Louisiana has the highest adult obesity rate in the country, according to a new report from Trust for America’s Health. Don Molino has more…

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Construction begins today on 15 homes covered by the Shelter at Home Program. Emelie Gunn spoke with one of those homeowners…

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A new report from Trust for America’s Health finds Louisiana has the highest adult obesity rate in the country, at 36-percent. Bob Johannessen with LDH says it might be a new report, but it’s certainly not new news. He says studies dating back to 2008 have shown Louisiana as one of the heaviest states in the nation.

CUT 3 (09)  “on this”

Johannessen says healthy living practices start when you’re a child and unfortunately in Louisiana many of our kids are doing enough to stay in shape. He says Louisiana suffers from the lack of sidewalks in neighborhoods, in some cases limited outdoor activity options and there’s also less access to physical activity in school.

CUT 4 (08)  “might expect”

Johannessen says they recommend that everyone eat at least five fruits and vegetables a day and eliminate sugary drinks from their diet. He says they also encourage two hours a day or less of sitting in front of a TV or computer and getting at least one hour of physical activity.

CUT 5 (10)  “young people”

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It’s Labor Day weekend, which means it’s time for fun with friends and family, but State Police are warning drivers not to drink and drive. Trooper Dustin Dwight says there will be checkpoints and extra police out on the roadways to protect the motoring public. He says driver impairment is the leading factor in fatal crashes across Louisiana.

CUT 6 (10) “weekend”

Dwight says they are also looking for motorists that are speeding, driving recklessly or distracted. He advises people on the road this holiday weekend to utilize the 511 app.

CUT 7 (09) “location”

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Additional criminal charges have been filed against the driver of the bus who crashed into emergency vehicles in St. John Parish, causing the death of three people including the fire chief. The third victim succumbed to injuries on Thursday. Melissa Matey says Denis Yasmir Amaya Rodriguez, an illegal alien, faces multiple charges…:

CUT 8 (10) “can do”

It’s reported that Amaya Rodriguez claimed his breaks went out when he slammed into the fire truck and other vehicles, but Matey said they are still working on the details of how the crash happened…:

CUT 9 (10) “speed is a factor”

One of the fatal victims was District Chief Spencer Chauvin with the St. John the Baptist Fire Department. 33-year-old Vontarous Kelly of Moss Point, MS, a passenger in a vehicle that was hit, died Thursday. 21 year old Jermaine Starr of Moss Point, MS was was pronounced dead on scene. Matey says the feds are investigating the bus company…:

cut 10 (08)  “that crash”

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Crews with the Shelter at Home Program started construction on 15 homes today. Patricia Lee’s home was one of thousands flooded during the historic rain event and contractors are currently working on her house. Lee says the workers are fixing a bedroom and a bathroom so she can live in the home while the rebuilding process continues.

Cut 11 (08) “and everything”

Lee says she hasn’t been at work since the flooding but hopes now with the Shelter at Home Program that she’ll be able to return. She says she’s thankful for this program, because they are doing work that she and her family don’t have to do.

cut 12 (08) “and everything”

To register for the program call 1 (800) 927-0216 or online at shelter-at-home-dot-la-dot-gov (shelterathome.la.gov). It pays up to 15-thousand dollars in repairs so the home can at least be livable. Lee says she applied for the program on Monday and workers are already fixing her home.

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Disaster unemployment benefits are available for flood victims. Director of the Unemployment Insurance Program, Renita Ward Williams, says anyone who is unemployed or who has had their job interrupted because of the recent flood can apply for this program through October 14th.

cut 14 (10)  “to apply”

Williams says people can see if they are eligible and apply at LaWorks.net. She says over 57-hundred people have already applied for the program. She says unemployment will not replace someone’s full income.

cut 15 (11) “person’s income”

Williams says the money some people are getting from FEMA and insurance doesn’t cover an electric or water bill. She says this program can help people fill some of the income gaps.

cut 16 (09) “of life”

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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…

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

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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…

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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…

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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.

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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..

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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…

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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”