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”
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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”
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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.”
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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 6th 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.
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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.”
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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.”
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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”