We’re keeping a close eye on Tropical Storm Francine. The National Hurricane Center upgraded the storm at ten this morning. According to the current track, Francine is slated to make landfall somewhere between Vermillion and St. Mary parishes as a Category One hurricane at around seven Wednesday evening. Right now, Francine is located about 480 miles south-southwest of Cameron, packing maximum sustained winds of close to 50 miles an hour. A tropical storm watch is in effect for nearly the entire Louisiana gulf coast.

State Police Detectives continue the investigation into Saturday’s deadly officer-involved shooting in Lafayette in which the suspect was killed. Trooper Peggy Bourque says a Lafayette Police officer was investigating a burglary complaint and located the suspect’s vehicle.

Cut 3 (04) “…towards an officer.”

During the encounter, the officer shot 27-year-old Rigoberto Sanchez, killing him. The officer suffered minor injuries.

Following the deadly school shooting in Georgia, Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans is reminding you of an app that it’s partnered on with Safe Schools Louisiana. Under state law, students are not allowed to have cell phones in their classrooms. Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans CEO Darlene Cusanza (kuh-SANS-ah) says that has not been a barrier.

Cut 6 (11) …after school hours.”

The program has been up and running in greater New Orleans since 2004; and in 2020, it expanded statewide.

Louisiana entered the national spotlight with the nationwide premiere of “Reagan.” Dave Roberts, the owner of Baton Rouge-based Alluwee Productions, says he set out to tell the story about President Ronald Reagan without making it overly political.

Cut 7 (10) “…with Nancy Reagan.”

So far, the film has grossed more than 18.5-million dollars.

The disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico is now officially Tropical Storm Francine. The National Hurricane Center says on its current path, Francine is slated to make landfall between Vermillion and St. Mary parishes at around seven Wednesday evening as a Category One hurricane. Meteorologist Joe Rua with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says there’s enough time and the sea surface temperatures are warm enough for this storm to strengthen to that level.

Cut 15 (10) “…talking about.”

A hurricane watch is now in effect for nearly the entire Louisiana Gulf Coast.

The State of Louisiana is awarded a 70-million dollar grant to help students become stronger readers. The money will be used to serve schools which are either chronically failing, have a high teacher turnover, have a growing number of English learners or to high schools with low graduation rates, among other potential criteria.

The Louisiana Department of Education is expanding its tutoring program through the Steve Carter Literacy Tutoring Program.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

In light of the deadly school shooting in Georgia, Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans is reminding you of an anonymous reporting tool it’s partnered on with Safe Schools Louisiana. Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans CEO Darlene Cusanza (kuh-SANS-ah) says there are many ways that students can report safety concerns.

Cut 4 (07) “…is our website.”

Dove hunting season gets underway tomorrow. Richard Temple with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says it’s looking like this will be a great start to the season.

Cut 5 (06) “…hunters out there.”

As the season approaches, LDWF is working to ensure that hunting areas are well-maintained and ready for the influx of hunters.

Six more neglected horses and ponies have been taken into custody by Louisiana humane groups. Humane Society of Louisiana Director Jeff Dorson says the severity of their conditions brings a heavy burden to the agency.

Cut 9 (09)  “…thousands of dollars.”

These animals were found in poor condition, suffering from malnutrition, untreated injuries, and lack of proper care. Dorson is urging the public to report any signs of animal neglect and to support rescue efforts through donations or adoption.

Fans going to Saturday’s home opener at Death Valley will be in for a special experience. LSU Chief Operations Officer and Deputy Athletic Director Keli Zinn says Tiger Stadium underwent several improvements during the offseason in preparation for its 100th year. 

Cut 6 (08) “…exist this season.”

LSU’s opponent is Nicholls; and despite the mismatch on paper, the Colonels are excited to be taking the field at Death Valley. Head Coach Tim Rebowe says along with a 760-thousand-dollar payday, this game provides a great opportunity to get the word out about the school and the football team.

Cut  14 (08) “..type of stuff.”

The Colonels are the defending Southland Conference champions, and Rebowe is the reigning conference coach of the year. This matchup was originally scheduled for 2020 until COVID altered those plans.

Dove hunting season opens Saturday. Biologist Richard Temple with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reminds hunters to follow all state and federal regulations, including obtaining the proper licenses.

Cut 4 (06) “…HIP certified.”

Temple also emphasizes the importance of adhering to daily bag limits, which are set at 15 doves per hunter per day.

The day is almost here – the Saints get their 2024 season underway Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. Coach Dennis Allen says he’s looking for another strong start.

Cut 15 (17) “…to play football.”

Kickoff at the Superdome Sunday is noon.

Six more neglected horses and ponies have been taken into custody by Louisiana humane groups, adding to a growing number of equine neglect cases.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office arrests a juvenile during the overnight hours for allegedly making a social media threat to shoot up Iowa high school. The 15-year-old was taken into custody at around one this morning and has been booked into the Juvenile Detention Center.

It may be a mismatch on paper, but Nicholls is looking forward to running onto the field at Death Valley to take on LSU. This matchup was originally scheduled for 2020 until COVID altered those plans, and Colonels Coach Tim Rebowe was excited to get it rescheduled.

Cut 12 (08) “…here it is.”

While nearly everyone expects LSU to handily beat Nicholls, the Colonels are actually a good team in their own right. They’re the defending Southland Conference champions; and Rebowe is the reigning conference coach of the year.

Dove hunting season opens tomorrow. Biologist Richards Temple with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reminds hunters to follow all state and federal regulations, including obtaining the proper licenses.

Cut 4 (06) “…HIP certified.”

Temple also emphasizes the importance of adhering to daily bag limits, which are set at 15 doves per hunter per day.

Six more neglected horses and ponies have been taken into custody by Louisiana humane groups, adding to a growing number of equine neglect cases.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office arrests a juvenile during the overnight hours for allegedly making a social media threat to shoot up Iowa high school. The 15-year-old was taken into custody at around one this morning and has been booked into the Juvenile Detention Center.

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 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.

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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. National Weather Service Meteorologist Kevin Gilmore says the area is expected to get heavy rainfall over the next couple days, and that will increase the chances of flooding.

Cut 10 (06) “…the metro areas.”

In Southwest Louisiana, including Lake Charles, the flood watch is in effect through tomorrow night; in Southeast Louisiana, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge, it’s in effect until Saturday morning.

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 applicants need to meet certain requirements.

Cut 3 (12) “…30 college credits.”

Starting salary for new cadets is 56-thousand dollars.

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.”

The state fire marshal’s office says the deadly house explosion in Beauregard Parish over the weekend was likely caused by a propane leak. A 16-year-old boy was killed in the explosion in Ragley. Five others, including a two-year-old boy, remain hospitalized.

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 applicants need to meet certain requirements.

Cut 3 (12) “…30 college credits.”

The starting salary is 56-thousand dollars, which will go up to 61-thousand dollars during that first year.

A traffic stop in Jefferson Davis Parish leads to a huge drug bust. Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes (“Sims”) says officers were led to a convenience store with a poker room inside, where they found Robert Moore.

Cut 13 (09)  “…found on him.” 

One officer who Moore fought with had to be taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Longtime Death Valley PA announcer Dan Borne (bore-NAY) is taking a temporary leave of absence for health reasons. Bill Franques (fran-KEZ) will serve as interim PA announcer, and he says he will look to provide continuity.

Cut 6 (11) …four decades.”

Franques is no stranger to LSU fans; he’s been the PA voice of the baseball team for more than 30 years.

A retiree from Baton Rouge got quite the pleasant surprise yesterday – a check for more than 13-thousand dollars. State Treasurer John Fleming presented a check for $13,439.91 to Lawrence L’herisson (“Larson”) following a meeting of the St. George Rotary Club. L’herisson is very thankful for the efforts of Fleming and his office.

Cut 9 (09)  “…would have done.”

L’herisson says he plans on using a portion of that money to restore his Ford Model A.