Funeral arrangements are pending for State Police Trooper George Baker who has died after being critically injured during an effort to stop a police chase in Hammond last Wednesday. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Eight teenagers were injured early Monday morning when shots were fired at a graduation party taking place at a Lake Charles business with about 200 unsupervised teenagers in attendance. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff deputies are still searching for two suspects, while one of the gunman was shot in the stomach. The seven other teens injured suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Lawmakers will consider a number of non-budgetary items in the June special session designed to provide financial relief for people and businesses suffering from the 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”
Republican legislative leaders are calling themselves into a special session in June to pass a budget and possible tax breaks for businesses.

Locally heavy rainfall is possible across the state today. Jason Hansford with the National Weather Service says a nearby upper-level low is helping to produce the moisture…
cut 8 (09) “…over the area”
Strong storms are impacting Marksville, Lafayette, and New Iberia now.

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.
Cut 3 (30) “…Matt Doyle”

The special session that’s been called by lawmakers will begin one minute after the regular session concludes next Monday.

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.”

The CDC now indicates that coronavirus is not easily spread through contaminated surfaces. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

State Police says one of their troopers remains in critical condition after he was badly injured in a car chase earlier this week in Hammond. L-S-P says Trooper George Baker is surrounded by his family. fellow Troopers and hospital staff. The two suspects involved in the police chase are in custody.

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser is encouraging Louisiana residents to explore their state over the holiday weekend. Louisiana’s state parks have canceled all out of state bookings through phase one and Nungesser says now is the time for locals to check them out because there is something for every member of the family.
Cut 3 (06) “…got canoeing, tubing.”
When visiting the state’s landmarks, Nungesser says make sure to snap pics and share them on social media.

The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reports a significant spike in fishing license sales since COVID restrictions went in place. LDWF spokesperson Ed Pratt says there was a 53-percent increase in the sale of basic fishing licenses in April and saltwater licenses are also up over last year…
cut 28 (09) “…on the water”