they began to struggle.

CUT 3 (09)  “unsuccessful”

Mosely says by the time his deputies arrived at the scene, it was already too late. He says they recovered Mr. Powel from the river, who was pronounced dead at the scene. He says search teams then began trying to locate the two boys.

CUT 4 (10)  “last night”

Mosely says it’s been about five years since anyone has drowned in that part of the river. He says the Sabine River is a popular swimming spot, but the current is stronger than it looks.

CUT 5 (11)  “safe spot”

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Lawmakers will likely consider a bill to increase the state’s gasoline tax, when they meet for the 2017 fiscal session. That’s according to Representative Kenny Havard, who serves as chairman of the House Transportation Committee and sits on the newly-formed Transportation Taskforce. Havard says the state’s gasoline tax has not been raised in over 20 years and there is not enough funds to address the $12 billion backlog for transportation maintenance, much less any new projects.

CUT 6 (10) “afloat”

Louisiana’s 20-cent gas tax ranks 41 in the nation, and only 16-cents of it goes to the transportation trust fund. Havard says he doesn’t really want to raise any taxes, but the state needs the revenue to address the problems with our roads and bridges.

CUT 7 (11) “pay for it”

The 18 member taskforce must come up with suggestions for the 2017 session by January 1. Havard says he is open to any other ideas to fund transportation projects, including tolls and public-private partnerships.

CUT 8 (09) “infrastructure”

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The final of the three Baton Rouge law enforcement officers slain in an ambush on cops was laid to rest Monday. Thousands turned out for the funeral of BRPD’s Corporal Montrell Jackson, a 32-year-old 10-year veteran of the department who leaves behind a wife and baby boy, Mason. Governor John Bel Edwards says we have to make this world a better place for Mason:

CUT 9 (10) “his father”

Edwards says Jackson was a pillar of this community and used God’s gifts to make a difference for Baton Rouge and Louisiana. Jackson’s younger brother, 24-year-old Kendrick Pitts, spoke to Montrell and said he was loved by everyone…:

cut 10 (10)  “the whole world loves you”

Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden says law enforcement from throughout the country have been pained by the deaths of the three cops, but he’s confident they will come out of it stronger people…:

Cut 11 (12) “quality of life”

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LSU kicker Colby Delahoussaye returns to New Iberia today after surviving a fatal wreck in Wisconsin. Nebraska punter Sam Foltz and former Michigan State punter Mike Sadler died in the one-vehicle crash, when the driver apparently lost control on wet pavement and struck a tree. Delahoussaye’s coach at New Iberia High, Rick Huston, says Delahoussaye suffered injuries that require more medical attention

cut 12 (09) “from the accident”

Delahoussaye was in the back seat of the car at the time of the accident. The kicker is heading into his senior season at LSU and has a chance to be the starting kicker after losing that job to Trent Domingue, who has since transferred to Texas. Hutson says Delahoussaye bleed purple and gold…

Cut 13 (04)  “played or not”

Delahoussaye was in Wisconsin to participate in the Kohl’s Kicking Camp. He was participant in the camp last week and was scheduled to serve as a camp counselor this week. Hutson says Delahoussaye has attended that camp since high school and he’s thankful his former player only suffered minor injuries..

cut 14 (04)  “survived”

The LHSAA executive committee meets today to discuss negative comments made by executive director Eddie Bonine. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A Louisiana record 24 candidates are on the ballot in the November US Senate race. Jeff Palermo looks at how the race shapes up…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Fifty-nine Louisiana delegates are at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The LHSAA Executive Committee has a special meeting this afternoon where the only item on the agenda is to discuss the comments made by executive director Eddie Bonine that referred to the LHSAA as a “proverbial dumpster fire.” Executive committee member and Doyle High School Principal Tommy Hodges says they’ll discuss the controversial statement in a report submitted to the NFHS.

cut 4  (06)  “the state”

Hodges says to his knowledge they will not seek to buy out Bonine’s contract and was shocked by media reports that suggested that is the reason for today’s meeting. He says the objective is really to clear the air…

Cut 5  (08)  “happen again”

Bonine signed on to be the LHSAA’s executive director last year. Hodges says he honestly does not see the LHSAA buying Bonine’s contract out.

Cut 6 (09) “or fashion”

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A record 24 candidates will appear on the November ballot for the US Senate seat being vacated by David Vitter. UL-Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says State Treasurer John Kennedy is leading in the early polls. But Cross says Kennedy is going up against some big names.

CUT 7 (12)  “around us”

Republicans Congressmen Charles Boustany and John Fleming, Col. Rob Maness, and former KKK leader David Duke are also big names in the race. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell and attorney Caroline Fayard are the major Democrats on the ballot. Cross says if a Democrat can pull most of the party vote, they will have a good chance at making the runoff.

Cut 8  (08)  “the floor”

Cross says Duke’s entrance into the race means national media coverage, and with this many candidates, there will also be quite a bit of money spent. He says with this many candidates on the ballot, the high vote getter in the primary might only have 23-percent of the vote.

Cut 9 (07)  “exciting race”

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The Democratic National Convention begins today in Philadelphia with 59 Louisiana delegates in attendance. Michael McHale is one of the delegates says and the Lake Charles resident expects this convention to be much different than last week’s Republican convention.

Cut 10 (11) “Hillary Clinton”

McHale says Clinton is the most qualified candidate we’ve ever seen run for president in the US. He is confident that she can move the country forward.

cut 11 (10) “those roles”

McHale says Louisiana supported Bill Clinton both times that he ran for president, and he thinks the Bayou State could do the same for Hillary.

cut 12 (08) “Louisiana”

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The funeral for fallen Baton Rouge Police Corporal Montrell Jackson will be held today. Jackson was a 10 year veteran of the BRPD and the father of a new baby boy. Baton Rouge Police Chief Carl Dabadie says when he was academy director, he served as Jackson’s instructor…:

Cut 13 (07) “this community”

The 32 year old was gunned down along with two fellow officers in an ambush on police. Two weeks before he was killed on the job, he made a post on Facebook pleading for people not to let hate infect their hearts — in the aftermath of the death of Alton Sterling during a confrontation with cops. Dabadie says after the Sterling shooting, he went to talk to BRPD officers:

cut 14 (11)  “our department”

Dabadie says Jackson is a true hero, loving husband and father…:

Cut 15 (10) “was my everything”