2:30 PM NEWSCAST

Drivers can expect to see more law enforcement presence with the holiday, as the state is looking to clear the roads of impaired drivers.  During the five year period from 2012 to 2016, Executive Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, Lisa Freeman, says over eighty percent of traffic fatalities over the holiday occurred in collisions involving impaired drivers, each year.

Cut 5  (10) “…have been drinking.”

Soggy conditions are expected today and into tomorrow as a tropical wave moves across the southern half of Louisiana.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says the rain is welcomed as much of the state is approaching drought conditions, and portions of the state are already there.  But this system can also produce flash flooding.

cut 8 (10) “…towards Lake Charles.”

Big changes in the Big Easy as the Pelicans roster has been restructured during NBA free agency. Veteran point guard Rajon Rondo went to L-A, and All-Star Center Demarus Cousins is heading to Golden State. They’ve been replaced by former Ragin Cajun point guard Elfrid Payton and six-foot-nine forward Julius Randle. Pelicans beat writer Scott Kushner for the Advocate says it’s definitely a mixed bag for Pels fans, but could really pay off.

cut 9 (11)  “proven guys”

Good news for folks grabbing steaks for the 4^th: the prices should be lower than last year for good quality beef. Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster says this is one of the biggest days of the year for grilling all things beef. Despite what The Cooking Channel might tell you, Foster says don’t throw that steak in a pan or the oven.

Cut 12 (07)   “eating experience”

Independence Day means pyro for many celebrating the holiday.  Although fireworks are dangerous, it’s important that you do take into consideration several factors to reduce the risk of negative outcomes if you choose to fire up the festivities. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says you should start by making sure your fireworks are legal in your area.

Cut 4  (05) “…allowed and not prohibited”

AAA estimates this Fourth of July holiday will see a record-breaking 47 million Americans travel 50 miles or more. The statewide average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.57, which is the highest in four years for Independence Day. But AAA Spokesperson Don Redman says travelers are paying less for airfare, which has resulted in a record-breaking three-point-eight million people traveling by air…

Cut 8 (07)  “to the mix”

Moody’s investor Service has raised Louisiana’s credit outlook from negative to stable, in a sign that Wall Street may be gaining more confidence in the Bayou State economy. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says this was one of the many reason the Edwards administration pushed for a stable final budget deal.

Cut 10 (09)   “that passed.”

Colorado State forecasters are downgrading their expectations for this year’s hurricane season, now saying we’re looking at a below average season for tropical activity. Colorado State University Research Scientist Phillip Klotzbach warns that just because fewer named storms are predicted, doesn’t mean that one mega storm won’t cruise in and cause havoc.

Cut 14 (11) “hurricane audrey”

The original prediction was fourteen named storms.

Bad news for Fourth of July revelers, its gunna rain. Thunderstorms that have the potential to produce heavy rainfall is in the forecast through Independence Day. State Climatologist Barry Keim says while the rain might be coming at an inconvenient time for the holidays, it’s sorely needed for much of the state that is getting dangerously close to drought conditions.

cut 8 (11) “the state”

Another upside: lower temperatures throughout the rest of the week.

State Police is reminding motorists about the three foot rule when passing bicycles following a fatal wreck on Saturday in  St. Francisville that killed avid bicyclist and East Baton Rouge Metro Councilman Buddy Amoroso. Senior Trooper Bryan Lee says 21-year-old Nicholas Alexander did a poor job of sharing the road.

Cut 11 (09) “pay attention”

Governor Edwards has released a video message asking Louisiana residents to look before they lock their vehicle in an effort to avoid leaving children unattended in hot vehicles. Edwards says in this summer heat, the temperature inside your parked vehicle can quickly climb to over 110 degrees.

Cut 13 (06) “…you lock” 

The Louisiana Department of Corrections has once again partnered with Men’s Wearhouse to collect suits for offenders released from jail.  CEO of Refined by Fire Ministries, Elaine Ellerbe, says they are not just taking men’s suits with this drive.

Cut 5  (07) “…professional wear too.”

Ellerbe says every year in Louisiana, at least 18,000 men and women are released, so the need for professional clothing is quite high

While celebrating the holiday this week, it’s important to remember a few tips to reduce the risk of injuries from fireworks.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31)  I’m Kevin Barnhart.“

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Roads will be packed for Wednesday.  Connor Ferrill has more.

Cut 2 (30) ”  I’m  Connor Ferrill” 

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Good news for the Gulf south, this year’s hurricane season projections have been downgraded. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Independence Day means pyro for many celebrating the holiday.  Although fireworks are dangerous, it’s important that you do take into consideration several factors to reduce the risk of negative outcomes if you choose to fire up the festivities. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says you should start by making sure your fireworks are legal in your area.

Cut 4  (05) “…allowed and not prohibited”

Browning says you should make sure that if your fireworks go into the air, they should have a stable base as you should not handle fireworks as they are ignited.

Cut 5  (05)  “…lighting the devices.”

Browning says when celebrating, be prepared to extinguish embers that may still be burning after the fireworks have been ignited.

Cut 6 (06) “…start a fire.”

In conclusion, Browning says a safer option is checking out one of the almost fifty public displays around the state.

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AAA estimates this Fourth of July holiday will see a record-breaking 47 million Americans travel 50 miles or more. This is a five percent increase over last year and AAA Spokesperson Don Redman says the growing economy is propelling families to travel…

Cut 7 (12)  “gasoline prices are”

AAA says the statewide average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.57, which is the highest in four years for Independence Day. But Redman travelers are paying less for airfare, which has resulted in a record-breaking three-point-eight million people traveling by air…

Cut 8 (07)  “to the mix”

Redman says Europe is a popular Fourth of July destination this year as well as theme parks and cruises…

Cut 9 (05)  “Alaskan cruise”

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Moody’s investor Service has raised Louisiana’s credit outlook from negative to stable, in a sign that Wall Street may be gaining more confidence in the Bayou State economy. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says this was one of the many reason the Edwards administration pushed for a stable final budget deal.

Cut 10 (09)   “that passed.”

After a sustained period on the negative watch list, Dardenne says the Moody’s decision is a validation of the governor’s financial policy.

Cut 11 (08) “good news.”

Many legislators were hesitant to approve a tax bill without a short sunset period, to allow the next governor to have a bigger say over state finances, but Dardenne says the final 4.45 percent sales tax plan that lasts until 2025 was the long-term stability the state needed.

Cut 12 (08) “kind of action.”

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Colorado State forecasters are downgrading their expectations for this year’s hurricane season, now saying we’re looking at a below average season for tropical activity. Colorado State University Research Scientist Phillip Klotzbach says they’re now projecting 10 more named storms, four hurricanes, and one major hurricane before the end of the season. He says conditions have changed over the last month.

Cut 13 (09)  “atmosphere” 

But Klotzbach says that doesn’t mean the gulf coast should get complacent. He warns that just because fewer named storms are predicted, doesn’t mean that one mega storm won’t cruise in and cause havoc.

The 11^th Annual National Suit Drive is underway through the end of July.  The Louisiana Department of Corrections has once again partnered with Men’s Wearhouse to collect suits for offenders released from jail.  CEO of Refined by Fire Ministries, Elaine Ellerbe, says when a recently released inmate receives a suit, they then have the appropriate clothing to go on a job interview.

Cut 4  (05) “…who they were.”

It’s going to rain for 4^th of July. Thunderstorms that have the potential to produce heavy rainfall is in the forecast through Independence Day. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the increased cloud cover and deluge of rain the state will see this week should push temperatures down noticeably.

Cut 7 (11)  “the surface”

And while the rain might be coming at an inconvenient time for the holidays, Keim says it’s sorely needed for much of the state that is getting dangerously close to drought conditions.

Governor Edwards has released a video message asking Louisiana residents to look before they lock their vehicle in an effort to avoid leaving children unattended in hot vehicles. Edwards says over the last 20 years in Louisiana, there were 27 pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths

Cut 12 (08)   “…a tragedy”

State Police is reminding motorists about the three foot rule when passing bicycles following a fatal wreck on Saturday in  St. Francisville that killed avid bicyclist and East Baton Rouge Metro Councilman Buddy Amoroso. Senior Trooper Bryan Lee says Alexander was booked into the West Feliciana Parish Jail on several charges, including negligent homicide

Cut 10 (05) “three feet”

Amoroso was pronounced dead at the scene, while fellow bicyclist 71-year-old Thomas Clement of St. Gabriel sustained serious injuries.

The 11^th Annual National Suit Drive is underway through the end of July.  The Louisiana Department of Corrections has once again partnered with Men’s Wearhouse to collect suits for offenders released from jail.  CEO of Refined by Fire Ministries, Elaine Ellerbe, says suit gives recently released inmates confidence they can be successful outside of prison.

Cut 3 (10) “…maybe even longer.”

For more information go to mwsuitdrive.com.

Bad news for Fourth of July revelers… (CUT 26). Thunderstorms that have the potential to produce heavy rainfall is in the forecast through Independence Day. State Climatologist Barry Keim says south Louisiana in particular could be looking at a lot of rain

Cut 6 (10)  “Monroe”

State Police is reminding motorists about the three foot rule when passing bicycles following a fatal wreck on Saturday in  St. Francisville that killed avid bicyclist and East Baton Rouge Metro Councilman Buddy Amoroso. Senior Trooper Bryan Lee says 21-year-old Nicholas Alexander of Lafayette failed to reduce his speed and move over when he attempted to pass Amoroso and another bicylist on LA 66

cut 9 (07)  “of that.”

Governor Edwards has released a video message asking Louisiana residents to look before they lock their vehicle in an effort to avoid leaving children unattended in hot vehicles. Edwards says in this summer heat, the temperature inside your parked vehicle can quickly climb to over 110 degrees, so leaving behind a child or pet in parked car to run a quick errand is discouraged.

Cut 13 (06) “…you lock” 

A Lafayette man who allegedly did not observe the three foot rule when it comes to passing bicycles is now facing a charge of vehicular homicide in the death of a Baton Rouge elected official. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

An early morning jailbreak marks at least the fifth of the year from the Swanson Center for Youth.  Investigators say two teenage inmates escaped from the state juvenile prison in Monroe.  The duo stole a state vehicle and drove it more than 40 miles south to the town of Olla, where they were captured after an hours-long manhunt.

The 11^th Annual National Suit Drive is underway through the end of July.  The Louisiana Department of Corrections has once again partnered with Men’s Wearhouse to collect suits for offenders released from jail.  CEO of Refined by Fire Ministries, Elaine Ellerbe, says when a recently released inmate receives a suit, they then have the appropriate clothing to go on a job interview.

Cut 4  (05) “…who they were.”
For more information go to mwsuitdrive.com.

Bad news for Fourth of July revelers, its gunna rain. Thunderstorms that have the potential to produce heavy rainfall is in the forecast through Independence Day. State Climatologist Barry Keim says south Louisiana in particular could be looking at a lot of rain.  While the rain might be coming at an inconvenient time, Keim says it’s sorely needed for much of the state that is getting dangerously close to drought conditions.

cut 8 (11) “the state”

The Louisiana Department of Corrections is once again partnering with Men’s Wearhouse and Refined by Fire Ministries as they collect suits for offenders who get out of jail.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A Lafayette man who allegedly did not observe the three foot rule when it comes to passing bicycles is now facing a charge of vehicular homicide in the death of a Baton Rouge elected official. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

State Police is reminding motorists about the three foot rule when passing bicycles following a fatal wreck on Saturday in  St. Francisville that killed avid bicyclist and East Baton Rouge Metro Councilman Buddy Amoroso. Senior Trooper Bryan Lee says 21-year-old Nicholas Alexander of Lafayette failed to reduce his speed and move over when he attempted to pass Amoroso and another bicylist on LA 66

cut 9 (07)  “of that.”

Lee says Alexander was booked into the West Feliciana Parish Jail on several charges, including negligent homicide

Cut 10 (05) “three feet”

Amoroso was pronounced dead at the scene, while fellow bicyclist 71-year-old Thomas Clement of St. Gabriel sustained serious injuries. Lee says Amoroso and Clement were wearing helmets and proper biking attire, but Alexander did a poor job of sharing the road

Cut 11 (09) “pay attention”

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Governor Edwards has released a video message asking Louisiana residents to look before they lock their vehicle in an effort to avoid leaving children unattended in hot vehicles. Edwards says over the last 20 years in Louisiana, there were 27 pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths

Cut 12 (08)   “…a tragedy”

Edwards says in this summer heat, the temperature inside your parked vehicle can quickly climb to over 110 degrees, so leaving behind a child or pet in parked car to run a quick errand is discouraged

Cut 13 (06) “…you lock” 

With the fiscal cliff in the rear view mirror, attentions now turn to the upcoming Governor’s race next year. Republicans say they plan on using the special session results against the Governor, but Democrats are touting the results. House Democratic Caucus Chairman Robert Johnson says the coalition’s ability to preserve healthcare and higher ed sends a strong message about the party’s values. He says expect Democrats to begin rallying behind one message in particular.

Cut 7 (09)  “focus on”

He says support personnel are also in that call.

Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he expects US Senator, John Kennedy to be Governor John Bel Edwards’ main opponent for the governor’s mansion. He says having Kennedy spearhead a conservative push in Louisiana next year will likely boost the profile of the 22 House Republicans who refused the final tax bill.

Cut 8 (09)  “revenue problem”

Three SLU baseball players saved a woman from a car fire in Canada. Connor Ferrill has more.

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

A 21-year-old is under arrest after striking and killing Baton Rouge Councilman Buddy Amaroso with his vehicle while the councilman was biking along LA 66 with a friend, who was also injured in the accident. Nicholas Alexander of Lafayette has been charged with negligent Homicide, Negligent Injuring, and Limitations of Passing bicycles.

Residents can keep a better eye on how tax dollars are spent as the state is rolling out a new website known as the Louisiana Checkbook.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) ”  I’m  Kevin Barnhart” 

A fireworks stand in Ruston has been ordered to cease operations after authorities discovered a dozen packages of the explosives were of prohibited sizes and grades. The Office of the State Fire Marshal issued the cease and desist order to Firth’s Fireworks on South Service road, that will shut down the stand’s operations for the 4^th of July holiday.

60-year-old Elie Dupre has been ordered to pay $2,500 after his 15-year-old son killed a black bear in 2015. The son didn’t escape punishment either after being given 100 hours of community service and having his hunting license suspended for a year. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Spokesperson Adam Einck says make sure you’re prepared before heading out for some hunting, and don’t shoot Black Bears.

Cut 17 (11)  “…may be hunting”

Three Southeastern baseball players alongside their coach saved a woman from a burning wreck of a car in the great north of Kelowna, Canada. The team was headed to a summer league game when SLU catcher Evan Pace says they saw smoke coming up out of a ditch alongside the road…

Cut 13 (12)  “…pretty quick”