Today through Monday, close to 43 million people will be traveling for the 4th of July Holiday. That’s according to AAA spokesman Don Redman who says the most popular mode of transportation is the vehicle with about 84%. But not everyone will be driving…:
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He says with so many people on the road, motorists would be wise to plan travel outside of peak times.

The statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign begins today. Jessica Bedwell with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says law enforcement will be beefed up to be on the lookout for drunk drivers with the increased travel. She says, historically, long holiday weekends mean more drunk people driving..:
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She says they want everyone to enjoy the weekend, but they ask that they have a plan to get home safely before the party begins.

Congressman John Fleming was one of the three major GOP candidates to appear at a US Senate debate Thursday. He says he has a record of fighting for what the people of Louisiana want. He says it’s time for Washington to start listening…:
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State treasurer John Kennedy was there and so was Congressman Charles Boustany. Democrat Foster Campbell apologized for not being able to attend the debate.

The second special session ended a week ago today, and lawmakers proposed several constitutional amendments to be decided by voters in November. President of the Public Affairs Research Council, Robert Travis Scott, says some of the amendments are rather technical, so voters need to do their homework…:
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The election will be held November 8th.

A statewide campaign begins today that seeks to reduce drunk driving this Fourth of July weekend. Jessica Bedwell with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign will include multiple enforcement efforts aimed at keeping drunk drivers off the road. She says this risky behavior can result in more than just a DWI…:
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Bedwell says they also ask people to eliminate distractions while behind the wheel and focus on driving safely.

State Police say they are investigating a fatal officer involved shooting in south Monroe that took the life of a man. They say Ouachita Parish Deputies were responding to a domestic dispute, and when they arrived the victim informed them that the suspect was at another residence. It’s alleged that when the deputies confronted the suspect at that home, he brandished a weapon and that’s when he was fired upon and died. Names of those involved aren’t being released at this time.

The second special session ended a week ago today, and lawmakers proposed several constitutional amendments to be decided by voters in November. President of the Public Affairs Research Council, Robert Travis Scott, says one would affect those who have lost a spouse in the line of duty…:
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He says some of the amendments are rather technical, so voters need to do their homework.

More Americans than ever are going to be traveling for the Independence Day weekend. Emelie Gunn has more…:
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If you’re planning on hitting the road for the 4th of July Holiday weekend, you won’t be alone by a long shot. Triple A Spokesperson Don Redman says close to 43 million people will be traveling over the next several days. He says with gas prices at their lowest level in 5 years, the entire country has saved about 60 billion dollars that would normally have gone into the gas tank..:
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The current statewide average for a gallon of regular in Louisiana is $2.10.

The Kenner Police Department says a second suspect has been arrested in the Raising Cane’s armed robbery and murder of a manager. 21-year-old Taylor Friloux died at a hospital from multiple stab wounds in the incident. A former employee of the establishment, 23-year-old Joshua Every, was the first to be arrested and charged with first degree murder. The Kenner police chief says he will announce additional details at a news conference today.

Lawmakers adjourned from the second special session a week ago today, and they passed 6 constitutional amendment proposals that will appear on the November ballot. Halen Doughty has more…:
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State Treasurer John Kennedy was one of three major GOP candidates in the US Senate race to appear at forum in Baton Rouge Wednesday. He says he is strong enough to go to Washington and take his country back…:
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The statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign begins today, as law enforcement seek to reduce drunk driving this Fourth of July weekend. Halen Doughty has more…:
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The state’s highest court has suspended two 18th District judges without pay. Their region covers Iberville, Pointe Coupee and West Baton Rouge parishes. The Supreme Court suspended Judge Robin Free for a year for four violations — including interrupting a meeting between prosecutors and a victim’s family, and making in appropriate comments. Judge James Best was suspended 15 days for ending probation early for a sex offender who was a friend.

Three of the major Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by David Vitter appeared at a debate in Baton Rouge to discuss why they should be elected on November 8th. Congressman Charles Boustany says it’s time to get serious about solving Louisiana’s problems…:
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The other two GOP candidates on hand were State Treasurer John Kennedy and Congressman John Fleming. Democrat Foster Campbell did not attend.

Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal is accused in a lawsuit of calling one of the federal prosecutors in his pending civil rights case a “sorry son of a B Jew bastard.” It’s alleged the comments were made during a secretly recorded conversation, and Ackal’s defense attorney said the could not comment without first hearing the tape.

Starting today through Monday, more Americans than ever are expected to be hitting the road for the 4th of July weekend. Triple A Spokesperson Don Redman says close to 43 million people will be traveling over the holiday, which is five million more than Memorial Day. He says it’s going to be a very busy time on the roadways…:
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He attributes the increase in travelers to the lowest gas prices we’ve seen in 5 years.

The man accused of stabbing and killing a Raising Cane’s manager in Kenner was a former employee of the fast food establishment. Cops say 21-year-old Taylor Friloux died Wednesday morning at a hospital from stab wounds to the head, neck and chest she received in the robbery. The suspect is identified as 23-year-old Josh Every, a police are looking for a second suspect. Every will face first-degree murder and armed robbery charges.

The second special session ended a week ago today, and lawmakers proposed several constitutional amendments to be decided by voters in November. President of the Public Affairs Research Council, Robert Travis Scott, says there will be six changes on the ballot in the fall. He says one of them would change the state’s corporate income taxes…:
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He says some of the amendments are rather technical, so voters need to do their homework.

The defense lawyers for Cardell Hayes, the man accused of fatally shooting Saints player Will Smith, do not want the trial to take place during football season, according to an article in The Advocate. Currently, the trial is set to begin September 20th. Hayes’ attorneys believe any trial date during the season could cause unfair bias against their client.

Louisiana Inspector General Stephen Street has released a report indicating Horizon Entertainment and Productions claimed over $1 million in fraudulent tax exemptions. Stephen Street says his office is recommending additional changes to the state’s film tax credit program to prevent fraudulent claims because Louisiana cannot afford it…:
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The company denies claiming excess expenses in the 2011 filming of The Sean Payton Show and the documentary Saintsational.

The Louisiana Interstate Highway System turns 60-years-old today. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Wilson says we have an interstate system to be proud of. He says only 26% of the pavement is in poor or mediocre condition.
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But Wilson says if we want to keep up our interstate we’re going to have to make some investments.

A 21-year-old was killed during an armed robbery at the Raising Cane’s in Kenner. Michelle Southern reports…

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A Baton Rouge man is in the ICU after contracting a flesh-eating bacteria in Mississippi last week. Dick Empson reportedly had to have his leg amputated because of the infection and is currently in a medically induced coma. Doctors told family members that the survival rate for this kind of infection is 20% to 30%. This type of bacteria has been discovered at beaches along the Gulf Coast, and people are advised not to enter the water with open cuts or sores.

Inspector General Stephen Street has issued a report that shows film company Horizon Entertainment and Productions claimed $1 million in fraudulent tax exemptions. Street says Horizon made 263 online wire transfers to make it look like they spent $2 million, which they claimed as expenses on the tax credit application.

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Horizon denies doing anything wrong.

Today the Louisiana Interstate Highway System turns 60 years old and the Department of Transportation has released a state of the interstate report. DOTD Secretary Sean Wilson says our system is very valuable, effective but sometimes over capacity. He says if we want to keep up our interstate we’re going to have to make some improvements.

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A Raising Cane’s manager has died after being stabbed multiple times during an armed robbery in Kenner. Kenner Police Chief Michael Glaser says two armed men confronted employees when they were taking out the trash after closing.

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Glaser says 21-year-old Taylor Friloux died in the hospital after being stabbed during the robbery.

State Police say an off duty Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Deputy is facing a DWI. Trooper Jesse LaGrange says Tara Whitney was pulled over in Houma after an officer noticed she wasn’t wearing her seat belt. He says the trooper noticed an open alcohol container and Whitney showed signs of impairment so a field sobriety test was conducted.

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LaGrange says Whitney has been placed on leave until the investigation is complete.

The Inspector General’s Office has issued a report that shows a film company claimed over $1 million in fraudulent tax credits. Halen Doughty has more…
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The defense lawyers for Cardell Hayes, the man accused of fatally shooting Saints player Will Smith, do not want the trial to take place during football season. Currently, the trial is set to begin September 20th. Hayes’ attorneys believe any trial date during the season could cause unfair bias against their client. Hayes is charged with second degree murder of Will Smith and attempted murder for shooting Smith’s wife Racquel.

An armed robbery at a Kenner Raising Cane’s has left a 21-year-old woman dead. Kenner Police Chief Michael Glaser says the victim is Cane’s employee Taylor Friloux. Reportedly, 23-year-old Josh Every is in custody after an employee identified him as being involved and police are still searching for other suspects…
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The Louisiana Interstate Highway System turns 60 today. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Wilson says our system is effective but sometimes over capacity. He says travel has increased by 43% on Louisiana’s interstates from 2000 to 2014…
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Wilson says they’re going to work on improving parts of I-10 and I-20 to make room for more travelers.