Today is the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. Among those getting ready is utility giant Entergy. Vice president of Reliability John Hawkins says a major component of their storm preparedness is keeping limbs and branches away from power lines. He says they have been installing underground cables and strengthening pole supports for power lines as part of efforts to withstand storms this year. Hawkins reminds customers that they need to have a storm plan as well…:

CUT 08(10)      “…on that plan.”

UL-Lafayette fraternity Pi Kappa alpha has been suspended for three years for hazings that occurred last fall. The alleged acts included extreme sleep deprivation, followed by demands that pledges do excessive calisthenics. ULL officials says the university has a zero-tolerance policy for hazing and take all allegations seriously.

Baby formula…meat…toilet paper…all things we’ve seen recent shortages of in Louisiana. Now the state – and the nation – are faced with a shortage of a main ingredient used in CT scans. This creates problems for cancer patients and other needing imaging diagnoses…and their doctors. LSU Health New Orleans radiology professor Bradley Spieler says doctors in Louisiana are forced to delay non-essential CT scans, and concentrate on those that are more of an emergency. The problem is the contrast dye used in those scans. It’s mostly made in China, but COVID there has cut production by over half…:

CUT 10(11)      “..to Ireland actually.”

He says it could be months before there is any relief.

The National Hurricane Center says a depression or storm will likely form by the end of the week near Florida. The system is the remains of PACIFIC Hurricane Agatha. If it regains named storm strength it will be called Alex, but it poses little to no threat to Louisiana.

A Plaquemines Parish sheriff’s deputy was seriously hurt Tuesday, when he was hit by an ATV that he was pursuing. State Police investigating the incident say the deputy stood in the roadway; hoping to block the teenage rider, but the youth intentionally steered right into him. Both were sent to the hospital for treatment. Plaquemines Sheriff Jerry Turlich says he’s growing weary of people who scoff the law…:

CUT 14(13)      “…see changed.”

18-year-old Reggie Hamilton of New Orleans will be charged with attempted murder of an LEO. Another ATV rider, 18-year-old Kody Blanchard of Marrero faces lesser charges.

The special legislative committee investigating the death of Ronald Greene in 2019 has requested Governor John Bel Edwards, along with members of his executive staff, to appear before the panel during its next meeting on Thursday, June 16^th. A statement from the committee says their probe leads them to (quote) ”serious questions that can only be answered by Governor John Bel Edwards and his executive staff.” So far no response from Mr. Edwards’ office.

Police in Monroe say they’ve recovered the body of a 13-year-old boy who drowned Tuesday while swimming in the Ouachita River. He was reported missing at about 5 yesterday. Officers say his body was found by about 8 o’clock last night.

A juvenile offender who committed a violent crime would not be allowed to possess a gun until they are 24 as a result of a proposed law that’s close to final legislative passage. Don Molino has the story…:

CUT 01(35)      “…Don Molino.”

Entergy says it is ready for the 2022 Hurricane Season…David Grubb has more on how they plan to keep the power on…:

CUT 02(35)      “…David Grubb.”

A Shreveport man is recovering from serious injuries sustained Tuesday, when his girlfriend ran over him with her vehicle…several times. The victim says an argument led to the attack. 22-year-old Leasia Williams is charged with attempted murder.

Doctors are concerned for Louisiana cancer patients and others needing imaging diagnoses, amid a nationwide shortage of the contrast dye used in CT scans. The dye is made by GE Healthcare at a plant in Shanghai, China; now on lockdown due to another COVID virus surge there. LSU Health New Orleans radiology professor Bradley Spieler (pronounced: SPEE-ler) says doctors in Louisiana are forced to delay non-essential CT scans, and concentrate on those that are more of an emergency…:

CUT 09(12)      “…that imaging question.”

He says GE Healthcare is trying to ramp up dye production in other countries, but it could be late fall before any real relief is seen.

A Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s deputy was seriously injured when he was hit by an A-T-V that he was pursuing. State Police Trooper Kate Stegall says 18-year-old Reginald Hamilton of New Orleans is facing numerous charges including attempted first degree murder of a police officer. She says Hamilton and the deputy remain hospitalized…:

CUT 13(09)      “…receiving treatment.”

Three people were shot today outside a high school graduation ceremony on the Xavier University campus in New Orleans. NOPD says two women got into a fight that escalated to gunfire. They report a woman was shot and killed and two males were wounded. NOPD says they have one person in custody. In a written statement, Governor John Bel Edwards calls for prayer for the victims of what he calls “pointless, senseless acts.”

LSU held a virtual media briefing on the eve of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season in anticipation of another active summer. Dr. Paul Miller, assistant professor of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, says that LSU has compared its data with other sources and feels comfortable with projecting five named storms in the Gulf this year; another higher than usual output…:

CUT 10(09)      “…historical baseline.”

I wish I had some good news….

Major changes go into effect for hunting and fishing licenses tomorrow. Brooke Thorington has more on what you need to know before reeling in the next big one…:

CUT 01(35)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Two Lake Charles men are sentenced to prison for having sexual contact with a 14-year-old girl. Ken Duplechin allegedly picked up the girl, took her home, then called his pal Darren Gaspard to come over and take part. They will each serve at least three years and must register as sex offenders forever.

Tomorrow begins the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season and there’s potential for tropical development in the Gulf of Mexico this week. LRN meteorologist John Wetherbee says a Pacific hurricane by name of the Agatha made landfall in southern Mexico yesterday and there’s a good chance its remnants could reform near the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. He says confidence is growing that we could see our first named storm of the season…:

CUT 08(06)      “…this weekend.”

He says, if it develops, it should move east and northeast and not threaten Louisiana.

Gunfire erupted today outside a high school graduation ceremony in New Orleans, leaving one woman dead and two men injured. NOPD says it happened on the Xavier University campus, where Jefferson High’s commencement had just finished. Officers say a dispute between two young women escalated to the shooting.

Major changes for hunting and fishing licenses and fees go into effect tomorrow. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Undersecretary Bryan McClinton says fishing licenses are going up $7.50, but the license has been broadened to include additional fishing options…:

CUT 05(11)      “…gear fee.”

To get up-to-speed on all the changes, visit “wlf.louisiana.gov”

There’s been another escape from a Louisiana juvenile detention center. This time the Acadiana Center for Youth in St. Martin parish, where two 19-year-olds got out Monday and are still at large. The state Office of Juvenile Justice has been plagued with security issues and escapes in the recent past; one in East Baton Rouge, another in Jefferson parish and a third in Red River Parish.

A Monroe man is behind bars for allegedly abducting a woman and raping her multiple times over the weekend. 31-year-old Deangelo Burgess was arrested Monday; charged with rape, battery and false imprisonment.

Meteorologists and climatologists at LSU predict another busy storm season. David Grubb has the story…:

CUT 02(36)      “…David Grubb.”

A Pacific hurricane, named Agatha, made landfall this past weekend in southern Mexico and there IS a chance it could reform IF it reaches the southern Gulf. Forecasters say it’ll head east toward Florida and not here.

Police in New Orleans say a shooting broke out this morning on the Xavier University campus, which was hosting the Morris Jefferson High school graduation. Officers say and elderly woman was shot and killed and two men were wounded. Cops have at least one person in custody, but few other details are available at this time.

A bill that would result in civil penalties against state and local governments and educational institutions that required proof of a COVID-19 shot or shots for entry into government facilities is closer to final legislative passage. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley’s bill has passed the House and has now made it out of a Senate Committee. Christy Haik, a concerned citizen & mom, spoke in support of the bill during committee testimony today…:

CUT 13(07)      “…an overreach.”

The bill goes next to the Senate floor. The legislative session ends Monday evening.

Louisiana State Treasurer John Schroder says the check is in the mail. On Thursday almost 30-thousand unclaimed property checks were mailed out to persons claiming their Unclaimed Property. Those checks total nearly $5-million. Schroder says when the Louisiana Department of Revenue is able to provide Unclaimed Property with current addresses it allows them to unite those lost funds with the proper owner…:

CUT 05(08)      “…of Revenue.”

Visit LaCashClaim.org to check if there’s money waiting in your name.

A bill to make using a hand-held cellphone while driving is dead for the session. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval told Senate Transportation committee members he’s addressed concerns the bill could result in possible overreach by law enforcement…:

CUT 06(08)      “…the stop people.”

The committee voted to defer; meaning the bill is dead.

The state House has overwhelmingly voted for a measure that would remove the current restrictions on the state’s Name, Image, and Likeness law. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says the bill just puts Louisiana in the same posture as other states…:

CUT 11(12)      “…like you said.”

The bill started in the Senate and must go back there for concurrence on House amendments and what could be final passage…:

A Livingston Parish couple are on the lam, after a home invasion robbery. Deputies says the woman – Alyssa Dennis – reportedly went home with the intended victim, and then let her accomplice – Robert Benson – into the house. They beat the man, held him at bay with his own guns and took his stuff. The pair are at large and considered dangerous.

It seems every year a lawmaker attempts to pass a ban on using a hand-held cellphone while driving…and every year it fails to pass. This year is no different, as Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s proposed ban was squashed in the Senate Transportation Committee. Huval tells committee members he’s addressed concerns the bill could lead to racial profiling by law enforcement…:

CUT 07  (09)        “…who is stopped.”

By a close 4-3 vote, the committee deferred Huval’s bill; ending it for the session.

This Memorial Day weekend why not visit the World War II Museum in New Orleans? The museum’s Dr. Maggie Hartley says active military and reservists get in free now through Labor Day…:

CUT 14  (08)        “…this summer.”

She says be prepared to invest 2 or more hours in a visit, because there’s a lot to see.

Most Louisiana lawmakers are on board with loosening the restrictions that are currently in place for name, image, and likeness deals for college athletes. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

State Police say excessive speed led to the death of a motorcyclist Thursday night in Golden Meadow. Troopers say, after passing several vehicles, 43-year-old Ace Billiot lost control in a curve at high speed and went off the road and into a utility pole. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Representative Mike Huval’s proposed hand-held cellphone ban bill meets defeat once again. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 01(35)      “…David Grubb.”

Shreveport firefighters were called out during overnight hours to battle a blazing hookah lounge. By the time they arrived, all of the Hookah District lounge in Shreve City was engulfed in flame. No injuries were reported. The fire is under investigation.

Lawmakers in Baton Rouge are moving legislation forward that basically opens college athlete Name, Image & Likeness deals wide. Crowley Representative John Stefanski says the measures would allow universities and their employees to participate in NIL deals. However, Stefanski says the legislation would not allow LSU or any Louisiana school to use an NIL as a carrot to attract top talent…:

CUT 10(09)      “…recruit an athlete.”

The Senate-originated bill now goes back to the Senate for approval of House amendments and what could be final passage.

Great Memorial Day weekend idea: a visit to the World War II Museum in New Orleans. The museum’s Dr. Maggie Hartley says their world class exhibits will immerse you in the history…:

CUT 13(10)      “…arsenal of democracy.”

Active military and reservists get in free now through Labor Day.

Former State Police leader Colonel Kevin Reeves has agreed to turn over his personal journals by tomorrow afternoon – if they remain sealed from public view – in order to avoid a contempt charge.  Houma Representative Tanner Magee heads a panel looking into the death of Ronald Greene in LSP custody. He was seeking to hold Reeves in contempt for withholding the requested documents. Reeve’s lawyer, Lewis Unglesby, says his client is being treated poorly…:

CUT 11(12)      “…in any way.”

A man who struck a man working on the Mississippi River Bridge at Luling with his vehicle – knocking the victim off the bridge an into the water far below – is sentenced to 18 year behind bars. 23-year-old Hunter Johnson smashed through the work zone on the Hale Boggs Bridge in early 2021 His acts caused the death of 44-year-old Brady Ortego. Johnson’s mother helped him escape the crash scene and hid him from police. She also faces charges.

As Entergy Louisiana customers could soon be paying monthly hurricane restoration charges totaling $4.5 billion, Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell is crying foul. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(34)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana State Treasurer John Schroder says over 27-thousand Unclaimed Property checks, totaling nearly $5-million, are being mailed out today following a data match to update addresses. He says the checks will be mailed to every parish in the state.