10:30 LRN Newscast September 2nd

Construction has begun on 15 homes that have qualifed for the Shelter at Home program. Emelie Gunn has more…
voicer 2 (29) “….I’m Emelie Gunn”

The Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday begins today and lasts through Sunday. Department of Revenue Spokesperson Byron Henderson says the holiday applies to a wide range of hunting supplies and you can find a complete list eligible for a two percent discount online…:
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Louisiana has received $40 million dollars in federal aid for highway projects, adding to the $60 million dollar grant the state already received. State Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the money is focused on improving traffic flow on I-10, including the relocation of the Washington Street exit in Baton Rouge near the Mississippi River Bridge…:
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Wilson says the additional federal dollars will allow them to use existing state dollars to improve the entrance at Barksdale Air Force Base near Shreveport.

It’s LSU and Wisconsin tomorrow in the season opener and there is an effort to use the game to raise funds for flood relief efforts. Judd Schemmel, with Madison-based American Family Insurance, says they will match every donation to the Red Cross on game day up to 50-thousand dollars…
cut 8 (08) “…people’s dreams”
To donate to the Red Cross you can text LA-Flood to 90999.

09:30 Newscast, September 2nd, 2016

Tomorrow’s game between LSU and Wisconsin means the start of the season for many fans, and also some much needed relief for flood victims. Jeff Palermo has more…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Today Governor John Bel Edwards is touring construction sites under the new Shelter at Home program throughout communities that were damaged in the recent historic flood. His office says 15 homes have already qualified to receive up to $15,000 in work done to their home so that they can live there while they rebuild. You can register for the program at shelter-at-home-dot-la-dot-gov.

Louisiana has received an additional 40-million dollars in federal highway funding. State Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the state has already received 60-million in federal dollars for the I-10 widening project between I-49 and the Atchafalya Basin. So this additional 40-million, will free up funds to improve the access into Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City…:
cut 14 (09) “of I-20″
He says they also plan to address the Washington Street exit problem in Baton Rouge.

The second amendment sales tax holiday is underway. Eligible items like guns and ammo will be eligible for a discount on the state sales tax. Byron Henderson with the state Department of Revenue says it’s not completely tax free this year because the holiday was changed during this year’s legislative session…:
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You can get more information online at revenue.louisiana.gov.

 

08:30 Newscast, September 2nd, 2016

Tomorrow is the big game between LSU and Wisconsin, and Madison-based American Family Insurance is partnering with Wisconsin athletics to raise money that will go towards American Red Cross’ flood relief efforts in Louisiana. Judd Schemmel is with American Family Insurance..:
CUT 7 (08) “to help”
He says they are encouraging football fans to donate to the Red Cross by texting “LAFLOOD” to 90999.

State Police say a third person has succumbed to injuries sustained in the St. John Parish bus crash that also claimed the life of a fire chief. They say 33-year-old Vontarous Kelly of Moss Point, MS, a passenger in a vehicle that was hit, died Thursday. The driver of the bus, a man who is in the US illegally, is facing more charges in addition to the two counts of negligent homicide. St. John Fire Chief Spencer Chauvin of Gramercy, LA and 21 year old Jermaine Starr of Moss Point, MS also died in the crash.

Over a dozen homes have already been approved for the Louisiana Shelter at Home Program and will have construction begin today. Eligible flood victims could get up to $15,000 to fix their homes so they can live in them while they rebuild. Julie Baxter Payer is with the Governor’s Office. She says once approved, a contractor is contacted…:
CUT 11 (10) “family’s home”
You can still register online at shelter-at-home-dot-la-dot-gov.

The 2nd Amendment sales tax holiday kicked off today and will run through Sunday. Eligible items will get a two percent discount on the state sales tax…:
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That’s Byron Henderson with the state Department of Revenue.

 

07:30 Newscast, September 2nd, 2016

The Louisiana Shelter at Home Program is moving right along. Julie Baxter Payer with the Governor’s office says construction has become on at least 15 homes to make livable while the residents rebuild. She says they plan on ramping up construction on other homes next week and the response so far has been great…:
cut 12 (10) “we can”

Louisiana has picked up $40 million dollars in federal aid for highway projects, adding to the $60 million dollar grant the state has already received. State Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the money will go toward a number of projects, including relocating the Washington Street exit in Baton Rouge near the Mississippi River Bridge…:
CUT 15 (04) “early 18″
The announcement is also a boost to work on the entrance of Barksdale Air Force Base near Shreveport. And also the I-10 widening project between I-49 and the Atchafalya Basin.

After a rough summer for Louisiana with shootings and flooding, the state can enjoy some LSU football on Saturday. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

More artists have been added to the Labor Day benefit concert for flood relief called Louisiana Rising. Hosted by Louisiana natives Harry Connick Jr and Randy Jackson, featured musicians include Aaron Neville, Hunter Hayes and Better Than Ezra. The show will be broadcast from Baton Rouge’s River Center Theater and will benefit the American Red Cross Louisiana Flood Relief. Find out where to watch at louisiana-rising-flood-relief.com.

 

06:45 Sportscast, September 2nd, 2016

What could be a very memorable football season in the history of LSU football kicks off tomorrow as the 5th ranked Fighting Tigers face the Wisconsin Badgers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Many college football analysts believe LSU has enough talent to play in the College Football playoff. Junior defensive tackle Davon Godchaux (duh-Von God-chaw) believes LSU could have the best defense in the country…:
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The game kicks off at 2:30.

Elsewhere around the state ULM hosts Southern tomorrow at 6pm, Boise St. plays at UL-Lafayette, Southeastern is at No. 21 Oklahoma State for a 2:30 kickoff, Virginia Lynchburg is at Grambling.

Last night Tulane fell to Wake Forest 7-3.

Tonight Northwestern State is at 23rd ranked Baylor.

More on college football after this.

Louisiana Tech will start redshirt freshman J’mar Smith at quarterback tomorrow afternoon against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Senior wide receiver Trent Taylor says the former three-star high school prospect from Mississippi made great strides during preseason camp…:
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The game kicks off at 3pm.

The Saints played their starters last night for one series on each side of the ball. They game started strong, but New Orleans ended up falling to Baltimore 23-14, leaving the Saints winless in the preseason for the second straight year. Meanwhile New Orleans locked up one of their most critical offensive players Thursday — ESPN is reporting the team has agreed to a multiyear extension with center Max Unger. The deal is reportedly worth more than $7 million dollars a year.

The LHSAA’s executive committee approved the changing of state championship schedules for five different sports.

 

06:30 Newscast, September 2nd, 2016

Construction begins today on 15 homes that have been approved for the Shelter At Home Program. The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff Julie Baxter Payer says they’re moving as quickly as possible to get flood damaged homes ready to live in. She says they’ve received nearly 15-thousand applications and the number keeps growing…:
Cut 10 (12) “rebuild”
Flood victims can register for the program at shelter-at-home-dot-la-dot-gov.

If you’re looking for temporary work, FEMA is hiring. They are advertising through the Louisiana Workforce Commission to fill open positions at disaster recovery centers. They are full time jobs with benefits, but temporary. To apply, visit www.laworks.net, and click Disaster Relief Work.

Louisiana has received an additional 40-million dollars in federal highway funding. State Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson on how the state received this cash…:
Cut 13 (10) “spend”
Wilson says this grant money will go towards the I-10 widening project between I-49 and the Atchafalya Basin.

The Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday begins today and lasts through Sunday. Department of Revenue Spokesperson Byron Henderson says you can find a list of items eligible for a two percent discount online…:
CUT 5 (04) “second amendment”

 

LRN AM Newscall for September 2nd

Tomorrow’s game between LSU and Wisconsin means the start of the season for many fans, and also some much needed relief for flood victims. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Construction starts today on 15 homes that have qualified with the Shelter at Home program. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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After a rough summer for Louisiana with shootings and flooding, the state can enjoy some LSU football on Saturday. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday begins today and lasts through Sunday. Department of Revenue Spokesperson Byron Henderson says many sportsmen are eager to purchase new supplies with hunting season right around the corner. He says this year, shoppers will get a two percent discount on the state sales tax for eligible items…

cut 4  (10)  “vehicles”

Henderson says also animal feed and apparel are eligible. He says anyone interested can find the entire list of items included in the sales tax holiday online.

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Go-carts, dirt bikes, and other motorized vehicles that can legally be driven on the road are not included in the exemption. Henderson says this sales tax holiday is not completely tax free this year, after it was amended during the 2016 Legislative Session.

Cut 6 (10) “sales tax” 3x

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Tomorrow is the big game between LSU and Wisconsin, and Madison-based American Family Insurance is partnering with Wisconsin athletics to raise money that will go towards American Red Cross’ flood relief efforts in Louisiana. Judd Schemmel, with American Family Insurance, says they are encouraging football fans to donate to the Red Cross by texting “LAFLOOD” to 90999.

CUT 7 (08)  “to help”

Schemmel says they will match every donation made on game day up to $50-thousand. He says helping others is what their organization is all about.

Cut 8 (08) “people’s dream” 

Saturday’s game between LSU and Wisconsin is one of marque games during the opening weekend of college football. Schemmel says they want to use all of the media attention around the contest to remind fans across the country that there are flood victims in Louisiana that can use some help.

Cut 9 (09)  “on-going need”

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Construction begins today on 15 homes that have been approved for the Shelter At Home Program. The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff Julie Baxter Payer says they’re moving as quickly as possible to get flood damaged homes ready to live in. She says they’ve received nearly 15-thousand applications and the number keeps growing.

Cut 10 (12) “rebuild”

Flood victims can register for the program at shelter-at-home-dot-la-dot-gov. Payer says once a flood victim applies, an inspector visits the home and if approved, a local contractor is contacted.

cut 11 (10) “family’s home” 

The Shelter at Home Program pays up to 15-thousand dollars in repairs to make a flooded home livable, while additional repairs are completed. Payer says they plan on ramping up construction on other homes next week and the response so far has been great.

cut 12 (10) “we can”

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Louisiana has received an additional 40-million dollars in federal highway funding. State Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson on how the state received this cash….

Cut 13 (10) “spend”

Wilson says this grant money will go towards the I-10 widening project between I-49 and the Atchafalya Basin. He says the state has already received 60-million in federal dollars for this project, so this additional 40-million, will free up funds to improve the access into Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City….

cut 14 (09)  “of I-20″

Wilson says an environmental study needs to be completed first, before they can put bids out for the Barksdale Air Force Base. He says at least 100-million dollars will be spent along I-10 in the coming years, including a project to alleviate severe congestion just past the Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge..

Cut 15 (04) “early 18″

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Louisiana Tech will start redshirt freshman J’mar Smith at quarterback tomorrow afternoon against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Senior wide receiver Trent Taylor says the former three-star high school prospect from Mississippi made great strides during preseason camp…

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Louisiana Tech won nine games a season ago and they’ve notched 22 victories over the last three seasons. Taylor says the Bulldog players look forward to the opportunity to knock off a team from the SEC…

Cut 17 (08)  “make it happen “

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What could be a very memorable football season in the history of LSU football kicks off tomorrow as the 5th ranked Fighting Tigers face the Wisconsin Badgers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Many college football analysts believe LSU has enough talent to play in the College Football playoff. Junior defensive tackle Davon Godchaux (duh-Von God-chaw) believes LSU could have the best defense in the country

Cut 18 (13) “special”

LSU’s defense will face a quarterback that will make his first collegiate start. Bart Houston is a fifth-year senior for the Badgers. Safety Jamal Adams anticipates Houston will play well…

Cut 19 (09) “a challenge”

 

17:30 LRN Newscast Sept 1st

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the August flood event is the fourth costliest for the National Flood Insurance Program, with 28-thousand claims already filed. Donelon says this devastating flood should be a lesson for all homeowners to find out what they’re covered for and what they’re not…
cut 10 (10) “…my house”

August goes down as the wettest month in the history of Baton Rouge , with over 30 inches of rain. State Climatologist Barry Keim says there were also high rain totals in Acadiana and the Felicianas….
cut 4 (11) “…of rain”
Keim says a majority of the rain fell over a three to four day period.

Around 135-thousand people have applied for FEMA assistance since the flood, and many have been denied. Michelle Southern has more on a hotline offering legal advice…
voicer 2 (31) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

Shreveport Police are looking for a stolen service dog that can understand sign language. Corporal Marcus Hines says a rottweiler named “Major” was taken during a home invasion…
cut 13 (09) “…doing it”
Hines says the dog looks very much like a rottweiler, but it has distinctive long tail and bears a white patch on his chest.

16:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints conclude the preseason tonight as they host the Baltimore Ravens at 7 PM. Usually the starters sit for the fourth and final preseason game, but Coach Sean Payton says they’ll play tonight as the team looks to build momentum to start of the regular season. Right now, the Saints roster stands at 75, but they’ll have to cut it down to 53. Back-up quarterback Garrett Grayson is one of those players who is on the bubble after throwing two interceptions last week.

Tonight is also the start of the college football season. Tulane plays its first game under new head coach Willi Fritz as the Green Wave visit Wake Forest. Tulane is looking to improve from back-to-back 3-and-9 seasons. Kick-off is at 6 PM.

Also tonight…ninth ranked Tennessee hosts Appalachian State, who is a favorite to win the Sun Belt. And South Carolina faces Vanderbilt on ESPN.

Tomorrow night it’s Northwestern State at 21st ranked Baylor.

A highly anticipated college football season kicks-off Saturday afternoon for the LSU Tigers. Running back Leonard Fournette needs nearly 16-hundred years on the ground this year to become LSU’s all-time leading rusher. But the Heisman hopeful says individual success is not what’s driving him…
cut 18 (10) “…a lot”
Fournette rushed for just 18 yards when the Tigers and Badgers kicked-off the season in 2014.

The LHSAA’s executive committe approved the changing of state championship schedules for five different sports. Many of the changes are because of the expanded public-private school split. The girls and boys basketball championships will hold semifinals Monday through Thursday and the title games will be Friday and Saturday. Both baseball and softball have added an extra day to their schedule to accomodate the influx of teams.

16:30 LRN Newscast

As flood victims are working to repair their homes and get as much federal assistance as possible, volunteer attorneys are offering legal advice to those who are denied by FEMA. New Orleans attorney Graham Ryan says you can call 1-800-310-7029, or…:
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Ryan says some of the denials can be reversed.

August 2016 goes down as the wettest recorded August in Louisiana history. State Climatologist Barry Keim says data shows the state averaged 12 and a half inches for the month, crushing the previous record of 9.71 inches back in August of 1940. However, he says it’s not the wettest month ever…
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Keim says August 2016 was the wettest month ever for Baton Rouge and Lafayette.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says he’s been told the August flood will be the fourth most costly event for the National Flood Insurance Program…:
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Donelon says there have been 28-thousand claims filed with the N-F-I-P and he expects the number to grow past 30-thousand.

Shreveport Police are searching for burglary suspects who stole a service animal. Cpl. Marcus Hines says police were called to a home after the residence was forcefully entered and items taken, including “Major, a Rottweiler service dog, who is trained to understand sign language…:
cut 12 (10) “his chest”
Hines says they are not sure why someone would take “Major”.