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:
CUT 8 (06) “them igniting”

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.

Amite Representative and gubernatorial candidate John Bel Edwards says, if elected, he has no intention to keep John White in place as Education Superintendent. In a statement, Edwards said “John White will never be superintendent on my watch.” Edwards says White lacks the credentials set forth in law to be the Superintendent of Education…

cut 4 (04) “elementary schools”

In a statement regarding Edwards’ comments, White says politics don’t belong in the classroom and cited the improvement of high school graduation rates and ACT scores during his tenure.

Governor Bobby Jindal has signed into law a new measure which gives domestic violence victims more housing protection. Baton Rouge Senator Sharon Weston Broome sponsored the bill and says this law will help prevent further victimization of those being abused…

Cut 13 (06) “to live”

The law allows domestic violence victims to break their lease to leave an abusive situation.

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 the brew, named 31 Stout, was created in honor of 31 United States service members who lost their lives in the force mission in Afghanistan.

Cut 10 (10) “Extortion 17″

Knott says 31 Stout will be released on Independence Day at the brewery, where a band and party will follow for anyone who wants to attend.

Safety with fireworks during 4th of July celebrations should be a top priority. State Fire Marshall Butch Browning wants everyone to enjoy this holiday but take time to understand the precautions that come along with fireworks.

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Browning advises adults under the influence of alcohol and children to stay away from lighting firecrackers.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amite Representative John Bel Edwards says, if elected, he has no plans to keep John White as Education Superintendent. Scott Carwile has more…

cut 1 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile“

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.

Governor Jindal has signed legislation into law giving domestic violence victims more housing protection. Bill sponsor, Baton Rouge Senator Sharon Weston Broome, believes the law, which goes into effect August first, will give victims peace of mind over where they will live…

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The law allows domestic violence victims to break their lease to leave an abusive situation and gives landlords the power to evict those the courts deem as abusers.

Bayou Teche Brewing in Arnaudville is releasing a new beer for the 4th of July holiday called 31 Stout. President Karlos Knott says a portion of the proceeds will benefit the families of 31 United States service members who lost their lives in the force mission in Afghanistan. Knott says members of Extortion 17 were also a part of SEAL Team 6…

cut 11 (11) “in Afghanistan”

The beer will be available at select retailers in Louisiana.

A new measure has been signed into law that gives domestic violence victims more housing protection. The law, sponsored by Baton Rouge Senator Sharon Weston Broome, allows domestic violence victims to break their lease to leave an abusive situation. Broome says it also ensures that victims will not be evicted because of their situation…

cut 14 (12) “place of residence”

Landlords will also have the power to evict those the courts deem as abusers.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amite Representative John Bel Edwards says, if elected, he has no intention to keep John White in place as Education Superintendent. Edwards thinks White’s approach to education is flawed…

cut 5 (10) “school districts”

BESE chooses the Superintendent of Education, the governor typically has a lot of sway in that selection.

The Independence Day holiday begins today and firework safety is a top concern. Michelle Southern talks with the State Fire Marshal on how to prepare…

cut 2 (23) “I’m Michelle Southern”

A federal district judge says Louisiana must allow gay couples get married, file joint income tax returns, and put both parents’ names on their children’s birth certificates. It’s being reported that now every parish in Louisiana is issuing same-sex marriage licenses. State Police also says newly married gay couples can have their names changed on their driver’s licenses beginning Monday.

John Curtis head football coach JT Curtis is now a member of the National High School Hall of Fame. During his 46-years as head coach at the River Ridge school, Curtis’ teams have amassed a total of 540 wins, making him Louisiana’s all-time winningest coach. The Patriots have won 26 state football championships under Coach Curtis. The 12 member class of 2015 were inducted into the Hall of Fame Thursday night in New Orleans.

It’s reported that Harvey native Greg Monroe has signed a maximum contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. The big man averaged nearly 16 points a game last season for the Detroit Pistons. The deal will pay Monroe $50 million over the next three seasons, with the third season being a player option. Monroe played his high school ball at Helen Cox High School before playing two years at Georgetown.

The Pelicans have released their 14-man summer league roster. The roster includes former Tulane guard Jay Hook, Larry Drew II, and Seth Curry, younger brother of NBA MVP Stephen Curry. A four day mini-camp begins Monday where players will have to earn a spot on the team.

Fishing is underway for the 67th Annual Tarpon Rodeo at Moran’s Marina in Fourchon. Rodeo Admiral Eddie Callais says even if you aren’t participating in the tournament, there is still a lot to do. He suggests coming out to the air conditioned tent to check out the scales and cook-off . He says you can visit fourchontarponrodeo-dot-com for more information…

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Callais says the different categories of fish are inshore, offshore, blue water fish, and spearfish. He says there’s also a kayak division and a children’s category. The rodeo ends Saturday.

In Major League Baseball action, Leonis Martin hit an RBI single in the ninth inning to break a scoreless tie and help lift the Texas Rangers over the Baltimore Orioles 2-0.

The Atlanta Braves squeaked past the Washington Nationals 2-1. Cameron Maybin drove in the winning run with a chopper over third base in the bottom of the ninth.

Amite Representative and gubernatorial candidate John Bel Edwards says, if elected, he has no intention to keep John White in place as Education Superintendent. In a statement, Edwards said “John White will never be superintendent on my watch.” Edwards says White lacks the credentials set forth in law to be the Superintendent of Education…

cut 4 (04) “elementary schools”

In a statement regarding Edwards’ comments, White says politics don’t belong in the classroom and cited the improvement of high school graduation rates and ACT scores during his tenure.

Governor Bobby Jindal has signed into law a new measure which gives domestic violence victims more housing protection. Baton Rouge Senator Sharon Weston Broome sponsored the bill and says this law will help prevent further victimization of those being abused…

Cut 13 (06) “to live”

The law allows domestic violence victims to break their lease to leave an abusive situation.
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 the brew, named 31 Stout, was created in honor of 31 United States service members who lost their lives in the force mission in Afghanistan.

Cut 10 (10) “Extortion 17″

Knott says 31 Stout will be released on Independence Day at the brewery, where a band and party will follow for anyone who wants to attend.

Officials in 5 Gulf States, including Louisiana, announce they have reached a settlement agreement with BP for $18.7 billion dollars which resolves litigation over the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Attorney General Buddy Caldwell says this is the largest environmental settlement in history…:
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Caldwell says this finally and fairly resolves all issues associated with the disaster.

Four men accused of raping a 15-year-old girl in Madisonville during a party in 2008 have had their convictions overturned by the Louisiana Supreme Court. The ruling states that new evidence has surfaced and there was also a new witness who had a different story than the victim. The four men were all serving life sentences. They are Derrick Maise, Brett Ward, Clayton James King and Michael Ayo.

The Independence Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign began today…:
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Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Deputy Director Ken Trull says overtime grants have been given to increase patrols to stop drinking and driving. He says during last year’s 4th of July holiday period, there were 374 fatal and injury crashes in Louisiana.

Fishing kicked off today in the 67th Annual Tarpon Rodeo at Moran’s Marina in Fourchon. The rodeo wraps up with July 4th festivities. Rodeo Admiral Eddie Callais says it’s about the competition, prizes, family fun, cook off AND all for a good cause…:
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For more information, you can log on to fourchontarponrodeo.com.

Five Gulf States and B.P. have reached a landmark settlement of 18.7 billion dollars, resulting from the 2010 Gulf Oil Spill. Attorney General Buddy Caldwell believes it’s very fair, and creates immediate action in what would have otherwise likely taken years of litigation in the courts to provide needed restoration to the Gulf…:
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Fishing for the 67th Annual Tarpon Rodeo at Moran’s Marina in Fourchon (FOO shon) begins today and goes until July 4th. Rodeo Admiral Eddie Callais says this year there will be more that 15-thousand dollars worth of prizes…
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He says every child, ages 4 to 12, who purchases a ticket will receive a free fishing rod and reel.
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The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission announces the 4th of July “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, begins today. Here’s Eric Gill with more…
CUT 2 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

A Shreveport 3 year-old is in critical condition after he was accidently shot Wednesday night. It is reported that the toddler was playing with a gun, that he got out of a holster that next to his parents’ bed. The little boy-whose family was home at the time– was taken to University Hospital, where he is being treated for life-threatening injuries.