LRN AM Newscall August 1

The National Flood Insurance Program has been given a four month extension. What happens next? Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana residents can head to Mississippi starting today as sports wagering is available at two of the state’s casinos. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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An anti-hazing and a marriage law are two of the hundreds of new laws that go into effect today. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Congress has extended the National Flood Insurance Program for another four months. It was set to expire before midnight, but the Senate voted to keep it going. Both Louisiana Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy are pushing for a more long term solution. Cassidy says he’s not happy they settled for another short term fix, but it had to be done temporarily.

Cut 4 (07) “more sustainable”

Congress is fighting over a reform effort that would sure up the program for the forseeable future, increasing coverage levels and hopefully bringing down costs. Cassidy says he’s backing a plan that would increase funding by 400 million to flood mitigation and prevention projects, to make the program more sustainable in the long run. He says the cheapest floods are the floods that don’t happen.

Cut 5 (09) “many people.”

The House passed their version of a long term fix in November, but the plans have stalled out in the Senate. Kennedy was fired up about the Senate’s failure to pass the crucial legislation. He says right now, much of the Senate doesn’t consider it a priority.

Cut 6 (09) “the Senate”

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Today marks the third month of the 2018 hurricane season. Three storms have been named so far and State Climatologist Barry Keim predicts an increase in storms towards the end of this month.

Cut 7 (08) “hurricanes to form”

Keim says this hurricane season is expected to be below-average or near-normal, but that isn’t an indication of storm severity.

Cut 8 (10)  “quiet years”

While the real heart of hurricane season occurs in September, Keim warns this is no time to let your guard down.

Cut 9 (11)  “paying attention”

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Louisiana residents can go to Mississippi to place bets on sporting events starting today. The initial casinos to offer sports betting are Beau Rivage in Biloxi and Gold Strike in Tunica. Executive Director of the Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association, Larry Gregory, says the state is thrilled about the opportunities sports betting brings.

Cut 10 (10)   “…offer a sports bet.”

Gregory expects to see a spike in tourism from the addition of sports betting.

Cut 11 (07) “…across the country.” 

Gregory says he anticipates seeing even more Louisiana license plates gracing the roads heading toward Mississippi casinos.

Cut 12 (09) “…in sports then.”

Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the arrival of sports betting in Mississippi on the most recent edition of the Ask the Governor radio show, saying he expects discussions of bringing sports betting to Louisiana to happen soon.

Cut 13 (07) “…in the upcoming session.” 

IP Casino in Biloxi and Sam’s Town in Tunica are also expected to offer sports betting to its players later this month.

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More than 430 new laws go into effect today as a result of the spring legislative regular session.One of those bills that captivated Louisianans was the Max Gruver Act, which stiffened penalties and made it a felony to orchestrate hazing events that leads to injuries or deaths. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry says it’ll save lives.

Cut 14 (08) “the future”

Gruver’s parents were present through most of the process, lobbying legislators to adopt the legislation that could lead to up to five years in prison for people who take part in hazing that kills someone. Gruver’s father, Stephen, says it sends a strong warning to on campus organizations.

Cut 15 (06) “real deterent.”

And Louisianans looking to get hitched quick have some good news. The state’s waiting period for marriages has been bumped down from 72 to 24 hours. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson says the shorter waiting period should still keep overenthusiastic couples on a bender from tying the knot after a few shots.

Cut 16 (09) “as marriage”

The law brings the Bayou State closer in line with the rest of the country, most of which has no waiting period for marriage. Emerson says it’s not going to be a substantial change in people’s way of life, but it is an odd law that needed to be addressed.

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ULM football returns to the practice fields today and the program appears to have forward momentum going into their third season with head coach Matt Viator at the helm. Improving a defense that gave up a lot of points last season is certainly has the coach’s attention. Viator says he’s hopeful his squad can stay healthier than last year.

Cut 18 (17) “…going over there.” 

In a follow up to QB Caleb Evans’s sophomore season with the Warhawks, Viator says he’s been working with Evans on having a better overall grasp of the offense.

Cut 19 (17) ”…more comfortable doing that.” 

Wide Receiver Marcus Green also has plenty of buzz going into the season with the Preseason All-Sun Belt selection and being named for the 2018 Biletnikoff Award  Watchlist.

Cut 20 (18) “…the different positions.”

6:30 PM Newscast

Northwest Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson is throwing his hat in the ring to be the next Chairman of the House Republican Study Committee. It’s not a position for the faint of heart. The Committee Chairman is responsible for identifying policy objectives, and then wrangling support to get those ideas off the white board and onto a bill. Johnson says he’s got the background to both build consensus, and champion conservative values.

Cut 5 (07) “those ideas”

The election for RSC chairman will take place in mid-November.

An approaching cold front is destabilizing the atmosphere, bringing thunderstorm activity for parts of southeast Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the front is expected to stall along the Louisiana coastline, keeping rain chances relatively high through Friday.

Cut 7 (08) “…rest of the work week.”

 

No one in the town of Palmetto in St. Landry Parish is interested in becoming the town’s police chief. The top cop and only police officer in Palmetto, David Krull, is moving and no one qualified to run to replace him. Alderman Guyton Budden says they might ask the state if they can appoint someone to be the police chief, because none of the current residents of Palmetto are interested….

Cut 14 (06) “…doing that.”

HUD has approved Governor John Bel Edwards’ request to increase reimbursements on RESTORE grants to 100 percent, which means more federal assistance for homeowners who suffered flood damage in 2016. Edwards’ Communications Director Shauna Sanford says the first people to receive their checks will be those who had already qualified, and received their 50 percent reimbursement. She says that group will have the other 50 percent on its way in the next couple of days, with homeowners who have yet to receive grant money coming after.

Cut 10 (13) “percent level”

5:30 PM Newscast

Louisiana homeowners that received financial assistance from the State’s recovery program will soon receive checks to pay for the entire cost to rebuild their homes flooded in 2016. Matt Doyle spoke with the governor’s spokesperson…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m  Matt Doyle” 

An approaching cold front is destabilizing the atmosphere, bringing thunderstorm activity for parts of southeast Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the rain is actually good news for the area.

Cut 8 (10) “…dousing of rain.”

Northwest Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson is throwing his hat in the ring to be the next Chairman of the House Republican Study Committee. The committee, the largest caucus of conservatives in the House, is influential in crafting and guiding conservative legislative policy. Johnson, who’s been a member since joining Congress in 2017, says the committee will be hugely relevant in the coming years, and has already made its mark.

Cut 4 (10) “RSC members.”

No one in the town of Palmetto in St. Landry Parish is interested in becoming the town’s police chief. The top cop and only police officer in Palmetto, David Krull, is moving and no one qualified to run to replace him. Alderman Guyton Budden says they may see if the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office can provide protection for the village that has a population of 170….

Cut 13 (07) “…appoint somebody.” 

16:45 LRN Sportscast July 31st

The Saints players get a day off from training camp today. During yesterday’s practice, the defense dominated as the offense struggled in the rain. Recently signed linebacker Demario Davis had one of several interceptions on the day. Coach Sean Payton says Davis looks like a good good free agent pickup….
cut 30 (11) “…we have him”
The Saints are back on the practice field tomorrow morning.

Training camp begins for several Louisiana college football teams tomorrow. ULM went 4-4 in the Sun Belt last season, but they are predicted to finish second in the West Division this season as they return nine starters on offense, including playmakers Caleb Evans and Marcus Green.

Camp also begins for Southeastern Louisiana, Northwestern State and Southern reports for camp tomorrow.

A former LSU pitcher is on the move as the Major League Baseball Trade deadline hits this afternoon. The Baltimore Orioles sent Kevin Gausman to the Atlanta Braves. The 27-year-old Gausman has a 4.43 ERA for the last place Os and has been hurt by the home run ball. He goes to a Braves team that’s battling for a playoff spot.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announces MGM resorts will be the league’s office gaming partner. The three-year agreement means MGM will use real-time NBA and WNBA data in an effort to protect the integrity of the games. Silver says the collaboration will result in the best possible gaming and entertainment experience.

Legalized sports betting becomes effective tomorrow as Beau Rivage in Biloxi and Gold Strike Casino in Tunica will begin taking bets.

The annual take over the SEC Network with LSU programming begins tonight at 11 o’ clock, with a replay of the emotional NIT game between the Tigers and Cajuns at 11:00. Tomorrow morning at seven o’ clock, LSU fans can re-watch LSU’s win over Florida in the Swamp last season. Tomorrow afternoon, the LSU baseball team’s SEC Tournament wins over Florida and Arkansas will be shown.

4:30 PM Newscast

Congressman Mike Johnson says he’s jumping in the race to be the Chairman of the largest caucus of conservatives in Congress.  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

An approaching cold front is destabilizing the atmosphere, bringing thunderstorm activity for parts of southeast Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the showers could present a potential for danger in some areas.

Cut 6 (07) …always a possibility.”

 

HUD has approved Governor John Bel Edwards’ request to increase reimbursements on RESTORE grants to 100 percent, which means more federal assistance for homeowners who suffered flood damage in 2016. Edwards’ Communications Director Shauna Sanford says the first round of checks are on their way.

Cut 9 (08)  “good news.”

Roughly 10,000 people will benefit from the additional 110 million dollars in new funds.

No one in the town of Palmetto in St. Landry Parish is interested in becoming the town’s police chief. The top cop and only police officer in Palmetto, David Krull, is moving and no one qualified to run to replace him. Alderman Guyton Budden says he’s not surprised

Cut 12 (08)   “…not interested.”

Budden says they may see if the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office can provide protection for the village that has a population of 170.

3:30 PM Newscast

Northwest Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson is throwing his hat in the ring to be the next Chairman of the House Republican Study Committee. The committee, the largest caucus of conservatives in the House, is influential in crafting and guiding conservative legislative policy. Johnson, who’s been a member since joining Congress in 2017, says he’s a great fit for the job.

Cut 3 (11) “consensus builder”

An approaching cold front is destabilizing the atmosphere, bringing thunderstorm activity for parts of southeast Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the front is expected to stall along the Louisiana coastline, keeping rain chances relatively high through Friday.

Cut 7 (08) “…rest of the work week.”

 

HUD has approved Governor John Bel Edwards’ request to increase reimbursements on RESTORE grants to 100 percent, which means more federal assistance for homeowners who suffered flood damage in 2016. Edwards’ Communications Director Shauna Sanford says the first round of checks are on their way.And if you’re getting antsy for that recovery money, Sanford says don’t worry, everything has been taken care of at the state level and no further work is needed on your end.

Cut 11 (10) “those checks”

No one in the town of Palmetto in St. Landry Parish is interested in becoming the town’s police chief. The top cop and only police officer in Palmetto, David Krull, is moving and no one qualified to run to replace him. Alderman Guyton Budden says they might also ask the state if they can appoint someone to be the police chief, because none of the current residents of Palmetto are interested….

Cut 14 (06) “…doing that.”

14:30 LRN Newscast July 31st

About 10-thousand Louisiana homeowners who experienced flood damage in 2016 and have received some assistance through the state’s recovery program are now eligible for 100-percent reimbursement as a result of a policy change approved by the federal government. The governor’s communications director Shauna Sanford….
cut 10 (13) “…percent level”
Sanford says checks will be mailed out this week and it will mean an additional 110-million dollars in flood recovery grant money.

Congress has extended the National Flood Insurance Program for another four months. It was set to expire before midnight, but the Senate voted to keep it going. Both of Louisiana’s US Senators say they remain committed towards long-term reforms so that flood insurance is affordable and program remains sustainable.

Congressman Mike Johnson says he’s jumping in the race to be the Chairman of the largest caucus of conservatives in Congress. Jeff Palermo has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

No one in the St. Landry Parish town of Palmetto is interested in being the city’s police chief. The village’s only police officer David Krull is moving and no one qualified to replace him. Alderman Gutyon Budden says they can ask the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office to provide protection for the town that has a population of 170…
cut 13 (07) “…appoint somebody”

PM Newscall July 31

Congressman Mike Johnson says he’s jumping in the race to be the Chairman of the largest caucus of conservatives in Congress.  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana homeowners that received financial assistance from the State’s recovery program will soon receive checks to pay for the entire cost to rebuild their homes flooded in 2016. Matt Doyle spoke with the governor’s spokesperson…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m  Matt Doyle”  

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No one in the town of Palmetto in St. Landry Parish is interested in becoming the town’s police chief. The top cop and only police officer in Palmetto, David Krull, is moving and no one qualified to run to replace him. Alderman Guyton Budden says he’s not surprised

Cut 12 (08)   “…not interested.”

Budden says they may see if the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office can provide protection for the village that has a population of 170….

Cut 13 (07) “…appoint somebody.” 

Budden says they might also ask the state if they can appoint someone to be the police chief, because none of the current residents of Palmetto are interested….

Cut 14 (06) “…doing that.”

13:30 LRN Newscast July 31st

Louisiana residents who received assistance from the State’s recovery program will soon receive checks to cover the entire cost of rebuilding their homes that flooded in 2016. Matt Doyle spoke with the governor’s spokesperson…
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Rain is in the forecast through Friday as a weak cold front stalls along the coast. State Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 8 (10) “…dousing of rain”

Shreveport Congressman Mike Johnson is seeking to become the new leader of the House Republican Study Committee. If he gets the job, he’ll be responsible for identify policy objectives shared by conservatives members of Congress and wrangling support for that legislation. Johnson says he’s got the background to both build consensus, and champion conservative values…
cut 5 (07) “….those ideas”
The election for RSC chairman will take place in mid-November.

No one in the town of Palmetto in St. Landry Parish is interested in becoming the town’s police chief. The top cop and only police officer in Palmetto, David Krull, is moving and no one qualified to run to replace him. Alderman Guyton Budden says he’s not surprised…
cut 12 (08) “…not interested”
Budden says they may see if the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office can provide protection for the village that has a population of 170….

12:30 LRN Newscast July 31st

HUD has approved Governor John Bel Edwards’ request to increase reimbursements on RESTORE grants to 100 percent, which means more federal assistance for homeowners who suffered flood damage in 2016. Edwards’ Communications Director Shauna Sanford says the first round of checks are on their way.
Cut 9 (08) “good news.”
Sanford says some 10-thousand homeowners should benefit from the 100-percent reimbursement. Previously, they received 50-percent in financial assistance for the repairs made to their homes.

An approaching cold front is destabilizing the atmosphere, bringing thunderstorm activity to parts of south Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we could see some street flooding.
Cut 6 (07) …always a possibility.”
Keim says rain chances will remain high through Friday and we’ll also see a break from the heat.

The US Senate has voted to extend the National Flood Insurance program for the next four months. It was set to expire at 11:59 tonight. Louisiana’s Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy says the goal is to put long-term reforms into place, so the program is affordable and sustainable.

Shreveport Congressman Mike Johnson is seeking to become the next chairman of the House Republican Study committee. Johnson says this group of conservative lawmakers made its mark by helping to craft the federal tax reform bill approved last December…
cut 4 (10) “…RSC members”
The Committee Chairman is responsible for identifying policy objectives, and then wrangling the support necessary to get those ideas off the white board and onto a bill.