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.”

Based on projections from the National Hurricane Center, a hurricane could make landfall in Louisiana during the middle of this week. Meteorologist Joe Rua with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says an area of low pressure in the southern Gulf of Mexico is expected to organize into hurricane…

Cut 13 (11)  “…through southern Louisiana coast.”

In their season opener, The Saints scored a franchise record 47 points and crushed NFC South rival Carolina 47 to 10. Quarterback Derek Carr threw three touchdown passes, and the offense scored on its first nine possessions.

Cut 25

Louisiana is expanding its tutoring options through the Steve Carter Tutoring Program, offering $1,500 digital vouchers for K-12 students to access additional academic support.  Deputy Superintendent of Education Dr. Jenna Chiasson (sha-son) says the program will give students a better chance to succeed academically. By providing targeted interventions, the Steve Carter Tutoring Program aims to strengthen student performance and help them stay on track with their grade-level expectations…

Cut 12 (11) “…in their area.”

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, such as shooting threats or threats of self-harm, and users never have to give their names when making reports.

Cut 5 (09) “…update information.”

Feels like fall this morning, but forecasters are predicting a hurricane will hit Louisiana on Wednesday. Bill Jacquemin reports a disturbance in the southern Gulf of Mexico will develop into a hurricane….

Cut 3 (32) “…Bill Jacquemin”

State Police is investigating a fatal police officer shooting that happened early on Saturday morning as Lafayette Police officers were investigating a burglary complaint. L-S-P says officers spotted the suspect’s vehicle, which began moving towards officers and that’s when an officer fired their weapon striking the driver, who has been identified as 27-year-old Rigoberto Sanchez of Lafayette.

The Louisiana Department of Education is providing digital vouchers of 15-hundred dollars to families who have students struggling with reading or math. Deputy Superintendent of Education, Doctor Jenna Chaisson says the digital vouchers can be used for personalized tutoring services, either in person or online…

Cut 11 (11) “….students have’

For more information go to tutor.la.gov.

There’s a movie in theaters called “Reagan” which is a biopic of the 40^th president Ronald Reagan. One of the executive producers is a Baton Rouge company, Alluwee Productions. Owner Dave Roberts says he wanted to make the movie family friendly to introduce a new audience to the life and times of Reagan…

Cut 8 (10) “…things like that.”

In its opening weekend, “Reagan” grossed more than 10-million dollars exceeding expectations.

A disturbance in the southern Gulf of Mexico is expected to become Tropical Storm Francine later today and forecasters are expecting Francine to develop into at least a Category One hurricane as it moves towards the Louisiana coastline….

Cut 15 (10) “…talking about”

That’s Joe Rua with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, who says they are anticipating a Wednesday landfall, with life threatening storm surge and heavy rainfall.

Is your child struggling with math or reading? The state department of education is offering digital vouchers worth 15-hundred dollars. The digital vouchers can be used to pay for high-quality literacy and math tutoring through the Steve Carter Tutoring program…

Cut 10 (10) “…to students”

That’s deputy superintendent of education Jenna Chiasson. She says there are currently 88 tutoring providers available and interested families can visit tutor-dot-la-dot-gov.

A Louisiana company played a role in the biopic “Reagan.” Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Saints completely dominated the Carolina Panthers yesterday in the season opener, beating their NFC South rivals 47 to 10. Coach Dennis Allen…

Cut 26 (11) “…got to do”

New Orleans is at Dallas next Sunday.

Nearly the entire Louisiana coastline is in the cone of uncertainty for what is expected to be the landfall of a hurricane sometime on Wednesday. Potential Tropical Cyclone Six in the southern Gulf does not have a name yet, but Joe Rua with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says it’s expected to become Tropical Storm Francine today and eventually a Category One hurricane…

Cut 14 (07) “….strengthen”

Rua says Louisiana residents should prepare for a Wednesday landfall.

I’m not sure if the Carolina Panthers know what hit them yesterday as the Saints routed their division rivals 47 to 10 in a season opener. Meanwhile, LSU defeated Nicholls 47 to 21 and questions about LSU’s defense continues. Coach Brian Kelly…

Cut 29 (07) “…whole game”

And that’s Jacobian Guillory. The Alexandria native will reportedly miss the entire season with a torn Achilles tendon.

The Louisiana Department of Education is expanding its Steve Carter Literacy tutoring program, offering $1,500 digital vouchers for K-12 students to access additional academic support.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Have you been able to see “Reagan” a biographical drama about the nation’s 40^th president, Ronald Regan. A Baton Rouge company, Alluwee, was one of the executive producers and Owner Dave Roberts says they had a lot of material…too much in fact…

Cut 9 (10) “…. fantastic material”

In its opening weekend, “Reagan” grossed more than 10-million dollars, exceeding expectations.

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.