20,000 homeowners who suffered major flood damage in 2016 did not complete a short survey to see if they were eligible for the 1.3 billion dollars in federal recovery aid. Anyone who suffered one foot of flooding or at least 8,000 dollars’ worth of damage was eligible to potentially receive RESTORE grants. Division of Administration Executive Director Pat Forbes says that’s despite a substantial media blitz and…
cut 4 (11) “…FEMA database”
Forbes says many flood victims chose to do the recovery on their own or decided they were not eligible for the federal grant money, because they already received an SBA loan.

State Police have arrested a 29-year-old Prairieville woman in a fatal hit-and-run that took place yesterday morning on Jefferson Highway in Ascension Parish. Trooper Bryan Lee says Brittany Mackey faces multiple charges…
cut 15 (06) “….a crash”
31-year-old Christian Martinez of Kenner died in the hit-and-run.

Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries are rolling out signs alerting people of a threatened species you might not expect to encounter in the Bayou State: Manatees. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (31) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

20,000 homeowners who were flooded in 2016 did not fill out the survey to qualify for RESTORE grant money. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries are rolling out signs alerting people of a threatened species you might not expect to encounter in the Bayou State: Manatees.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

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A GoFundMe supporting a St. Mary man who’s pregnant wife and one-year-old child were killed by a drunk driver has passed the half way point. Matt Doyle.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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20,000 homeowners who suffered flood damage from the 2016 deluge did not file paperwork to tap into the 1.3 billion dollars in recovery aid money available. Anyone who suffered one foot of flooding or at least 8,000 dollars’ worth of damage was eligible to potentially receive RESTORE grants. Division of Administration Executive Director Pat Forbes says that’s despite a substantial media blitz and…

Cut 4 (11) “FEMA database.”

More than half of those who did not fill out forms were from the hardest hit parishes of East Baton Rouge, Ascension, and Livingston.

Governor John Bel Edwards recently announced that those who qualified for RESTORE grants would receive 100 percent reimbursement on their claims, up from the original estimation of 50 percent. Forbes says the lower than estimated participation rate definitely played a part in getting those who did fill out the forms a bigger return

Cut 5 (11) “percent reimbursement.”

44 percent fewer households filled out the five minute survey than the state originally estimated would.

About half of the 1.3 billion allotted has been spent, but the state is cautiously waiting before spending the rest. Forbes says the remaining funds could be spent on additional homeowners who qualify for the grants, along with other flood related expenses.

Cut 6 (10) “economic development.”

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Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries are rolling out signs alerting people of a threatened species you might not expect to encounter in the Bayou State: Manatees.  The signs are showing up along coastal areas and taking some residents by surprise.  LDWF Endangered Species Biologist Keri Lejeune says the sea cows are highly susceptible to injury from boats.

Cut 7 (07) “…with boat propellers.”

Manatees will explore the gulf coast in the summer time with warmer waters, but it’s important they head home to Florida before temps drop too low.  Lejeune says if you encounter a manatee, snap pictures and notify LDWF.

Cut 8 (08)  “…when they should be.”

Lejeune adds if a manatee you encounter appears injured, notify LDWF immediately.

Cut 9 (11)  “it is injured.”

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The family of the St. Mary Parish man who lost his pregnant wife and one-year-old child to a drunk driver is fundraising to help pay for the expenses related to the tragedy that shocked the family, and community. Chris Sintiere, the father and husband, says they’re raising the funds to help cover the costs associated with such a tragedy.

Cut 10 (08)   “the hospital“

The family is also raising funds by selling T-shirts and other items on their Facebook page.

Three of Sintere’s other children were in the vehicle at the time, and incurred serious injuries. He says his 11-year-old and three-year-old are almost ready to leave the hospital, but his nine-year-old daughter remains under medical supervision.

Cut 11 (10) “by day.” 

The GoFundMe account is over half way to its final 20,000 dollar goal, which Sintere says has meant a lot to the family. He says they’re still having a hard time processing the trauma.

Cut 12 (10) “a sudden.”

25-year-old Dylan LeBlanc, the alleged drunk driver, is facing four counts of Vehicular Negligent Injuring, First Degree Feticide, and Reckless Operation.

29 year old Brittany Mackie of Prairieville is charged with a multitude of crimes for a fatal hit and run that killed 31-year-old Christian Martinez of Kenner, who was walking on LA-73 in Ascension Parish Monday morning. State Trooper Bryan Lee says multiple tips from the public helped them track down Mackie…

Cut 13 (06) “…the driver”

Lee says Martinez’s early morning walk on Jefferson Highway is still a mystery to investigators…

Cut 14 (09) “…LA 73”

Lee says Mackie faces multiple charges…

Cut 15 (06) “…a crash.”

President Trump has signed a 717-billion dollar defense spending bill. It includes pay raises for troops, and substantial investments in Louisiana based military bases. Northeast Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham says it’s the biggest pay raise for the military in nearly a decade.

Cut 3 (07) “eight years”

The National Home Education Research Institute says homeschooling is on the rise.  It’s a trend that is likely becoming a more popular option when factoring in a tailored curriculum, a difference in values, and an uptick in school violence.  President of Homeschool Louisiana, Christopher Chin, explains the concerns with school violence encompasses more than just school shootings.

Cut 7 (10) “…unfortunately physical assaults.”

A second body in the last week has been recovered in Lake Ponchartrain. On Tuesday, it was 32-year-old Sadie Thibodeaux, and on Saturday 66-year-old Milton Gomez’s body was pulled out of the lake as well. State Wildlife and Fisheries Spokesman Adam Einck says lake swimming can be dangerous because distances on the water can be misleading.

Cut 9 (12)  “lot further.”

And before you head out on the water, Einck says make sure you check up on the conditions out on the lake, because even though it’s not the gulf, it can still be dangerous.

State agriculture commissioner Mike Strain announces the arrest of a suspected serial arsonist in Morehouse Parish. Strain says between July 20^th and August 3^rd, 55-year-old Philbert Bowers of Bastrop intentionally set several wildlife fires near the Arkansas state line…

Cut 12 (09)   “…July 22nd”

Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham says the 717 billion dollar defense spending bill signed by the president has some substantial investments for the state. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

State ag commissioner Mike Strain announces the arrest of a suspected serial arsonist in Morehouse Parish. Strain says 55-year-old Philbert Bowers of Bastrop intentionally set several wildlife fires near the Arkansas state line and adds preventing these kind of crimes benefits the community in multiple ways.

A second body in the last week has been recovered in Lake Ponchartrain. On Tuesday, it was 32-year-old Sadie Thibodeaux, and on Saturday 66-year-old Milton Gomez’s body was pulled out of the lake as well. State Wildlife and Fisheries Spokesman Adam Einck says make sure you check up on the conditions out on the lake, because even though it’s not the gulf, it can still be dangerous.

Cut 11 (07) “the weather”

The National Home Education Research Institute says homeschooling is on the rise.  It’s a trend that is likely becoming a more popular option when factoring in a tailored curriculum, a difference in values, and an uptick in school violence.  President of Homeschool Louisiana, Christopher Chin, says the Bayou State is not exempt from the rise in homeschooling.

Cut 6 (13) “…largest in the state.”

The National Home Education Research Institute says the number of kids who are homeschooled is growing. President of Homeschool Louisiana, Chris Chin says that’s the trend in the Bayou State too, as over 30-thousand students were registered as home schoolers last January. Chin says homeschooling is not for everyone, but it provides freedoms more parents should look into….
cut 8 (06) “….take the leap”
Chin says dissastitication with academic curriculum, school safety and wanting to include religious instruction are some of the main reasons for homeschooling a child.

President Trump has signed a defense spending bill that contains 12 million dollars for a new entrance road and gate complex Barksdale Air Force Base. It paves the way for the housing of nuclear weapons at Barksdale in the near future. Congressman Ralph Abraham made sure the 12-million was included for Barksdale, to protect the military facility and others in Louisiana, if there’s another round of base consolidations…
cut 5 (09) “…our turf”

A suspected arsonist has been arrested in Morehouse Parish. State Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says 55-year-old Philbert Bowers of Bastrop set several wild fires near the Arkansas state line from July 20th to August 3rd. Strain says Bowers faces several charges…
cut 14 (09) “…sheriffs office”
If convicted, Bowers faces up to 15 years in prison.

A second body in the last week has been recovered in Lake Ponchartrain. On Tuesday, it was 32-year-old Sadie Thibodeaux, and on Saturday 66-year-old Milton Gomez’s body was pulled out of the lake as well. State Wildlife and Fisheries Spokesman Adam Einck says neither Thibadoux nor Gomez were wearing lifejackets when their bodies were recovered. Einck says before you jump into the water, there’s three things to keep in mind.
Cut 10 (11) “your boat.”

Livingston Parish is coming back to life two years after the 2016 August flood left much of the parish under water. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Voicer 5 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

State agriculture commissioner Mike Strain announces the arrest of a serial arsonist in Morehouse Parish. Strain says between July 20th and August 3rd, 55-year-old Philbert Bowers of Bastrop intentionally set several wildlife fires near the Arkansas state line.
cut 12 (07) “…July 22nd
Strain says they are not sure on a motive for the fires.

President Donald Trump signs into law a 717-billion dollar defense package, which will result in a two-point-six percent pay raise for active duty soldiers. That’s the largest raise in nearly a decade. Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham says this should help increase spending in communities that are home to military bases…
cut 4 (09) “…the economy”
Abraham says the legislation will also mean future investments for Barksdale Air Force Base and the naval station in Belle Chasse.

A second body in the last week has been recovered in Lake Ponchartrain. On Tuesday, it was 32-year-old Sadie Thibadoux, and on Saturday 66-year-old Milton Gomez’s body was pulled out of the lake as well. State Wildlife and Fisheries Spokesman Adam Einck says lake swimming can be dangerous because distances on the water can be misleading.
Cut 9 (12) “lot further.

President Donald Trump signs a 716-billion dollar defense spending bill this afternoon. Some of that money will provide upgrades at Barksdale Air Force Base and the Naval Air Station in Belle Chesse. Congressman Ralph Abraham, who is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, made sure 12-million was included for Barksdale, so that military facility and others in Louisiana remain open, if there’s another round of base consolidations…
cut 5 (09) “…our turf”

Cox Automotive reports used car prices are rising, and so is the demand as there was a three-percent increase in used vehicle sales in July, when compared to July of 2017. But Louisiana Automobile Dealers Assocation President Will Green says the state’s slower economic growth resulting from the depression of the oil industry is keeping used car prices lower here than the rest of the nation.

Homeschooling is on the rise throughout the nation and Louisiana is not exempt from the trend. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Voicer 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Lafayette pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis broke an Under 20 world record as he cleared 19-feet, 10-inches at the European Championships in Berlin. The 18-year-old beat his old U20 record by nearly five inches. He’s set to begin classes at LSU next week and he’ll have one more overseas event on August 31st in Brussels.

President Trump has signed the 717-billion dollar defense spending bill that will fund the military through 2019. It includes pay raises for troops, and substantial investments in Louisiana based military bases. Northeast Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham says it’s the biggest pay raise for the military in nearly a decade.

Cut 3 (07) “eight years”

The National Home Education Research Institute says across the nation, homeschooling is on the rise.  It’s a trend that is likely becoming a more popular option when factoring in a tailored curriculum, a difference in values, and an uptick in school violence.  President of Homeschool Louisiana, Christopher Chin explains the concerns with school violence encompasses more than just school shootings.

Cut 7 (10) “…unfortunately physical assaults.”
A second body in the last week has been recovered in Lake Ponchartrain. On Tuesday, it was 32-year-old Sadie Thibodeaux, and on Saturday 66-year-old Milton Gomez’s body was pulled out of the lake as well. Both incidents are under investigation, but state Wildlife and Fisheries Spokesman Adam Einck says neither Thibadoux nor Gomez were wearing lifejackets when their body was recovered, and adds before you jump into the water there’s three things you need to keep in mind.

Cut 10 (11) “your boat.”

LDWF are also investigating a fatal boating incident that took place in Iberia Parish.  The body of 58-year old Leonard Norbert, Junior, of New Iberia, was recovered from Mud Lake just before 10PM Saturday.

Here’s your commodities…