Over 430 new state laws take effect today, one of them will allow you to get married 24 hours after receiving a marriage license. The previous law said eager couples had to wait 72 hours. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson says the change puts Louisiana in line in with what other states do and it still keeps overenthusiastic couples from tying the knot while on an alcoholic bender…
cut 16 (09) “….as marriage’
There are more serious laws going into effect today, like the legislation that makes hazing a felony.

We enter the third month of the 2018 hurricane season today. Three named storms have formed so far. State Climatologist Barry Keim predicts an increase in storms towards by end of this month.
Cut 7 (08) “hurricanes to form”
But as we start August, the tropics are quiet.

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”

18-year-old Louisiana Tech student Mason Andrews who is attempting to become the youngest pilot to fly solo around the world has already broken one world record during his journey. Andrews has become the youngest pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic. This morning he takes off from France, where he’ll stop in Croatia and then it’s on to Egypt.

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.”

Northwest Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson is throwing his hat in the ring to be the next Chairman of the House Republican Study Committee. It’s not a position for the faint of heart. The Committee Chairman is responsible for identifying policy objectives, and then wrangling support to get those ideas off the white board and onto a bill. 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.

An approaching cold front is destabilizing the atmosphere, bringing thunderstorm activity for parts of southeast Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the front is expected to stall along the Louisiana coastline, keeping rain chances relatively high through Friday.

Cut 7 (08) “…rest of the work week.”

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 they might ask the state if they can appoint someone to be the police chief, because none of the current residents of Palmetto are interested….

Cut 14 (06) “…doing that.”

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 people to receive their checks will be those who had already qualified, and received their 50 percent reimbursement. She says that group will have the other 50 percent on its way in the next couple of days, with homeowners who have yet to receive grant money coming after.

Cut 10 (13) “percent level”

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. Matt Doyle spoke with the governor’s spokesperson…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m  Matt Doyle” 

An approaching cold front is destabilizing the atmosphere, bringing thunderstorm activity for parts of southeast Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the rain is actually good news for the area.

Cut 8 (10) “…dousing of rain.”

Northwest Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson is throwing his hat in the ring to be the next Chairman of the House Republican Study Committee. The committee, the largest caucus of conservatives in the House, is influential in crafting and guiding conservative legislative policy. Johnson, who’s been a member since joining Congress in 2017, says the committee will be hugely relevant in the coming years, and has already made its mark.

Cut 4 (10) “RSC members.”

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 they may see if the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office can provide protection for the village that has a population of 170….

Cut 13 (07) “…appoint somebody.” 

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.

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”

An approaching cold front is destabilizing the atmosphere, bringing thunderstorm activity for parts of southeast Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the showers could present a potential for danger in some areas.

Cut 6 (07) …always a possibility.”

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.”

Roughly 10,000 people will benefit from the additional 110 million dollars in new funds.

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.

Northwest Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson is throwing his hat in the ring to be the next Chairman of the House Republican Study Committee. The committee, the largest caucus of conservatives in the House, is influential in crafting and guiding conservative legislative policy. Johnson, who’s been a member since joining Congress in 2017, says he’s a great fit for the job.

Cut 3 (11) “consensus builder”

An approaching cold front is destabilizing the atmosphere, bringing thunderstorm activity for parts of southeast Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the front is expected to stall along the Louisiana coastline, keeping rain chances relatively high through Friday.

Cut 7 (08) “…rest of the work week.”

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.And if you’re getting antsy for that recovery money, Sanford says don’t worry, everything has been taken care of at the state level and no further work is needed on your end.

Cut 11 (10) “those checks”

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 they might also ask the state if they can appoint someone to be the police chief, because none of the current residents of Palmetto are interested….

Cut 14 (06) “…doing that.”