More pets go missing during the 4^th of July than any other time of the year. Jim Shannon talks with an animal advocate on how to keep your pet calm and from straying when the fireworks go off.

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Jim Shannon.” 

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 Bogalusa Representative Malinda White is leaving the Democratic Party, citing frustration with partisan politics. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) …I’m Matt Doyle  

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Did you know that more pets go missing over the 4^th of July than any other time of the year? Fireworks often scare pets leading them to run away. Louisiana SPCA Spokesperson Rebecca Melanson (mell-ah-sun) says having your pet tag along for a fireworks display is a bad idea.

Cut 3 (06)  “…with you.”

But there are things you can do to keep them calm before the skies light up. Melanson says a tired dog is a calm dog…

Cut 4 (08) “…as scared (x2)”

If you live near a fireworks display keep your pet inside and play white noise or music to calm your pet. Melanson says also make sure your pet is properly tagged.

Cut 5  (12) “…a week.” 

Also, check that all gates are secure and patch any holes that your pet could possibly escape through. And never punish your pet during times of stress it will only make things worse

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The State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding people to practice extreme caution if they plan on using fireworks this holiday weekend. Office Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says first make sure fireworks are legal in your city or parish first and be sure you’ve purchased your fireworks from a reputable vendor.

Cut 6 (12) “…appropriate permitting.”

Never set off fireworks if you are impaired or tired, you need to be able to react quickly if something goes wrong.

Where you set off your fireworks is also important. Rodrigue says also make sure you are at least 200 feet from any buildings or cars that could catch on fire.

Cut 7 (08) “…or vehicles.”

Also, have a water source nearby if you need to extinguish them for any reason.

And finally, once you’re finished with your fireworks, Rodrigue says to dispose of them properly.

Cut 8 (11) “…in case.”

Last year due to large fireworks displays being canceled, Rodrigue says there were more reported injuries from individuals using them at home that normally do not use them. Rodrigue says the safest option is to attend a display put on by professionals.

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State Democrats are losing yet another rural lawmaker as Bogalusa Representative Malinda White announces her departure in favor of identifying as No Party.

LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says this is the first major-party defection at the Capitol in nearly ten years.

Cut 9 (11) “…ideas.”

It is unclear which party White intends to caucus with going forward.

Alford says White’s decision to leave the party is part of an ongoing theme that’s seen Democrats hemorrhage support outside of the major cities…

Cut 10 (10) “…results.”

Friday morning on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster former State Democratic Party head Stephen Handwerk indicated that attacks on White from the left-wing of the party “probably” played a role in this decision.

Alford says political life is often not easy for independent candidates but White is in an unusual district that sees both Democrats and Republicans find success.

Cut  11 (09) “….specifically” 

White was first elected in 2015 as a Democrat.

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Baton Rouge real estate agent Darren James made a shocking discovery over the weekend when it was determined that 50 billion dollars was accidentally deposited into his account.  James says when he and his wife saw the balance on the account they knew a big mistake had been made.

Cut 12 (11) “…it was crazy.”

James ended up returning all of the money but since it was deposited on a Saturday it stayed in his account for three days.

Cut 13 (12) “…on Tuesday”

While James is not sure where the money came from, he says he’s not the only person that this has happened to.

Cut 14 (12) “…happened to.” 

Bogalusa Representative Malinda White is leaving the Democratic Party, citing frustration with partisan politics. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) …I’m Matt Doyle  

Operation Dry Water, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries campaign to keep impaired boaters off the water is underway. Boating Education Coordinator Lt Dean Aucoin says if you’re caught impaired while operating a vessel on the water it will also impact your driving privileges on the road.

Cut 11 (07) “…as well.”

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding people to practice extreme caution if they plan on using fireworks this holiday weekend. Office Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue where you set off your fireworks is crucial, make sure you are at least 200 feet from any buildings or cars that could catch on fire.

Cut 7 (09) “…or vehicle.”

And never set off fireworks if you are impaired or tired, you need to be able to react quickly if something goes wrong.

Baton Rouge real estate agent Darren James made a shocking discovery over the weekend when it was determined that 50 billion dollars was accidentally deposited into his account.  James ended up returning all of the money but since it was deposited on a Saturday it stayed in his account for three days.

Cut 13 (12) “…on Tuesday”

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding people to practice extreme caution if they plan on using fireworks this holiday weekend. Office Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says first make sure fireworks are legal in your city or parish first and be sure you’ve purchased your fireworks from a reputable vendor.

Cut 6 (12) “…appropriate permitting.”

Never set off fireworks if you are impaired or tired, you need to be able to react quickly if something goes wrong.

Baton Rouge real estate agent Darren James made a shocking discovery over the weekend when it was determined that 50 billion dollars was accidentally deposited into his account.  James says when he and his wife saw the balance on the account they knew a big mistake had been made.

Cut 12 (11) “…it was crazy.”

More pets go missing during the 4^th of July holiday than any other time of the year. Jim Shannon talks with an animal advocate on how to keep your pet calm and from straying when the fireworks go off.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jim Shannon.” 

New Iberia will hold a parade tonight in honor of pole vaulter Morgan LeLeux, who has made the U.S. Olympic team.  Taylor Sharp has the story.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Taylor Sharp”

Following a failed drug test, U-S track star and former LSU standout Sha’Carri Richardson will not be competing in the Tokyo Olympics. Richardson won the 100 meters at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials on June 19,  but testing positive for marijuana means a 30-day suspension for the star. On a TV appearance this morning she said she’s not ruling out future Olympic games.

More pets go missing on the 4^th of July than any other day of the year due to fireworks.  Louisiana SPCA Spokesperson Rebecca Melanson (mell-ah-sun) be proactive and try to calm your pet, she says a tired dog is a calm dog…

Cut 4 (08) “…as scared (x2)”

Also make sure their ID tags are up to date and keep them inside if you live near a display.

AAA estimates 47.7 million Americans will travel for the 4^th of July weekend, a 40 percent increase from last year. AAA analyst Don Redman says 91 percent of those travelers will go by automobile and demand is driving gas prices through the roof. Across the Gulf south prices are averaging a few cents under 2.80 a gallon…

Cut 8 (11) “…August.”

AAA estimates 47.7 million Americans will travel for the 4^th of July weekend, a 40 percent increase from last year. AAA analyst Don Redman says in our region we’re expecting 4.5 million travelers, proof that folks are finally ready to get out and hit the road after being cooped up for over a year…

Cut 7 (09) “…recorded.”

Operation Dry Water is underway, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries campaign to keep impaired boaters off the water. Boating Education Coordinator Lt Dean Aucoin with LDWF says if you’re caught impaired while operating a vessel on the water it will also impact your driving privileges on the road.

Cut 11 (07) “…as well.”

So far, this year there have been 14 boating fatalities in the state, 30-percent of those were alcohol-related.

The first confirmed case of the Delta-plus coronavirus variant in Louisiana was discovered this week. Delta-plus is thought to share the same highly transmissible qualities as the standard Delta variant while being even less easily neutralized by antibodies. Ochsner Health Research Scientist Amy Feehan…

Cut 13 (05) “…do it.”

The state’s vaccination rate is 35-percent.

Did you know that more pets go missing over the 4^th of July than any other time of the year? Fireworks often scare pets leading them to run away. Louisiana SPCA Spokesperson Rebecca Melanson says having your pet tag along for a fireworks display is a bad idea.

Cut 3 (07)  “…with you.”

Make sure your pet’s ID tags are up-to-date and keep them inside if you live near a display.

New Iberia will throw a parade tonight to celebrate one of its own as pole vaulter Morgan LeLeux has qualified for the US Olympic team. LeLeux competed as a pole vaulter at Georgia and U-L Lafayette. She’s been dreaming about the Olympics since she was a little girl…
Cut 6 (09) “…going to take.”

If you’re planning on being on the water this holiday weekend be sure you have a sober driver at the helm. Brooke Thorington has more on Operation Dry Water.
Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The first confirmed case of the Delta-plus coronavirus variant in Louisiana was discovered this week.
Delta-plus is thought to share the same highly transmissible qualities as the standard Delta variant while being even less easily neutralized by antibodies. Ochsner Health Research Scientist Amy
Feehan says Only 35 percent of the state is fully vaccinated and She says the longer that number remains woefully low, the higher the chance more of these increasingly dangerous variants develop.
Cut 14 (11) “…deadly.”
The case was linked to a New Orleans resident who tested positive for COVID-19 in early June.
Feehan says the good news for those who are vaccinated is that you likely have a high level of protection even against this new plus variant. Regardless Feehan says she’s still going to play it safe…
Cut 15 (11)“…are vaccinated.”
Against the standard Delta variant, those who are fully vaccinated are thought to have about 90 percent protection from the virus, while those who’ve only received one shot only have about 32 percent protection.

AAA anticipates this 4th of July weekend will see near record-breaking numbers of travelers take to the roads and skies. Matt Doyle has the story…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

New Iberia will throw a parade tonight to celebrate one of its own as pole vaulter Morgan LeLeux has qualified for the US Olympic team. LeLeux found out she made the team right before her last vault at the Olympic Trials in Oregon but once she finished. it was an emotional experience for her.
Cut 5 (09) “…sometimes.”

It’s called Operation Dry Water and it’s the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries campaign to keep impaired boaters off the water. Boating Education Coordinator Lt Dean Aucoin with LDWF says alcohol is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating incidents.
Aucoin says if you’re caught impaired while operating a vessel on the water it will also impact your driving privileges on the road.
Cut 11 (07) “…as well.”

The first confirmed case of the Delta-plus coronavirus variant in Louisiana was discovered this week.
Delta-plus is thought to share the same highly transmissible qualities as the standard Delta variant while being even less easily neutralized by antibodies. Ochsner Health Research Scientist Amy Feehan…
Cut 13 (05) “…do it.”

New Iberia will hold a parade tonight in honor of pole vaulter Morgan LeLeux, who has made the U.S. Olympic team. Taylor Sharp has the story.
Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Taylor Sharp”

It’s called Operation Dry Water and it’s the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries campaign to keep impaired boaters off the water. Boating Education Coordinator Lt Dean Aucoin with LDWF says alcohol is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating incidents.
Cut 10 (09) “…weather’s good.”

AAA estimates 47.7 million Americans will travel for the 4th of July weekend, a 40 percent increase from last year.
AAA analyst Don Redman says The travel record was set in 2019, and this year’s numbers are expected to only be 2.5 percent lower than that all-time-high. Air travel is also up 164 percent compared to last year but the overall share of air travelers compared to automobile travelers is still below average.
91 percent of those travelers will go by automobile and Redman says that demand is driving gas prices through the roof. Across the Gulf south prices are averaging a few cents under 2.80 a gallon…
Cut 8 (11) “…August.”

Former Louisiana Lt Governor Jimmy Fitzmorris has passed at the age of 99. He was Lt. Governor during Edwin Edwards first two terms as governor. Fitzmorris was also a New Orleans city councilman in the 1950’s and 60’s.