An iconic part of the Lake Charles skyline will be coming down tomorrow morning. Andrew Greenstein has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

New Iberia Fire Department responded to a call for a house fire located in the 200 block of San Jose Street.  When firefighters arrived, they found two people who had been able to escape, on of them injured, and a third person still inside.  Firefighters were able to locate the 56-year-old man and pull him from the fire, but life-saving efforts were unsuccessful.  State Fire Marshal deputies determined the fire was caused by an electrical malfunction in the home’s hallway near the living room.

Louisiana’s Second Amendment sales tax holiday is set for this weekend, allowing residents to purchase firearms, ammunition, and hunting supplies without state sales tax. The annual event usually takes place in September.  West Monroe Senator Steward Cathey says it’s a popular tradition for gun enthusiasts and hunters preparing for the season.

Cut 13 (09)  “…weekend alone.”

If you believe in Bigfoot, there’s a festival in Natchitoches with your name all over it. The Louisiana Bigfoot Festival will be held from ten to six tomorrow at the Natchitoches Events Center.  Organizer, Jeff Tarpley, says this will be the first of what’s intended to be an annual event.

Cut 11 (13) “…festival than Natchitoches?”

The event goes from ten to six. Admission is ten dollars for adults and five dollars for kids.  And I assume Sasquaches get in for free.

The Louisiana House Insurance Committee is meeting today for the third time since July to address the ongoing auto insurance crisis. House Insurance Chairman Gabe Firment (FUR-mint) says the committee is focusing on several factors like gender, race, credit score as well as…

Cut 5 (11) “…in the state.”

Firment says the average annual premium in the state exceeds 25-hundred dollars.

If you believe in Bigfoot, there’s a festival in Natchitoches with your name all over it. The Louisiana Bigfoot Festival will be held from ten to six tomorrow at the Natchitoches Events Center. Organizer Jeff Tarpley says this is an event for the whole family.

Cut 12 (07) “…oriented for sure.”

The event goes from ten to six.

An iconic part of the Lake Charles skyline will be coming down tomorrow morning. Project manager Josh Stevens says the Capital One Tower will be the tallest building his company has ever demolished.

Cut 8 (17) “…six stories tall.”

Most of the tower’s windows were blown out during Hurricane Laura four years ago. It stood in disrepair ever since; and given the cost to bring it back up to code, the only viable option was to knock it down.

An Avolleyes (ah-VOY-ess) Parish woman is arrested in connection with a string of crimes. Alexandria Police say 27-year-old Anais Brown of Simmesport forced her way into a home, fired a gun, carjacked a vehicle and forced the driver to withdraw money from an ATM. She then allegedly carjacked another vehicle and forced that driver out. Police found Brown in that vehicle and arrested her.

The Louisiana House Insurance Committee convenes today for the third time since July to address the ongoing auto insurance crisis. House Insurance Chairman Gabe Firment says Louisiana drivers face steep costs, with average annual premiums exceeding $2,500…

Cut 4 (11) “…of these meetings.”

Any potential auto insurance reform ideas could be brought up for a vote during a possible special session early next year.

If you believe in Bigfoot, there’s a festival in Natchitoches with your name all over it. The Louisiana Bigfoot Festival will be held from ten to six tomorrow at the Natchitoches Events Center. Organizer Carl Chism (CHIZZ-im) says there will be five featured speakers.

Cut 10 (07) “…their encounters themselves.”

There are some people who claim they’ve spotted Bigfoot in the Kisatchie National Forest. Last July, the New York Post reported on a story that high school graduates from Houma called the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s office after seeing a large animal that resembled Bigfoot.

The Capital One Tower in Lake Charles has stood as a reminder of the devastation left behind from Hurricane Laura four years ago, but the 375 foot tall building will come crashing down tomorrow as it will be imploded…

Cut 9 (10) “…arranged”

That’s Josh Stevens of Lloyd D Nabors Demolition. His company oversees taking the building down. The skyscraper lost most of its windows from Hurricane Laura’s 130-mile per hour plus winds. The implosion will take place at 8 AM tomorrow.

Louisiana’s Second Amendment sales tax holiday is this weekend, allowing residents to purchase firearms, ammunition, and hunting supplies without having to pay state and local sales taxes. West Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey says this sales tax holiday brings out of state visitors.

Cut 13 (09)  “…weekend alone.”

And tomorrow is the start of dove hunting season in Louisiana.

Busy day at the state capitol today as several committees are meeting to discuss the state’s auto insurance rates, which are among the highest in the country. House Insurance Chairman Gabe Firment says this is one of the biggest issues the state is facing…

Cut 6 (12) “….to this issue”

At today’s hearing, they will discuss how attorney advertising impacts rates and whether gender should be a factor in premiums, single women have higher rates than married women.

Tomorrow is the start of dove hunting season and this weekend it’s the Second Amendment Sales Tax holiday, which means guns, ammunition and hunting supplies are exempt from the state’s 0.45 percent sales tax. Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey sponsored the legislation that brought back this sales tax holiday…

Cut 15 (07) “….provides that relief”

If you’re a believer in Bigfoot, there’s a festival tomorrow with your name all over it. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a minor during the overnight hours for making a social media threat to Iowa high school.

Friday night football returns to Louisiana and there’s a big game in Lincoln Parish as two of the top teams in Class Five-A meet, defending state champion Ruston hosts Acadiana.

The Louisiana House Insurance Committee meets again today to discuss the ongoing auto insurance crisis. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

 The flash flood watch continues for parishes along the I-10—I-12 corridor and along the coast. The National Weather Service says over a half of foot rain has already fallen Houma, Slidell and parts of Baton Rouge. Another two to four inches could fall today.

 An iconic part of the Lake Charles skyline will be coming down tomorrow morning. The Capital One Tower will be imploded at eight a-m. Demolition project manager Josh Stevens says this will be the tallest building his company has ever demolished.

Cut 7 (08) “…at 375 feet.”

Most of the tower’s windows were blown out during Hurricane Laura four years ago.

Today through Sunday is the Second Amendment Sales Tax weekend which means guns, ammunition and hunting supplies are tax free as consumers do not have to pay the 4.45 percent state sales tax. It’s the result of a 2023 law sponsored by Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey who says this weekend brings in out of state visitors…

Cut 14 (12) “…to protect”

The Louisiana House Insurance Committee meets today for the third time since July to discuss the ongoing auto insurance crisis. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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An iconic part of the Lake Charles skyline will be coming down tomorrow morning. Andrew Greenstein has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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If you’re a believer in Bigfoot, there’s a festival tomorrow with your name all over it. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The Louisiana House Insurance Committee convenes today for the third time since July to address the ongoing auto insurance crisis. Lawmakers and industry experts are discussing potential solutions to the rising insurance premiums, among the country’s highest. House Insurance Chairman Gabe Firment (FUR-mint) says Louisiana drivers face steep costs, with average annual premiums exceeding $2,500…

Cut 4 (11) “…of these meetings.”

Firment says Louisiana’s legal climate encourages excessive litigation, which drives up costs for insurers and, ultimately, consumers and the committee will focus on several factors like gender, race, credit score as well as…

Cut 5 (11) “…in the state.”

Firment says lawmakers remain committed to continuing discussions and pursuing policies aimed at lowering auto insurance rates for Louisiana residents while ensuring proper coverage and consumer protections.

Cut 6 (12) …to this issue.”

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An iconic part of the Lake Charles skyline will be coming down tomorrow morning. The Capital One Tower will be imploded at eight a-m. Demolition project manager Josh Stevens says this will be the tallest building his company has ever demolished.

Cut 7 (08) “…at 375 feet.”

Most of the tower’s windows were blown out during Hurricane Laura four years ago. It stood in disrepair ever since; and given the cost to bring it back up to code, the only viable option was to knock it down.

Cut 8 (17) “…six stories tall.”

The tower was put up in 1983 and had been beset by low occupancy for years, even before Hurricane Laura tore it apart. Although weather is looking good for tomorrow morning, Stevens says the demolition would proceed, rain or shine.

Cut 9 (12)  “…on that morning.”

It’s unclear what will eventually become of the site.

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If you believe in Bigfoot, there’s a festival in Natchitoches with your name all over it. The Louisiana Bigfoot Festival will be held from ten to six tomorrow at the Natchitoches Events Center. Organizer Carl Chism (CHIZZ-im) says there will be five featured speakers.

Cut 10 (07) “…their encounters themselves.”

Another organizer, Jeff Tarpley, says this will be the first of what’s intended to be an annual event.

Cut 11 (13) “…festival than Natchitoches?”

Tarpley says this is an event for the whole family.

Cut 12 (07) “…oriented for sure.”

The event goes from ten to six. Admission is ten dollars for adults and five dollars for kids.

_____________________________________________________

Louisiana’s Second Amendment sales tax holiday is set for this weekend, allowing residents to purchase firearms, ammunition, and hunting supplies without state sales tax. The annual event usually takes place in September.  West Monroe Senator Steward Cathey says it’s a popular tradition for gun enthusiasts and hunters preparing for the season.

Cut 13 (09)  “…weekend alone.” 

During the holiday, eligible purchases, including rifles, pistols, shotguns, ammunition, archery gear, and select hunting accessories, are exempt from the state’s sales tax. Cathey says the holiday also benefits local retailers, who often see increased foot traffic and sales during the weekend…

Cut 14 (12) “…to protect.”

As Louisiana faces a 300-million-dollar deficit in 2025, legislators may consider eliminating or scaling back the tax holiday in future years to help close the financial gap. For now, the event is expected to proceed as planned, but its long-term future remains in question as officials balance fiscal responsibility with popular traditions.  Cathey says he’s glad he can give Louisiana shoppers some help…

Cut 15 (07) “…provides that relief.”

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After a tough loss to USC, 18th ranked LSU will host Nicholls State in its home opener on Saturday night. Tight end Mason Taylor says it’s important to not let one loss derail their season as they can still play for SEC Championship or get in the 12-team playoff…

Cut  16 (13)   “…for the challenge.”

Despite the loss, senior defensive end Sai’vion Jones had a break out game against the Trojans with two sacks and five tackles. Jones says he can’t let one game get to his head…

Cut 17 (17) “…be consistent.”

Based on Sunday’s performance against the Trojans, it appears LSU’s defense is better this season. Jones says new defensive coordinator Blake Baker has made a big difference on the group…

Cut 18 (17)  “…a lot of trust in him.”

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After a 40-to-10 win at home to open the season, the Ragin Cajuns are on the road tomorrow to face Kennesaw State. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux is interested to see how his team handles success, because they didn’t handle it well last year…

Cut 19 (19) “….play well” 

Desormeaux says he wants to see his team tackle better to start the game…

Cut 20 (12) “…one on one tackles.”

A flood watch is in effect for nearly all of South Louisiana. National Weather Service Meteorologist Kevin Gilmore says the area is expected to get heavy rainfall over the next couple days. As for how much?

Cut 11 (07) “…bands set up.”

Gilmore says the prolonged rain is causing the soil to become saturated, increasing the chances of flooding.

If you want to join the next cadet class for the Louisiana State Police, time is running out to apply. The deadline for applying for the 106th Cadet Class is September 18th, less than two weeks away. Lieutenant Robert Fontenot says just being approved to go through academy yields a handsome starting salary.

Cut 5 (09) “…year of employment.”

By the end of that first year, the salary for rookie troopers will increase to 61-thousand dollars a year.

Louisiana experienced a significant reduction in highway deaths in 2023, with data showing 811 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes with a 10.5% decrease compared to the previous year.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The 11-year-old accused of killing former Minden Mayor Joe Cornelieus and his daughter has pleaded not guilty though his public defender. Judge Sherb Sentell accepted the plea and revoked the juvenile’s $500,000 bond meaning he will remain in custody until trial.

A flood watch is in effect for nearly all of South Louisiana and the gulf low responsible for all the rain has now been labeled Invest 90L by The National Hurricane Center. Some models give the system a brief chance of strengthening into a tropical storm but wind shear along the Coast decreases those chances and an expected weekend cold front will push the system south into to gulf. National Weather Service Meteorologist Kevin Gilmore says the heavy rainfall over the next couple days will increase the chances of flooding.

Cut 10 (06) “…the metro areas.”

Some areas could get 10 inches or more of rain before this gulf low system moves on

The 11-year-old accused of killing former interim Minden Mayor and City Councilman, Joe Cornelieus and his daughter, Keisha Miles has pleaded not guilty though his public defender. Judge Sherb Sentell accepted the plea and revoked the juvenile’s $500,000 bond meaning he will remain in custody until trial. He is currently being held in Ware Youth Center in Coushatta.

Louisiana experienced a significant reduction in highway deaths in 2023, with data showing 811 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes with a 10.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

If you’re interested in becoming a State Trooper, The deadline to apply for the 106th Cadet Class is September 18th, less than two weeks away. Lt. Robert Fontenot says applicants need to meet certain requirements and the State Police Training Academy is hard, but the intense training leads to a well-paying job…

Cut 5 (09) “…year of employment”

Go to LSP’s website for more information.