Investigators with the State Fire Marshal along with ATF agents continue to look for answers after fires have destroyed three churches in St. Landry Parish since March 26th. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
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Colorado State University is predicting a slightly below average hurricane season this year. Matt Doyle has the story.
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A Manship School study shows broad public support for a five cent increase in the gas tax to pay for transportation projects. Matt Doyle has more.
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State Fire Marshal deputies, with the help of ATF agents, are investigating the circumstances surrounding fires that have destroyed three churches in St. Landry Parish that have occurred since March 26th. Fire Marshal Butch Browning says there is clearly something happening in the community, but stopped short of saying the fires are related.
Cut 4 (11) “…still vetting that.”
The St. Mary Baptist Church was the first church to burn on the 26th, followed by The Greater Union Baptist Church on Tuesday, and the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church on Thursday. Investigators have identified suspicious elements in each case. Browning says he’s calling upon citizens to rally around those impacted.
Cut 5 (10) “…embrace these pastors.”
Browning says he’s consulting with other churches to be vigilant against the possibility of further attacks. He says the message to those that may be behind the fires is clear.
Cut 6 (10) “…as well.”
Investigators are working diligently to get answers and are asking for the public’s help. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
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Forecasters are predicting a below average hurricane season this year, in the first forecast of 2019. Colorado State University expects 13 named storms, five hurricanes, and two major hurricanes for season starting June 1st. Graduate research assistant Jhordanne Jones says the cap on severe storms comes courtesy of this year’s El Nino.
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Tropical Atlantic sea surfaces temperatures are also expected to be slightly below their long-term averages.
Jones says the predicted El Nino in the Pacific will likely tear apart most Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic based systems before they have a chance to develop into major storms.
Cut 8 (10) “…Atlantic”
CSU will update us on the season’s progress again on June 4th.
And if this prediction feels like deja vu, then no, you’re not crazy. Last year’s devastating season that crippled parts of the Panhandle and Carolinas was also a “below average” forecast. Jones says that should be a good reminder of just how dangerous any season can be.
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The 2018 season caused nearly 50 billion dollars worth of damage, and killed over a hundred people.
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The Louisiana Survey says 67 percent of Louisiana residents would support raising the gas tax by five cents to pay for road projects and infrastructure repairs. Director of LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab, Dr. Mike Henderson, says it’s a bipartisan public sentiment that reflects the survey’s other revelation that infrastructure is a top two concern for voters.
Cut 10 (10) “…support.”
The report found that when respondents were informed that the gas tax was 38.5 cents when combining local and federal rates, support declined to 61 percent.
While a five cent tax is widely popular, the poll showed a major drop in support for a potential 20 cent gas tax hike, down to 46 percent. Henderson says deriving the optimal level of gas tax as supported by the public may be difficult for lawmakers.
Cut 11 (08) “…big range.”
Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter is proposing a gas tax that would raise the rate six cents in the first year, and rise to an 18 cent increase over ten years.
Previous gas tax proposals have fallen flat at the Capitol, and Henderson says while there may be substantial public support for the policy, don’t hold your breathe on it making it into law…
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Louisiana has the 7th lowest gas tax in the nation. A five cent hike would push it to 32nd lowest, and a 20 cent hike would see the state nearly crack the top ten highest gas taxes.
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Dukes of Hazzard star John Schneider is throwing a party in Holden in celebration of 40 years of the television show. It also marks the actor and recording artist’s 59thbirthday. The event dubbed Bo’s Extravaganza is in its second year. Schneider says there will be plenty to see this weekend at his property in Livingston Parish.
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In addition to stunts and cars, Schneider says there will be no shortage of celebrities on hand for the festivities.
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Schneider says he’ll be performing at the event, but he won’t be alone as many Louisiana musicians will be also be on the bill. As will a very special guest from Detroit.
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After two tough SEC series on the road, LSU is back home this weekend to host the first place team in the west. Texas A-and-M is 6-2 and 1 on the year and Coach Paul Mainieri says the Aggies have the top ERA in the league…
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LSU has won four in a row and the pitching staff is coming off back to back shutouts during the midweek. Tonight’s starting pitcher, Zack Hess, says everyone is trying to step up their game, since they are low on arms because of injuries…
cut 17 (13) “…this weekend
This weekend marks the third consecutive series against a ranked team. Mainieri says their weekend rotation has been throwing the ball well and he hopes that continues…
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