Updated LRN AM Newscall August 22nd ##Sports cuts added##

Volunteer groups from around the country are in Louisiana donating their time to help flood victims clean up their homes. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The City of Walker is suing the state for I-12 construction that’s believed to have worsened the flooding. Halen Doughty has more…

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The state department of children and family services begins the process of handing out disaster food stamp cards to flood victims. Jeff Palermo has the story..

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Volunteers from around the country have come to Louisiana to offer assistance to flood victims trying to rebuild their homes. Samaritan’s Purse, a volunteer group out of North Carolina, has set up disaster relief units in Baton Rouge and Lafayette. Spokesperson Todd Taylor says if you are in need of help or want to donate your time, visit Samartianspurse.org or call (985) 402-4350 in Baton Rouge.

cut 4  (10)  “sheet rock”

To contact Samaritan’s Purse in Lafayette, call (337) 349-5130. Taylor says the organization will be in Baton Rouge for 12 weeks and 10 weeks in Lafayette and they need more volunteers. He says currently, the group is focusing on cleanup.

Cut 5  (09)  “treatments”

Samaritan’s Purse was in north Louisiana earlier in the year to help with flooding and had a five year presence in the state after Hurricane Katrina. Taylor says all the services are free and the organization is funded through private donations. He says volunteers have been out working already and the damage is overwhelming.

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Today the city of Walker begins putting together its lawsuit against the state for the construction of I-12. City officials believe the concrete wall that separates the east and west bound lanes worsened the flooding in the city. Mayor Rick Ramsey says when the interstate was widened to six lanes, the median was taken out and replaced with a concrete wall.

CUT 7 (09)  “United States”

Ramsey says areas that have never flooded before took on three to five feet of water. He says he believes without that wall, the flooding wouldn’t have been nearly as bad. He says they were prepared for a major flood, but not this.

Cut 8 (12) “we had” 

Ramsey says he knows the wall caused the three foot difference in water marks from one side of the interstate to the other, but he is not confident in their ability to win the suit against the state.

Cut 9 (09)  “photographic proof”

Attorney Joe Bruno filed a similar suit against the Army Corps of Engineers for work they did in St Bernard parish that led to more flooding there after Katrina, but it was unsuccessful because the Corps had immunity. He says Walker could run into a similar problem.

Cut 10 (11) “to do so”

The Department of Transportation issued a statement on the case, saying “Considering the unprecedented rainfall in such a short time-frame, it is unlikely that the median barriers in this area can be considered the cause for flooding.”

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State officials hope to get more financial help from the federal government to pay for flood relief efforts throughout south Louisiana. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the state has already spent at least $12.5 million, and that number is expected to grow exponentially. He says right now the feds will reimburse Louisiana for 75-percent of that, but he hopes for more federal dollars.

cut 11 (10) “10-percent”

The 75-percent reimbursement comes automatically with the declaration of a federal disaster area. Dardenne says it will take an act of Congress to get to the 90-10 split.

cut 12 (09) “10 match”

Dardenne says no matter how much the feds contribute, they are committed to helping Louisiana residents recover.

Cut 13 (11) “displaced”

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Disaster food stamps will be available to flood victims in eight parishes starting today. The eight parishes are East Feliciana, Iberia, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, St Landry, Tangipahoa and Vermilion. Governor John Bel Edwards says eligible residents that have their last names begin with the letter A-to-D can can get their benefits at select locations…

cut 14 (09)  “be patient”

Check the department of children and family services website to find out when you’ll be able to get your benefit card and where. He says starting next Monday, DSNAP cards will be available in Acadia, Ascension, East Baton Rouge and Lafayette parishes…

Cut 15 (10) “are eligible”

The disaster food stamps are for those who do not receive regular food stamps and it can help individuals buy groceries due to lost income or flood damages. Edwards says to find out if you’re eligible for disaster food stamps, you must pre-register…

Cut 16  (09)  “dot-gov”

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The Saints are back at their training facility today after a disappointing performance in Saturday’s preseason loss to Houston. New Orleans defense played well, they held Houston to 59 rushing yards and forced a couple of turnovers. But Coach Sean Payton says the offense’s performance was as bad as it gets…

Cut 17 (15)  “good things”

Brandon Coleman led the Saints in receptions with six catches for 47 yards, but had a chance to make several big plays, but he couldn’t hang on to the football. Payton says Coleman has had a “pedestrian” camp

Cut 18 (17) “seen better”

Before the game on Saturday, the Saints released veteran cornerback Keenan Lewis, who has battled knee and hip injuries. Payton says the decision to cut Lewis was based on the fact that he couldn’t get on the field…

Cut 19 (13) “wish him well”

10:30 LRN Newscast August 20th

The total value of all the homes lost in the flood in the Baton Rouge area could be up to $21 billion. That’s according to the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s preliminary analysis of flood damage, which estimates 31% of homes in the 9 parish region are in flooded areas. BRAC CEO Adam Knapp says the preliminary data demonstrates just how devastating this flood is….
cut 14 (08) “…community standpoint”
The analysis also found 87-percent of homes in Livingston parish are in areas that flooded.

The governor’s office says 102-thousand people have registered with FEMA for disaster assistance. And FEMA has provided 30-million dollars in aid for homeowners who suffered flood damage. Governor Edwards says FEMA has agreed to pay for hotel rooms for those storm victims who are living in their cars, hotels, their workplace or shelters.

Frustrations are growing in Walker in Livingston Parish over the lack of federal resources to help those affected by the historic flooding. Mayor Rick Ramsey says they’ve been told by FEMA that no temporary housing will be brought in for residents. He says FEMA will try to expedite disaster payments to victims, but that isn’t enough…
cut 12 (12) “elevation”
Ramsey says his most recent update states there is no intention of bringing in FEMA trailers or providing temporary housing.
Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump met with flood victims and local officials in both East Baton Rouge and Ascension Parishes Friday. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser was with Trump and Nungesser hopes Trump’s visit can help raise awareness around the nation that many are suffering…
cut 11 (08) “…whole again”
President Barack Obama plans to visit Baton Rouge on Tuesday.

09:30 LRN Newscast August 20th

The Department of Children and Family Services announces they will begin distributing disaster food stamp cards in eight parishes on Monday. Those parishes are East Feliciana, Iberia, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, St. Landry, Tangipahoa and Vermilion. State officials are advising residents to pre-register at D-C-F-S-dot-la-dot-gov-slash-preregister.

The Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s preliminary analysis of flood damage estimates the total value of all the homes lost in the flood in the Baton Rouge area could be around $21 billion. BRAC President Adam Knapp hopes this shocking total will persuade federal officials to give Louisiana more financial support. He says more donations are also needed….
cut 16 (07) “to recover”
The report estimates 31% of homes in the Baton Rouge area are in flooded locations.

There are several locations now open in East Baton Rouge and Livingston parishes providing food and water to flood victims. This individual from Denham Springs is taking advantage of this free service. He says he left his flooded home with just a few items…
cut 7 (10) “…made it”

The recovery process will be a long one. Don Molino has more from the top official at the Red Cross…
voicer 1 (29) “…I’m Don Molino”

08:30 LRN Newscast August 20th

The Baton Rouge Area Chamber releases a report that shows 110-thousand homes are located in the flooded areas in a nine-parish area around the Capital City. BRAC CEO Adam Knapp says about 48-thousand residences in Livingston Parish were potentially ruined and many of them are without flood insurance…
cut 15 (06) “…entire parish”
Knapp says he hopes these shocking finds will persuade the federal government to give Louisiana more financial support.

Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump is sure amazed at the scope of the damage. Here’s what he said after touring East Baton Rouge and Ascension Parishes yesterday…
cut 9 (10) “…here to help”
President Barack Obama will be in Baton Rouge on Tuesday.

There is frustation in Livingston parish over the response by the federal government. Walker Mayor Rick Ramsey says FEMA can do more to help flood victims who lost their homes…
cut 13 (11) “….at night”
Ramsey says he’s been told by FEMA there’s no plans to bring in travel trailers for flood victims to live in. Governor Edwards says FEMA will pay for hotel rooms on a rolling 30 day basis for those who can’t return to their home just yet.

As the state transitions into recovery, more volunteers and resources will be needed. Red Cross CEO Gail McGovern says if anyone wants to volunteer or donate to the Red Cross, they can go to RedCross.org. She says their work is far from over.
CUT 5 (09) “and snacks”

07:30 LRN Sportscast August 20th

The Saints have released veteran cornerback Keenan Lewis. The New Orleans native was signed as a free agent in 2013 and played really well that year. In 2015, Lewis was hit with several injuries, appearing in just six games and this offseason he could not shake a hip injury. Lewis’ departure means Delvin Breaux and second-year pro PJ Williams will likely be the Saints starting corners and New Orleans also recently signed 32-year-old Cortland Finnegan.

Tonight, the Black and Gold faces the Houston Texans in the second preseason game of the year. Kick-off is at 7 PM.

The 2017 NBA All-Star game will be in New Orleans. The association officially announced they are moving the game from Charlotte to the Big Easy. The star-studded contest will take place February 19th at the Smoothie King Center. It will be the third time that the All-Star game has been played in New Orleans since 2008.

The LSU Tigers will practice inside Tiger stadium today as two weeks from today the Bayou Bengals will open the season at Lambeau Field in Green Bay agaisnt the Wisconsin Badgers. Former LSU wide receiver Tyron Johnson has decided to transfer to Oklahoma State. The former Warren Easton star caught nine passes, one for a touchdown, as a freshman last season.

In NFL preseason action last night….former Haughton star Dak Prescott was 12 of 15 for 199 yards and two touchdowns in the Cowboys 41-14 victory over Miami. Former Saint Kenny Stills caught two TD passes for the Dolphins.

Grambling State has re-opened its search for an athletics director. New president Rick Gallot says they want to identify a choice as soon as possible.

At the Olympics….the US Women’s basketball team can win its sixth straight gold medal at the Olympics if they beat Spain. Two former Lady Tigers are on that team, Seimone Augustus and Sylvia Fowles.

18:30 LRN Newscast Aug 19

The White House announces President Obama will visit Louisiana on Tuesday to assess the damage from the Great Flood of 2016. The President came under fire for not cutting his New England vacation short to see the devastation first hand.

Water and food distribution centers have been set up in Livingston Parish for victims of the historic flooding. Emelie Gunn has more…

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The Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s preliminary analysis of flood damage in Louisiana estimates the total value of all the homes lost in the flood in the Baton Rouge area could be up to $21 billion. President and CEO Adam Knapp says he hopes these shocking findings will be enough to persuade federal officials to give Louisiana more financial support. He says it could even motivate more citizens to do what they can to help.

cut 16 (07) “to recover”

The report estimates 31% of homes in the Baton Rouge area are in flooded locations.

As the state transitions into recovery from the 1,000-year flood, resources and volunteers are more important than ever. Red Cross CEO Gail McGovern says this is the worst natural disaster they have seen in years.

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17:30 LRN Newscast Aug 19

South Louisiana parishes that were underwater just a week ago are starting to transition into recovery, but there’s still a long road ahead. Don Molino has more on recovery efforts…

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Governor Edwards says FEMA will pay for hotel rooms for 30-days for flood victims who are staying in cars, hotels, shelters, or their workplace, but not those staying with friends and family. FEMA will reportedly contact people based on information they provided when they applied for federal aid.

The total value of all the homes lost in the flood in the Baton Rouge area could be up to $21 billion. That’s according to the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s preliminary analysis of flood damage in Louisiana, which estimates 31% of homes in the 9 parish Baton Rouge area are in flooded areas. President and CEO Adam Knapp says the preliminary data demonstrates just how devastating this flood is.

cut 14 (08)  “community standpoint”

Knapp says he hopes these shocking findings will be enough to persuade federal officials to give Louisiana more financial support.

The National Guard is distributing water, MREs and other necessary supplies for the flood victims. Sgt. First Class Travis Jenkins says this effort it to make sure people affected can get through to the next phase of their recovery. He says all the Guardsmen are happy to help those in need.

CUT 8 (10) “the area” 

16:45 LRN Sportscast August 19th

The NBA All-Star game is coming back to New Orleans. The Big Easy replaces Charlotte as the host city for the event. The NBA decided against holding the All-Star game in North Carolina, because of a state law that limits anti-discrimination protections against LGBT individuals. It will be the third time since 2008 that the All-Star game will be held in New Orleans. The game will take place on February 19th, the first weekend of Mardi Gras parades.

Former LSU All-Americans Richard Thompson and Kelly Ann-Baptiste can win medals tonight. They are running in the men’s and women’s 4X100 meter relays. Thompson already has two Olympic Silver medals and he’s running for his native Trinidad and Tobago. Baptiste is also on the Trinidad and Tobago relay team and they finished third in their heat.

The US Men’s basketball team beat Spain today and they advance to Sunday’s gold medal game.

The Saints next preseason game is tomorrow night against Houston. It’s another chance for rookie wide receiver Mike Thomas to impress. New Orleans safety Kenny Vaccarro already likes what he sees from the former Ohio State standout…
cut 30 (16) “…excited him”
Kick off from NRG Stadium is at 7 PM on Saturday night.

16:30 LRN Newscast August 19th

Governor John Bel Edwards held a press conference this afternoon to announce that disaster food stamp locations in eight parishes will open on Monday. To pre-register for disaster food stamps, visit the department of children and family services website.

Also, the governor announced that FEMA is offering 30-day hotel stays for people who are living in their car, a hotel or shelter. Edwards says they plan to have four-thousand people in state-run shelters tonight.

President Obama will visit Baton Rouge on Tuesday to get a first hand look at flood response efforts. Today, republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was in East Baton Rouge and Ascension Parishes. Trump is amazed at the level of destruction…
cut 9 (10) “….here to help”

The total value of all the homes lost in the flood in the Baton Rouge area could be up to $21 billion. That’s according to the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s preliminary analysis of flood damage, which estimates 31% of homes in the 9 parish region are in flooded areas. BRAC CEO Adam Knapp says the preliminary data demonstrates just how devastating this flood is….
cut 14 (08) “…community standpoint”
The analysis also found that 87-percent of homes in Livingston parish are in areas that flooded.

Three water and food distribution centers opened today in Livingston Parish. We spoke to an individual, who said he left his home when the water reached his chest and he could only bring a few items with him…
cut 7 (10) “….made it”

Updated afternoon newscall for August 19th

South Louisiana parishes that were underwater just a week ago are starting to transition into recovery, but there’s still a long road ahead. Don Molino has more on recovery efforts…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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Water and food distribution centers have been set up in Livingston Parish for victims of the historic flooding. Emelie Gunn has more…

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As the state transitions into recovery from the 1,000-year flood, resources and volunteers are more important than ever. Red Cross CEO Gail McGovern says this is the worst natural disaster they have seen in years.

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McGovern says at one point 10-thousand people in the state were in shelters, and that is now down to 8-thousand. She says they will be here as long as it takes for this community to recover.

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McGovern says the Red Cross has served 100-thousand meals to the people in shelters. She says if anyone wants to volunteer or donate to the Red Cross, they can go to RedCross.org. She says their work is far from over.

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Flood victims are at Bass Pro Shop today in Denham Springs to receive water and food, as well as, meet with FEMA representatives to apply for disaster assistance. Terry is a Denham Springs resident whose home was flooded during the storm. He says he lost two trailers and a truck but is lucky he can stay with his daughter….

CUT 6 (12) “shower, sleep”

Ed is also a Denham Springs resident who tried to stay in his home as long as possible during the flooding. He says when he finally decided to leave, the water was up to his chest when he stepped outside and was only able to bring a few items with him…

CUT 7 (10) “made it”

The National Guard is distributing water, MREs and other necessary supplies for the flood victims. Sgt. First Class Travis Jenkins says this effort it to make sure people affected can get through to the next phase of their recovery. He says all the Guardsmen are happy to be out here to help those in need.

CUT 8 (10) “the area” 

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Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump, along with running mate Mike Pence,  have been touring the flood damage in East Baton Rouge and Ascension Parishes today. Trump is amazed at the level of destruction the floods left behind

CUT 9 (10) “here to help”

Trump took pictures with relief workers and offered his support to flood victims who lost their homes and personal belongings. He also took time to hand out supplies and toys to children. Most of the people who came in contact with Trump were glad he came…

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Fellow republicans, Lt Governor Billy Nungesser and Attorney General Jeff Landry, met Trump when he arrived at the Baton Rouge airport on Friday morning and traveled with him to the flood-damaged areas. Nungesser says Trump’s visit can can help raise awareness around the nation that many are suffering in Louisiana…

Cut 11 (08) “whole again”

Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton says she spoke with Governor John Bel Edwards on the phone today. The White House says President Barack Obama will be in south Louisiana on Tuesday.

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Frustrations are growing in Walker in Livingston Parish over the lack of federal resources to help those affected by the historic flooding. Mayor Rick Ramsey says they’ve been told by FEMA that no temporary housing will be brought in for residents. He says FEMA will try to expedite some reimbursement but that isn’t enough…

cut 12 (12) “elevation”

Ramsey says his most recent update states there is no intention of bringing in FEMA trailers or providing temporary housing. He says it’s a crime that FEMA doesn’t think the flood victims who lost their homes need a place to live.

Cut 13 (11)  “at night”

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The total value of all the homes lost in the flood in the Baton Rouge area could be up to $21 billion. That’s according to the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s preliminary analysis of flood damage in Louisiana, which estimates 31% of homes in the 9 parish Baton Rouge area are in flooded areas. President and CEO Adam Knapp says the preliminary data demonstrates just how devastating this flood is.

cut 14 (08)  “community standpoint”

The analysis also found that 87-percent of homes and 91-percent of businesses in Livingston parish are in areas that flooded. Knapp says that means 48-thousand residences were potentially ruined, and not many of them were insured for flood damage.

cut 15 (06) “entire parish”

Knapp says he hopes these shocking findings will be enough to persuade federal officials to give Louisiana more financial support. He says it could even motivate more citizens to do what they can to help.

cut 16 (07) “to recover”

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