Lawmakers could soon be headed back to Baton Rouge to hash out tax reform. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A tropical storm is developing in the Gulf of Mexico this week that is expected to be a Category 2 Hurricane later this week, but not expected to hit Louisiana.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Lawmakers could be heading into a special session in November to hash out tax reform. Louisiana Secretary of Revenue Richard Nelson says they’re mainly looking to reform three types of taxes – sales tax, personal income tax and corporate income and franchise tax. Nelson says the goal is to simplify the tax code.

Cut 3 (10) “…other states have.”

Nelson says the complexity of the tax code is preventing the state from attracting companies.

Cut 4 (09) “…to come here (2x).”

We asked Nelson how the state might make up for any potential lost tax revenue. He said the state would look to update the tax code to capture taxes from online transactions that were previously made in person. For example:

Cut 5 (08) “…tax at all.”

Nelson says the current tax code is one of the main drivers behind the fact that Louisiana is the only state in the South that’s losing population.

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LSU turned it up in the second half of Saturday’s game to pull away from UCLA. Only problem is – many fans sitting along the east sideline didn’t stick around to see it. That’s because the scorching late afternoon heat made it so unbearable that several dozen fans required medical attention. Coach Brian Kelly addressed it after the game.

Cut 6 (12) “…pounding on them.”

Kelly said this is why LSU prefers to play games at night, especially in the first half of the season.

Cut 7 (14) “…national audience is.”

LSU’s next home game against South Alabama will have a late start time this Saturday. Kickoff is slated for 6:45 p.m.

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LSU football has lost one of its best players for the season as linebacker Harold Perkins tore an ACL in his knee while making a tackle in Saturday’s win over UCLA. Perkins has not forced any turnovers this season and has zero sacks, but LRN sports director Jeff Palermo says his loss will be felt

Cut 8 (10)  “…the quarterback.”

LSU’s defense has been a work in progress this year and Palermo says the Tigers could not afford to lose one of its best athletes…

Cut 9 (14)  “…both of them are gone.”

LSU lost veteran defensive tackle Jacobian Guillory to an Achilles tendon injury in the home opener to Nicholls.

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Louisiana is experiencing relatively calm weather at the beginning of the week. However, LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Kein says future Tropical Storm Helene could bring more significant activity as the week progresses. A cold front is expected to move through the region, which may shift conditions, but it isn’t anticipated to cause major disruptions.

Cut 10 (12) “…ensuing days.”

While this system is still in its early stages and hasn’t fully developed, it has the potential to gain strength as it moves across the warm waters of the Gulf.

Cut 11 (10) “…not off the table.”

Keim says that impacts to Louisiana should be minimal, with Alabama and Florida likely in the storm’s crosshairs.  The system is likely to usher in a cold front to the state, bringing in some fall weather…

Cut 12 (10) “…obviously change.”

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Start Congresswoman Julia Letlow is making the case for her re-election directly to voters in Louisiana’s Fifth Congressional District this week with the launch of her first ad for the 2024 election cycle.

Cut 13 (12) “…hardworking people.” 

In the 60-second ad, Letlow outlines her unifying vision to ensure that the next generation of Louisianans can use the state’s resources and natural advantages to catapult to success.

Cut 14 (08) “…thrive and prosper.”

Letlow says in the spot she’s worked in Congress to secure billions in investments…

Cut 15 (04) “…our people.”

Election Day is November 5th and Early Voting begins on October 18th.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, and the Office of Tourism, are set to embark on a mission to Mumbai, India to promote Louisiana tourism internationally.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The St. Tammany Parish Animal Shelter puts out an urgent request, and the community responds in a big way. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser along with the Louisiana Office of Tourism leave tomorrow (Friday) for India. A $300,000 grant from the U.S. Commerce Department is paying for the trip and Nungesser says the goal is to increase tourism from India to Louisiana…

Cut 3 (10) “…coming to Louisiana.”

The delegation’s goal is to showcase Louisiana’s rich culture, heritage, and tourism opportunities to boost international visitors to the state. Nungesser says India and the Middle East are emerging markets for tourism, and Louisiana’s unique offerings present a compelling case for international travelers.

Cut 4 (10) “…business here.”

This mission highlights Louisiana’s focus on global outreach, particularly in non-traditional markets, to expand its tourism footprint and leverage new economic opportunities. Nungesser’s efforts are part of his push to boost Louisiana’s tourism industry worldwide.

Cut 5 (10) “…across Louisiana.”

Nungesser is also making a trip to Dubai meeting officials at the DP World UAE, the premier business hub of the Middle East.

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The St. Tammany Parish community rallies behind shelter pets after the parish animal shelter became overcrowded. Shelter DIrector Rob Bremer says it’s seen a spike in animals being surrendered.

Cut 6 (13) “…the perfect storm.”

Bremer put out a warning to the community that if the problem wasn’t solved soon, the shelter might have to start euthanizing them tomorrow morning.

Cut 7 (09) “…of the community.”

And the community responded in a big way, showing up in droves to adopt animals during the shelter’s extended hours.

Cut 8 (08)  “…over capacity anymore”

Bremer says the key to ensuring that shelters don’t get overrun is responsible pet ownership, which includes spaying or neutering them.

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Kristian Broussard, an inmate at the Iberia Parish jail, escaped custody on Wednesday at approximately 5:30 p.m. Broussard was being held on charges of second-degree murder. Spokesperson Katherine Breaux says within four minutes deputies were on the scene, deploying resources to track him down. The manhunt lasted several hours, culminating in Broussard’s capture later that same evening around 11:45 p.m.

Cut 9 (10)  “…aggravated escape.”

Broussard’s initial incarceration stemmed from his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred in New Iberia in January 2019. Breaux says authorities worked diligently to ensure public safety during the search.

Cut 10 (1=07) “…of a mile.”

Breaux says authorities are now investigating how Broussard managed to escape from the facility and what security lapses, if any, may have occurred.

Cut 11 (09) “…situation like this.”

A frantic search for a Webster Parish girl has a happy ending. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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You could not have dreamed of a better start to the season for the Saints as New Orleans is 2-0 after clobbering the Cowboys 44 to 19 yesterday. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Just like last week, the Saints were firing on all cylinders yesterday, as they destroyed the Cowboys in Arlington, 44-19. Alvin Kamara scored four touchdowns, including a 57-yard catch and run in the second quarter. Kamara says offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak made it easy.

Cut 3 (09) “…to run, really.”

In all the Saints gained 190 yards on the ground — 115 by Kamara — and Head Coach Dennis Allen says that’s taking a load off quarterback Derek Carr.

Cut 4 (15) “…of protecting him.”

Carr says the vigorous off-season workout program that Coach Allen instituted is really paying off.

Cut 5 (12) “…those hard days.”

The Saints’ first-team offense scored on their first 15 possessions to start the season. The streak was snapped early in the fourth quarter on an interception.

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Prayers were answered in Webster Parish as a girl who disappeared from her home was found safe. Crews spent all day searching for ten-year-old Peyton Saintignan, and an Arkansas company flying a drone was able to find her asleep in a wooded area. Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker says a camera captured an image of her earlier in the day.

Cut 6 (10) “…anything like that.”

Sheriff Parker says this is not the first time Peyton disappeared from her home.

Cut 7 (10) “…just started walking.”

Parker says Peyton heard the searchers but stayed put.

Cut 8 (11)  “…who they were”

In all, they had about 200 people searching for her, including those from various police departments, sheriff’s offices, fire departments and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

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U-S House Speaker Mike Johnson and his wife were on their way to Donald Trump’s home when the Secret Service stopped a 58-year-old man from carrying out what authorities are calling an assassination attempt on the former president. Johnson posted on “X” that no leader in American history has endured more attacks and remained so strong and resilient.

Cut 9 (09)  “…American people.”

Johnson reassured Trump supporters and the public that Congress would take necessary actions to ensure the safety of all public figures. Johnson was briefed with the President within 90-minutes of the event by Acting Director of the Secret Service Ron Rowe.  Rowe says agents saw the gun barrel between the bushes and engaged.

Cut 10 (06) “…conversation today.”

Johnson says there are hearings this month for that Task Force and reports will be coming out next week.  Johnson expressed deep concern over the growing threats against the former president and emphasized the need for heightened security measures.

Cut 11 (06) “…if nessary.”

Hurricane Francine is expected to move quickly through southeast Louisiana, but unfortunately could leave some people without power for days. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Hurricane Francine is bearing down on southeast Louisiana as a strong Category one storm. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Hurricane Francine will make landfall later today in St. Mary or Terrebonne parish. It will certainly produce power outages. Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson Mike Steele says many trees were weakened by last year’s drought and it could lead to more trees and limbs falling on power lines…

Cut 3 (12) “…or whatever.”

Francine started to develop over the weekend and officially became a named storm on Monday. Steele believes most residents along the coast are prepared…

Cut 4 (11) “…works.”

Francine is expected to make landfall as a Category One storm in southeast Louisiana late this afternoon. Governor Jeff Landry urges the public not to relax, because it’s just a Cat 1 storm…

Cut 5 (15) “…stay put.”

A category one storm can have maximum sustained winds up to 95 miles per hour.

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Hurricane Francine is a Category 1 storm with sustained winds of 90 mph. The storm is around 80 miles south-southwest of Morgan City and is expected to make landfall later today. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says there is an upside.

Cut 6 (09) “…approaches the coast.”

Landfall is expected near Morgan City, with heavy rain, wind gusts up to 90 mph, and storm surges of up to 10 feet. This will impact areas like Vermilion and Atchafalaya Bays, while Keim says cities like New Orleans are on high alert.

Cut 7 (10) “…midnight tonight.”

Several parishes, including Cameron and Iberia, have issued evacuation orders or curfews. The region is preparing for flash flooding, Keim says there could be up to a foot of rain in certain areas.

Cut 8 (11)  “…get ready for this one.”

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GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodaux says if you have not evacuated by now, don’t bother.

Cut 9 (12)  “…response to a hurricane.”

Governor Landry echoes those sentiments, not only to keep yourself safe, but also to allow emergency workers room to do their rescue and recovery work during and after the storm.

Cut 10 (06) “…and stay put.”

State Climatologist Jay Grimes says while this will undoubtedly be a severe storm, the worst will be over by the end of the day today.

Cut 11 (14) “…system as well.”

Hurricane Francine is packing maximum sustained winds of 90 miles an hour, making it a Category One hurricane. It is slated to make landfall late this afternoon or early this evening near Morgan City and go up the state in a northeasterly direction, leaving the state by midnight tonight.

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St. John the Baptist Parish has seen its fair share of damage from previous hurricanes. Parish president Jaclyn Hotard says her biggest concern with Francine is flooding…

Cut 12 (09) “…heavy rainfall.”

St. John the Baptist Parish is bordered by both Lake Pontchartrain and Maurepas. Hotard says she’s encouraged by Francine’s forecast, which shows the storm will move quickly through the River Parishes…

Cut 13 (08) “…the way” 

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Tangipahoa Parish is preparing for Francine by learning lessons from past storms like Hurricane Ida. Parish President Robbie Miller says that Ida was a storm that changed how the parish prepares…

Cut  14 (05) “..time to recover.”

There is a strong emphasis on ensuring power and water services remain operational, with backup systems in place for medical facilities. Miller says Entergy has invested millions making the infrastructure more robust…

Cut 15 (07) “…able to handle it.”

Tangipahoa River handles the parish’s drainage and potentially could see some flooding around areas near the river, but Miller says they should be ok and reminds residents to stay home and stay safe…

Cut 16 (11)   “…go sightsee.”

Shelter locations for Tangipahoa are Restoration Church, Amite Community Center, and Brown’s Chapel.