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.

A state lawmaker admits it was couple of weeks following the final special session, before the legislature learned it had suspended sales tax holidays until 2025 as a result of the final tax and budget deal. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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There’s now a reward of 25-thousand dollars for information that leads to the conviction of the gunmen responsible for Saturday’s mass shooting in New Orleans that killed three people and wounded seven others. Becca Dill has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m  Becca Dill”  

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A mass shooting in New Orleans left three dead over the weekend.  Now, investigators are looking for answers from the public and they are increasing the reward money for information in the case.  NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison says the money is now up to $25,000.

Cut 12 (13)   “…someone knows something.”

Harrison says after further investigation, they now have a better idea of the weapons used in the shooting.

Cut 13 (06) “…to have a rifle.” 

Harrison says the shooting initially appears to be gang-related, but continues to encourage the witnesses to come forth with information.

Cut 14 (07) “…investigation is ongoing.”

LDH says under the Edwards administration, steps were immediately taken to correct the problem. And the state agency says fraud-fighting and fraud prevention efforts were never compromised.

Entergy customers can look to forward to a lower bill this September.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A Morning Consult poll shows Governor Edward’s approval rating slipped just under 50 percent. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Five Amite residents are facing federal charges for allegedly torturing a 22-year-old autistic woman, forcing her to eat dog feces and drink her mother’s ashes. But LSU Health Science Center New Orleans Forensic Psychiatrist Graham Spruiell wants to caution the public against assuming the defendants are suffering from mental illness.

Cut 12 (12)   “psychopathic”

Among other alleged crimes, the family allegedly starved her until she did house work, stole over 8 thousand in SSI benefits, beat the victim, and locked her in a six by eight chicken cage.

Authorities say the abuse that began in 2015 when the victim’s mother passed away and her care was transferred over to the defendants. Spruill says it’s a clear case of torture and manipulation, but says the sadistic nature of the actions could indicate something quite dark about the family.

Cut 13 (08) “sadistic behaviors” 

Spruill says he understands the public is having trouble coming to terms with the depravity of the alleged crime, but says there’s just some people on earth who are relatively mentally stable, and just don’t hold human life in high regard.

Cut 14 (11) “disorder”

Raylaine Knope and Terry Knope, and their adult children Bridget lambert, Jody Lambert, and Terry Knope are all facing charges.

The new voice of the Saints is making the transition from the playing field to the press box.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A judge has cleared the way for the removal of a confederate monument that sits outside of the Caddo Parish Courthouse. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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A federal judge’s ruling allows for the removal of a confederate monument in front of the Caddo Parish courthouse. Judge Robert James dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Daughters of the Confederacy, who said the parish couldn’t remove the monument because it sat on private property. Caddo Parish Commissioner Steven Jackson says it’s a step forward for the community.

Cut 12 (09)   “be equal.”

The monument was erected in 1903, and the commission voted 7-5 in October of 2017 for its removal, deciding it would be better placed in a museum or memorial site.

Jackson says placing the monument in front of a courthouse was highly inappropriate because of the effect it could have had on the proceedings taking place inside court of law.

Cut 13 (11) “the jury” 

The judge also rejected the Daughter’s claim that the commission had violated their free speech and equal protection rights during the proceedings. Jackson says the President of the United Daughters of The Confederacy were given an opportunity to speak in front of the commission, and that their organizations rights were never jeopardized.

Cut 14 (10) “not true”

The Daughters claimed that the land the monument was placed on over a century ago was private land reserved for the monument in a Caddo Parish Police Jury meeting, and the parish did not have the right to remove it.

Eight people have been arrested in connection to a dismembered male body found in the woods outside of Walker. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry continues to press the Edwards administration that more can be done to execute death row inmates. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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The exchange on capital punishment between Gov. John Bel Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry continues to escalate.  The last execution in Louisiana took place in 2010, when the drugs for a lethal injection were last available. Solictor General for the AG’s office, Liz Murrill, says they still believe the governor can do more to get executions scheduled

Cut 12 (11)   “…where he stands.”

Murrill says the AG’s office is aware of the hurdles that need to be crossed in order to get the state back into the execution business.

Cut 13 (06) “…we can too.” 

Murrill says it’s up to legislators to figure out exactly what all methods should be included in the expansion of execution methods, but suggests lethal gas should definitely be up for consideration.

Cut 14 (09) “at least do that.”

The governor’s office has pointed out that Landry hasn’t offered a single bill dealing with capital punishment since he took office in 2016.

Natchitoches Police announce the arrest of a woman connected to the burning death of a six-month-old child. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Sales tax holidays have been suspended as a result of the tax deal cut in the last special session. Jeff Palermo has more

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

cut 9 (07)  “political gimmick”

With the average back to school shopping spree costing about 650 dollars, a 4.45 percent state sales tax break would amount to nearly 29 dollars saved.

Kaeding says research shows shoppers are actually getting less savings than they might think. She says for the few days that sales tax holidays are in effect, retailers increase the cost on items to cash in on the perceived savings.

Cut 10 (08) “their prices”

Kaeding says sales tax holidays are not the same as real sales tax reform, but having them around doesn’t really lead to a major dip in state revenue.

Cut 11 (10) “or locality”

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The body of a Galliano man was found floating in Bayou Lafourche Sunday afternoon, bound in rope, with his bike on the dock that leads into the water. 69-year-old Terry Angelle was discovered floating in the water by a concerned citizen. Lafourche Parish Sherriff’s spokesperson Lt. Brennan Matherne says they are investigating it as a suspicious death.

Cut 12 (09)   “to it”

But Matherne cautioned that despite the rope ties, there is some evidence that the death may not have been the result of foul play.

Cut 13 (13) “his person” 

A local firefighter responded to the call, and jumped into the bayou in an attempt to save Angelle, only to discover the body was visibly decomposing. Matherne says the firefighter brought the body back to shore, and an autopsy is  underway.

Cut 14 (10) “the dock”

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A new study from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center finds that fitness themed video games can improve health in children with obesity. Kevin Barnhart has more…

Cut 1 (29)  I’m Kevin Barnhart“

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Louisiana’s first ever openly gay congressional candidate, Justin DeWitt, is one of three challengers to U.S. Representative Garrett Graves in the November 6th election. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (32) ”I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Third district Congressman Clay Higgins has drawn six challengers as he seeks re-election to a second term. Jeff Palermo has a look at Higgins’ opponents…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A new study from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center shows video games that require physical activity can improve health in children with obesity.  The study involved 46 children. Lead researcher Dr. Amanda Staiano explains the results.

Cut 4  (10) “physical activity”

The children received an Xbox 360, Kinect, and four fitness-themed games. They were asked to complete three one-hour gaming sessions each week and had access to a fitness coach. Staiano says after six months the children reduced their body mass index by about three-percent and reduced their cholesterol by seven percentiles.  

Cut 5  (08)  “we found”

Staiano says there is much to take away from the results of this study, but you’ve got to find out what grabs a child’s attention.

Cut 6 (09) “physical activity”

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Louisiana is ranked among the five most vulnerable states in a report regarding weak voting security released by Democrats on the U. S. House Administration Committee. The study says paperless voting machines are dangerous, but Interim Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the Democrats’ claims don’t hold water…

Cut 7 (11) “…zero problems”

Ardoin says the Secretary of State’s office takes painstaking measures to keep election ballots accurate…

Cut 8 (10)  “…the machine”

Cut 9 (07)  “…secure about this”

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Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garrett Graves faces three challengers in the November midterm election. Graves is seeking a third term in the 6^th district, after previously working in state government. One of Graves’s challengers, political newcomer Democrat Justin DeWitt, had harsh words for the Representative.

Cut 10 (13)   “career politician.”

DeWitt, possibly Louisiana’s first ever openly gay congressional candidate also accused Graves of using “gay innuendo” in mailers and online to attack a previous opponent, Paul Dietzel, in 2014. Graves says the accusation is “ridiculous”.

DeWitt also accuses the Congressman of being out of touch with the district, and a “corporate sellout” who’s owned by big business. Graves says when you look at his voting record, you’ll see the attacks are baseless.

Cut 11 (12) “hold water” 

Graves touted his record of recent accomplishments, including his roles in helping the state receive a 1.4 billion dollar flood protection grant from the feds, as well as recent legislation increasing the share of revenue the state receives from offshore activities…

Cut 12 (11) “but decades.”

Graves other two challengers are Devin Graham, an Independent from Gonzales and Democrat Andie Saizon. The software developer says she’s entering the race with a focus on healthcare. Saizon says she was inspired to jump into the race after a meeting with Graves where she says he explained why he voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Cut 13 (12)  “Medicare For All” 

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Five men and one woman have signed up to challenge Acadiana Congressman Clay Higgins on the November sixth ballot. Lafayette attorney Josh Guillory is the lone Republican challenger. Guillory says Higgins has voted three times to raise our debt

Cut 14 (11) “founders”

Higgins, who lives in Port Barre, is seeking a second term as the House Representative for Louisiana’s 3rd Congressional district. Guillory says the biggest difference between himself and Higgins is that he lives in the district…

Cut 15 (13) “Higgins”

Four Democrats have signed up to challenge Higgins. Rob Anderson, Larry Rader, Verone Thomas and Lafayette attorney Mimi Methvin. Methvin says Higgins and the Trump administration have not followed through on their 2016 campaign promises

Media that cover the SEC predict LSU will finish fifth in the SEC West. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The last two major candidates for Secretary of State have entered the race. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

cut 9 (11)  “with mayors”

Today is the last day to qualify for November elections.

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A cadet with LDWF has died at Ochsner Medical Center in Baton Rouge, a day after being rushed to the facility.  LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says 38-year-old Immanuel Washington of Youngsville collapsed following a 2.5 mile run as part of physical training.

Cut 10 (09) “…CPR immediately.”

Einck says Washington had vital signs when EMTs arrived.

Cut 11 (10) “…passed away yesterday.”

Einck says Washington, who is a former Youngsville police officer, had been training to be an LDWF enforcement officer for a little less than a month.

Cut 12 (09)   “…with his family.”

Washington leaves behind a wife and two small children.

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state hit an employment record for the month of June. L-W-C Secretary Ava Dejoie says the state added nearly 37-thousand jobs from June 2017 to bring the total number of jobs to 2,036,316…

Cut 13 (10) “…as well” 

Dejoie says manufacturing is another sector of our economy that’s doing very well…

Cut 14 (10) “…out that survey”

Every metro area in Louisiana reported a gain in jobs over the year, except Lafayette, which has lost 700 jobs since June 2017. But Dejoie says Lafayette had added 200 over the last month

Cut 15 (09) “to work”

North Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham has been tagged to help negotiate the differences between the Senate and House’s farm bill. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana homeowners who suffered flood damage in 2016 have until tomorrow to fill out the Restore Louisiana Survey. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

cut 9 (09)  “American citizens”

ICE has become a controversial agency in recent months, as the agency that has been tasked with carrying out the Trump Administration’s immigration policies such as family separations and detainment of asylum seekers.

Congressman Steve Scalise praised ICE agents for their work tracking down and deporting tens of thousands of undocumented immigrants from American communities.

Cut 10 (07) “our country”

But Immigrant advocates say ICE is being used to terrorize immigrants in Louisiana who are not a threat to public safety and who moved to the state years ago to help rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. Congress of Day Laborers Organizer Rachel Taber says the mass marches against the agency last month show its time for a change.

Cut 11 (12) “of immigrants.”

Higgins’ resolution passed the House 244-35. A similar resolution that would denounce those who call for the agencies abolishment has been brought in the Senate by John Kennedy.

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Friday is the deadline for Louisiana homeowners who had flood damage in 2016 to fill out a survey to participate in the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program. The governor’s Communications Director Shauna Sanford says 52,500 homeowners have completed the survey that can result in federal assistance for home repairs…

Cut 12 (09)   “…over the phone”

Sanford believes those that have not yet completed the survey are hesitant to do so, due to receiving other forms of government assistance.

Cut 13 (11) “…from the Restore.” 

Many recipients for SBA loans have not been able to access money from the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program. But Sanford says Congress could make changes to the guidelines, making more flood victims eligible for additional federal assistance…

Cut 14 (10) “…out that survey”

Eligible homeowners have been offered grant awards totaling 348-million dollars through the Restore Homeowner Assistance Program. The survey can be found at restore.la.gov or call 1-866-735-2001.

A recent request for a change of venue in a court case involving a gun charge is getting plenty of attention, but not because of the nature of the crime.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The Louisiana Health Department reports the first six human cases of the West Nile Virus has been detected. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

cut 9 (12)  “we can”

Jaberi says 80-percent of people who get West Nile are unaware they have the virus, as they are asymptomatic. But he says in this latest report, three of the cases are the more serious form of the disease

Cut 10 (12) “…the hospital”

The three cases of Neuroinvasive Disease were found in DeSoto, St. Tammany, and Tangipahoa Parishes. Jaberi says they are not surprised to see their first human cases of West Nile..

Cut 11 (10) “…surveillance.”

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The Secretary of State’s race is officially on as qualifying is underway. Democrat Renee Fontenot Free, the director of the Public Protection Division in the state A-G-‘s office, and Republican former state legislator A.G. Crowe joined the race today. Crowe says if elected, he would focus on upgrading the office’s technology, to better protect election privacy and integrity.

Cut 12 (10)   “highest level”

Crowe says he plans on running a clean campaign, and rejecting the common political impulse to attack his rivals in the race.

Cut 13 (10) “my opponets” 

Fontenot Free says if elected, along with maintaining a non-partisan approach, she would focus on the state’s sagging level of voter participation, specifically in state and local elections.

Cut 14 (10) “about it”

Political analysts consider the Secretary of State’s race to be one of the more difficult offices to obtain, due to its lower profile and lack of abundant money that’s usually available in more partisan legislative races. Free says she won’t be relying on big money backing to push her over the finish line.

Cut 15 (08) “warchest”

The election is November 6th.