The Memorial Day holiday weekend more people driving to getaway destinations. The increased traffic also has more law enforcement on roadways to encourage obeying posted speed limits and the use of seat belts around the clock. A recent report showed that drivers are less likely to wear a seatbelt when driving at night. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Spokesperson Mark Lambert says darkness does not stop authorities from spotting and ticketing unbuckled drivers or passengers failing to wear seat belts.
Cut 10 (09) “belt law”
Surveys data lists 13 percent of drivers admitting to not using seatbelts.

The State Fire Marshal’s office continues to investigate the explosion at the Proctor and Gamble plant in Pineville claimed the life of a Jena man. The incident occurred early Thursday morning. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the explosion was contained to the incident area.
Cut 6 (07) “equipment”

On Friday a GOP backed sales tax bill was voted down on the House floor, falling just seven votes short of passage. Governor John Bel Edwards in a statement that ‘My plan remains on the table to adequately fund all of these priorities and would still reduce the tax burden on the people of Louisiana by $400 million.”’  Robert Travis Scott of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana has been watching the legislature’s struggle. Scott has his doubts if the battle over the state budget crisis causes another special session.

CUT 14 (09) “…very slim.”
Lawmakers resume their efforts on Monday at 2 pm.

Fog and rain delayed the LSU Tigers from advancing to the semifinals of the SEC Tournament. They were leading Florida 10-0 in the sixth inning last night when a thick fogged rolled in and halted play. The game will resume this morning and if LSU can get three outs in the seventh inning without Florida scoring, they will win by mercy rule.