Louisiana
Death of a legend: Haynesville’s Alton \
One of the most respected and successful coaches in Louisiana sports history, Alton “Red” Franklin died Sunday morning, according to a family post on Facebook.
A Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame member, Franklin coached the Haynesville Golden Tornado to 11 LHSAA state championships and four runner-up campaigns during his storied 35-year career in Claiborne Parish.
“The Franklin family suffered a great earthly loss early this morning as coach Alton “Red” Franklin left his earthly home and transitioned to his heavenly home,” Jeff Franklin posted. “I’m quite sure there has already been great dancing as he entered the pearly gates and walked down the streets of gold to meet his Lord and Savior and all those that went on before him.”
Franklin posted a 366-76-8 overall record at Haynesville and was named district Coach of the Year 23 times. In a 7-season stretch from 1990-96, his football teams were 96-4 and among the most feared in the state.
“Coach Franklin’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of our community and the history of Haynesville High School’s football program,” the Town of Haynesville posted in a release. “Our hearts ache alongside the family during this time of deep sorrow, and we extend our heartfelt condolences and support.”
A Haynesville native, Franklin played one season at the University of Alabama before transferring to finish his collegiate career at Louisiana College, now Louisiana Christian University. He was inducted into the LCA Hall of Fame in 1992, the Louisiana High School Athletic Association and Louisiana High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1991.
“Coach Franklin’s influence went beyond the football field, serving as a mentor, a role model and a pillar of our community,” a Haynesville spokesperson said. “His legacy of leadership, integrity, and excellence will continue to inspire us for years to come.”
After taking over the Tors’ program in 1966, his teams were state champions in 1970, 1971, 1984, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 2000. He closed out his career in Haynesville with 33 consecutive winning seasons and 15 straight district titles.
He coached eight undefeated teams and 21 of his 35 teams advanced to the state playoffs.
Funeral services for Franklin are pending per the family.
Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
Louisiana
Gov. Landry declares state of emergency after flooding, severe weather across Louisiana
BATON ROUGE, La. (KLFY) — Governor Landry has officially declared Louisiana under state of emergency.
The state emergency declaration covers Avoyelles, Lafourche, Pointe Coupee, St. Landry, St. Tammany and Terrebonne parishes.
The declaration was issued Thursday following the impacts of Tropical Storm Arthur, which brough rainfall and strong storms to parts of the state on June 17 and 18.
Officials said the National Weather Service has confirmed three tornadoes tied to the storm system.
Officials also reported record or near-record rainfall totals in Avoyelles and Pointe Coupee parishes over a 12-hour period.
The order allows the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness to coordinate resources and provide assistance to local governments if needed.
Certain state purchasing and bidding requirements have been temporarily suspended to speed up emergency response efforts.
The declaration took effect immediately and will remain in place through July 18 unless it is lifted or extended.
State officials are urging residents to stay weather aware, avoid flooded roadways and follow guidance from local emergency managers.
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Louisiana
North Louisiana Crime Lab warns of cyclorphine cases, counterfeit pill “footprint”
MONROE, La. (KNOE) – The North Louisiana Crime Lab released a June 2026 law enforcement bulletin warning of additional cases tied to cyclorphine, a synthetic opioid the lab says can be significantly more potent than fentanyl.
The bulletin, titled “Cyclorphine Update — Additional Cases & Footprint,” notes that drug evidence submissions testing positive for cyclorphine have been received from multiple parishes in North Louisiana.
What is cyclorphine?
According to the bulletin, cyclorphine is a synthetic opioid in the emerging orphine drug class. The lab said current toxicity data are limited, but laboratory studies indicate cyclorphine may be up to 10 times more potent than fentanyl.
Reported effects
The crime lab said cyclorphine can produce effects similar to other narcotic analgesics, including:
- Central nervous system depression
- Lethargy or stupor
- Respiratory depression with slow, shallow breathing
- Pinpoint pupils
The bulletin said Narcan should be administered to someone suffering from cyclorphine toxicity, and that multiple doses may be needed.
What the bulletin says about trends
The crime lab said national data indicate cyclorphine will likely continue spreading through the region, including becoming more common in seized and submitted drug evidence.
Where cyclorphine has been detected
The bulletin includes a “detection timeline and counterfeit tablet types,” showing evidence submissions tied to specific parishes and dates, including:
- Caddo Parish (Feb. 19; April 14)
- Ouachita Parish (March 18; May 13)
- DeSoto Parish (March 25)
- Natchitoches Parish (May 14)
The lab also noted counterfeit pill types associated with these submissions, including tablets labeled “M30,” “M15,” “K56,” “1259,” and “M367.” Officials warned it may be impossible to know what a pill contains, even if it resembles a known tablet.
The North Louisiana Crime Lab said it will continue tracking trends and sharing updates as additional evidence is submitted.
Copyright 2026 KNOE. All rights reserved.
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