The Legislative Auditor’s Office has issued a report detailing how Louisiana can reduce its incarceration rate, which is higher than anywhere else in the world. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

================

The Office of Motor Vehicles is giving drivers an option to cancel license plates online. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Coast Guard and other agencies are responding to an oil spill off the coast of Bay Long, near Grand Isle. Petty Officer Lexie Preston says roughly 53-hundred gallons of crude oil leaked from a pipeline owned by Harvest Pipeline Company. She say it was struck by a vessel owned by Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company…

CUT 3 (08)  “leaking”

Preston says ECM Maritime Services, an oil spill response organization, along with a variety of other agencies, are currently out and managing clean-up operations.

CUT 4 (07)  “collecting oil”

Preston says aircrews have conducted aerial assessments of the spill…

CUT 5 (06)  “of yet”

==================================================

The Legislative Auditor’s Office has released a report highlights possible ways to reduce Louisiana’s incarceration rate, which is the highest in the world. Karen LeBlanc with the Legislative Auditor’s Office says they looked at everything from pre- to post-incarceration. She says the state can save money by providing alternatives like diversion and specialty courts for people arrested on drug charges.

CUT 6 (10) “a jail”

LeBlanc says they also propose sentencing reform, like reducing mandatory minimum sentences and habitual offender laws, which she says results in longer jail time for those convicted and more expenses for the state. She says they also want to see nonviolent offenders with more probation and less jail time.

CUT 7 (12) “state facility”

LeBlanc says they are calling for more rehabilitation programs in jails, especially at the local level where over half of Louisiana’s inmates are housed. She says the money the state saves from these reforms can be used to fund the rehab programs.

Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorney’s Office, Pete Adams, says they would rather see solutions that didn’t cost anything and only had savings. He says they like the idea of drug courts, but they cost money. He says it takes a dedicated team for drug courts to be successful.

CUT 8 (09) “work right”

Adams says putting more nonviolent offenders on probation instead of in jail would mean getting more probation officers, and there’s a cost associated with that. He says it could also be dangerous for the public.

CUT 9 (12) “best move”

==================================================

A new animal disaster relief shelter has opened in Amite. Executive Director of the Humane Society of Louisiana Jeff Dorson says this new center is the base of operations for not only Amite, but the surrounding parishes. He says the key reason they opened this shelter was to help reunite pets and livestock with their owners.

cut 10 (10)  “multiple weeks”

Dorson says at this site, they have 50 dogs and 20 cats in separate areas with air conditioning. He says if you’ve lost your pet in the flooding, they could very well be at the new Amite location.

Cut 11 (07) “humane”

Dorson says the Humane Society originally partnered with the Livingston Government Animal Control during the flood recovery stage, but the Livingston Shelter needed to return to normal business. He says this Amite Arena is in a perfect location.

cut 12 (10) “incident center”

===================================================

The Office of Motor Vehicles is letting drivers cancel their license plates online. Deputy Commissioner Staci Hoyt says before the flood, car owners never had the option to cancel their license plates on the OMV website. But she says State Police Col. Mike Edmonson asked if the OMV would look at this option, because so many vehicles were flooded…

Cut 13 (07)  “get here”

Hoyt says drivers wishing to cancel plates online will have to enter the vehicle’s VIN number, the plate number, and the zip code of the registered owner.

cut 14 (08)  “be canceled”

Hoyt hopes this will help the massive OMV wait times that have only increased after the flooding event. She says the office also has extended hours…

cut 15 (06) “4:30”

===================================================

The American Red Cross is providing limited financial aid and casework for people affected by the flooding. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Congress is expected to begin discussions about federal aid for Louisiana’s flood relief efforts as they return to Washington D-C for the fall session today. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

Fort Polk is in the process of trying to find homes for 750 horses that roam on the grounds of the military base in Vernon Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The American Red Cross is now providing casework that can connect flood victims with other resources, besides the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Red Cross Spokesperson Anthony Tornetta says in some case they will actually provide a family with some spending cash, if they don’t qualify for federal disaster assistance through FEMA…

cut 4  (10)  “case basis”

Flood victims can register for this aid at Red-Cross-dot-org-slash-LA-flood-assistance (redcross.org/lafloodassistance). Tornetta says after registering, the Red Cross is able to provide limited financial assistance in 48 to 72 hours. He says the amount of aid available is done on a case by case basis.

Cut 5  (09)  “by home”

Tornetta says it’s not a lot, but the idea is to help start the recovery process and transition to some sort of normalcy. He says financial assistance is only available to certain people and the Red Cross has case workers on hand that can help flood victims find additional resources to assist in their recovery…

Cut 6 (10) “considered damaged”

_______________________________________________

Congress reconvenes for the fall session today, which means the discussion begins about getting more federal aid to Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards wants Congress to approve a two-billion dollar federal aid package that will cover housing, economic development and infrastructure repairs. In a letter to the White House, the governor called it a reasonable request. Republican US Senator Bill Cassidy is optimistic Congress will help

CUT 7 (08)  “pretty generous”

Edwards says they’ve documented that 55-thousand homes were damaged the catastrophic flooding and over 80-percent of damaged homes lacked flood damage. Cassidy says he’s already spoken to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell about Louisiana’s needs…

Cut 8 (10) “to help” 

Cassidy also wants to help those who were impacted by the flooding in north Louisiana in March. He says 49 parishes have been declared disaster areas this year from floods and the entire state is trying to recover.

Cut 9 (09)  “the job”

___________________________________________________________

The third phase of the disaster food stamp program begins today as flood victims in nine more parishes can receive a benefits card to purchase food. Sammy Guillory, with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, says if you lost food or income as a result of the floods and do NOT receive regular food stamps, you could be eligible for this special assistance…

Cut 10 (05) “by the floods”

D-SNAP operations open in Evangeline, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, St. James, St. Martin, Washington, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana and western parts of St. Tammany. So far, Guillory says almost 110-thousand households have received disaster food stamps and the distribution has gone well…

cut 11 (10) “serve them” 

Guillory says if you are a flood victim and were denied disaster food stamps, you can appeal…

cut 12 (07) “by a supervisor”

_______________________________________________________

Fort Polk has about 750 horses on their property and the military base in Vernon Parish is looking to give them a new home. Public Affairs Officer Troy Darr says the horses were probably abandoned over the years and started to reproduce. He says they are willing to give the horses to animal welfare groups or private citizens.

Cut 13 (08) “the horses”

Darr says the horses range from very healthy to some that are probably on their last leg. He says three animal welfare groups have already signed up, and a lot of people are interested.

cut 14 (08)  “couple dozen”

Darr says they have to get the horses off the property, because the soldiers use the grassy areas to train, but that’s also where the horses like to graze. He says they also land planes and helicopters in those areas, which can be dangerous for the horses and the soldiers.

Cut 15 (08) “themselves”

_______________________________________________________

We hear from LSU Coach Les Miles today for the first time since Saturday’s disappointing loss to an unranked Wisconsin team. Former LSU offensive lineman and now talk show host on WWL Radio in New Orleans, T-Bob Hebert, says Miles has likely told the players that this isn’t the time to sit around and feel sorry for yourself…

Cut 16  (12)  “of them”

There’s a lot of blame to go around for the way the Tigers played against the Badgers. Much of the criticism has fallen on the shoulders of quarterback Brandon Harris. Hebert says it’s important for the junior signal caller to ignore the negative comments about his play…

Cut 17 (08)  “at hand “

The Tigers had just 257 yards of total offense on Saturday. Hebert says it’s unlikely the coaching staff will make big adjustments after a poor performance against the Badgers….

Cut 18 (10) “I don’t know”

The American Red Cross is providing limited financial aid and casework for people affected by the flooding. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Congress is expected to begin discussions about federal aid for Louisiana’s flood relief efforts as they return to Washington D-C for the fall session today. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

Fort Polk is in the process of trying to find homes for 750 horses that roam on the grounds of the military base in Vernon Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The American Red Cross is now providing casework that can connect flood victims with other resources, besides the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Red Cross Spokesperson Anthony Tornetta says in some case they will actually provide a family with some spending cash, if they don’t qualify for federal disaster assistance through FEMA…

cut 4  (10)  “case basis”

Flood victims can register for this aid at Red-Cross-dot-org-slash-LA-flood-assistance (redcross.org/lafloodassistance). Tornetta says after registering, the Red Cross is able to provide limited financial assistance in 48 to 72 hours. He says the amount of aid available is done on a case by case basis.

Cut 5  (09)  “by home”

Tornetta says it’s not a lot, but the idea is to help start the recovery process and transition to some sort of normalcy. He says financial assistance is only available to certain people and the Red Cross has case workers on hand that can help flood victims find additional resources to assist in their recovery…

Cut 6 (10) “considered damaged”

_______________________________________________

Congress reconvenes for the fall session today, which means the discussion begins about getting more federal aid to Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards wants Congress to approve a two-billion dollar federal aid package that will cover housing, economic development and infrastructure repairs. In a letter to the White House, the governor called it a reasonable request. Republican US Senator Bill Cassidy is optimistic Congress will help

CUT 7 (08)  “pretty generous”

Edwards says they’ve documented that 55-thousand homes were damaged the catastrophic flooding and over 80-percent of damaged homes lacked flood damage. Cassidy says he’s already spoken to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell about Louisiana’s needs…

Cut 8 (10) “to help” 

Cassidy also wants to help those who were impacted by the flooding in north Louisiana in March. He says 49 parishes have been declared disaster areas this year from floods and the entire state is trying to recover.

Cut 9 (09)  “the job”

___________________________________________________________

The third phase of the disaster food stamp program begins today as flood victims in nine more parishes can receive a benefits card to purchase food. Sammy Guillory, with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, says if you lost food or income as a result of the floods and do receive regular food stamps, you could be eligible for this special assistance…

Cut 10 (05) “by the floods”

D-SNAP operations open in Evangeline, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, St. James, St. Martin, Washington, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana and western parts of St. Tammany. So far, Guillory says almost 110-thousand households have received disaster food stamps and the distribution has gone well…

cut 11 (10) “serve them” 

Guillory says if you are a flood victim and were denied disaster food stamps, you can appeal…

cut 12 (07) “by a supervisor”

_______________________________________________________

Fort Polk has about 750 horses on their property and the military base in Vernon Parish is looking to give them a new home. Public Affairs Officer Troy Darr says the horses were probably abandoned over the years and started to reproduce. He says they are willing to give the horses to animal welfare groups or private citizens.

Cut 13 (08) “the horses”

Darr says the horses range from very healthy to some that are probably on their last leg. He says three animal welfare groups have already signed up, and a lot of people are interested.

cut 14 (08)  “couple dozen”

Darr says they have to get the horses off the property, because the soldiers use the grassy areas to train, but that’s also where the horses like to graze. He says they also land planes and helicopters in those areas, which can be dangerous for the horses and the soldiers.

Cut 15 (08) “themselves”

_______________________________________________________

We hear from LSU Coach Les Miles today for the first time since Saturday’s disappointing loss to an unranked Wisconsin team. Former LSU offensive lineman and now talk show host on WWL Radio in New Orleans, T-Bob Hebert, says Miles has likely told the players that this isn’t the time to sit around and feel sorry for yourself…

Cut 16  (12)  “of them”

There’s a lot of blame to go around for the way the Tigers played against the Badgers. Much of the criticism has fallen on the shoulders of quarterback Brandon Harris. Hebert says it’s important for the junior signal caller to ignore the negative comments about his play…

Cut 17 (08)  “at hand “

The Tigers had just 257 yards of total offense on Saturday. Hebert says it’s unlikely the coaching staff will make big adjustments after a poor performance against the Badgers….

Cut 18 (10) “I don’t know”

The Louisiana Rising nationally broadcasted flood relief concert takes place tonight at the Baton Rouge River Center theater. WAFB Baton Rouge Anchor Lauren Westbrook says the concert will give the rest of the country a chance to see what a terrible and devastating event this continues to be, and how they can help. She says tickets are not on sale to the general public, but instead the audience will be filled with people who were on the front lines…:
Cut 6 (09) “in some cases”

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says Baton Rouge gained 95-hundred jobs over the last year and Lake Charles gained 31-hundred. LSU Economist Loren Scott says these numbers come from a big boom in construction employment. But he says the oil industry continues to be a drag on the state’s labor market.
Cut 8 (10) “lease sale”

Labor Day kicks of the beginning of football season but it also marks the start to the election season. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says the 24 candidates in the US Senate race will likely ramp up their get the vote out campaign, which means you’ll start to hear more from them.
Cut 15 (04) “process”

Dubos says fundraising will likely pick up soon as well, particularly from national super PACs.

The LSU Tigers return to the practice field today after a devastating opening loss to the Wisconsin Badgers. It’s the first time the Tigers have lost the first game of the year during the Les Miles era. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran was at the game in Lambeau Field and the says the 2016 season has already hit a crossroad…
Cut 10 (07) “quickly”

A nationally broadcasted flood relief concert takes place tonight at the Baton Rouge River Center theater. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

What is the state of labor in Louisiana on this Labor Day? Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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The US Senate race in Louisiana should start to heat up, as Labor Day is known to kick off the election season. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

A nationally broadcasted flood relief concert is taking place tonight at the Baton Rouge River Center theater. “Louisiana Rising” will feature several big named artists like Aaron Neville, Hunter Hayes, Better Than Ezra, Rebirth Brass Band and more. WAFB Baton Rouge anchor Lauren Westbrook will be hosting alongside Randy Jackson and Harry Connick Jr…:

cut 4  (10)  “vehicles”

The concert will air from 7-9pm and you can find out what station in your area at louisiana-rising-flood-relief-dot-com. Westbrook says the goal is to raise awareness and money through the Red Cross for the thousands of flood victims who need help. She says it’s exciting Jackson and Connick Jr agreed to host the show…:

Cut 5  (10)  “American Idol”

Westbrook says the concert will allow the rest of the country to see what a terrible and devastating event this continues to be, and how they can help. She says tickets are not on sale to the general public, but instead the audience will be filled with people who were on the front lines…:

Cut 6 (09) “in some cases”

_______________________________________________

Many are out enjoying the Labor Day Holiday today, but what is the actual state of labor in Louisiana? LSU Economist Loren Scott says depending on where you live, some industries are booming. He says Baton Rouge and Lake Charles are doing very well when it comes to employment, but it’s not so good in areas like Houma or Lafayette.

CUT 7 (10)  “than that”

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says Baton Rouge gained 95-hundred jobs over the last year and Lake Charles gained 31-hundred. Scott says these numbers are from a big boom in construction employment. But he says the oil industry continues to be a drag on the state’s labor market.

Cut 8 (10) “lease sale” 

Scott says the Shreveport area has taken a little bit of a hit, because of the downturn in the energy industry, while the employment picture remains stagnant in central Louisiana…..

Cut 9 (07)  “Monroe area”

___________________________________________________________

The LSU Tigers return to the practice field today after an embarrassing season opening loss to the Wisconsin Badgers. It’s the first time the Tigers have lost the first game of the year during the Les Miles era. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran witnessed the game in Lambeau Field and the says the 2016 season has already reached a crossroad…

Cut 10 (07) “quickly”

Despite hope of an improved offense, LSU scored just one offensive touchdown against Wisconsin. Moran says if quarterback Brandon Harris doesn’t get better, Coach Les Miles will be forced to use back-up Danny Etling…

cut 11 (10) “making a change” 

LSU has a very winnable game this Saturday in Tiger Stadium against F-C-S member Jacksonsville State. But after that it’s a run of games against SEC schools. Moran says the Tigers can still play in the college football playoffs this year, but the offense has to get much better…

cut 12 (09) “are killers”

_______________________________________________________

Labor Day marks the beginning of fall and football season, but it’s also the kick-off to the election season. In Louisiana, the big statewide race is for US Senate, where there are 24 names on the ballot. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says it’s difficult for the candidates to set themselves apart, so message and visibility will be important before the November 8^th election day.

Cut 13 (10) “make it”

Dubos says fundraising will likely pick up soon as well, particularly from national super PACs. He says in state donations will likely not be as high because of the recent flooding.

cut 14 (10)  “hurting right now”

Dubos says expect to see the candidates ramp up their get the vote out campaign, which means you’ll start to hear more from them.

Cut 15 (04) “process”

_______________________________________________________

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…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Don Molino” 

================

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

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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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.

Cut 13 (10)  “the insulation”

===================================================

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…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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.

Cut 5  (04)  “flood insurance”

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

_______________________________________________

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”

___________________________________________________________

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”

_______________________________________________________

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”

_______________________________________________________

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…

Cut 16  (13)  “come around”

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 “

____________________________________________________________

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”

August of 2016 was certainly a wet one for the entire state of Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

================

Around 135-thousand people have applied for FEMA assistance since the flood, and many have been denied. Michelle Southern has more on a new hotline offering legal advice to these victims…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

===============================================

August of 2016 goes down as the wettest recorded August in Louisiana. 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 this August was only the ninth wettest month ever when looking at all the months of the year…

CUT 3 (08)  “ago”

Keim says August 2016 was the wettest month ever in Baton Rouge, recording a little over 30 inches in the Capital City. He says that’s also the case for the Acadiana region and the Felicianas that were hammered by the recent rain event.

CUT 4 (11)  “24.74”

Keim says the majority of the rainfall this August came over a three to four day period…

CUT 5 (10)  “of rain”

==================================================

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 they’ve established a hotline to provide quick answers. He says people can call 1-800-310-7029, and there are other ways to reach these volunteers.

CUT 6 (08) “affected areas”

Ryan says some of the denials can easily be reversed. He says one common problem is that the name on the deed of the flooded home didn’t match the name on the application, like when people move into their deceased parent’s home.

CUT 7 (07) “FEMA benefits”

Ryan says it’s important for people to know these attorneys are not taking on cases, just offering legal advice. But he says there are plenty of organizations around the state that will take up a flood victim’s case.

CUT 8 (10) “can do”

==================================================

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says he’s been told the August flood event will be the fourth most costly event for the National Flood Insurance Program.

CUT 9 (10) “insurance program”

Donelon says there have been 28-thousand claims filed with the N-F-I-P and expects the number to grow past 30-thousand. He says most of the calls they are getting lately are from people who thought their homeowners insurance covered flooding. He says people should know what they’re covered for and what they’re not.

cut 10 (10)  “my house”

Donelon says Louisiana has the third most flood insurance policies in the nation, at 450-thousan policies. He says people are also benefitting from comprehensive coverage on their vehicles. He says State Farm has already reported 18-thousand claims have been made for flooded vehicles.

Cut 11 (10) “those vehicles”

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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 had been forcefully entered and items were taken, including “Major, a Rottweiler service dog, who is trained to understand sign language.

cut 12 (10) “his chest”

Hines says if anyone has information on where Major could be, call Crime Stoppers. He says they’re unsure why someone would take the dog but hope to reunite Major with his owner as soon as possible.

Cut 13 (09)  “doing it”

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The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is reminding motorists about their responsibilities on the road when approaching an upcoming accident. The plea comes in the wake of the tragic crash that killed two people, including a district fire chief in St. John Parish. LHSC spokeswoman Jessica Bedwell says drivers need to move away from crashes…:

cut 14 (10)  “first responders”

Bedwell says the recent crash illustrates why drivers must exercise caution when encountering parked emergency vehicles on the roadway. She says Louisiana law mandates that motorists safely change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles parked on or near the highway…:

cut 15 (09) “the area”

The Senate Homeland Security Committee is set to hear from the agencies involved in the flood recovery, and hopefully get some answers for flood victims. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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About 12-hundred Tiger Fans leave for Green Bay today for Saturday’s season opener against Wisconsin. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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FEMA is encountering a lot of problems trying to get manufactured homes set up for flood victims. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Senate Homeland Security Committee will once again hear from disaster response agencies in the hopes of getting some answers for flood victims. Chairman and Baton Rouge Senator Bodi White says they still don’t know whether or not homeowners whose houses received damage worth more than half the value of their home will have to elevate their house before they rebuild.

cut 4  (08)  “to do”

White says he’s invited mayors from the greater Baton Rouge area to see what their plans are for building permits. He says the Commissioner of Insurance is also expected to attend to answer questions about flood insurance for these homes in the future.

Cut 5  (08)  “flood insurance”

White says he’s heard of people getting different answers from different agencies. He has some advice for people meeting with FEMA administrators or even their personal insurance agents.

Cut 6 (11) “something completely different”

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About 12-hundred Tiger fans are headed to Lambeau Field this morning with the LSU Alumni Association to watch LSU take on the Wisconsin Badgers for the 2016 season opener. Rhett Butler with the Alumni Association says they have chartered six planes and rented out four hotels in Green Bay for the big game….

CUT 7 (10)  “ever done”

LSU officials are projecting around 30-thousand Tiger fans will attend the game. Butler says most of the fans making the trip for the game have always wanted to see a game in Lambeau Field…

Cut 8 (10) “engagement team” 

Butler says they’ve set up tours at Lambeau Field on Friday and tailgating will begin as soon as they wake up on Saturday for the 2:30 kickoff. He says unfortunately some flood victims had to cancel and can’t go…

Cut 9 (06)  “new folks”

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St. Amant High School lost everything during the floods, including their band equipment. The St. Amant Gators got a surprise this week when the Northwestern State band loaned them nine snare drums, four sets of tenor drums, and five bass drums. Northwestern Director of Bands Dr. Jeff Mathews says they wanted to help others during this difficult time.

Cut 10 (10) “these drums”

Craig Millet is the St. Amant Director of Bands and says they can’t put into words how much this gesture means. Mathews says Northwestern State has been reaching out to their students who were affected by the flooding.

cut 11 (10) “the other”

Mathews says the band at Northwestern State was so pleased to have this opportunity to help another marching band.

cut 12 (08) “down south”

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Getting FEMA mobile homes set up for flood victims is proving to be more difficult than anyone anticipated. It was a significant part of the conversation during a legislative hearing at the state capitol. FEMA Coordinating Officer Gerard Stolar told legislators a lot goes into setting up these new HUD approved manufactured homes.

Cut 13 (10) “with that”

Stolar says first they have to get someone out to inspect the area, then a contractor has to come set it up and connect the utilities, so ideally it’s a 5 to 7 day process. He says a possible alternative to setting up the mobile home on a person’s property is to put a lot of units on a large piece of land.

cut 14 (11)  “to accomodate”

Only one FEMA mobile home has been installed on a flood victim’s property. After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, thousands of displaced residents lived in FEMA trailers, but they were heavily criticized because they were small and toxic with formaldehyde. But Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover says these bigger units are not feasible either.

Cut 15 (12) “trailer would”

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After rushing for nearly two-thousand yards last season, LSU running back Leonard Fournette enters this season as one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. Fournette is considered one of the most talented players in college football, but the junior from New Orleans says there’s outstanding talent across LSU’s roster…

Cut 16  (12)  “so much better”

Fournette also likes the level of confidence starting quarterback Brandon Harris is showing….

Cut 17 (14)  “tremendous change “

Fournette needs nearly 16-yards on the ground this season to become LSU’s all-time leading rusher. But he says individual success is not what’s driving him….

Cut 18 (10) “a lot”

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The final tune-up before the regular season is tonight as the Saints host the Baltimore Ravens. New Orleans is 0-3 in the preseason and the Black and Gold have not looked good, which is why the starters are expected to play tonight. Offensive tackle Zach Strief understands the urgency to play better…

Cut 19 (10) “the garbage”

The Saints offensive line has not looked good and Coach Sean Payton said this week they may move last year’s first round pick Andrus Peat to left guard. Strief says maybe a move like that can help the o-line gel…

Cut 20 (10) “perform well”

The Baton Rouge Area Foundation has donated over 1.6 million dollars in flood relief and plans to give even more. Michelle Southern has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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An Ascension Parish lawmaker wants FEMA to move faster in providing manufactured homes for flood victims. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Baton Rouge Area Foundation has given over 1.6 million dollars to help those affected by the historic flooding that tore through south Louisiana. Director of Communications Mukul Verma says they’ve given dozens of grants to local nonprofits working in the field of flood relief. He says a lot of this money comes from online platforms where people from around the country donate money.

CUT 3 (10)  “million”

Verma says companies around the region have donated about a million dollars to BRAF. He says 600-thousand dollars have been distributed to schools and education organizations to assist with new classroom supplies and restoring water logged schools.

CUT 4 (09)  “on track”

Verma says donations aren’t coming in as quickly like after Hurricane Katrina, for which they raised 10 million dollars in the same amount of time. He says donations have slowed again but they are raising about 20-thousand dollars a day in online donations and a lot of other people are raising money too.

CUT 5 (10)  “relief fund”

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State lawmakers grilled a FEMA administrator today in the House Homeland Security Committee meeting, asking why it’s taking so long to get assistance to flood victims. FEMA Coordinating Officer Gerard Stolar says there are 23-hundred FEMA personnel working on this disaster.

CUT 6 (08) “this disaster”

Stolar says 131-thousand people have registered for federal aid, and $315 million has been approved for FEMA. He says over 111-thousand home inspections have been ordered, but only 56-thousand have been completed.

CUT 7 (09) “hundred”

Stolar says $289 million has been dispersed to flood victims. He says 2-thousand flood survivors are still in hotels, and more than 15-hundred are in shelters. Gonzales Representative Clay Schexnayder express frustration that FEMA is not moving fast enough to help flood victims return to a normal everyday life…

CUT 8 (08) “their homes” 

Stolar says 200 households have been approved for FEMA manufactured homes, but only one of the trailers has been set up in Louisiana. He says local ordinances are creating a road block to getting these homes set up. Schexnayder says he doesn’t care how it happens, but the process needs to be expedited.

CUT 9 (08) “at all”

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State Treasurer John Kennedy told lawmakers today that they should consider suspending the one cent sales tax increase for flood victims rebuilding their homes. He said the state should not reap a financial windfall from people’s tragedy, when they’ll have to pay an extra penny on items needed to rebuild their lives…:

cut 10 (09)  “the extra penny”

But New Orleans Senator JP Morrell, who chairs the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee, says this is not something that Kennedy should be proposing as feasible on the fly, because it’s not…:

Cut 11 (08) “we’re in session”

Kennedy says the increase in the sales tax should be revisited, even if it means calling a special session. He says Morrell is entitled to his opinion:

cut 12 (09) “more money”

Morrell says Kennedy has been in government for years, and he should know that the state’s tax code just doesn’t allow lawmakers to immediately suspend a tax for certain people…:

Cut 13 (12)  “sound bite”

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Mandeville police have arrested a former employee at an assistant living facility on a charge of first degree rape. Officer Beck White says 58-year-old Jerry Kan, who worked as cook at Beau Provence Memory Care, was booked after authorities received a call about inappropriate behavior between Kan and a 78-year-old resident.

cut 14 (03)  “the facility”

White says Kan has worked at Beau Provence since April of this year. She says the incident occurred on August 21 inside the resident’s room, and Kan resigned two days later.

cut 15 (04) “incident”

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