11:30 LRN Newscast

Congress’s inability to approve a government funding bill has resulted in the expiration of the National Flood Insurance Program. Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says this means the N-F-I-P cannot issue new or renew existing flood insurance policies…

Cut 3 (10) “…of people.”

The EPA says it’s making good progress in the cleanup from the Smitty’s Supply explosion in Roseland. It says crews have cleaned out more than four-million gallons of oily materials from the Tangipahoa River and adjacent ponds, accounting for 75-percent of the oily material that ended up in the waterways. Region Six Administrator Scott Mason says they’re also working to prevent additional oily materials from reaching the river or the ponds.

Cut 23 (09) “…petroleum-based liquids.”

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is calling on building owners, businesses and residents to turn off unnecessary lighting from 11 p-m to 6 a-m to help an estimated 500 million migratory birds pass through Louisiana safely. LWF member Charles Williams says by turning off or dimming non-essential lights during peak migration hours, the public can help birds navigate safely.

Cut 12 (11) “…by saving birds.”

The Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources is now the Department of Conservation and Energy. C-and-E spokesman Patrick Courreges (koo-RAHJ) says despite a new name, the mission remains the same.

Cut 7 (13) “…and land itself.”