A rain gauge between Cottonport and Plaucheville measured 29 inches of rain during the downpours caused by Tropical Storm Arthur. State climatologist Jay Grymes is meeting with the National Weather Service in Avoyelles Parish to check and verify the rain gauges in the area. Grymes says if it’s made official, the total would be a new state record.

Cut 6 (08) “…the record.”

If you need to file claims from the damage caused by the severe weather, the Department of Insurance has some very important information for you. Commissioner Tim Temple says different policies will respond to different types of claims.

Cut 13 (10)  “…rising flood waters.”

The state is asking all flood victims, regardless of whether or not you have insurance, to report damages to damage.la.gov

Animal advocates are hailing the signing of a bill aimed at protecting Louisiana white-tailed deer. Humane Society of Louisiana Director Jeff Dorson says House Bill 1248 was spawned by a pair of high-profile incidents, in which LDWF agents seized deer from those caring for them and killed them.

Cut 3 (09) “…by good Samaritans.”

Unlike in the primary election, where Democrats outnumbered Republicans in early voting, the numbers were swapped in early voting for the runoffs. According to the Secretary of State’s Office, more than 77-thousand Republicans cast early ballots, compared to just over 54-thousand Democrats. John Couvillon of JMC Analytics and Polling says, despite the robust Democratic turnout in early voting, he expects this to be the end of the road for Democrats.

Cut 9 (13)  “…competitive at all.”

Hundreds of families in Avoyelles Parish are facing the long process of recovery after their homes were flooded last Thursday. State Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says most homeowners in Avoyelles do not have flood insurance.

Cut 14 (14) “…dropped those policies.” 

Many of these residents will now have to count on assistance from the federal government should this historic rain event receive a federal disaster declaration.

Construction is complete on the 128-million dollar project to improve I-20 in Caddo and Bossier parishes. Erin Buchanan with DOTD says the rebuild will benefit local commuters.

Cut 5 (10) “…vehicles per day.”

What clues, if any, do the early voting numbers give us in the U.S. Senate runoffs? Jeff Palermo has some insight.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Last week we told you about the Australian who lives in Franklinton, who is now facing federal charges for voting in two federal elections as a non-U-S Citizen. Denise Migliore tells the Advocate Newspaper that she didn’t know she was breaking the law and considers herself a citizen because she has lived in the U-S for decades. Migliore also believes state and local election officials should have told her she could not register to vote.

State lawmakers have until 5 PM today to turn in their ballot on the governor’s plan to provide teachers with a two-thousand-dollar stipend and a one-thousand dollar stipend for school support workers. To pay for the stipend, 168-million dollars will be taken away that go towards operating costs for public schools. It will take a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate for legislators to approve the governor’s teacher pay plan. Advocate newspaper education reporter Patrick Wall says there could be consequences for lawmakers and their districts if they vote against the governor.

Cut 12 (08) “…in their districts.”

More than 151-thousand people voted during the early voting period that wrapped up last Saturday. John Couvillon of JMC Analytics and Polling says turnout was high in East Baton Rouge, as there are three high-profile tax renewal measures on the ballot…

Cut 7 (13) “…Democratic leaning parish”

The 128-million-dollar I-20 reconstruction project in Bossier and Caddo parishes was completed yesterday after nearly three years. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The state has been hit with another round of severe weather, this time in northwest Louisiana. Hundreds of customers are without power in Caddo and Bossier parishes. In Claiborne Parish, authorities say a woman and a child were rescued from a car in two feet deep water in Homer.

The Louisiana Department of Insurance has some important information for those needing to file claims from last week’s torrential rains. Andrew Greenstein reports…:
Cut 3 (35) “I’m Andrew Greenstein”

Eight men have been arrested across Louisiana in a statewide undercover operation targeting suspected online child predators. The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation says all face charges including indecent behavior with juveniles and computer-aided solicitation of a minor. The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office provided specialized training for officers working undercover online. Agencies from Livingston, Lafayette, Calcasieu, and St. Martin parishes also took part in the operation.

State lawmakers have until 5pm today to vote on Governor Jeff Landry’s proposal to provide public school teachers with a $2,000 stipend. Advocate Education reporter Patrick Wall says lawmakers generally support the payments, but concerns remain because the plan would reduce state funding for public schools..:
Cut 10 (07) “to potential layoffs”
It will take a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate for the Governor’s plan to move forward.

After nearly three years of construction, the I-20 rehabilitation project through Bossier and Caddo parishes is complete. The $128 million project rebuilt every lane and ramp at five major interchanges. DOTD spokeswoman Erin Buchanan says the entire state will benefit from improved infrastructure..:
Cut 6 (09) “investing in that”
The project provided major improvements to turning lanes, travel lanes, shoulders and access points.

The Secretary of State’s early voting report on the US Senate runoffs, covering ballots cast through June 20, shows Republicans well ahead of Democrats in raw totals. Overall, more than 151-thousand people cast early ballots – a decline of almost 40-percent from the May primaries. John Couvillon of JMC Analytics and Polling says the timing of the election had a lot to do with the lower turnout:
Cut 8 (12) “are used to”
Polls open statewide Saturday at 7am and close at 8pm.

If you need to file a claim for damage caused by Tropical Storm Arthur, the Louisiana Department of Insurance has issued some important reminders. Commissioner Tim Temple says one of the most important things you can do is take pictures of everything…:
Cut 15 (07) “dollars potentially damaged”
He says you can submit through damage.la.gov.

After nearly three years of construction, the I-20 rehabilitation project through Bossier and Caddo parishes is now complete. The $128 million project included a full rebuild of every lane and ramp at five interchanges. DOTD spokeswoman Erin Buchanan says those who drive that stretch regularly know how badly it was needed
Cut 4 (08) “long time coming”
She says the work marks the largest investment in the corridor in years.

A Flood Watch remains in effect today until 3pm for portions of north Louisiana as rounds of heavy rain move through the region. The National Weather Service in Shreveport says localized flash flooding is possible, especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Drivers are urged to use caution and never attempt to cross flooded roadways.

State lawmakers have until 5pm today to make a decision on Governor Landry’s plan to provide public school teachers with a two-thousand-dollar stipend. Patrick Wall with The Advocate says districts have warned that reducing their budgets to fund the bonuses would negatively impact operations…:
Cut 11 (07) “the public schools”
It will take a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate for the Governor’s plan to move forward.

The Louisiana Department of Insurance has released new guidance for flood, auto and homeowners policyholders affected by Tropical Storm Arthur. Commissioner Tim Temple says different policies will respond to different types of claims..:
Cut 13 (10) “rising flood waters”
He says the most important thing you can do is document all damage through the website damage.la.gov.

The National Weather Service has now confirmed 11 tornadoes touched down across Louisiana and Mississippi as the remnants of Arthur moved through the region last week. The latest was an EF-1 tornado in Lacombe with winds up to 95 miles per hour. Forecasters say the storms spawned multiple tornadoes across St. Tammany Parish before tracking into coastal Mississippi on the morning of June 18th.

An analyst looks at what early voting numbers tell us about the US Senate runoff election Saturday. Jeff Palermo reports..:
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The 128-million-dollar I-20 reconstruction project in Bossier and Caddo parishes was completed yesterday after nearly three years. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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What clues, if any, do the early voting numbers give us in the U.S. Senate runoffs? Jeff Palermo has some insight.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Louisiana Department of Insurance has some important information for those needing to file claims from last week’s torrential rains. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_________________________________________________________

After nearly three years of construction, the I-20 rehabilitation project in Bossier and Caddo parishes is complete. The 128-million-dollar investment is the largest in the corridor in many years and included a total rebuild of every lane and ramp at five interchanges. DOTD spokeswoman Erin Buchanan says if you’ve ever driven in the area, you know how badly the rebuild was needed.

Cut 4 (08) “…long time coming.”

The project provided major improvements to turning lanes, travel lanes, shoulders and access points. Buchanan says the rebuild will improve life for local commuters and improve the impression Louisiana makes on travelers and businesses across the country.

Cut 5 (10) “…vehicles per day.”

Buchanan says improved infrastructure can attract new families to Louisiana and lay a foundation for future economic development.

Cut 6 (09) “…investing in that.”

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Unlike in the primary election, where Democrats outnumbered Republicans in early voting, the numbers were flip-flopped in early voting for the runoffs. According to the Secretary of State’s Office, more than 77-thousand Republicans cast early ballots, compared to just over 54-thousand Democrats. John Couvillon of JMC Analytics and Polling says the Democratic turnout would have been even lower had it not been for three high-profile ballot measures in East Baton Rouge.

Cut 7 (13) “…Democratic-leaning parish.”

Overall, more than 151-thousand people cast early ballots – a decline of almost 40-percent from the May primaries. Couvillon says the calendar played a huge role in keeping those numbers down.

Cut 8 (12) “…are used to.”

Couvillon says despite the robust Democratic turnout in early voting in both the May primary and the runoff, he expects this to be the end of the road for Democrats.

Cut 9 (13)  “…competitive at all.”

As for who that Republican nominee will be, Couvillon says with turnout expected to be low on election day, it’s going to come down to who among Julia Letlow and John Fleming can do a better job in getting out the vote.

___________________________________________________

State lawmakers have until five p-m today to submit their votes on Governor Landry’s plan to provide public school teachers with a two-thousand-dollar stipend and a one-thousand-dollar stipend for support workers. Patrick Wall, an education reporter for the Advocate newspaper, says legislators want teachers to receive the stipend, but it will also reduce state funding for public schools.

Cut 10 (07) “…to potential layoffs.”

The Louisiana Federation of Teachers and School Employees surveyed its members and found that two-thirds of respondents strongly or somewhat opposed the governor’s executive order to reduce the MFP by 168-million dollars to fund the stipends. Wall says teachers are concerned about cuts to public school operations.

Cut 11 (07) “…the public schools.”

It will take a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate for legislators to approve of governor’s teacher pay plan. Wall says there could be consequences for lawmakers and their districts if they vote against the governor.

Cut 12 (08) “…in their districts.”

Even if the plan receives legislative approval, it faces a legal challenge. A Baton Rouge judge has already said Landry’s plan to cut 168 million dollars from K-through-12 public school operations to pay for the stipends can not be implemented until at least a June 29th court hearing.

___________________________________________________

Those of you who need to file claims from the damage caused by last week’s severe weather from the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur, the Department of Insurance has some very important information for you. Commissioner Tim Temple says different policies will respond to different types of claims.

Cut 13 (10)  “…rising flood waters.”

Temple reminds you that if your home is damaged by flood waters, your standard homeowners insurance policy does not cover that – you need a separate flood insurance policy, and many people in Avoyelles Parish don’t carry flood insurance.

Cut 14 (14) “…dropped those policies.”

For those without flood insurance, their only recourse other than paying for the damage out of their own pocket is money freed up by the state or federal government, depending on any declarations issued. Temple says regardless, it’s important to document all damage on damage.la.gov.

Cut 15 (07) “…dollars potentially damaged.”

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The Pelicans do not have a first-round pick in tonight’s NBA draft thanks to last year’s deal with the Hawks to move up for center Derik Queen. After a 26-win season in which the Pelicans fired head coach Willie Green, New Orleans will be looking to shake things up. Locked On Pelicans Podcast host Jake Madison says they can either trade future assets for a proven star like Jaylen Brown or move on from current contributors and fully rebuild.

Cut 16 (18) “…better long term.”

Madison says the big names to watch for a draft night trade are forwards Herb Jones and Trey Murphy. Jones is a lockdown defender on a team-friendly contract, and Murphy is a dynamic shooter who could be a difference-maker on any team. Madison says the Pels have fielded numerous calls on Murphy, and they aren’t putting down the phone.

Cut 17 (16) “…prospects as well.”

The Pelicans’ only pick in this year’s draft is 58th overall.

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Parkway three-star wide receiver Gary Burney Jr. flipped his commitment from Houston to LSU after visiting the LSU campus this weekend. 247Sports ranks Burney as the number-75 receiver in the country and the 21st prospect in Louisiana. Parkway coach Coy Brotherton says the 6-3 receiver has become a hot name on the recruiting trail.

Cut 18 (15) “…out that frame.”

Burney caught 76 passes for over 13-hundred yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior last season. The two-sport athlete also ran a 22.72-second 200 meters on the track. Brotherton says he’s made it hard to keep him off the field.

Cut 19 (14) “…better each week”

Burney committed to the Cougars at the end of May, but Brotherton says Lane Kiffin and his staff have been pursuing the in-state standout since he arrived in Baton Rouge in February. Brotherton says Burney had a real connection with the Houston coaches, but every Louisiana kid dreams of being a Tiger.

Cut 20 (17) “…his mom over.”

Governor Landry continues to urge storm victims who sustained damage from Tropical Storm Arthur to report that damage to the state by logging onto the website damage.la.gov. Landry says the information compiled here can help the state make the case for the area to be declared a federal disaster area, which could lead to federal assistance for storm victims.

Landry says they are also focusing on debris cleanup in Avoyelles Parish…

Cut 14 (08) “…as well”

The governor says they are also trying to provide housing for the hundreds of residents who have damaged homes as a result of flooding. Landry says they are trying to secure hotel rooms at the Paragon Casino in Marksville and also bringing in trailers.  An estimated 800 to 850 homes were flooded in Avoyelles Parish as nearly 30-inches of rain fell in about 12 hours on Thursday.

Shreveport golfer Sam Burns finished one stroke short at the U.S. Open after a nearly miraculous comeback, trailing by seven shots in the final round. After the tournament, Burns shared an emotional embrace with his father. A father of a two-year-old boy with another child on the way, Burns teared up as he reflected on what could have been.

Cut 5 (12) “…really special.”

Burns is still searching for his first major victory on the PGA Tour.

After nearly three years of construction, the I-20 rehabilitation project in Bossier and Caddo Parishes is complete. The 128-million-dollar investment is the largest in the corridor in many years and included a total rebuild of every lane and ramp at five interchanges. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says if you’ve ever driven in the area, you know how badly the rebuild was needed.

Cut 4 (08) “…time coming.”

The project provided major improvements to turning lanes, travel lanes, shoulders and access points.