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”

Authorities in Orange Beach say the bodies of two missing men from New Orleans have washed up on the Alabama coast. Ryan Guy and Darius Robinson went missing in the surf on Sunday night. 28-year-old Jasmine Brundy of Chalmette was pulled from the water on Sunday night and is in critical condition.

Nine teenagers were injured when shots were fired early Monday morning during an unsupervised graduation party involving about 200 teens at a business in Lake Charles on Highway 90. Chief Deputy Stitch Guillory with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s office says chaos ensued when bullets started firing.
cut 3 (11) “…trampled on.”
Guillory says they believe one of the gunmen suffered a gunshot wound to the stomach and faces charges when he’s released from the hospital. He says they are searching for two other teenage suspects.

The Manning Passing Academy scheduled for next month in Thibodaux has been canceled due to the COVID-19 crisis. College and pro football analyst Mike Detillier says it was a difficult call for the Manning family, but it was the right decision
Cut 12 (10) “…coming down”
The Manning Passing Academy attracts over 12-hundred campers and over 200 coaches, trainers, and support staff.

State Police is mourning the death of one of its troopers. 33-year-old George Baker has died from the injuries he sustained last Wednesday. A Hammond Police car hit Baker during a police chase. Troop L spokesperson Jeremy Price says Baker had a lifelong desire to become a State Trooper and his legacy lives on…
cut 11 (08) “….may live”
Baker also spent eight years in the U-S Marine Corps Reserve.

Authorities in Orange Beach say the bodies of two missing men from New Orleans have washed up on the Alabama coast. Ryan Guy and Darius Robinson went missing in the surf on Sunday night. 28-year-old Jasmine Brundy of Chalmette was pulled from the water on Sunday night and remains hospitalized.

A House bill that would expand concealed handgun access in churches is awaiting debate in the Senate. 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. Fontenot’s measure would only require a pastor, priest, or rabbi to grant permission.

The call for a special session to begin next Monday night when the regular session ends has been issued. Senate GOP caucus chairwoman Sharon Hewitt of Slidell says legislators need the special session to pass a budget, look at approving tax breaks for struggling businesses and for individuals…
cut 14 (10) “…protected”

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.”