A special session called by the governor to redraw a Congressional map with two Black-majority districts gets underway today. A federal judge has given the Legislature a June 20th deadline to approve a new map, but a hearing will be held tomorrow to hear arguments to get the deadline extended. Covington Republican Representative Mark Wright says it’s likely you won’t see much done today.
Cut 13 (07) “…those maps.”
Lawmakers are set to convene at noon.

Investment advisors are telling investors to hold tight even though a bear market has emerged. Matt Kennedy with Presley Wealth Management says now is not the time to sell and moving money from stocks to bonds is not a good idea…
cut 12 (12) “…find alternative investments”
Kennedy says the bear market will probably not last more than a couple of months.

The governor has signed a bill to help Louisiana remain competitive in the world of major college athletics…
Cut 1 (36) “…I’m David Grubb.”

Louisiana Tech’s Lane Burroughs has told the Shreveport-Bossier Journal he’s staying as the head baseball coach of the Bulldogs. Baseball America reported yesterday Burroughs emerged as Baylor’s top target to be the Bears’ next head coach. Burroughs has led Tech to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.

A special session to redraw a Congressional map with two Black-majority districts to meet a court-ordered June 20th deadline convenes today. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (39) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

It’s another Air Quality Action Day as more Sharan dust continues to move into Louisiana creating unhealthy air levels for sensitive groups. An increase in rain chances tomorrow could result in better air conditions tomorrow.

Analysts say stocks have officially entered bear market territory. Since the start of this year, the S-and-P 500 index is down nearly 21 percent. So what should investors do during a bear market? Matt Kennedy with Presley Wealth Management encourages most investors to keep doing what they’re doing…
cut 11 (14) “….down the road”
Matt Stucky with Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management says bear markets are an opportunity to build wealth for longer-term investors.

College athletes are now able to make money in this N-I-L era and the governor has signed legislation that allows schools to play a bigger role in facilitating endorsement deals for their student-athletes. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick…
cut 8 (12) “….want to help”
Connick expects the Legislature will continue to revamp the state’s NIL guidelines until Congress passes a federal N-I-L law that puts all states on the same playing field.

A special session called by the governor for the Legislature to redraw a Congressional district map with two majority Black Districts is set to begin at noon today. A federal judge has determined the map approved by lawmakers in February violates the Voting Rights Act, but Covington Republican Representative Mark Wright says he’d rather wait for the appeals process to be completed…
cut 15 (09) “….of 105”
But Democrats are eager to redraw a map with two majority Black districts. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry expects they’ll revisit some of the maps that were presented during the first redistricting session in February…
cut 16 (07) “….Congressional maps”
Both chambers are scheduled to convene today at noon.

A deputy-involved shooting involving an 18-year-old in Houma on June 3rd results in the arrest of two males. Trooper Ross Brennan says the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office received a call of suspected drug activity at a residence and when deputies arrived Joshua Babin pointed his weapon at them, failed to obey commands, and was subsequently shot.
Cut 4 (09) “…fraudulently.”
And that’s why they also arrested 21-year-old Chad Boudreaux.

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed a new N-I-L law that allows universities and their athletic departments to get more involved in the endorsement deals for student-athletes. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick sponsored the legislation and he hopes a federal N-I-L law will be approved soon…
cut 9 (05) “….everybody must follow”

A special session called by the governor to redraw a Congressional map with two Black-majority districts gets underway today. A federal judge has given the Legislature a June 20th deadline to approve a new map, but a hearing will be held tomorrow to hear arguments from House Speaker Clay Schexnayder and Senate President Page Cortez who want the deadline extended. Covington Republican Representative Mark Wright says it’s likely you won’t see much done today.
Cut 13 (07) “…those maps.”
New Orleans Democrat Mandie Landry says because the matter is being bounced around in the courts, there’s a chance the legislature will pass a ‘just in case map.’
Cut 14 (09) “…majority-minority districts in it.”
Both chambers are scheduled to convene today at noon.

Louisianans with much of their retirement and wealth invested in stocks are growing worried about the emerging bear market. The Dow Jones and the S&P500 have both dropped around 20 percent overall, triggered by fears a recession is looming. Financial investments advisor Matt Kennedy says do not panic, but be ready to ride out some rough fiscal times…:
Cut 10 (07) “…level out some.”
Kennedy says it’s not unusual in bear markets for investors to move money from stocks to bonds, but Kennedy says that may not be your best move at this time.

State Police announce they’ve arrested two people involved in a deputy-involved shooting in Terrebonne Parish on June 3rd. Trooper Ross Brennan says 18-year-old Joshua Babin was shot by a deputy after he pointed a gun at an officer. Brennan says Babin was booked after he was released from the hospital and they also arrested 21-year-old Chad Boudreaux because he purchased the gun that Babin used to point at deputies…
cut 5 (08) “….process”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he opposes the idea of sending the National Guard to New Orleans to help with the city’s crime problems. 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.

The debate on gun safety rages on in the wake of multiple mass shootings. 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.”

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick’s effort to pass a concealed carry bill without a permit was derailed in the final days of the legislative session when the legislation was completely amended to allow schoolteachers 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.

Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s glad lawmakers from both sides have worked together to provide legislation to address 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.” 

As violent crime and open lawlessness surge in New Orleans, could the Governor call in the National Guard to help maintain peace & order? The city has seen a 37-percent spike in fatal shootings in the first five months of this year. Armed robberies are up nearly 30-percent. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’d prefer not to resort to calling in troops…:

CUT 03  (08)        “…not an answer.”

Federal law forbids using the regular military to augment civilian police without a declaration of martial law…however a Governor does have discretion to use the National Guard. Edwards says Guardsmen are soldiers, not cops.

West Baton Rouge deputies arrested a Gonzales man Sunday, after he ran amok in a gas station/convenience store; stripping naked, defecating in the store and attacking customers and staff. It took several officers with tasers to bring 50-year-old Joel Pennington under control. He’s charged with obscenity, assault, resisting arrest and criminal damage to property.

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 01(30)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso warns elderly residents to be aware the old “grandchild in trouble” scam is afoot once again. He says scammers will call, identify themselves as a family member in jail or badly needing money. He says, unless you’re certain it’s really them…hang up.

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 02(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Shreveport authorities say a 4-year-old girl is dead, after drowning in an apartment complex swimming pool. Little Amelia Gray was found submerged at around dinner time last night. She was rushed to an emergency room, where she passed away.

As you remember, a bill to allow concealed carry of a gun without a permit was derailed in the closing days of the legislative session, but its author vows he’ll bring it back again and again, until it passes. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick’s bill was amended into a school safety bill on the Senate floor. The time ran out on the session. McCormick says, despite the setbacks, he’s determined to have Constitutional Carry in Louisiana…:

CUT 08  (10)        “…that’s my plan.”

Meanwhile a group called 10-thousand Women Louisiana has asked the state’s largest gun wholesaler to quit distributing semi-automatic weapons. Here’s the group’s chairperson Melissa Flournoy, who says they’re not asking for an all-out gun ban…:

CUT 11  (08)        “…assault-style weapons.”

The letter sent to Lipsey’s distributors has over 1100 signatures.

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.”

______________________________________

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.”  

______________________________________

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.

___________________________________________________

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.

________________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________________________________

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.” 

__________________________________________________

Cut 15 (07) “…lives” 

Cut  16 (08)  “…their businesses“

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’ll resist ordering the National Guard into New Orleans to help with its surge in violent crime and lawlessness. New Orleans Councilman Oliver Thomas brought the idea up last week, as an option of last resort. However, the governor says he’s received no such formal request from the city…:

CUT 04  (11)        “…law enforcement officers.”

The Crescent City has seen a 37-percent increase in fatal shootings, a 28-percent increase in armed robberies and an 8-percent increase in carjackings so far this year.

Speaking of surges…Louisiana is seeing another surge in COVID-19 cases. The Department of Health reports over 2350 new cases of the virus statewide, with over 300 people under hospital care with symptoms. That’s an increase of over 18-percent. LDH also reports one new COVID-related death.

Senator Bill Cassidy spoke to reporters today to promote a bipartisan proposal on gun violence in the aftermath of the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. Cassidy says that 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. Some are concerned about so-called red flag laws they worry could lead to gun confiscation. Cassidy says this agreement lays out strong guidelines to protect due process…:

CUT 13(09)      “…2^nd Amendment rights.”

An Ascension Parish man has died from injuries sustained ten days ago, when he was struck by a big rig on Interstate 10. State Police say 75-year-old Nelson Nunez lost cargo off the roof of his vehicle on June 4th, and had pulled over to get it out of the roadway when the truck hit him. The crash is still under investigation.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy spoke with reporters today to promote a bipartisan gun bill that’s in response to mass shootings. 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 2nd Amendment rights.
Cut 12 (09) “…law-abiding Americans.”

Former state representative and chair of an organization called 10-thousand Women Louisiana, Melissa Flournoy has written a letter to Laurie Lipsey Aronson, the CEO of Baton Rouge-based Lipsey’s, one of the largest firearm wholesalers in the country. Flournoy is asking her business to stop the distribution of automatic and assault-style, semi-automatic weapons to the public…
cut 10 (12) “:…retail outlets”

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 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Today marks the five-year anniversary of when a gunman shot Louisiana Congressman and Minority Whip Steve Scalise as he and other members of Congress were practicing for the congressional baseball game. Scalise underwent multiple surgeries and several months of rehab. He was one of five people wounded. The shooter was gunned down by responding special agents and officers.