7:30 LRN Newscast August 1st

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. Louisiana Senator Bill 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”
Cassidy says he’d like Congress to approve 400-million dollars in funding on flood protection projects.

And with today being the start of August, it means we are getting closer to the heart of the hurricane season. State Climatlogist Barry Keim says Louisiana has seen its share of major storms during this month….
cut 9 (11) “…paying attention”
But as of right now, the National Hurricane Center is not expecting any tropical activity for at least the next two days.

An anti-hazing and a marriage law are among the hundreds of new state laws that go into effect today.
Voicer 3 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle”

And starting this afternoon, you can place sports bets at two Mississippi casinos, Beau Rivage in Biloxi and Gold Strike in Tunica. Executive Director of the Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association, Larry Gregory, says they expect to see Louisiana license plates in their parking garages….
cut 12 (09) “…in sports then”