The Louisiana House has approved tort reform legislation that aims to lower auto insurance rates. Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed similar legislation saying it does not mandate lower rates for drivers. But Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo says this new bill requires insurance companies to meet with the Insurance Commissioner to see how much money this legislation has saved them…
Cut 14 (04) “…accordingly.”
The bill passed with a veto-proof margin, 73 yeas to 25 nays.

The U-S Department of Transportation is providing a 135-million dollar grant to elevate an eight-mile stretch of LA 1 in Lafourche Parish. Congressman Garret Graves says L-A one is impassable too often because of flooding and that cuts off access to Port Fourchon…
cut 12 (12) “…extended period”

The US Supreme Court has delivered a landmark ruling that says a civil rights law from the 1960s also prohibits discrimination in the workplace against gays, lesbians and transgender people. But Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says it may also result in unknown ramifications.
Cut 7 (11) “…releasing an employee.”
Governor Edwards says the Supreme Court ruling confirms that prejudice and discrimination on any basis are not Louisiana values.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center says a chemical compound called BAM15 has shown in lab studies with mice that it could be a potential treatment for obesity. Pennington Executive Director Dr. John Kirwan says the results have been impressive.
Cut 4 (07) “potential.”
Kirwan says mice given BAM 15 burned more calories than their untreated counterparts. Human trials are the next step in their research.