LRN PM Newscall December 26 ###Cuts 9 to 11 have been revised###

Thirty-four-thousand, 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms valued at more than 1-million dollars was donated by Lowe’s Home Improvement to the State Fire Marshal’s Operation Save-A-Life program.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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One of the goals in year two of the Landry administration is to make state government run more efficiently. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The State Fire Marshal (SFM) says Lowe’s Home Improvement has donated over 34-thousans 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms to their Operation Save-A-Life program.  Valued at more than 1-million-dollars makes it the largest donation in its history.  State Fire Marshall Bryan Adams says since 2012, over 120,000 alarms have been installed through the program.

Cut 3 (09) “…working smoke alarm.” 

Lowe’s Slidell store initiated the donation, which STFPD #1 and SFM collaboratively accepted. Adams praised the partnership, emphasizing the life-saving impact of smoke alarms.

Cut 4 (05) “…several people’s lives.”

Slidell Store Manager John LeMaster expressed gratitude and commitment to community safety.

Cut 5 (14) “…really good day.”

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One of the goals of the Landry administration in year two is making state government run more efficiently. Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland, the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, says one way to accomplish that is by reining in government contracts.

Cut 6 (08) “…our government’s budget.”

McFarland says contrary to popular belief, the legislature goes not get to approve contracts; it only gets to review them. 

Cut 7 (08) “…to fund them.”

McFarland says another thing to look at is licensing and permits, saying more red tape placed on business and industry will cost more money to enforce.

Cut 8 (11) “…more hurdles.”

McFarland says Louisiana will be trying to do what President-elect Donald Trump is trying to do with the creation of his Department Of Government Efficiency, just at the state level.

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Foster care families can apply for a free pass to visit any of the state’s 21 state parks, 14 historical sites or nine state museums. Director of the Louisiana Office of State Parks Brandon Burris says they want to give thanks to foster caregivers for their time and extra expenses they put into helping foster care children. He says this imitative also provides foster families with something they can do together…

Cut 9 (07)  “…Louisiana has to offer,”

Burris says this was the brain child of Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.  He emphasized the program’s goal of helping foster families create lasting memories while exploring Louisiana’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Cut 10 (11) “…we have.”

Burris says the Louisiana State Parks Caregiver pass encourages foster families to enjoy recreational and educational opportunities together.

Cut 11 (08) “…this particular situation.”

According latest data, there were fewer than two-thousand licensed foster homes in Louisiana in 2023 and on average there are 41-hundred children in the state’s foster care system each day.

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There’s a slight risk for severe weather this afternoon and into tonight. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says residents in Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria and Lake Charles should be weather aware today

Cut 12 (10) “…heavy rain.”

Jacquemin says showers and storms may produce intense rainfall over short durations, potentially causing localized flash flooding…

Cut 13 (12)  “…tomorrow.”

There’s the possibility for another round of severe weather on Saturday.