13:30 Newscast, September 2nd, 2016

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”
To register for the program visit shelter-at-home-dot-la-dot-gov.

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…:
CUT 6 (10) “weekend”
He says there will be checkpoints and extra police out on the roadways to protect the motoring public.

A 43-year-old woman died in a house fire Friday morning in north Kenner, Fire Chief John Hellmers said. He said they were able to attack the blaze quickly, but sadly located the victim’s body on the floor of the home in a rear bedroom. The name is being withheld until all relatives can be notified, Hellmers said.

There’s another study out saying Louisiana has the highest obesity rate in the country. Bob Johannessen with LDH says we lack sidewalks in neighborhoods here, and in some cases limited outdoor activity options. He says there is also less access to physical activity in school…:
CUT 4 (08) “might expect”
Trust for America’s Health finds Louisiana’s adult obesity rate is 36-percent.

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. Fans will be asked to donate by texting “LAFLOOD” to 90999.

 

12:30 Newscast, September 2nd, 2016

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”

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”
At LaWorks.net.

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 (07) “no drivers’ license”
State Police is investigating the crash. The feds are looking into the bus company and how this man was able to get it with no drivers license.

AAA says that gas prices are rising as we close out the summer driving season. At $2.05 for a statewide average, it’s about 3 cents higher than the prior week, and 10 cents more than a month ago.

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast September 2nd

The 2016 season kicks-off tomorrow for the LSU Tigers. LSU’s defense will face a quarterback that will make his first collegiate start. Wisconsin’s Bart Houston is a fifth-year senior and LSU safety Jamal Adams anticipates Houston will play well…
cut 19 (09) “…a challenge’
Houston has thrown 51 passes during his college carrer, most of them came during a relief role in a game against Illinois, where he completed 22 of 33 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns.

Former LSU star Eric Reid joined his teammate, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, in not standing during the singing of the national anthem, before last night’s preseason game against San Diego. Reid recently wrote a piece for Sports Illustrated’s Monday Morning quarterback where he talked about the racial profiling he’s faced from police officers.

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 now hold semifinals Monday through Thursday and the title games will be Friday and Saturday. Both baseball and softball championships in Sulphur have decided to add an extra day to their format to accomodate the influx of teams.

Friday night lights returns tonight as there are several great match-ups on the gridiron. In north Louisiana…it’s Many at Winnfield and Oak Grove versus Mangham and the game on CST is Brother Martin versus Plaquemine.

Tonight in college football…it’s Northwestern State at 21st ranked Baylor. Tulane started the season with a 7-3 loss to Wake Forest last night.

The Saints have had trouble on the offensive line, but they’ve reportedly agreed to a three-year contract extension with their best o-lineman, center Max Unger.

11:30 Newscast, September 2nd, 2016

LSU takes on Wisconsin tomorrow at historic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, and an organization in Madison is helping out with flood relief donations during the game. Judd Schemmel, with American Family Insurance, 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”
He says they are encouraging football fans to donate to the Red Cross by texting “LAFLOOD” to 90999.

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. State Police say Denis Yasmir Amaya Rodriguez, an illegal alien, is booked with 3 counts of Negligent Homicide, 41 counts of Negligent Injuring, Reckless Operation and No Driver’s License.

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 they recommend that everyone eat at least five fruits and vegetables a day and eliminate sugary drinks from their diet.

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 1 (04) “second amendment”
He says many sportsmen are eager to purchase new supplies with hunting season right around the corner.

 

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…:
CUT 5 (04) “second amendment”

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…:
CUT 15 (04) “early 18″
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…:
CUT 6 (10) “sales tax”
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…:
CUT 4 (10) “vehicles”
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…:
Cut 18 (13) “special”
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…:
Cut 16 (13) “come around”
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”