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”

Over 430 new state laws take effect today, including the Max Gruver Act, which makes having a felony and it can result in a prison sentence of up to five years if the victim dies or is seriously injured. The legislation is named after an LSU student who died in a suspected hazing incident last year. Max’s father, Stephen Gruver…
cut 15 (06) “…real deterent”

The National Flood Insurance Program which supplies 500-thousand Louisiana policyholders with flood insurance has been extended for another four months as a result of legislation approved by Congress. Senator Bill Cassidy says in order to make the N-F-I-P sustainable long term, the feds should spend 400-million dollars on flood protection projects…
cut 5 (9) “…many people”

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….
cut 10 (10) “…offer a sports bet”
On the most recent Ask the Governor radio show, John Bel Edwards said he expects legislation next year to bring sports betting to Louisiana…
Cut 13 (07) “…in the upcoming session.”

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.

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”

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….

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.

A statewide coalition has been formed to educate voters about constitutional amendment number two on the November sixth ballot. It would require that felony convictions must be reached with a unanimous jury, instead of the current standard that requires 10 of 12 jurists to agree on a guilty verdict. Alexandria attorney Ed Tarpley is leading the effort….
cut 5 (12) “…the constitution”
No major organizations have announced their opposition to the amendment.

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. The federal government has approved 100-percent reimbursement for some 10-thousand homeowners, who previously received 50-percent.

The Louisiana Department of Education have announced the most recent recipients of the titles of Teacher and Principal of the Year. Kevin Barnhart has the details.
Voicer 3 (27) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A 22-year-old Farmerville woman is dead after falling out the window of a moving car over the weekend in Union Parish. Sheriff Dusty Gates says they believe alcohol was involved…
cut 12 (11) “…hide alcohol”
21-year-old Dustin Hines of Marion has been charged with vehicular homicide.

A bipartisan coalition is pushing voters to support a constitutional amendment on the November sixth ballot that would require a unanimous jury verdict in serious felony trials. Louisiana is one of two states, where a person can be convicted of a murder if 10 of the 12 jurors agree on a defendant’s guilt. Alexandria lawyer Ed Tarpley says the current law was passed during the post-civil war reconstruction era, to deprive blacks a jury of their peers…
cut 4 (10) “…repeal this”
The coalition consists of conservative and religious groups to liberal activists.

About 10-thousand Louisiana homeowners who had flood damage in 2016 will receive federal aid to pay for all of their repairs. The feds have agreed to expand reimbursement assistance for residents eligible for the state’s Restore Homeowner Assistance program.

Three flood damaged Louisiana State Parks will soon be back in business. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has announced flood-damaged cabins at Lake Bistineau, Lake Fausse Point, and Tickfaw State Park will re-open October 22nd. Director of Louisiana State Parks Gene Reynolds says the cabins received substantial damage from the Floods of 2016.
Cut 7 (12) “now they’re ready”
You can now make reservations for the renovated cabins, which again open October 22nd.

Doctor Eric Davis, the principal at Wossman High School in Monroe, has been named Principal of the Year by the Louisiana Department of Education. Wossman has seen its school performance scores improve in the two years he’s taken over. Davis gives credit to his staff…
cut 14 (11) “…work for you”
And Spencer Kiper, who teaches STEM classes at Elm Grove Middle School in Bossier City has been named Teacher of the Year.