NOAA predicts a near-normal 2019 hurricane season. US weather officials say that means between 9 to 15 named storms, 4 to 8 hurricanes and 2 to 4 major hurricanes. Lead hurricane season forecaster Gerry Bell says the near-normal hurricane outlook is occurring because of competing climate factors…

Cut 6 (12) “…more activity”

Last year there were 15 named storms, highlighted by two major hurricanes, Florence and Michael.

For only the third time in history, the US Army Corps of Engineers may have to open the Morganza Spillway in early June because of the rising Mississippi River.

The spillway was completed in 1954 and opened for the first time 1973 for 56 days and 55 days in 2011. Terrebonne Parish President Gordon Dove says just like they did in 2011, a barge will have to be installed in Bayou Chene to prevent backwater flooding in Terrebonne and several other parishes…

Cut 4 (08) “…anything”

Legislation that would have increased the legal age to purchase cigarettes, dip, and vape products to 21 dies on the House floor amid concerns the bill infringes on individual liberties of adults. Bill author, West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman, argued the bill could save lives…

Cut 9 (09) “…lives”

The final vote was 24-55.

A Bossier City man is behind bars after he allegedly offered to fly a child in from Wisconsin for sexual purposes. 49-year-old William Kramer is facing seven counts of indecent behavior with juveniles. State Police Trooper Brent Hardy says more charges are possible because they found evidence that Kramer chatted online with multiple underage children and some of the victims could live in the Shreveport-Bossier City area.

Cut 13 (10) “…make a report”