A research website ranks Louisiana worst for mass shooting incidents, based on population. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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On Tuesday, the Congressional Naming Commission recommended that Fort Polk be renamed for World War I legend Sgt. William Henry Johnson. David Grubb has more on the American hero…
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Senatorial candidate Luke Mixon says it’s time for Congress to enact universal background checks on firearm sales. Brooke Thorington has more.
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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries anticipates a large number of boaters on state waterways this Memorial Day Weekend as more individuals are staying closer to home due to gas prices. Lt. Tim Fox says in light of recent boating and water fatalities he says always have a sober operator when on the water.
Cut 4 (09) “…priority number one.”
Fox says to always have properly fitting lifejackets for everyone on the boat and to make sure they are in working condition. He says even if you are a great swimmer, it’s best to be wearing one in case things go awry.
Fox says over the years they’ve seen several accidents that could have been prevented with proper training. He recommends taking a boating course to learn the best way to avoid potentially dangerous situations.
For a link to the boating course visit this story on Louisiana Radio Network.com
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Research website “GunViolenceArchive.org” reports Louisiana leads the nation in mass shooting per capita. Just this calendar year alone, there have been 16 mass shootings that killed 9 people and injured 79 others. New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission director Rafael Goyeneche says gang activity & youth anger accounts for most of the violence. He calls it “retaliatory street justice”…:
Cut 7 (11) “…any innocent bystanders.”
The website ranks our state highest in such shooting incidents by population. By comparison, Texas has had 21 so far this year, and California 20…but those states have over 7 times more people. Goyeneche says the ranking report doesn’t even include potentially hundreds of other gun violence incidents statewide…:
Cut 8 (14) “…are shot or killed.”
What can be done about it? Goyeneche says more law enforcement officers on the street would help…:
Cut 9 (11) “…lost 65 officers.”
He says NOPD graduated only 8 police cadets during the same span in which they lost dozens of cops. Baton Rouge, the state’s 2nd-most-violent city, has a similar problem with a diminishing police force.
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Earlier this week the Congressional Naming Commission recommended that Fort Polk, located in Vernon Parish, be renamed for World War I legend Sgt. William Henry Johnson. LSU military history professor, Dr. Martin Loicano says despite being down to just a knife and after suffering 21 separate wounds, he kept the Germans at bay on the Argonne Line in France in May of 1918.
Johnson’s story began in a segregated military where he was not allowed to fight alongside white American soldiers, though he was embraced by other Allied Forces. Loicano says after recovering from his wounds Johnson continued to fight, eventually earning the nickname “Black Death.” Johnson was one of the first heroes of the war and the first American to receive the prestigious Croix de Guerre (Krwa de Gair) from the French military.
Despite his heroism in combat Sgt. Johnson returned home to a lack of opportunity and died in poverty at age 36. Dr. Loicano says Johnson’s story is a reminder of the many Black soldiers who have long fought for their country even when it didn’t always fight for them.
Cut 12 (13) “…that was given.”
The Naming Commission will submit all recommendations for Congressional approval by Oct. 1.
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Senatorial candidate Democrat Luke Mixon says it’s time for Congress to enact universal background checks on firearm sales. Mixon is calling out his Republican opponent Senator John Kennedy who’s expressed sympathy for those impacted by the school shooting in Texas. Mixon says what we are doing isn’t working.
Senator Bill Cassidy has made a recent statement that expanded background checks and red flag laws would not have prevented the tragedy in Texas. But Mixon says a large majority of Americans support universal background checks.
Mixon who is a gun owner himself says he supports Second Amendment rights but says laws should be enacted to promote responsible gun ownership.
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Mixon is one of three Democratic candidates who’ve announced their candidacy for Senate. Activist Gary Chambers and Vacherie native Syrita Steib.
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The Saints completed the first of three sessions of organized team activities or OTAs on Thursday, their first under new coach Dennis Allen. Though there wasn’t 100 percent participation, Allen says the team set a solid foundation as far as building team chemistry and establishing how they want to work.
Cut 16 (17) “…where we’re at.”
One person absent from practice has been star wide receiver, Michael Thomas. Thomas missed all of last season and nine games the season before that due to ankle and hamstring injuries. The record holder for most catches in a single season is expected to play a major role in the new-look Saints offense and is expected back for the start of training camp in July.
It’s only been three practices, but new safety Tyrann Mathieu has already made his impression felt. Dennis Allen says the three-time All-Pro has been exactly that from the moment he walked into the facility.
The next session of OTAs is from May 31-June 2.
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