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.

Lawmakers will enter a special session after the regular session ends June 1^st with 41 items on the menu for consideration. The budget highlights what will potentially be a busy month, but many of the proposals listed in the call are tax reforms, eliminations, or suspensions for businesses who’ve been hammered by the COVID 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” 

The franchise tax is levied against a business’s total net worth and would cost the state an estimated 10 million dollars in lost revenue.

Hewitt adds the special session will also offer an added benefit for Republican lawmakers should Governor Edwards reject any key legislation from the regular session…

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That may be a possibility due to disagreements between Governor Edwards and the GOP on tort reform aimed at lowering auto insurance rates.

And with the regular session still in progress the Senate is set to debate a bill that would expand concealed handgun access in churches. 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.

Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley voted for the bill but raised concern that the legislation removes from existing law a requirement for an additional eight hours of tactical training

Cut 5 (12)  “scares me”

Memorial Day will be a bit different this year due to the COVID-19…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The state economy is being battered by COVID-19 and Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says the pandemic is further proof that rural residents need access to better internet or just some internet at all.

Cut 10 (09) “…for our education.”

Louisiana is in line to receive an estimated $600 million from the feds over the next decade to assist in that. 

Legislators call for a special session to begin the moment the regular session ends June 1^st to address 41 items dealing with the budget and other fiscal matters. While the agenda currently only pertains to fiscal items political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it could be used as an opportunity to override a potential gubernatorial veto of items like tort reform aimed at lowering auto insurance rates.

Cut 13 (09) “…will be” 

The final step for fantasy sports legalization, taxation of the business, will also be considered.

With Memorial Day being an unofficial kick-off to summer, many will be grilling today.  A few tips from the pros can make a world of difference in your dining experience.  Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster says a couple of dollars difference in the cost of meat can make a huge impact.

Cut 6 (09) “…juicy flavorful experience.

Staff at the state’s five veteran’s homes across the state will host private ceremonies this year for Memorial Day due to COVID-19. The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Colonel Joey Strickland says despite the virus the holiday is still too important and must be observed…

Cut 3 (10)  “…be flying”  

Strickland says since the Revolutionary War to present-day more than seven-thousand Louisianans have been killed while serving.

Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says the coronavirus pandemic further highlights the need for broadband internet in rural communities. Plenty of focus has been put onto 5G internet service availability, but Campbell says he’s ready to get internet to rural communities by any means necessary.

Cut 11 (08) “…but we want it.”

What steps do you need to take to ensure the best flavor experience when grilling meat today?  Kevin Barnhart spoke with the pros…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

Louisiana State Police Trooper George Baker, who was struck by a Hammond Police vehicle while pursuing a suspect, has died of his injuries. Baker and other troopers were removing a tire flattening device set up to stop a suspect’s vehicle when he was struck by Hammond Police. Baker was 33-years-old and a 10 year law enforcement and military veteran.

Lawmakers agree a special session will be needed this year due to the compressed regular session schedule resulting from COVID-19. The pandemic has hammered state finances and political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says many legislators are hoping the additional time will give the state more clarity on the budget.

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The special session starts immediately after the regular session ends on June 1^st.

Louisiana held no public memorial day ceremonies today to honor the fallen due to COVID-19 limits on gatherings, but Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Colonel Joey Strickland encourages the public to post photos of veterans that have sacrificed their lives for our country on the LDVA Facebook Page.

Cut 4 (11)_ “all of us.”

Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says the coronavirus pandemic further highlights the need for broadband internet in rural communities.  The PSC does not regulate the internet, but Campbell believes the commission can contribute to streamlining the implementation of internet service.

Cut 9 (10) “…all for it.”

Louisiana is in line to receive an estimated $600 million from the feds over the next decade to assist in that.

Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster has some advice for those who’ve yet to start grilling today: make sure you build a good rub to avoid a bland experience….

Cut 8 (09) “…choice or better.”

If you haven’t bought your steak yet Foster recommends not settling for quality below choice.

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”