A State Police trooper severely injured when he was hit by a Hammond Police vehicle last week during a police chase has succumbed to his injuries. 33-year-old Trooper George Baker was removing a tire-deflating device from the road when he was struck. Troop L spokesperson Jeremy Price says Baker started with the L-S-P in 2017 and was a model trooper.
Cut 10 (09) “…passing”
Baker is survived by his wife Heather, their young daughter Harper, his parents, sisters, and his extended family.

Republican legislative leadership has issued its own call for a special session that’s set to begin when the regular session ends next Monday. The call features 41 items. That includes passing a budget. Senate GOP Caucus Chairwoman Sharon Hewitt says they will also look to pass tax breaks to help struggling businesses…
cut 15 (08) “…budget”
The special session could last through the entire month of June.

A bill that would expand concealed handgun access in churches is halfway through the legislative process. The measure would allow a concealed carry holder to bring a gun into a place of worship if the church leader approves. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley voted for the bill in the House, but raised concerns that the legislation removes from an existing law that requires an additional eight hours of tactical training in order to bring a gun into a church…
cut 5 (12) “….scares me”
The House-approved measure is awaiting more discussion in the Senate.

The state reported a big jump in coronavirus cases on Memorial Day, 640 more positive tests. But officials say the spike is the result of a server issue impacted their ability to count cases on Saturday and Sunday. The number of deaths also increased by 18 yesterday.

State Police is mourning the death of one of its troopers. 33-year-old George Baker has succumbed to the injuries he sustained last Wednesday when he was hit by a Hammond Police car during a car chase involving two suspects. Troop L spokesperson Jeremy Price says Baker is the 30th LSP Trooper to die in the line of duty…
cut 12 (06) “…2015”
Price says Trooper Baker continued to show his commitment to community and selfless service as he donated his organs.

A House-approved bill that would expand concealed handgun access in churches is awaiting debate in the Senate. The measure would allow a concealed carry individual to bring a gun into a place of worship, if a pastor, priest, or rabbi granted permission. Gretna Representative Joseph Marino was one of two dozen House members to vote against it. Marino believes the way the measure is written, a church leader would not be allowed to ban guns inside their house of worship and questioned Fontenot…
Cut 6 (09) “…that right”

The budget may be the focus of the upcoming special session but lawmakers will also take a look at dozens of other tax-related issues when they convene. Matt Doyle has the story.
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The special session that’s been called by lawmakers will begin one minute after the regular session concludes next Monday.

Lawmakers will enter a special session after the regular session ends June 1^st with 41 items on the menu for consideration. The budget highlights what will potentially be a busy month, but many of the proposals listed in the call are tax reforms, eliminations, or suspensions for businesses who’ve been hammered by the COVID shutdown.

Senate GOP Caucus Chairwoman Sharon Hewitt of Slidell says one big topic of conversation will be the potential elimination or suspension of the state’s corporate franchise tax.

Cut 13 (09) “…some time” 

The franchise tax is levied against a business’s total net worth and would cost the state an estimated 10 million dollars in lost revenue.

Hewitt adds the special session will also offer an added benefit for Republican lawmakers should Governor Edwards reject any key legislation from the regular session…

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That may be a possibility due to disagreements between Governor Edwards and the GOP on tort reform aimed at lowering auto insurance rates.

And with the regular session still in progress the Senate is set to debate a bill that would expand concealed handgun access in churches. Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot’s  legislation passed the House on a 72-24 vote

Cut 4 (10)_ “pastor.”

Louisiana law currently allows a concealed handgun in a house of worship, but the congregation must agree on who is allowed to carry concealed weapons.

Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley voted for the bill but raised concern that the legislation removes from existing law a requirement for an additional eight hours of tactical training

Cut 5 (12)  “scares me”

Memorial Day will be a bit different this year due to the COVID-19…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The state economy is being battered by COVID-19 and Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says the pandemic is further proof that rural residents need access to better internet or just some internet at all.

Cut 10 (09) “…for our education.”

Louisiana is in line to receive an estimated $600 million from the feds over the next decade to assist in that. 

Legislators call for a special session to begin the moment the regular session ends June 1^st to address 41 items dealing with the budget and other fiscal matters. While the agenda currently only pertains to fiscal items political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it could be used as an opportunity to override a potential gubernatorial veto of items like tort reform aimed at lowering auto insurance rates.

Cut 13 (09) “…will be” 

The final step for fantasy sports legalization, taxation of the business, will also be considered.

With Memorial Day being an unofficial kick-off to summer, many will be grilling today.  A few tips from the pros can make a world of difference in your dining experience.  Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster says a couple of dollars difference in the cost of meat can make a huge impact.

Cut 6 (09) “…juicy flavorful experience.

Staff at the state’s five veteran’s homes across the state will host private ceremonies this year for Memorial Day due to COVID-19. The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Colonel Joey Strickland says despite the virus the holiday is still too important and must be observed…

Cut 3 (10)  “…be flying”  

Strickland says since the Revolutionary War to present-day more than seven-thousand Louisianans have been killed while serving.

Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says the coronavirus pandemic further highlights the need for broadband internet in rural communities. Plenty of focus has been put onto 5G internet service availability, but Campbell says he’s ready to get internet to rural communities by any means necessary.

Cut 11 (08) “…but we want it.”

What steps do you need to take to ensure the best flavor experience when grilling meat today?  Kevin Barnhart spoke with the pros…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

Louisiana State Police Trooper George Baker, who was struck by a Hammond Police vehicle while pursuing a suspect, has died of his injuries. Baker and other troopers were removing a tire flattening device set up to stop a suspect’s vehicle when he was struck by Hammond Police. Baker was 33-years-old and a 10 year law enforcement and military veteran.

Lawmakers agree a special session will be needed this year due to the compressed regular session schedule resulting from COVID-19. The pandemic has hammered state finances and political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says many legislators are hoping the additional time will give the state more clarity on the budget.

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The special session starts immediately after the regular session ends on June 1^st.

Louisiana held no public memorial day ceremonies today to honor the fallen due to COVID-19 limits on gatherings, but Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Colonel Joey Strickland encourages the public to post photos of veterans that have sacrificed their lives for our country on the LDVA Facebook Page.

Cut 4 (11)_ “all of us.”

Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says the coronavirus pandemic further highlights the need for broadband internet in rural communities.  The PSC does not regulate the internet, but Campbell believes the commission can contribute to streamlining the implementation of internet service.

Cut 9 (10) “…all for it.”

Louisiana is in line to receive an estimated $600 million from the feds over the next decade to assist in that.

Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster has some advice for those who’ve yet to start grilling today: make sure you build a good rub to avoid a bland experience….

Cut 8 (09) “…choice or better.”

If you haven’t bought your steak yet Foster recommends not settling for quality below choice.

Many people on this Memorial Day will take time to honor service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Colonel Joey Strickland is asking all Louisiana residents to fly an American flag today or visit a nearby veterans cemetery…
cut 5 (09) “….be open”
Strickland says since the Revolutionary War over seven-thousand Louisianans have sacrificed their lives serving our country.

There’s one week left in the regular session, but a special session will begin one minute after the regular session concludes on June 1st. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says passing a budget will be the focus, but legislators will also discuss tax breaks..
cut 14 (10) “…gives them’
The special session could last until June 30th.

The beach in Grand Isle has seen large crowds during this Memorial Day weekend, unfortunately, it’s a tragic weekend for one family. Grand Isle Police Chief Lane Landry says a 17-year-old died and two other family members were taken to the hospital after they were caught in the undertow of the water and struggled to get free.

What steps do you need to take to ensure the best flavor experience when grilling meat today? Kevin Barnhart spoke with a pro…
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The state’s five veteran’s homes are hosting private ceremonies today for Memorial Day due to COVID-19. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Colonel Joey Strickland says despite the virus the holiday is still too important.
Cut 3 (10) “…be flying”
Strickland encourages those who do visit cemeteries to practice social distancing and at each veterans’ home there will be a Memorial Day event for residents and staff.

Today is also a big day to fire up the grill. Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster says if you are heading to the grocery store today, remember a couple of dollars difference in the cost can make a huge impact…
cut 6 (09) “….juicy flavorful experience”

There’s one week left in the regular session, but there will be a month-long special session one minute after the regular session concludes a week from today. State lawmakers have set the agenda and the extra time will give legislators a chance to pass a budget and look at tax breaks for businesses. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the special session could also be used as an opportunity to override a potential gubernatorial veto of a tort reform bill aimed at lowering auto insurance rates…
cut 13 (09) “…will be”

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says Louisiana is set to receive 600-million dollars in federal aid over the next ten years to spread broadband to underserved rural areas. Campbell says rural broadband availability could help with problems made worse by the pandemic.
Cut 10 (09) “…for our education.”

Memorial Day will be a bit different this year due to COVID-19, but the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs will still commemorate veterans.
cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

State Police is mourning the loss of one its troopers. George Baker has died from the injuries he sustained last week during a police chase in Hammond. Baker was hit by a Hammond Police car as he and another trooper were removing a tire-deflating device from the road. Baker was 33-years-old. The suspects in the police chase have been arrested.

Republican legislative leadership has called for the Legislature to begin a special session one minute after the regular session ends June 1st to address 41 items dealing with the budget and other fiscal matters pushed by business lobbyists. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the additional time may give them a clearer picture of the state’s finances.
Cut 12 (09) “…will be.”
The special session could run the entirety of June.

Many people will fire up the grill on this Memorial Day holiday. If you are cooking beef, there are four major grades of young beef, with prime being the top, followed by choice, then select, then standard. Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster says retailers may use labeling tricks on standard beef.
Cut 7 (10) “…that as well.”