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“

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.

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.”

Senator Bill Cassidy and a bipartisan group of senators propose a bill to curb the threat of school violence and preserve Second Amendment rights. The bill calls for more thorough background checks on 18-to-21-year-olds because their juvenile record could have been expunged. After the Parkland shooting in 2018, Cassidy says similar legislation was proposed but this bill strengthens the mental health component.

Cut 4  (11) “…if necessary.”

Based on a ruling Sunday by a federal appeals court, Louisiana’s Legislature may be required to approve a new Congressional District map with two black-majority districts. House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski says it will be difficult to do in a special session that’s set to begin Wednesday and end next Monday….

Cut 10 (06) ” .front running plan.” 

Caddo Parish Sheriffs arrested Oil City Police officer William Fitzpatrick on Sunday, after receiving a complaint that he allegedly entered the home of a woman without permission. CPSO spokesperson Bia Roldan…

Cut 12 (11) “…touched her.”  

Saharan dust levels have been gradually increasing since the weekend, leading the state Department of Environmental Quality to issue alerts about the air quality. Those who have lung or heart disease, children and older adults, as well as those active outdoors for extended periods, should take care says DEQ analyst Jason Meyers.

Cut 6  (11) “…and such.” 

Senator Bill Cassidy and a bipartisan group of senators propose a bill to curb the threat of school violence and preserve Second Amendment rights. The bill calls for more thorough background checks on 18-to-21-year-olds because their juvenile record could have been expunged. After the Parkland shooting in 2018, Cassidy says similar legislation was proposed but this bill strengthens the mental health component.

Cut 4  (11) “…if necessary.”

Caddo Parish Sheriffs arrested Oil City Police officer William Fitzpatrick on Sunday, after receiving a complaint that he allegedly entered the home of a woman without permission. CPSO spokesperson Bia Roldan…

Cut 12 (11) “…touched her.”  

A ruling from a federal appeals court could force state lawmakers to approve a Congressional map with two Black majority districts. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

Senator Bill Cassidy and a bipartisan group of senators agree on a bill they say will curb the threat of school violence and preserve Second Amendment rights. Cassidy says because a majority of school shootings are committed by males ages 18 to 21, the bill allows for a more thorough background check because juvenile records are expunged.

Cut 3 (12) “…in the past.”

It appears a special session to redraw a Congressional District map will begin on Wednesday. Yesterday, the 5th U-S Circuit Court of Appeals ruled lawmakers must follow a lower court’s order and redraw a U-S House map that has two Black majority districts by June 20th. Crowley Republican Representative John Stefanski says legislators have a difficult task in front of them

Cut 9 (05) “…nearly impossible”

Stefanski says Republican legislative leaders are meeting today to discuss their next steps.

Will the cost of gas keep more Americans from hitting the road this summer? David Grubb has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

State Police have arrested 64-year-old Peter Doland of Lake Arthur for felony hit and run and careless operation after the June 6^th death of Jerry Hughes of Welsh in Jefferson Davis Parish. The victim was riding a bicycle on LA 1126 and struck from behind and pronounced dead on the scene.

Now that the legislature has adjourned, more are voicing their desire to run for office in Louisiana’s 2023 statewide elections. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

State Senator Louie Bernard announces he will not seek re-election. The Natchitoches Republican says at 71 it’s time to retire when his term ends next year. Bernard will have served 44 years in office which includes police jury, clerk of court for Natchitoches Parish and four as a senator.

Summer is here, the kids are out of school, and millions of people will be traveling for vacation. Triple-A spokesman Don Redman says record fuel prices are a major concern, but so far it doesn’t look like people are deciding to stay home.

Cut 7 (11) “…start drawing back.”

In Louisiana today the average price for a gallon of regular gas is $4.55.

Record high inflation is causing more people to surrender or even abandon their pets because they can no longer afford to care for them. Jeff Dorson with the Louisiana Humane Society says in the past out-of-state shelters have helped reduce the burden but with gas prices, they can’t afford to animal transports.

Cut  11 (10)  “…of many.” 

Dorson says the state’s low spay and neuter rate also contributes to overcrowding.

After the 5^th U.S. Circuit court of Appeals blocked a lower federal court’s order for lawmakers to redraw its submitted Congressional district map, Governor John Bel Edwards releases a statement saying it’s too early to cancel a special session for that purpose. House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski says if the governor does not rescind the call for a special session, lawmakers could convene on Wednesday and adjourn minutes later

Cut 10 (06) ” ..first day.” 

A federal judge ruled the map was not legal because it did not contain two majority-minority congressional districts, however, that ruling has been appealed.

The US Coast Guard suspended their search Friday for a Baton Rouge man who went missing while boating on the Mississippi River. He’s been identified as 54-year-old Howard Brown. Brown was last seen not wearing a life jacket on the Lower Mississippi near mile marker 232.

A Lafayette man has been arrested for the impersonation of a police officer, among other charges. Senior Corporal Matthew Benoit of the Lafayette Police says 57-year-old Brad Schexnayder was driving recklessly before he suddenly came to a stop in front of an 18-wheeler and stepped out of his vehicle…

Cut 6  (12) “…fled the scene.” 

After leaving the scene, Schexnayder headed to work where he is employed by a private security company and where he got his uniform.

It’s the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Free Fishing Weekend. LDWF Biologist Danica Williams says it’s the one weekend where a fishing license is not required. She says the annual event is ideal for residents who have yet to enjoy one of the state’s favorite pastimes.

Cut 3 (07) “…in Louisiana.”

The 5th U-S Circuit Court of Appeals has blocked an order from a federal judge that called for state lawmakers to redraw a Congressional district map with two majority-minority districts. House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski played a major role in drawing the Congressional district map and is pleased with the appellate court’s action

Cut 9 (10) “…exercised”

The city of Bastrop continues to try and comprehend a triple homicide that took place Wednesday. Morehouse Parish Sheriff Chief Deputy Jeremy Mardis says three male teens were killed and a fourth teen who escaped described the horrible sequence to law enforcement…

Cut  11 (11)  “…ambush style.” 

The U-S Justice Department has announced it will look into the patterns and practices of the Louisiana State Police as the law enforcement agency has been the subject of criticism for excessive force arrests, U.S. Attorney Ronald Gathe for the Middle District of Louisiana says the civil rights investigation is imperative to restore public confidence in law enforcement…

Cut 14 (08)  “…and police.”
It’s the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Free Fishing Weekend. LDWF Biologist Danica Williams says it’s the one weekend where a fishing license is not required. She says the annual event is ideal for residents who have yet to enjoy one of the state’s favorite pastimes.

Cut 3 (08) “…in Louisiana.”

Even though a license is not required to fish in Louisiana this Saturday and Sunday, fishing regulations remain in effect