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.

A traffic stop in Jefferson Davis Parish leads to a huge drug bust. Investigators were led to a convenience store in Jennings with a poker room inside, and Police Chief Danny Semmes says officers found Robert Moore there with about 20-thousand dollars worth of drugs on his body, including fentanyl, crack cocaine and methamphetamine.

Cut 14 (07) “…that poker room.”

Semmes says Moore had about 55-thousand lethal doses of fentanyl on him.

The longtime public address announcer at Death Valley is taking a temporary leave of absence for health reasons. Bill Franques is stepping in for Dan Borne on an interim basis.

Cut 5 (11) “…uphold that standard.”

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

PETA has a strongly-worded response to Governor Landry’s request for Mike The Tiger to make his return to Death Valley. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The attorney for the 11-year-old boy charged with killing former Minden Mayor Joe Cornelius and his daughter enters a not guilty plea on his behalf. The boy is charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Minden City Court Judge Sherb Sentell revoked the boy’s 500-thousand-dollar bond, meaning he will remain in custody until trial.

Longtime PA Announcer at Tiger Stadium Dan Borne is taking a temporary leave of absence for health reasons and Bill Franques will step in as the interim PA announcer.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A Baton Rouge retiree got a very pleasant surprise yesterday. Andrew Greenstein has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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PETA has a strongly-worded response to Governor Landry’s request for Mike The Tiger to make his return to Death Valley. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Dan Borne, the longtime public address announcer for LSU’s Tiger Stadium, is taking a temporary leave of absence for health reasons. Borne, who has been the voice of Tiger Stadium for nearly four decades, is widely recognized for his iconic “Saturday Night in Death Valley” introductions, which have become a beloved tradition for LSU fans. During Borne’s leave, Bill Franques will step in as the interim PA announcer.

Cut 4 (06) “…tremendous legacy.”

Franques, is no stranger to LSU athletics, has been the public voice of LSU baseball for over 30 years, and is well-versed in the energy and atmosphere of LSU sports events. His experience and familiarity with the university’s sports culture make him the right choice to fill in for Borne.

Cut 5 (11) “…uphold that standard.”

Borne’s temporary departure has stirred emotions among LSU fans, who hold his voice as an integral part of their game-day experience. However, Franques’ appointment provides continuity, ensuring that the tradition of engaging, professional announcements at Tiger Stadium will continue.

Cut 6 (11) …four decades.”

There is no official timeline for Borne’s return, but fans and colleagues alike hope to hear his voice back in the stadium soon.

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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.

Cut 7 (06) “…this often happens.”

Fleming says the Unclaimed Property Program has more than 900-million dollars in unclaimed property; and for large sums like L’herisson’s, his office will go to great lengths to track down the rightful owner.

Cut 8 (09) “…or their heir.”

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. Beyond that, he hasn’t decided.

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People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issues a strongly-worded letter to Governor Landry following his request that LSU bring back its live mascot, Mike The Tiger, to Death Valley. LSU officially ended its long-standing tradition in 2017, and Klayton Rutherford with the PETA Foundation says that was the right move.

Cut 10 (10) “…frankly absurd plan.”

Rutherford says tigers are normally solitary animals; and as such, they’re naturally uncomfortable with many aspects of the pregame hype like lights and fireworks.

Cut 11 (09) “…ideas to himself.”

Rutherford says stadiums are no place for tigers – or any exotic animals, for that matter.

Cut 12 (08) “…shun human contact.”

LSU has already responded to Governor Landry, saying it has no plans to bring Mike The Tiger back to Death Valley anytime soon.

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A traffic stop in Jefferson Davis Parish leads to a huge drug bust. As Jennings Police pulled over a vehicle, a passenger threw narcotics at the driver’s head and left the vehicle. He was arrested and booked into jail. Police Chief Danny Semmes (“Sims”) says the investigation then led officers to a convenience store with a poker room inside, and officers eventually found Robert Moore there.

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. Chief Semmes says Moore was a regular customer of the convenience store.

Cut 14 (07) “…that poker room.”

And Semmes says Moore had a boatload of drugs, including about 55-thousand lethal doses of fentanyl.

Cut 15 (11) “…in his pants.”

Semmes says the investigation took about a month to finish.

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LSU has lost running back John Emery to a season-ending ACL injury, but cornerback Zy Alexander will likely make his return from an ACL injury he suffered last October when the Tigers host Nicholls on Saturday night. Coach Brian Kelly says they plan to ease Alexander in

Cut  16 (16)   “…corner position.”

Starting safety Jardin Gilbert will miss the first half of Saturday night’s game because of a targeting penalty against him on Sunday. Kelly says he’s preparing to get freshman Dashawn Spears and redshirt freshman Kylin Jackson on the field more this Saturday…

Cut 17 (15) “…as well.”

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ULM won its season opener for Jackson State, but the oddsmakers do not have the Warhawks winning a second straight game this Saturday at home against UAB. Warhawks Coach Bryant Vincent says they’ve accepted the underdog role…

Cut 18 (20)  “…Saturday night.”

Eleven-thousand fans were at the game last Thursday against Jackson State. Vincent wants a much larger crowd for this Saturday night’s home game against the Blazers…

Cut 19 (14) “….ready to play” 

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The Saints are preparing for Sunday’s season opener against the Carolina Panthers. Even though Carolina is a divisional opponent, there is a bit of an unknown about the Panthers since they have a new head coach in Dave Canales. Canales was previously the Buccaneers offensive coordinator. Allen says in-game adjustments will be a key on Sunday…

Cut 20 (17) “…when we need to.”

Kick off on Sunday is at noon.

It’s proving to be a wet day for most of Louisiana today. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the heavy rains could wreak some havoc but the state actually needs rain.

Cut 8 (06)  “…moderate drought.”

The heavy rains are expected to continue through Friday; in fact, the southern third of the state is under a flash flood watch through that day.

Governor Landry is urging LSU to bring out its live mascot, Mike The Tiger, to football games. Piper Hutchinson broke the story for the Louisiana Illuminator. She says having Mike The Tiger in a cage on the football field was a tradition that was halted in 2017.

Cut 9 (12)  “…him very uncomfortable.”

LSU says it has no plans to alter its current protocol with Mike The Tiger.

An updated version of GOHSEP’s “Get a Game Plan” app has been released to improve disaster preparedness for Louisiana residents.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

LSU’s leading rusher in Sunday’s loss to USC reportedly tore his ACL in practice yesterday and is out for the season. John Emery rushed for 61 yards in his first game back since tearing his ACL in his right knee last November. Emery’s injury leaves LSU with just three scholarship running backs on the roster.

After urging LSU and other schools to revoke scholarships for athletes who skip out on the national anthem, Governor Landry is urging LSU to bring out its live mascot, Mike The Tiger, to football games. Piper Hutchinson broke the story for the Louisiana Illuminator. She says this will likely not be the last time that Landry involves himself in LSU athletics matters.

Cut 11 (15) “…the team’s business.”

Citing the well-being of exotic animals, LSU says it has no plans to bring Mike The Tiger onto the field anytime soon.

GOHSEP has released an updated version of its “Get A Game Plan” app. Mike Steele with GOHSEP encourages all residents to download and familiarize themselves with the app, ensuring that they are better prepared to protect themselves and their families during emergencies.

Cut 5 (07) “…process can become.”

Download the app on the App Store and Google Play store

Most of the state dealt with heavy rains today with the southern third of Louisiana under a flash flood watch through Friday.  LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim urges residents to be mindful and cautious.

Cut 6 (12) “…certainly there.”

Keim says the heavy rains are expected to continue through Friday for most of the state. He says while the heavy rains could wreak some havoc, the state actually needs it.

A Franklin Parish man is killed in a head-on crash. Louisiana State Police Troopers say 20-year-old Ethan Cottingham of Winnsboro was driving his pickup truck eastbound on Highway 130 when a dump truck being driven by 69-year-old James Fowler veered into his lane and hit him head-on. Cottingham was not wearing a seatbelt; he was pronounced dead at the scene. Intoxication is not believed to be a factor.

It’s proving to be a wet day for most of Louisiana today. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the heavy rains could wreak some havoc but the state actually needs rain.

Cut 8 (06)  “…moderate drought.”

The heavy rains are expected to continue through Friday; in fact, the southern third of the state is under a flash flood watch through that day.

GOHSEP releases an updated version of its “Get A Game Plan” app to improve disaster preparedness. Spokesman Mike Steele says users can now access vital information on shelter locations, road closures, and power outages, all within the app.

Cut 4 (08) “…supplies you may need.”

Download the app on the App Store and Google Play store or visit get-a-game-plan-dot-org for more information and resources.

Governor Landry is urging LSU to bring out its live mascot, Mike The Tiger, to football games. He made that request as he and three other conservative officials who are also veterinarians recently met with the dean of the school of veterinary medicine, Oliver Garden. Among the other officials present was Minden Representative Wayne McMahen, who Piper Hutchinson with the Louisiana Illuminator says was very skeptical of whether Landry’s request was a good idea.

Cut 10 (09) “…tiger new tricks.”

This latest request comes on the heels of Landry urging LSU and other state schools to have their athletes present during the playing of the national anthem and revoking scholarships for those who refuse to do so.

Speaking of LSU – the Tigers’ leading rusher in Sunday’s loss to USC reportedly tore his ACL in practice yesterday and is out for the season. John Emery rushed for 61 yards in his first game back since tearing his ACL in his right knee last November.

Just four days to go before the Saints open their season against the Carolina Panthers at the Superdome. This season could be the last in a Saints uniform for Alvin Kamara, as contract talks between the running back and the ballclub have stalled. Kamara says now that the season is here, his only focus is on the field.

Cut 17 (09) “…after the season.”

Kamara has listed his Belle Chasse home for 2.75-million dollars. But that does not necessarily mean Kamara is on his way out — he has other properties in the city.

Coming off a win over Grambling, UL-Lafayette will look to make it two in a row to start the season as they hit the road to face Kennesaw State. Ragin’ Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux is looking to keep the momentum going.

Cut 25 (17) “…did last year.”

Kickoff in Kennesaw Saturday is at six p-m.

LSU Coach Brian Kelly seems to have calmed down from his table-pounding postgame news conference following the loss to USC. Kelly admitted that he was mad at his team for critical mistakes, including an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Kyren Lacy for making a shooting motion towards the Trojans following a touchdown pass. Kelly says Lacy knows better.

Cut 20 (23) “…I don’t care.”

LSU will try to regroup Saturday against Nicholls in Death Valley. 

And when they do, the live mascot Mike The Tiger will not be present, even though Governor Landry has requested that he be on the field. The school halted the tradition when it adopted the current Mike, citing responsible treatment of exotic animals.