PM LRN Newscall July 2

More pets go missing during the 4th 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.

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

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Did you know that more pets go missing over the 4th 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.

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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…

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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…

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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.

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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.

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

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

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