The President has signaled his support for expanded background check legislation, but many Congressional Republicans say they still oppose the effort. Matt Doyle has more.
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A 40-year-old Monroe woman is arrested after mistaking a misquito abatment plane for a drone and opening fire from her yard. Matt Doyle has the story.
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Friday night was the time to shine for Saints backup QB Teddy Bridgewater. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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The US Small Business Administration is opening a disaster loan outreach center in the Ruston City Hall in an effort to issue low-interest loans to those impacted by a tornado outbreak in April. SBA spokesperson Louise Porter says the SBA issues loans to communities following a disastrous event.
Cut 4 (09) “…Small Business Administration.”
Anyone who has received damage is eligible to apply. Porter says while there is consideration put into a person’s ability to handle repayment, the SBA is a bit more flexible than a conventional lender.
Cut 5 (09) “…an official determination.”
Porter says another feature that makes the SBA loans stand out from conventional loans is a lower interest rate.
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President Trump announces he’s backing stronger background checks for gun purchases and red flag laws allowing authorities to remove firearms from those who are a danger to themselves or others.
Despite the White House’s shift in policy many Congressional Republicans say they’re still strongly against the proposals. Congressman Ralph Abraham says the President’s shift hasn’t changed his mind.
Abraham voted against recent background check and red flag laws that cleared the House on a party-line vote.
The gubernatorial candidate says none of the proposals coming from Democrats or the White House would have stopped the recent shootings in El Paso or Dayton.
The biggest fight over background checks will likely be in the Senate, where Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has indicated he’d allow discussion of the issue.
The President says he’ll take a more active roll in bringing warring Congressional delegations to the table over the issue, but Abraham says he’s not confident about the parties finding a middle ground.
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A Monroe woman has been arrested for allegedly shooting at a mosquito abatement aircraft that she says she thought was a drone circling her home.
Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s spokesman Glenn Springfield says they received a call from a woman who said a drone had been circling her home, taunting her, so she shot at it three times with her revolver to knock it out of the sky.
After deputies determined what had actually happened, 40-year-old Stacy Rodgers was arrested on illegal use of weapons.
Springfield says you can’t just shoot at a drone, even if it’s on your property. He adds there’s still some debate about who owns the airspace around your home…
Springfield says there are laws on the books against illegal drone use and harassment, so if you think one of your neighbors has crossed a line, keep your gun holstered and dial 9-1-1.
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The American Hotel and Lodging Association announces the “No Room for Trafficking” campaign aimed at helping hotel workers recognize the warning signs to look for when dealing with potential human trafficking situations. AHLA President and CEO Chip Rodgers says in 2018, Louisiana had 149 cases with 19 of those in hotels.
Cut 13 (09) “…human trafficking spike.”
Louisiana has a voluntary training law that creates a general plan and overview for the hotel industry. Rodgers says there are signs hotel guests can be on the lookout for as well.
Cut 14 (12) “…neglect or abuse.”
Since 2007, the National Human Trafficking Hotline reported that 756 total cases and over 2,700 contacts came from Louisiana. Rodgers says the hotel industry is doing it trying to combat the crime and suggests that other aspects of the tourism industry should as well.
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The Saints first preseason game of 2019 saw the Black and Gold coming up short against the Minnesota Vikings with a final score of 34-25 on Friday night. The spotlight was placed firmly on backup QB Teddy Bridgewater, who took plenty of snaps throughout the first half. Bridgewater spoke after the game, calling it a learning experience.
Cut 16 (09) “…guys did a great job.”
Bridgwater threw for 14 completions and had the Saints just 2 points behind the Vikings going into the half. Bridgewater says he feels confident about his performance.
The Vikings were a familiar foe to Bridgewater who says Friday night’s game brought back memories of his own time on the Minnesota roster.