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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

Governor Jeff Landry and First Lady Sharon Landry were in Avoyelles Parish today to distribute food, bottled water and supplies to residents who have experienced flood damage to their homes. Landry says the First Lady’s Love One Foundation and Stine Lumber donated the supplies…

Cut 12 (10) “…clean it up.”

It’s estimated that 800 to 850 homes and businesses in Avoyelles Parish suffered flood damage as a result of the remnants from Tropical Storm Arthur.

Meanwhile during last week’s flood event, the Cajun Navy 2016 was conducting water rescues along the Biloxi River in Gulfport, Mississippi. Spokesperson Trey Williams says among those rescued a youth baseball team from Fort Worth, Texas…

Cut 10 (12) “…when we did”

Shreveport golfer Sam Burns finished just one stroke short of his first major championship at the U.S. Open yesterday. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Southeastern Louisiana graduate Shelby Bordelon has been crowned Miss Louisiana 2026. The Iberville Parish native says she plans to use her crown to promote impaired driving prevention. She lost a childhood friend to an impaired crash in 2024. On September sixth, Bordelon will compete in the Miss America pageant.

Governor Jeff Landry was back in Avoyelles Parish today to assist with the relief efforts from Thursday’s historic flooding. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Avoyelles Parish is not the only parish where Landry issued a state of emergency for. The declaration was issued for six parishes in total, with the others being Lafourche, Pointe Coupee, St. Landry, St. Tammany, and Terrebonne. The declaration activates the state’s emergency response and recovery program.

Volunteers with Cajun Navy 2016 are in Avoyelles Parish helping in the relief effort; but last week following Tropical Storm Arthur, they were offering a helping hand in the Gulfport, Mississippi, area. Trey Williams with Cajun Navy 2016 says they conducted several high water rescues.

Cut 9 (09)  “…World Series game.”

Cajun Navy volunteers also rescued a kayaker.

The American Red Cross is intensifying its relief efforts amid the tornadoes and historic flooding in Louisiana. Melissa Duplantier (doo-PLAH-shay) with the Red Cross says they’ve opened shelters in Mansura and Opelousas.

Cut 6 (11) “…meal as well.”

Duplantier says the shelters will stay open as long as needed.

An estimated 800 to 850 homes and businesses in Avoyelles Parish suffered flood damage during the downpours left by Tropical Storm Arthur. Governor Jeff Landry handed out supplies in the parish today and says officials are working to clean up the debris.

Cut 14 (08) “..as well.”

Residents who experienced flood damage are urged to report their losses to damage.la.gov.

The American Red Cross is also participating in the relief effort. Melissa Duplantier with the Red Cross says they’ve opened shelters in Mansura and Opelousas, and they’ll stay open as long as people need a place to go.

Cut 7 (11) “…as we’re needed.”

If you’d like to donate to the Red Cross, text “REDCROSS” – all one word – to 90999. You can also visit the Red Cross website or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Cajun Navy 2016 volunteers aided Gulfport and Biloxi residents this weekend during sever flooding caused by Tropical Storm Arthur. Cajun Navy 2016 Spokesman Trey Williams says the volunteer group rescued several people, including one kayaker.

Cut 11 (11) “…individual as well.”

The Cajun Navy 2016 volunteers have since left the Gulfport area and will be focusing their efforts this week on Avoyelles Parish.

Former LSU golfer Sam Burns was inches away from his first major title, finishing one stroke shy at the U.S. Open this weekend. At last year’s tournament, Burns held a one-shot lead at the start of the final day but dropped to seventh in the final round. Crawling back from a seven-stroke deficit, Burns says this year’s championship felt different.

Cut 4 (10) “…win today.”