As violent crime and open lawlessness surge in New Orleans, could the Governor call in the National Guard to help maintain peace & order? The city has seen a 37-percent spike in fatal shootings in the first five months of this year. Armed robberies are up nearly 30-percent. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’d prefer not to resort to calling in troops…:

CUT 03  (08)        “…not an answer.”

Federal law forbids using the regular military to augment civilian police without a declaration of martial law…however a Governor does have discretion to use the National Guard. Edwards says Guardsmen are soldiers, not cops.

West Baton Rouge deputies arrested a Gonzales man Sunday, after he ran amok in a gas station/convenience store; stripping naked, defecating in the store and attacking customers and staff. It took several officers with tasers to bring 50-year-old Joel Pennington under control. He’s charged with obscenity, assault, resisting arrest and criminal damage to property.

An effort to pass a permitless concealed carry bill was derailed in the final days of the legislative session but the bill’s author says he’s determined it will become law in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso warns elderly residents to be aware the old “grandchild in trouble” scam is afoot once again. He says scammers will call, identify themselves as a family member in jail or badly needing money. He says, unless you’re certain it’s really them…hang up.

Legislative leaders are seeking more time to comply with a federal judge’s order to redraw a Congressional District map. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Shreveport authorities say a 4-year-old girl is dead, after drowning in an apartment complex swimming pool. Little Amelia Gray was found submerged at around dinner time last night. She was rushed to an emergency room, where she passed away.

As you remember, a bill to allow concealed carry of a gun without a permit was derailed in the closing days of the legislative session, but its author vows he’ll bring it back again and again, until it passes. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick’s bill was amended into a school safety bill on the Senate floor. The time ran out on the session. McCormick says, despite the setbacks, he’s determined to have Constitutional Carry in Louisiana…:

CUT 08  (10)        “…that’s my plan.”

Meanwhile a group called 10-thousand Women Louisiana has asked the state’s largest gun wholesaler to quit distributing semi-automatic weapons. Here’s the group’s chairperson Melissa Flournoy, who says they’re not asking for an all-out gun ban…:

CUT 11  (08)        “…assault-style weapons.”

The letter sent to Lipsey’s distributors has over 1100 signatures.

An effort to pass a permitless concealed carry bill was derailed in the final days of the legislative session but the bill’s author says he’s determined it will become law in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Legislative leaders are seeking more time to comply with a federal judge’s order to redraw a Congressional District map. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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It’s been suggested Louisiana should bring in the National Guard to help New Orleans Police with surging violent crime in the city. But Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s against the idea…

Cut 3 (08) “…not an answer.”

New Orleans councilmember Oliver Thomas brought up the possibility of using the National Guard to fight crime but stressed it’s an option of last resort. Edwards says he’s not received a formal request to mobilize the Guard in New Orleans…

Cut 4  (11) “…law enforcement officers”

Edwards says guardsmen are soldiers, not law enforcement…

Cut 5  (06) “…an answer”

New Orleans has seen a 37-percent increase in fatal shootings and a 28-percent increase in armed robberies in 2022, compared to this time last year.

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Oil City Representative Danny McCormick’s effort to pass a permitless concealed carry bill was derailed in the final days of the legislative session when the legislation was completely amended to allow school teachers to carry guns. McCormick does not believe the amendment was sincere…

Cut 6  (09) “…Senate floor.” 

McCormick’s bill was heavily amended days after the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

Governor Edwards has stated he vetoed the original legislation because it removed the gun safety and training component, and House Bill 37 was amended to allow for free gun safety training, but it was not required for concealed carry. McCormick feels the politicians have other motives.

Cut 7 (10) “…seems to be.” 

Despite the setbacks, McCormick remained determined to have concealed carry law in Louisiana.

Cut 8 (10) “…my plan.” 

Next year is a fiscal session however lawmakers are allowed to file five nonfiscal bills and McCormick says concealed carry will be one of his five bills.

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The debate on gun safety rages on in the wake of multiple mass shootings across the nation over the past few weeks. Former State Rep Melissa Flournoy, an adjunct professor at LSU and chair of the organization 10-thousand Women Louisiana says unless we make some major changes, the next senseless tragedy is inevitable.

Cut 9 (11) “…military-style weapon.”

Last week Flournoy, on behalf of 10-thousand Women Louisiana and more than 300 other gun safety activists, sent a letter to Laurie Lipsey Aronson, CEO of Lipsey’s, one of the largest firearms wholesalers in the country and a member of the LSU Board of Supervisors, asking that she stop the distribution of automatic and assault-style, semi-automatic weapons to the public.

Cut 10 (11) ” …retail outlets.” 

That letter now has more than 1100 signatures and is aiming to get more than 5000 this week. Flournoy says Aronson has acknowledged receipt of the letter but has yet to make a statement. In a tragic coincidence, the gun used in Uvalde, Texas was purchased from one of Lipsey’s distributors. Flournoy says she isn’t looking for a total gun ban but wants to see the firearms industry be a part of the solution to gun violence.

Cut 11 (09)  “…assault-style weapons.” 

To add your name to the letter, you can visit 10-thousand-women-la-dot org.

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Senator Bill Cassidy spoke to reporters today to promote a bipartisan proposal that seeks mass shootings following a tragic shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. Cassidy says the proposal increases resources for mental health, improves school safety, and will help keep weapons out of the hands of dangerous criminals while preserving 2^nd Amendment rights.

Cut 12 (09) “…law-abiding Americans.”  

One of the concerns raised by conservatives has been the implementation of red flag laws, which allow for law enforcement, family members, and medical professionals in some states to ask the courts to confiscate firearms from a person who could be a danger to themselves or others. Cassidy says those are state-level decisions, but this agreement lays out strong guidelines to protect due process.

Cut 13 (08) “…2nd Amendment rights.”

Cassidy says he’s glad Senators from both sides came together to provide a framework that addresses not only rampage shootings, but mental health, and even personal restraining orders. However, he says there are some things he and other Republicans will not compromise on.

Cut 14 (11)  “…to be infringed.” 

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Cut 15 (07) “…lives” 

Cut  16 (08)  “…their businesses“

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’ll resist ordering the National Guard into New Orleans to help with its surge in violent crime and lawlessness. New Orleans Councilman Oliver Thomas brought the idea up last week, as an option of last resort. However, the governor says he’s received no such formal request from the city…:

CUT 04  (11)        “…law enforcement officers.”

The Crescent City has seen a 37-percent increase in fatal shootings, a 28-percent increase in armed robberies and an 8-percent increase in carjackings so far this year.

Speaking of surges…Louisiana is seeing another surge in COVID-19 cases. The Department of Health reports over 2350 new cases of the virus statewide, with over 300 people under hospital care with symptoms. That’s an increase of over 18-percent. LDH also reports one new COVID-related death.

Senator Bill Cassidy spoke to reporters today to promote a bipartisan proposal on gun violence in the aftermath of the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. Cassidy says that the proposal increases resources for mental health, improves school safety, and will help keep weapons out of the hands of dangerous criminals while preserving 2^nd Amendment rights. Some are concerned about so-called red flag laws they worry could lead to gun confiscation. Cassidy says this agreement lays out strong guidelines to protect due process…:

CUT 13(09)      “…2^nd Amendment rights.”

An Ascension Parish man has died from injuries sustained ten days ago, when he was struck by a big rig on Interstate 10. State Police say 75-year-old Nelson Nunez lost cargo off the roof of his vehicle on June 4th, and had pulled over to get it out of the roadway when the truck hit him. The crash is still under investigation.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy spoke with reporters today to promote a bipartisan gun bill that’s in response to mass shootings. Cassidy says the proposal increases resources for mental health, improves school safety, and will help keep weapons out of the hands of dangerous criminals while preserving 2nd Amendment rights.
Cut 12 (09) “…law-abiding Americans.”

Former state representative and chair of an organization called 10-thousand Women Louisiana, Melissa Flournoy has written a letter to Laurie Lipsey Aronson, the CEO of Baton Rouge-based Lipsey’s, one of the largest firearm wholesalers in the country. Flournoy is asking her business to stop the distribution of automatic and assault-style, semi-automatic weapons to the public…
cut 10 (12) “:…retail outlets”

An effort to pass a permitless concealed carry bill was derailed in the final days of the legislative session but the bill’s author says he’s determined it will become law in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Today marks the five-year anniversary of when a gunman shot Louisiana Congressman and Minority Whip Steve Scalise as he and other members of Congress were practicing for the congressional baseball game. Scalise underwent multiple surgeries and several months of rehab. He was one of five people wounded. The shooter was gunned down by responding special agents and officers.

It’s been suggested Louisiana should bring in the National Guard to help New Orleans Police with surging violent crime in the city. But Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s against the idea…

Cut 3 (08) “…not an answer.”

New Orleans councilmember Oliver Thomas brought up the possibility of using the National Guard to fight crime but stressed it’s an option of last resort.

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick’s effort to pass a concealed carry without a permit bill was derailed in the final days of the legislative session when it was heavily amended to allow school teachers to carry guns and it removed the bill’s original intent. McCormick says politicians have other motives.

Cut 7 (10) “…seems to be.” 

McCormick says he will continue to file the legislation until it’s passed.

The debate on gun safety rages on in the wake of multiple mass shootings across. Former State Representative Melissa Flournoy, an adjunct professor at LSU and chair of the organization 10-thousand Women Louisiana says unless we make some major changes, the next senseless tragedy is inevitable.

Cut 9 (12) “…military-style weapon.”

Last week 10-thousand Women Louisiana a sent a letter to one of the largest gun wholesalers in the country requesting they halt the distribution of automatic and assault-style, semi-automatic weapons to the public.

Lawmakers will gather at the State Capitol tomorrow for a special session that the governor called to fulfill a federal judge’s order for legislators to approve a Congressional district map with two Black majority districts. The deadline for a new map is June 20th. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says that is insufficient time…:
Cut 14 (14) “…the House and the Senate.”
It’s possible Republican lawmakers will not pass another map and let the courts decide if the map they approved in February is legal.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he opposes the idea of sending the National Guard to New Orleans to help with the city’s crime problems. Edwards says guardsmen are soldiers, not law enforcement.
Cut 5 (07) “…an answer”
New Orleans has seen a 37-percent increase in fatal shootings and a 28-percent increase in armed robberies in 2022, compared to this time last year.

A group of Democrats in the Legislature are pushing Governor Edwards to veto a bill approved in the regular session that would ban abortions in Louisiana if the Supreme Court overturns Roe versus Wade.
cut 28 (11) “….bad legislation”
New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says they are also concerned the legislation does not contain an exception for rape or incest.

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick’s effort to pass a permitless concealed carry bill was derailed in the final days of the legislative session when the legislation was completely amended to allow school teachers to carry guns. McCormick does not believe the amendment was sincere…
cut 6 (10) “….Senate floor”
McCormick’s bill was heavily amended days after the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

The possibility of bringing in the National Guard to help New Orleans Police with surging violent crime in the city has been suggested but only as an option of last resort. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s not received a formal request to mobilize the Guard in New Orleans…

Cut 4  (11) “…law enforcement officers”

A special session to redraw a Congressional district map that would have two Black majority districts instead of one is set to begin tomorrow. A federal judge has ordered state lawmakers to approve a new map by Monday. Erath Representative and House Republican Delegation Chairman Blake Miguez

Cut 13 (11) “… it’s even possible.”
But Governor John Bel Edwards says there’s enough time to pass a Congressional map that reflects the state’s one-third Black population.

A group of Democratic Louisiana lawmakers is asking Governor John Bel Edwards to veto Senate Bill 342 which outlines penalties for physicians who perform abortions.  New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says they haven’t received a response if Edwards will either sign or veto the legislation, but she has received feedback from some constituents.

Cut 9 (11)  “…pushing back.”

Natchitoches Senator Louie Bernard says he’s calling it a day at the end of his term next year. The Republican who’s served more than four decades in office, which includes police jury, clerk of court for Natchitoches Parish, and now four years in the Senate.

Cut 10 (10) “…term of office.”

Rep Allen Seabaugh has announced his candidacy for Bernard’s seat.

It’s been suggested Louisiana should bring in the National Guard to help New Orleans Police with surging violent crime in the city. But Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s against the idea…

Cut 3 (08) “…not an answer.”

New Orleans councilmember Oliver Thomas brought up the possibility of using the National Guard to fight crime but stressed it’s an option of last resort.

Lawmakers will gather at the State Capitol tomorrow for a short special session to redraw a Congressional district map that’s acceptable to the federal courts by June 20^th. New Iberia Representative Blake Miguez says that is insufficient time to put such a map through the process…:

Cut 14 (14)  “…the House and the Senate.”

A group of Democratic Louisiana lawmakers is asking Governor John Bel Edwards to veto Senate Bill 342 which outlines penalties for physicians who perform abortions. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry, who’s also an attorney, says the bill was the last opportunity to add the exception of rape and incest before Roe v Wade’s anticipated overturn.

Cut 7 (11) “…and complicated.”

So far no response from the governor.

Lincoln and Union Parish District Attorney John Belton says it’s still possible federal civil rights charges and state criminal charges could be handed down against the State Troopers involved in the fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. Belton says he recently met with federal officials who have been investigating the case.

Cut 4 (09)  “…final decision.”

State lawmakers are scheduled to return to the State Capitol tomorrow for a redistricting session that’s been called by the governor to redraw a Congressional district map with two Black majority districts. The state legislature has been given a court-ordered deadline of June 20th. But Erath Representative Blake Miguez says many of his Republican colleagues believe the map they passed in February will eventually be accepted by the courts…
cut 15 (09) “…next two days”

Who saw the most graphic body camera video from the fatal arrest of Ronald Greene and when has been a story. District Attorney John Belton still wonders why it took nearly two years before he saw the video that came from Lt John Clary’s body cam…
cut 6 (11) “…..April of 2021”

A group of Democratic lawmakers is asking Governor Edwards to veto the abortion ban bill that passed in the regular session. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Natchitoches Senator Louie Bernard says he’s not seeking a second term in the Louisiana Senate. The 71-year-old wants to spend more time with family…
cut 12 (08) “….issues”
Bernard says he will finish out his current term which ends December 31, 2023.