Authorities continue to look for answers after fires have destroyed three historically black churches in St. Landry Parish since March 26th. Kevin Barnhart has more.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

Will Wade could still lead the LSU men’s basketball team. Sports Illustrated reports the suspended head coach has a new attorney and LSU confirms talks are productive with Wade’s new legal counsel and a face-to-face meeting that athletic director Joe Alleva is seeking could happen soon.

Forecasters predict a below average hurricane season this year. Colorado State University expects 13 named storms, five hurricanes, and two major hurricanes. Researcher Jhordanne Jones says a weak El Nino is the primary factor.
Cut 7 (08) “…predictors”
El Nino summers and falls create more wind shear in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico therefore inhibiting hurricane production.

The public is invited to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the legendary TV show “The Dukes of Hazard” during a festival this weekend on the property that was once owned by Dukes of Hazzard actor John Schneider, who still lives and works on the land in Holden in Livingston Parish. Schneider says some of the actors who were on the TV show will be there…
cut 14 (12) “…of a coffin”
For more information go to bosextravaganza.com

Sports Illustrated reports that LSU officials and basketball coach Will Wade are working towards a meeting, which would be their first face-to-face discussion since Wade was suspended because of a purported FBI wire tap involving Wade and a recruiting handler discussing a strong offer. Wade has a new attorney and LSU Senior Associate Athletic Director Robert Munson says recent talks with Will’s legal counsel have been productive.

If Wade does come back next season, he will not coach point guard Tremont Waters. Waters has announced he’s entering the NBA draft and has signed an agent.

The Pelicans have reportedly started conducting formal interviews as they search for a new general manager. Interim G-M Danny Ferry is among the candidates, along with former Cavs GM David Griffin and Warriors Assistant G-M Larry Harris.

And Anthony Davis has been fined 15-thousand dollars for flipping the bird at a fan as he walked off the court on Wednesday night.

Ninth ranked LSU baseball begins a three-game series against 11th ranked Texas A-and-M tonight. This weekend marks the third consecutive series against a ranked team. Coach Paul Mainieri says starting pitchers Zack Hess, Cole Henry and Eric Walker will need to pitch well, because A-and-M has won 24 games this season, because they don’t give up many runs…
cut 18 (25) “…the series”
Starting left fielder Daniel Cabera will miss the series with an ailing wrist.

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.”
But the report found that when respondents were informed the current gas tax was 38.5 cents, combining both state and federal rates, support declined to 61 percent.

Colorado State University hurricane researchers predict a slightly below-average hurricane season in 2019, citing the high likelihood of a weak El Nino as a primary factor. Researcher Jordanne Jones says an El Nino helps to minimize storm production in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico…
cut 8 (10) “….Atlantic”
C-S-U is predicting 13 named storms, five hurricanes and two major hurricanes.

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says it’s very suspicious that three historically black churches in St. Landry Parish have been destroyed by fire. Browning says they’ve identified suspicious elements in each case and they are asking for the public’s help for more clues. Browning urges other churches to be vigilant and has this message to those that may be behind the fires…
Cut 6 (10) “…as well.”

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.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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Colorado State University is predicting a slightly below average hurricane season this year. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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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.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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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 26^th. 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 26^th, 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.

Cut 7 (08) “…predictors”

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.

Cut 9 (10) “…come through″

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…

Cut 12 (09) “…of this″

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 59^thbirthday. 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.

Cut 13 (11) “…jump the car.”

In addition to stunts and cars, Schneider says there will be no shortage of celebrities on hand for the festivities.

Cut 14 (12) “…of a coffin.”

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.

Cut 15 (11) “…John Schneider Studios.”

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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…

Cut 16  (16) “…left-handed” 

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…

Cut 18 (25)   the series” 

Many Louisiana residents have misunderstandings about tax rates according to the latest release from the 2019 Louisiana Survey. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger reports that LSU and Will Wade are working toward a meeting that could lead to the reinstatement of the suspended head coach. Sources have told S-I that Wade has a new attorney, Stephen Thompson. Thompson also represents Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl and Arizona Coach Sean Miller. Those are two other programs that have been impacted by the F-B-I’s investigation into corruption in college basketball.
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A father has been arrested on numerous charges after his seven-year daugther was killed in a single vehicle wreck in the Donaldsonville area last night. State Police Trooper Taylor Scrantz says they believe 25-year-old DeVontae Sanders of Donaldsonville was impaired….
Cut 6 (11) “…vehicle overturned”
None of the children were wearing seatbelts.

Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton has a bill that would enforce pay equality between men and women in Louisiana’s private sector. Currently only public sector employers must pay women the same as men for equal work. According to a report Louisiana ranks 48th in pay equality, and Norton says something must be done.

Cut 9 (10) “…their work”

The report, presented by former state Representative and current New Orleans Councilwoman Helena Moreno, shows women make 69 percent of what white men make in Louisiana.

An equal pay for women bill is being proposed as a new report ranks Louisiana 48th in pay disparity. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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 26^th. Investigators have identified suspicious elements in each case. Fire Marshal Butch Browning says there is clearly something happening in the community and is calling for the help of citizens to get to the bottom of these fires.

Most of southeast Louisiana is under a flash flood watch through midnight. Phil Grigsby with the National Weather Service in Slidell says a warm front has stalled along the coast and its producing significant downpours.Grigsby says the torrential rainfall started this morning and it will continue into the night

Cut 13 (08) “…street flooding issues”

Two to four inches of rain is possible throughout the day in Baton Rouge, Houma, the Northshore and the New Orleans metro area.

A father has been arrested on numerous charges after his seven-year daugther was killed in a single vehicle wreck in the Donaldsonville area last night. State Police Trooper Taylor Scrantz says troopers suspected 25-year-old DeVontae Sanders of Donaldsonville was impaired at the time of the crash and L-S-P booked him into the Ascension Parish jail on numerous charges, including vehicular homicide…

Cut 8 (11) “    last night” 

Lawmakers will once again debate equal pay legislation after the legislative session convenes on Monday. Opponents argue it would place an undue burden on businesses and open companies up to expensive litigation. But the bill’s author Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says a recent report shows the state ranks 48th in pay equality…
cut 10 (12) “….opportunities”
This legislation has failed to gain much traction in the legislature, despite support from the governor.

Strong storms are rumbling across the state today. Phil Grgisby with the National Weather Service says the potential for severe weather will continue the rest of the day….
cut 14 (10) “…tornadoes’
Rain chances are also high this weekend.

The latest report from the Louisiana Survey shows many residents are wrong when it comes to how much they pay in taxes. Director of LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab, Dr. Mike Henderson, says 46% of the respondents say the state income tax rates are higher than they were four years ago, and 32% say the rates are higher than last year, but the state income tax rate hasn’t changed in years…
Cut 3 (10) “…simply not true.”
Henderson says their survey also found that people thought they paid much more in gasoline taxes than they actually pay.

A suspected impaired driver has been charged with vehicular homicide after his seven-year daughter was killed in a single vehicle wreck in the Donaldsonville area last night. State Police Trooper Taylor Scrantz says 25-year-old DeVontae Sanders had three unrestrained kids in the car.
Cut 7 (10) “…local hospital”
The ages of the children that survived are three and four-year-olds and they were sent to separate hospitals with critical injuries.

Many Louisiana residents have misunderstandings about tax rates according to the latest release from the 2019 Louisiana Survey. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Most of southeast Louisiana is under a flash flood watch until midnight. Phil Grigsby with the National Weather Service in Slidell says a warm front has stalled along the coast and its producing significant downpours…
Cut 12 (07) “…heavy rain.”

A father has been arrested on numerous charges after his seven-year daugther was killed in a single vehicle wreck in the Donaldsonville area last night. State Police Trooper Taylor Scrantz says they believe 25-year-old DeVontae Sanders of Donaldsonville was impaired….
Cut 6 (11) “…vehicle overturned”
Two other young children survived the crash but they sustained critical injuries. None of the kids were buckled up.

The regular session begins on Monday and once again there’s legislation that would require private businesses to pay male and female workers the same amount for equal work. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton is the author of the bill and says the measure is aimed at improving the quality of life of working women…
cut 11 “…that dollar”
A recent report ranks Louisiana 48th in the state in pay equality.

An equal pay for women bill is being proposed as a new report ranks Louisiana 48th in pay disparity. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

State Police have identified 29-year-old Nahshon Brooks as a suspect in the shooting of an Abbevile Police Officer last night.  The officer is in stable condition.  Warrants have been issued for attempted first degree murder, carrying a firearm on a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in a firearm free zone.  Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating him.

The latest report from the Louisiana Survey shows many residents are wrong when it comes to how much they pay in taxes. Director of LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab, Dr. Mike Henderson says when asked about gasoline taxes, the average guess on what we pay in federal and state taxes is  79 cents per gallon when the actual rate is 38.5 cents…

Cut 5 (09) “…the actual rate.”

67% support a five cent per gallon increase, but only 46% support a 20 cent increase.
A father has been arrested on numerous charges after his seven-year daugther was killed in a single vehicle wreck in the Donaldsonville area last night. State Police Trooper Taylor Scrantz says troopers suspected 25-year-old DeVontae Sanders of Donaldsonville was impaired at the time of the crash and L-S-P booked him into the Ascension Parish jail on numerous charges, including vehicular homicide…

The latest report from the Louisiana Survey shows many residents believe income tax rates have increased, but that’s not the case. Director of LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab Dr. Mike Henderson says many residents are also confused on the sales tax rate. He says 40% incorrectly believe the state sales tax rate is higher than one year ago. It actually went down about a half-a-cent. However, 60% correctly said the sales tax is higher than four years ago

Cut 4 (05) “…the Edwards administration.”
During the Jindal administration, the state’s sales tax rate was four-percent, it’s now around 4.5-percent.
Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton has a bill that would enforce pay equality between men and women in Louisiana’s private sector. Currently only public sector employers must pay women the same as men for equal work. According to a report Louisiana ranks 48th in pay equality, and Norton says something must be done.

Cut 9 (10) “…their work”

20 percent of the Bayou State has ordered their groceries online for delivery or pickup, part of a growing trend nationwide. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”