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.
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ULM football returns to the practice fields today and the program appears to have forward momentum going into their third season with head coach Matt Viator at the helm. Improving a defense that gave up a lot of points last season is certainly has the coach’s attention. Viator says he’s hopeful his squad can stay healthier than last year.
Cut 18 (17) “…going over there.”
In a follow up to QB Caleb Evans’s sophomore season with the Warhawks, Viator says he’s been working with Evans on having a better overall grasp of the offense.
Cut 19 (17) ”…more comfortable doing that.”
Wide Receiver Marcus Green also has plenty of buzz going into the season with the Preseason All-Sun Belt selection and being named for the 2018 Biletnikoff Award Watchlist.
Cut 20 (18) “…the different positions.”