A Baton Rouge Congressman’s bill may breathe new life into a federal program that helps bring big tourism bucks to small rural communities…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”
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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says many drivers in the Bayou State may see a reduction in their auto insurance premiums. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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An Opelousas man with a history of mental illness is injured and under arrested after setting his family’s home on fire. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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Congressman Garret Graves legislation that would revive the National Scenic Byways program flew through the House with little opposition, potentially reopening a program that would protect and promote two iconic wilderness trails in Louisiana. Graves says reopening the program will help drum up more interest in Louisiana for nature tourists.
Cut 4 (10) “…byways.”
Louisiana hosts two scenic byways, the Creole Nature Trail that winds through the wetlands of the southwest, and the Great River Road that accompanies the Mississippi River.
Graves says by reopening the program, they’ll have the opportunity to hopefully get additional areas of the state designated and protected. He says major, nationally recognized designations like this can help put unknown cultural treasurers on the map, and pump millions into rural communities.
Cut 5 (12) “…this country.”
The bill passed 404-19, and Graves says even in the midst of a contentious debate over the southern border, positive legislation can still make it through with bi-partisan support.
Cut 6 (10) “…make progress.”
The bill is headed to the Senate.
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The Bayou state is notorious for having some of the highest premiums in the nation, but many Louisiana drivers may be seeing their insurance rates drop. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the state’s largest auto insurer, State Farm, who covers about one million drivers in the state, has cumulatively seen about an 8% drop per year.
Cut 7 (09) “…auto insurance premiums.”
Donelon says he believes one of the main contributors to the high rates, distracted driving, has seen its peak in Louisiana, and now is on the decline.
Cut 8 (10) “…auto insurance upward.”
Donelon says althought State Farm covers about one million of the over 4 million people in the state, the rate cuts may also be attributed to the 10% drop in policy count State Farm has seen since the end of last year.
Cut 9 (08) “…in recent years.″
Donelon is running to maintain his position in the November election as a Republican, and is being challenged by fellow Republican Tim Temple.
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Despite a trade demand superstar forward Anthony Davis is still a Pelican, and will be at least until the season ends, and the Pels have confirmed he will play out the remainder of the season, if healthy. Bourbon Street Shots writer Jesse Brooks says with The Brow’s injury history, it’s a very risky move with little to gain from it.
Cut 10 (12) “…significantly”
Davis hasn’t played since injuring his finger three weeks ago, but was medically cleared to play earlier this week.
AD has been the face of the franchise since 2012 but with him out of the picture Brooks says he’s been told the team will pivot to building around All-Star guard Jrue Holiday by surrounding him with young talent he can nurture from a potential Davis megadeal.
Cut 11 (10) “….76ers”
Holiday’s contract runs through 2022.
Many fans have expressed concerns about the franchises viability in New Orleans playing second favorite to the Saints in a smaller market without a superstar like Davis. Brooks says the team is not in danger of leaving anytime soon because Gayle Benson considers the Pels a long term investment, one that’s paid off handsomely so far.
Cut 12 (10)“…the team”
The team traded to forward Nicola Mirotic to the Bucks, and Wesley Johnson to the Wizards on deadline day. The NBA played a part in the decision to play The Brow.
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The State Fire Marshal’s Office has arrest an Opelousas man for igniting a fire inside his family’s home. Investigators say 26 year old Amad Redding was the sole occupant of the home at the time of the blaze and was injured in the incident. Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue…
Cut 13 (12) “…caught fire.”
Rodrigue says Redding had been making threats as recently as the week leading up to the fire of burning the home down.
Cut 14 (08) “…for that.”
Rodrigues says not only was the family’s home damaged, but a business next to the home, resulting in multiple charges for Redding.
Cut 15 (10) “…that he needs.”