Tropical Storm Francine has formed in the southern Gulf of Mexico and is eying a Louisiana landfall by Wednesday night.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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LSU’s big run stuffer in the middle of its defensive line is out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Louisiana State Police is investigating a fatal police shooting that happened in Lafayette on Saturday morning.  The incident claimed the life of 27-year-old Rigoberto Sanchez of Lafayette.  Trooper Peggy Bourque says  a Lafayette Police officer was investigating a burglary complaint and located the suspect’s vehicle. Bourque says Sanchez was in that vehicle…

Cut 3 (04) “…towards an officer.”

During the encounter the officer discharged their service weapon, striking Sanchez.  Bourque says Sanchez suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene, and the officer suffered minor injuries…

Cut 4 (10) “…processing the scene.”

This is an active investigation; further information will be released when it becomes available.  Bourque is asking anyone with information to share that with L-S-P Detectives and can anonymously report information to the Louisiana State Police online reporting system…

Cut 5 (10) “…1-800-434-8007.”

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A new survey from Bankrate reveals that one out of every four homeowners feel that they’re not financially prepared for a major storm. Analyst Shannon Martin says many homeowners aren’t doing anything to prepare for the financial costs of severe weather.

Cut 6 (12) “…many homeowners did.”

Martin says while in the minority, homeowners in the South are more on top of what their homeowners insurance policy dictates compared to those across the country.

Cut 7 (09) “…to 42-percent.”

Martin says not surprisingly, those with higher salaries are less likely to go into debt when paying their portion of weather-related damage.

Cut 8 (10)  “…make over 80-thousand.”

Furthermore, only ten-percent of homeowners in the South say they invested in weatherproofing strategies over the last five years.

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Tropical Storm Francine has formed in the southern Gulf of Mexico and is eying a Louisiana landfall. National Weather Service Meteorologist Montra Lockwood says Francine is expected to intensify into a Category I hurricane by Tuesday night…

Cut 9 (05)  “…by Wednesday night.”

A Storm Surge watch has been posted for Cameron, Vermilion, St, Mary and St. Martin parishes as a ten foot storm surge is possible. Francine is also expected to produce several inches of rain across the southern half of the state and into northeast Louisiana

Cut 10 (05) “…12 inches as well.”

Lockwood says Francine will pick up speed on Tuesday night and should push through Louisiana quickly…

Cut 11 (06) “…early Thursday.”

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People living along low-lying areas of the Louisiana Gulf Coast are starting to make plans to potentially evacuate to higher ground. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in Cameron. In Grand Isle, Louisiana’s last inhabited island, Mayor David Carmadelle is urging his residents to get out.

Cut 12 (09) “…the RVs out.”

Mayor Carmadelle says he expects the voluntary evacuation for residents to become a mandatory evacuation tomorrow.

Cut 13 (08) “…to get out” 

Carmadelle says his main concern is not the wind speed, but rather the storm surge.

Cut  14 (09) “..with high tides.”

Carmadelle says in recent years, building codes have strengthened so that most buildings can withstand a Category One hurricane like the one that’s expected to make landfall Wednesday evening.

We’re continuing to keep a close eye on Tropical Storm Francine. The National Hurricane Center has just issued its intermediate advisory. Francine has strengthened since ten this morning; it is now packing maximum sustained winds of 60 miles an hour. According to the current track, the storm is still slated to make landfall somewhere in Vermillion Parish at around seven Wednesday evening. National Weather Service meteorologist Montra Lockwood says Francine should push through Louisiana quickly…

Cut 11 (06) “…early Thursday.”

Evacuations have started to be ordered. Grand Isle Mayor David Camardelle says a voluntary evacuation is now in effect with a mandatory evacuation for boats and mobile homes. Camardelle says he expects the voluntary evacuation to be escalated to a mandatory evacuation sometime tomorrow.

A hurricane watch is in effect for most of the entire Louisiana Gulf Coast.

How confident are we when it comes to the financial ramifications of severe weather? According to a new survey from Bankrate, not very. One out of every four homeowners feel that they’re nor prepared. Analyst Shannon Martin says homeowners in the South are more on top of what their homeowners insurance policy dictates compared to those across the country.

Cut 7 (09) “…to 42-percent.”

Not surprisingly, those who earn lower salaries are more likely to go into debt in paying for storm costs than their wealthier counterparts.

Louisiana State Police is investigating a deadly officer-involved shooting in Lafayette Saturday morning. Troopers say a Lafayette Police officer was investigating a burglary complaint and located the suspect’s vehicle. And as that suspect, 27-year-old Rigoberto Sanchez of Lafayette, was backing up, the officer fatally shot him. The officer suffered minor injuries.

Tropical Storm Francine has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is eying a Louisiana landfall. National Weather Service Meteorologist Montra Lockwood says Francine is expected to intensify into a Category 1 hurricane by tomorrow night…

Cut 9 (05)  “…by Wednesday night.”

As of ten this morning, Francine was located about 480 miles south-southwest of Cameron, packing maximum sustained winds of close to 50 miles an hour.

A new survey from Bankrate reveals that one out of every four homeowners feel that they’re not financially prepared for a major storm. Analyst Shannon Martin says many homeowners aren’t doing anything to prepare for the financial costs of severe weather. 

Cut 6 (12) “…many homeowners did.”

Furthermore, only ten-percent of homeowners in the South say they invested in weatherproofing strategies over the last five years.

Louisiana State Police is investigating a deadly officer-involved shooting in Lafayette Saturday morning.  Trooper Peggy Bourque says a police officer was investigating a burglary and located the suspect’s vehicle. Bourque says 27-year-old Rigoberto Sanchez was in that vehicle and backed up towards the officer. The officer shot Sanchez, killing him.

Cut 4 (10) “…processing the scene.”

The officer suffered minor injuries. Bourque is asking anyone with information to share that with L-S-P Detectives and can anonymously report information to the Louisiana State Police online reporting system

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.”