“GunViolenceArchive.org” ranks Louisiana first in the nation in mass shootings per capita. Just this calendar year alone, there have been 16 mass shootings that killed 9 people and injured 79 others. New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission director Rafael Goyeneche says gang activity & youth anger accounts for most of the violence. He calls it “retaliatory street justice”…:
Cut 7 (11) “…any innocent bystanders.”

U-S Senate Candidate Luke Mixon says it’s time for Congress to pass legislation that promotes responsible gun ownership.
Cut 15 (12) “…background check.”
Mixon is one of three announced challengers to Senator John Kennedy.

The Congressional Naming Commission has recommended that Fort Polk in Vernon Parish be renamed for World War I legend Sgt. William Henry Johnson. LSU military history professor, Dr. Martin Loicano says despite being down to just a knife and after suffering 21 separate wounds, he kept the Germans at bay on the Argonne Line in France in 1918.
Cut 10 (09) “…by himself.”
The Naming Commission will submit all recommendations for Congressional approval by Oct. 1.

Memorial Day weekend also marks the start of the summer boating season. Lt. Tim Fox with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says boat and P-W-C operators born after January 1 1984 must take an online boating safety course and he encourages all boat operators to take it…
cut 6 (09) “…..good decisions”
Got to boat-us-dot-org-slash-louisiana.

A research website ranks Louisiana the worst for mass shooting incidents, based on population.…:
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

U-S Senate candidate Democrat Luke Mixon says it’s time for Congress to enact universal background checks on firearm sales. Mixon calls for his Republican opponent Senator John Kennedy to vote for such legislation because he says current gun laws are not working.
Cut 13 (04) “…control.”

Congress will decide by October 1st whether to rename Fort Polk in Vernon Parish after World War One legend Sergeant William Henry Johnson. So who is Sergeant Johnson. Despite being severely wounded he held off the Germans with just a knife in the Argonne Line in France in May of 1918. LSU military history professor Doctor Martin Lociano says Johnson who began in a segregated military and was not allowed to fight at first alongside white American soldiers ended up receiving an award for his heroism from the French Military…
cut 11 (09) “…than most are”

A busy weekend is expected on the state’s waterways. Lt. Tim Fox with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says wearing a life jacket can save your life…
cut 5 (08) “…get to you”

U-S Senate candidate Luke Mixon says it’s time for Congress to enact universal background checks on firearm sales.
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

State Police says Wednesday’s fatal police shooting in Winn Parish that involved Jackson Parish Sheriff deputies started with a disturbance at a nursing home in Jonesboro involving 53-year-old Abe Banks of Jonesboro, who fled the scene. A police chase ended in Dodson on U-S Highway 167. L-S-P says deputies approached the vehicle, Banks did not comply with the deputies’ commands and shots were fired and Banks was struck.

The Congressional Naming Commission has recommended that Fort Polk in Vernon Parish should be renamed after World War One Legend Sergeant William Henry Johnson. Sergeant Johnson became a military hero for keeping the Germans at bay on the Argonne Line in France in May of 1918. He only had a knife and was severely wounded. Despite his heroism, Sgt. Johnson died in poverty at age 36. LSU military history professor Dr. Martin Loicano says Johnson’s story is a reminder of the many Black soldiers who fought for their country even when it didn’t always fight for them.
Cut 12 (13) “…that was given.”

Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest weekends of the year for boating. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Lt. Tim Fox says always have a sober operator when on the water.
Cut 4 (09) “…priority number one.”
Fox says there should be enough lifejackets for everyone on the boat.

Former State Police leader Colonel Kevin Reeves has agreed to turn over his personal journals by tomorrow afternoon if they remain sealed from public view in order to avoid a contempt charge.  Houma Representative Tanner Magee is seeking to hold Reeves in contempt after he withheld certain pages from the journals from a legislative committee investigating the state police custody death of Ronald Greene…

Cut 9 (12) “…for now.”

Reeves’ attorney Lewis Unglesby says his client has nothing to hide and that the pages lawmakers are seeking,  do not contain any new information about Greene’s death…

Cut 10 (10) ” …told you.” 

Reeves’ personal financial information contained in the journals will be redacted. The special House committee is looking into the May 2019 death of Greene in Union Parish.

A bill to require public schools to provide menstrual products for students advances in Senate Education. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says the bill was amended to remove the word restrooms and changed to an easily accessible location for female students.

Cut 3 (09) “..they need.”

The bill has been referred to Senate Finance for a source of funding to provide the feminine products.

Legislation to keep state or local governments from requiring proof of COVID vaccinations for entry into public places or private businesses fails on a 5 to 4 vote in Senate Health and Welfare. Shreveport Representative Thomas Pressly says his bill is a compromise keeping government from imposing vaccine mandates on private businesses. Last fall New Orleans began requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for entry into bars, restaurants, or other public venues. The bill will not advance to the Senate.

Former State Police leader Colonel Kevin Reeves has agreed to turn over his personal journals by tomorrow afternoon – if they remain sealed from public view – in order to avoid a contempt charge.  Houma Representative Tanner Magee heads a panel looking into the death of Ronald Greene in LSP custody. He was seeking to hold Reeves in contempt for withholding the requested documents. Reeve’s lawyer, Lewis Unglesby, says his client is being treated poorly…:

CUT 11(12)      “…in any way.”

A man who struck a man working on the Mississippi River Bridge at Luling with his vehicle – knocking the victim off the bridge an into the water far below – is sentenced to 18 year behind bars. 23-year-old Hunter Johnson smashed through the work zone on the Hale Boggs Bridge in early 2021 His acts caused the death of 44-year-old Brady Ortego. Johnson’s mother helped him escape the crash scene and hid him from police. She also faces charges.

As Entergy Louisiana customers could soon be paying monthly hurricane restoration charges totaling $4.5 billion, Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell is crying foul. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(34)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana State Treasurer John Schroder says over 27-thousand Unclaimed Property checks, totaling nearly $5-million, are being mailed out today following a data match to update addresses. He says the checks will be mailed to every parish in the state.

An effort to hold former state police leader, Colonel Kevin Reeves, in contempt of the Legislature has been put on hold after an agreement is made on the viewing of his personal journals. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Another person announces she will run this fall for U.S. Senate; seeking to replace John Kennedy. 42-year-old Syrita Steib, a Vacherie native who has spent years working for public policy reforms.

Police in Ponchatoula have had quite a week with arrests involving firearms. A week ago, two men were busted for pointing guns at people in a Wal-Mart parking lot. On Sunday, two men bradished guns during a fight at the city’s Community Center. Police Chief Bry Layrisson says an 18-year-old and a 16-year-old were arrested, and two semi-automatic rifles were seized…:

CUT 08(12)      “…were harmed.”

Public Service Commission member Foster Campbell seeks to block Entergy from adding hurricane damage assessments from storms in 2020 and ’21. Those would total over $4-billion over several years of monthly bills. He urges fellow members to vote refusal of the charges. Campbell questions the utility company’s business practices…:

CUT 14(12)      “…his whole territory.”

Entergy Louisiana customers could soon be paying monthly hurricane restoration charges totaling over $4-billion, and Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell is crying foul. More from Brooke Thorington…:

CUT 02(34)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

State Police Troop E reports they’re investigating a deputy-involved shooting last night near the Winn Parish town of Dodson. There are hardly any details as yet, but we do know the incident involved a Jackson Parish deputy and it happened along U.S. Highway 167. More as it develops.

Former State Police superintendent Colonel Kevin Reeves has agreed to turn over his personal journals by tomorrow afternoon – if they remain sealed from public view – in order to avoid a contempt charge. A legislative panel investigating the death of Ronald Greene in 2019 seeks to hold Reeves in contempt for withholding journal entries as evidence. His lawyer, Lewis Unglesby, says Reeves has nothing to hide and the pages requested have nothing to do with the Greene case…:

CUT 10(10)      “…what I told you.”

Unglesby says the blame for Greene’s death should be put on Trooper Chris Hollingsworth, who died a little over a year after the incident in a single-vehicle crash.

State Treasurer John Schroder’s office says they’ve sent out over 27-thousand checks; re-uniting people with what the state calls Unclaimed Property. That can be from old payroll checks, old bank accounts, royalties, utility or rental deposits, interest payments and more. The checks sent out this week total over $4-million. To find out of you have money waiting for you, go to “LaCashClaim.org” to search by name.

Former State Police leader Colonel Kevin Reeves agrees to turn over his personal journals by Friday if they remain sealed from public view to avoid a contempt charge from the legislative committee investigating the death of Ronald Greene. Reeves’ attorney Lewis Unglesby says his client has nothing to hide and that the pages they are seeking do not contain any new information.

Cut 10 (10) ” …told you.” 

22-year-old Kylin Sexton and 25-year-old Tyshon Coleman both of Hammond were arrested after reportedly pointing a gun at children in the parking lot of a Ponchatoula Walmart. Authorities found multiple handguns, and several illegal drugs in their vehicle. Ponchatoula Police Chief Bry Layrisson

Cut 7 (10) “…acting a fool.”

Entergy Louisiana customers could soon be paying monthly hurricane restoration charges for 15 years totaling $4.5 billion. However, Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says it’s time for Entergy to pay some especially after they made significant profits.

Cut 13 (08) “…the roof.”

Campbell says Entergy shareholders received $3-billion in dividends and their CEO received a million-dollar pay increase.

A bill requiring public schools to provide menstrual products for students, advances but does so after the state budget has been approved. The question of who will pay for them was discussed in Senate Education. Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson recommended the Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus could assist in locating funding.

Cut 5 (07) “…get appropriations.”

The bill has been referred to Senate Finance.

A bill to require public schools to provide menstrual products for students advances in Senate Education. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says the bill was amended to remove the word restrooms and changed to an easily accessible location for female students. Freeman told committee members that many female students miss class due to a lack of access to feminine products and providing them will ease that burden.

Cut 4 (06) “…for them.”

—

Ponchatoula police have made multiple arrests involving firearms in recent weeks. The first took place in a Walmart parking on May 18 when officers responded to a call of an individual pointing a gun at children. Chief Bry Layrisson says two men, 22-year-old Kylin Sexton and 25-year-old Tyshon Coleman, both of Hammond were taken into custody on weapons and drug charges without incident.

Cut 6 (10) “…incidents occurred.”

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Former State Police leader Colonel Kevin Reeves, who is facing a contempt charge, has agreed to turn over his personal journals by tomorrow afternoon if they remain sealed from public view. Houma Representative Tanner Magee is seeking to hold Reeves in contempt after he withheld certain pages from the journals from a committee investigating the state police custody death of Ronald Green…

Cut 9 (12) “…for now.”

Reeves’ attorney Lewis Unglesby says his client has nothing to hide.

—

Entergy Louisiana customers could soon be paying hurricane restoration charges monthly for the next several years. However, Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says it’s time for the utility provider to pay their fair share after giving stockholders $3 billion in dividends and the CEO a one million dollar raise.

Cut 12 (12) “…the people.”

Louisiana Congressmen react to Tuesday’s mass shooting at a grade school in Uvalde, Texas. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Triple-A predicts 39-million Americans will travel this Memorial Day weekend. Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says nearly eight percent of travelers are choosing air travel…

cut 10 (07) “…right now”

A House bill to require public schools to provide menstrual products for students advances in Senate Education. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says the bill was amended to remove the word restrooms and changed to an easily accessible location for female students.

Cut 3 (09) “..they need.”

The bill was referred to Senate Finance for funding for the products.

A House Resolution for members to volunteer as substitute teachers passes in House Governmental Affairs. Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey supports the legislation and says while many lawmakers already volunteer in the community this is an ideal way to serve and have a better understanding of what teachers’ experience.

Cut 13 (09) “…our children.”

The resolution advances to the House floor.