In Louisiana Radio Network’s latest Gubernatorial Q&A, we asked the candidates what steps they would take to reduce the murder rate. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 2 (33) “I’m Michelle Southern”

State Police say a Dry Creek motorcyclist is dead following a single-vehicle crash in Allen Parish. They say 26-year-old Tony Seal was traveling at a high rate of speed when he ran up on a truck stopped preparing to make a left turn. Seal tried to stop and skidded over 300 feet before leaving the roadway. Seal was ejected from his bike and suffered fatal injuries. Authorities say excessive speed and alcohol are suspected factors in the crash.

The Hill, a Washington, DC newspaper, reports Louisiana’s congressional “Clout Index” has fallen from 4th to 30th with the exit of Mary Landrieu from the Louisiana delegation. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says if US Senator David Vitter wins the governor’s seat, veteran Congressmen Charles Boustany and John Fleming will most likely give up their House seats to run for Vitter’s vacant Senate seat. Alford says Louisiana’s standing on Capital Hill is shaky at best…

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He says if Vitter wins the governorship, it would negatively affect Louisiana’s influence in DC.

Beginning today motorists traveling through the Baton Rouge area will have the opportunity to travel faster on I-10 from Essen to Siegen and I-12 from Sherwood to Range. State Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says crews will begin installing signage reflecting the change in speed limit today.

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The speed limit is increasing from 60 to 65 in those areas.