Louisiana is once again ranked 49th in overall child well-being. A major contributing factor is poverty. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed the 30-billion dollar budget that lawmakers approved in the recently completed legislative session. Edwards says the spending plan that goes into effect July 1st contains the first teacher pay raise in a decade.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is asking for the public to help count how many bats live in the Bayou State, so they can find out if a bat-based disease is spreading.
LDWF State Wildlife Veterinarian Jim LaCour says the white nose syndrome has ravaged bat populations in other states, but has not yet been detected in Louisiana.
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The disease is not a danger to humans.
Four people are behind bars, with three charged with human trafficking and the fourth being charged with carnal knowledge after an investigation by the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Tony Mancuso says the investigation began in March when a tip was called into authorities alerting them to the location of 14-year-old girl previously reported as a runaway.
Cut 13 (09) “…that we made.”