The Baton Rouge Police Department is holding a joint news conference at this hour to give more information about the person of interest questioned in connection to two linked deadly shootings they believe could be racially motivated. 23-year-old Kenneth Gleason was arrested on drug charges over the weekend, and he was booked again last night on a theft charge for allegedly stealing from Books-A-Million.

Four sheriff’s offices in Louisiana have filed lawsuits against drug companies and physicians for allegedly helping to grow the opioid crisis. Attorney David Laborde says the defendants have misrepresented the proper use of opioids which has led to an epidemic and an uptick in crime…:
Cut 10 (12) “as inmates”
Avoyelles, Lafayette, Jefferson Davis and Rapides have filed lawsuits in state courts in their respective parishes.

LSU has taken the final step in the medical marijuana contract process, as its finalized the deal with GB Sciences that will grow the cannabis. LSU vice president for Agriculture Dr. Bill Richardson says he doesn’t know when the drug will be available in 2018, because they have to make sure everything is done right…:
Cut 6 (10) “endeavor”
He predicts they’ll be moving quickly to begin cultivation.

Two elected officials in the northwest Louisiana town of Stanley suffered burns from an explosion at their home. They are Mayor Sharon Fletcher and her mother Dwena Henry, who is the former mayor. DeSoto Parish Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle says Henry suffered third-degree burns over 50-percent of her body and the town of Stanley is praying for her recovery…:
Cut 14 (09) “well thought of”
Arbuckle says Henry is lucky to be alive and doctors say the next 48 hours will be critical.