As the 2021 hurricane season begins approximately four thousand remain displaced from the 2020 hurricanes in Louisiana. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Brian Abshire they could be living in another home or apartment, with family, or even in a trailer on their property but they remain displaced.

Cut 5  (12)  “…individual to individual.”

He says several residents are still trying to settle insurance claims, nine months later.

Senate Judiciary Committee B approves legislation allowing those 21 and older to carry a concealed handgun without needing a permit or training. Democratic Shreveport Senator Greg Tarver lambasted the bill saying this will lead to more gun violence.

Cut 13 (07)“..business.”

The proposal is opposed by both the Chiefs of Police Association and Governor Edwards.

Republican US Senator John Kennedy says he’s running for reelection in 2022. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

Governor Edwards requests Federal Disaster Declaration for five parishes in the state impacted by flash flooding two weeks ago. The request is for FEMA Individual Assistance for Ascension, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, and Lafayette parishes. So far 2,700 homes reported damage, including six that were noted as destroyed. To report damage, go to damage.la.gov.

US Senator John Kennedy announces he’s officially running for reelection in 2022. Kennedy, a Democrat until 2007, served as a lawyer to Governor Roemer and Revenue Secretary under Governor Foster before winning the 1999 race for State Treasurer.

Cut 7 (13) “…values.” 

UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Kennedy most likely won’t face a real challenger from within the Republican Party, giving him the freedom to use this reelection to pad his election bank account for a future move.

Cut 9 (11) “…impeachment.”

Governor Edwards has stated he planned to finish out his term and return to the private sector.

The Senate Natural Resources Committee has passed House-approved legislation that would raise recreational and commercial hunting and fishing licenses. Bill author, Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala, says the restructuring of hunting and fishing licenses is needed because the Conversation Fund which has been funding the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is nearly empty. Bacala on the importance of passing this bill…

Cut 11 (12) “…purposes.”

Senate Judiciary Committee B approves legislation allowing those 21 and older to carry a concealed handgun without needing a permit or training. Democratic Shreveport Senator Greg Tarver lambasted the bill saying this will lead to more gun violence.

Cut 13 (07)“..business.”

The proposal is opposed by both the Chiefs of Police Association and Governor Edwards.

The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane season is officially underway and southwest Louisiana continues to struggle from the 2020 season, February’s winter storms and flooding two weeks ago. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Brian Abshire says as for recovery it depends on who you ask.

Cut 4 (11) “…the woods.” 

The Senate Natural Resources Committee has passed House-approved legislation that would raise recreational and commercial hunting and fishing licenses. Chairman of the governor’s shrimp task force, George Barisich, opposes the legislation.

Cut 10 (08) “…proposal.”

The bill’s author, Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala, says the restructuring of hunting and fishing licenses, which will lead to fee increases, is needed because the Conversation Fund which has been funding the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is nearly empty.

Republican US Senator John Kennedy says he’s running for reelection in 2022. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane season is officially underway and southwest Louisiana continues recovery efforts from the last season along with other weather woes. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Brian Abshire says they hope they’ll receive a break this season.

Cut 3 (09)  “…I suppose.” 

NOAA predicts the Atlantic will have six to ten hurricanes this year.

Starting today, you can get a free drink at a participating restaurant and bar if you’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19 within the preceding seven days. The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control Commissioner Ernest Legier says it’s a fun way to get more people vaccinated…

Cut 11 (08) “…before COVID.”
The Louisiana Restaurant Association will partially reimburse restaurants and bars for handing out the drinks as part of their “Shot for a Shot” campaign.

US Senator John Kennedy announces he is running for reelection in 2022. The Mississippi-born, Zachary-raised Republican says it’s been an honor to serve the state in D.C.

Cut 6 (11) “..again”

Kennedy won the US Senate seat in 2016. It took Kennedy three tries to win his Senate seat, first losing as a Democrat in the 2004 open seat race, then failing to unseat incumbent Mary Landrieu in 2008.

UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross expects Kennedy will have a relatively stress-free reelection. Cross says the only Democrat who could potentially put up a real fight is Governor Edwards…

Cut 8 (7) “…at least” 

Cross says Kennedy most likely won’t face a real challenger from within the Republican Party.

The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season starts today, and NOAA expects we’ll get an above-average number of named storms this year. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Gunfire across the state led to several deaths of young people over the holiday weekend. A teenager was fatally shot in Shreveport last night. Three people were killed in Baton Rouge last night and one of the victims was a toddler. And a 12-year-old girl in New Orleans was killed in a drive-by shooting in New Orleans on Sunday night in the Lower Ninth Ward.

The Senate Finance Committee is expected to take up legislation this week that would make a temporary portion of the state sales tax permanent and use that money on major highway projects. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward on how the money can be used…

cut 14 (11) “…north shore”
But critics say the temporary sales tax of .45-percent that’s set to expire in mid-2025 should roll off the books because lawmakers promised that would be the result when approved in 2018.

The ‘Shot for a Shot’ month-long campaign kicks off today in Louisiana. It is a joint effort with the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control and the Louisiana Restaurant Association to incentivize more residents to get vaccinated for COVID. ATC Commissioner Ernest Legier (Leh-jay)  this is the first of several vaccine incentive programs.

Cut 12 (06) “…near future.”

The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season has started and NOAA expects we’ll get an above-average number of named storms this year. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

_______________________________

The Shot for a Shot campaign kicks off today in hopes of increasing the state vaccine roll by ten thousand. Brooke Thorington pours out the details.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________

 A Port Allen Senator wants to take the roughly half point of sales tax that is set to expire in 2025 and extend it long term but dedicate it solely to infrastructure projects. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

____________________________________

The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins today and NOAA is predicting we’re in for yet another above-average season.

Estimates are we’ll see 13 to 20 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes, and three to five major hurricanes. State Climatologist Barry Keim says that’s because there are low odds of an El Nino forming.

Cut 4 (10)”… to be weak.”

Keim also notes that what is considered an “average” number of named storms for a season was readjusted upward this year given the increased activity over the past 30 years.

Cut 5 (08)”…new normal.”

The average expected number of storms is updated every ten years based on the average number of named storms over the previous 30 year period.

Keim says it’s unlikely we’ll have another season like last year’s, but there’s still a pretty good chance that we see some dangerous storms in the Gulf.

Cut 6 (11)”…above average.”

The season runs through November 30^th.

_______________________________

A bill to create a grant program for the $180-billion dollars in federal funds dedicated for broadband expansion in the state heads to the Senate floor today. Marksville Representative Daryl Deshotel says House Bill 648 establishes a structure in which unserved communities can apply for funding.

Cut 7 (12)  “…that grant.”

Deshotel says upon passage he hopes the Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities, also known as GUMBO, can get things kicked off as soon as it is signed by the governor.

Cut 8 (11) “…of next year.”

Deshotel says the state currently has about 1.2 million residents who do not have access to broadband.

Cut 9 (09) “…unacceptable.” 

The bill received unanimous passage in the House.

______________________________

The ‘Shot for a Shot’ month-long campaign kicks off today in Louisiana. It is a joint effort with the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control and the Louisiana Restaurant Association to incentivize more residents to get vaccinated for COVID. ATC Commissioner Ernest Legier (Leh-jay) says you can get a free shot at participating bars or restaurants by showing proof you’ve been vaccinated in the last seven days.

Cut 10 (07) “…nonalcoholic beverage.”

Legier says ATC and the LRA came up with the campaign when the governor asked state agencies to submit ideas for vaccine incentives.  Legier says no public funds are being used and the LRA will reimburse participating member restaurants and bars at the end of the month. Legier says it’s a fun way to get more people vaccinated.

Cut 11 (08) “…before COVID.”

The program hopes to increase the state’s vaccination rate by 10,000 and Legier says this is the first of several vaccine incentive programs the state will be rolling out.

Cut 12 (06) “…near future.”

Customers can show proof of their completed vaccination regime through the LA Wallet app or with a state-issued vaccination card between June 1^st and June 30^th or until funds are exhausted.

____________________________

Senate Finance will take up legislation today that would turn point four five percent of the state’s sale tax that is expiring in 2025 into a long-term infrastructure-only dedication.

Port Allen Senator Rick Ward says by 2025 his proposal would generate 350 to 380 million dollars a year to build new infrastructure and repair our existing crumbling roads and bridges.

Cut 13 (10) “…infrastructure.”

If signed into law the bill would transition the sales tax money out of the general fund and into a dedicated infrastructure trust fund over a three-year period starting in 2022.

Ward says the legislation lays out some of the early “mega project” priorities that would be tackled should this proposal get approved.

Cut 14 (11) “…shore.”

Ward says there’s a lot of talk in the capitol about the importance of infrastructure and lawmakers need to start backing up that talk with action.

Cut 15 (05)“…be a priority.”

The bill would have to move fast as the session is set to end on June 10^th.

_______________________________________

Despite a 13-17 record in the SEC, LSU received an invite into the NCAA Tournament and will be the third seed in the Eugene Regional and will face Gonzaga on Friday night. There was some doubt that LSU would receive a Regional after losing to Georgia in its lone SEC Tournament game. LSU pitcher Landon Marceaux is excited their season continues…

Cut 16 (15) “…for sure.”

Oregon and Central Connecticut are the other two teams in the Regional. The Ducks are a 14-seed nationally. Coach Paul Mainieri believes his team can go on a run…

Cut 17 (23) “…this year.”

2018 was the last time LSU traveled for a Regional. They played in Corvallis, Oregon, and lost to the Oregon State Beavers twice to end their season. Senior pitcher Devin Fontenot remembers that trip…

Cut  18 (17)”…this regional.”

_____________________________________________

For the first time in Louisiana Tech baseball history, the Bulldogs will host an NCAA Regional. La Tech will play host to Rider, North Carolina State, and Alabama in the Love Shack. Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs is glad they were awarded for their great season by getting an opportunity to host…

Cut 19 (16) “…still playing.” 

Tech won the Conference USA West but lost to Old Dominion in CUSA’s tournament championship game. Ruston hosted the tourney and Burroughs is excited for the opportunity to play a few more games at home after their fans showed up strong for the Conference USA Tournament

Cut 20 (20)  “…pulling us through.” 

Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Colonel Joey Strickland says today is a day to remember the tens of thousands of Louisianans who died while serving their country. There’s some debate as to what the current total of Louisianans who’ve died while in the military is, but ultimately…

Cut 14 (06) “…sacrifice.”

Hurricane season starts tomorrow and before this above-average season kicks off you need to make sure you either have flood insurance or make sure that your coverage has not lapsed. David Maurstad, the head of the National Flood Insurance Program with FEMA, says There’s no way to completely eliminate flood damage but a good policy can help with the recovery process.

Cut 10 (12) “…policy.”

Higher ed leaders are celebrating the 38-billion-dollar budget for next year that’s headed to the Governor’s desk. Contained within is a roughly two and a half percent average pay raise for higher ed faculty, and a few other items that UL System President Jim Henderson calls transformative…

Cut 4 (09)”…higher education”

TOPs is fully funded and Go Grants have also been expanded.

And it’s also been a good day for baseball fans to celebrate with four universities heading to the NCAA tournament. LSU, Southern, McNeese, and LA Tech will continue their season in the NCAA regionals. LSU will face Gonzaga in Eugene, Oregon. Southern will play Texas in the Austin regional, McNeese will play TCU in the Fort Worth regional, and the Bulldogs will play in the Ruston regional and face off with Rider University. North Carolina State and Alabama will be playing in the Ruston regional also.

UL System President Jim Henderson calls the budget for the fiscal year starting in July the biggest investment in higher education the state has seen in 13 years. The 38-billion-dollar spending plan is headed to the Governor’s desk. Henderson says it features a faculty pay raise that breaks down to about a two to two and a half percent increase.

Cut 3 (10)  “…for us.”

Hurricane season starts tomorrow, and Louisiana residents know all too well about storm preparedness.  David Maurstad, the head of the National Flood Insurance Program with FEMA, says every homeowner should have a flood insurance policy.

Cut 9 (13) “…you need.” 

It’s been a good day for baseball fans in the state with four Louisiana schools heading to the NCAA baseball tournament. LSU, Southern, McNeese, and LA Tech will continue their season in the NCAA regionals. LSU will face Gonzaga in Eugene, Oregon. Southern will play Texas in the Austin regional, McNeese will play TCU in the Fort Worth regional, and the Bulldogs will play in the Ruston regional and face off with Rider University. North Carolina State and Alabama will be playing in the Ruston regional also.

The highways and waterways are crowded this Memorial Day.  Sea Tow President Kristen Frohnhoefer (Frone – hoffer) says due to the recent flooding in Louisiana there’s more debris in the water this holiday. She recommends assigning someone to serve as a lookout when cruising.

Cut 8 (10) “…the water.”

She says there’s been an increase of new boaters since the pandemic, and they’ve seen an uptick in service calls to assist boaters.

Higher education officials are celebrating the 38-billion-dollar budget approved by the Legislature. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The LSU Tigers are in the NCAA Baseball Tournament, The Bayou Bengals will compete in the Eugene, Oregon Regional and take on Gonzaga. Louisiana Tech is hosting a regional for the first time in school history and the Bulldogs will host Rider University. The other two teams in the Ruston Regional are North Carolina State and Alabama.  McNeese is heading to the Fort Worth Regional and Southern to the Austin regional.

Not only are there more drivers on the road for Memorial Day this year, but according to a Sea Tow Services survey, 52-percent of the boaters say they plan to spend more time on the water this year compared to 2020. Sea Tow President Kristen Frohnhoefer (Frone – hoffer) says expect waterways to be crowded.

Cut 6 (11)”…with it.”

Frohnhoefer says a majority of their calls today will be for groundings and lack of fuel.

Hurricane season starts tomorrow, and Louisiana residents know all too well about storm preparedness.  David Maurstad, the head of the National Flood Insurance Program with FEMA

Louisiana residents experienced an unprecedented flood back in 2016 due to a variety of reasons and the NFIP policy protects from all types of flooding.

Cut 11 (07) “…policy.”

A Scott man was arrested for allegedly fatally shooting his dog and posting video of the shooting on Snapchat. The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office says 23-year old Issac Gotreaux was arrested Tuesday and faces charges of cruelty to animals and unlawful posting of criminal activity for notoriety or publicity

The Legislature sends a 38-billion-dollar spending plan to Governor Edwards’ desk, a record amount buoyed by federal coronavirus aid.  Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

A human skull found in Cameron Parish more than three years ago has been identified as 58-year-old Sally Hines of San Antonio. Cameron Parish Sheriff Ron Johnson says it was a local woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, saw a computer-generated image of what the skull would resemble in person that connected the dots.

Cut 10 (11) “…at zero.

After 15 seasons and one national championship at LSU, Paul Mainieri has announced he’s retiring as a college baseball coach. The Tigers had a rough year and are on the NCAA tournament bubble but Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says  Mainieri’s announcement might give the selection committee another reason to put the Tigers in a regional.

Cut 5  (10)  “…deserve that”