As of this morning there are some 38-thousand people without power in Louisiana as a result of Francine. That’s down though from 400-thousand.   For its part, Entergy Louisiana has had crews working around the clock to restore power as quickly as possible. VP of Customer Service Michelle Bourg (BORG) says with manpower quadrupled, crews are making great progress.

Cut 3 (09) “…to the storm.”

Second Harvest Food Bank is mobilizing to address the immediate needs of communities in parishes impacted by Hurricane Francine.  President and CEO Natalie Second Harvest has supplied more than 200-thousand pounds of food and nearly three thousand meals so far.

Cut 11 (12) “…provide snacks there.”

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Coastal parishes hit hard by Wednesday night’s hurricane are working diligently to get life back to normal as quickly as possible. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A deadly night in Alexandria leaves two dead and two people hospitalized after a man reportedly shot three people at a local business then turned the gun on himself.  Alexandria Police say the unidentified man entered the business on Jackson around 7:30, opened fire and then killed himself. We’re told one of the victims was killed.  The other two are hospitalized in critical condition.

Entergy Louisiana is gearing up for possible widespread power outages as a result of Francine.  Vice President of Customer Service Michelle Bourg (berg) is urging customers to prepare for the storm by updating their contact information with for text updates on power at Entergy-dot-com.

Cut 13 (10)  “…stay wide open.”

Cleco Power has also added personnel as well as 17-hundred additional contractor resources in preparation for Francine.

Meanwhile Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is urging people to be insurance ready and to prepare their properties for Francine’s arrival.

Cut 6 (12) …damage your neighbors’.”

State officials are urging you to visit GetAGamePlan-dot-org for information on preparing yourself and your property for Francine’s arrival.

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As the Louisiana Gulf Coast braces for the arrival of what is expected to be Hurricane Francine, all eyes will be glued to the TV for the debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump. Louisiana-based political analyst Ron Faucheux (foe-SHAY) says with the race being a dead heat, this debate could make it or break it for either candidate and says one thing that Harris can do to score points is to use humor against Trump.

Cut 15 (12) “…effectively against him (2x).”

As for Trump’s key to victory, Faucheux says it’s important that he stay on message.

Cut 16 (13)   “…to get out.”

The debate will take place in Philadelphia and gets underway at eight p-m Central time

Governor Landry is urging people in the coastal parishes not to panic, but rather to be prepared. This, as Francine is taking aim on the Louisiana Gulf Coast. Landry is urging people in the affected areas to start preparing now and to listen to their local officials.

Cut 4 (12) “…extreme storm surges.”

For more information on preparing yourself and your property for Hurricane Francine, visit  GetAGamePlan-dot-org.

Entergy Louisiana is gearing up for the possible impact of what will likely be Hurricane Francine and the possibility of widespread power outages to the region. Vice President of Customer Service Michelle Bourg (berg) says Entergy is closely monitoring the storm’s path and preparing its crews and resources to respond quickly to any damage caused by the hurricane.

Cut 11 (09) “…bring our way.

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One of the major impacts from Francine is a potential storm surge of up to 10 feet  from Cameron to St. Mary Parish. In Vermillion Parish a voluntary evacuation is in place for residents in low-lying areas.  Vermillion Parish Emergency Preparedness Director Homer Stelly is urging people to prepare for prolonged power outages or evacuation.

Cut 8 (04) “…improve it.”

Lafayette is in the middle of Francine’s current path. Mayor-President Monique Boulet is urging residents to make sure you have all your medications and important documents, secure loose items around your property.  And she’s urging people in low-lying areas to evacuate.

Cut 10 (18) “…you do evacuate.”

With Francine taking aim at the Louisiana Gulf Coast, Governor Landry has a message for residents. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Lafayette is in the middle of Francine’s current path. Mayor-President Monique Boulet is urging people to start preparing now.

Cut 9 (11)  “…tank of gas.”

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One of the major impacts from Francine is a potential storm surge of up to 10 feet  from Cameron to St. Mary Parish. Vermillion Parish Emergency Preparedness Director Homer Stelly says a voluntary evacuation is in place for low-lying residents…

Cut 7 (06) “…south of Highway 14.”

Entergy Louisiana is getting ready for the possible fallout from Francine, which could bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and widespread power outages. Vice President of Customer Service Michelle Bourg (berg) says Entergy is making preparations, which includes staging equipment, coordinating with local agencies, and ensuring that restoration efforts can begin as soon as conditions are safe.

Cut 12 (10) “…as safely as possible.”

Big day for hunters in the Sportsmans Paradise as dove season kicks off here in Louisiana.  Dove season marks the beginning of the state’s fall hunting schedule.  Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist Richards Temple  says it’s looking like this will be a great start to the season.

Cut 5 (06) “…hunters out there.”

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

It was the end of an era today in Lake Charles an iconic Lake Charles tower come down. The implosion of the Capitol One Tower took less than thirty seconds.  And was streamed live this morning at eight as the building, built in 1983, made its curtain call.  It was left damaged and desolate by Hurricane Laura’s 130 mile per hour plus winds four years ago. We’re told it will take several months to clean up the demolition site.

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

Cut 15 (17) “…to play football.”

LSU football fans are hyped about the home opener tonight and they’re not the only ones.  Nicholls State head coach Tim Rebowe says his team is excited to take the field tonight in spite of the odds.  Rebowe says along with a huge 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.”

Kick off is set for 6:30.

Six more neglected horses and ponies have been taken into custody by Louisiana humane groups, adding to a growing number of equine neglect cases.  HSLA Director Jeff Dorson attributes this surge to financial hardship among owners, who are struggling to afford proper feed, medical care, and shelter for their animals.

Cut 10 (12) “…in these fields.”

Dorson is urging the public to report any signs of animal neglect and to support rescue efforts through donations or adoption.

Dove hunting season kicked off this morning in Louisiana.  Dove season marks the beginning of Louisiana’s fall hunting schedule. LDWF Biologist Richards Temple is reminding hunters to follow all state and federal regulations, including obtaining the proper licenses.

Cut 4 (06) “…HIP certified.”

The LSU Tigers are set to take on the Nichols State Colonels tonight at home. And while everyone expects the purple and gold to be victorious, Colonels head coach Tim Rebowe says his team is looking forward to running onto the field at Death Valley.

Cut 13 (10) “…the flagship school” 

All the fans attending that game tonight are in for a special experience, win or lose as Tiger Stadium underwent several improvements during the offseason in preparation for its 100th year. Chief Operation Officer and Deputy Athletic Director Keli Zinn…

Cut 6 (08) “…exist this season.”

We’re told fans will see a new main scoreboard on the north side and two new corner scoreboards, along with a new ribbon board which will display things like enhanced statistics and content. Kick off is set for 6:30.

If you’re headed to Death Valley for the Tigers’ home opener today, expect it to be special.  Tiger Stadium underwent several improvements during the offseason in preparation for its 100th year.  Chief Operation Officer and Deputy Athletic Director Keli Zinn says fans will see a new main scoreboard on the north side and two new corner scoreboards.

Cut 7 (09) “…increase the atmosphere.”

While nearly everyone is expects LSU to  beat Nicholls easily tonight, the Colonels are actually a good team in their own right. They’re the defending Southland Conference champions in the Football Championship Subdivision; and their head coach, Tim Rebowe, is the reigning conference coach of the year. This matchup was postponed in 2020 by covid and Rebowe was excited to get it rescheduled.

Cut 12 (08) “…here it is.”

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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.”

Lake Charles was up early today to watch an iconic Lake Charles tower come down. The implosion of the Capitol One Tower that took less than thirty seconds was streamed live this morning at eight as the building, built in 1983, made its curtain call.  It was left damaged and desolate by Hurricane Laura’s 130 mile per hour plus winds four years ago. We’re told it will take several months to clean up the demolition site.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced that dove hunting season  officially opens today. As a popular event for Louisiana hunters, the dove season marks the beginning of Louisiana’s fall hunting schedule. LDWF Biologist Richards Temple says Louisiana is divided into a North and South zone…

Cut 3 (11) “…north-south zones is.”

Six more neglected horses and ponies have been taken into custody by Louisiana humane groups, adding to a growing number of equine neglect cases. These animals were found in poor condition, suffering from malnutrition, with untreated injuries. HSLA Director Jeff Dorson says the severity of their conditions brings a heavy burden to HSLA…

Cut 9 (09)  “…thousands of dollars.”

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Fans going to Saturday’s LSU home opener will be in for an enhanced gameday experience. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Black and Gold get their 2024 season underway tomorrow against the Carolina Panthers.  Saints head coach Dennis Allen says he and his team are ready to take on Panthers starting quarterback Bryce Young.

Cut  16 (11)   “…he can do.”

South Louisiana homeowners can register for a grant of up to 10-thousand dollars to help pay for a fortified roof.  Sean Richardson reports registration will run from September 18th to the 20th and then three-hundred homeowners will be chosen.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The National Weather Service reports that rainfall is expected to increase across South Louisiana beginning today and excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. A flood watch is in effect through Friday.

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More news from the tragic story out of Minden where a former mayor and his daughter were shot dead, allegedly by a young relative. 82-year-old Joe Cornelieus and his 31 year old daughter Keisha Miles were shot to death Sunday morning.  Police Chief Jared McIver says the shooter is an 11 year old family member, but as for motive…

Cut 14 (06) “…know that yet.”

18-year-old Tarum Varnell of Grayson is facing a charge of aggravated cruelty to animals after Wildlife and Fisheries agents discovered video of him choking a spotted fawn to death. Senior Agent Michael Thacker on the arrest

Cut 9 (05)  “…into jail.”

If convicted Varnell could face fines of up to 25-thousand dollars and up to ten years in prison.

The investigation continues into the deadly shooting of a former mayor of Minden and his daughter by a young family member. 82-year-old Joe Cornelius and his 31-year-old daughter, Keisha Miles, were shot to death inside their home Sunday morning. Police Chief Jared McIver says investigators quickly zeroed in on one of two juveniles who were home at the time.

Cut 13 (14)  “…11 years of age.”

An 18-year-old Grayson man is arrested for allegedly strangling a spotted fawn in Caldwell Parish. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the investigation began in July as investigators were looking into an unrelated incident when they discovered the video of Taryn Varnell taking the deer and choking it to death. Senior Agent Michael Thacker…

Cut 7 (04) “…for sure.”

If convicted on the felony charge of aggravated cruelty to animals, Varnell could face up to $25 thousand dollars in fines and up to ten years in jail.

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South Louisiana homeowners interested in up to a 10-thousand dollar grant that can be used towards a new fortified roof, can register with the Department of Insurance from September 18 to September 20.  The goal is to reduce damage during storms, lower insurance premiums, and make Louisiana stronger.  Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple

Cut 5 (12) “…South Louisiana.”

LSU Health New Orleans announces the launch of the Louisiana 3.0+ Scholars Pledge, a School of Public Health program designed to recognize and retain the brightest minds in Louisiana. School of Public Health Associate Dean Kari Brisolara says any student who is a Louisiana resident or earned their undergraduate degree from a Louisiana university with a G-P-A of 3.0 or higher will automatically be accepted into the Master’s Program.

Cut 10 (11) “…here in Louisiana.”