Tropical Storm Cristobal is heading towards Louisiana, with maximum sustained winds of 50-miles per hour. It’s currently 365 miles south of the Mississippi River, moving north at 12-miles per hour. Storm surge warnings and watches are up for parts of Louisiana and so are tropical storm warnings and watches. Governor Edwards says the National Hurricane Center is projecting a late Sunday, Monday morning landfall and we’ll see wind speeds greater than 50 miles per hour in southeast Louisiana…
cut 16 (10) “..as well”
The National Hurricane Center forecasts the center of Cristobal will be a depression in north Louisiana on Monday afternoon.

Authorities say an eight-year-old boy and his 10-year-old brother are dead after a swimming incident around seven o’clock last night in Grand Isle. Their 12-year-old cousin and an adult man were airlifted to a hospital. It happened in a similar spot where another person died last week.

21-year-old Detrick Guillory of Basile is in jail on two counts of first-degree murder after authorities say he killed his grandfather and godmother, John and Lois Guillory. They were found dead in their home last month. Acadia Parish Sheriff K-P Gibson says they are still investigating…
cut 14 (08) “…person involved”
Gibson would not disclose a motive for the crime.

Public defenders say the COVID shutdown hammered their budgets and are requesting 28 million dollars in state funds to fill the gaps and address a staffing shortage. The closure of courts has led to a lack of court fees being collected that fund a significant portion of public defender’s budgets. Meghan Garvey is a public defender and says they may not have the money to operate once courts reopen.
Cut 7 (09) “…little”
Lawmakers are discussing a 33-billion dollar budget during the ongoing special session and looking at how they can send more money to fund public defenders.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has issued two apologies, one handwritten, the other video, for the controversial comments regarding players protesting the anthem. Brees’ first apology was posted on Instagram on Thursday morning. Later that day, he produced a video apology so the people he offended can see his eyes…

Cut 5 (07)  …ally.”

Public defenders say the COVID shutdown hammered their budgets and are requesting 28 million dollars in state funds to fill the gaps and address a staffing shortage. Meghan Garvey says by failing to properly fund public defenders the state is failing to uphold its responsibility under the 6^th amendment to provide zealous, competent counsel

Cut 8 (11) “…system.”

Lawmakers largely agreed with the need for the additional funding but raised concerns about where the money could be found given the state’s finances.

Cristobal has begun moving north into the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to reorganize and reach tropical storm strength again.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says  the earlier landfall of the storm will put a damper on any outdoor plans for Sunday in southeast Louisiana.

Cut 10 (06) “…morning on Sunday.”

Tropical storm, flash flood, and storm surge watches have been issued for southeast Louisiana.

Acadia Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrest a 21-year-old man for the stabbing deaths of two elderly relatives found dead in their home two weeks ago.  Sheriff K.P. Gibson says Detrick Guillory faces two first degree murder charges for the deaths of John and Lois Guillory, both 71, of Richard.

Cut 12 (09) “in this case.”

Gibson says his agency does not have a history of interactions

Cristobal has begun moving north into the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to reorganize and reach tropical storm strength again.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm is now moving faster than initially anticipated.

Cut 9 (09) “…up several hours.”

The cone of uncertainty still covers all of the state’s coast and into bordering coastal states.

Governor Edwards will request a pre-landfall emergency declaration from the federal government ahead of what will be Tropical Storm Cristobal’s late Sunday landfall.

Edwards says the system is expected to be in the state for nearly all of Monday.

Cut 15 (13)“   storm” 

Drew Brees issues a second apology for his comments Wednesday opposing players taking a knee during the national anthem, citing his grandfather’s service in WW2. Brees says he now knows the comments lacked awareness and compassion…

Cut 4 (11)_ “…black communities”

Public defenders say the COVID shutdown hammered their budgets and are requesting 28 million dollars in state funds to fill the gaps and address a staffing shortage.

Meghan Garvey says she works with one defender who is currently managing 400 misdemeanor cases and another with about 170 felony cases.

Cut 6 (14) “…lawyer”

Lawmakers largely agreed with the need for the additional funding but raised concerns about where the money could be found given the state’s finances.

Closed courts have led to a lack of fees that fund a substantial portion of the public defender budget. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________

Cristobal has reorganized and regained tropical storm strength as it moves north into the Gulf of Mexico. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

_____________________________

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has issued two apologies, one handwritten, the other video, for the controversial comments regarding players protesting the anthem. Brees says his words lacked awareness and compassion and were hurtful for black people to hear…

Cut 3 (10)  “…my attention”  

Brees said on Wednesday in an interview with Yahoo Finance that he would never agree with kneeling during the national anthem as a form of protest. Many in the black community called the comment insulting. Brees says he now knows the comments lacked awareness and compassion…

Cut 4 (11)_ “…black communities”

Brees’ first apology was posted on Instagram on Thursday morning. Later that day, he produced a video apology so the people he offended can see his eyes…

Cut 5 (07)  …ally.”

_________________________________________________

Public defenders say the COVID shutdown hammered their budgets and are requesting 28 million dollars in state funds to fill the gaps and address a staffing shortage.

Meghan Garvey says she works with one defender who is currently managing 400 misdemeanor cases and another with about 170 felony cases.

Cut 6 (14) “…lawyer”

The Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers warns people could be released from jail if they don’t have enough lawyers to represent them in criminal cases.

The closure of courts has led to a lack of court fees being collected that fund a significant portion of public defender’s budgets. Garvey says they may not have the money to operate once courts reopen.

Cut 7 (09) “…little”

Garvey says by failing to properly fund public defenders the state is failing to uphold its responsibility under the 6^th amendment to provide zealous, competent counsel.

Cut 8 (11) “…system.”

Lawmakers largely agreed with the need for the additional funding but raised concerns about where the money could be found given the state’s finances.

_______________________

Cristobal has begun moving north into the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to reorganize and reach tropical storm strength again.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm is now moving faster than initially anticipated.

Cut 9 (09) “…up several hours.”

The cone of uncertainty still covers all of the state’s coast and into bordering coastal states.

Keim says the earlier landfall of the storm will put a damper on any outdoor plans for Sunday in southeast Louisiana.

Cut 10 (06) “…morning on Sunday.”

Tropical storm, flash flood, and storm surge watches have been issued for southeast Louisiana.  Keim says the storm is a lop-sided system.

Cut 11 (10) “…in southwestern Louisiana.”

_______________________________

Acadia Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrest a 21-year-old man for the stabbing deaths of two elderly relatives found dead in their home two weeks ago.  Sheriff K.P. Gibson says Detrick Guillory faces two first degree murder charges for the deaths of John and Lois Guillory, both 71, of Richard.

Cut 12 (09) “in this case.”

Gibson says his agency does not have a history of interactions with the suspect and the reason behind the slayings is unclear.

Cut 13 (07) “…of that nature.”  

Gibson says the investigation continues as the case is being put together.

Cut 14 (08) “…person involved.”
_____________________

Governor Edwards will request a pre-landfall emergency declaration from the federal government ahead of what will be Tropical Storm Cristobal’s late Sunday landfall.

Edwards says the system is expected to be in the state for nearly all of Monday.

Cut 15 (13)“   storm” 

Edwards adds there is no longer any realistic chance of Cristobal strengthening into a hurricane before landfall.

Edwards says while the worst of the storm will impact south Louisiana…

Cut 16 (10) “…as well”

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has issued two apologies, one handwritten, the other video, for the controversial comments regarding players protesting the anthem. Brees says his words lacked awareness and compassion and were hurtful for black people to hear…

Cut 3 (10)  “…my attention”  

Brees said on Wednesday in an interview with Yahoo Finance that he would never agree with kneeling during the national anthem as a form of protest.

Public defenders say the COVID shutdown hammered their budgets and are requesting 28 million dollars in state funds to fill the gaps and address a staffing shortage. The closure of courts has led to a lack of court fees being collected that fund a significant portion of public defender’s budgets. Meghan Garvey is a public defender and says they may not have the money to operate once courts reopen.

Cut 7 (09) “…little”

Tropical Storm Cristobal has strengthened again as it moves north into the Gulf of Mexico with a Sunday night landfall likely near Morgan City.  Tropical storm, flash flood, and storm surge watches have been issued for southeast Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm is a lop-sided system.

Cut 11 (10) “…in southwestern Louisiana.”

Colorado State University forecasters have upgraded the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season from above-average expected activity to very active. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

Cristobal has begun moving north into the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to reorganize and reach tropical storm strength again.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm is now moving faster than initially anticipated.Keim says the earlier landfall of the storm will put a damper on any outdoor plans for Sunday in southeast Louisiana.

Cut 10 (06) “…morning on Sunday.”

Tropical storm, flash flood, and storm surge watches have been issued for southeast Louisiana.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has issued two apologies, one handwritten, the other video, for the controversial comments regarding players protesting the anthem. Brees’ first apology was posted on Instagram on Thursday morning. Later that day, he produced a video apology so the people he offended can see his eyes…

Cut 5 (07)  …ally.”

Closed courts have led to a lack of fees that fund a substantial portion of the public defender budget. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

State Police arrest an armed suspect at the Hammond Target. Local reports indicated shots were fired, however State Police say there was no gunfire during the incident.

The state reports 29 new COVID fatalities, bringing the state’s death toll to 2,801. Total cases: 41,989… up 427.

Public defenders say the COVID shutdown hammered their budgets and are requesting 28 million dollars in state funds to fill the gaps and address a staffing shortage. Meghan Garvey says she works with one defender who is currently managing 400 misdemeanor cases and another with about 170 felony cases.

Cut 6 (14) “…lawyer”

Cristobal has begun moving north into the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to reorganize and reach tropical storm strength again.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm is now moving faster than initially anticipated.

Cut 9 (09) “…up several hours.”

The cone of uncertainty still covers all of the state’s coast and into bordering coastal states.

The number of George Floyd protestors in New Orleans swelled last night after Wednesday’s tear-gassing of an allegedly violent crowd near the Crescent City Connection. Matt Doyle was there…

Cut 3 (45)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

The state reports 29 new COVID fatalities, bringing the state’s death toll to 2,801. Total cases: 41,989… up 427.

Drew Brees issues a second apology for his comments Wednesday opposing players taking a knee during the national anthem, citing his grandfather’s service in WW2. Brees says he now knows the comments lacked awareness and compassion…

Cut 4 (11)_ “…black communities”

Organizers say over 5,000 people attended last night’s peaceful anti-police brutality march in New Orleans, even larger numbers than what was seen Wednesday night when a crowd was dispersed with tear gas by NOPD near the Crescent City Connection. One speaker says George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis Police should be a wakeup call…

Cut 11 (07) “…get up.”

Law enforcement kept a good distance away from the protestors who often broke into chants of f— the police, and occasionally f— Drew Brees.

Colorado State University warns Louisianans that the forecast for the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season has been upgraded to very active from initial projections of an above-average season. CSU forecaster Jhordanne Jones says they now predict there are fairly strong odds of a major hurricane making landfall on the Gulf Coast.

Cut 9 (11) “…Louisiana.”

The forecast predicts the season will see another 16 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser announces the reopening of Louisiana’s welcome centers under Phase Two guidelines today as the state is ready to start accommodating travelers. Nungesser says welcome center staff will be equipped with masks.

Cut 14 (07) “…here in Louisiana.”

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has issued two apologies, one handwritten, the other video, for the controversial comments regarding players protesting the anthem. Brees says his words lacked awareness and compassion and were hurtful for black people to hear…

Cut 3 (10)  “…my attention”  

Brees said on Wednesday in an interview with Yahoo Finance that he would never agree with kneeling during the national anthem as a form of protest. Many in the black community called the comment insulting.

Thousands of protestors marched through New Orleans last night a day after police used tear gas to disperse a protest. The march was ultimately peaceful but began with an ultimatum from organizers that future actions could turn violent if the city did not meet their demands to defund New Orleans police and increase funding for social programs.

Cut 10 (09) “…for”

The state moves into Phase Two of the economic reopening today. The change means establishments that previously were allowed to operate at 25% occupancy will now see that increased to 50% capacity. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says businesses where a service is rendered to a client with a long amount of time in close contact will also open with some guidance on virus spread mitigation.

Cut 6 (12) “…give business owners.”

Phase Two will last at least 21 days.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser announces the reopening of Louisiana’s welcome centers under Phase Two guidelines today as the state is ready to start accommodating travelers.  Nungesser says there will be a strict cap on the occupancy of the lobbies at any one time, along with more frequent cleanings.

Cut 13 (08) “…times a day.” 

Welcome centers have been closed since March 16^th.

Louisiana, except for New Orleans, enters Phase Two of the economic reopening today. Some businesses reopen for the first time since March, while occupancy increases for others.
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has posted a second apology to his Instagram page after saying on Wednesday he would never agree with kneeling during the national anthem as a form of protest. Brees says his comments were insensitive and completely missed the mark.

Thousands of protesters marched last night in New Orleans from City Hall through a black working-class neighborhood before ending at the Orleans Parish Courthouse. Chants of “say his name, George Floyd” rang out, along with “black lives matter” and…
cut 12 (07) “….I can’t breathe”
The event was peaceful and another march is expected tonight.

The Colorado State University hurricane forecast team has increased its forecast from an above-average season to very active for 2020. CSU forecaster Jhordanne Jones says they are predicting 19 named storms, up from 16, along with now nine hurricanes, up from eight.
Cut 7 (11) “…forecast.”
And the National Hurricane Center forecasts Cristobal will make landfall in Louisiana late Sunday night or early Monday morning as a tropical storm.