As many Americans are traveling over the holiday weekend, thieves are on the lookout for those leaving their homes. State Farm spokesperson Roszell Gadson says July is the third highest month for home theft claims. He says it’s very important that your home is prepared during the 4th of July weekend if you’re going to be hitting the road…:
CUT 3 (08) “your property”
He says they saw 1,420 theft claims in Louisiana last year. The average cost of a crime-related claim is $2,789.

Able-bodied food stamp recipients without dependents who do not work or go to school will now be required to participate in job training programs. DCFS Deputy Assistant Secretary, Sammy Guillory, says not taking part could have consequences for those who depend on the SNAP assistance…:
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Guillory says this new requirement will affect about 52-thousand food stamp recipients.

People and pets will be spending a lot of time outside this hot Fourth of July weekend, and the LSU Veterinary School advises people to protect their fur babies from heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be fatal. Dr. Kirk Ryan says pets can get easily overheated when exercising outside….:
CUT 6 (10) “like us”
Forecasters say the heat index in Louisiana this weekend could reach 110 in some places.

A third suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of a Raising Cane’s restaurant manager in Kenner. 18-year-old Gregory Donald is also facing murder and armed robbery charges, in the death of 21-year-old Taylor Friloux. 24-year-old Mark Crocklen and Joshua Every have already been booked in the case. Authorities say Friloux was stabbed 8 times.