The Louisiana House Insurance Committee meets again today to discuss the ongoing auto insurance crisis. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

 The flash flood watch continues for parishes along the I-10—I-12 corridor and along the coast. The National Weather Service says over a half of foot rain has already fallen Houma, Slidell and parts of Baton Rouge. Another two to four inches could fall today.

 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.

Today through Sunday is the Second Amendment Sales Tax weekend which means guns, ammunition and hunting supplies are tax free as consumers do not have to pay the 4.45 percent state sales tax. It’s the result of a 2023 law sponsored by Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey who says this weekend brings in out of state visitors…

Cut 14 (12) “…to protect”

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 and the gulf low responsible for all the rain has now been labeled Invest 90L by The National Hurricane Center. Some models give the system a brief chance of strengthening into a tropical storm but wind shear along the Coast decreases those chances and an expected weekend cold front will push the system south into to gulf. National Weather Service Meteorologist Kevin Gilmore says the heavy rainfall over the next couple days will increase the chances of flooding.

Cut 10 (06) “…the metro areas.”

Some areas could get 10 inches or more of rain before this gulf low system moves on

The 11-year-old accused of killing former interim Minden Mayor and City Councilman, Joe Cornelieus and his daughter, Keisha Miles 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. He is currently being held in Ware Youth Center in Coushatta.

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.”

If you’re interested in becoming a State Trooper, The deadline to apply for the 106th Cadet Class is September 18th, less than two weeks away. Lt. Robert Fontenot says applicants need to meet certain requirements and the State Police Training Academy is hard, but the intense training leads to a well-paying job…

Cut 5 (09) “…year of employment”

Go to LSP’s website for more information.

A flood watch is in effect for nearly all of South Louisiana though Friday night for Southwest areas and Saturday morning for Southeast Louisiana. National Weather Service Meteorologist Kevin Gilmore says the prolonged rain is increasing the chances of flooding.

Cut 9 (05)  “…looking relatively wet.”

The National Hurricane Center has now labeled the Gulf low responsible for the rain Invest 90L. Some models give the system a brief chance of strengthening into a tropical storm but wind shear along the Gulf Coast decreases those chances. An expected weekend cold front will push the system south, but some areas could get 10 inches of rain before the systems moves on.

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’re interested in becoming a State Trooper, you have until September 18^th to apply to be a part of the 106^th Cadet Class. Lt. Robert Fontenot says applicants need to meet certain requirements and the State Police Training Academy is hard. Applicants need to have the physical and mental capabilities to work in law enforcement.

Cut 4 (11) “…for a reason.”

Go to LSP’s website for more information.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says the number of highway deaths declined in 2023 by 10.5-percent.  Spokesperson Greg Fischer says the seatbelt usage rate is the highest ever recorded in Louisiana at over 88-percent, a three-percent increase from the previous year…

Cut 8 (11)  “…wearing a seatbelt.”

The 11-year-old accused of killing former interim Minden Mayor and City Councilman, Joe Cornelieus and his daughter, Keisha Miles 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. He is currently being held in Ware Youth Center in Coushatta.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says the number of highway deaths declined in 2023 by 10.5-percent.  Spokesperson Greg Fischer says Pedestrian fatalities that hit alarming rates during the pandemic, were also down to 147 in 2023, nearly a 20-perdent decrease. Bicycle fatalities dropped from 44 to 35 and crashes involving a driver with a blood-alcohol level of .08 or higher decreased to 195, a 13.3-percent drop from 2022. Fischer, however, says there was an increase in motorcycle fatalities…

Cut 7 (12) “…e-bikes.”

If you want to be a member of the next cadet class at the Louisiana State Police, time is running out. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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.

Just how much…

Cut 11 (07) “…bands set up.”

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.

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.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says the number of highway deaths declined in 2023 by 10.5-percent to 811.  Spokesperson Greg Fischer says this decline in fatalities marks a positive shift following a surge during the COVID pandemic…

Cut 6 (11) “…in 2023.”

Pedestrian fatalities, which grew at an alarming rate during the pandemic, were down to 147 in 2023, nearly a 20-percent decrease from 2022.

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.

Cut 9 (05)  “…looking relatively wet.”

This all comes as a disturbance is churning up once again in the Gulf of Mexico along the Texas coast.

PETA has written a letter to Governor Landry urging him to abandon the idea of having LSU’s live tiger mascot return to Tiger Stadium as part of the pregame pageantry before a football game. Klayton Rutherford with the PETA foundation says tigers are normally solitary animals…

Cut 28 (09) “…to himself”

Veterinarians have said Mike the Seven is at an age, where you can’t change his routine, so getting him in a portable cage is not feasible.

If you’re interested in becoming a State Trooper, you have until September 18^th to apply to be a part of the 106^th Cadet Class. Lt. Robert Fontenot says applicants need to meet certain requirements and the State Police Training Academy is hard, but the intense training leads to a well-paying job…

Cut 5 (09) “…year of employment”

Go to LSP’s website for more information.