Law experts say the cost of the court battle over whether or not air conditioning should be installed on death row at Angola is costing taxpayers more than $1 million dollars. Another hearing on the matter is scheduled for today. Legal analyst Tim Meche says says Judge Jackson will not likely reverse his ruling of installing air conditioners in death row, which would cost about a million dollars. He says this argument is a big waste of taxpayer money…:
Cut 5 (06) “air conditioning”
One of the state’s arguments is that by letting the inmates win, you’re opening up a floodgate of litigation from prisoners throughout the country.

The REAL ID Act has been signed into law, putting Louisiana in compliance with federal regulations. Opponents argued this is government overreach, but Governor John Bel Edwards says getting a REAL ID is not mandatory…:
CUT 11 (08) “their option”
The OMV anticipates they will begin issuing REAL ID licenses in the fall.

Lotte (Low-tay) Chemical and Axiall have broken ground on a three billion dollar chemical manufacturing complex in Lake Charles. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says this joint venture will be investing $3 billion and create more than 2,300 direct and indirect jobs…:
CUT 9 (10) “our citizens”
Pierson expects the plants will be up and running by 2019.

Officials say an autopsy on the body that was found in Iberville Parish yesterday will be done by 3pm. Investigators believe it’s possible the remains are of the missing pregnant Baton Rouge teacher, 40-year-old Lyntell Washington. Authorities say that’s why BRPD is the lead agency in the case. 39-year-old Robert Marks faces aggravated kidnapping and child desertion charges because Washington’s child was left abandoned in a parking lot. The DA says Marks could face additional charges if DNA confirms the body is that of Washington.